Best Davidbahr Podcasts (2024)

1
Charles Butterworth on Al-Farabi's Book of Letters 1:11:23

6d ago1:11:23

1:11:23

This week, the guys are joined once again by Dr. Charles Butterworth, emeritus professor of government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park. The group convene to discuss Butterworth's newest book, a new translation of Al-Farabi's Book of Letters, discussing how the book came to be, Al-Farabi's backstory to the extent we know it,…

1
Patrick Deneen on Strauss' Three Waves of Modernity 1:04:36

7d ago1:04:36

1:04:36

This week, Alex and Greg temporarily replace David with friend of the show Professor Patrick Deneen, who teaches at the University of Notre Dame. The group dive right into Strauss' Three Waves of Modernity, dissecting its arguments and unpacking relevant backstory. Plus, if you can't get enough of Strauss, apply for UATX's upcoming Symposium on Leo…

1
An Overview of Homer's Odyssey 1:00:23

14d ago1:00:23

1:00:23

A full complement of hosts are back this week and primed to deliver an overview of Homer's Odyssey. In addition to a plot synopsis, the guys dispel common myths about Odysseus, take a closer look at Penelope, discuss the appropriate time for a person to read the Odyssey in their lives, talk translations, and more!…

1
Jonathan Swift's Battle of the Books 54:55

22d ago54:55

54:55

This week the guys are back to discuss Jonathan Swift. Everyone has heard of Gulliver's Travels and A Modest Proposal, but he has another work worth looking at: The Battle of the Books. Plus: the audience has voted on who the funniest co-host is.By The New Thinkery

1
Sabrina Little on Athletics and Virtue 52:16

1M ago52:16

52:16

This week, the guys are joined by Sabrina Little, assistant professor in the department of Leadership and American Studies at Christopher Newport University. The group discuss athletics, especially running, and how virtue can boost athletic performance. Little's new book, The Examined Run: Why Good People Make Better Runners, and her accomplishment…

1
Leo Strauss' "On the Interpretation of Genesis" 57:30

1M ago57:30

57:30

This week, the guys return once again to the prophetic teachings of Leo Strauss. This time, the focus is on Strauss' understanding of Genesis, which the guys dissect in an effort to disentangle the Ancient Greek and biblical influences that went into Strauss' interpretation.By The New Thinkery

1
Lincoln and the Founding 48:05

1M ago48:05

48:05

This week, in observance of Constitution Day, the guys wax poetic about the virtues of the Founding... is what you probably expected this to say. Instead, Greg wrote an entire academic paper about Lincoln's hushed critique of the Founding, so the guys sit down to unpack the paper's core arguments, as well as how Lincoln was, and wasn't, successful …

1
Eric Adler on Livy's History of Rome, Book I Ch. 1-16 1:01:03

2M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

This week, the guys are joined once again by Dr. Eric Adler, Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland, to talk about the beginning of Livy's History of Rome. Given Rome's impressively long history, it's no surprise that it took Livy over 140 books to recount it just up to the beginning of the Roman Empire. The group tackle Livy…

1
Walter Sterling on T. S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" 1:07:00

2M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

This week, the guys are joined by Walter Sterling, the freshly minted president of St. John's College in Santa Fe to discuss one of the twentieth century's most important poems, T. S. Eliot's "The Waste Land." The group work their way through the work's oppressive density and prose to get at the crucial themes and messages underlying it all. Plus: …

1
Pano Kanelos on Hamlet and the University of Austin 1:05:01

2M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

It's back to school season, and to mark the occasion, the full host complement is joined by Dr. Pano Kanelos, founding president of the University of Austin. Together, the ensemble dissect key moments in Hamlet. That includes a potential recontextualization of the best-known soliloquy in the world, Hamlet's “To be or not to be” speech. Plus: a look…

1
Robert Wyllie on Understanding Byung-Chul Han 1:06:32

2M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Joining Alex and Greg this week is Professor Robert Wyllie of Ashland University. He guides the group through the thought-provoking world of Byung-Chul Han, one of today's most interesting living philosophers, using his new ciritcal introduction to Han as a baseline. Professor Wyllie delves especially into Han's early work, exploring his weighty id…

1
Flagg Taylor on Jan Patočka's The Spiritual Person & the Intellectual 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

This week, Alex and Greg delve into Jan Patočka's 1975 essay "The Spiritual Person & the Intellectual," exploring its profound insights on the nature of human existence and the role of intellectuals in society. Joined by Flagg Taylor of Skidmore College, the group examine Patočka's challenge to modernity and his vision for a more spiritually ground…

1
Michael Davis On Greek Tragedy, and Electra 1:08:19

3M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

This week, the guys delve into the rich world of Greek tragedy with professor Michael Davis from Sarah Lawrence College. The group explore the themes of fate, justice, and human nature as discussed in Davis' latest book, Electras: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Focusing on the powerful narratives of the Electra plays by these tragedians, they…

1
Mary Nichols on Piety in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1:03:57

3M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Join the guys this week as they explore the nuanced concept of piety in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics with esteemed scholar Mary Nichols. Nichols is Professor Emerita of Political Science at Baylor University, where she taught from 2004-2018, and brings her profound insights and expertise to this rich discussion. Delve into the philosophical depth…

1
Plato's Lovers 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

In this week's episode, the guys unpack Plato's Lovers, a dialogue centered on the question of what philosophy is. Join the guys as they explore Socrates' interactions with a jock and a nerd in competition to have their love reciprocated by their beloveds. Plus: the unveiling of The New Thinkery's merch store!…

1
Ralph Waldo Emerson's The American Scholar 50:28

4M ago50:28

50:28

Join the guys as they delve into Ralph Waldo Emerson's brief essay, "The American Scholar," picking apart the diagnostic value of Emerson's view of the American mind. Through insightful discussions and thorough analysis, they explore the relevance and implications of Emerson's ideas in the modern world, offering a critique of Emerson's transcendent…

1
CDC Reeve on Aristotle's Dialectic 1:22:29

4M ago1:22:29

1:22:29

This week, Alex and Greg replace David with renowned philosopher CDC Reeve. The group delve into Aristotle's Dialectic, exploring the depths of ancient Greek philosophy and its relevance today, specifically how Aristotle's method of dialogue and debate seeks to uncover truths through logical reasoning and critical questioning. Plus: don't miss the …

1
Paul Carrese on George Washington 1:13:20

4M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Happy Fourth of July from the New Thinkery! This week, Alex and Greg are joined by Paul Carrese, professor at Arizona State University and senior fellow at the Jack Miller Center, to discuss George Washington in observance of Independence Day. The group discuss George Washington's ascendancy to power, his attempts to stop factionalism, and his impa…

1
On Fitness 1:02:38

4M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

This week, the guys mostly put away the books to discuss the importance of fitness, both for physical longevity and mental sharpness. Led by Greg, the guys share their thoughts and experiences with exercise, including their personal exercise regimens and how they balance exercise in their daily lives. Plus: David's biggest pet peeve about exercise …

1
Ariel Helfer on Plato's Letters 1:20:10

5M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

In this episode, the guys are joined by Professor Ariel Helfer of Wayne State University to discuss his new book on Plato's Letters. Delve into an engaging conversation about the philosophical insights and historical context of Plato's epistolary works, as well as how we ought to contextualize the work itself.…

1
Leo Strauss' What Is Political Philosophy?, Part III 52:42

5M ago52:42

52:42

The guys take this week to close out their mini-series on Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy? Listen in as they unpack Strauss' analysis of modernity, his critique of historicism, and his defense of classical political philosophy. Thankfully, there are less calls to "whip it" this time.By The New Thinkery

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part II 1:02:40

5M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Join the guys for an enlightening continuation of last week's discussion on Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy? This week, they delve into part two of the book, focusing on the classical solution to political philosophy. Their exploration reveals timeless insights about the nature of political thought and its enduring relevance, as well as r…

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part I 1:07:00

5M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

In this episode, the guys delve into the profound insights of Leo Strauss' seminal work, What is Political Philosophy? while cracking their hallmark lewd jokes. Join them as they explore Strauss' examination of the nature and purpose of political philosophy, setting the stage for a deep dive into his enduring influence on contemporary thought. Lear…

1
The New Thinkery at 200 50:39

6M ago50:39

50:39

The New Thinkery is celebrating its 200th episode this week. To celebrate, the guys convene to do a retrospective of sorts. They take the opportunity to thank listeners, guests, and others, answer listener-submitted questions, give you a peek behind the curtain, and compared to a usual week are a little more... unhinged. Tune in for a fun one! Lear…

1
Marc Landy on America and Modernity 1:20:23

6M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

Join the guys as they welcome Marc Landy, professor at Boston College, who provides profound insights from his latest book, America and Modernity. Unpacking the complexities of American politics against the backdrop of modernity, Landy's analysis offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the evolving nature of the American experience. Learn…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Davidbahr Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
The New Thinkery

The New Thinkery

1
Charles Butterworth on Al-Farabi's Book of Letters 1:11:23

1
Patrick Deneen on Strauss' Three Waves of Modernity 1:04:36

1
An Overview of Homer's Odyssey 1:00:23

1
Jonathan Swift's Battle of the Books 54:55

1
Sabrina Little on Athletics and Virtue 52:16

1
Leo Strauss' "On the Interpretation of Genesis" 57:30

1
Lincoln and the Founding 48:05

1
Eric Adler on Livy's History of Rome, Book I Ch. 1-16 1:01:03

1
Walter Sterling on T. S. Eliot's "The Waste Land" 1:07:00

1
Pano Kanelos on Hamlet and the University of Austin 1:05:01

1
Robert Wyllie on Understanding Byung-Chul Han 1:06:32

1
Flagg Taylor on Jan Patočka's The Spiritual Person & the Intellectual 57:59

1
Michael Davis On Greek Tragedy, and Electra 1:08:19

1
Mary Nichols on Piety in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1:03:57

1
Plato's Lovers 49:30

1
Ralph Waldo Emerson's The American Scholar 50:28

1
CDC Reeve on Aristotle's Dialectic 1:22:29

1
Paul Carrese on George Washington 1:13:20

1
On Fitness 1:02:38

1
Ariel Helfer on Plato's Letters 1:20:10

1
Leo Strauss' What Is Political Philosophy?, Part III 52:42

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part II 1:02:40

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part I 1:07:00

1
The New Thinkery at 200 50:39

1
Marc Landy on America and Modernity 1:20:23

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