Episodes

  • Episode 18: Imperial Image: The Power of Propaganda
    Nov 22 2024

    We're back! In this episode Mr Burns and Mrs Greenbury discuss the power of the first Roman emperor's propaganda, and how it won him control of the world. We compare it to modern political propaganda, with an emphasis on the recent US elections. The parallels are uncanny...

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    53 mins
  • Episode 16: Aeneid Book 4 - Part 1
    Oct 14 2024

    Welcome to the best book of poetry by the best (literate) poet. Here Mr Burns and Mr Feeney go completely mad for Virgil in everyone's favourite: Aeneid Book 4. This is the book that's made more people love Classics than any other. It's so great that we will have to do it in two parts. Enjoy.

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    44 mins
  • Episode 15: Imperial Image - Part 2
    Oct 3 2024

    In this episode we discuss what the consequences of crossing the Rubicon were for Caesar. We look at what led to possibly one of the most dramatic political events in European history - the Ides of March.

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    28 mins
  • Episode 14: Imperial Image
    Sep 25 2024

    In this episode Nick and Peter discuss Rome's journey from monarchy to republic to empire. Brutus, Julius Caesar, Hannibal, Pompey, Crassus, Marius and Sulla...the illustrious names from Rome's history are at the forefront of Rome's fascinating, and often brutal, journey to supremacy.

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    50 mins
  • Episode 13: Aeneid 2
    Jul 5 2024

    In this episode Mr Burns and Mr Feeney discuss book 2 of the Aeneid in an episode aimed at A Level students studying the poem. We discuss the subtleties of Virgil's characterisation of Trojans and Greeks, as well as the subtleties of some of Virgil's Latin. Battle lines are drawn over the character of Aeneas himself - is he a hero we can admire? Have a listen to find out.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 12: Films Part 2
    Jun 21 2024

    In this second part of our films epic Mr Bull returns with more opinions! We discuss 300 and its links to the Vietnam War, and the much anticipated Gladiator 2. Which features of classical films make classics teachers dissolve into a pile of rage? Have a listen to find out.

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    33 mins
  • Episode 11: Films Part 1
    Jun 10 2024

    In this week's episode we have the inimitable Mr Bull as our special guest! Mr Feeney and Mr Burns quiz him about classically-themed films. We discuss Gladiator, Troy, and even Carry on Cleo (for our older listeners). Mr Burns and Mr Feeney argue about Troy, and Mr Bull reveals how he swore a vow and nearly crashed his car. This is the first part of a pair of episodes - it turns out we all have much more to say than can be fit into one school lunchtime.

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    38 mins
  • Episode 10: Aeneid 1
    May 27 2024

    In this episode Mr Feeney returns from the underworld! We look closely at book 1 of the Aeneid, exploring the themes and incidents of Virgil's magnificent opening. What does it mean to be a hero? Is Aeneas actually Jesus? Why is not everything as it seems? All these questions and more answered for A Level students and anyone with an interest.

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    53 mins