The Dorothy L. Sayers Podcast

"For the sole true end of education is simply this: to teach men how to learn for themselves; and whatever instruction fails to do this is effort spent in vain." -DLS, "Lost Tools of Learning." This episode offers an introduction to Sayers's sometimes strong, sometimes whimsical, sometimes comical views on education. If the phrase "Lost Tools of Learning" is as familiar as mother's milk to you, &n...

Sayers once proclaimed, "I have nothing to give you but the Creeds." What did she mean by that? Using her essay, "Creed or Chaos?," we will discuss  what the creeds are--particularly the Nicene and Athanasian Creed--and how Sayers approached them.  Not surprisingly, she felt strongly about them. More surprisingly, she felt strongly that what she felt was not important. 

What are the creeds of the Church? And what have they got to do with Sayers? Or rather, what has she to do with them? In this episode, we discuss her famous article, "Creed or Chaos?" and learn a little church history along the way.

Why do we have jobs? What would it be like if we loved what we produced more than the money that we earn? In this episode, Sayers suggests that to work for money is actually detrimental to society and to the dignity of humans.  What if we could change the world so that we don't serve money, but we serve the work?  Also in this episode, we respond to a few listener suggestions and comment...

"The Other Six Deadly Sins" and "Why Work?" are two lectures-turned-essays in which Sayers talks about trash, or rubbish. She connects the problem of rusting piles of tin cans  to two problems in man's nature: gluttony and avarice. In doing so, she not only gives us a good lesson, but also teaches us about pre-War and World War II Britain.  Plus, a brief history of why we keep using her...

We discuss some of the things that made Sayers such a likable writer. We then encounter some of Sayers's own writing advice, which is helpful for casual or professional writers.  Plus there's a story about a hat, and another about a cat .

The BBC has asked Sayers to write a radio drama on the life of Christ, but the project ignites some drama of its own. It also gives Sayers an opportunity to give her two cents on "Bible Talk."

Exchange between Sayers and C.S. Lewis on artistic integrity and the duty of the artist.