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

Ares works hard, but Athena works harder | Iliad Book 5 29.08.2025 52:02

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 5 of the Iliad, where we talk about epic moments on the battlefield at Troy. This war is both epic and brutal. Ares joins in the fight on the Trojan side and Athena sides with the Greeks. Who will be triumphant? We also discuss fate and destiny...

The Fighting Begins! | Iliad Book 4 22.08.2025 42:24

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 4 of the Iliad, where we talk about the bow shot heard 'round the world. Menelaus is wounded! The fighting begins! Join us as we discuss Bronze Age warfare and how to understand the greek word "thumos". Who is to blame for this war? And who are...

The Duel that almost ended the Trojan War | Iliad Book 3 15.08.2025 52:32

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 3 of the Iliad, where we talk about the duel between Menelaus and Paris. The duel that could've ended the Trojan War. We also explore themes of glory and honor on the battlefield. Who will go down as a hero? And who will be remembered as a cowar...

Most people skip this part of the Iliad | Iliad Book 2 08.08.2025 39:17

Welcome to the first episode of WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 2 of the Iliad, where we talk about the infamous catalog of ships. Listen to Book 3 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode: here Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

This book is all about RAGE | Iliad Book 1 01.08.2025 45:25

Welcome to the first episode of WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 1 of the Iliad, where we talk about Achilles' rage. Watch this episode on YouTube! Listen to Book 2 of the Iliad to be prepared for next week's episode here . Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

What's the Best Homer Translation? | Introducing WINNOW 25.07.2025 37:49

Welcome to WINNOW: A Couple's Close Reading of the Iliad and Odyssey. This is the introductory episode of our podcast where we, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, are diving deep into Homer's epic poems. Before we break down each book of the two epics, we first discuss the most popular translations of Homer's work. Which ones are best for first-time Homer readers? Which are we going to read on this journey...