Send us a textRead 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 tim...
Send us a textJoin 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 textIn 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 still...
Send us a textJoin 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, his...
Send us a textJoin 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/hG4VZqKTara Smith is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in moral, legal, and politica...
Send us a text"I Saw a Man This Morning" is more than just a poem; it’s a profound reflection on war, mortality, and the enduring power of the Western canon. Written by WWI soldier and poet Patrick Shaw-Stewart, this haunting piece draws a poignant parallel between the trench warfare of the 20th century and the heroism of Homer’s Achilles. In this episode, we explore the depth of Shaw-Stewart’s poem, its historical context, and its connection to The Iliad.Join me as I read and analyze the poe...
Send us a textRyan Pazicki joins us to reimagine the future of Austin, Texas as a leading urban center. What if Austin could surpass New York and Los Angeles? We explore this ambitious vision, focusing on the influx of Californians and New Yorkers and the sentiment of "Don't California, my Texas." We delve into how fostering human connection, commerce, education, and culture is essential for Austin's growth, highlighting exciting upcoming developments like new universities and cultural instit...
Send us a textCan artificial intelligence truly replicate human consciousness and creativity? Join us on the Troubadour channel as we sit down with Peter Voss, a trailblazer in the field of artificial intelligence, to explore this profound question. Peter takes us through his captivating journey from electronics engineering to becoming a key figure in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), revealing the crucial lessons learned from the early days of AI research. We dissect the nuances between...
Send us a textHave you ever wondered how the simple melody of a poem can captivate the mind of a child? Join me, Kirk Barbera, as we journey through William Blake's enchanting "The Shepherd" from his iconic collection "Songs of Innocence and of Experience." Expect to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of Blake's poetry while I read aloud and unpack the serene pastoral imagery and personification within the poem. Learn how to converse with verse and engage deeply with poetry, whether you'...
Send us a textEver wonder how Shakespeare's intricate language and timeless stories can transform K-12 education? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Kirk and Anne Ciccolella from Austin Shakespeare as we uncover the secrets to making classic literature accessible and exciting for young students. Learn how Shakespeare's complex narratives can significantly enhance students' language skills and overall literacy, even captivating fifth graders through performances and interactive activ...
Send us a textCan poetry transform the way you perceive the world? Journey with us as we explore the enchanting and profound works of William Blake, one of the most versatile artists and thinkers of his time. We'll uncover why Blake’s "Songs of Innocence and Experience" serve as the perfect introduction to poetry for all ages, revealing deep insights without the complexities of Shakespeare. You'll gain an appreciation for how ancient cultures used verse to simplify complex knowledge and why p...
Send us a textFind Michael Morse's art on instagram @themichaelmorseWhat if comic books were more than just colorful stories for kids? Join me as I sit down with Michael Morse, an expert in comic book history and an artist with a penchant for Godzilla-inspired figurines. Michael reveals the complexities behind producing official merchandise and shares his mission to elevate comics as a respected art form.This episode provides a fascinating look at the artistic processes behind comic book crea...
Send us a textAre men today navigating love and relationships with outdated maps? Join us as we sit down with Mike Mazza, associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute, to explore the controversial red pill manosphere's impact on modern dating advice. From fitness and fashion to the contentious pickup artist culture, Mike recounts his journey through the early manosphere. We scrutinize the blend of self-improvement and manipulative tactics, emphasizing the importance of genuine personal growth o...
Send us a textIs Catholicism more similar to a cult than you might think? In this episode, we embark on a thrilling exploration of religious movements, beginning with a deep dive into the controversial distinctions between cults and established religions. We critically examine characteristics like deference to authoritarian leaders and contrast them with the structures of traditional religions. Our discussion scrutinizes whether any religion truly fosters independent thought or if they all, i...
Send us a textWhat happens when a simple act of kindness spirals into a dark and twisted obsession? Join us in the Viewing Room as we dissect the British black comedy miniseries "Baby Reindeer," available on Netflix. Our panel, featuring Jennifer Buoni, Jax Schumann, Mark Pellegrino, and myself, embarks on an exploration of comedian Donnie Dunn's harrowing experience with an obsessive stalker. With thumbs up from Jennifer, Jax, and Mark for its unflinching narrative and nuanced character arcs...
Send us a textBuy Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics (Ayn Rand Society Philosophical Studies)Venture into the world of self-determination with Professor Tara Smith as she illuminates the path to living egoism authentically, free from the shackles of societal approval. Her new book, "Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics," serves as the compass for our journey, guiding us through the moral and psychological landscape of Ayn Rand'...
Send us a textEmbark on an enthralling odyssey into the soul of the theater with the Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare, inviting us into the realm where the magic of Shakespearean drama and the communal spell of live performances make us active participants. Our discussion honors the enchantment of the stage, the cerebral feast of its language, and the poignant art of translating classic literature like Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" into resonating theatrical experiences. We uni...
Send us a textUnlock the mysteries of love's timeless allure as we promise to guide you through the enchanting world of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Discover how this literary classic not only captures the essence of romantic infatuation but also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own experiences and beliefs about love. Delve into the profound influence that Shakespeare's masterpiece continues to wield on our modern-day notions of romance and relationships. Join me on a literary jou...
Send us a textAs the golden age of cinema meets contemporary skepticism, my guests Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, and Jennifer Buoani help me peel back the layers of the beloved film "An Affair to Remember." We grapple with whether the idealistic portrayal of romance in this classic can still kindle the fires in our modern hearts. Join us as we navigate the complexities of love and self-discovery through the lens of film and literature, examining the characters' quests for authenticity agains...
Send us a textHave you ever pondered the stark realities hidden beneath the veneer of war's glory and honor? Our panelists Jennifer Bouani, Mark Pellegrino, and Jacqueline Schumann join me in dissecting HBO's "The Pacific," peeling back layers of history and the human condition through the lens of this poignant series. We promise an exploration that goes beyond the battlefield, delving into the psychological toll on the Marines and the challenging transition from war to peace. Mark, with his ...
بلقيس سامي
thank you for this , I've enjoyed every bit of it ❤