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"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordswor ...
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Obsession and Morality in 'Baby Reindeer': Art, Psychology, and Philosophy
1:25:16
1:25:16
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What happens when a simple act of kindness spirals into a dark and twisted obsession? Join us in the Viewing Room as we dissect the British black comedy miniseries "Baby Reindeer," available on Netflix. Our panel, featuring Jennifer Buoni, Jax Schumann, Mark Pellegrino, and myself, embarks on an exploration of comedian Donnie Dunn's harrowing exper…
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Egoism Without Permission: Tara Smith on Ayn Rand’s Ethics
52:38
52:38
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Buy Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics (Ayn Rand Society Philosophical Studies) Venture into the world of self-determination with Professor Tara Smith as she illuminates the path to living egoism authentically, free from the shackles of societal approval. Her new book, "Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psycholo…
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Beyond Netflix: Discovering the Thrill of Live Theatre
1:35:22
1:35:22
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1:35:22
Embark on an enthralling odyssey into the soul of the theater with the Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare, inviting us into the realm where the magic of Shakespearean drama and the communal spell of live performances make us active participants. Our discussion honors the enchantment of the stage, the cerebral feast of its language, and the poi…
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Exploring the Timeless Allure of Love Through Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet
1:03:31
1:03:31
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Unlock the mysteries of love's timeless allure as we promise to guide you through the enchanting world of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Discover how this literary classic not only captures the essence of romantic infatuation but also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own experiences and beliefs about love. Delve into the profound influence tha…
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Dissecting Romance: From 'An Affair to Remember' to the Realities of Love
1:19:35
1:19:35
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As the golden age of cinema meets contemporary skepticism, my guests Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, and Jennifer Buoani help me peel back the layers of the beloved film "An Affair to Remember." We grapple with whether the idealistic portrayal of romance in this classic can still kindle the fires in our modern hearts. Join us as we navigate the comp…
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Beyond Glory: A Deep Dive into HBO's The Pacific and the Human Cost of War
1:22:11
1:22:11
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Have you ever pondered the stark realities hidden beneath the veneer of war's glory and honor? Our panelists Jennifer Bouani, Mark Pellegrino, and Jacqueline Schumann join me in dissecting HBO's "The Pacific," peeling back layers of history and the human condition through the lens of this poignant series. We promise an exploration that goes beyond …
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Why You Should ONLY Read the First 3 Chapters of Moby-Dick
38:43
38:43
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Imagine setting sail on a voyage where the depths of the American soul are as vast and mysterious as the ocean itself. Our latest episode traverses the enduring waves of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," through a lens that magnifies the novel's relevance to our contemporary lives. We promise a literary escapade that reveals how Ishmael's narrative re…
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Is "High Noon" Toxically Masculine? W/Viewing Room Crew
1:06:12
1:06:12
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Embark on a cinematic journey through the dusty trails of "High Noon," as we dissect the intricate layers of this timeless Western. With the help of our esteemed panelists—Jennifer Bawani, Jack Schumann, and Mark Pellegrino—we peel back the curtain on the artistic triumphs and critiques of this Gary Cooper classic. From the nuanced portrayal of She…
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Why We Bond With Art - A Discussion with Art Historian Luc Travers
1:07:05
1:07:05
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Discover the heartbeat of fandoms and the power of literature in our lives with Luc Travers, the eloquent author behind "Stories in Paint" and "Touching the Art." As we journey from the fervor of Star Wars fanatics to the wide-eyed students exploring the pages of "Anne of Green Gables," we unwrap the emotional tapestry that binds us to the stories …
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Exploring the Legacy and Impact of 'Band of Brothers': A Discussion on War, Heroism, and Historical Storytelling
1:30:54
1:30:54
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Picture the gritty reality of war and the unbreakable bonds it forges—this is the essence we capture in our heartfelt conversation about "Band of Brothers." Joined by Jax, Jennifer, and Mark, we revisit the powerful emotions and painstaking authenticity that catapult this HBO series into the annals of must-watch TV. With personal connections to the…
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The Aesthetic of Adversity: Tracing the Dance of Struggle in Art and Life
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58:51
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Art and adversity intertwine in a dance as old as creation itself, and we're here to explore each step of their intricate pas de deux. As we close the curtains on our summer series, I, Kirk, alongside Luc and our esteemed guest Don Watkins, unpack the profound connection between struggle and creativity. From Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" to the…
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Feasting on Chaos and Redemption: A Deep Dive into 'The Bear' Season 2 with Expert Panel
1:06:20
1:06:20
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Prepare to be whisked into the bustling kitchen of critique as we unfold the second season of "The Bear" with the astute insights of Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Buoani, and myself, Kirk Barbera. Together, we slice through the series' masterful storytelling, savoring the poignant and sometimes chaotic blend of aspiration, ambition, and t…
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Shakespeare's Greatest Love Sonnets for Valentine's Day
34:08
34:08
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Uncover the intricate dance of love and beauty in Shakespeare's sonnets with Austin Shakespeare's Justin Scalise and Ann Cicolella. As Justin's voice breathes life into Sonnets 18 and 49, we embark on a journey through the complexities of romantic entanglement and the raw emotions that make us quintessentially human. Together, we celebrate the Bard…
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Exploring the Romantic Spark: Poetry, Painting, and the Power of Unspoken Connections
57:02
57:02
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Unlock the mysteries of love's first glow as we, Kirk and Luc, together with our spirited Facebook Group community, dissect the elusive 'romantic spark' through the prisms of poetry and painting. We kick off with a poignant poem and a captivating visual narrative, inviting you to feel the pulse quicken at the prospect of fresh love. Expect to trave…
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Rethinking History Education W/ Scott Powell & Heather Schwarz
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1:11:07
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Heather Schwarz and Scott Powell are co-founders of the online school Knowable World. Embark on a journey through time with Scott Powell and Heather Schwartz as we unravel how a deep understanding of history can illuminate the complexities of today's world. Scott, with his books "The History of Now" and "The History of Tomorrow," deftly challenges …
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Discover the complex emotional landscape of "Fauda" Season One as Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Bouani, and I unravel the artistry and cultural impact of this politically charged drama. Our candid discussion takes an unexpected turn as we peel back the layers of storytelling, character development, and representation, offering you a deepe…
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Behind the Mask of Moby-Dick: Captain Ahab's Pivotal Speech Explained
8:57
8:57
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Unveil the mystery behind Captain Ahab's obsession with the elusive white whale as we dissect his profound monologue in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick." Joined by a renowned Melville scholar, we plunge into Ahab's psyche, examining his belief in a hidden force driving existence and his unwavering determination to confront this power. Witness the coll…
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Navigating the Depths of "Moby Dick": Herman Melville's Epic and Its Reflection of America's Soul
26:48
26:48
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*This was a short talk I gave at an Austin event called "Third Thursday." Step aboard as we chart a course through the soul of America with Herman Melville's leviathan of literature, "Moby Dick." Grapple with the whale of all novels as we dissect the Essex tragedy's influence on Melville's masterwork, teasing out the human tendency to become what w…
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Philosophy's Place in the Modern World: From Higher Education to Practical Impact W/ Dr. Mike Mazza
2:15:23
2:15:23
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Join the conversation with Dr. Mike Mazza from the Einrand Institute as we navigate the purpose and future of philosophy amidst the changing tides of higher education. Our engaging chat begins with a casual banter on motorcycles, only to transition into an examination of America's unique approach to commercializing universities. As Dr. Mazza unfurl…
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Navigating Truth and Liberty: Fake News, and the American Abortion Debate with Dr. Ben Bayer
1:21:20
1:21:20
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Embark on a philosophical voyage with Dr. Ben Bayer, Director of Content at the Einrand Institute, as he joins us to dissect the intrinsic American value of individualism and its current cultural standing. Throughout our conversation, we tackle the complexities of consuming news in an era where 'fake news' floods our feeds, seeking strategies to ma…
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Could the fervent passion depicted in the tragic tales of Quasimodo and Esmeralda be present in our real-life love stories? This episode, with special guest Luke Travers from touchingtheart.com, delves into the enduring enigma of undying love as seen through the prisms of literature, art, and our everyday experiences. We struggle with the question …
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The Art of the Twist: Celebrating O. Henry's Timeless Tales with Ann Ciccolella
47:02
47:02
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Ever been caught off guard by the twist in a short story that left you pondering life's unexpected turns? We've all been there, and this episode celebrates the king of the twist ending, O. Henry. Joining me is the artistic director of Austin Shakespeare, Ann Ciccolella, as we delve into the whimsical world of this short story maestro. With Anne's i…
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Riding Towards Wealth: The Pursuit of Financial Happiness and the Wisdom of Rich Dad Poor Dad
55:57
55:57
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Could achieving financial happiness be as simple as choosing your dad wisely - rich or poor? Together with Mike White, a former submarine officer turned MBA student, we navigate the intersection of wealth and well-being, drawing from Robert Kiyosaki's 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' as our compass. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge from Austin's Objectivist an…
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Exploring the Grand Themes of Love and Chivalry in Andrew Marvell's Poetry
27:05
27:05
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Embark on a poetic exploration with us as we peel back the layers of Andrew Marvell's "The Definition of Love," where we tease out the complexities of a doomed love with metaphysical flair. Alongside a comparison to Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress," we ponder the intricate dance of despair and impossibility in the quest for affection. The poem itsel…
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Unveiling the Layers of Beauty and Truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54
12:54
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Discover the true essence of beauty where it overlaps with truth in our latest journey, guided by the timeless words of William Shakespeare in Sonnet 54. Are you ready to redefine beauty in your life? Join us as we peel back the layers of this seemingly simple poem to reveal a world where outer attractiveness is harmoniously balanced by the integri…
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