Best History Quill Podcasts (2024)

1
Remembering Alexander Waugh 1:19:20

2h ago1:19:20

1:19:20

Steven is joined by frequent guest, Dr. Earl Showerman, to deliver a farewell to Oxfordian luminary Alexander Waugh, whose recent passing has been felt across the literary spectrum, and most among the Oxfordian community. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and becoming a Patr…

1
Much Ado About Romance 1:14:47

15d ago1:14:47

1:14:47

Steven welcomes prominent romance novelist and fellow Shakespeare mystery sleuth Leigh Michaels to this episode to discuss her incredible volume of work, her process as a prolific writer, and how that led her to question the Stratfordian narrative, ultimately writing a book on the subject called Much Ado About Shakespeare. Support the show by picki…

1
A Measure of Justice 1:05:13

29d ago1:05:13

1:05:13

Steven reviews the legal aspects of "Measure For Measure," calling upon a thesis published in 2004 by Virginia R. Stephens as a profound examination into the play's depiction of the qualities of justice in Elizabethan society and beyond. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and…

1
Shake-Speare's Sonnets by Anne Hathaway-Shaksper 59:41

1M ago59:41

59:41

Steven welcomes Dr. Chris Summers to this episode to discuss Summers' works dedicated to the theory that the works of Shakespeare were actually written by Anne Hathaway, wife to William Shaksper of Stratford. Summers' published books specifically examine the Sonnets as written by Anne to William. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill …

1
Writing and self-publishing children’s historical fiction, with Karen Inglis 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

The books we read as children are hugely formative, shaping our tastes long after we’ve moved on to adult literature, and often drawing us back to old favourites to re-read to ourselves or future generations. It’s an opportunity and responsibility that Karen Inglis is well aware of. Karen talks about drawing inspiration from everyday life, digging …

1
Tolkien vs. Shakespeare 55:12

2M ago55:12

55:12

Steven explores Tolkien's professed hatred for the works of Shakespeare while pointing to how much Tolkien's works were actually influenced by the Bard he appeared to be so jealous of, and whether Tolkien's vitriol may have been rooted in his skepticism over Shakespeare authorship. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger m…

1
Running a Shakespeare Marathon 1:23:05

2M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

Steven and his wife, Annie, discuss the recent Shakespeare Marathon event held at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. They also explore the unique aspects of Shakespearean theatrical companies rooted in the traditions of Elizabethan theatre, and what it is like to consistently "run" the Shakespeare marathon of their lives as regular producers and p…

1
Writing historical crime fiction, with Vaseem Khan 57:16

3M ago57:16

57:16

Learn the secrets of writing great historical crime fiction with Vaseem Khan, international bestseller and winner of the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Historical Dagger. Vaseem, who is also the first non-white chair of the CWA, is a fount of knowledge on creating charismatic crime-solving characters who grow over the course of a seri…

1
Oresteian Hamlet With Dr. Earl Showerman 1:44:23

3M ago1:44:23

1:44:23

Steven welcomes Dr. Earl Showerman back to the series to discuss the ancient Greek sources and topical allusions of Elizabethan politics found within English literature's greatest work of drama. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and becoming a Patron at http://www.patreon.co…

1
Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry 1:03:22

3M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Steven takes a deep dive into the work and research of Alfred Dodd (1933) and others who have studied and written about Shakespeare's connection to the rites and rituals of Freemasonry. Dodd's book, "Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry," laid the foundation for Masons to fully claim Shakespeare as one of their own. Support the show by picking up o…

1
How to use archives to enhance your historical fiction, with Steve Dacus 55:10

4M ago55:10

55:10

Research is so important to piecing together the material world of your novel. Not only are archives an important tool in helping you avoid anachronisms that can be jarring for readers, but good archival research can have a huge positive impact, helping you access primary details that make your setting and characters come alive. In this episode, Ju…

1
Bonus Ep. Interview on The Wandering Quill/Wandering Scribe 56:14

4M ago56:14

56:14

Patrick was honored to appearing The Wandering Quill/ The Wandering Scribe's show, hosted by the lovely Gabriel Garcia for a historian interview on 16th April. The audio of the interview is up but if you would like to catch the video, hit up the link below for the YouTube recording as well as Gabriel's full catalogue of interviews. Youtube https://…

1
The 'Heretic' Queen of Literary Taboo 1:24:36

4M ago1:24:36

1:24:36

Journalist and author, Elizabeth Winkler, returns to the series to look back at the global reactions to her book, "Shakespeare Was A Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature." She and Steven discuss critiques and praise for the book, additions to the coming paperback edition, and hints about what Elizab…

1
The Art of Collaboration and Commitment 1:34:04

4M ago1:34:04

1:34:04

Steven shares behind-the-scenes details and insights into the many collaborators and facets behind producing a major theatrical event such as "William Shakespeare, Esquire" and the Brittle Glory Marathon at the Guthrie Theater. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and becoming …

1
Writing dual timelines and co-writing historical fiction, with Hazel Gaynor 53:30

5M ago53:30

53:30

Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author on both sides of the Atlantic, joins Theo and Julia to talk about the processes and priorities for writers of dual-timelines. She explains how weaving back and forth between characters and eras can create mystery and allow the author to provide both light and shade in order to ensure variety in tone and mood. Having…

1
Shakespeare's Muses: A Measure for the Ladies 2:08:03

5M ago2:08:03

2:08:03

Steven welcomes globally renowned engineer and music composer, Luis Sousa, back to the series to discuss the importance of the muse to the creative process and the five female muses found within the Shakespeare canon. Recorded March 8, International Women's Day, this episode pays tribute to the ladies who helped shape the Bard's life and his works.…

1
Ep. 39. The Tragedy of Bellerophon (Part 1) 1:21:04

5M ago1:21:04

1:21:04

We’re headed back to the wonderful world of Greek Mythology. Join us as Patrick hosts special guests, Emily Bourdon & Madi Gervais from Spill the Mead, and tells one of the oldest hero stories in the Greek world…The Tragedy of Bellerophon. Come along as we dive into this rollercoaster of a tale. We’ve got battlefield backstories, redemption feastin…

1
Bard Battle of the Sexes 1:39:59

5M ago1:39:59

1:39:59

Steven and his wife, Annie, discuss the complexities of the relationship between Kate and Petruchio in "The Taming of the Shrew," and why that play carries such a strong level of love/hate reactions with modern actors and audiences. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and beco…

1
Backstage #20 - Final Thoughts 48:14

5M ago48:14

48:14

This week we wrap up with some last thoughts from David and Amani! Content Notes: Spoilers for Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Amani Zardoe, and Lowri Ann Davies Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies Sound De…

1
Backstage! #19 - The Proscriptions 31:04

6M ago31:04

31:04

This week we have a final chat with Dr. Emma Southon about what actually happened with the infamous Proscriptions. Content Notes: Spoilers for Cry Havoc! Ask Questions Later SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Amani Zardoe, Dr. Emma Southon…

1
Christopher Marlowe: Gay, Atheist, Spy, & Shakespeare? 1:07:42

6M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Steven welcomes novelist, playwright, director Ted Bacino to this episode to discuss his novel and script of the same name, "The Shakespeare Conspiracy." Together, they explore some mysterious details surrounding the life and recorded death of Christopher Marlowe and certain theories that Marlowe was involved in writing the works of Shakespeare. Su…

1
Backstage! #18 - Making Murder Funny 32:34

6M ago32:34

32:34

Things are heating up in Rome as murder, mayham, and malcontent run rampant. This week we look at how to find the humor in the macabre. Content Notes: Spoiler for Episodes 16 and 18 SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes, Grace Knight, Rob Vale…

1
Backstage! #17 - Meet the Multi-Rolers 27:54

6M ago27:54

27:54

This week, we analyze the many talents of our voiceactors playing multiple parts in one production. Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Ryan Hopevere Anderson, Karim Kronfli, Tom Crowley, and Lowri Ann Davies Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davi…

1
Learning From Monstrous Adversaries 1:32:52

6M ago1:32:52

1:32:52

Steven welcomes New Zealander Dean Bradley from the Antipodes to discuss his foray into the world of debate with the Oxfraudsters; how he approached the fray; what he gleaned from the exchange; and a new theory he has developed regarding the Shakespeare Authorship Mystery. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandis…

1
Creating compelling characters in historical fiction, with Katherine Clements 54:40

6M ago54:40

54:40

Join bestselling novelist and writing coach Katherine Clements as she discusses the deep, human connection between reader and characters that distinguishes historical fiction from history. This episode also takes in topics including how to remain teachable as a writer, following your gut, and what a meaningful and bold writing career looks like. Th…

1
Backstage! #16 - Writing the Triumvirs 35:54

6M ago35:54

35:54

This week, we chat with writer Grace Knight and creator David K Barnes about writing the Triumvirs and their particular fictional flavours Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring David K Barnes and Grace Knight Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies…

1
Backstage! #15 - Meet the Actors, Part 3 18:44

7M ago18:44

18:44

This week, we continue getting to know the cast. This time we discuss listeing to your own work, the differences from the start to the end of the series, and the difficult parts of recording Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lara Sawalha, …

1
Backstage! #14 - Sex and Orgies 29:25

7M ago29:25

29:25

In this spicy behind the scenes, we talk with Amani and David about the historical and political context of orgies in Ancient Rome and the practical difficulties of desgining "the orgy episode" Content Notes: Discussions of sex and sexuality SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & A…

1
Dark pages : writing epics, myths and legends with Giles Kristian 58:36

7M ago58:36

58:36

For the first episode of season two, returning hosts Theo and Julia are joined by bestselling author of Lancelot, Camelot and the Raven and Sigurd trilogies, Giles Kristian. Although best known for writing bloodthirsty but heartfelt, lyrical tales set in the Dark Ages, the former pop star is a renaissance man. His many talents have seen him collabo…

1
Backstage! #13 - Writing Historical Fiction 26:24

7M ago26:24

26:24

This week we chat with Sarah Shachat and David K Barnes to talk about writing historical fiction Content Notes: Discussions of: Historical medical procedures, homophobia, misogyny, classism Mentions of: Covid-19 pandemic, quarantine, spiders, transphobia, sexual abuse, enslavement SFX: Crowds, beeps Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Da…

1
5 Year Anniversary! 1:47:28

7M ago1:47:28

1:47:28

Steven and Jake sit down to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of Don't Quill the Messenger! They read listener reviews and emails, share most popular episodes, talk about the future of the podcast, the quiller event, project and show ideas and so much more. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquil…

1
Backstage! #12 - Directing 27:52

7M ago27:52

27:52

This week Lowri and Amani discuss directing such a large and in depth series Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies and Amani Zardoe Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann Davies Sound Designer - Lowri Ann Davies and Catherine Rinella Mas…

1
Backstage! #11 - Writing Pirates 35:13

7M ago35:13

35:13

This week, we sit in with David K. Barnes, Octavia Bray, and Tom Crowley to discuss the making of the Pirate Arc! Content Notes: SFX: crowds Directed by Amani Zardoe Produced by Lowri Ann Davies Executive Producers Alexander J Newall & April Sumner Featuring Lowri Ann Davies, David K Barnes, Tom Crowley and Octavia Bray Dialogue Editor – Lowri Ann …

1
Italian Sources 1:42:38

8M ago1:42:38

1:42:38

Steven welcomes Italian-Australian Michael Curtotti to this episode to discuss Michael's recent new translastion of Bandello's original Italian novella, "Romeo and Juliet." Steven and Michael discuss Bandello's influence on the Bard and discover original Italian passages that are directy connected to lines from the play. Michael shares some of Band…

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