Cost of Glory
Alex Petkas
The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
28 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 52min
117 - Alexander's Sack of Thebes, w/ Victor Davis Hanson
Victor Davis Hanson, American classicist and military historian, reflects on Epaminondas and Thebes. He recounts the dramatic liberation and democratic revolution in 378 BC. He explains the tactical genius at Leuctra and the strategic encirclement of Sparta. He traces Thebes’s fatal gamble against Alexander and draws parallels to modern geopolitical and demographic risks.
64 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 2h 29min
116 - Caesar 3: Divus Julius
A dramatic sweep through Caesar’s return to a fractured Rome and his spectacular triumphs. Discussion of sweeping reforms from land grants to calendar change and massive public works. Tension over succession, the rise of Octavius, and debates about divinity and kingship. A tense recounting of omens, plots, the Battle of Munda, and the conspirators’ violent finale.
81 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
115 - Aristotle, Thiel Fellowship, and Human Greatness w/ Michael Gibson
Michael Gibson, co-founder of the Thiel Fellowship and author of 'Paper Belt on Fire,' explores the intersection of philosophy and entrepreneurship. He discusses Aristotle's influence on character and virtue, emphasizing that intelligence alone isn't enough for greatness. Fascinatingly, he connects Alexander the Great's ambition as a model for modern creators. The conversation also tackles the value of friendship in startups and the importance of evaluating character through action over test scores, offering a fresh perspective on success in the entrepreneurial world.
24 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
114 - Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss
In this lively discussion, military historian Barry Strauss dives into his book, Jews vs. Rome. He reveals how Julius Caesar's patronage influenced Jewish life in the Roman Empire, particularly through Antipater's pivotal rescue of Caesar in Egypt. Barry uncovers the personal ambitions behind Caesar's assassination and Herod's remarkable political maneuvering post-Caesar. He also explores the darker side of Herod's reign, including his brutal executions, and questions the historical plausibility of the 'slaughter of the innocents,' shedding light on Herod's complex character.
44 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
113 - Cato and his Stoicism: w/ Johnathan Bi
Johnathan Bi, a philosophy podcaster and lecturer from the Cosmos Institute, discusses the complex legacy of Stoicism through Cato the Younger. He shares his own journey from embracing Stoicism to exploring other philosophies, revealing Nietzsche's critique of Stoicism as merely a coping mechanism. The conversation dives into Stoic contradictions, Cato’s austere persona, his political clashes with Caesar, and how Stoicism’s appeal persists in modern anxiety. Ultimately, they reflect on Cato's legacy and the moral ambiguities of Stoic ideals.
104 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
112 - The Psychology of Envy and the Fall of Caesar: w/ Rob Henderson
In this engaging conversation, Rob Henderson, an Air Force veteran and psychologist with a PhD from Cambridge, dives into the complexities of envy, drawing parallels from Julius Caesar's assassination to modern dynamics. He explores the distinction between dominance and prestige in social status, explaining how these concepts shape behaviors and relationships. Rob shares insights on the impact of luxury beliefs and the tendency to downplay success. He also discusses the importance of long-form reading in an age dominated by TikTok, emphasizing how biographies can guide and inspire.
74 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 33min
111 - Caesar's Civil War III: Came Saw Conquered
In a gripping exploration of history, the focus turns to Caesar's dramatic shifts from triumph to turmoil. Witness Pompey's assassination and Caesar's grief, alongside Cleopatra’s seductive strategies and her chaotic takeover of power. Experience the intense urban warfare in Alexandria, including the tragic loss of the Great Library. Unpack the masterful psychological tactics during mutinies in Rome and the fierce battles in Africa, where moral dilemmas blur as Caesar confronts his enemies. The saga culminates in epic confrontations that redefine a legacy.
53 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 1h 32min
110 - Caesar's Civil War II: Bloody Pharsalia
Explore the gripping saga of Julius Caesar's Civil War as he faces Pompey's massive army in Greece. Delve into Caesar's revolutionary reforms and the daring challenges of crossing the Adriatic. Witness the tension of the siege at Dyrrhachium and the disastrous defeat that nearly halted his rise. The pivotal Battle of Pharsalus looms, where strategic decisions and loyalty lead to unprecedented bloodshed. Reflect on the profound impact of these moments on the Roman Republic, showcasing how one man's choices can alter the course of history.
82 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 49min
109 - Caesar's Civil War I: Breakdown
Explore the dramatic escalation of the Roman Civil War as Caesar defies the Senate and crosses the Rubicon, marking a pivotal moment in history. Uncover the intriguing political dynamics leading up to this conflict, including shocking defections and strategic retreats. Witness Caesar's military brilliance during the Spanish campaign and the brutal siege of Marseille. Delve into Caesar's personal motivations, revealing a leader shaped by honor and dignity amid escalating chaos and betrayal.
84 snips
May 10, 2025 • 2h 10min
108 - Caesar 2: Law and Nature
Explore the tumultuous rise of Julius Caesar as he navigates Roman politics, forming the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus. Discover his unexpected cooperative approach during his consulship, aimed at aiding veterans and the urban poor. Witness his ambitious military strategies in Gaul, including the dramatic battle against Vercingetorix. The podcast also delves into the philosophical clash of divine beliefs and Epicurean thought, shedding light on how these ideas shape the relentless ambition and complex rivalries leading to civil war.
