Shows
Speaking to the Dead10 Pretenders: Coronation specialIn this episode we run down ten modern pretenders to the throne. Originally recorded as a spare episode to release in case of emergency. We bring it to you now in time for the coronation of King Charles the third. Look out for a pretender to one of his thrones!2023-05-0145 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Book of MormonsWelcome to the 18th episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we discuss the book of Mormon and the interesting story of it's author Joseph Smith.2023-03-1154 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Worlds Oldest StoryHow old is the worlds oldest story? Here we talk about the potentialy 30,000 year old creation story of Budj Bim. In this episode, we consider for the first time a work of oral history. If you would like to listen to a recent telling you can find Tim Church's version here: https://www.monash.edu/arts/monash-indigenous-studies/wunungu-awara/animations/budj-bim2023-01-3127 minSpeaking to the DeadWinter Visitors: New Year Cheer, Christmas Gifters, and Children EatersIn this holiday special we introduce 10 winter visitors from across Europe and the world. Learn about witches who leave candy, Icelandic candle thieves, and how surprisingly common it is to be at risk of being eaten rather than getting coal if your naughty!2022-12-2235 minSpeaking to the DeadRobert Owen, Father of British SocialismWelcome to the 16th episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we meet Robert Owen mostly remembered for his New Lanarkshire factory. We see what he has to say about the treatment of the poor in his time, his failure to speak to those in the working class as equals, and what if anything is his lasting legacy. 2022-12-0853 minSpeaking to the DeadHrotsvitha and the Original Christian RockHrotsvitha was an amazing figure, the first recorded playwright of medieval Europe, one of the first Germanic historians, a poet, and writer. But she was also a great example of censoring media to meet the christian morals with a very medieval twist.2022-11-0250 minSpeaking to the DeadMary Rowlandson And America's First Best SellerWelcome to the 14th episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode we consider the memoir of Mary Rowlandson and her experience after being taken captive by the Algonquin. We consider how her story is coloured by the Puritan world view, why captivity narratives were so successful, and what insights the book can give us into the unwritten history of the period.2022-09-181h 18Speaking to the DeadSundara Row and Revolutionary GeometryWelcome to the eleventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we learn about the inventive textbook of Sundara Row, how it influences spread far and wide, and why the American editors removed reference to an Indian mathematician and added references to their own work.
2022-08-031h 00Speaking to the DeadThe Calamitous Life of Peter AbelardWelcome to the eleventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we hear all the calamities that befall poor Peter Abelard, his eventful and long-lasting relationship with Heloise, and ask if everyone you meet is awful might that say something about you?2022-07-121h 02
Speaking to the DeadHistories Most Disappointing SonsJoin us for a bonus episode of speaking to the dead where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford consider, now that father's day is behind us, the sons in history that have most disappointed their parents.2022-06-2056 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Last Queen of HawaiiWelcome to the eleventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we join Queen Lili'uokalani as she tries to preserve the independence of her island home in the face of American imperialism. 2022-06-0154 minSpeaking to the DeadFrom one King to another, the letters of KamaahmaahWelcome to the tenth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode we interrogate Kamaahmaah about his military prowess in the takeover of the whole of Hawaii, uniting the kingdoms under his rule. We also wonder about his change in tone to King George as he become more secure in his position.2022-05-0546 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Ancient Roman Wedding AdviceWelcome to the ninth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, Will makes the dubious choice of turning to the ancient Roman stoic Gaius Musonius Rufus for wedding advice. Learn about the truly shocking extent of patriarchy in Rome and how Rufus offers for his time a radical view of harmony in marriage. 2022-04-0649 minSpeaking to the DeadA Chinese Diplomat goes to Angkor WatWelcome to the eighth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
We are joined by Zhou Daguan to hear his occasionally unbelievable record of the Khmer Empire at the height of its power.2022-03-0435 minSpeaking to the DeadRelationship Advice from Medieval NubiaWelcome to the seventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode we travel to medieval Nubia to meet with the father of Jak who has some relationship advice for a friend.
To see the letter we read and many more go to: http://www.medievalnubia.info2022-02-1035 minSpeaking to the DeadAlcuin, Lindisfarne and the VikingsWelcome to the sixth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode join us as we talk to Alcuin as he complains about men not being men anymore, the need for virtue, and whether God is sending the Vikings.2022-01-1336 minSpeaking to the DeadThe first carol, a dying wish, and good King Wenceslas (Christmas special)Join us for a bonus episode of speaking to the dead where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford trade stories of three (or maybe four) carols from different times and places.2021-12-1627 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Lionman and the Reach of Our ImaginationWelcome to the fifth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we are joined by the sculptor of the Lionman. In our first consideration of a piece of art, we delve into a world of ice and lions as we consider the amazing creative work of the iceage.2021-12-0942 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Maori Magna Carta or The Treaty of WaitangiWelcome to the fourth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we are joined by the translator and writer of the Treaty of Waitangi. We consider the role of translators, British imperialism, and how our attitudes to treaties have changed.2021-11-1744 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Maori Magna Carta or The Treaty of WaitangiWelcome to the third episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we are joined by the translator and writer of the Treaty of Waitangi. We consider the role of translators, British imperialism, and how our attitudes to treaties have changed.2021-11-0443 minSpeaking to the DeadWitches, Fairies, Ghosts, and Mary (Halloween Special)Join us for a bonus episode of speaking to the dead where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford trade stories of the supernatural and the impact of supernatural beliefs on our lives.2021-10-2641 minSpeaking to the DeadTheano and the Early PythagoreansWelcome to the third episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we are joined by Theano, an early disciple of Pythagoras, to hear what the Greeks have got wrong about her cult.2021-10-0630 minSpeaking to the DeadThe Black DeathWelcome to the second episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we are joined by Gabriele de Mussis author of the Historia de Morbo, the tragic first European account of the black death.2021-09-0140 min
Speaking to the DeadThe Sumerian Story of the First TextWelcome to the first episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!
In this episode, we start with the Sumerian story of the inversion of writing.2021-08-0436 min