DiscoverLet's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean
Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean
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Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean

Author: Liv Albert

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The most entertaining and enraging stories from 'Classical' mythology (and, often, ancient history of the wider Mediterranean!) told casually, contemporarily, and (more often than not) sarcastically. The world of Greek mythology and the history of the wider ancient Mediterranean is full of wonder, horror, and utter hilarity. These myths and stories are timeless for a reason, they're just as relevant today as they were 2500+ years ago. With over 700 episodes and counting, we dive deep into the realm of gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everything in between.


Regular episodes every Tuesday, conversations with authors and scholars or readings of ancient epics every Friday. LTAMB: The Oracle Edition has ad-free episodes and so much more. Learn more about the podcast, and Liv's work, including her book Greek Mythology: the Gods, Goddess, and Heroes Handbook at mythsbaby.com.


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740 Episodes
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It's time for another 'Back to School' BONUS!... That is, we're re-sharing some fun and (extra) educational episodes because there's always more to learn...This episode originally aired in January 2024. Liv speaks with returning guest CW Marshall about ancient Greek Theatre! Toph goes through the culture of it all, the festivals, the winners and losers, how and why a play gets made, and who pulls the strings... Plus, Euripides is the best, as always. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for another 'Back to School' BONUS!... That is, we're re-sharing some fun and (extra) educational episodes because there's always more to learn... This episode originally aired in September 2022. Turns out epiphanies are super fascinating and, basically, everywhere. Gillian Glass joins Liv to talk about epiphanic experiences in antiquity, both Greek mythology and in the Torah. Plus, what do the gods smell like, anyway? Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for another 'Back to School' BONUS!... That is, we're re-sharing some fun and (extra) educational episodes because there's always more to learn...This episode originally aired in September 2024. Liv speaks with Professor Helen King about her new book Immaculate Forms, and the history of the female body. From the ancient world (women were wet and spongy) to the more modern (Man Discovers Clitoris). Plus, Artemis and periods. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's time for another 'Back to School' BONUS!... That is, we're re-sharing some fun and (extra) educational episodes because there's always more to learn... This episode originally aired in September 2022. Liv is joined by Eva Rummery to talk all things plants in Greek myth and even some archaeology. Plant myths, sacred groves, and even how some plants were grown in the ancient world! Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby.CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today Liv shares LOTS of new and exciting developments (fancy new group trip, anyone?!), answers some of your questions (we're getting crafty!), and more! (Rambley) info on the group trip to Greece found at 19:20, find more information and details on how to join the trip here. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode originally aired in april 2024. Liv is joined by Dr Kim Shelton to dive deeper into the real world of Bronze Age Mycenae and all we've learned from what they left behind. Learn more about Dr Shelton's work here.Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today's re-aired episode is PURE DELIGHTFUL NONSENSE! This episode originally aired in Jul 2023... Diving deeper into the story of Bellerophon, the perpetually forgotten hero who defeated the absolutely magnificent Chimera (and was the only hero to actually ride Pegasus!). Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content!CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Sources: Theoi entries on Bellerophon; ToposText entries on Bellerophon, Pegasus, and the Chimera. Quote from Palaephatus, translated by John Brady Kiesling is from Topos Text. Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv and Michaela chat with author and plant and foraging expert Ellen Zachos about all things myth and plant! From mythical plants like moly to which poisonous Hemlock killed Socrates, we're talking all things PLANTS! Find Mythic Plants wherever you get your books and learn more from Ellen here. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Western World is ready to sit back and watch as one of the oldest cities, in one of the most historical rich countries on the planet, is wiped off the face of the earth. The people of Gaza, and Palestine, are stewards of their land and have been since long, long before the 'West' even existed. This episode is selections from my episode on Palestine's rich ancient history and a reading of Herodotus, from 5th Century BCE, and considered to be the 'Father of History'. This episode originally aired in February 2025: Liv speaks with ancient and biblical scholar Chance Bonar about the history of Palestine and the ancient Levant. This conversation examines the history of the place and the people, people which included Jews and Judaism co-existing with others who have called that land home since the Bronze Age, those same people the west seeks to erase. There is no attempt to delegitimize Jewish history in the region, only to examine how many peoples existed there and for how long. We look at the myth of the Roman Empire "inventing" Palestine and all the many crimes the Romans did in fact commit against the people in that region, primarily the ancient Jews and Judaism itself. The love being sent to Palestine here does not exclude Judaism but embraces all of the people who have called that land home. Everyone deserves to live freely on their ancestral land and no country should exist where one group has more rights and freedoms than another.Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing.Further reading: Everyday Orientalism's Palestine primer; Rashid Khalidi's Hundred Years War on Palestine.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv reads Book 9 of Statius' Thebaid, translated by JH Mozley. The battle between the Argives and Thebans, aka between the brother Polyneices and Eteocles, continues... and it's pretty dramatic. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they generally refer to in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv answers more listener questions including the lost Heroes Crying to Mommy question, all things virgin-goddess-gender-fluidity, Bad Women of Homer, and so much more... Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Newsflash: the Iliad is an anti-war epic. Liv and Michaela speak with returning guest Joel Christensen about (ostensibly!) the Iliad, all the reasons it's NOT a pro-war epic, and why empathy is VITAL to humanity, not a bug. NOTE: this episode was recorded a few months ago and discusses the g-cide in Palestine and other Western war [crimes]. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv reads Book 8 of Statius' Thebaid, translated by JH Mozley. When the prophet-hero Amphiareus dies, even the king of the Underworld is a little thrown off. Plus, the war of brothers begins in earnest... Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they generally refer to in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Since we're on a bit of an Odyssey kick, this episode originally aired in May 2024 and stay tuned for Joel returning to talk the Iliad! Liv speaks with Joel Christensen about Odysseus and the Odyssey and what we really should take from his long and storied journey. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv is neck-deep in the Odyssey which means today she and Michaela chat Odysseus' travels, particularly Polyphemus and the 'othering' of the Cyclops. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Sources: Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's Odyssey.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For something a little fun and different this is an episode of Movies We Dig, part of the Memory Collective Podcast Network, featuring yours truly! We recorded this episode breaking down the show Spartacus: Gods of the Arena a few years back and it was too fun to resist dropping in my feed. Find more from Movies We Dig.Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv answers even more listener questions because they're just so good! Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The podcast's EIGHT year anniversary is upon us so Liv answers listener questions about any and everything including the most important question: who would win in a fight, Heracles or 100 gorillas? Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's that time again! The podcast's eight year anniversary is upon us... Today (and this Friday!) Liv answers listener questions about any and everything. This is the podcast's direct RSS feed. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note. Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liv reads The Thebaid, by Statius, translated by JH Mozley. After the side quest with Hypsipyle in Nemea (and the sports!) it's time to return to warmongering. Mars (Ares) gets involved; Jocasta is pissed, and things get violent. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbabyCW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This episode in particular (along with the next reading of the Thebaid) features the mourning of a young baby.This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they generally refer to in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names The three names for the Fates/Moirae are Clotho, Atropos, and Lachesis; the names of the Furies/Erinyes are Tisiphone, Megaera, and Alecto.Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Comments (177)

Deadly nightshade

Loooove your podcast! You got yourself a Persian fan right here ❤️✋🏻

Mar 1st
Reply

Alex Babu Joseph

It was good content but unfortunately too much advertisement is annoying and has forced me to look for a similar channel.

Nov 17th
Reply

Muirah Yuta

Geography of Homer's odyssey- Samuel Butler

Apr 3rd
Reply

Muirah Yuta

The divine comedy- Dante

Apr 3rd
Reply

Muirah Yuta

song of Achilles- Madeline Miller

Apr 3rd
Reply

Muirah Yuta

cerci- Madeline Miller

Apr 3rd
Reply

Muirah Yuta

women & Power - Mary Beard

Apr 2nd
Reply

A magical pan

IGNORE THE SEXIEST IDIOT C:

Mar 9th
Reply

hadis

I love ur content

Jan 18th
Reply

Sarah

I'm so baffled by the incels in these comments. Being a feminist means believing men and women deserve to be treated with equal respect. How tf could anyone argue against that? And for everyone whinging about it, imagine how tired women feel

Nov 13th
Reply

Vivian Beckford

semi related Nemisis fact: there was a shrine to her in the Roman Amphitheatre in Chester. Chester is a city in northern England that still has it's Roman walls. It is speculated to have been intended to become the capital of the British isles, or at least a staging post for the conquest of Ireland.

Oct 10th
Reply

Bibinaz Ghiabi

Thank you but there are too many ads!

Sep 25th
Reply

ID27091498

This book was such a disappointment to me for much the same reasons you gave. I was so excited about it…and it was such nonsense. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone as almost everyone I have spoken to thinks it’s great. I hated almost everything about it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Aug 27th
Reply

Granny InSanDiego

Whether or not Euripides added the epilogue is something we may never know definitively. However, two earlier versions of the story, one from the Cypria and one from Hesiod's Catalog of Women, do not end with the death of Iphigenia by sacrificial blade on the altar at Aulis. The Cypria fragment 1 from the synopsis in Proclus' "Chrestomathia" says: "When the expedition had mustered a second time at Aulis, Agamemnon, while at the chase, shot a stag and boasted that he surpassed even Artemis. At this the goddess was so angry that she sent stormy winds and prevented them from sailing. Calchas then told them of the anger of the goddess and bade them sacrifice Iphigeneia to Artemis. This they attempt to do, sending to fetch Iphigeneia as though for marriage with Achilles. Artemis, however, snatched her away and transported her to the Tauri, making her immortal, and putting a stag in place of the girl upon the altar." Note that this took place the 2nd time the fleet mustered at Aulis. And th

Aug 5th
Reply

Granny InSanDiego

Partheneion is a song/poem to be sung by a chorus of young, unmarried girls. The etymology is from the Greek word for virgin, (Παρθένος Parthenos). The Parthenon is named for the virgin goddess Athena, who like Hestia and Artemis, were perpetual virgins.

Jul 19th
Reply

Granny InSanDiego

One of the reasons the Spartan men "loved" to sing and dance was because music enhanced the precision of their hoplite phalanx formation. On the battlefield they marched together singing in unison to inspire morale and patriotic emotions. And a piper played the aulos to keep time as they moved and turned in lock step. They drilled and practiced to the same music. The role of the Spartan king on military campaigns was to perform religious sacrifices and decide whether or not the signs were auspicious for a Spartan victory. If they were not, the Spartans did not fight that day. While Plutarch may have relied on the Roman re-creation of ancient Spartan practices for his Life of Lycurgus, it is also likely that he relied on other sources which are now lost. Scholars estimate that only 10% of the writings from archaic, classical and Hellenistic Greece have survived to our time. So let's not be too quick to disparage Plutarch. Xenophon wrote the Polity of the Lacedaemonians, a treatise/book

Jul 13th
Reply

Archie

stop with the feministic victim bs already...we don't care about slanted views of reality. just stick with mythology

May 22nd
Reply

The Mad Hatter 1984

I looked up the statue that you mentioned in the podcast and from what I saw in the pictures it is really beautiful I can just imagine how beautiful it would be in person definitely going to be on my bucket list now oh and by the way I love the podcast I just found it today and I've been listening to it Non-Stop

May 1st
Reply

Andrew Browne

Liv, your take is rubbish.

Feb 25th
Reply

Alejandra Pedrouzo

Excellent! and the poem at the end, the best!

Nov 17th
Reply