Books of Titans Podcast

A lively dive into Thales of Miletus and his role in shifting from myth-based to natural explanations. Discussion covers his claim that water is the primary principle, his ideas about souls and animism, and famous anecdotes that humanize the thinker. Practical links to his math, geometry, and navigation achievements round out the conversation.

A deep dive into Heraclitus' notion of logos as the cosmic order, linking it to fire, flux, and nature's speech. The etymology and many senses of logos are explored, including ties to Plato, Stoics, and early Christian use in John. The conversation traces logos as a unifying relation that underlies change and surveys its long intellectual afterlife.

A dive into Heraclitus: his mysterious life, odd anecdotes, and why he earned the nickname "the Obscure." Short surviving fragments are traced back through later writers and early church fathers. Core themes explored include perpetual flux, fire as the world principle, and the idea of the logos as cosmic order.

A year-start ritual of reading the Bible straight through sparks reflections on Exodus as a personal journey. He traces links between Scripture and older myths like Gilgamesh and Babylonian tales. Different Bible editions and reading methods get compared. Recurring motifs include diaspora, angels, law as heavenly pattern, care for the vulnerable, and standout books like Deuteronomy and Ecclesiastes.

A reading progress update covering several New Testament books and what stood out during the read-through. Discussion of a striking Golden Rule translation and recurring promises about hidden things being revealed. Notes on Hades and Greek influences, comparisons among the four Gospels, and memorable moments like Joseph of Arimathea and Paul’s speeches and miracles. Plans for continued yearly straight-through Bible reading.

Weekly progress through Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles. Reflections on prayer, Gabriel, and moments of divine intervention. Exploration of Persian rulers enabling the return and rebuilding. Notes on temple imagery, cherubim, and the duties of kings and leaders. Thoughts on repentance, prayer toward the temple, and reading pace to finish the New Testament.

A musician recounts learning and playing Hadestown and how the soundtrack hooked him. He traces Greek myth roots like Orpheus, Persephone and the Fates. The musical’s creative twists are highlighted, including Eurydice’s choice and Hades as an industrial underworld. Connections to biblical stories and the songwriter’s process round out the exploration.

A reflective read-through update covering Psalms, Proverbs, Job and more. Brief looks at themes like comfort, idolatry, divine questioning, and cosmic imagery. Discussion of Ruth and Esther’s moral and political choices. Notes on Daniel’s training and the idea of an everlasting kingdom.

Here’s episode 4 covering my 2026 read-through of the Bible. I talk about the ideas that have stuck out to me while reading the books of Ezekiel, the 12 Minor Prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi), and the Psalms. I also highlight some overarching themes so far from this reading.Show Notes:Purchase The Intertextual Tanakh from Landmark Booksellers.Dr. Jason Staples’ Suggested Bible Reading Order (start at the 1hr 16 minute mark) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe

Here’s episode 3 covering my 2026 read-through of the Bible. I talk about the ideas that have stuck out to me while reading the books of Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. I also highlight some overarching themes so far from this reading.Show Notes:Purchase The Intertextual Tanakh from Landmark Booksellers.Dr. Jason Staples’ Suggested Bible Reading Order (start at the 1hr 16 minute mark) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.booksoftitans.com/subscribe