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"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.
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Send us a text Unlock timeless leadership and betrayal lessons from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as we explore the question: Why did Brutus kill Caesar? In this lecture, we dive into Brutus’s famous “serpent’s egg” soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 1 and unpack how his loyalty to Rome ultimately collides with his love for Caesar. Along the way, you’ll discover: Brutus’s Internal Conflict: How his philosophical reasoning convinces him that assassinating Caesar serves the common good.Cassius’s Manipul...
Send us a text Proudly presented at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Austin Chapter—learn more and get involved here: FFRF Austin Chapter: [https://austinffrf.org/] Main FFRF Site: [https://ffrf.org/] In this lecture, I explore how Ayn Rand’s Objectivism can strengthen atheist thought by offering a positive, reason-grounded moral framework. I cover: Why Rand is so often misunderstood by atheists A critique of the current Rand quote on the FFRF site—and five powerful alternatives...
Send us a text What happens when an epic Hindu poem collides with modern workplace bias? Artistic-director Sharanya Rao joins Kirk to trace three big chapters of her journey: consulting on Mahabharata Tales for Austin Shakespeare, founding Leela Indian Community Theatre, and creating Anklets in the Boardroom, a Theatre of the Oppressed production where spectators jump onstage to rewrite real discrimination scenarios. https://www.leelatheatre.org/ In this conversation: Cutting the Mah...
Send us a text In this video I give a brief analysis of Ahab's character and a reading of one of his speeches in chapter 132, The Symphony.
Send us a text Join me for an in-depth conversation with actress and poet Divya Goruganthu as we unravel the rich layers of the Mahabharata Tales! In this episode, we dive into one of India's most enduring epics, exploring its poetic structure, complex characters, and the intricate interplay of female agency, divine curses, and royal intrigue. What You'll Discover: Introduction & Cultural Roots (0:00 – 10:15): How the Mahabharata shaped childhood, culture, and literary passion, with ins...
Send us a text Join me for a dynamic live reading of The Iliad, bringing the epic drama, passion, and power of Achilles to life. Experience firsthand how Homer's timeless verses still resonate today, connecting ancient heroes with modern audiences. From fierce rivalries and heartbreaking losses to legendary battles, watch Achilles come alive in this unforgettable performance.
Send us a text In this episode of Troubadour, Kirk Barbera sits down with geneticist Razib Khan to explore a provocative question: Does our DNA determine our beliefs and behaviors? Razib, known for his work in population genetics, computational biology, and his blog Unsupervised Learning, delves into the intersection of genetics, free will, and natalism—the movement advocating for increased birth rates. Together, they discuss how genetics informs our understanding of human history, identity, ...
Send us a text Join Kirk and Dr. Aleksey Nikolsky on a fascinating journey through human expression in this episode where we explore how our earliest babbling blossoms into the complex symphonies of Beethoven. We dive into the intertwined evolution of music and language—uncovering the biological foundations that make us instinctively responsive to sound, while also examining how cultural learning transforms simple sounds into art. In this conversation, we debate whether music’s impact is more...
Send us a text Unlock the secret of transformation through imagination with William Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet.” In this video, I explore how Blake’s vivid metaphors—the crystal cabinet, the golden key, and the mystical portal—reveal a timeless process of inner change and self-discovery. As a modern romantic realist, I blend personal reflections with a detailed literary analysis to show how the power of the imagination can elevate everyday life, reshape our views on love, and inspire creati...
Send us a text This a sample of a new translation of the Iliad for young adults that I have completed. I have crafted this from the original greek into Modern English Verse. That is, verse that is readable by a modern reading public. Support my kickstarter so I can publish this work and do a full recording of all 24 chapters of the Iliad. http://kck.st/3QmrYpk This is not a re-imagining of The Iliad. It IS the Iliad, but made readable to young people today.
Send us a text Join host Kirk and special guest Srini—an engineer and Sanskrit scholar—as they uncover the hidden depths of the Mahabharata, one of India’s most celebrated epics. From analyzing the epic’s timeless themes of loyalty and honesty to drawing unexpected parallels with Greek myths, this discussion reveals how the Mahabharata continues to shape culture, philosophy, and even modern theater performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer, you’ll discover fresh insights...
Send us a text Join A.Y Oza and Kirk Barbera for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges ancient Indian epic storytelling with the timeless insights of Western literature. We explore how the Mahabharata’s themes of duty, philosophy, and cosmic order resonate across cultures—inviting you to discover epic wisdom in a modern light.
Send us a text Discover the power and passion behind the Mahabharata—India’s most famous epic. In this video, we explore the key stories, characters, and lessons from the Mahabharata, offering educational insights for those new to the epic and fresh perspectives for returning fans. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a preview of our upcoming live production in Austin that brings these age-old stories to life through dynamic theater, music, and dance. Subscribe for more mythological insigh...
Send us a text *Talk given at Third Thursday in Austin. In this in-depth lecture, we examine the timeless wisdom in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote and Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Learn how literary heroes—and antiheroes—can help us stay grounded while pursuing lofty ambitions. We’ll discuss Peter Keating, Howard Roark, and Don Quixote as models for introspection, exploring how to balance big dreams with real-world constraints.
Send us a text Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto and the profound role of art in human life. In this group conversation, we explore key ideas from Rand's groundbreaking work, including: The purpose of art and how it shapes our consciousnessWhy literature, movies, and other art forms resonate differently with each individualThe role of empathy, judgment, and self-discovery in experiencing artWe also discuss how Rand’s ideas on art relate to persona...
Send us a text Read Don Quixote with me and a community of readers by joining the Literary Canon Club https://www.troubadour.studio/reading... In this video, we explore the famous (and surprisingly humorous) book-burning scene in Don Quixote—and how Miguel de Cervantes used satire to critique censorship, champion storytelling, and essentially invent the modern novel. Discover how Don Quixote’s clash between medieval ideals and the realities of a sprawling empire remains relevant in our own ...
Send us a text Join host Kirk Barbera and Denver filmmaker Rob Shearer as they explore how Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote still resonates in today’s film and media landscape. From the balance between imagination and reality to the impact of AI on creativity, this lively conversation weaves together classic literature, modern media trends, and the art of storytelling.
Send us a text In this episode of The Troubadour Show, host Kirk Barbera welcomes teacher, literature coach, and art educator Luc Travers to explore Homer’s Iliad—the ancient Greek epic that helped shape Western civilization. Discover why The Iliad remains timeless: from Achilles’ legendary rage and Hector’s humanizing struggles, to the eternal questions of honor, glory, and empathy. Kirk and Luc dive deep into the epic’s most poignant moments, revealing how its lessons on life and death stil...
Send us a text Join me on a journey that blends literary analysis with interactive history! In this video, I use the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as a backdrop to re-experience John Keats’s famous Romantic poem, “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” By imagining the vibrant art and culture of ancient Greece—just as the game brings it to life—we’ll uncover the poem’s timeless themes, from eternal youth and beauty to the nature of truth and art. Whether you’re a fan of classical literature, hi...
Send us a text Join us for an enlightening conversation with Professor Tara Smith, a University of Texas philosopher and an expert on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism, as we delve deep into the First Amendment and the imperative of intellectual freedom. You can buy Tara's book, which includes essays and contributions by Onkar Ghate, Greg Salmieri, and Elan. Journo https://a.co/d/hG4VZqK Tara Smith is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in moral, legal, and pol...
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thank you for this , I've enjoyed every bit of it ❤