Shows
ManTalks PodcastAlex Petkas Returns - Julius Caesar: Model Of Masculinity?Talking points: history, psychology, mindset, cultureLike George Santayana said, those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it. There's so much we can learn about ourselves, where we come from, and what needs our attention when we study the past. Grateful for the host of Cost of Glory, Alex Petkas, coming back on the show to lay down some real history, difficult truths, and deep insights on ol' Gaius himself.(00:00:00) - What the modern man can learn from Julius Caesar(00:17:52) - The importance of philosophy and poetry...2025-05-121h 02
Hacking StateHacking State 49 - Alex Petkas: Greco-Futurism and the Return of ZealAlex Petkas is host of Cost of Glory podcast. He holds a PhD in Classics from Princeton, and teaches on persuasion, heroes, and Plutarch’s "Parallel Lives." We talk about the value of Plutarch’s “Parallel Lives”, the contemporary thirst for heroes and grand narratives, Platonism vs. Stoicism, Archeofuturist aesthetics, why futurism is ripe for our cultural moment, his Rostra group and training men in the art of rhetoric, and why our future depends on recovering the spirit of zeal. Cost of Glory: On X: https://x.com/costofgloryWebsite: https://www.cost...2025-04-151h 09
Hacking State49 - Alex Petkas: Greco-Futurism and the Return of ZealAlex Petkas is host of Cost of Glory podcast. He holds a PhD in Classics from Princeton, and teaches on persuasion, heroes, and Plutarch’s "Parallel Lives."
We talk about the value of Plutarch’s “Parallel Lives”, the contemporary thirst for heroes and grand narratives, Platonism vs. Stoicism, Archeofuturist aesthetics, why futurism is ripe for our cultural moment, his Rostra group and training men in the art of rhetoric, and why our future depends on recovering the spirit of zeal.
Cost of Glory:
On X: https://x.com/costofglory
Website...2025-04-151h 09
The American Reformer Podcast"Great Books" is for Losers (ft. Alex Petkas)Alex Petkas, host of the Cost of Glory, talks to Timon and Ben about the right use of the classics.
#AlexPetkas #CostofGlory #Classics #Plutarch #ClassicalEduation #Education
Show Notes:
https://americanmind.org/salvo/great-books-is-for-losers/
Alex Petkas is a former Classics scholar turned media entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in Classics from Princeton University. He taught at the University of California, San Diego, and California State University, Fresno. He has published research on many subjects, including classical Athenian oratory, late ancient rhetoric and education, and epistle writing. His...2025-04-011h 14
Fan of HistoryWhat's New in History With Alex PetkasFrom Republic to Autocracy, How Ancient Rome Warns Us About Democracy’s FragilityAlex Petkas is a writer, entrepreneur, and the host of Cost of Glory, a podcast celebrating Western Civilization's eminent heroes. With a PhD in Classics from Princeton University, he transitioned from academia to alternative media, where he empowers professionals and entrepreneurs through educational programs and leadership retreats. Alex’s mission is to translate profound insights from Greco-Roman leaders and philosophers into actionable wisdom for contemporary achievers, fostering a deeper appreciation for historical greatness among today’s innovators.He talks to Bernie...2025-02-2651 minFan of HistoryWhat's New in History With Alex PetkasFrom Republic to Autocracy, How Ancient Rome Warns Us About Democracy’s FragilityAlex Petkas is a writer, entrepreneur, and the host of Cost of Glory, a podcast celebrating Western Civilization's eminent heroes. With a PhD in Classics from Princeton University, he transitioned from academia to alternative media, where he empowers professionals and entrepreneurs through educational programs and leadership retreats. Alex’s mission is to translate profound insights from Greco-Roman leaders and philosophers into actionable wisdom for contemporary achievers, fostering a deeper appreciation for historical greatness among today’s innovators.He talks to Bernie...2025-02-2651 min
The Aaron Renn ShowClassical Education's Civil War: Great Books vs Ancient Languages | Alex PetkasPrinceton Classics PhD Alex Petkas argues against the "Great Books" model of classical education and makes the case for returning to traditional classical training focused on Greek and Latin languages. He explains why Plutarch's Lives was one of early America's most influential books and why it deserves renewed attention today.Alex Petkas is host of the Cost of Glory podcast, exploring great thinkers and events in classical civilization.Alex Petka's article in the American Mind: “Great Books” Is for Losers: https://americanmind.org/salvo/great-books-is-for-losers/The Cost of Glory Podcast: https://www.costofglory.com...2025-02-0341 min
Macroaggressions#505: What Is the Cost of Glory? | Alex PetkasAlex Petkas is a former professor who had to walk away from the dysfunctional world of academia to embark on his own Odysee to spread the work of some of the greatest minds of ancient Greece. The writings of Plutarch, one of the priests of the Temple of Delphi, is his area of expertise, and the writings show many similarities between the fall of the Roman Empire and the American Empire’s controlled demolition. Join Alex on one of his retreats in Austin, Texas, or the guided tours of modern-day Rome to learn about how the empire fell wh...2025-01-051h 09
Macroaggressions#505: What Is the Cost of Glory? | Alex PetkasAlex Petkas is a former professor who had to walk away from the dysfunctional world of academia to embark on his own Odysee to spread the work of some of the greatest minds of ancient Greece. The writings of Plutarch, one of the priests of the Temple of Delphi, is his area of expertise, and the writings show many similarities between the fall of the Roman Empire and the American Empire’s controlled demolition.
Join Alex on one of his retreats in Austin, Texas, or the guided tours of modern-day Rome to learn about how the empire fell wh...2025-01-051h 09ManTalks PodcastAlex Petkas - Want To Reignite Your Inner Hero? Start HereTalking points: history, mythology, archetypes, cultureI’ve recently been asked to dig more into the deeper stuff, and who better to delve into the history of the ancients than Alex Petkas. We dig into how important history and story can be, how modern society has watered down the hero archetype, and who we can learn from in ancient history to re-inspire us. This is great ep to dig into if you’re searching for actual heroes, not just what you see on TV.(00:00:00) - What was the role of the “hero” in ancient history, and is i...2024-11-251h 01
The Old World with Will TannerHow the Roman Aristocracy Built America's Founding Gentlemen with Alex PetkasIn this episode, Will and Alex Petkas, host of The Cost of Glory Podcast, discuss the Roman Aristocracy in the Late Republic period influenced America’s Founding Fathers, with a particular focus on the great men about whom Plutarch wrote. They cover everything from the landed basis of Rome’s cursus honorum-chasing politicians to the disdain for the commercial side of things present in Rome and the Tidewater. Find Will Tanner on X here: https://x.com/Will_Tanner_1 Find Will on Substack here: https://www.theamericantribune.news/ 2024-11-201h 03
365 DrivenAncient Philosophies for Leadership and Growth - with Alex PetkasDiscover the blend of ancient wisdom and modern entrepreneurship as Tony welcomes Alex Petkas, a scholar in classics and philosophy, to share his riveting transformation from an uninspired student to a seeker of profound truths. Driven by a thirst for meaning, Alex unveils how ancient texts, particularly those of Marcus Aurelius, shaped his worldview and business philosophy. His journey from the academic halls of Princeton to the realization that traditional education often misses the mark reveals a quest to make ancient philosophies accessible and relevant in today's fast-paced world. You’ll hear about the fascinating interplay between ph...2024-11-071h 09
The Pete Quiñones ShowEpisode 1127: Political and Electoral Parallels With the Roman Republic w/ Alex Petkas90 MinutesPG-13Alex Petkas is a former academic and host of the Cost of Glory podcast.Alex joins Pete to go over some examples of political and electoral issues in the Roman Republic that correspond to today's political environment.Alex's Website Alex's Authoritative Speaker's GuidePete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's Substack Pete's SubscribestarPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookP...2024-10-311h 30The Pete Quiñones ShowEpisode 1127: Political and Electoral Parallels With the Roman Republic w/ Alex Petkas90 MinutesPG-13Alex Petkas is a former academic and host of the Cost of Glory podcast.Alex joins Pete to go over some examples of political and electoral issues in the Roman Republic that correspond to today's political environment.Alex's Website Alex's Authoritative Speaker's GuidePete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's Substack Pete's SubscribestarPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookP...2024-10-311h 30
Quite Frankly"The Cost of Glory: Ancient Lessons for Modern Heroes" ft. Alex Petkas 10/24/24Alex Petkas is a writer, entrepreneur, and the host of Cost of Glory, a podcast celebrating Western Civilization's eminent heroes. With a PhD in Classics from Princeton University, he transitioned from academia to alternative media, and tonight we're going to discuss some of the profound insights gained from Greco-Roman leaders and philosophers that may come in handy in the 21st Century. Find more on Alex on his site: https://costofglory.com/. In the second half, calls and thoughts from the audience and who knows what else.
Watch the video rerun: https://pilled.net/topic-detail/1026032
Sponsor The Show and Get VIP...2024-10-252h 04
EXIT PodcastMember Q&A with Alex Petkas (Cost of Glory)This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit blog.exitgroup.usLast week, we heard from Alex Petkas from the Cost of Glory Podcast. Alex is a former Classics professor from Princeton who is now focused on classical education, especially for men and boys.We discuss:* How are the classics, especially the biographies of great men, are relevant to what we’re trying to accomplish?* What translations are most accurate and accessible?* Can we rebuild the engine of competition and cultivation that produced the gr...2024-10-1531 min
The Pete Quiñones ShowEpisode 1109: What We Can Learn by Studying Great Men of the Past w/ Alex Petkas67 Minutes PG-13 Alex Petkas is a former academic and host of the Cost of Glory podcast.Alex joins Pete to tell his story of leaving academia to pursue his love of teaching about the great men of history, especially from the classic Plutarch's Lives. Alex's Website Alex's Authoritative Speaker's Guide Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a Coffe...2024-09-201h 06The Pete Quiñones ShowEpisode 1109: What We Can Learn by Studying Great Men of the Past w/ Alex Petkas67 Minutes PG-13 Alex Petkas is a former academic and host of the Cost of Glory podcast.Alex joins Pete to tell his story of leaving academia to pursue his love of teaching about the great men of history, especially from the classic Plutarch's Lives. Alex's Website Alex's Authoritative Speaker's Guide Pete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a Coffe...2024-09-201h 06
Black Market LeadershipEp. 78 - Xenophon and Chaos, with Dr. Alex Petkas- Part 2 of 2This is part one of a two-part episode with classicist, Dr. Alex Petkas, a former Classics scholar turned host of the Cost of Glory podcast. Kevin and Alex discuss the remarkable story of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand. In this episode, both men discuss the background to the story, the nature of Ancient Greeks and Romans, and why their stories matter. Kevin is using Xenophon's story as an example in his upcoming book, "Strength in Chaos." Alex holds a PhD in Classics from Princeton University. He taught at the University of California, San Diego, and California State...2024-05-1436 minBlack Market LeadershipEp. 77 - Xenophon and Chaos, with Dr. Alex Petkas- Part 1 of 2This is part one of a two-part episode with classicist, Dr. Alex Petkas, a former Classics scholar turned host of the Cost of Glory podcast. Kevin and Alex discuss the remarkable story of Xenophon and the Ten Thousand. In this episode, both men discuss the background to the story, the nature of Ancient Greeks and Romans, and why their stories matter. Kevin is using Xenophon's story as an example in his upcoming book, Strength in Chaos. Alex holds a PhD in Classics from Princeton University. He taught at the University of California, San Diego, and California State Un...2024-04-1939 min
Hard Men PodcastPlutarch's Timeless Wisdom: Alex Petkas on Courage, Leadership, and the Shaping of Great MenSend us a text!In this episode, I talk with Alex Petkas, host of the Cost of Glory podcast. He's also a former professor with a Princeton PhD in Classical Literature. His podcast is a dramatic retelling of Plutarch's Lives, which is one of the most influential books in human history. We'll discuss why Christians can benefit from Plutarch. We talk about why there are so few great men today, why rhetoric is important for leadership, and how Alex once interacted with Elon Musk on Twitter/X about Sulla. Speaking of which, why did Sulla e...2024-01-191h 05
Cost of Glory79 - Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the LyreWhy does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre? A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat: costofglory.com/retreat !Spencer on Twitter: @spencerklavanIn this conversation, we discuss:-Spencer & Alex's common ground training as classicists-How one gets into these ancient books in the first place-The theory of "Art for Art's Sake": Why it's interesting, plausible, and wrong.-Epic heroes singing Epic Poetry-Great books for busy dadsAnd much, much more...2024-01-181h 00
Young HereticsInterview: Alex Petkas, Ancient Life CoachWhen did we stop looking to great men gone by as role models? My guest today, Alex Petkas, is a recovering academic who founded the Ancient Life Coach podcast in order to make a more immediate connection between past and present. He's recovering Plutarch--once antiquity's most cherished moralist--as a guide for today. We discuss the transformation of scholarship from instruction to dissection, and how ancient pagans can help modern seekers get a hold of themselves. Listen to Alex’s Podcast, Ancient Life Coach: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cost-of-glory/id1580153815 Read him on Substack: htt...2024-01-1248 minCost of Glory75 - How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe")The vice of "dysopia" brings down even the strongest. Plutarch gives some advice on how to fortify ourselves against it. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com for more info on the 2024 Cost of Glory Men's retreat in Rome!Link to a translation of Plutarch's text : https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/De_vitioso_pudore*.html2023-11-2920 min
Cost of Glory74 - Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, SourcesWhat happened to Crassus' captured soldiers? To his family? What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure? ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat in Rome - July 2024. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com if you're interested.Buy the books:-Penguin edition of Plutarch including Life of Crassus -Sallust's war with Catiline -Tom Holland's Rubicon-Barry Strauss' book on Spartacus-Edward Watts's Mortal Republic-Gareth Sampson, "The Defeat of Rome" on Parthian Expedition-Peter Stothard, The First Tycoon See also Gruen, Last Gener...2023-11-1719 min
Cost of Glory66 - Catiline I: Rome's Deadliest ConspiracyThe Conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic at the height of its power. Catiline and his associates challenge Cicero and Cato. Rumors were that Crassus and Caesar were involved... Part I: Highlights from Sallust's War with Catiline.ANNOUNCING - New Megaseries: Visions of Caesar. I am beginning an arc on the biographies of all the most prominent of the era of Caesar, including The Man himself. Crassus, Pompey, Cato, Caesar, Cicero, Brutus, Antony.2023-06-231h 09
Cost of Glory65 - Seneca, The Madness of HerculesThe Greatest hero of all, Hercules - told by Seneca: Billionaire, Politician, Stoic Philosopher, and... Tragic Playwright.Highlights and power quotes from Seneca's "The Madness of Hercules": in a new, brilliant, poetic translation by one of America's great poets, Dana GioiaGet a copy here: https://amzn.to/42TEUqJ(and support the show thereby)More about Dana Gioia and his work here:https://danagioia.com/2023-06-1459 min
Cost of Glory64 - Xenophon, Anabasis VIIThe Finale: Xenophon's Anabasis, book 7 of 7. Highlights for the High Life. In this episode:-Sailing to Byzantium -How to Tame a Mob -Spartan Indecision-Drinking more wine from big horns with dangerous men -Raiding with Thracians -Fire attack at night -How to lose a good friend for good -What all gyms should aspire to be like -The importance of keeping your horse 2023-05-311h 16
Cost of Glory63 - Xenophon, Anabasis VIHighlights from Book 6 of Xenophon's AnabasisIn this episode:-Drinking parties, War Dances -Why every modern gentleman should sacrifice to the gods-How to gracefully decline a promotion -Hercules in Hell-On keeping the Fellowship together-Isolated sheep rustling incident threatens to start an international war -The value of a cool head 2023-05-171h 00
New HumanistsDemocracy Dies with Lysander, feat. Alex Petkas | Episode XLVIISend us a textLysander is a troubling figure. As a child, he was a charity case who excelled his more affluent peers; he never cared for wealth, and yet overlooked the rapaciousness of his friends, allowing money and luxury into Sparta, corrupting it. He liberated the Greek world from the yoke of Athenian imperialism, but then installed oligarchic juntas to rule with an iron fist. He conquered Athens itself, but campaigned at a war council to spare the city from destruction. But once inside the city, he threatened the Athenians with extermination if they didn't obey...2023-05-151h 22
Cost of Glory62 - Xenophon, Anabasis VXenophon, Anabasis 5. #1 Highlights for Life Success. In this episode: -Fending off chaos in all its forms -Dealing with a power vacuum -The Source of the Golden Fleece -The BEST way to spend Sacred Funds (Hint: Real Estate) -Artemis and her 7 wonders Temple at Ephesus (cult statue here)-Sampling Local Delicacies (as always) -Pale white children as wide as they are tall-Dreams of city founding-The metaphysical basis of international law-Xenophon, hubris, and soldier punchingDon't forget to follow @costofglory on Twitter for updates and add...2023-05-0354 min
Ruwando Podcast: Psychology For Men with Brains and Balls171 Ancient Life Coach (Alex Petkas)Alex Petkas is the host of The Cost of Glory Podcast— which I discovered while researching for History of Man episodes III and IV and thoroughly enjoy. He’s was formerly a Classics Professor. We speak about what we can learn from the great men of history and developing your ethos.Ancient Life Coach SubstackRome - Speak Lead Retreat Get full access to Ruwando Substack at ruwando.substack.com/subscribe2023-04-281h 08Cost of Glory61 - Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next ActionsTop 4 takeaways from the life of Agesilaus. Also, further reading:Plutarch, "On Sparta": https://amzn.to/3Ni3RaO-Cornelius Nepos, Lives of the Great Commanders (trans. Quintus Curtius): https://amzn.to/3AtrqpO-Xenophon, Hellenica: https://amzn.to/41YXmOx -Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire (historical novel): https://amzn.to/3V0gCsH-Paul Cartledge, Agesilaos and the Crisis of Sparta: https://amzn.to/3L3Wj9d-John Buckler, Theban Hegemony:https://amzn.to/3Lonc98-James Romm, The Sacred Band:2023-04-2521 min
Cost of Glory60 - Agesilaus III: The Fire BreathersAgesilaus, old King of Sparta, faces his final enemy, and greatest foe of all: the Theban commander Epaminondas.MapKey People: Agesilaus, king of Sparta Demaratus, king of Sparta Artaxerxes, King of Persia Epaminondas, Theban Statesman Pelopidas, Theban Statesman Antalcidas Xenophon, the Philosopher-warrior Gryllus, son of Xenophon Nectanebo, Pharaoh of Egypt Menelaus, king of Sparta Key Places: Sparta Thebes Leuctra Athens Corinth Arcadia Mantinea Tegea Elis Achaea Mt. Taygetos Eurotas River Messenia Kalamata...2023-04-141h 18
Cost of Glory59 - Agesilaus II: The Spartan SupremacySparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks. 394-371 BC.In this episode:-Isolating your enemies-Working through intermediaries-The power of culture-Democracy vs. Oligarchy-personal integrity vs state integrityThanks to our Sponsor, Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/Here's a nice map of ancient Greece Places: Thebes Corinth Athens (in Attica) Argos Sparta/Lacedaemon (in Laconia) AcrocorinthPeloponnese Cadmeia Olynthus Piraeus...2023-04-041h 26
Cost of Glory58 - Agesilaus I: Persian ExpeditionThe story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast; -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode:-Inspiration from a rough childhood-The Spartan youth training system-The Spartan art of consensus building-The Iliadic vision of a Panhellenic King-Getting enemies to finance your war effort-War and Friendship among Greeks and PersiansPeople:AgesilausPompeyKing Archidamus (of Sparta)King Agis (of Sparta)King Leonidas (of Sparta)LysanderAl...2023-03-281h 27
The Walled GardenThe Cost of Glory with Alex Petkas & Jack VisnjicAlex Petkas is a renowned writer and host of the Cost of Glory podcast, where he shares his passion for history by uncovering the best stories and insights from great heroes of the past. After leaving a successful career in academia to focus on his work, Alex's dedication to helping people draw energy and practical insights from the past has earned him a reputation as a thought leader in the industry. In addition to his peer-reviewed research, he also writes for several non-academic publications, including American Mind, Man's World, and Antigone, where he is a founding editor. Alex currently resides...2023-03-221h 21
Cost of Glory57 - Xenophon: Anabasis IVXenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action.In this Episode:-How to cross a guarded river-The mindset of people who push through massive stress and pain-Distinguishing yourself as middle management-The Sea, The Sea-Lawrence of Arabia, Xenophon admirer-Psychedelic Bees2023-03-1544 min
Cost of Glory56 - CoG in Conversation - w/ Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldApply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreatAnnouncing a new partnership!Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the WorldIn this episode: -What's in store-What Alex is listening to-Why Cost of Glory exists-Why biography is energizing-What the greats, ancient and modern, have in common-The true meaning of Zeal2023-03-0829 min
How to Take Over the WorldA Conversation with Alex Petkas of The Cost of GloryHey everyone - next week I'll be back with a normal episode but in the mean time please enjoy this conversation with Alex Petkas about the power of biography, lessons from ancient Greece, and more.Rome retreat: http://ancientlifecoach.com/retreat2023-03-0226 min
Cost of Glory55 - Xenophon, Anabasis IIIXenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners.In this Episode:-The power of public speaking-What Socrates told Xenophon before he left-Xenophon's inner monologue in GREEK-Motivating your managers-Finding resources you didn't know you had-Lost cities of Mesopotamia-Goat and donkey balloons-The Original Kurds?Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)David Allen, Getting Things Donehttps://amzn.to/3kIRpoHJocko's Extreme Ownership:https://amzn.to/3SCmnLX...2023-03-0153 min
Cost of Glory54 - Xenophon, Anabasis IIBest highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring:-Deciding who won a battle-How to deceive the wise-The noble and the base among Greek leaders-The hazards of date palm wineAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegCharactersCyrus The Younger (RIP)AriaeusPhalinus of P...2023-02-1551 min
Cost of Glory53 - Xenophon, Anabasis I - Power HighlightsBest highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1. Featuring:-How to get people to take real risks on your behalf-How ancient army logistics worked-Love affairs with foreign queens-Hunting the Ostrich-Qualities of good leaders, in Xenophon's opinionAmazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!)Landmark Xenophon's Anabasishttps://amzn.to/3HLGAegOld Penguin Anabasis:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegLoeb Edition:https://amzn.to/3HLGAegKey People:Prince CyrusK...2023-02-0143 min
Stoa Conversations: Stoicism AppliedAncient Heroes with Alex Petkas (Episode 9)Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenWhat lessons are hidden in ancient biographies?Alex Petkas is a former Classics professor who now works in the industrial coatings industry. Combining theory and practice. Modernizing Plutarch's Parallel Lives in his Cost of Glory podcast is one of his key projects. Plutarch was an ancient biographer, his most famous work, Parallel Lives, is a set of biographies of great Roman and Greeks that we can learn a lot from today.In...2023-01-2143 minCost of Glory52 - When it Clicks that You can Do ThisThe moment when someone obscure and untested realizes, in a crisis, that they can handle this. An autobiographical story from someone who was both a great writer and great leader, Xenophon.2023-01-1717 minCost of Glory51 - Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special)Persevere when you are surrounded by enemies, like the other Santa Claus, Saint Basil of Caesarea. A Christmas special, from the Cost of Glory.2022-12-2112 minCost of Glory50 - How to Botch a ConspiracyA Spartan story about a conspiracy. Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your conspiracy doesn't fail? Learn this lesson or be sorry later. Also featuring commentary from Aristotle's Politics.2022-12-0711 minCost of Glory49 - Prosper and Succeed with Spartan RealpietikHow do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why? A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas. Brought to you by the Greek philosopher-historian-warrior Xenophon.2022-11-1609 min
Cost of Glory48 - Comparison: Lysander and SullaHow should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures? Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action. Who wins? Shout out to sources and inspirations: Ancient: Plutarch, life of SullaPlutarch, life of MariusPlutarch, life of SertoriusPlutarch, life of PompeyPlutarch, life of LucullusAppian, Civil WarsAppian, Mithridatic WarsCicero, pro Sexto RoscioSallust, Jugurtha Secondar...2022-11-0226 min
Cost of Glory47 - Sulla: Five Takeaways. And Aftermath.Mass murderer or brilliant patriot? Whatever your take on Sulla, it's worth analyzing the qualities that made him a joy to his friends, and a terror to his enemies.2022-10-1916 min
"Whither the Looniversity?" - A Podcast on the Miserable State of the American UniversityEpisode 11 - Dr. Alex Petkas (Ancient Life Coach), Former Prof. of Classics, Host of Cost of Glory podcastDr. Alex Petkas received his PhD in Classics from Princeton. His research interests include Greek literature, rhetoric, epistemology, and ethics. He recently resigned a tenure-track professorship, due in part to disenchantment with the DEI revolution in higher education. Alex has a number of scholarly publications. Known online as "Ancient Life Coach," Petkas is also host of the Cost of Glory podcast, which retells the lives of heroic figures from antiquity. We talk about the state of Classics as a scholarly discipline, his decision to leave academia, and his current projects. https://ancientlifecoach.com/2022-10-1255 min
Cost of Glory46 - Sulla III: VengeanceHow do you keep your team together in a civil conflict? Can a country right itself by warring with itself? What are the limits to which one man will go to punish his enemies? In this episode, Sulla’s most famous, or rather infamous, acts as a leader. —People—SullaPlutarchKing Pyrrhus CinnaMetellus PiusMarcus Licinius CrassusCarboGaius NorbanusLucius Cornelius Scipio (Asiaticus)SertoriusGnaeus Pompeiu...2022-10-041h 12
Cost of Glory45 - Sulla 2: Rogue CommanderHow does a great commander handle being undermined by his government back home? How should we treat opponents we defeat? And how do we negotiate the best deal when our backs are against the wall and our counterparts know it? In this episode: Sulla goes to Greece, to war against Rome’s arch rival Mithridates of Pontus. Can he hold out against a vastly superior enemy army? And can he weather the escalating crisis in Rome? --People--Sulla, The HeroPlutarch, The NarratorMarius, T...2022-09-271h 09
Cost of Glory44 - Sulla 1: The LuckyHow do we get Fortune on our side? What are the qualities necessary for daring unthinkable, unspeakable acts? When is it justifiable to massacre your enemies? Sulla: A man of contradictions. Enjoyer of dramas and hedonistic pleasures; most successful general of his generation, and one of the greatest of all time. Patriot and champion of the ancient constitution; the Roman responsible for more Roman deaths than perhaps any other man in history. Was Sulla one who broke the Republic? In this episode learn the arts of:-Wisdom-charm2022-09-201h 07Cost of Glory43 - An uncommon strategy for mastering fearA principle for building exercises to control your anxiety or fear. Favorinus, a philosopher from the time of Plutarch, offers some deft observations about Socrates.2022-09-0806 minCost of Glory42 - Get Friendships with Powerful PeoplePlutarch offers insight on relating to people above your station2022-08-2505 minCost of Glory41 - Plato on how to Destroy an AristocracyPlato gives some insight in how to undermine your enemies.2022-08-0906 minCost of Glory40 - How to get lucky when the gods are against youHow to turn bad luck around. SPOILER: it's not just more effort.Stories of Timotheus and Sulla2022-07-2106 minCost of Glory39 - Lysander Aftermath: or, How to Keep FightingWhat happened after Lysander died? What was his legacy? What can we learn from his life? 2022-07-0612 minCost of Glory38 - Lysander 3: Kings of SpartaLysander returns from his setbacks at Sparta with a revolutionary plan. He consults the gods about the Spartan Kingship; and some of his own prophecies about Greek geopolitics come true.In this episode: How should protegés treat mentors? How do you change a deeply conservative state? And, as always, what is the cost, for an individual, for a state, of striving for supreme glory?Characters:Alexander Hamilton (cameo)LysanderTissaphernes, Satrap of LydiaThe PythiaAgesilausCyrus the YoungerKing PausaniasThrasyboulus of AthensPlac...2022-06-211h 08Cost of Glory37 - Lysander 2: Thirty TyrantsLysander - The Spartan who took down Athens. In this episode: the dangers of success.How (and why) Lysander installed the notorious "Thirty" at Athens, and how he came to be worshipped as a god. Could Sparta contain such a man?Characters:LysanderSocratesTheramenesCritiasKing PausaniasKing AgisThrasyboulusThe ThirtyThe Mob Key Virtues:PatienceFlexibilityObedienceIndifference to MoneyResilience Ke...2022-06-141h 11Cost of Glory36 - Lysander 1: Death of DemocracyA Spartan; first Greek honored as a god during his lifetime; destroyer of Athenian naval supremacy. In this episode: his rise to power, how he pulled off the greatest naval upset in Greek history, and WHY he did it. Characters:LysanderSocratesXenophonAlcibiadesPrince Cyrus the YoungerAgesilausKing AgisKallikratidasThe Mob Key Virtues:PatienceFlexibilityObedience Key...2022-06-071h 10
Cost of GloryLysander 1: Death of DemocracyA Spartan; first Greek honored as a god during his lifetime; destroyer of Athenian naval supremacy.In this episode: his rise to power, how he pulled off the greatest naval upset in Greek history, and WHY he did it.Key Virtues:PatienceFlexibilityObedienceKey Places:AthensSpartaEphesusDardanellesGuest narrator! Vincent B Davis II, author of the Sertorius Scrolls series: https://vincentbdavisii.com/2022-06-071h 12
Anchored by the Classic Learning TestAlex Petkas on the Divorce of the Classics and the Christian TraditionOn this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Alex Petkas, Princeton graduate and host of the podcast Cost of Glory. He discusses his journey to discovering Christianity and the Classics, ultimately studying at Princeton University and receiving his PhD. Alex states that he noticed a split between the Classics and the Christian tradition in relation to how it was taught in the classroom, and It wasn't until he began his own ancient Greek language program that he became disillusioned with Academia.2022-05-2643 minCost of Glory35 - Socrates on Public ShamingA story about how Socrates reacted when he got publicly shamed.2022-05-2406 minCost of Glory34 - Harry Truman on PlutarchHarry Truman was a great admirer of Plutarch's lives, and recommended them often. He discusses why.Quotes taken from Miller's oral biography of Truman, "Plain Speaking."2022-05-1006 minCost of Glory33 - How to Learn Free SpeechHow do we translate the advice Plutarch gives on free speaking, with the example of Pericles, into the world of modern media?2022-04-2707 minCost of Glory32 - The Sovereign MindWhat combination of habits produces both strength and peace? How do we become more sovereign over our lives, over ourselves? With some references from a famous, classic text from Plutarch's works.2022-04-1314 minCost of Glory31 - Aristotle's Quadrivium; Season 2 ANNOUNCEMENT!Why do we work? How should we spend our leisure? Also, announcing the next biography subjects!2022-03-2908 minCost of Glory30 - Comparison - Pyrrhus and MariusWhat did Pyrrhus and Marius had in common, what lessons can be drawn for leaders?2022-03-1619 minCost of Glory29 - The Joy of a Humorless Stoic - Publius Rutilius RufusA transcript of an article from Antigone Journal. Read the article here:https://antigonejournal.com/2022/03/publius-rutilius-rufus/Rutilius was a side character in the Life of Marius, but deserves his own treatment here. See also his treatment in the book Lives of the Stoics by Holiday and Hanselman, which inspired this essay.2022-03-0818 minCost of Glory28 - Marius Aftermath and Takeaways3 Lessons for Leaders from the Life of Marius. Also, what happened after Marius died?2022-03-0216 minCost of Glory27 - Marius 3: The Ruin of CitiesThis is the story of how Gaius Marius went from being the Greatest Man in Rome to Public Enemy #1.But Marius, usually master of the political narrative, ended up having his story written by his political rivals. What was the true character of this surprisingly elusive figure?What is worth imitating? What is worth avoiding? Before fully answering these questions, we must understand the details of his story, one of the most dramatic and memorable sequences in all of Plutarch’s lives.On...2022-02-221h 30Cost of Glory26 - Marius 2: Third Founder of RomeIn this episode, Gaius Marius goes from upstart commander to Third Founder of Rome.Roman writer and historian Sallust said Marius possessed Virtus (“manliness, prowess, virtue” - but, was Marius ultimately a “good man”? In part two of The Life of Gaius Marius, Marius captures Jugurtha, he enlists the help of a prophetess to annihilate an army of Teutones, and triumphs over the Cimbri at the Battle of Vercellae. And how he became six times Roman consul.But in order to reach the top, Marius had...2022-02-151h 13Cost of Glory25 - Marius 1: AmbitionHated by many contemporaries, admired by even more - and later Romans, such as the emperor Augustus. “Seven times Consul, Praetor, Tribune of the Plebs, Quaestor, Augur, Military Tribune, Marius waged war against Jugurtha, the King of Numidia and captured him. He annihilated an army of Teutones. He triumphed over the Cimbri…”Gaius Marius, an outsider, an Italian… A story of rising from obscurity to the apex of the Roman hierarchy. How did he do it?And does he deserve the blame for starting the Roman C...2022-02-081h 08Cost of Glory24 - Plutarch on Listening to PodcastsWhy did Plutarch write biographies? What does one hope to get out of a biography podcast?2022-02-0207 minCost of Glory23 - Odysseus' advice to proud young menPlutarch reads the Odyssey2022-01-2607 minCost of Glory22 - Vice and the Cold JacketA winter message from Plutarch2022-01-1907 minCost of Glory21 - Being the OctopusPlutarch on what the octopus, and the mythic figure Proteus (who King Menelaus met on his way back from Troy) can tell us about friendship.2022-01-1206 minCost of Glory20 - On Having Even More FriendsComing back to Plutarch's essay on having many friends, with remarks from Zeuxis, Chilon, and Thucydides2022-01-0405 minCost of Glory19 - On Having Many FriendsA quote and meditation from Plutarch's On Having Many Friends. Sign up for our email list at ancientlifecoach.com! 2021-12-2805 minCost of Glory18 - Christmas Episode - Pyrrhus aftermathMerry Christmas (etc.) from Ancient Life Coach. The historical aftermath of Pyrrhus' death, and some thoughts on gift giving.In this episode:The fate of Pyrrhus' kingdomPyrrhus's role in the outbreak of the great Punic Wars?Merry Christmas (or Saturnalia) to all!2021-12-1408 minCost of Glory17 - Pyrrhus 3: Battle for GreeceAntigonus was famously once asked, “who is the greatest General of our day?” to which he replied, “Pyrrhus, if he lives to be old.”This is the third and final installment of The Life of Pyrrhus, King of Epirus. [Original music score based on Epirot and other Greek folk traditions, by Ilias Markantonis.See Ilias' work on Facebook, or Instagram (@ilias_markantonis)]Pyrrhus takes opportunity after opportunity, always imagining this will further his cause. It begins with a Sicilian expedition...2021-12-071h 05Cost of Glory16 - Pyrrhus 2: Men and Beasts“Pyrrhus… saw clearly what great happiness he was leaving behind him. But he just couldn’t renounce his hopes of obtaining what he eagerly desired.”We can think of many ambitious leaders or groups who made a big dent in the world by smashing through boundaries: The Mongols, The British East India Company, Moses and Joshua taking the promised land. But many dreamed big and failed to deliver: Napoleon in Russia, Xerxes in Greece.Which kind of leader will Pyrrhus be?In this episode, the story...2021-11-301h 04Cost of Glory15 - Pyrrhus 1: Rise of a Warrior KingPyrrhus, the Warrior King. Father of the "Pyrrhic Victory." Smuggled out of the palace at two years old. Raised in exile by Illyrians. Pyrrhus grew to be the "greatest commander of his day" according to observers like Hannibal and Antigonus.[Original music score based on Epirot and other Greek folk traditions, by Ilias Markantonis.See Ilias' work on Facebook, or Instagram (@ilias_markantonis)]In this episode:-Find a mentor-Transcend a mentor-Identify the Master Skill in your field, and focus-How to master fear-Seizing opportunities to expa...2021-11-231h 02Cost of Glory14 - Nietzsche on the Dangers of History"Satisfy your souls on Plutarch, and dare to believe in yourselves when you believe in his heroes" - Nietzsche **PYRRHUS ARRIVES NEXT WEEK**Friedrich Nietzsche: Greek Scholar, Plutarch fan, student of history, incisive critic of history nerds such as your host.How does history help us, actually? Is it in the ways we think?Listen to this episode for encouragement if you feel woefully ignorant about history. Or, if you are a big history buff and need the occasional kick in the pants.Insights and Quotes from Nietzsche's Essay "O...2021-11-1608 minCost of Glory13 - Plato's MantraPlato spent time around some bad people. But he had a way of trying to stay at the top of his virtue game despite the many bad influences he was around. You can use it too.Links to Lysias' Against Eratosthenes (Lysias 12), mentioned in the episode:A PDF (It's public domain):https://ryanfb.github.io/loebolus-data/L244.pdfPerseus (Annoying interface, but convenient):https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0154%3Aspeech%3D122021-11-0906 minCost of Glory12 - Next pair TRAILER... and How to Profit from EnemiesHow enemies can be more useful than Reason itself. Anecdotes from Chilon of Sparta, Scipio Nasica. From Plutarch's treatise How to Profit from your Enemies. His treatise was addressed to Cornelius Pulcher, of Epidaurus, custodian of the cult of Asclepius.2021-11-0210 minCost of Glory11 - Comparison: Sertorius and EumenesIn the Parallel Lives, the philosopher Plutarch pairs individual Greeks and Romans with each other, comparing their lives. In the last few episodes of The Cost of Glory we’ve shared Plutarch’s stories about the lives of Eumenes of Kardia and Sertorius of Rome, pulling out key lessons for modern leaders. In this comparison episode, we’re joined by guest narrator Stephen Blackwell, President of Ralston College, Savannah, Georgia.(www.ralston.ac)Plutarch offers his own thoughts on the lives of Eumenes and Sertorius.We offer ours on their r...2021-10-2631 minCost of Glory10 - Eumenes Aftermath and TakeawaysWhat happened to Alexander's kingdom after the death of Eumenes?In this episode: -The end of the Eumenes Story-The age of warring successors begins. -What is special about Eumenes?2021-10-1910 minCost of Glory9 - Eumenes 3: LoyaltyIn this final part of his Life, Eumenes’ loyalty to the legacy of Alexander is put to the ultimate test. He faces off against Antigonus, on behalf of Queen Olympias, over rulership of the kingdom and the regency of the kings.A notable historian, A.B. Bosworth, remarks that the struggle between Eumenes and Antigonus “Did more than anything to determine the shape the Hellenistic world.”Our guest narrator is Dawn LaValle Norman, a classicist and scholar of Plutarch and his era.Eumenes has the cho...2021-10-121h 01Cost of Glory8 - Eumenes 2: Man of WarWhat would you do if your closest friend died unexpectedly, leaving an incredible legacy, and an infant son. How far would you go to defend his rights? Would you give your life? In this episode Eumenes emerges onto the world stage as one of antiquity’s brilliant generals.What is it like to believe in a divine kingship? Or, at least, to act as though you do believe?Eumenes fought rebel Persian satraps, upstaged Macedonian warrior nobles, arranged dynastic marriages, fought in hand to hand...2021-10-0554 minCost of Glory7 - Eumenes 1: The King's SecretaryAs the Royal Secretary to Alexander the Great, Eumenes of Kardia had a front row seat to Alexander bringing his impossible dream crashing into the real world. As a young man, Eumenes couldn’t possibly have known that the Mediterranean world he lived in was on the cusp of the most dramatic political and cultural shift in its recorded history, up to that point. And that he would be at the very center of the administrative and military machine that brought that change about. But just when Eumenes was on t...2021-09-2859 minCost of Glory6 - Rule the Sparta you got (Tranquillity Part 2)Plutarch in On Tranquillity of Mind discusses a way to use the famous phrase Know Thyself.Some Figures mentioned:SertoriusEumenes, Philip II of MacedonAlexander the GreatDionysius I, Tyrant of SyracusePhiloxenus the PoetPindarEmpedoclesPlatoDemocritusIsmenias, wealthy citizen of ThebesEpaminondas, Theban generalEuripidesQuotes:"Know Thyself""Rule the Sparta you got"2021-09-2106 min