Best Unmanly Men Podcasts (2024)

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Ep 125 - The Origins of Mythology 2:32:47

2M ago2:32:47

2:32:47

For the 125th episode, Rowan and Tracey go all the way back to the beginning and ask: what is mythology? They discuss the history and science behind storytelling, the chemical effects of religion on the brain, and whether or not trees have their own versions of folklore. Tracey tells us an original love story about the sun and the moon, and Rowan’s…

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Ep. 124 - Goblins - A Complicated Mythology 1:32:51

3M ago1:32:51

1:32:51

This week, Rowan presents the mythologies of goblins from around the world—knockers, red caps, duendes, and dokkaebi (to name a few). We also learn about the ways goblins have been used as harmful antisemitic tropes and discuss other symbols from religion and folklore that have been used to influence public perception. Note: In this episode, we dis…

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Ep. 123 - Appalachian Overview - Witches, Aliens, and Closed Traditions 1:27:15

4M ago1:27:15

1:27:15

Our hosts explore a variety of folklore from the Appalachian Mountains. Tracey dives into the folklore of the Bell Witch, the Brown Mountain Lights, and the Flat Woods Monster. Rowan tells a story about the Cryptid Community Convention and discusses some of the reasons why non-indigenous people aren’t welcome to say the name of the W. Sources Wikip…

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Ep. 122 - The Greek Fates - Scissor Sisters 1:33:16

4M ago1:33:16

1:33:16

Continuing their conversation examining stories about the threads of fate, Rowan and Tracey discuss the Three Fates of Ancient Greek Mythology: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Tracey tells a story from the perspective of god experiencing manic love, the pair learn about marriage practices in Ancient Greece and China, and they explore reasons why sto…

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Ep. 121 - Red Thread of Fate - Heartstrings & The God of Gay Men 1:45:37

5M ago1:45:37

1:45:37

The Red String of Fate is famous online, but where does this myth come from? Join us as we learn more about Chinese mythology, Yue Lao (the god of love and marriage), and Tu’er Shen (the patron of homosexual love between men as far back as the 17th century). Rowan presents a gut-wrenching story about a lifetime of love, and Tracey brings the histor…

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Ep. 120 - Bermuda Triangle Pt. 2 - Time Travel & T.S. Eliot 1:05:15

5M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Continuing their discussion on the Bermuda Triangle, Tracey presents theories about time travel, parallel universes, the lost city of Atlantis, methane gas, and UFOs. Rowan tells her story from the perspective of a god, exploring heaven, hell, and chronic illness. The pair also geek out about one of their favorite poets: the man, the myth, the lege…

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Ep. 119 Bermuda Triangle - Unmanned Ships, Unpredictable Seas, & Unidentified Transmissions 1:35:29

5M ago1:35:29

1:35:29

This week, the discussion gets pointed (that's a triangle joke) when Tracey and Rowan explore the mythology of the Bermuda Triangle. Stories include the misadventures of Christopher Columbus, wandering ghost ships, ocean farts caused by methane gas, an FBI investigation, and the mysterious disappearance of Flight 19. The pair also reads the last tr…

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Ep 118 - Werewolves - Lycanthropy, Witch Trials, and Modern Medicine 1:18:31

5M ago1:18:31

1:18:31

In this week’s episode, Rowan explores the lore of lycanthropes–those unfortunate souls who transform into wolves under the full moon. We explore numerous versions of werewolf mythology, the way these stories were used against innocents throughout history, how modern medicine has affected the discussion, and ways someone might gain this transformat…

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Ep 117 - Acts of God - Deadly Debris, Solar Storms, and a Lethal Lake - Feat. Spenser Starke 2:07:43

6M ago2:07:43

2:07:43

This week Spenser Starke joins us to discuss “Acts of God” from around the world. We talk about the Lake Nyos Disaster, the Carrington Event, and the Tunguska Incident. Instead of a story, Spenser brings in an original TTRPG that gets everyone involved in crafting an archeological adventure. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_Go…

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Ep 116 - Pompeii Pt. 2 - Oh, Sexy Pompeii! - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:26:03

6M ago1:26:03

1:26:03

This week Spenser Starke joins us for the second in a three-part series on Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other acts of God. We talk about the history of the sexy history of Pompeii, the Herculaneum Papyri, and scandalous ancient graffiti. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_God https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculaneum https://en.wik…

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Ep 115 - Pompeii Pt. 1 - A Pliny for Your Thoughts - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:53:52

6M ago1:53:52

1:53:52

This week Spenser Starke joins us for the first in a three-part series on Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other acts of God. We talk about the history of the Pompeii, the science of volcanoes, and the art of archeology Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_of_God https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculaneum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercul…

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Ep 114 - Beauty and the Beast - Feminism & Fairytales Pt. 2 - Feat. Kailey Bray 1:11:30

11M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

The second half of our two part series on Beauty and the Beast with Kailey Bray! We talk about the authors of Beauty and the Beast, the impacts of its creation on story, and the idea of the woman as a muse. Also, Kailey tells a us her own tale. Sources From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers by Marina Warner Beauty and the Be…

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Ep 113 - Beauty and the Beast Pt. 1 - Feminism & Fairytales - Feat. Kailey Bray 1:14:45

11M ago1:14:45

1:14:45

Kailey Bray joins us once again, this time she brings to light the tale of Beauty and the Beast. We discuss feminism, fairytales, storytelling, and Shrek Sources From the Beast to the Blonde: On Fairy Tales and Their Tellers by Marina Warner Beauty and the Beast, Old and New by Terry Windling La Belle et La Bête by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve L…

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Ep 112 - Asmodeus - The Misunderstood Bad Boy of Hell- Feat. Casie Ropski 50:30

11M ago50:30

50:30

This week Tracey dives into the history and mythology behind one of Hell's top demons. The demon Prince of Lust, himself: Asmodeus Join us as we explore the enigmatic world of Asmodeus, Hell's misunderstood bad boy. Discover the depths of his character, debunk the misconceptions, and uncover his potential as a surprising love interest. From mytholo…

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Ep 111 - The Sacred Band of Thebes - Ancient Heroes, Epic Battles, & Gay Love - Feat. Casie Ropski 1:13:20

12M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Casie comes back to the show to share the fascinating story behind the Sacred Band of Thebes. She goes into the queer history behind the most powerful group of gay soldiers in Ancient Greece Sources Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/Boeotian-League History of War http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/peace_antalcidas.html The Ancients podc…

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Ep 110 - Aka Manto - Urban Legends & a Toilet Ghost 43:55

12M ago43:55

43:55

This week Tracey shares the tale of Aka Manto, a Japanese Urban legend about a toilet ghost. Be careful when walking into public bathrooms… Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aka_Manto https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_urban_legends Generasian https://generasian.blog/2020/12/22/deconstructing-japanese-urban-legend-and-its-cultural…

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Ep 109 - Victorian Ghost Stories - The Horror of Technology, Fashion, and the Economy 47:01

1y ago47:01

47:01

This week, Tracey answers the age-old question: Why were the Victorians so spooky? The answer includes Rowan’s favorite fact to tell at parties, a bit about women writers, and a scandalizing detail about…naked ghosts? Sources Cambridge https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-history-of-the-gothic/genesis-of-the-victorian-ghost-story/BF01…

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Ep 108 - Mini Myth: Telling the Bees - Grief, Gardens and Rituals 47:25

1y ago47:25

47:25

This week’s show is all about sadness and sweetness. In her mini myth, Rowan describes the tradition of “telling the bees.” We dive into the grief, bee friendly gardening, and the joy of little outfits. Sources The Bee Conservancy https://thebeeconservancy.org/10-ways-to-save-the-bees/ Planet Bee Foundation https://www.planetbee.org/how-to-help-bee…

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Ep 107 - Mini Myth: Adapa - Ancient Mesopotamia and Artificial Intelligence 40:55

1y ago40:55

40:55

Mythology, Technology & The Fall of Man This week is our first Mini Myth! Tracey brings us the tale of Adapa and the Food of Life. Rowan and Tracey have conversations about technology, AI (we’re looking at you Chat GPT), zoochosis, and ancient mythology. Sources World history https://www.worldhistory.org/article/216/the-myth-of-adapa/ Wikipedia htt…

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Ep 106 - Hans Christian Andersen - The Little Mermaid’s Queer Icon 1:53:27

1y ago1:53:27

1:53:27

In Episode 106, Rowan tells us the history of Hans Christian Andersen and the many people he longed for the course of his life. Our hosts discuss his fairy tales, anxiety, queer identity…and that time he pissed off Charles Dickens. Was he bisexual? Was he ace? Did he compare himself to a snowman in love with a stove? (The world may never know.) Sou…

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Ep 105 - Radclyffe Hall - The Literary Lesbian Who Defied Gender Norms 2:01:05

1y ago2:01:05

2:01:05

This week Tracey talks about the (in)famous John Radclyffe Hall, a woman who defied gender norms and wrote a famously banned book: The Well of Loneliness. We also discuss the state of LGBTQ+ youth in America today and what can be done to protect the queer community Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radclyffe_Hall https://en.wikipedia.…

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Ep 104 - Storytime - We’re Here, We’re Queer 1:18:31

1y ago1:18:31

1:18:31

For our final Storytime episode in this series we are discussing four of our favorite LGBTQ+ stories that we've written over the last three seasons. This week we talk about out and proud lesbian icon: Anne Lister, the bible’s kinkiest love story: Samson and Delilah, a goddess with gender fluid priests: Inanna, and the definitely-not-just-roommates …

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Ep 103 - Storytime - Badass Women of History 1:15:53

1y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In this episode, Tracey is taking us on a tour of her past stories about amazing women from history. This week’s episode includes the stories of groundbreaking baroque painter: Artemesia Gentileschi, iconic Black woman in Georgian society: Dido Elizabeth Belle, “The Terror of the South China Seas” pirate Ching Shih, and CIA’s Moscow Rules made famo…

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Ep 102 Storytime - Myriad of Muses 1:33:47

1+ y ago1:33:47

1:33:47

For our second Storytime episode, Rowan compiled a collection of her stories all centered around the topic of the artistic muse in history and mythology. This week’s episode includes W.B. Yates’ Leanan Sidhe, the Green Fairy of absinthe, the tragic death of the Unknown Woman of the Seine, and the tale of a science fiction unicorn. For the full hist…

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Ep 101 - Storytime - Wholesome Monsters 1:21:36

1+ y ago1:21:36

1:21:36

To start off Season 4, we’re introducing Storytime Episodes! Join Rowan and Tracey for a look back on the last three years of mythology. This week’s episode includes the tales of Pennsylvania’s State cryptid the Squonk, a gargoyle from the Notre Dame, a nurturing kraken mother, and our favorite ‘bro from West Virginia: Mothman. For the full history…

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Ep 100 - Zeus vs. Women - The Awful Animal of the Greek Pantheon

1+ y ago

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For our 100th episode we decided it was time to address the Zeus in the room. We bring you two tales about Zeus and his exploits as an animal with women in the Greek pantheon. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(consort_of_Zeus) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leda_and_the_Swan The Collector http…

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Ep 99 - Deadly Drinks - The Great Molasses Flood & Moonshine 1:40:04

1+ y ago1:40:04

1:40:04

For the second to last episode of this season, we’re hosting a double episode. Join us to discuss The Great Molasses Flood of Boston & The History of Moonshine in the Appalachias. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonshine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Molasses_Flood https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eighteenth_Amendment_to_the_Uni…

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Ep 98 - Absinthe - Hallucinations, the Green Fairy, and the Belle Epoch 1:28:22

1+ y ago1:28:22

1:28:22

Join us this week to explore the myths (and mythos) that surround the famed French spirit: absinthe. We’re diving deep into the culture of art and alcoholism following the French Revolution. The artists of the Belle Epoch may have been sad bois on a lot of drugs, but we promise there will be at least one Green Fairy. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wi…

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Ep 97 - Side Show Freaks - Language, Disability, & Performing at the Turn of the Century 1:50:30

1+ y ago1:50:30

1:50:30

This week Rowan and Tracey come together to bring you the real history of the "freak show" performances of of the late 19th century. We talk about William Henry Johnson aka "Zip the Pinhead", Ella Harper aka "The Camel Girl", Chang and Eng Bunker aka "The Siamese Twins", and Annie Jones the "Bearded Lady". Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org…

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Ep 96 - Haunted Castles Around The World - Dungeons, Seances, and How to DIY a Poltergeist 1:19:26

1+ y ago1:19:26

1:19:26

This week Tracey and Rowan combined forces to bring you a Halloween-themed variety episode. Join our hosts to learn about the ghosts that occupy the great castles of the world (and stick around to learn how to DIY your own haunting!) The team explores the histories and ghost stories of Leap Castle, Castle Eltz, Predjama Castle, Himeji Castle, and C…

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Ep 95 - The Most Haunted Homes in America - Houses, Hotels, and Hipsters 1:16:00

1+ y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

This week Tracey brings you four of the most haunted homes, hotels, and castles across the United States. She covers the history and the ghosts of the Chelsea Hotel, the Whaley House, the Joshua Ward House, and Franklin Castle. Sources HGTV https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/holidays/americas-scariest-homes-real-life-haunted-houses-pictures Wikipedia h…

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Ep 94 - L’Inconnue de la Seine Part 2 - The Mask of the Muse 1:26:58

1+ y ago1:26:58

1:26:58

This episode is our Part 2 of our true tale of the most kissed woman in the world. In this miniseries, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Ophelia of the Seine. Our hosts discuss poetry, inspiration, CPR, and also tell a classic horror story about a man who makes death masks. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%…

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Ep 93 - L’Inconnue de la Seine Part 1 - The Most Kissed Woman in the World 1:07:23

1+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

We’re kicking off spooky season with what may be one of the eeriest true-history stories we’ve had on the show. In this two part series, Rowan presents the story of L’Inconnue de la Seine or, The Drowned Mona Lisa. Our hosts discuss the Victorian “culture of looking”, the famous Paris Morgue, death masks, drowning…and how it’s possible that they’ve…

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Ep 92 - Mona Lisa - DaVinci and the Most Famous Painting in the World

1+ y ago

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This week resident art historian Jamie Harrison is back to tell us all about the Mona Lisa. She dives into the life of DaVinci as well as the history of the painting. Sources Science ABC https://www.scienceabc.com/social-science/why-is-mona-lisa-so-famous-worth-cost-today-meaning.html Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mona_Lisa Leonardo Davin…

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Ep 91 - Nana Buluku - West African Mother Supreme

1+ y ago

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This week Tracey covers the mythology behind Nana Buluku, Mawu, & Lisa. She also dives into Vodun mythology and the impacts of the trans atlantic slave trade. Sources Wikidpedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nana_Buluku https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_Vodun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_slave_t…

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Ep 90 - The Hindu Goddess Durga - Facets of Divine Femininity 1:10:58

2y ago1:10:58

1:10:58

This week, Rowan tells us what she learned about the Hindu Goddess Durga and her association with strength, destruction, and motherhood. Our hosts discuss shakti, colonialism, and the myriad of ways to be a woman. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahishasura ht…

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Ep 89 - Aqua Tofana - Poison and Polite Society

2y ago

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This week Tracey talks about the famous 17th century poison Aqua Tofana. She dives into the tale of Giulia Tofana the supposed woman who killed over 600 men. Sources National Domestic Violence Hotline Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service Learn more 800-799-7233 SMS: Text START to 88788 Wikipedia https://e…

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Ep 88 - Haunted Dolls - Terrifying Toys From Around The World 1:31:39

2y ago1:31:39

1:31:39

We’re ready for spooky season! To close Aug-tober, Rowan is presenting a variety show of Haunted Dolls. Join us getting creeped out by Robert the Doll, Okiku, The Island of Dolls, and more… Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetishism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_doll#:~:text=According%20to%20modern%20Japanese%20folklore,on%20…

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Ep 87 - Elizebeth Friedman - The woman who took on Al Capone, Nazis, and J Edgar Hoover 1:15:05

2y ago1:15:05

1:15:05

This week Tracey brings you the story of one of America's most brilliant code breakers. She was a mother, a wife, and nemesis to multiple men Sources NCPedia https://www.ncpedia.org/history/20th-Century/1920s-women#:~:text=Women%20found%20their%20lives%20changed,woman%E2%80%9D%20was%20on%20her%20way. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizebet…

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Ep 86 - Unicorns - Mythical Creatures, Rhinoceroses, and Death by Virgin 1:25:44

2y ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Coming back from hiatus, Rowan brings us stories of unicorns. Turns out: if it looks like a mythical creature, and has one horn like a mythical creature, it’s probably a rhinoceros. Join us in examining one-horned, magical creatures from Ancient Greece, the Indus Valley, China, England, and beyond. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Un…

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Ep 85 - Quetzalcoatl - Part Bird, Part Snake, All Ancient God 1:22:34

2y ago1:22:34

1:22:34

This week, Tracey is sharing what she learned about the ancient Mesoamerican god Quetzalcoatl. His story survived centuries, spanning the rise and fall of nations to make him one of the most famous shape-shifting gods of the modern world. Quetzalcoatl is part bird, part snake; sometimes a god’s terrifying pet, sometimes a man and creator god in his…

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Ep 84 - Listener Legends and Q&A 1:21:34

2y ago1:21:34

1:21:34

In this relaxed post COVID-19 episode (Yup, our hosts caught it. Don’t forget to stay up on your COVID vaccine and boosters! W&F is team science!), Rowan and Tracey take it easy and chat with all of you. We read your Listener Legends as well as answer the questions you sent into us! To submit your own Listener Legends, visit: https://www.willingand…

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Eli moves on 28:30

2y ago28:30

28:30

The interviews- EliBy Unmanly men

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Ep 83 - The Statue of David - Michelangelo, Homosexuality, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Feat. Jamie Harrison 1:25:52

2y ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Jamie Harrison joins Rowan to bring us the tale of the most famous statue that almost never existed - Michelangelo’s statue of David. She covers the life of Michelangelo and the creation of the statue of David. She and Rowan also dive into modern art, teenage mutant ninja turtles, and the queer relationships Michelangelo may (or may not) have had. …

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Ep 82 - “Let’s Lysistrata The Men” - Roe v. Wade, Sex Strikes, and Chainsaws 1:37:57

2y ago1:37:57

1:37:57

The podcast is getting heated this week! Rowan explains why the world keeps referencing the Ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” in the wake of Judge Alito’s draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. She also teaches us about the history of sex strikes, Romania’s Decree 770 outlawing abortion, and how the chainsaw was actually invented for use in childbirt…

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Ep 81 - Dido Elizabeth Belle - Black Representation in Georgian Society 1:16:32

2y ago1:16:32

1:16:32

This week Tracey talks about a painting that sparked centuries of speculation and debate. That painting is of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed raced woman in high society and her cousin Elizabeth Murray. Join us as we discuss society, culture, and race in Georgian England. Sources Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dido_Elizabeth_Belle https://en…

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Ep 80 - Orpheus and Eurydice Part 2 - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:21:12

2y ago1:21:12

1:21:12

This week, friend of the pod Spenser Starke is back! He and Rowan continue their exploration of the famous Ancient Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice”. Spenser Starke is a game designer at Critical Role, one of the designers behind the TTRPG “Kids on Brooms” and he’s also the brilliant mind behind “Icarus: A Storytelling Game About How Great Civil…

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Ep 79 - Orpheus and Eurydice Part 1 - Feat. Spenser Starke 1:30:10

2y ago1:30:10

1:30:10

This week, friend of the pod Spenser Starke joins Rowan in a discussion about the famous Ancient Greek myth of “Orpheus and Eurydice”. Spenser Starke is a game designer at Critical Role, one of the designers behind the TTRPG “Kids on Brooms” and he’s also the brilliant mind behind “Icarus: A Storytelling Game About How Great Civilizations Fall”. Hi…

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Ep 78 - The Wizard & The Rogue Chapter 8 - The Orrery 52:43

2y ago52:43

52:43

Thea has successfully convinced her old friend, the very nervous librarian Byron, to join the team and gain them access to the restricted portion of the Lassera Library. Now, the unlikely trio should be able to steal the heretical texts fairly easily…If Roslyn can cause a large enough distraction to stop the city guard from catching them (again). T…