Rhiannon Evans And Matt Smith

Shows

Emperors of RomeEpisode CCXXXVI - The Madness of Commodus (Live in Melbourne)To celebrate the 10th year of the Emperors of Rome podcast, Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith convened a screening of the epic movie Gladiator starring Russell Crowe, preceded by a live podcast recording the history and basis of the character Commodus performed by Joaquin Phoenix. Recorded on the 19th October 2024 at the Thornbury Picture House, Melbourne.2025-01-1027 min

Raising StandardsJames Purefoy and Kevin McKidd interviewIn the final episode of Raising Standards we speak to James Purefoy (Mark Antony) and Kevin McKidd (Lucius Vorenus). Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2024-05-2548 min

Raising Standards2.10: De Patre Vostro (About Your Father)Antony and Cleopatra are the ultimate livers, Octavian Caesar has his triumph in Rome, and Vorenus and Pullo reunite for the final time. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2024-03-1547 min

Raising StandardsBruno Heller interviewIn this interview we speak to Bruno Heller, the creator, main writer and show runner of HBO's Rome. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2024-01-1128 min

Raising StandardsAlice Henley interviewIn this interview we speak to Alice Henley who portrayed Livia, about stepping in to a well established cast in what was one her first roles on television. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2023-09-0919 min

Raising Standards2.09: Deus Impeditio Esuritori NullusOctavian and Antony get in a tussle over the grain supply, Atia and Octavia get the cold shoulder in a hot climate, and Vorenus plays ball, Pullo deals with the people, Posca is the MVP, and there are at least five slaps in the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2023-07-1244 min

Raising Standards2.08: A Necessary Fiction (with Carl Franklin and Todd Ellis Kessler)Octavian pushes back against promiscuity and the tenuous alliance with Mark Antony finally unravels, over both women and money. Both Vorenus and Pullo lose everything they hold dear, and the stage is finally set for a showdown in Alexandria. With special guests Carl Franklin (Director) and Todd Ellis Kessler (Writer). Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2023-05-081h 24

Raising Standards2.07: Death MaskServilia takes out a final curse on Atia, Timon struggles between faith and family, and Pullo’s love life becomes significantly more complicated. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2023-03-1046 min

Raising Standards2.06: PhilippiThe triumvirate is formed, Vorenus and Pullo get their hands very dirty, Cicero pays the ultimate price for his rhetoric, and Brutus and Cassius make the final stand of the Roman republic with an actual battle scene. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2023-01-2354 min

Raising StandardsCoral Amiga interviewIn this interview we speak to Coral Amiga, who portrayed Vorena the Elder, daughter of Vorenus. Across two seasons she gave viewers an excellent insight into the at times brutal life of a plebeian child in Rome. As you'd expect - spoiler warnings for the rest of season two. Enjoy! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-12-1325 min

Raising Standards2.05: Heroes of the RepublicOctavian becomes both consul and a problem for the senate, Vorenus settles down to a life of familial bliss, and Antony grows one heck of a beard. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-10-2742 min

Raising Standards2.04: Testudo et Lepus (with Todd Ellis Kessler)Vorenus goes in search of his enslaved children, Timon has a change of heart and character, Octavian levels up, and Atia and Servilia escalate their feud. We are also joined by special guest Todd Ellis Kessler, writer of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-08-091h 13

Raising Standards2.03: These Being the Words of Marcus Tullius Cicero (with Alan Poul)Vorenus begins gang warfare in the Aventine, Servilia steps up her feud with Atia, Cicero makes a stand the only way he knows how, and Antony violates a household plant. We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-06-2159 min

Raising Standards2.02: Son of HadesAntony becomes disgruntled with the tedious administrative duties of running an Empire. Cleopatra makes an unexpected appearance, pushing for the legitimacy of her son by Caesar, and Vorenus embarks upon his latest career path as a crime boss of the Aventine. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-05-1248 min

Raising StandardsLorcan Cranitch interviewIn this interview we speak to Lorcan Cranitch, who portrayed crime boss of the Aventine Erastes Fulmen. Lorcan has had a long acting career both on and off the screen, he had a long run on The Bill and more recently the BBC series Bloodlands, There’s a slight spoiler warning for season 2 episode 2 of Rome, but otherwise enjoy. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-03-1524 min

Raising Standards2.01: PassoverCaesar is dead and gets cremated, Niobe is dead and gets cremated, and the political machinations of Rome continue... Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2022-02-1252 min

Raising StandardsSeason One Wrap-UpRhiannon Evans and Matt Smith take a fond look at the first season HBO's Rome.2021-12-0245 min

Raising Standards1.12: Kalends of FebruaryLucius Vorenus and Niobe finally get some semblance of happiness before it is cruelly snatched away from them, Julius Caesar finally gets some semblance of happiness before it is cruelly snatched away from him, and Titus Pullo finally gets some semblance of happiness. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-10-1354 min

Raising StandardsRay Stevenson interviewIn this interview we speak to Legionary Pullo himself, Ray Stevenson. Ray’s performance as Pullo was the heart of Rome, and he bought a loveable roguish every-man quality to the role while at the same time isn’t someone that I’d want to mess with. In the years since Rome he’s become famous as friend of Thor Volstag in the Marvel films and appeared in major roles in the television shows Vikings and Black Sails. He spoke to us recently from Bulgaria where he’s shooting a new film. Raising Standards, an occasional...2021-09-1430 min

Raising Standards1.11: The SpoilsLucius Vorenus begins his new job as a politician but is caught up in a disagreement between Caesar and his veterans. Titus Pullo continues his downward spiral, and Brutus begins to question his allegiance to Caesar. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-09-0549 min

Raising Standards1.10: Triumph (with Adrian Hodges)Caesar is proclaimed dictator by the senate and rewarded with a triumph for his successful conquest of Gaul. Brutus receives an insult from Caesar that drives him to side with Cassius. Pullo decides to retire to the countryside, Vorenus prepares for his new position in politics, and Servilia plots her revenge There is also a special interview with episode writer Adrian Hodges. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-08-211h 07

Raising Standards1.09: UticaCaesar returns to Rome and plans his triumph. Servilia pushes forward her plans with Octavia, forcing Atia to retaliate. Cato and Scipio commit suicide bringing an end to the civil war, and Vorenus and Pullo attempt to settle back into society in the fat old bitch herself. And by that, we mean Rome. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-08-0543 min

Raising StandardsWilliam J MacDonald interviewWilliam J MacDonald is one of the creators and executive producers of Rome, and in this wide ranging chat he talks about how the show came about, how the plot could have been very different, and what would have happened if the show hadn’t been cancelled. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-07-2934 min

Raising Standards1.08: CaesarionCaesar pursues Pompey to Egypt only to find Alexandria embroiled in a dynastic dispute between the boy prince Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra. He installs Cleopatra on the throne, resulting in a prolonged siege. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-07-1543 min

Raising Standards1.07: Pharsalus (with Ken Cranham)Vorenus and Pullo are shipwrecked on an island, Caesar and Pompey fight it off offscreen, and the beginning of a relationship between Servilia and Octavia. There is also a special interview with Ken Cranham, who played Pompey. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2021-07-0851 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode CLXII - Anthology of Interest IIIRhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport, Gillian Shepherd and Matt Smith each share three items of Roman interest for three minutes! You will hear: - Silius Italicus and his unbearable bunion - Pomponius Mela and the wonders of the Nile - Snarky soldiers at the Vindolanda fort - Legacy hunters and the jewels of Matidia - Unusual dedications to the gods - Early sources for the great fire of Rome - The effectiveness of Roman concrete - How Rome dealt with mass burial of the poor - Sea monsters ...2021-03-311h 03

Raising Standards1.06: Egeria (with Alan Poul)Mark Antony considers throwing in with Pompey before he packs his bags, follows Caesar and leaves Rome. Vorenus rekindles his romance with Niobe before he packs up his bag, raises his standard and leaves Rome. Octavian becomes a real man before he puts on his toga, packs up his bag and leaves Rome. We are also joined by special guest Alan Poul, director of the episode. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-11-031h 04

Raising Standards1.05: The Ram Has Touched the Wall (with Parvez Qadir)Lucius Vorenus has a setback in his new career when all his slaves die of the flux. After a brief crisis of identity he re-enlists in the 13th legion. Octavian helps Titus Pullo investigate his suspicions. Attia engages in some light public vandalism. Servilia engages in some light public cursing. Caesar chases Pompey out of Italy. We are also joined by special guest Parvez Qadir, who plays the role of Tanjit. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-09-1546 min

Raising Standards1.04: Stealing From Saturn (with Julian Farino)Caesar receives a dictator's welcome as he enters Roman society and seeks approval of the auspices. Vorenus has a party and an offering as he enters civilian life. Pullo throws his newfound wealth around. We are also joined by special guest Julian Farino, director of this episode of Rome. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-08-1255 min

Raising StandardsLee Boardman interviewLee Boardman played the Timon across two seasons of Rome, a character who grew in more prominence and bought some much needed diversity to the ethnic melting pot of the Roman Empire. Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-07-2131 min

Raising Standards1.03: An Owl in a ThornbushVorenus and Pullo deliver Caesar's demands to the senate, Attia makes the most of Caesar's impending arrival, and Pompey makes a strategic departure from Rome! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-07-0356 min

Emperors of Rome1.01: The Stolen EagleWill Vorenus and Pullo recover Caesar's stolen standard? Will anyone explain why Octavian needs to go to Gaul? Find out in the inaugural episode of Raising Standards, a true rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome for true Romans! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-05-231h 06

Raising Standards1.02: How Titus Pullo Brought Down the RepublicCaesar crosses the Rubicon, Mark Antony becomes the Tribune of the Plebs, and Pullo, somehow, gets the blame for bringing down the Roman republic! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-05-231h 02

Emperors of RomePodcast Announcement - Raising StandardsRhiannon Evans and Matt Smith have started Raising Standards, An occasional rewatch podcast of HBO’s Rome. Available now from all good podcatching services.2020-05-2300 min

Raising StandardsIan McNeice interviewIan McNeice played the Newsreader in Rome, a character who bought both a flourish and much needed exposition to the Roman forum!2020-05-0819 min

Raising Standards1.01: The Stolen EagleWill Vorenus and Pullo recover Caesar's stolen standard? Will anyone explain why Octavian needs to go to Gaul? Find out in the inaugural episode of Raising Standards, a true rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome for true Romans! Raising Standards, an occasional rewatch podcast of HBO's Rome, hosted by Rhiannon Evans and Matt Smith of the Emperors of Rome podcast.2020-05-081h 06

Emperors of RomeEpisode CXXXIII - Anthology of Interest IIRhiannon Evans, Caillan Davenport and Matt Smith each share three Roman topics of interest for three minutes! You will hear: - Scaurus and the marble columns - The 206 fragments of the Portland Vase - The paranoia of Emperor Claudius - The Roman perception of Ireland (featuring exploding sheep) - The vanity of the Alexander the Sophist - An early example of chemical warfare - Living it rough with Seneca - Goldflake and Innocence - The nazi fascination with Tacitus' Germania Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and...2020-01-1434 min

Emperors of RomeInterlude - The Bronze Head of AugustusOne of the treasures of the British Museum collection is a bronze head of Augustus. Matt Smith is introduced by Dr Lily Withycombe, a curator from the National Museum of Australia.2016-12-2013 min

Emperors of RomeInterlude - Q and A IIIn which listeners provide well-composed and thoughtful questions on topics of Rome, Matt Smith butchers all the names he reads out, and Rhiannon Evans provides the answers!2016-03-2221 min

BiographySpartacus 3: The Death and Legacy of SpartacusCornered in the toe of Italy, Spartacus and his followers make their final stand. They may lose the battle to Crassus, but thousands of years later it is Spartacus who is remembered. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University)2015-10-2000 min

BiographySpartacus 2: Spartacus and the Third Servile WarSpartacus escapes from the gladiatoral schools but isn't perceived of as a threat and has little plans on what to do next. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) discusses how becoming a movement is taken out of his hands. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University)2015-10-0600 min

BiographySpartacus 1: Spartacus the GladiatorWho exactly is Spartacus? many of the sources are fragmentary, and provide little insight into the motives of the slave gladiator turned rebellious legend. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) explores the early years of Spartacus. Guest: Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University)2015-09-2200 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode XV - The Assassination of CaligulaCaligula's erratic rule has led to a fast erosion in popularity and support, and rumours of assassination come to head just four short years after he becomes emperor. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at downfall of this hated ruler of Rome.2015-01-1913 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode XIV - The Madness of CaligulaCaligula is best known for his erratic and tyrannical behaviour, but were his reactions a result of deviance or madness? Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the literary sources on Caligula and the wrongs that they accuse him of.2015-01-1112 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode XIII - The Rule of CaligulaWhen Caligula became emperor there was a lot of expectations after the disappointing neglect of Tiberius. But for an emperor with such a short time in power he had a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith discuss the promising beginning of the reign of Caligula.2015-01-0515 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode XII - Tiberius the Gloomiest of MenTiberius has withdrawn to a life of seclusion on the island of Capri, and while he’s there he loses control of both Rome and his reputation. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the downfall of Tiberius, his trashed reputation, and the scheme of Sejanus.2014-12-2217 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode XI - Tiberius the Reluctant EmperorTiberius became emperor of Rome at the relatively advanced age of 55. He was well-known as a military commander and was popular with the soldiers, but history portrays him as a reluctant leader. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith discuss the reality of Tiberius.2014-12-1517 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode X - The Augustan SuccessionAfter a lengthy reign of 41 years the Emperor Augustus needs to designate his successor, and after a number of candidates die young he is left with limited options. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Augustus' succession problem and how he secures his legacy.2014-12-0811 min

Emperors of RomeInterlude - Pax RomanaPax Romana - the 'Roman peace' was a long period of relative peace experienced by the Roman Empire, and is said to have been established during the rule of Augustus. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the contemporary views of peace and how Augustus used it to his advantage.2014-12-0206 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode IX - Augustan RomeDuring Augustus’ time as emperor he had a lasting impact on Rome, during which culture thrived and there was extensive building projects. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Augustan Rome’s good and bad - from culture to censorship.2014-11-2416 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode VIII - The Augustan RevolutionAugustus was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first emperor, and after the tumultuous rule of Caesar he enjoyed a long reign. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at how he came to power and whether he was a man of war or peace.2014-11-1416 min

Emperors of RomeInterlude - What is an Emperor?What does the word 'emperor' mean and who can it be applied to in Rome's history? Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at what the emperors called themselves in antiquity, and why the title doesn't apply to Julius Caesar.2014-10-1507 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode VII - The Legacy of CaesarFor someone who had power for a short amount of time, Caesar’s impact is undeniable. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at the impact of Julius Caesar – the veneration, the public works in his name, and the attempts of emperors to style themselves in his image.2014-06-2314 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode VI - The Death of CaesarBetween winning the civil war and holding power, Caesar's won the support of the people of Rome, but gains more than one enemy in the Roman Senate. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Caesar's great downfall.2014-06-1013 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode V - Caesar and Civil WarJulius Caesar turns his eyes on a greater prize - the Roman Empire itself. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Lecture in Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University and host Matt Smith discuss Caesar’s civil war, and the resistance within the Senate.2014-05-2613 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode IV - Caesar's TriumphWith Gaul and the Germanic tribes conquered and the borders of the Roman Empire expanded, Julius Caesar returns to Rome, hailed as a heroic conqueror. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University), Sarah Midford (Lecturer and PhD student in Classics, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Caesar's triumphal procession.2014-05-1215 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode III - Caesar and GaulCaesar eyes the territory to the east, inhabited by hoards of Gauls, and sees a chance to push forward his military career. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith cover Caesar's conquest of Gaul, and his use of writing to push his agenda.2014-05-0115 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode II - Caesar the PoliticianCaesar reaches the age where he can enter politics, but quickly finds that the rules don’t suit him. Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith look at Caesar's time as a politician, and a tenuous alliance called the Triumvir.2014-04-1015 min

Emperors of RomeEpisode I - The Early Years of CaesarHow do Caesar’s formative years shape his decisions in years to come and impact on the Roman Empire? Dr Rhiannon Evans (Ancient Mediterranean Studies, La Trobe University) and host Matt Smith discuss what we know about Caesar’s early life, his entry into the military and his encounter with pirates.2014-03-2812 min