Ancient Office Hours

Dr. Kate Cook, a Lecturer in Greek Culture at King’s College London, joins Lexie to discuss falling in love with tragedy after reading Aeschylus’ Agamemnon and Kassandra’s scene, connecting hostility toward prominent or “masculinized” women in modern games to ancient tragic narratives about women, and critiquing the “historical accuracy” discourse in gaming which includes mods that remove women. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded June 12, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Cook: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/kate-cook Follow her on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/katexe.bsky.social Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Sarah Bond, an associate professor of Classics at the University of Iowa, joins Lexie to discuss the importance of classical languages and public scholarship, her book 'Strike' and the evolution of labor unions from ancient Rome to modern times, the potential future of classics & the impact of AI on the job market, and the significance of empathy in humanities. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded June 11, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Bond: https://history.uiowa.edu/people/sarah-bond Check out her blog: History From Below Check out her Substack “Pasts Imperfect”: https://pasts-imperfect.ghost.io/  Follow her on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sarahebond.bsky.socialGrab a copy of her book Strike: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300273144/strike/ Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alex Dold, a literary scholar, historian, and unofficial “Dr. of Outlander,” joins Lexie to discuss her insights on how she blends literary scholarship and historical research, the challenges of researching an ongoing series, the importance of studying popular culture academically, and the essential role of books and public history. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded January 28, 2026. Learn more about Dr. Dold: https://alexdold.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.dold.historian/ Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Alex-Dold-Historian/61583605072756/ Check out her chapters in the new academic volume on Outlander: https://luath.co.uk/products/outlander-and-scotland?srsltid=AfmBOorsHtSQxR6pMQ7uNDzNOCWmlL1h_BwFuW6KdkvAMnFRlyBSvoAT Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alexander Vandewalle, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, joins Lexie to discuss how his passion for modern video games and Classics led to his PhD research on the characterization of mythological figures in video games, the nuances of using video games in educational settings, and the evolution of classical reception in video games & its growing legitimacy as a field of study. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 30, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Vandewalle: https://research.flw.ugent.be/en/alexander.vandewalle Check out his publications on Academia: https://antwerp.academia.edu/AlexanderVandewalle Check out Paizomen, the database of Classical Antiquity games: https://paizomen.com/ Find his book on characters in myth: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/characters-and-characterization-in-mythological-video-games-9781350565852/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hailey Beaupre, also known as The Sassenach Historian, is an American who moved to Scotland to become a historical and pop culture tour guide. She recounts her journey from a small-town Connecticut upbringing to becoming a Scottish history tour guide, inspired by a childhood fascination with the Titanic and a pivotal visit to Scotland. She discusses the intricacies of juggling an education career, a passion for history, the impact of Outlander on Scottish tourism, and the challenges of starting her own tour company. Additionally, she delves into her upcoming book project about a historical witch in Scotland, blending fictional storytelling with historical context. The conversation touches on the importance of preserving heritage sites amid increased tourism, the practicalities of moving abroad, the economics of the tourism industry, and the personal fulfilment found in guiding others through Scotland's rich history.Originally recorded December 19, 2025.Learn more about Hailey and her tours: https://sassenachhistorian.com/ Follow her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Sassenach-Historian-Tours-100089200463277/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sassenachhistorian/?hl=enSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Naomi Weiss, a Professor of Classics at Harvard, joins Lexie to discuss the nuances and wonders of Greek tragedies, especially works by Euripides and Aeschylus, the complexities of modern adaptations, narrative vs. performance elements, and the potential of transforming these ancient stories into contemporary performances, like a musical adaptation of Greek tragedies. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 28, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Weiss: https://classics.fas.harvard.edu/people/naomi-weiss-0 Check out her publications on Academia: https://harvard.academia.edu/NaomiWeiss Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Lindsey Mazurek, an Associate Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss her evolving interests from Greek civilization to Roman provincial archaeology, the complexities of ancient migration, and the implications of migration on social and political dynamics in ancient civilizations. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 28, 2025.Learn more about Dr. Mazurek: https://classics.indiana.edu/about/core-faculty/mazurek-lindsey.htmlFind more of her work on her website: https://www.lindseyamazurek.com/Check out her publications on Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/LindseyMazurekSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David Parnell, a professor of history at Indiana University Northwest, joins Lexie to discuss the challenges and gaps in academic offerings in late antiquity, his work on significant Byzantine figures like Justinian, Theodora, and Belisarius, the potential for more historical media content, and the impact of digital records on future historical studies. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 16, 2025.Learn more about Dr. Parnell: https://profiles.iu.edu/northwest/parnell-david.html Check out his publications on Academia: https://iun.academia.edu/DavidParnell Follow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/byzantineprof.bsky.socialCheck out the Epic History YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@EpichistoryTv Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Eduardo García-Molina, an Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins Lexie to discuss his journey from being inspired by the video game 'Rome Total War' to specializing in the Seleucid Empire in his academic career, insights from his research, including the challenges of working with limited historical records, and his course on the intersection of gaming and ancient history. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 12, 2025. Learn more about Dr. García-Molina: https://classics.illinois.edu/directory/profile/emg24Follow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/egarcmol.bsky.social Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmy Award winning casting director Suzanne Smith discusses the intricacies of casting for film and television, particularly in historical and period dramas. She shares her unplanned journey into casting, experiences with projects like Band of Brothers, Outlander, and Reign, and the unique challenges of casting roles that span different time periods. The episode explores the importance of historical accuracy, chemistry reads, and the impact of modern technology on the casting process. The conversation delves into the essence of an actor, the nuances of today's casting requirements, and personal anecdotes from her numerous casting endeavors. The episode culminates in a discussion on the significance of story adaptation across different media and a revelation of a dream casting project: The Hobbit by Peter Jackson. Originally recorded November 11, 2025. Check out all of her projects on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0189792/ For professional inquires check out her website: http://www.suzannesmithcasting.com/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alyson Melzer, an Assistant Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss the emotional resonance of Greek tragedies and specific elements that make these ancient works distinctively Greek, the challenges of interpreting and performing these plays in modern times, balancing authenticity and modern adaptation, and the timeless themes found in Greek tragedies and their relevance today. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 5, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Melzer: https://classics.indiana.edu/about/core-faculty/Melzer_Alyson.html Check out her publications on Academia: https://indiana.academia.edu/AlysonMelzer Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Christopher Baron, an Associate Professor of Classics at the University of Notre Dame, joins Lexie to discuss his interest in both Roman and Greek history, particularly focusing on the historiography of Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic period, how information spread in Alexander’s time, the significance of classical education, and the modern portrayal of ancient history in media. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded May 5, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Baron: https://classics.nd.edu/people/christopher-baron/ Check out his publications on Academia: https://nd.academia.edu/ChristopherBaron Find his book Timaeus of Tauromenium: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/timaeus-of-tauromenium-and-hellenistic-historiography/timaeus-of-tauromenium-and-hellenistic-historiography/99CD5F068F4278E40B9D5A59BE1F6689Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Chance Bonar, an Advising Fellow at the University of Virginia, joins Lexie to discuss how his interest in early Christianity led to critical inquiries into texts outside the New Testament and broader socio-political-religious contexts, the complex legacy of slavery in ancient texts, and the modern implications and interpretations of religious and cultural history. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded April 24, 2025.   Learn more about Dr. Bonar: https://chancebonar.hcommons.org/ Check out his publications: https://chancebonar.hcommons.org/books/ Follow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chancebonar.bsky.socialSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Aisha Dad, a Research Affiliate at the Carolina Asia Center and Director of the Classics Gaming Collaborative, joins Lexie to discuss her move from medicine to falling in love with literature and classics, her work in reception studies, particularly in how ancient stories are retold in modern contexts such as video games and literature, the challenges of being a person of color in the field and the importance of rethinking what constitutes 'classics’. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded April 24, 2025.    Check out the Apollodorus Project: https://paizomen.com/apollodorus/ Find her forthcoming book Through the Looking Glass: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674303317 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lexie chats with Troy Baker, the voice of Joel in the popular video game series 'The Last of Us.' The conversation explores a range of topics, from childhood narratives and their impact on personal growth to the philosophical and historical influences that shape storytelling. Troy dives deep into his own nostalgic triggers, the importance of simple yet profound narratives, and the experience of loss and empathy in 'The Last of Us Part II.' They also touch on the critical balance between player agency and linear storytelling in video games. This episode provides a rich exploration of how ancient and modern stories continue to resonate today, all through the lens of a beloved video game series. Originally recorded November 11, 2023.Follow Troy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtroybaker/?hl=en Find all of his projects on his IMDb page: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1684869/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Christian Langer, a trained Egyptologist and professor in the Classics department at the University of Georgia, joins Lexie to discuss his interest in ancient Egypt's political economy, forced migration, and the nuanced interplay between Egyptian and Nubian relations, contemporary issues of decolonizing academic fields such as Egyptology, and the ongoing challenges of integrating diverse perspectives in a traditionally Western-dominated discipline. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded April 12, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Langer: https://www.classics.uga.edu/directory/people/christian-langerCheck out his publications on Academia: https://uga.academia.edu/ChristianLangerFRHistS Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-langer-8a393a113/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Johanna Hanink, a professor of Classics at Brown University, joins Lexie for a podcast centric episode, in which we dive into the origins and inspirations that led to the creation of her podcast Lesche. Our conversation covers the inspirations she took from other podcasts like Byzantium and Friends, the challenges of balancing academic rigor with creating accessible content, to her approach to preparing for interviews. It also highlights the importance of fostering a hype culture within academia and future plans for the podcast. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded April 8, 2025.Learn more about Dr. Hanink: https://www.johannahanink.com/Check out Lesche podcast: https://www.leschepodcast.com/2388571 Follow Lesche on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leschepodcast/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Dunstan Lowe, a senior lecturer in Latin Literature at the University of Kent, joins Lexie to discuss his journey into the field of classical studies, driven by an early fascination with Roman history and mythology, the nuanced differences between Greek and Roman literature, particularly the works of Virgil and Ovid, and his fascination with archaeogaming and its relevance today. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded February 25, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Lowe: https://www.kent.ac.uk/classics-archaeology/people/1744/lowe-dunstanFollow him on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ancientplay.bsky.socialSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Christopher Zeichmann, a New Testament scholar and lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University, joins Lexie to discuss his new book focused on radical groups in antiquity. Dr. Zeichmann, a scholar specializing in early Christianity and the Roman military, explains his research background and the genesis of his book, 'Radical Antiquity: Free Love, Zoroastrian Farming Pirates, and Ancient Uprisings.' He explores the lives and societies of radical, leaderless communities throughout history, emphasizing the social experimentation that marked these groups. The conversation offers insights into Zeichmann’s motivations and the broader implications of his work for both scholars and general readers interested in political readings of history. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded August 14, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Zeichmann: https://christopherzeichmann.com/ & https://www.torontomu.ca/philosophy/undergraduate/religious-studies/christopher-zeichmann/Check out his publications on Academia: https://torontomu.academia.edu/ChristopherZeichmannFind his new book “Radical Antiquity” here: https://firestorm.coop/products/23867-radical-antiquity.htmlOr get the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Antiquity-Zoroastrians-Farming-Uprisings/dp/0745350399Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Caroline Arbuckle MacLeod, an Egyptologist and professor of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan, joins Lexie to discuss her path through near Eastern archeology, and how the Syrian conflict led her to fall in love with ancient Egypt, the unique interest in daily life, beliefs, and preservation of ancient Egyptian sites, her focus on woodworking in ancient Egypt and the practical and the spiritual significance of various woods used in Egyptian coffins. So tuck in your togas and hop aboard Trireme Transit for this week’s exciting odyssey! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram or visit our website www.theozymandiasproject.com! Originally recorded February 24, 2025. Learn more about Dr. Arbuckle MacLeod: https://stmcollege.ca/contacts/caroline-arbuckle.php?_gl=1*p96iqh*_ga*MTk1NDY2MDgxNC4xNzU3MTc1NjA4*_ga_7P8QY8C9QK*czE3NTcxNzU2MDckbzEkZzEkdDE3NTcxNzU2MzIkajM1JGwwJGgw#topCheck out her personal website: https://carriearbuckle.wordpress.com/Check out her publications on Academia: https://usask.academia.edu/CarolineArbuckleMacLeodFind her on Women Know History: https://womenalsoknowhistory.com/individual-scholar-page/?pdb=7591Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheOzymandiasProject Custom music by Brent Arehart of Arehart Sounds and edited by Dan Maday. Want a transcript of the episode? Email us at theozymandiasprojectpodcast@gmail.com and we can provide one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.