

Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean
Liv Albert
The most entertaining and enraging stories from 'Classical' mythology (and, often, ancient history of the wider Mediterranean!) told casually, contemporarily, and (more often than not) sarcastically. The world of Greek mythology and the history of the wider ancient Mediterranean is full of wonder, horror, and utter hilarity. These myths and stories are timeless for a reason, they're just as relevant today as they were 2500+ years ago. With over 700 episodes and counting, we dive deep into the realm of gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everything in between. Regular episodes every Tuesday, conversations with authors and scholars or readings of ancient epics every Friday. LTAMB: The Oracle Edition has ad-free episodes and so much more. Learn more about the podcast, and Liv's work, including her book Greek Mythology: the Gods, Goddess, and Heroes Handbook at mythsbaby.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 27, 2024 • 55min
Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Book 2)
Liv reads Quintus Smyrnaeus' The Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. In the only surviving source retelling the end of the Trojan War, Troy reels after the Amazon Penthesilea's death. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/namesAttributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 2024 • 1h 12min
A Full Cast Reading of Emperor Julian’s Symposium of the Caesars
THE SYMPOSIUM OF THE CAESARS. Written by the Roman emperor Julian.Translated from the ancient Greek and directed by Jeremy Swist. Recorded by Jeremy Swist and fellow cast members. Recordings engineered by Christopher Swist at Evenfall Studio in Spofford, New Hampshire, USA. Produced in loving memory of Lawrence P. Swist. Find further details on the production here.DRAMATIS PERSONAE in order of appearance:Jeremy Swist as EMPEROR JULIANLiv Albert as the EMPEROR’S COMPANIONChristopher Polt as SILENUSToph Marshall as APOLLO and HELIOSEmma Pauly as DIONYSUSMarios Koutsoukos as ZEUSAneirin Pendragon as HERMESFiona Radford as LADY JUSTICEKatherine Lu Hsu as HERACLESPeta Greenfield as ROMULUS-QUIRINUSJay Bregman as CRONUSPrincess O’Nika Auguste as POSEIDONLea Niccolai as JULIUS CAESARMeg Finlayson as ALEXANDER THE GREATDraken Garfinkel as OCTAVIAN AUGUSTUSAlberto Quiroga-Puertas as TRAJANMark Masterson as MARCUS AURELIUSCharlotte Naylor Davis as CONSTANTINEDaniel Munn as JESUSSETTINGThe imperial palace of Antioch, on a mid-December evening in the year 362 of the Common Era, the 1,115th year from the founding of Rome. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 22, 2024 • 1h 18min
Conversations: A Bunch of Rulers Sit Down for a Chat, Julian’s Symposium w/ Dr Jeremy Swist
Liv speaks with Dr Jeremy Swist about the emperor Julian, his work, and Jeremy's translation and production of the Symposium of the Caesars, coming out on the next episode of the podcast! Find further details on the production here.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2024 • 40min
But He’s Such a Nice Guy! Ovid’s Ars Amatoria in Mythological Practice
Liv continues the horror that is Ovid's Ars Amatoria by looking at his tips and tricks being utilized in Augustan Imperial Roman epic poetry. It's dark. Be warned. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: This work is horrifying and promotes absurd levels of misogyny and assault, obviously Liv is provided commentary and breaking down the horror, but it's still horrifying.Sources: Toxic Masculinity in the Ancient World (16: "Toxic Manhood Acts and the 'Nice Guy' Phenomenon in Ovid" by Melissa Marturano); Ovid's Ars Amatoria, or the Art of Love translated by Henry T Riley; Ovid's Metamorphoses, translations by Brookes More and Stephanie McCarter. Further reading: Not All Dead White Men by Donna Zuckerberg; Nice Guy, Urban Dictionary.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 2024 • 1h 41min
Conversations: When Ovid Invented Pick-up Artistry, the Ars Amatoria w/ Imogen Briscoe
Imogen Briscoe joins the podcast to discuss Ovid's 'Ars Amatoria,' exploring its role in teaching men how to attract and manipulate women. They delve into the connections between Ovid and modern pick-up artists, discussing the relevance of Ovid's work today. The podcast also examines the controversial views on women in Ovid's writing and his subsequent exile. The speakers speculate on the lost play 'Madea' and examine the themes of femininity, revenge, and masculinity in ancient literature.

Feb 13, 2024 • 34min
He Is Not All That, Pygmalion the Misogynist Mythological Incel
The story of Pygmalion is... so much. Plus, the time a man "fell in love" with a statue. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Sources: Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Stephanie McCarter; Clement of Alexandria, translated by GW Butterworth; The Erotes, attributed to Lucian of Samosata and translated by AM Harmon; for more on the statue.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Book 1)
The podcast discusses the aftermath of Hector's death in Troy, the arrival of Penthesalia and the battle against Achilles. It also explores the slaying of Dresaius and the illusions of Nyobi. The chapter highlights a fierce battle scene, the contemplation of a woman, and the panic and grief following a battle. The host expresses excitement for continuing the book and future plans, while promoting their Patreon and sponsors.

Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 11min
You Can Learn All Greek Myth Has to Offer... & the Father Still Devours His Son
Explore the evolution of Greek myths, from the envy of Kronos to Zeus's redemption. Uncover the battle between Zeus and Kronos, the monstrous creatures in mythology, and the capricious nature of Greek gods. Reflect on misconceptions, realities, and gratitude for the ancient world.

Feb 2, 2024 • 1h 17min
Conversations: Novelizing the *Best* Ancient City-State, Riddles of the Sphinx w/ Meagan Cleveland
Liv is joined by debut author Meagan Cleveland to talk THEBES... And her new YA novel, Riddles of the Sphinx, about Oedipus' underrated daughter/sister, Ismene. Follow Meagan on Instagram. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 30, 2024 • 33min
RE-AIR: Sister, Saviour, Survivor, the Gorgon Medusa
Revisiting one of the most controversial women of myth... Medusa is never just one thing: her history, variations on her story, interpretations... There's a whole wide world of Medusa and this episode attempts to touch upon just a fraction of ancient sources and versions. Monster? Beautiful woman? Survivor? Mother? One of three mortal queens? Medusa is everything. Find the thread of relevant Medusa tweets and responses to them here. Liv has also discussed Medusa on the The Partial Historians podcast, listen here, and Next Door Villain, listen here. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Allen Mandelbaum, Theoi.com, The Medusa Reader edited by Marjorie Garber and Nancy J. Vickers. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Learn more about Liv's next group trip, this time following along with Ariadne's escape from Theseus. Pre-order Liv's new book, The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


