Shows
The Spouter-InnBonus: Mark Sundaram and Aven McMaster on Etymology
Language is so personal and internal. It exists in your head. You can close
your eyes and plug your ears and not engage with the outside world at all, and
yet you still have language going on. So I think one of the things that
attracts people to [etymology] is, it’s discussing something that they
feel they have a part in.
Mark Sundaram is a medievalist
and linguist who specializes in the history of the English language. He’s the
co-host of the podcast The Endless Knot
and the main force behind the
Alliterative YouTube channel. Mark...2023-07-1543 min
New Books in FoodStephen Le, "100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today" (Picador, 2016)There are few areas of modern life that are burdened by as much information and advice, often contradictory, as our diet and health: eat a lot of meat, eat no meat; whole-grains are healthy, whole-grains are a disaster; eat everything in moderation; eat only certain foods--and on and on. In 100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today (Picador, 2016), biological anthropologist Stephen Le explains how cuisines of different cultures are a result of centuries of evolution, finely tuned to our biology and surroundings. Today many cultures have strayed from their ancestral diets, relying instead o...2022-09-291h 05
New Books in Medieval HistoryWinston Black, "The Middle Ages: Facts and Fictions" (ABC-CLIO, 2019)Winston Black's new book The Middle Ages: Facts and Fictions (ABC-CLIO, 2019) guides readers through 10 pervasive fictions about medieval history, provides them with the sources and analytical tools to critique those fictions, and identifies what really happened in the Middle Ages.Aven McMaster and Mark Sundaram are historians and the hosts of the excellent podcast The Endless Knot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2019-12-101h 09
New Books in Biology and EvolutionStephen Le, "100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today" (Picador, 2016)There are few areas of modern life that are burdened by as much information and advice, often contradictory, as our diet and health: eat a lot of meat, eat no meat; whole-grains are healthy, whole-grains are a disaster; eat everything in moderation; eat only certain foods--and on and on. In 100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today (Picador, 2016), biological anthropologist Stephen Le explains how cuisines of different cultures are a result of centuries of evolution, finely tuned to our biology and surroundings. Today many cultures have strayed from their ancestral diets, relying instead o...2019-12-031h 05
New Books in MedicineStephen Le, "100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today" (Picador, 2016)There are few areas of modern life that are burdened by as much information and advice, often contradictory, as our diet and health: eat a lot of meat, eat no meat; whole-grains are healthy, whole-grains are a disaster; eat everything in moderation; eat only certain foods--and on and on. In 100 Million Years of Food: What Our Ancestors Ate and Why It Matters Today (Picador, 2016), biological anthropologist Stephen Le explains how cuisines of different cultures are a result of centuries of evolution, finely tuned to our biology and surroundings. Today many cultures have strayed from their ancestral diets, relying instead o...2019-12-031h 05
New Books in MusicRichard F. Thomas, "Why Bob Dylan Matters" (Dey Street, 2017)When the Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Bob Dylan in 2016, a debate raged. Some celebrated, while many others questioned the choice. How could the world’s most prestigious book prize be awarded to a famously cantankerous singer-songwriter who wouldn’t even deign to attend the medal ceremony?In Why Bob Dylan Matters (Dey Street, 2017), Harvard Professor Richard F. Thomas answers this question with magisterial erudition. A world expert on Classical poetry, Thomas was initially ridiculed by his colleagues for teaching a course on Bob Dylan alongside his traditional seminars on Homer, Virgil, and Ovid. Dylan’s Nobel...2019-11-261h 07
Itinera PodcastBonus Episode: Endless Knot at SoundEdu19Enjoy this bonus episode of the Endless Knot with Aven McMaster and Mark Sundaram recorded at Sound Education 2019! Endless Knot: http://www.alliterative.net, https://twitter.com/AllEndlessKnot Aven McMaster: https://twitter.com/AvenSarah Mark Sundaram: https://twitter.com/Alliterative Sound Education: https://www.soundeducation.fm, https://twitter.com/sound_edu Scott Lepisto: https://scottlepisto.com https://twitter.com/ScottLepisto Itinera: https://twitter.com/itinerapod2019-11-1952 min
New Books in Ancient HistoryMike Duncan, "The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic" (PublicAffairs, 2017)The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. Beginning as a small city-state in central Italy, Rome gradually expanded into a wider world filled with petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Through the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably durable and unmatched in the history of the ancient world.In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. But the very success of the Republic proved to be its undoing. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome...2019-11-191h 23
New Books in Italian StudiesMike Duncan, "The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic" (PublicAffairs, 2017)The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. Beginning as a small city-state in central Italy, Rome gradually expanded into a wider world filled with petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Through the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably durable and unmatched in the history of the ancient world.In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. But the very success of the Republic proved to be its undoing. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome...2019-11-191h 23New Books in Ancient HistoryLiz Gloyn, "Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture" (Bloomsbury Academic, 2019)What is it about ancient monsters that popular culture still finds so enthralling? Why do the monsters of antiquity continue to stride across the modern world? In Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture (Bloomsbury Academic, 2019), the first in-depth study of how post-classical societies use the creatures from ancient myth, Liz Gloyn reveals the trends behind how we have used monsters since the 1950s to the present day, and considers why they have remained such a powerful presence in our shared cultural imagination. She presents a new model for interpreting the extraordinary vitality that classical monsters have shown, and their...2019-11-121h 08
New Books in FilmLiz Gloyn, "Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture" (Bloomsbury Academic, 2019)What is it about ancient monsters that popular culture still finds so enthralling? Why do the monsters of antiquity continue to stride across the modern world? In Tracking Classical Monsters in Popular Culture (Bloomsbury Academic, 2019), the first in-depth study of how post-classical societies use the creatures from ancient myth, Liz Gloyn reveals the trends behind how we have used monsters since the 1950s to the present day, and considers why they have remained such a powerful presence in our shared cultural imagination. She presents a new model for interpreting the extraordinary vitality that classical monsters have shown, and their...2019-11-121h 08New Books in Ancient HistoryEmily Wilson, trans., "The Odyssey" (Norton, 2017)The first great adventure story in the Western canon, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty, and power; about marriage and family; about travelers, hospitality, and the yearning for home.In this fresh, authoritative version―the first English translation of The Odyssey by a woman―this stirring tale of shipwrecks, monsters, and magic comes alive in an entirely new way. Written in iambic pentameter verse and a vivid, contemporary idiom, this engrossing translation matches the number of lines in the Greek original, thus striding at Homer’s sprightly pace and singin...2019-11-051h 05
MythTakeEpisode 30: MythTake at the Movies-- AquamanThis episode we head to the movies and apply our mythological skills to the recent release Aquaman (starring Jason Momoa and Amber Heard and Directed by James Wan). Spoiler alerts! PatronsThese people like our show so much, they decided to support us on Patreon! Thank you so much!Aven McMaster & Mark Sundaram (Alliterative); Joelle Barfoot; Erika Dilworth; Stargate Pioneer (Better Podcasting); Dan Lizotte; and Greg Beu.We want to hear from you!Join us on Twitter @InnesAlison and @darrinsunstrum or @MythtakePodcast.Give us a like, let us know what you...2019-01-2856 minMythTakeEpisode 30: MythTake at the Movies-- AquamanThis episode we head to the movies and apply our mythological skills to the recent release Aquaman (starring Jason Momoa and Amber Heard and Directed by James Wan). Spoiler alerts!
Patrons
These people like our show so much, they decided to support us on Patreon! Thank you so much!
Aven McMaster & Mark Sundaram (Alliterative); Joelle Barfoot; Erika Dilworth; Stargate Pioneer (Better Podcasting); Dan Lizotte; and Greg Beu.
We want to hear from you!
Join us on Twitter @InnesAlison and @darrinsunstrum or @MythtakePodcast.
Give us a like, let us know...2019-01-2800 minMythTakeEpisode 29: From the Vault--Crossover Episode with Jeff Wright and Ryan StittIt's New Year's Eve and that means out with the old and in with the new! While cleaning out the MythTake vault, we found this unreleased recording from earlier this year, so we're wrapping it up and giving it to you now.
In the summer of 2018, four intrepid podcasters-- Alison, Darrin, Ryan, and Jeff-- headed off to the Shaw Festival to watch Stephen Fry perform Heroes, the second part of his three-part trilogy Mythos, based on his book by the same name. Then we talked about it. Here is that conversation.
Mythos: A Trilogy--Gods. Heroes. Men...2019-01-0100 minMythTakeEpisode 28: Antigone
This episode is all about Antigone. We discuss a recent local production of Antigone that explores the current cultural significance of the play and explore a variety of themes. We also have a special free give away for our listeners!
Antigone, Adapted and Directed by Mike Griffin
Literature & History Episode 32 Antigone
History of Ancient Greece Episode 51 Sophocles
Patrons
These people like our show so much, they decided to support us on Patreon! Thank you so much!
Aven McMaster & Mark Sundaram (Alliterative); Joelle Barfoot; Eri...2018-12-0900 minMythTakeEpisode 28: Antigone This episode is all about Antigone. We discuss a recent local production of Antigone that explores the current cultural significance of the play and explore a variety of themes. We also have a special free give away for our listeners!Antigone, Adapted and Directed by Mike GriffinLiterature & History Episode 32 AntigoneHistory of Ancient Greece Episode 51 Sophocles PatronsThese people like our show so much, they decided to support us on Patreon! Thank you so much!Aven McMaster & Mark Sundaram (Alliterative); Joelle Barfoot; Erika Dilworth; Sta...2018-12-091h 00MythTakeEpisode 27: A Bard and a HorseWe're back with a full-length episode! For episode 27, we crack open our shiny new copy of Emily Wilson's translation of Odyssey! After a chat about the challenges of accessing myths through translation, we take a look at a small episode that makes up a big part of the Trojan War myth. We hope we do this beautiful translation justice!We also have listener mail from Andrew, who asks us for some reading recommendations. Check out our recommended reading and listening! Source PassagesOdyssey 8. 482- 520 (Trans. Wilson).Translation SourcesHomer. Odyssey. Trans. Emil...2018-01-211h 11MythTakeEpisode 27: A Bard and a Horse
We're back with a full-length episode! For episode 27, we crack open our shiny new copy of Emily Wilson's translation of Odyssey! After a chat about the challenges of accessing myths through translation, we take a look at a small episode that makes up a big part of the Trojan War myth. We hope we do this beautiful translation justice!
We also have listener mail from Andrew, who asks us for some reading recommendations. Check out our recommended reading and listening!
Source Passages
Odyssey 8. 482- 520 (Trans. Wilson).
Translation Sources
Ho...2018-01-2100 min
As We Like ItEpisode 16: Michael Almereyda's Cymbeline
We review Ethan Hawke & Ed Harris's Cymbeline (2014), a movie that wasn't well received when it came out, but may offer interesting insights into the Shakespearean play it adapts. Is it a flat production of a poor play, as many critics said, or a philosophically coherent interpretation of work that offers us surprisingly existential insights into the violence of the modern world? Join Aven, Mark, & John as they work through their reactions to this sometimes perplexing movie.2017-07-261h 03As We Like ItEpisode 15: Charlton Heston's Antony & Cleopatra
We discuss Heston's Antony, how little his Cleopatra gets to say, and the perils of rewording Shakespeare's text. And then we speculate about our dream casting for Antony & Cleopatra: who could be the power couple among current actors? Suggestions welcome!2017-06-2859 minAs We Like ItEpisode 14: Westside Story
We discuss the classic musical adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, and how the music of Bernstein & the lyrics of Sondheim transform Shakespeare's play and its message.2017-05-311h 00As We Like ItEpisode 13: Slings & Arrows, Season 1 (Hamlet)
Aven & Mark introduce John to their favourite tv show about Shakespeare, Slings & Arrows, with Season 1 (2003). They discuss how it casts new light on Hamlet as a play and as a cultural force, its commentary on art and commercialism, Canada/US relations, and our connections to death--all while revelling in its deliciously funny dialogue.Also check out John's writing about Shakespeare and about etymology.2017-04-201h 08As We Like ItEpisode 12: Zeffirelli's Romeo & Juliet
All four co-hosts convene to discuss the classic Zeffirelli version of Romeo & Juliet, with its young co-stars, beautiful architecture, lush scenery and costuming, and evocative score. Jon, Aven, Mark & John elaborate on the cuts to the text, the emphasis on the political threat of the feuding families, the ridiculousness of considering this a love story to be emulated, and the developments in cinematography and editing evident in this iconic movie.2017-03-161h 02
The History of Ancient Greece035 The Ionian RevoltIn this episode, we discuss the events of the Ionian Revolt from the Persian Empire, including the failed Naxos expedition, Miletus' role in the rebellion and its spread throughout the western coast of Asia Minor and Cyprus, the Greek sack of Sardis, the three-pronged Persian counteroffensive in Cyprus, Caria, Ionia, the Hellespont, and the Propontis, the Persian naval victory at Lade, and their subsequent sack of Miletus; the Spartan destruction of Argos at Sepeia; the early life of one of Athens' key political figures for the next four decades, Themistocles; and the internal political happenings of Athens during the 490s BC...2017-03-0657 minAs We Like ItEpisode 11: Kenneth Branagh's Hamlet
After a longer than usual break, we return with a longer than usual movie--and episode! John Kelly joins Aven and Mark to discuss this lavish, star-studded, and unabridged version of Hamlet. What is gained by filming the entire text? How does it enrich our understanding of Hamlet's character -- and does it make us like him more or less? To learn more about John Kelly and his work, visit mashedradish.com.2017-02-011h 23As We Like ItEpisode 10: Orson Welles's Chimes at Midnight
Aven & Mark are joined by a guest host, John Kelly, to discuss Orson Welles's adaptation of several plays into the story of Falstaff. A stylish, moving, and fascinating piece of cinema, it gives us lots to discuss about the plays, the characters, and Welles's personal connection to Falstaff himself. To learn more about John Kelly and his work, visit mashedradish.com.2016-11-031h 12As We Like ItEpisode 9: Verdi & Zeffirelli's Falstaff
We explore some of the history of opera in our discussion of this filmed version of Franco Zeffirelli's production of Verdi's Falstaff at the Metropolitan Opera. A comic romp with some lovely music and lavish staging, the show provides some interesting insights into Shakespeare's Merry Wives of Windsor, on which it's based.2016-10-1757 minAs We Like ItEpisode 8: Kenneth Branagh's Henry V
Join us this month as we watch Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, an excellent adaptation of this history play which proves startlingly relevant in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. His first movie as director, Branagh delivers a sharp and thrilling adaptation of the play.2016-07-0358 minAs We Like ItEpisode 7: River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in My Own Private Idaho
In this episode, Mark, Aven, and Jon watch and discuss Gus Van Sant's 1991 indie classic My Own Private Idaho. A visually stunning and inventive movie, it incorporates the story of Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and Henry V into a tale about love and loss among the gay escorts in the Pacific Northwest.2016-05-241h 00As We Like ItEpisode 6: Michael Fassbender's Macbeth
Join Mark, Aven, and Jon as we watch and discuss the 2015 film version of Macbeth. A visually stunning but very muted film, this movie keeps the time period intact but is presented in a very contemporary manner.2016-04-1953 minAs We Like ItEpisode 5: Akira Kurosawa's Ran
In this episode, Jon, Mark, and Aven watch and discuss Akira Kurosawa's 1985 movie Ran. A fusion of King Lear with Japanese history, Ran is an incredibly intricate, well-made, and bleak movie so rich with detail and reinterpretation that any discussion on it could last well beyond its nearly three-hour running time.2016-03-101h 10As We Like ItEpisode 4: She's the Man
Jon, Aven, and Mark temporarily skip over Ran to watch 2006's She's the Man. This movie takes 10 Things I Hate About You's approach to Twelfth Night, albeit less successfully than 10 Things took on The Taming of the Shrew. 2016-02-191h 04As We Like ItEpisode 3: Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
In this episode, Aven and Mark show Jon one of their favorite movies, Kenneth Branagh's 1993 adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. The movie is by far the most traditional of the three they've watched, and also, the most charming.2015-12-3059 minAs We Like ItEpisode 2: 10 Things I Hate About You
In this episode, Aven and Mark watch one of Jon's favorite movies, 1999's 10 Things I Hate About You, for the first time. A modernized retelling of The Taming of the Shrew, the movie goes out of its way to address a lot of the somewhat problematic moments in the original.2015-11-201h 06As We Like ItEpisode 1: Julie Taymor's The Tempest
In this inaugural episode, Jon, Aven, and Mark discuss their intentions behind the project and why they chose to start with Julie Taymor's 2010 movie The Tempest. 2015-10-311h 07