Shows
The Medieval PodcastInventing the Renaissance with Ada PalmerGiven that the term literally means “rebirth”, the Renaissance throws some not-so-subtle shade on the period that comes before it. So, where did the idea of the Renaissance actually come from? And was it truly a golden age? This week, Danièle speaks with Ada Palmer about Petrarch, Machiavelli, atheism, and how we should look at the period formerly known as the Renaissance.2025-06-1255 min
Meant For YouAda Palmer on Surviving the End of the World… Again and AgainAda Palmer, is a sci-fi writer, historian, and someone who sees the world with an incredibly rare, long lens. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the headlines, this episode might help. Ada believes we’re not living in a uniquely apocalyptic time—just a normally apocalyptic one. “We're living in a moment we must rise to, work hard on, do well where what we do matters,” she told me. “We have the ability to reduce 100% harm to 70% harm. We have that responsibility.” That line really stuck with us—because it’s so easy to feel power...2025-06-031h 02
History for AtheistsDr Ada Palmer on Myths of "the Renaissance"My guest today is Dr Ada Palmer, Associate Professor of Early Modern European History at the University of Chicago and author Inventing the Renaissance: Myths of a Golden Age. I must say I haven’t enjoyed reading a book as much as this one in quite some time. Dr Palmer takes the traditional idea of the Renaissance – that it was a glorious rebirth of reason, artistic mastery and secular thinking after a centuries long dark age – and shows this is almost entirely nonsense. She then takes the reader on a remarkable tour of the people, places and periods we can as...2025-06-011h 42
Foresight Institute RadioExistential Hope Podcast: Ada Palmer | The storytelling tools you need for worldbuildingHow can storytelling shape our visions of the future? Ada Palmer—historian, science fiction writer, and futurist—brings a unique perspective on how worldbuilding can be a powerful tool for exploring complex ideas. In this conversation with Beatrice Erkers, she shares her perspective on worldbuilding and storytelling, and her recommendations for how we can think in new ways about the future.This interview is a guest lecture in our new online course about shaping positive futures with AI. The course is free, and available here: https://www.udemy.com/course/worldbuilding-hopeful-futures-with-ai/ Hosted on Acast. See...2025-05-1643 min
Two ThoughtsTwo Thoughts from Ada PalmerTwo Thoughts from Ada Palmer — curated by Jim O'Shaughnessy, brought to life through AI narration and analysis.
Buy Two Thoughts on Amazon (https://amzn.id/BMLcqU6) or on infinitebooks.com2025-04-0504 min
Beyond SolitaireEpisode 189 - Ada Palmer on LARPing the RenaissanceThis week on the pod, Ada Palmer (@adapalmer.bsky.social) speaks about her papal election LARP at The University of Chicago--but also about historical research, her work as a sci-fi author, and how both history and fiction can help us talk about today's world. Keep the Faith campaign: https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/ffdefab3-adb6-48aa-8335-797e720c58a1/landing Beyond Solitaire is proudly sponsored by Central Michigan University's Center for Learning Through Games and Simulations, where learning can be both playful and compelling. Check them out here: https://www.cmich.ed...2025-03-241h 22
How To Academy PodcastHistorian and Novelist Ada Palmer - Was the Renaissance Really a Golden Age?We remember the Renaissance as an age of human flourishing: a rebirth after centuries of misery, a return to the glories of antiquity where the culture of Greece and Rome was not only imitated but surpassed. But is that reputation deserved, or a construct of future historians with their own goals in mind? Starring Battle-Popes, necromancers, sculptors, scholars, and assassins, Ada Palmer's new book Inventing the Renaissance is a wild ride through some of the most thrilling and important events in world-history and a glimpse into the making of the modern world. Learn more about...2025-02-221h 01
The University of Chicago Press PodcastAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
New Books in Western European StudiesAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
New Books in Early Modern HistoryAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
New Books in Intellectual HistoryAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
New Books in Big IdeasAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
NBN Book of the DayAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
New Books in HistoryAda Palmer, "Inventing the Renaissance: The Myth of a Golden Age" (U Chicago Press, 2025)Ada Palmer joins Jana Byars to talk about her new book, Inventing the Renaissance (U Chicago Press, 2025) and the ways history is written and used. From the darkness of a plagued and war-torn Middle Ages, the Renaissance (we’re told) heralds the dawning of a new world—a halcyon age of art, prosperity, and rebirth. Hogwash! or so says award-winning novelist and historian Ada Palmer. In Inventing the Renaissance, Palmer turns her witty and irreverent eye on the fantasies we’ve told ourselves about Europe’s not-so-golden age, myths she sets right with sharp clarity.Palmer’s Rena...2025-02-1354 min
If It Ain't Baroque...Reinventing... the Renaissance with Ada PalmerPlease welcome to the podcast Ada Palmer, who is talking about her new book - Inventing The Renaissance, just published with Head of Zeus.Let’s dive in and debunk some myths, shall we?Get Inventing the Renaissance:https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/inventing-the-renaissance-9781035910120/ (UK)https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/I/bo246135916.html (USA)Find Ada: https://www.adapalmer.com/blog-ex-urbe/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ex-urbe-ad-astra/id1580107970https://exurbe.libsyn.com/2025-02-131h 26
Foresight Institute RadioExistential Hope Special: Ada Palmer | On How Speculative Worlds Can Help Us Demand A Better Future"We’ve saved the world so many times throughout history. Now we just have to do it again."What if speculative fiction could do more than entertain—what if it could reshape how we think about governance, technology, and societal progress? In this episode of the Existential Hope Podcast, historian and sci-fi author Ada Palmer discusses how we can harness lessons from both history and fiction to reimagine what’s possible for humanity.Ada argues that one of the most critical advantages we have over past generations is our ability to envision a future radica...2025-01-3159 min
The Skiffy and Fanty Show788. The Renaissance and Other Historical Oddities w/ Ada Palmer — SF at School!Mythical dark ages, historical rhythms, and papyrus, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson join forces to talk to author and historian Ada Palmer about the Renaissance and other historical oddities! Together, they explore the myth of the Dark Ages, how ideology and perspective influence historical narratives, the Renaissance, and so much more. Come learn with us! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You...2024-12-011h 40
The Skiffy and Fanty Show788. The Renaissance and Other Historical Oddities w/ Ada Palmer — SF at School!Mythical dark ages, historical rhythms, and papyrus, oh my! Shaun Duke and Trish Matson join forces to talk to author and historian Ada Palmer about the Renaissance and other historical oddities! Together, they explore the myth of the Dark Ages, how ideology and perspective influence historical narratives, the Renaissance, and so much more. Come learn with us! Thanks for listening. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes: If you have a question you’d like us to answer, feel free to shoot us a message on our contact page. Our new intro and outro music comes from Holy Mole. You...2024-12-011h 40
C'est plus que de la SFTrop Semblable à l'Eclair - Ada Palmer #215Vous en rêviez, nous l’avons fait ! Ada Palmer est notre invitée aujourd'hui ! La nouvelle reine de la science-fiction américaine vient présenter Trop Semblable à l'éclair qui vient de sortir au Livre de Poche. Trop Semblable à l'éclair - déjà un classique Historienne et écrivaine américaine, lauréate du prestigieux Hugo Award, elle vient nous parler de Trop Semblable à l'Éclair et de son ambitieuse saga Terra Ignota, une épopée de science-fiction en cinq tomes qui a conquis les lectrices du monde entier. Re...2024-09-091h 01
Hope Is A VerbAda Palmer - A History of Saving the WorldMeet Ada Palmer, a historian and science fiction author who believes that when we zoom out to a centuries scale, humanity has a lot to be hopeful about. This conversation is a time-travelling adventure, that explores how far we’ve come since the1600s, where we might end up in 2454 and why Shakespeare was worried about fake news too.
Find out more about Ada:
www.AdaPalmer.com
www.ExUrbe.com
Twitter: @Ada_Palmer
Metaverse: @adapalmer@wandering.shop
Bluesky: @adapalmer.bsky.social
This podcast is hosted...2024-08-3036 min
The Mother Daze with Sarah Wright Olsen & Teresa PalmerBoundaries, Discipline & Saving Doggies!!On this episode of The Mother Daze, we're on a solo mission to discuss family dynamics and the ever evolving tapestry of raising these small humans. We chat about how we set boundaries with our kiddos, the Olsen “thinking chair,” the Palmer “time-ins”. And what really counts as a swear word? We’re also diving into our latest adventure in rescuing death row dogs—sometimes with the hubby’s full blessing, and other times… well, let’s just say one found out after the fact! Tune in for laughs, real talk and some definite parenting fails!Resource Link...2024-08-2951 min
If This Goes On (Don't Panic): Science Fiction, Fantasy & Progressive PoliticsHistory and Hope with Ada PalmerIn this episode, Alan and Diane talk to author and historian Ada Palmer about changing Family dynamics, the right to exit (a country), government systems in science fiction, information technology revolutions and their effect on the world, the problem wiht the media, and much more. Link to Fix the News: https://fixthenews.com/ If you'd like to support us you can give us a one time donation at Kofi or you can subscribe to our Patreon.2024-07-101h 29
The Unreliable NarratorsAda Palmer's "New Gray to Join the Olympic Five"In which the Unreliable Narrators discuss Ada Palmer's sort-of short story "New Gray to Join the Olympic Five" which first appeared in Shoreline of Infinity, volume 8 & ½ - Summer of 2017.
2024-07-0134 min
SFF AddictsTBRCon2024 Highlight: Fantasy & Sci-Fi Manga/Anime (with Nicholas Eames, Ada Palmer, Wolfe Locke & More)Every Friday, we're highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2024 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting.
This week, join moderator/blogger Eleni Argyró and panelists Nicholas Eames, Ada Palmer, Wolfe Locke, Austin Hardwicke and John Bierce for a TBRCon2024 panel on "Fantasy & Sci-Fi Manga/Anime."
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
- Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more)
- Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote bags, mugs, notebooks and more)
- Subscribe to the FanFiAddict YouTube channel, where this and every other episode of the show is available in full video
- Rate and re...2024-05-241h 31
Fire the CanonChatting with Ada Palmer about Machiavelli, a Sweetheart Who Did Good ThingsShe's back! University of Chicago professor, historian, and award-winning novelist Ada Palmer joins Rachel and Jackie for a conversation about the life and times of Niccolo Machiavelli, a fascinating guy who lived through fascinating times. Learn all about how his name gets an undeservedly bad rap, the trials and tribulations that led to the writing of The Prince, and why the Renaissance was a terrible time to live through but which ultimately gave us everything important in the modern world. Check out www.adapalmer.com for more information on her research, novels, and more!
★ Support this pod...2024-03-141h 38
Ex Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra #13 - The Florentine Renaissance with Larry RothfieldIn this episode, Ada and Jo speak with historian Larry Rothfield about the political nuances of 15th century Florence, and the shifting perspectives of the Renaissance to come since then.2024-02-131h 47Ex Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra #12 - Pacing with Ken LiuIn this episode, Ada and Jo discuss the merits of good pacing across a range of story lengths with Hugo and Nebula award-winning author, Ken Liu.2024-01-091h 52Ex Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra #11 - The Problem of Evil in Narrative with Alexis ShotwellIn this episode, Ada and Jo speak with Alexis Shotwell about the issues that arise from ill-intentioned characters, and the moral questions they present to readers.2023-12-051h 43SFF AddictsAuthor Roundtable: Far Futures & Present Societies (with Michael Mammay, Christopher Paolini, Ada Palmer, Nia "N.E." Davenport & Bethany Jacobs)Join authors Michael Mammay, Christopher Paolini, Ada Palmer, Nia "N.E." Davenport and Bethany Jacobs for another FanFiAddict author roundtable! During the discussion, these five talented authors share their takes on FAR FUTURES & PRESENT SOCIETIES, delving into the interactions between future speculation and contemporary commentary, the way sci-fi straddles both present and future, the lasting power of fiction and more.
This is the ninth edition of our monthly AUTHOR ROUNDTABLE series, where we bring a handful of authors together to discuss a topic related to SF/F/H, writing craft, publishing and more.
SUPPORT THE...2023-10-271h 10Ex Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra #10 - Setups and Payoffs with Jon EvansIn this episode, Ada and Jo speak with Jon Evans about the remote research versus travel, short stories, beleivability, and setting up shocking twists for striking payoffs.2023-10-171h 43
Conversations with TylerAda Palmer on Viking Metaphysics, Contingent Moments, and CensorshipAda Palmer is a Renaissance historian at the University of Chicago who studies radical free thought and censorship, composes music, consults on anime and manga, and is the author of the acclaimed Terra Ignota sci-fi series, among many other things. Tyler sat down with Ada to discuss why living in the Renaissance was worse than living during the Middle Ages, how art protected Florence, why she’s reluctant to travel back in time, which method of doing history is currently the most underrated, whose biography she’ll write, how we know what old Norse music was like, why...2023-10-041h 04SFF AddictsTBRCon2023 Panel: Neurodiversity Through Character (with ML Spencer, Ada Palmer, Ada Hoffmann, Justin T. Call & Connor M. Caplan)Every week, we are highlighting a panel from TBRCon2023, looking back on the amazing variety of panels that we had the honor of hosting.
This week, join moderator/author ML Spencer and authors Ada Palmer, Ada Hoffmann, Justin T. Call and Connor M. Caplan for a TBRCon2023 author panel on "Neurodiversity Through Character."
SUPPORT THE SHOW:
- Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more)
- Merch shop (for a selection of tees, tote bags, mugs, notebooks and more)
- Subscribe to the FanFiAddict YouTube channel, where this and every other episode of the show is available in full vide...2023-09-011h 26
dongdongauDownload [Pdf] The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada Palmer Download [Pdf] The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada Palmer Read Online The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada Palmer is a great book to read and that's why I recommend reading or downloading ebook The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) for free in any format with visit the link button below. **Read Book Here ==> https://kabehmangan.blogspot.com/33517544-the-will-to-battle **Download Book Here ==> https://kabehmangan.blogspot.com/33517544-the-will-to-battle Book Synopsis : A political SF epic of extraordinary audacity. The long years of near-utopia have come to an abrupt end. Peace and...2023-09-0100 min
dongdongbrotDownload [Pdf] The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada PalmerDownload [Pdf] The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada Palmer Read Online The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) by Ada Palmer is a great book to read and that's why I recommend reading or downloading ebook The Will to Battle (Terra Ignota, #3) for free in any format with visit the link button below. **Read Book Here ==> https://kabehmangan.blogspot.com/33517544-the-will-to-battle **Download Book Here ==> https://kabehmangan.blogspot.com/33517544-the-will-to-battle Book Synopsis : A political SF epic of extraordinary audacity. The long years of near-utopia have come to an abrupt end. Peace and order are now figments of the past. Corruption...2023-09-0110 minEx Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra #9 - Stopping ReadingIn this episode, Jo and Ada discuss a number of reasons to put a book down without finishing.2023-08-291h 35Ex Urbe Ad AstraPolitics in Disability and Fiction with William AlexanderAward winning children's author William Alexander joins Jo and Ada to talk about using politics and disability in fiction for children and adults.2023-08-011h 49
Schriftsonar – Der SciFi PodcastSchriftsonar Podcast#71 – Ada Palmer, Patricia Eckermann, Cormac McCarthyBesprochene Bücher: Ada Palmer: Dem Blitz zu nah / Patricia Eckermann: Elektro Krause / Cormac McCarthy: Die Strasse2023-03-1100 minSchriftsonar – Der SciFi PodcastSchriftsonar Podcast#71 – Ada Palmer, Patricia Eckermann, Cormac McCarthyBesprochene Bücher: Ada Palmer: Dem Blitz zu nah / Patricia Eckermann: Elektro Krause / Cormac McCarthy: Die Strasse2023-03-1100 minEx Urbe Ad AstraEx Urbe Ad Astra Ep. 7: Shakespeare And Language, With Writer Greer GilmanGreer Gilman has been writing stories set in Cloud, her Northern mythscape, for a quarter of a century. Her books are written for the ear, as much as for the understanding. Like the earliest stories, they are meant to be sung. Greer Gilman website2022-11-091h 39
The CourseEpisode 42 - Ada Palmer: "Selfcare is one of your highest teaching or study's scholarly duties."Associate Professor Ada Palmer has multiple careers as a University of Chicago professor, an accomplished historian, and a science fiction author. In this episode, she discusses how she sees history horizontally with one question at a time, the importance of looking at historical figures as human beings and why self-care has been crucial to her success. She even shares the history of calculus and Machiavelli's laundry.2022-10-1331 min