Best Alex Petkas Podcasts (2024)

1
94 - Gallic Wars 4: Amphibious Assault 57:30

13d ago57:30

57:30

Caesar crosses two major bodies of water (and he hasn’t even gotten to the Rubicon yet), in part 4 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar ent…

1
93 - Gallic Wars 3: Caesar At Sea 1:07:12

26d ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Cost of Glory Ecuador event Aug 22-25: for more info & links read this post. Caesar faces enemies at home and on sea, in part 3 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history m…

1
92 - Gallic Wars 2: Conspiracy 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

Caesar almost loses it all, in part 2 of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico). This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as …

1
91 - Gallic Wars 1: Caesar's Chance 1:26:25

2M ago1:26:25

1:26:25

The beginning of a new series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic Wars (De Bello Gallico). It’s a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller. Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an ene…

1
90 - Heroes are Dangerous: Rousseau & Nietzsche with Johnathan Bi 1:20:36

2M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

Johnathan Bi left success in the startup world to focus on researching the deep ideas that power the world, and has recently launched his series on the Great Books of the West, starting with his lecture on Nietzsche. In this episode: What is Rousseau’s impact on the world? Johnathan’s Journey towards the Great Thinkers and their Books The Duality o…

1
89 - A Manual for Greatness — with Johnny Burtka 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

An interview with Johnny Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College, and his most recent book is titled “Gateway to Statesmanship—Selections from Xenophon to Churchill”. In this episode: The Mirrors for Princes tradition Obstacles as a Ladder to Greatness The Pot…

1
88 - Mysteries of the Scrolls — with Nat Friedman 57:14

3M ago57:14

57:14

An interview with Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub and creator of the Vesuvius Challenge, which aims to crack the riddles of the Herculaneum Papyri. In this episode: The Genesis of the Vesuvius Challenge Early Attempts to Open the Scrolls Using a Particle Accelerator to Scan the Scrolls! Partnering with Daniel Gross and Brent Seales Nat’s Childho…

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87 - Pursuing Greatness — with Pano Kanelos 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

An interview with Pano Kanelos, the founding president of the University of Austin and the former President of St. John’s College, Annapolis. In this episode: How founding a university is like running a diner The flourishing of American universities in the 19th century How old philosophers were men of action The Intellectual Foundations Program at …

1
86 - Pompey: Aftermath, Comparison w/ Spartan King Agesilaus 40:04

3M ago40:04

40:04

In which we follow the lead of Plutarch and study Pompey's character and analyze what we can learn from the life of Pompey the Great, by comparing him to King Agesilaus of Sparta, whom Plutarch paired him with. Sources and Further Reading for the Life of Pompey: John Leach, Pompey the Great: https://amzn.to/3UxOsW8 Robin Seager, Pompey: a Political…

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85 - Pompey III: Fields of Pharsalus 1:59:40

4M ago1:59:40

1:59:40

Life of Pompey Part 3 of 3: Pompey's final rise to the heights of Roman power, his war with his friend Julius Caesar, and his final downfall. People: (M. Tullius) Cicero (Titus Pomponius) Atticus C. Julius Caesar Cn. Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) Julia, Caesar's Daughter (M. Licinius) Crassus (L. Domitius) Ahenobarbus - Optimate Stalwart (Cos. 54) (M. P…

1
84 - Pompey II: Empire of Venus 1:49:26

4M ago1:49:26

1:49:26

Pompey becomes Rome’s greatest conqueror, and empire builder, but faces even greater trials back home in Rome. People Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, "Pompey the Great" Sulla Felix, the Dictator Pompey The Pirates Posidonius the Stoic Mithridates VI Eupator, King of Pontus Lucius Licinius Lucullus Cicero, the Orator Manilius, the Tribune Julius Caesar Theo…

1
83 - Pompey I: Kid Butcher 1:23:27

5M ago1:23:27

1:23:27

Pompey, the Great. Part 1 of 3. Pompey's rise to become one of Rome's greatest generals - before he's even old enough to hold office. How he got the nickname of "Kid Butcher" or "The Butcher Boy". Thanks to our Sponsor, Intercollegiate Studies Institute! www.isi.org Key Names: Agesilaus of Sparta Julius Caesar Alexander the Great Pompeius STRABO (f…

1
82 - How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend 31:01

6M ago31:01

31:01

Check out Ralston College's FUNDED MA program: https://www.ralston.ac/humanities-ma ! ...Plutarch offers some advice on how to choose your friends, and how to be a good one. Examples include Alexander the Great, Cato, Carneades, Plato, Dionysius the Tyrant, and more. (Here depicted: the monument of Philopappus in Athens, to whom Plutarch's essay is…

1
81 - Spartacus — with Barry Strauss 51:08

6M ago51:08

51:08

An interview with Barry Strauss, Spartacus expert, and author of The Spartacus War In this episode: -How Spartacus' Slave revolt almost failed in its early stages -Overcoming short term thinking as a leader -Spartacus' influence on modern leadersBy Alex Petkas

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80 - The Best Stoic Sentences 31:13

7M ago31:13

31:13

A method for reading that can transform your life. W/ help from Dana Gioia, California Poet Laureate, Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts 2003-2009. Get his new book Sentences from Seneca, here! Some Sources: https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Moral_letters_to_Lucilius/Letter_108 https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Sallust/Bellum_J…

1
79 - Spencer Klavan: Why Achilles Plays the Lyre 1:00:15

7M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Why does Achilles, slaughterer of men, play the lyre? A conversation with Spencer Klavan of the Young Heretics podcast. Check out the Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat: costofglory.com/retreat ! Spencer on Twitter: @spencerklavan In this conversation, we discuss: -Spencer & Alex's common ground training as classicists -How one gets into these …

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78 - Lucullus III: Betrayal 1:10:55

8M ago1:10:55

1:10:55

The fall and political struggles of the great Lucullus, rival of Pompey and Caesar. Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available: Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient-greek-tutor…

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77 - Lucullus II: Armenia 1:01:42

8M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Lucullus drives Mithridates out of Pontus, and war escalates In this episode: -The power of concentration -Nothing is more important than sleep -Bold Barbarian Queens -The value of bad news -Battle of Tigranocerta Book Rec - Gareth Sampson, Rome's Great Eastern WarBy Alex Petkas

1
76 - Lucullus I: Starvation 1:05:00

8M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Lucullus, Conqueror of Armenia. Highlights from Plutarch's biography of the great foe of Pompey Cost of Glory Men's Retreat 2024 application open! - costofglory.com/retreat Thanks to our sponsor Ancient Language Institute - Tutoring now available: Latin: https://ancientlanguage.com/latin-tutorials/ Ancient Greek: https://ancientlanguage.com/ancient…

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75 - How to Turn People Down (or, "On Cringe") 20:30

9M ago20:30

20:30

The vice of "dysopia" brings down even the strongest. Plutarch gives some advice on how to fortify ourselves against it. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com for more info on the 2024 Cost of Glory Men's retreat in Rome! Link to a translation of Plutarch's text : https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Moralia/De_vitioso_pudor…

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74 - Crassus Aftermath, Takeaways, Sources 19:55

9M ago19:55

19:55

What happened to Crassus' captured soldiers? To his family? What can we learn from his successes and his world-historic failure? ANNOUNCEMENT! Cost of Glory Men's Leadership Retreat in Rome - July 2024. Reach out to alex@ancientlifecoach.com if you're interested. Buy the books: -Penguin edition of Plutarch including Life of Crassus -Sallust's war w…

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73 - Crassus III: Battle of Carrhae 1:26:24

10M ago1:26:24

1:26:24

Crassus' famous campaign against the Parthians - what motivated it? What happened at Carrhae? What can we learn from it? Thanks to our Sponsor! Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com Key Figures Marcus Licinius Crassus - The Protagonist Gaius Pompeius Magnus - Pompey, the Rival Lucius Licinius Crassus - the Orator Publius Licinius …

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72 - Crassus II: Puppet Master 1:14:10

11M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest Man in Rome. The plot thickens in the contest with Pompey, and Crassus takes on new allies: Catiline and Julius Caesar. In this episode: -How to defuse the resentment of opponents you've beaten -The power of debt at Rome -Fighting for the hardest prizes, but playing it like a game -Cicero's mortgage and homeowner he…

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71 - Crassus I: Richest Man in Rome 1:18:55

11M ago1:18:55

1:18:55

The story of Marcus Licinius Crassus, Richest man in Rome. In this episode: -The Real Spartacus -How to make a fortune, ancient style -Why Crassus was a better spender than modern billionaires Thanks to our Sponsor! Copythat, learn copywriting from the classics: https://copythat.com/ For a discount (and to let them know I sent you), use this code: …

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70 - How to Praise Oneself Inoffensively - Part 2 15:47

1y ago15:47

15:47

Plutarch gives more examples of how to get it right, from Great Leaders of Greece & Rome -Phocion, -Agathocles, -Pericles, -Sulla, -Themistocles,By Alex Petkas

1
69 - How to Praise Oneself Inoffensively 13:42

1y ago13:42

13:42

You know you want to do it. But how? Plutarch offers a few key examples.By Alex Petkas

1
68 - Catiline III: The Last Stand 50:34

1y ago50:34

50:34

Highlights from Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy, the Catilinarian conspiracy. Featuring speeches by Julius Caesar and Cato the Younger.By Alex Petkas

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67 - Catiline II: Cicero's Moment 41:04

1y ago41:04

41:04

Get into one of the great moments of history - highlights from Cicero's speech Against Catiline. Featuring a quote or two from the original Latin.By Alex Petkas

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66 - Catiline I: Rome's Deadliest Conspiracy 1:09:50

1y ago1:09:50

1:09:50

The Conspiracy to overthrow the Roman Republic at the height of its power. Catiline and his associates challenge Cicero and Cato. Rumors were that Crassus and Caesar were involved... Part I: Highlights from Sallust's War with Catiline. ANNOUNCING - New Megaseries: Visions of Caesar. I am beginning an arc on the biographies of all the most prominent…

1
65 - Seneca, The Madness of Hercules 59:15

1y ago59:15

59:15

The Greatest hero of all, Hercules - told by Seneca: Billionaire, Politician, Stoic Philosopher, and... Tragic Playwright. Highlights and power quotes from Seneca's "The Madness of Hercules": in a new, brilliant, poetic translation by one of America's great poets, Dana Gioia Get a copy here: https://amzn.to/42TEUqJ (and support the show thereby) Mo…

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64 - Xenophon, Anabasis VII 1:16:49

1y ago1:16:49

1:16:49

The Finale: Xenophon's Anabasis, book 7 of 7. Highlights for the High Life. In this episode: -Sailing to Byzantium -How to Tame a Mob -Spartan Indecision -Drinking more wine from big horns with dangerous men -Raiding with Thracians -Fire attack at night -How to lose a good friend for good -What all gyms should aspire to be like -The importance of k…

1
63 - Xenophon, Anabasis VI 1:00:12

1+ y ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Highlights from Book 6 of Xenophon's Anabasis In this episode: -Drinking parties, War Dances -Why every modern gentleman should sacrifice to the gods -How to gracefully decline a promotion -Hercules in Hell -On keeping the Fellowship together -Isolated sheep rustling incident threatens to start an international war -The value of a cool head…

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62 - Xenophon, Anabasis V 54:27

1+ y ago54:27

54:27

Xenophon, Anabasis 5. #1 Highlights for Life Success. In this episode: -Fending off chaos in all its forms -Dealing with a power vacuum -The Source of the Golden Fleece -The BEST way to spend Sacred Funds (Hint: Real Estate) -Artemis and her 7 wonders Temple at Ephesus (cult statue here) -Sampling Local Delicacies (as always) -Pale white children a…

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61 - Agesilaus: Takeaways & Next Actions 21:56

1+ y ago21:56

21:56

Top 4 takeaways from the life of Agesilaus. Also, further reading: Plutarch, "On Sparta": https://amzn.to/3Ni3RaO -Cornelius Nepos, Lives of the Great Commanders (trans. Quintus Curtius): https://amzn.to/3AtrqpO -Xenophon, Hellenica: https://amzn.to/41YXmOx -Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire (historical novel): https://amzn.to/3V0gCsH -Paul Cartledg…

1
60 - Agesilaus III: The Fire Breathers 1:18:57

1+ y ago1:18:57

1:18:57

Agesilaus, old King of Sparta, faces his final enemy, and greatest foe of all: the Theban commander Epaminondas. Map Key People: Agesilaus, king of Sparta Demaratus, king of Sparta Artaxerxes, King of Persia Epaminondas, Theban Statesman Pelopidas, Theban Statesman Antalcidas Xenophon, the Philosopher-warrior Gryllus, son of Xenophon Nectanebo, Pha…

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59 - Agesilaus II: The Spartan Supremacy 1:26:28

1+ y ago1:26:28

1:26:28

Sparta's greatest king, from his grandest moments, to his most challenging setbacks. 394-371 BC. In this episode: -Isolating your enemies -Working through intermediaries -The power of culture -Democracy vs. Oligarchy -personal integrity vs state integrity Thanks to our Sponsor, Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/…

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58 - Agesilaus I: Persian Expedition 1:27:35

1+ y ago1:27:35

1:27:35

The story of Sparta's greatest king. Sponsors: -The Excellent How To Take Over The World Podcast; -Ancient Life Coach Rome Retreat In This Episode: -Inspiration from a rough childhood -The Spartan youth training system -The Spartan art of consensus building -The Iliadic vision of a Panhellenic King -Getting enemies to finance your war effort -War a…

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57 - Xenophon: Anabasis IV 49:49

1+ y ago49:49

49:49

Xenophon's Anabasis 4: The best parts of all, with analysis for action. Thanks to our sponsor, Ancient Language Institute! https://ancientlanguage.com/register-greek/ -- Apply for the Ancient Life Coach Speak Lead Retreat! ancientlifecoach.com/retreat In this Episode: -How to cross a guarded river -The mindset of people who push through massive str…

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56 - CoG in Conversation - w/ Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the World 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

Apply for the Rome Retreat: https://ancientlifecoach.com/retreat Announcing a new partnership! Alex gets interviewed by Ben Wilson of How to Take Over the World In this episode: -What's in store -What Alex is listening to -Why Cost of Glory exists -Why biography is energizing -What the greats, ancient and modern, have in common -The true meaning of…

1
55 - Xenophon, Anabasis III 57:58

1+ y ago57:58

57:58

Xenophon's Anabasis Book 3 - The best highlights, the Power Highlights. For Power Listeners. In this Episode: -The power of public speaking -What Socrates told Xenophon before he left -Xenophon's inner monologue in GREEK -Motivating your managers -Finding resources you didn't know you had -Lost cities of Mesopotamia -Goat and donkey balloons -The O…

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54 - Xenophon, Anabasis II 51:46

1+ y ago51:46

51:46

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 2. Featuring: -Deciding who won a battle -How to deceive the wise -The noble and the base among Greek leaders -The hazards of date palm wine Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this show!) Landmark Xenophon's Anabasis https://amzn.to/3HLGAeg Old Pe…

1
53 - Xenophon, Anabasis I - Power Highlights 43:15

1+ y ago43:15

43:15

Best highlights, power quotes, and notes from a leadership and adventure classic, Xenophon's Anabasis 1. Featuring: -How to get people to take real risks on your behalf -How ancient army logistics worked -Love affairs with foreign queens -Hunting the Ostrich -Qualities of good leaders, in Xenophon's opinion Amazon links (Click, Buy -> Support this …

1
52 - When it Clicks that You can Do This 17:04

1+ y ago17:04

17:04

The moment when someone obscure and untested realizes, in a crisis, that they can handle this. An autobiographical story from someone who was both a great writer and great leader, Xenophon.By Alex Petkas

1
51 - Win like the Santa of Power (Christmas Special) 12:19

1+ y ago12:19

12:19

Persevere when you are surrounded by enemies, like the other Santa Claus, Saint Basil of Caesarea. A Christmas special, from the Cost of Glory.By Alex Petkas

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50 - How to Botch a Conspiracy 11:08

1+ y ago11:08

11:08

A Spartan story about a conspiracy. Whether it's a hostile corporate takeover, a plot to overthrow a president, or a school board coup, how do you make sure your conspiracy doesn't fail? Learn this lesson or be sorry later. Also featuring commentary from Aristotle's Politics.By Alex Petkas

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49 - Prosper and Succeed with Spartan Realpietik 9:59

2y ago9:59

9:59

How do you buy yourself some time when you can't afford to tell people the reason why? A strategy used by a Spartan commander, Dercylidas. Brought to you by the Greek philosopher-historian-warrior Xenophon.By Alex Petkas

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48 - Comparison: Lysander and Sulla 26:48

2y ago26:48

26:48

How should we look at the lives of “problematic” great figures? Join us as we join the ancient philosopher Plutarch, in sizing up two incredible men of action. Who wins? Shout out to sources and inspirations: Ancient: Plutarch, life of Sulla Plutarch, life of Marius Plutarch, life of Sertorius Plutarch, life of Pompey Plutarch, life of Lucullus App…

1
47 - Sulla: Five Takeaways. And Aftermath. 16:26

2y ago16:26

16:26

Mass murderer or brilliant patriot? Whatever your take on Sulla, it's worth analyzing the qualities that made him a joy to his friends, and a terror to his enemies.By Alex Petkas

1
46 - Sulla III: Vengeance 1:12:26

2y ago1:12:26

1:12:26

How do you keep your team together in a civil conflict? Can a country right itself by warring with itself? What are the limits to which one man will go to punish his enemies? In this episode, Sulla’s most famous, or rather infamous, acts as a leader. —People— Sulla Plutarch King Pyrrhus Cinna Metellus Pius Marcus Licinius Crassus Carbo Gaius Norban…

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45 - Sulla 2: Rogue Commander 1:09:50

2y ago1:09:50

1:09:50

How does a great commander handle being undermined by his government back home? How should we treat opponents we defeat? And how do we negotiate the best deal when our backs are against the wall and our counterparts know it? In this episode: Sulla goes to Greece, to war against Rome’s arch rival Mithridates of Pontus. Can he hold out against a vast…

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