Best Cats Cradles Podcasts (2024)

1
Cat's in the Cradle - Harry Chapin 1:18:10

4h ago1:18:10

1:18:10

See, you thought it was "Summer of Sun," but it's an audio medium so we could have just as easily been saying "Summer of SON" this whole time! Covers by: Johnny Cash, Ugly Kid Hoe, The Beatlesons, Marty Dread, #90s Update, Ebony Buckle Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Petra: Ancient Wonder of the World 44:51

1h ago44:51

44:51

Despite being one of the most visited historic spots on the planet today, Petra was once a so-called ‘lost city,’ hidden from western eyes in a vast desert landscape for hundreds of years. What is the story of this rose-red ancient city and its inhabitants? The powerful Nabataean civilisation who built Petra more than two thousand years ago, but re…

1
The Sirens 39:58

10h ago39:58

39:58

The word 'Sirens' conjures up many images, possibly of beautiful mermaid-like creatures luring sailors to their watery deaths. These ancient Greek mythical creatures, linked to the Queen of the Underworld Persephone, feature in well known myths such as Jason and the Argonauts and Homer’s story of Odysseus - The Odyssey. But their popular modern por…

1
Heroic Chord Publishing Announcement! 2:35

7h ago2:35

2:35

That’s right, our friends at Evil Hat are going to be publishing Rangers of a Broken World, and you can get in on the open playtest by going to Evil Hat's WebsiteBy Cat

51
Origins of Beer 44:40

3d ago44:40

44:40

It's one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. But did you know that beer is also one of the world's oldest beverages, with a history that stretches back more than 10,000 years. Beer was the beverage of choice for a whole host of ancient Bronze Age civilisations arrayed across Mesopotamia. But why did cities like Babylon and Uruk becom…

1
Walking on Sunshine - Katrina & The Waves 1:31:35

7d ago1:31:35

1:31:35

We talk about a lot of things this week, and some of those things are even related to the song! Covers by: Reddbone ft. Rhonda, Dolly Parton, Baron Zen, Jazzystics, Take Me to Rio Collective ft. Katrina Leskanich, Ice Nine Kills & Reel Big FishBy Jake Cressy

1
The First Cats 36:53

9d ago36:53

36:53

Cats! These much loved furry friends have brightened people’s lives for millenia. And it was the same in ancient times. They were pets. They were pest control against rats. They were even in some cases considered sacred. But how did they become the pet of choice for homes the world over? And why were they first domesticated? In today's episode of T…

1
The Parthenon: Wonder of Athens 58:44

16m ago58:44

58:44

It is the most famous monument of ancient Greece. Its remains standing tall above modern Athens today, more than 2,000 years old. The Parthenon. A temple, treasury, the residence of a powerful general after Alexander the Great’s death…and his courtesans, a church, a mosque, a gunpowder store, a tourist site. It’s safe to say that the Parthenon has …

1
Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles 1:46:45

4h ago1:46:45

1:46:45

Finally, a song that is unequivocally about the sun! Covers by: Richie Havens, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Womack & Womack, John Entwistle, Randy Bachman, Jacob Collier ft. Dodie, Bumblefoot Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Mycenae: Cradle of Bronze Age Greece 52:17

13d ago52:17

52:17

Overlooking the Argolid Plain in the eastern Peloponnese, Mycenae was once the envy of the Mediterranean world. It rose to prominence in the late Bronze Age, centuries before the great Greek states of Athens, Sparta and Corinth, and is known as the birthplace of mythical bronze age figures such as Agammemnon, King of the Greeks. But how do know so …

1
Commodus: The Gladiator Emperor 54:44

13d ago54:44

54:44

Known as one of Rome's worst emperors, Commodus is famed for both his infamy and bravado. Ascending the throne as a teenager, he dressed up as Hercules, fought as a gladiator in the Colosseum, and renamed Rome after himself. But who was the real Commodus? And was he really as bad and megalomaniacal as some have claimed? In this episode of The Ancie…

1
California Sun - Joe Jones 1:50:05

17d ago1:50:05

1:50:05

I'm working on a follow up song to this called "California Moon." This joke will make sense in a week, I swear. Covers by: The Rivieras, Tommy James & The Shondells, Ramones, Eddie Meduza, Los Straitjackets and Dave Alvin, King Usniewicz and His Usniewicztones, Mike Love, Smitty and the JumpStarters Tidal playlist here…

1
Origins of the Olympics 32:03

9d ago32:03

32:03

The Olympics. It’s the most famous sporting event in the world, and the 33rd Olympiad is taking place in Paris right now. But how did it all begin? It's a story that takes us back more than 2,000 years. Featuring mythological heroes like Heracles, ancient athletes that became celebrities and the great sanctuary of Olympia in western Greece, home to…

1
Hestia: Goddess of Hearth & Home 49:07

12d ago49:07

49:07

As both the eldest and youngest child of the great titan Kronos, and the Greek goddess of hearth and home, Hestia was incredibly important in almost every sphere of Greek daily life. But she is arguably one of the most overlooked deities in the Greek Pantheon. The question we're asking today is why. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes i…

1
Tequila Sunrise - Eagles 1:39:08

25d ago1:39:08

1:39:08

"I can't even tell them apart" - Alex Mildenberger on this week's cover versions. Covers by: Tony Christie, Dennis Marsh, Molly Hatchet, Ray Dylan, Lasse Lindholm Band, Steven Kennedy, Nathan Temby Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
The Maya Collapse 43:16

27d ago43:16

43:16

Just over 1,000 years ago, the ancient Maya world in Mesoamerica was turned upside down. Prominent cities like Tikal, Palenque, Copan and Calakmul, their great stone art and architecture left to be gradually reclaimed by the jungle. It's a time of decline known as the Maya Collapse. But what caused it? And did the entirety of Mayan civilisation rea…

1
The Roman Gladiator 1:02:23

1M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

The ferocious, professional fighters who fought in great arenas all across the Roman Empire for the pleasure of the crowd were the celebrities of their day. They were sex symbols and yet they also ranked amongst the lowest in Roman society. Today the gladiator is one of the great images of ancient Rome but who exactly were they and what do we know …

1
Le Moribond - Jacques Brel / Seasons in the Sun - Rod McKuen 1:46:58

1M ago1:46:58

1:46:58

Today's episode is as good as white bread. Covers by: The Kingston Trio, Terry Jacks, The Brothers Four, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, Westlife, Alcazar Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Neanderthal Britain 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

For more than 100,000 years, Neanderthals made their home in Ice Age Britain, right on the edge of the inhabitable world. But what evidence do we have for this early species in what is today Britain? Dr Matthew Pope from UCL joins Tristan Hughes to discuss this fascinating period pre-history; Neanderthal Britain. What do we know about these people'…

1
Pyramid of the Sun 47:39

1M ago47:39

47:39

The Pyramid of the Sun is ancient America’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Built in the legendary city of Teotihuacán, and given its name by the Aztecs, this magnificent step pyramid is another great wonder of the ancient world. But who built it? And what for? In today’s episode of The Ancients Tristan Hughes is joined by Annabeth Headrick, an expert on al…

1
Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible 1:01:59

1M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Anthony & Alasdair herald the start of a new set of adventures for the Doctor Who Virgin New Adventures - one that creates era-defining lore of our beloved Timelord. Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible by Marc Platt is the 5th book in the range, and one that fans don't seem to talk about as much, despite setting up key corner stones of Gallifreyan histor…

1
Who Loves The Sun - The Velvet Underground 1:24:42

28d ago1:24:42

1:24:42

More like who loves your mum! Covers by: The Dylans, Cordalene, Harmonious Wail, The Ivy Walls, Caballero Reynaldo, The Yellow Melodies, Zee Avi Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Roman Roads 47:32

2M ago47:32

47:32

Do all roads lead to Rome? We find out in today's episode all about one of the Roman Empire's greatest legacies - it's web-like network of roads and route-ways. From the famous Via Appia, the longest road in mainland Italy, to Watling Street, the road on which Boudica was defeated, Rome's roads left an indelible mark on the territories their centur…

1
Birth of the Iron Age 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

It’s the end of the 12th century BC, and a once remarkable Near eastern world lay in ruin. Drought, warfare, famine, earthquakes, plague - all had combined to brutally devastate ancient civilisations stretching from Mesopotamia to Egypt to mainland Greece. It was a catastrophe unlike anything else - a Bronze Age collapse. But that’s only half the s…

1
Island In The Sun - Weezer 1:34:39

2M ago1:34:39

1:34:39

Hip hip. Covers by: Monkey Pirates, Johnny Aloha, The Side Project, Kristen & Dalbani, Andrew Samuelsen, Magaziine Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
The Bronze Age Brotherhood of Kings 41:11

2M ago41:11

41:11

More than 3,000 years ago, a coalition of Bronze Age rulers existed across the Near Eastern world. Kings reigning over great Bronze age powers like New Kingdom Egypt, Babylon and the Hittites coexisted and interacted with each other. They exchanged precious goods, signed treaties and even married into each other's families. But how exactly did this…

1
Domina: Women Who Shaped Rome 51:42

2M ago51:42

51:42

The crisis of the Roman Republic is a period littered with iconic male power players. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Pompey, Brutus and the Gracchi brothers. But less famous, and often overlooked are the women that shaped these famous Roman statesmen. In today's episode of the Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Daisy Dunn to shine a light on so…

1
Blister in the Sun - Violent Femmes 1:39:44

2M ago1:39:44

1:39:44

Uh oh, another theme summer is here! It's Cover Me: Summer of Sun, and we're kicking things off with a song that's less about the sun and more about heroin! Covers by: Travis Cut, DJ Miss Lisa, Nouvelle Vague and Eloisia, Que Sera Sarah, KT Tunstall, Lawrence DeMarco, Trixie Mattel Tidal playlist here…

1
DADS Podcast #11: Why is the podcast ending? 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Gabriel and Will become self-indulgent and debate why the podcast is ending. Gabriel mocks the general irrelevance of the podcast in the grand scheme of things, while Will argues it is a foundation for something greater.

1
Temple Mount 1:01:26

2M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

Temple Mount is one of the most sacred places in Jerusalem. A rocky outcrop that has become important for Islam, Judaism and Christianity and the acropolis of the ancient city, with links to figures like King David, Solomon, Herod, Jesus and Muhammad. It’s an area of the world rich in religious history. And in today's episode of The Ancients - the …

1
The Biblical Kingdom of Israel 59:15

2M ago59:15

59:15

The story of the ancient kingdom of Israel is a central part of the Old Testament. Famous for its kings like Saul, David and Solomon, the kingdom supposedly emerged in the southern Levant in the late 2nd millennium BC. Most of what we know about this kingdom comes from the Hebrew Bible. But what does the archeology say? Are there any remains that m…

1
Soak Up The Sun - Sheryl Crow 1:32:23

2M ago1:32:23

1:32:23

Sheryl Crow's "Soak Up The Sun" may be the edgiest song about suntanning we've ever heard! Covers by: Sincerely Me, UCF Black Steel Pan Ensemble, Judah & The Lion, Billy Cobb, Angrybaby, Soccer Mommy Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Heracles 52:27

2M ago52:27

52:27

Tristan Hughes continues the Greek Gods and Goddesses series with today’s deity; the most popular mythical hero of them all: Heracles, or Hercules. Same hero. His story has never faded, reimagined in various media formats from Hollywood and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, to Disney, to The Ancients podcast. Professor Alastair Blanshard joins Tristan to …

1
Chalkboard Ultra #21 - Cat’s Cradle with Madi Hammond 43:15

2M ago43:15

43:15

Another podcast about physics and cats? You've got to be kitten me! This week we are joined by Madi Hammond who provides us with fascinating insights into research projects, maths communications and cats.

1
The Ark of the Covenant 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

The Ark of the Covenant is one of the most famous, yet mysterious, objects mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. This special box that held the sacred 10 Commandments, written by God himself. But what exactly was it? What stories are told about it? And, most intriguingly of all, what happened to it? Tristan Hughes visits the University of Cardiff and Dr D…

1
Where Is My Mind? - Pixies 1:33:07

2M ago1:33:07

1:33:07

In memory of the legendary Steve Albini (and in celebration of our 300th episode), we're talking about that one song from Fight Club! Covers by: Raz Ohara, The Coral Sea, Yoav, Lise, Trampled By Turtles, Asgeir, Sarah Menescal Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
Origins of the Celts 49:22

3M ago49:22

49:22

The Celts are an ancient people shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In the minds of most people the word ‘Celt’ refers to the people of Iron Age Britain, or the ferocious Galatians of central Turkey. But the original Celts were very different. They settled in places like southern France and northern Italy and came into direct contact with the Etrusca…

1
Chalkboard Ultra #20 - Sam Shepherd on the Art of Polylogarithms 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

The second decisode is here, and who better to bring for the occasion than our first CU returner Sam Shepherd? Tune in for an interesting discussion on polylogarithms, category theory, and literally everything in between!

1
Captain Your Vessel #5 – Lake Visualisation Meditation 11:20

2M ago11:20

11:20

In this episode we’ll visualise a serene lake scene & take a little time with me to calm your busy mind. Learn what approach to take when your thoughts feel overwhelming & demanding of your attention.

1
Captain Your Vessel #4 – The Importance of Gratitude (with daily affirmations) 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

In this episode we explore the importance of daily gratitude for navigating your life, embodying a positive energy. Here are 11 affirmations to get you started!

1
Captain Your Vessel #3 – Walking Meditation 11:08

2M ago11:08

11:08

Sitting still meditation not your thing? Me neither. Tune in for a more active approach to mindfulness, stretching your legs & getting some fresh air!

1
Moses & The Exodus 44:12

3M ago44:12

44:12

The story of Moses and the Exodus is one of the oldest and most well known in history. It is full of instantly recognisable episodes like the parting of the Red Sea, the ten plagues of Egypt, and the burning bush but it is also foundational to many modern-day faiths. So today we’re asking what does the historical and archaeological record reveal ab…

1
Hotline Bling - Drake 1:48:11

2M ago1:48:11

1:48:11

Drake? Drake!? Draaaake! Covers by: William Singe, Disclosure & Sam Smith, Tyler Ward & Danny Padilla, Sondre Lerche, The Holophonics, Jonathan Young & Travis Carte, Sufjan Stevens & Gallant Tidal playlist hereBy Jake Cressy

1
The Parthians 54:58

3M ago54:58

54:58

The Parthians were heavyweights of ancient Mesopotamia. Hailing from what is now modern day Iran, they charged onto the scene by destroying the Seleucid Empire and became one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. They are perhaps most famous for capturing Crassus - Rome’s spider-like tycoon - at the Battle of Carrhae, and pouring gold down his throat.…

1
Noah's Ark and the Flood 59:07

3M ago59:07

59:07

The Ancients launches a new miniseries exploring the stories, people, objects and kingdoms central to the Old Testament's narrative. There was only one place to start and it's not "In the beginning..." The story of the Flood in the Book of Genesis is well known, where God conjured up a great flood to kill off all of humanity for their wicked behavi…

1
HUMBLE. - Kendrick Lamar 1:47:45

3M ago1:47:45

1:47:45

Jesse Crossley makes his triumphant return to the podcast to talk about the Kendrick/Drake beef, and the hit Kendrick Lamar track "HUMBLE." And I'm just realizing now we forgot to do a bonus segment...I'm going to have to sit down. Covers by: Skrillex, Scary Pockets, Our Last Night, Vitamin String Quartet, 8-Bit Misfits, Richard Cheese Tidal playli…

1
The Fall of Mark Antony: From Caesar to Cleopatra 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

After the death of his patron Julius Caesar, the Roman world was Mark Antony’s for the taking. His triumph over Caesar’s assassins at Phillipi in 42 BC only served to cement his legendary status as Rome’s most feared commander. But then came Octavian and Cleopatra… In this episode of The Ancients - the second, and final part of our special series o…

1
Timewyrm: Revelation 58:14

3M ago58:14

58:14

Anthony & Alasdair are joined by Dave Kitchen of the Doctor Who Show podcast to discuss Paul Cornell's debut novel, and final part of the Timewyrm series in the Doctor Who Virgin New Adventures - Timewyrm: Revelation!By toobroadtoodeeppod

1
The Rise of Mark Antony 42:26

3M ago42:26

42:26

Mark Antony; the headstrong bad boy, a feared commander, lover and traitor memorably depicted by Richard Burton. His story is intertwined with some of ancient history's biggest names such as Julius Caesar, Marcus Brutus, Cleopatra and Augustus. In a two part special of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes assesses the eventful life of the notorious Roman s…

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