Owen and Isabella Gemmer

WINNOW: A Couple’s Close Reading of the Iliad and Odyssey

Arts EN ↓ 81 episodes

Welcome to WINNOW, a podcast where Owen and Isabella Gemmer read, recap, and discuss Homer’s two epic poems. New episodes every Friday will each cover one chapter. Whether you’re a first time Homer reader or are already a fan, we hope there will be something for you along the way.

Author

Owen and Isabella Gemmer

Episodes

Everything to know before watching Nolan's Odyssey 10.07.2026 25:24

The premiere of Nolan's Odyssey is fast approaching. If you've never read the original text or just need a quick refresher, here's a full summary of the plot, plus some reflections on the main themes of the story. Watch this episode on YouTube . Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabella Gemmer

Athena Ex Machina | Odyssey Book 24 03.07.2026 56:44

In the final episode of our Odyssey series we discuss how this strange ending makes sense in the context of the whole story. Why does Athena intervene so much now? What is the Odyssey trying to say about justice? And do we still like the Odyssey, after discussing it so much? What should we read next? Virgil's Aeneid or Aeschylus' Oresteia? Go to our YouTube channel to vote below in the comment sec...

Odyssey Book 24 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 28.06.2026 22:51

Enjoy Book 24 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Late Night Talking in the Olive Tree Bed | Odyssey Book 23 26.06.2026 32:46

In Book 23 of the Odyssey, Odysseus and Penelope finally reunite, but first Odysseus must pass the test. Listen to Book 24 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabella Gemmer

Odyssey Book 23 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 21.06.2026 15:43

Enjoy Book 23 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Like the Red Wedding, but Worse | Odyssey Book 22 19.06.2026 45:22

Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence. Listen at your own discretion. Odysseus is back in his true form in Book 22. His first act back in business is to kill almost everyone in his house. Ouch... how does this change our view of Odysseus? Listen to Book 23 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Thank you to Nat...

Odyssey Book 22 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 14.06.2026 19:19

Enjoy Book 22 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

The big reveal you've all been waiting for | Odyssey Book 21 12.06.2026 31:28

It's the moment you've all been waiting for. The King is back in Book 21 of the Odyssey. Listen to Book 22 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabella Gemmer

Odyssey Book 21 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 07.06.2026 18:17

Enjoy Book 21 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

It's not looking good for the suitors *foreshadowing* | Odyssey Book 20 05.06.2026 44:30

This episode we're talking about foreshadowing. How is it used effectively in stories? How is it used in the Odyssey? Does knowing the suitors' fate make the story experience better or worse? Listen to Book 21 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Thank you for 1,000 subscribers on YouTube ! Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song....

Odyssey Book 20 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 31.05.2026 16:54

Enjoy Book 20 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Penelope might be smarter than Odysseus | Odyssey Book 19 29.05.2026 55:43

In Book 19 of the Odyssey we get to see Odysseus and Penelope's first conversation, but it is not a reunion. And we ask the hot questions: Does Penelope recognize Odysseus? And if she does, why doesn't she say anything? Listen to Book 20 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon , CHONKERS a mini podcas...

Odyssey Book 19 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 24.05.2026 26:52

Enjoy Book 19 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Odysseus and his Massive Thighs | Odyssey Book 18 22.05.2026 34:27

Odysseus begins to make small moves in the palace in Book 18 of the Odyssey. Thigh reveal! And Penelope scams the suitors for more gifts. Listen to Book 19 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon , CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabel...

Odyssey Book 18 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 17.05.2026 18:05

Enjoy Book 18 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

The saddest part of the Odyssey | Odyssey Book 17 15.05.2026 39:04

In Book 17 of the Odyssey Odysseus enters the palace. But he is not greeted kindly. He is kicked and chairs are thrown at him. But one loyal canine seems to remember the master of the house, Argos. Join us as we discuss what kind of homecoming this is for Odysseus. Listen to Book 18 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bon...

They let kids read this book! | Lord of the Flies 13.05.2026 47:33

Welcome to the Lord of the Flies bonus episode. Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon , CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabella Gemmer

Odyssey Book 17 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 10.05.2026 25:14

Enjoy Book 17 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

That's my BOY! | Odyssey Book 16 08.05.2026 39:20

The reunion that you've all been waiting for! Father and son are together again. But why does Odysseus wait so long to reveal his identity to Telemachus? You may notice that the audio is a little choppy in the middle of this episode. We had some technical difficulties. Our apologies. Listen to Book 17 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube...

Odyssey Book 16 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 03.05.2026 19:47

Enjoy Book 16 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Telemachus: Far From Home | Odyssey Book 15 01.05.2026 32:20

In Book 15 of the Odyssey, Telemachus makes his way back home, picking up a fugitive on the way. Meanwhile Odysseus hears Eumaeus's backstory. You may notice that the audio is a little choppy in the middle of this episode. We had some technical difficulties. Our apologies. Listen to Book 16 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check ou...

Odyssey Book 15 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 26.04.2026 22:56

Enjoy Book 15 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

The first person Odysseus meets in Ithaca (not the suitors) | Odyssey Book 14 24.04.2026 35:31

The first people Odysseus meets in Ithaca are not the suitors, not Penelope, but a lowly swineherd. Join us as we discuss Eumaeus in this episode. Who is he? What does he represent? Listen to Book 15 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon , CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books Thank you to Nat C...

Odyssey Book 14 Audiobook with Text (Butler Translation) 19.04.2026 23:29

Enjoy Book 14 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen. Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation. Narrated by Owen Gemmer.

Odysseus returns home, but doesn't recognize Ithaca | Odyssey Book 13 17.04.2026 24:35

Join us as we discuss Book 13 of Homer's Odyssey. Odysseus has made it to Ithaca, but he doesn't recognize home immediately. Listen to Book 14 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube . Watch this episode on YouTube . Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon , CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song. Edited by Isabella Gemmer