Best Classical Conversations Podcasts (2024)

1
Love Dishonored in Euripides’ “Medea” (Part 4) 51:16

21h ago51:16

51:16

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…

1
My Three Sons: Stanley Livingston’s Life in Classic TV 1:14:08

1d ago1:14:08

1:14:08

Stanley Livingston, known to millions as Chip Douglas from My Three Sons, opens up about his fascinating journey through Hollywood. Livingston shares an insider's perspective on his career spanning over six decades, from growing up on set to working alongside legends like Fred MacMurray and Charles Bronson. This conversation is a nostalgic ride thr…

1
Love Dishonored in Euripides’ “Medea” (Part 3) 51:23

7d ago51:23

51:23

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…

1
The Rebellious Comedy of Married with Children: Richard Gurman Dishes on TV’s Boldest Sitcom 54:18

8d ago54:18

54:18

Richard Gurman, renowned TV producer and author of Married with Children vs. the World, shares the inside scoop on the hit sitcom that redefined TV comedy. Gurman recounts the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs that made Married with Children a cultural game-changer, from casting battles with Fox executives to navigating controversy and cens…

1
Love Dishonored in Euripides’ “Medea” (Part 2) 41:30

15d ago41:30

41:30

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Ancient Greece’s most notorious battle of the sexes, and Euripides’ rumination on the question of whether the Athenian ideals of rationality and moderation sufficiently honor the instinctual side of human nature. Upcoming Episodes: “A New Leaf” (Elaine May), “Whoso List to Hunt” and “They Flee From Me” (Thoma…

1
Gems & Laughs with Geri Jewell from The Facts of Life 53:44

15d ago53:44

53:44

Geri Jewell shares her trailblazing career as the first actress with cerebral palsy to break into mainstream television. From her early stand-up days at The Comedy Store to her iconic roles on The Facts of Life and HBO’s Deadwood, Geri reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey. She opens up about her influential friendship with Carol B…

1
Love Dishonored in Euripides’ “Medea” (Part 1) 50:20

22d ago50:20

50:20

Known for casting mythical heroes in human proportions, Eurpides has his hands full with Medea—homocidal sorcerous, granddaughter of the sun, and a woman who does not take betrayal lightly. Nevertheless, the poet is able to capture the agony of someone who has given up everything for love—family, home, and homeland—only to find her passion disregar…

1
Roots, Resilience, and Reunion: The Remarkable Journey of Lynne Moody 39:55

22d ago39:55

39:55

Lynne Moody, a legendary actress known for her groundbreaking roles in television, shares her extraordinary journey through Hollywood. From her iconic performances in "Roots" and "Soap" to her time on "Knots Landing," Lynne reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her career. She opens up about the limited opportunities for African American actre…

1
Love and Loneliness in “Arthur” (1981) – Part 2 50:40

29d ago50:40

50:40

It’s awful being alone, according to millionaire playboy Arthur Bach, and nobody should be alone. And so he forestalls this feeling by getting drunk, picking up prostitutes, and laughing at his own jokes. Yet love in its true form can be a lonely business, as his servant Hobson reminds him, because it involves growing up, getting serious, and takin…

1
Inside the Batman '66 TV Show with Author Joel Eisner 1:05:16

29d ago1:05:16

1:05:16

TV historian and author Joel Eisner delves into the fascinating world of the Batman '66 TV series, sharing untold stories and insider details from his definitive Official Batman Batbook. Discover how Eisner navigated the complexities of securing rights, his unique approach to documenting the show, and the exclusive insights he gathered from the cas…

1
Love and Loneliness in “Arthur” (1981) – Part 1 43:01

1M ago43:01

43:01

It’s awful being alone, according to millionaire playboy Arthur Bach, and nobody should be alone. And so he forestalls this feeling by getting drunk, picking up prostitutes, and laughing at his own jokes. Yet love in its true form can be a lonely business, as his servant Hobson reminds him, because it involves growing up, getting serious, and takin…

1
Mike Sacks on Satire, Self-Publishing, and the Art of the Novelization 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

Mike Sacks, a renowned humor writer and author, discusses his unconventional journey in the world of comedy writing. From contributing to Mad Magazine to self-publishing his unique and quirky works, Sacks opens up about the creative freedom and challenges he encountered along the way. He dives into the art of crafting novelizations for non-existent…

1
Courtly Reciprocity in “Laustic” and “Guigemar” by Marie de France (Part 2) 50:16

1M ago50:16

50:16

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of two of Marie de France’s most famous lais—”Laustic” and “Guigemar”—and how their narratives marry the “flesh” of text, art, and symbology, to the “spirit” of the spoken word (via dialogue, oaths and covenants, and authorial commentary), in order, perhaps, to communicate something of the mysterious and dangero…

1
Prairie Man Dean Butler Celebrates 50 years of Little House on the Prairie 55:45

1M ago55:45

55:45

Dean Butler, famously known as Almanzo Wilder from Little House on the Prairie, opens up about his new memoir, "Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond." He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic show, reflects on its lasting legacy, and discusses his experiences on other classic TV series like The Love Boat and Buffy the Vampire Sla…

1
The Trailblazing Journey of Norma Safford Vela 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

Norma Safford Vela, a trailblazing television writer and showrunner, joins the conversation to share her inspiring journey in the entertainment industry. From breaking into Hollywood as a woman when the field was dominated by men to working on iconic shows like St. Elsewhere, Roseanne, Designing Women, and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Norma recounts…

1
Courtly Reciprocity in “Laustic” and “Guigemar” by Marie de France (Part 1) 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

The lai, a short narrative poem from the Middle Ages that treats themes of courtly love, was originally accompanied by music and sung by minstrels. But in the 1170s, poet Marie de France translated a series of Breton lais into French and, in so doing, converted an oral tradition into text. It’s no wonder, then, that her lais’ narratives are so ofte…

1
Sight and Solitude in Le Samouraï (1967) by Jean-Pierre Melville (Part 2) 47:38

2M ago47:38

47:38

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Jean-Pierre Melville’s 1967 noir thriller “Le Samouraï,” and the surprising power of love to capture its fugitives, even if it means finding them in the most shadowy of underworlds. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early…

1
From NBC Page to Podcast Star: Bari Alyse Tells All 1:00:40

2M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Bari Alyse recounts her journey from an NBC page to hosting her own successful podcast, sharing unforgettable stories from her time at Saturday Night Live and the David Letterman Show. She reveals the wild and unexpected moments behind the scenes of daytime talk shows like Montel Williams and Carnie Wilson, and offers insights into working with Al …

1
Dean Cameron Unfiltered: Navigating Fame, Typecasting, and Creative Reinvention 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

Dean Cameron, star of '80s and '90s hits like "Summer School" and "Ski School," shares his incredible journey through Hollywood. From his early days living with future stars like Eric Stoltz and Anthony Edwards to his memorable roles alongside legends like Ray Walston and Carl Reiner, Dean offers a candid and humorous look at his career. He discuss…

1
Sight and Solitude in Le Samouraï (1967) by Jean-Pierre Melville (Part 1) 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

Jef Costello is a hit-man with airtight alibis, impeccable style, and a strict code of honor. Add to this a masterful ability to evade his pursuers, mobsters and authorities alike, and a simple but effective home alarm system in the form of a bird. But what he cannot orchestrate, control, or evade is the improvisational nature of a genuine encounte…

1
“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 2) 1:08:58

2M ago1:08:58

1:08:58

What is the cause of human self-destructiveness? Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Notes from the Underground,” and its agonized rumination on whether freedom can be reconciled with love, individuality with virtue, and action with reflection. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreo…

1
Classic TV Tales with Larry Mathews Ritchie Petrie from Dick Van Dyke Show 53:14

2M ago53:14

53:14

Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Larry Mathews, best known as Ritchie Petrie on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Larry opens up about his unforgettable experiences on the iconic sitcom, sharing hilarious and heartwarming stories about working with TV legends like Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carl Reiner. Larry reminisces about the groun…

1
“Notes from the Underground” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky: An Anatomy of Human Self-Destructiveness (Part 1) 48:39

3M ago48:39

48:39

What is the cause of human self-destructiveness? According to Dostoyevkys’s underground man, this “most advantageous advantage” is designed to save freedom from the constraints of rationality, and vitality from the quiescence that follows success. Yet he himself finds freedom only in spite and fantasy, while in real life he oscillates between faile…

1
Behind the Late Night Curtain with Bill Scheft 1:01:44

3M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

Bill Scheft takes us on a journey through his illustrious career in comedy and writing. From his early stand-up days to becoming a key writer for David Letterman, Bill's stories are filled with humor and insight. He discusses his books, his love for classic music, and his recent work in documentaries, providing a well-rounded view of his contributi…

1
Staking Claims in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) (Part 2) 54:31

3M ago54:31

54:31

Wes & Erin continue their discussion John Huston’s 1948 classic, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to…

1
Behind the Scenes with Dan Bakkedahl star of Dinner with the Parents 56:52

3M ago56:52

56:52

Dan Bakkedahl, star of the new show "Dinner with the Parents" on Freevee shares insights from his eclectic career, from his beginnings in improv with Second City to his memorable roles in popular TV shows like "Veep," "Life in Pieces," and "The Daily Show." Dan reveals behind-the-scenes stories, the challenges of playing comedic jerks, and the joys…

1
Staking Claims in “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948) (Part 1) 50:05

3M ago50:05

50:05

It’s considered the definitive film on greed, a demonstration of just what the lust for gold can do to a man’s heart. Fred C. Dobbs starts out as a down-on-his-luck panhandler in a poor Mexican town and comes into a fortune of over $100,000 before the film’s end. Yet, in more ways than one, Dobbs never stops panhandling, never stops being subject t…

1
On The Road with Comedian Marc "Skippy" Price from Family Ties 34:45

3M ago34:45

34:45

Marc Price, famously known as "Skippy" from the beloved TV show Family Ties takes us on a journey through his illustrious career, sharing hilarious anecdotes from his time on Family Ties, his adventures in the world of stand-up comedy, and his roles in cult classics like "Killer Tomatoes Eat France" and "Trick or Treat" alongside legends like Ozzy …

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 6)

3M ago

—

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes.…

1
Tonya Todd on Writing, Filmmaking and Inclusion 43:17

3M ago43:17

43:17

Tonya Todd shares insights into her dynamic career in writing, acting, directing, and podcasting. She discusses her creative processes, the importance of diversity and inclusion in storytelling, and her directorial debut with the short film "Mourning Sacrifice." This engaging conversation highlights the passion and dedication behind Tonya’s multifa…

1
The Hidden Rose of Napoleon Dynamite: Darci Monet 43:27

4M ago43:27

43:27

Discover the untold story behind the iconic film Napoleon Dynamite as Darci Monet shares her experiences and challenges in the music industry. From singing as a child to her pivotal role in the film's soundtrack, Darci reveals the highs and lows of her career, including the struggle for proper recognition. This episode delves into her journey of re…

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” Part 5 54:52

4M ago54:52

54:52

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes.…

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 4)

4M ago

—

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/subtextapps for free appetizers for life. For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes.…

1
Napoleon Dynamite 20th Anniversary and A Disturbance in the Force with Jeremy Coon 43:34

4M ago43:34

43:34

Jeremy Coon, known for producing the iconic Napoleon Dynamite and directing the new documentary A Disturbance in the Force. Jeremy celebrates two decades of Napoleon Dynamite, revealing the film's origins, its surprise success, and its lasting legacy. He also delves into the making of his documentary on the Star Wars Holiday Special, shedding light…

1
Ami Dolenz is Out of Control 39:58

4M ago39:58

39:58

Ami Dolenz delves into her vibrant career and the stories behind her iconic roles. Ami shares fascinating anecdotes from her time on sets of '80s and '90s classics like "Can't Buy Me Love," "She's Out of Control," and "General Hospital." Ami provides a peek into her childhood experiences with famous parents, her transition into acting, and her memo…

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 3) 53:07

4M ago53:07

53:07

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit Airwa…

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (Part 2) 39:34

4M ago39:34

39:34

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s classic poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit Airwa…

1
Unmasking Dr. Doom: Joseph Culp on Roger Corman's Fantastic Four 48:15

4M ago48:15

48:15

Joseph Culp, the first actor to portray Dr. Doom discusses Roger Corman's unreleased 1994 film "The Fantastic Four." They dive into the lore of the film, the legacy it has built among fans, and the efforts to have it officially released. Joseph shares intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, his experiences growing up with a famous father, and his tho…

1
Psychedelic Regrets in “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

The ancient Mariner kills his Albatross with a carelessness that stands in stark contrast to his impulse for confession. For several days he and his shipmates feed the albatross, play with it, and treat it as if it were inhabited by a “Christian soul.” The mariner never tells the wedding guest why it is that he kills the bird, but the casual and se…

1
The Untold Story of Roger Corman’s Fantastic Four with Rebecca Staab 1:01:57

4M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

Rebecca Staab shares captivating stories from her diverse career in television and film, including her role as Sue Storm in Roger Corman's "Fantastic Four." She discusses behind-the-scenes moments, the movie's cult status, and her experiences on iconic shows like "Cheers," "Seinfeld," and "Superman and Lois." Rebecca also talks about her recent wor…

1
Artifacts and Tales: Exploring Hidden Museum Stories with Bob Eckstein 25:29

5M ago25:29

25:29

Explore the intriguing world of museums with Bob Eckstein, celebrated illustrator, writer, and cartoonist, as he discusses his new book, "Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums." This episode dives deep into the stories and secrets behind the museums featured in his latest work. Key Points Discussed: Bob’s Inspiration: Learn about the personal…

1
Sins of Omission in “On the Waterfront” (1954) (Part 2) 35:22

5M ago35:22

35:22

Wes & Erin continue their discussion of “On the Waterfront.” For bonus content, become a paid subscriber at Patreon or directly on the Apple Podcasts app. Patreon subscribers also get early access to ad-free regular episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit AirwaveMedia.com to listen and subscribe to other Airwave s…

1
Vision to Reality: The Evolution of 'Beyond the Rush' 37:28

5M ago37:28

37:28

Dive deep into the creative process and the making of the upcoming movie, "Beyond the Rush." Bill Barrett and Rob Sayegh share a sneak peek into their latest cinematic venture, offering listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how a short story from 1992 evolved into a short film and finally blossomed into the feature film set to captivate …

1
Sins of Omission in “On the Waterfront” (1954) (Part 1) 40:58

5M ago40:58

40:58

Terry Malloy and his fellow longshoremen on the New York docks are witnesses to union corruption under labor boss Johnny Friendly, but won’t testify against him because of his violent intimidation tactics, which ensure that union members remain “D and D”—that is, deaf and dumb—to any illegal activity. When Terry’s collaboration with Friendly result…

1
Justin Flom on Creativity and Viral Success 57:56

5M ago57:56

57:56

Justin Flom, a renowned magician and social media sensation, known for his unique blend of magic and creativity shares his journey from performing close-up magic to becoming a viral internet phenomenon with his innovative spray paint art and engaging magic videos. Highlights: The Evolution of Magic and Art: Justin explains how his career transforme…

1
Consciousness Bemoaned in “Aubade” by Philip Larkin (Part 2) 53:02

5M ago53:02

53:02

In the medieval tradition of courtly love, the aubade inverts the serenade. Where one heralds an evening arrival, the other laments a morning departure. In John Dunne’s famous poetic contribution to the genre, he chastises the sun for waking and so separating lovers, but consoles us with the notion that the power of the sun is ultimately subordinat…

1
Breakfast with the Beatles and Chris Carter 56:39

5M ago56:39

56:39

Dive into the heart of pop culture and music history with Chris Carter, host of "Breakfast with The Beatles" on Sirius XM. We are jam-packed with fascinating insights into the career of The Beatles, their timeless impact on music, and the intriguing stories behind their songs. Highlights Introduction to Chris Carter: Insight into Carter’s career an…

1
Michaela Watkins star of Dinner with the Parents 19:44

5M ago19:44

19:44

Michaela Watkins shares her latest comedic venture, "Dinner with the Parents" with us. Set against the backdrop of weekly Shabbat dinners that invariably spiral into chaos, Michaela shares her journey portraying one of television's funniest moms, offering a humorous glimpse into family dynamics and cultural quirks. Highlights: Behind the Scenes: Mi…

1
Consciousness Bemoaned in “Aubade” by Philip Larkin (Part 1) 40:46

5M ago40:46

40:46

In the medieval tradition of courtly love, the aubade inverts the serenade. Where one heralds an evening arrival, the other laments a morning departure. In John Dunne’s famous poetic contribution to the genre, he chastises the sun for waking and so separating lovers, but consoles us with the notion that the power of the sun is ultimately subordinat…

1
Jon Beckerman is having Dinner with the Parents 48:23

5M ago48:23

48:23

Emmy Award-winning creator Jon Beckerman dives deep into the comedic whirlpool of television writing and production. Beckerman shares a buffet of behind-the-scenes stories from his early days at the Late Show with David Letterman to his latest venture, the side-splitting Amazon Freevee series, "Dinner with the Parents." Highlights Jon Beckerman's R…

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Classical Conversations Podcasts

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