Shows
Hot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 23: What We Learned About War: The Hard Truths of BattleDescriptionIn this final episode of Hot Takes on the Classics’ season on war, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh reflect on the biggest lessons they’ve learned from reading and discussing some of history’s greatest war literature. From the moral cost of battle to the intoxicating nature of the battlefield, they break down key themes that have emerged across texts like The Iliad, War and Peace, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Killer Angels, Mein Kampf, and The Art of War. Tim also shares his final hot take of the season—how the male dri...2025-04-0849 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 22: Modern Music & the Art of War: From Stravinsky to Picasso—20th Century’s Rule ChangeDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore how war shaped modern music and art, breaking traditional forms and redefining artistic expression. They dive into Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, Picasso’s Guernica, Otto Dix’s War Triptych, and more, unpacking how these revolutionary works capture the chaos, destruction, and emotional weight of the 20th century. Emily also shares a compelling hot take on why modern artists rejected beauty—seeing it as a deception—and how that shift reshaped the way we understand art today.Sh...2025-04-011h 10Hot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 21: Mein Kampf: The Blueprint for War & GenocideDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle one of the most infamous books ever written: Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Though poorly written and filled with contradictions, this book remains essential for understanding the ideological roots of Nazi Germany. Emily and Tim examine Hitler’s obsession with racial purity, his hatred of democracy, and his belief in war as the highest expression of human civilization. They also explore how Mein Kampf foreshadowed the Holocaust and the expansionist policies of Nazi Germany. Emily delivers a scorching hot take...2025-03-251h 11Hot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 20: All Quiet on The Western Front by Erich Marie Remarque: The Anti-War Protest NovelDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore All Quiet on the Western Front, Erich Maria Remarque’s searing anti-war novel that captures the brutal reality of World War I through the eyes of a young German soldier. They discuss how Remarque’s own experience as a soldier shaped his portrayal of trench warfare, the disillusionment of soldiers, and the alienation of the so-called “Lost Generation.” Emily also delivers a hot take on why this book was one of the most dangerous threats to Nazi ideology—and why its me...2025-03-1859 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 19: Killer Angels by Michael Shaara: The Last Humane War?DescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels, the Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel that brings the Battle of Gettysburg to life. They discuss how Shaara blends fact and fiction to create a gripping narrative that captures the heroism, strategy, and fateful decisions that shaped the course of the Civil War. Tim and Emily examine the roles of key historical figures, including Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, while unpacking the novel’s central theme—the transformation of warfare in the...2025-03-1143 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 18: Joan of Arc: Don’t Send a Man to Do a Woman’s JobDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, an unexpected and deeply admired work from the celebrated author. They explore Twain’s fascination with Joan’s extraordinary life, her divine visions, and her rise from an illiterate peasant to a military leader who reshaped the course of French history. Emily and Tim discuss Joan’s divine mission, her legendary victories, and the tragic betrayal that led to her martyrdom. Emily also delivers a hot take on why Joan of...2025-03-0459 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 17: On War by Clausewitz: The Years That War ChangedDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh unpack Carl von Clausewitz’s On War, a foundational text in military theory. They explore Clausewitz’s revolutionary ideas on the relationship between war and politics, his emphasis on total commitment in warfare, and the enduring relevance of his theories. The hosts also examine how Clausewitz’s firsthand experiences fighting Napoleon shaped his philosophy and discuss the critical role of his wife, Marie von Brühl, in shaping his work. Tim shares a provocative hot take, arguing that Clausewitz’s lack of...2025-02-2546 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 16: War and Peace: How to Defeat Napoleon? Do NothingDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh tackle Leo Tolstoy’s monumental War and Peace. They explore how Tolstoy weaves the lives of Russian aristocrats with the chaos of Napoleon’s invasion, balancing themes of love, honor, fate, and the unpredictability of war. Tim delivers a bold hot take, arguing that Tolstoy belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Western literature and shares a practical strategy to help readers conquer this epic masterpiece.Show Guide00:00 Opening Quote and Episode Introduction01:06 Why...2025-02-1849 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 15: Depicting War in Art and Music: Of Fallen Heroes and Epic BattlesDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh shift their focus to the depiction of war in art and music. They explore how Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and iconic paintings like Napoleon Crossing the Alps and Washington Crossing the Delaware capture the complexities of heroism, leadership, and the costs of war. The conversation unpacks how the Enlightenment and Romantic eras shaped these artistic works and their depictions of war. Emily’s hot take questions whether liberal democracies can balance the need for heroic figures with their...2025-02-111h 05Hot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 14: Paradise Lost: The Cosmic Battle of Good and EvilDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into John Milton’s Paradise Lost, a towering epic of English literature that grapples with theology, cosmology, and human nature. They discuss Milton’s attempt to craft a Christian epic, his complex portrayal of Satan, and the cosmic war between good and evil. Emily offers her provocative hot take on Milton’s theological influences, questioning whether his depiction of Christ reflects heretical Arian leanings.Show Guide00:00 Opening Remarks and Milton’s Epic Invocation01...2025-02-0440 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 13: Henry V - Shakespeare: A Young Prince Delivers the Greatest Speech on WarDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Shakespeare’s Henry V, a play that captures the remarkable transformation of Prince Hal into England’s greatest warrior king. They discuss the historical backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, the tension between honor and responsibility, and the timeless power of the Saint Crispin’s Day speech. Tim also delivers his fiery hot take on how Shakespeare should be taught—and why it’s time to move beyond simply reading his plays in classrooms.Show Guide2025-01-2835 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 12: Song of Roland/Pope Urban/Life of Charlemagne: Battles that Become LegendsDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh explore The Song of Roland, a medieval French epic that epitomizes bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. Set during Charlemagne’s campaigns in Spain, the story recounts Roland’s heroic last stand and the betrayal that led to his demise. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s historical context during the Crusades, its complex portrayal of the chivalric code, and the cultural shift from feudal honor to Christian knighthood. Emily also shares her warm (but insightful) hot take on how Tolkien’s depictio...2025-01-2148 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 11: Beowulf: Three Monsters and An Aging HeroDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon epic poem about a legendary hero who battles monsters and confronts a dragon. Tim and Emily discuss the poem’s origins, its tension between pagan heroism and emerging Christian values, and why its rhythmic, alliterative style is best experienced aloud. Tim shares his hot take on the best way to read Beowulf for first-time readers and why reading it aloud unlocks the poem’s full power. Along the way, they explore Beowulf’s profound influence on mod...2025-01-1430 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 10: The City of God: A User’s Guide for the End of CivilizationDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore St. Augustine’s monumental work, City of God. Written in response to the Visigoth sack of Rome in 410 AD, this profound text examines the relationship between the City of Man and the City of God, offering reflections on war, virtue, and the Christian response to suffering. Emily’s hot take reframes Augustine as an early advocate for justice and equality, sparking a lively discussion about his enduring influence on Western thought.Show Guide00:00 Open...2025-01-0741 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 9: Plutarch: Alcibiades and Coriolanus: Great Men to Love and HateDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh delve into Plutarch’s Parallel Lives, exploring the contrasting characters of Alcibiades, the charming yet treacherous Athenian, and Coriolanus, the unyielding Roman general. Through their discussion, the hosts unpack Plutarch’s moral philosophy, the timeless appeal of his storytelling, and the lessons these historical figures offer about pride, betrayal, and human nature. Tim’s hot take challenges our perceptions: Would Alcibiades’ charisma make him more likable than Coriolanus’ rigid pride if we met them in real life?Show Guide...2024-12-3141 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 8: The Art of War by Sun Tzu: Victory without BattleDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda analyze Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a foundational text in strategic thought. Written during China’s Zhou Dynasty, the book offers timeless insights into warfare, leadership, and human conflict. The hosts discuss Sun Tzu’s emphasis on victory without battle, his Taoist perspective on war, and the text’s widespread influence—from military strategy to modern business. Tim’s hot take explores the ethical complexities of wars between unequal powers, where smaller forces often innovate and subvert traditional rules to cha...2024-12-1734 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 7: Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars: Genocidal Maniac or Great Hero?DescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh examine Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars, an essential work of Latin literature that chronicles Caesar’s military campaigns in Gaul. The hosts discuss Caesar’s writing style, the strategic brilliance behind his conquests, and the controversies surrounding his actions, including accusations of genocide. Emily shares her hot take, defending the value of reading Gallic Wars despite its troubling content, highlighting its historical significance and the clarity of Caesar’s Latin prose.Show Guide00:00 Opening Lines an...2024-12-1038 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 6: The Psychomachia: Was C.S. Lewis Wrong About Prudentius?DescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Prudentius’ Psychomachia (“The Battle of the Soul”). This groundbreaking Christian allegorical poem reimagines heroism as a spiritual struggle. Written in the late fourth century, the poem depicts virtues and vices as warriors battling within the human soul. Tim and Emily discuss Prudentius’ innovative use of epic poetry, his influence on later literature, and the striking portrayal of virtues as women. Emily’s hot take challenges C.S. Lewis’ critique, arguing that the Psychomachia deserves recognition for its imaginative and moral signif...2024-12-0337 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 5: Virgil, The Aeneid: Can Peace Be Built on War?DescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into Virgil’s Aeneid, a cornerstone of Roman literature. They discuss Aeneas as the embodiment of Roman virtue, the conflict between personal desires and duty, and the dual message of the epic as both a tribute to Roman greatness and a critique of its violent foundations. Tim's hot take centers on the final confrontation between Aeneas and Turnus, exploring whether the poem questions the viability of Rome’s ideals of peace and law when rooted in the ethos of war...2024-11-2639 minHot Takes on the ClassicsIntroducing: Hot Takes on the ClassicsHot Takes on the Classics is no dusty, academic approach to great books. It’s a gossipy, exciting discussion about the best literature ever written. Hosted by Tim and Emily, who are veteran teachers and long-time friends, Hot Takes is packed with playful debate, meaningful speculation, and hearty laughs.(You may also enjoy Tim's "The Play's the Thing" show with CiRCE.)2024-11-2604 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 2: The Book of Judges: Where Are the Hittites?DescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh dive into the often-overlooked Book of Judges, examining its powerful themes of faith, conflict, and the emergence of monotheism. Through an engaging discussion, they explore the book’s depiction of Israel’s cycle of moral descent, the role of unique leaders called “judges,” and how these ancient stories provide surprising insights into human history, ethics, and resilience.Show Guide00:00 Introduction00:08 Setting the Scene: Israel's Plight00:43 Personal Stories and Childhood Memories01...2024-11-2647 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 3: Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War: Not a Modern Historian, but a Participatory ChroniclerDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda explore Thucydides' The Peloponnesian War, examining the legendary conflict between Athens and Sparta. They delve into Thucydides’ historical methodology, the moral lessons embedded in his accounts, and his views on leadership and power. Key topics include the differences between Athens and Sparta, the catastrophic Athenian plague, and pivotal speeches that reveal the complexities of war and governance. The episode concludes with a debate on Thucydides’ legacy as a historian and his relevance to modern political thought.Show...2024-11-2644 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 4: Thucydides, Pericles' Funeral Oration: The Greatest Speech to ReadDescriptionIn this episode of Hot Takes on the Classics, Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda dive into Pericles’ Funeral Oration as recorded by Thucydides in The Peloponnesian War. They discuss the speech's celebration of Athenian democracy, its striking contrast to Spartan culture, and its lessons on leadership and sacrifice. Tim delivers his hot take, claiming that Pericles' Funeral Oration is better read than heard, drawing from his extensive experience as a speechwriter. The episode also explores Athenian values and reflects on the legacy of play as a distinctive Greek contribution.Show Guide...2024-11-2634 minHot Takes on the ClassicsEpisode 1: The Iliad: The Opposite of War is Not Peace; It’s LiturgyDescriptionIn this debut episode of 'Hot Takes from the Classics,' hosts Tim McIntosh and Emily Maeda delve into one of the greatest war epics ever written, Homer's Iliad. They discuss the themes of honor, the brutality of war, the intoxicating nature of battle, and the challenges of understanding ancient texts. The episode explores different translations, notable characters, and key plot points, while also touching on how the poem has influenced culture and history. They conclude with a powerful discussion on the importance of liturgy as a counterbalance to the dehumanizing effects of war...2024-11-2640 min
The Play's the ThingYearbook!Audio yearbook podcast. Since we have podcasted all of Shakespeare's plans(!!!) I asked my guests to come on and mention their favorite moments from being on the show. Also: An announcement about the future!Emily MaedaA Winter's Tale, Act V: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000598309165Sarah-Jane BentleyDid Shakespeare Write Shakespeare's Plays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000601514978David KernNora Ankrom and Matthew BiancoThe Taming of the Shrew, Act I: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plays-the-thing/id1426679990?i=1000536529664Favorite Moment at 47:44Tom PopeTitus And...2024-05-1119 min
The Play's the ThingRichard III: Act IThe bloodiest villain. The most famous opening monologue. The most demanding role. Richard III plans to "set the murderous Machiavelli to school!" But he won't get away with it. Or will he? Join Emily Maeda and Tim McIntosh for a brilliant opening act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2023-08-1254 min
Unlock The Most Soul-Stirring Full Audiobook Today!Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact by Jocelyn K. Glei (editor)Please visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/221337to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact
Author: Jocelyn K. Glei (editor)
Narrator: Joyce Bean
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 3 hours 47 minutes
Release date: November 18, 2014
Genres: Career Development
Publisher's Summary:
Finally, a business book for makers, not managers. Are you ready to “make a dent in the universe”? As a creative, you no longer have to take a backseat. In fact, stepping up and embracing entrepreneurship is the fastest route to impact. But where do you start? And what sets the businesses that succeed apart? To f...2014-11-183h 47
Discover the Best Audio Stories in Self-Improvement, Career DevelopmentMake Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact by Jocelyn K. Glei (editor)Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/221337 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact Author: Jocelyn K. Glei (editor) Narrator: Joyce Bean Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 3 hours 47 minutes Release date: November 18, 2014 Genres: Career Development Publisher's Summary: Finally, a business book for makers, not managers. Are you ready to “make a dent in the universe”? As a creative, you no longer have to take a backseat. In fact, stepping up and embracing entrepreneurship is the fastest route to impact. But where do you start? And what sets the businesses that succeed apar...2014-11-1803 minDiscover the Best Audio Stories in Self-Improvement, Career DevelopmentMake Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact by Jocelyn K. Glei (editor)Please visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/221337to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Make Your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact
Author: Jocelyn K. Glei (editor)
Narrator: Joyce Bean
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 3 hours 47 minutes
Release date: November 18, 2014
Genres: Career Development
Publisher's Summary:
Finally, a business book for makers, not managers. Are you ready to “make a dent in the universe”? As a creative, you no longer have to take a backseat. In fact, stepping up and embracing entrepreneurship is the fastest route to impact. But where do you start? And what sets the businesses that succeed apart? To f...2014-11-183h 47