Category: Interviews

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 6 – Ben and Victor Review 300

Before we get started, please say a prayer for former Duke quarterback Thomas Sirk. His family is going through a tough time at the moment and they need your support.

In our first movie review episode, our old friend Victor Lamas stops by to give us his thoughts on the Zack Snyder epic 300. It takes us a while to say “This is Sparta!” but we get there. Eventually.

During the review, we cover a lot of topics in this review including the miscasting of Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty from The Wire) as Theron as opposed to a soldier, coin the term “McNulty Subplot”, cover what the film got right and scratch our heads over why Hollywood feels the need to add ahistorical events to what are already awesome stories. We (read Victor) also provide a good historical backdrop on why the Persians and Spartans were fighting in the first place. Another topic we cover is how Zack Snyder did the Persians dirty in this movie – the portrayal of the Persians was just awful (albeit not as bad as in the sequel which is just flaming garbage). Seriously, Snyder dropped the ball here and could’ve been much less jingoistic in his portrayal of the Spartans compared to the Persians. This is especially true given that the Spartans were no lovers of freedom which we fully discuss.

If you want to read more about the 300 and The Battle of Thermopylae, read Gates of Fire and Herodotus’ account of it. Those are very, very good.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 5 – Dr. Amy Pistone on Sports in Ancient Greece

Dr. Amy Pistone from basketball powerhouse Gonzaga stopped by to talk about sports in Ancient Greece. Before we delve into Antiquity, we cover Dr. Pistone’s background, her ties to new ACC member Cal, her career as a football and basketball official and her experience running marathons. As you might guess, we take a number of sidequests including one about The Aeneid. If you’re bothered by our detours, remember that the name of the podcast includes “SIDEQUEST”, so, let me just say, “Sorry, not sorry.” In all seriousness, this was a lot of fun.

In regard to Ancient Greek sports specifically, we cover how ancient Greeks competed in the Olympics in the nude and learn that women weren’t allowed to participate in the Olympic Games with the exception of owning horses in carriage races. Women did have separate games they could participate in, however. The Greeks also had a form of MMA.

Given Dr. Pistone’s connections The ACC, I’m cross-posting this on the Bull City Coordinators podcast. So, let me just say, as always, Go Duke!

Returning to Classical Antiquity, if you want to learn more about Dr. Pistone’s work, check out her website which includes links to a lot of other podcasts she’s been on. Those are very informative and I recommend them to you.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 4 – Dr. Gerrish on Augustus (and a lot more)

Our friend Dr. Gerrish stopped by the podcast to discuss the first Roman Emperor (or Princeps, if you will), Augustus. We cover how he managed to seize (and consolidate) power and overcome his rivals, the different names he went by, his legacy as an administrator and the importance of his First Lieutenant, Marcus Agrippa. We also discuss whether Augustus could be considered a tyrant and spend a good deal of time talking about two Roman TV shows – the BBC production of “I, Claudius” and HBO’s “Rome“.

Oh, and we unravel a mystery about Dido, the legendary Carthaginian queen who features prominently in The Aeneid. This is brilliant scholarship, folks! (At least I think it is. I wouldn’t necessarily say everyone else would agree.)

If that weren’t enough, we take a few sidequests into some serious nerd stuff. I’m talking Star Trek: TOS, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, the brilliance of DS9, the unequaled evil that is Gul Dukat and, of course, Fringe. After noting the Marcus Aurelius quote in one episode of the series, I detour into one of the greatest episodes of television episode ever – Fringe’s White Tulip. I can’t explain any part of the plot because it would give away too much.

To get better educated on the time period, check out The Roman Revolution, a book detailing the final years of the Roman Republic. To get better educated on “I, Claudius”, check out “I, Podius“, a podcast hosted by John Hodgman and Elliott Kalan. Give it a listen. It gets stronger as it goes on, much like the show it’s about.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Interview – Robert Brickey Talks Duke Basketball

Our good friend Robert Brickey stopped by the podcast to recap Year Two of the Scheyer Era. In addition to the Elite Eight run, we discuss the changing landscape of college athletics, what Duke did during the portal this offseason and what to expect from the Blue Devils next season. We also cover how well Coach Scheyer managed injuries and a roster that was missing a few key pieces. Our conclusion? Duke fans should be excited about the program under Coach Scheyer.

If that weren’t enough, you get to hear me talk about my son’s high school lacrosse team! They came up just short in the state championship game and while we all would’ve loved to see the guys win, this was a great season all the way around. So, great season, son!

This is yet another fun talk with a Blue Devil legend. I know you’ll enjoy it.

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode.

Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments, on Mastodon, on Reddit, on Post, on Instagram, Spoutible, Bluesky or on Twitter.

As always, Go Duke!

Interview – Conor O’Neill Talks Duke and Wake

NOTE – The day after we recorded this, Mike Wright committed to Northwestern. Two days afterwards, Sion James committed to Duke. Just ignore those parts of the podcast. Be super attentive to everything else, though.

Our old friend Conor O’Neill stopped by to give us his thoughts on Wake Forest and Duke as the programs head into 2024. Conor covers both programs for Rivals. He’s got a good thing going over at Devils Illustrated – sign up, folks!

Before talking football, we took a few minutes to discuss the legacy of one of the greatest recording engineers (also known as a record producer) in music history, Steve Albini, who, sadly, passed away recently. He was a member of influential industrial rock bands like Big Black and Shellac. Albini’s career as prominent independent musician gave him an opportunity to start recording for other bands and he made the most of it. During his legendary career, Albini worked with a wide variety of bands including the Pixies, Nirvana, The Breeders, The Jesus Lizard, PJ Harvey and Man or Astro-man?. The story behind the initial recording of Nirvana’s In Utero is worth the time to read about. I enjoyed Albini’s sound as a young kid living in a fairly boring town. RIP, man. RIP.

After discussing what the Deacs can expect, we spend some time talking the Duke QB battle and how we shouldn’t overlook what Grayson Loftis might be able to do if he gets a shot. While we’re both high on Maalik Murphy, it’s hard not to think that Loftis might be able to make a name for himself in Durham. Oh, and Murphy has a canon for an arm and will showcase it as the Blue Devils will run a variation of the Air Raid. All right, all right, all right!

Conor and I also discuss the portal, NIL and how the NCAA needs to let schools employ athletes. And we get into a little basketball, too!

This is another good talk with a guy who is close to the program. I know you’ll enjoy it.

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode.

Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments, on Mastodon, on Reddit, on Post, on Instagram, Spoutible, Bluesky or on Twitter.

As always, Go Duke!

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 3 – Scotland, the Romans and Walls

Our third sidequest takes us to Roman Scotland, or “Barbaricum” (The Land of the Barbarians) as it was known back in Antiquity. Dr. Andrew Tibbs is our guide on this quest. During our interview, we discuss the Roman invasions of Scotland, the native tribes, the incomplete historical narrative we have and the famous walls the Romans constructed. We also discuss how the Romans and the Scots interacted with another another. And, so you know, it turns out that archeology is critical to understanding Roman Scotland. So, if you want to become an expert, you’ll need to turn into Indiana Jones. Plus, I make a reference to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance!

Dr. Tibbs has written a number of books on Roman Scotland which you can find here. He also runs the popular Roman Scotland account on Twitter. Follow him there to learn more about an underappreciated historical era. You can also monitor his Academia page to keep up with his scholarly work.

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Interview – Matthew Reviews and Previews ACC Football

Our old friend Matthew from All Sports Discussion stopped by to recap the 2023 ACC football season and give his thoughts on the upcoming season. During our 50 plus minute talk, we cover the disappointments of 2023 (beyond The Snub, we mention UNC and Miami), the bright side of last season (looking at you, Virginia Tech) and what to expect from our beloved conference this year. While the Hoos could be looking at hiring a new coach if things don’t go well in Charlottesville, the Hokies look primed to be this year’s Louisville as a result of winning the schedule lottery. All things considered, this could be a fun year for The ACC (while it still exists).

Oh, and we talk Conference Restructuring for a little bit because of course we did. Also, my audio was a little off. I got a new set of headphones and apparently didn’t select the input properly. It happens.

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode.

Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments, on Mastodon, on Reddit, on Post, on Instagram, Spoutible, Bluesky or on Twitter.

As always, Go Duke!

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 2 – Belisarius and the Byzantines

Listen here.

Our second sidequest takes us to the “Byzantine” Empire and the attempt by Justinian to restore the Empire to its lost glory. Dr. David Parnell, professor at Indiana University NW and author of Belisarius & Antonia, stops by to discuss one of Late Antiquity’s greatest generals, Belisarius. During our almost hour-long interview, we discuss how we got saddled with the term “Byzantine Empire”, Belisarius’ career and the times in which he lived. Turns out his wife, Antonina, was a pretty big deal in her own right. I hope my wife doesn’t read this and remind me how important a wife can be.

We also discuss Procopius, the famed historian of the Jusitinian era. He wrote two important texts which serve as major sources in understanding that historical era. The first one is History of the Wars and the second one is The Secret History. We cover those texts and get into theories about how the later came to be. And, hey, we also talk about the Epic History project on Belisarius which Dr. Parnell was involved in.

Having just finished Dr. Parnell’s book, I would strongly recommend that you pick up a copy. If you want to read more of his works, you can find them here:

https://iun.academia.edu/DavidParnell

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Parnell-2

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Classical Antiquity Sidequest 1 – Alexander the Great with Victor Lamas

Listen here.

We’re kicking off the Classical Antiquity Sidequest podcast with an episode about the ultimate historical figure from Antiquity – Alexander the Great! My friend Victor Lamas stopped by the podcast to talk about one of the most studied and most influential historical figures. Topics of discussion include how Alexander conquered the Persian Empire, his skill on the battlefield (the dude never lost a battle!), his successes as a diplomat and the movies that have been made about Alexander. We also delve into a sidequest about the 1970 masterpiece Waterloo. Highly recommend that to all. I think it’s on YouTube.

In addition to talking to about Alexander, we discuss Phillip of Macedon, Alexander’s father. He’s a very important historical figure who set the stage for Alexander to succeed and is worthy of your time and attention.

For further reading on Alexander the Great, check out the following –

Generalship of Alexander the Great

The Nature of Alexander

Alexander of Macedon

On the opening theme music, for now it’s from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/folk-round
License code: SHTJJRTVTRXQAID1

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode. Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments or on Twitter.

And never forget that The Classical Antiquity Sidequest is a podcast without end.

Interview – Luke DeCock

Listen here.

News & Observer columnist Luke DeCock stopped by the pod to talk about the problems facing The ACC. Looking at you, former Big East teams and FSU. We also discuss the “legally interesting” (which is a kind way of saying “dubious”) lawsuit filed by FSU against The ACC. Having read FSU’s most recent Complaint, I don’t think very highly of it. I had initially planned on doing a more detailed discussion of it, but that would be a waste of time. Which is pretty much what that lawsuit looks like to me. But I’ve been wrong before and I’ll be wrong again.

Luke also discussed the future of The ACC and how we got into this mess. This involves a hopefully interesting discussion about the pros and cons of Notre Dame’s involvement with the conference. We also both comment on how we don’t see an exit strategy for FSU. If another conference wanted the Noles, the TV overlords would’ve moved the school by now. Also, and this should be obvious, the TV partners running college football want a strong Grant of Rights. They don’t want GoRs to be found unenforceable. The TV deals just won’t work if member schools can invalidate them. Just sayin’!

Please call the pod (540-632-0160), leave a message and you’ll get in an episode.

Let me know what you think about what we think in the comments, on Mastodon, on Reddit, on Post, on Instagram, Spoutible, Bluesky or on Twitter.

As always, Go Duke!