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

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

Liv Albert mythsbaby.com

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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Episodes

Conversations: Schrodinger’s Alcestis, Theories On the How & Why Behind Euripides’ Alcestis, w/ Dr. Ellie Mackin Roberts

Liv speaks with past guest Dr. Ellie Mackin Roberts all about Euripides' Alcestis... And Euripides, and tragedy, and tragedy competitions... And so much more. Mostly, what, on earth, is going on? 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-attribut...

Apr 29, 20221 hr 42 minSeason 5Ep. 379

BONUS RE-AIR: She-Wolves of Pompeii, The Lupenar, the Wolf Den with Elodie Harper

A bonus re-airing of last year's conversation with author Elodie Harper whose book The Wolf Den is now available in North America. The sequel, the House With the Golden Door is now available in the UK and will be out in North America in September! Liv and Elodie talk about the book, the ancient Lupenar/Wolf Den of Pompeii, and the remains of Pompeii itself. 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 ...

Apr 27, 202242 min

Well, Well, Well, If it Isn’t the Consequences of My Own Actions… (Euripides’ Alcestis Part 3)

Taking an even stronger turn into the comedy side of tragicomedy, Heracles finds out the truth of the situation in Pherae. 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: Euripides' Alcestis, found in The Greek Plays, introduction and translation by Rachel Kitzinger. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found her...

Apr 26, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 378

Liv Reads the (Remaining) Homeric Hymns

Liv reads the remaining, shorter Homeric Hymns to gods and heroes, translated by HG Evelyn-White. Sing of Aphrodite and Dionysus, Pan and Hermes, Hestia, Athena, Artemis, even the mother of all gods. 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! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributi...

Apr 22, 202236 minSeason 5Ep. 376

A Bit of Father & Son Fighting Over… Who Deserves to Live (Euripides’ Alcestis Part 2)

The eponymous character dies. And then what? The tragicomic play by Euripides that turns everything on its head, and then some. 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: Euripides' Alcestis, found in The Greek Plays, introduction and translation by Rachel Kitzinger. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be foun...

Apr 19, 202236 minSeason 5Ep. 375

Conversations: But How Many Bears Is It? Sharks, Whales, and Sea Monsters in Greek Mythology w/ Ryan Denson

Liv speaks with Ryan Denson who studies ancient SEA MONSTERS... Ketos and beyond, sharks, whales, and everything in between. It's possible Liv feels too strongly about ocean life... 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 ...

Apr 15, 20221 hr 29 minSeason 5Ep. 374

You Could Say She’s Living & She’s Dead, Euripides’ Alcestis (Part 1)

Euripides' Alcestis is a fascinating(ly weird) play that doesn't quite fit the genre of tragedy... Admetus is a man cheating fate, but at a cost. 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: Euripides' Alcestis, found in The Greek Plays, introduction and translation by Rachel Kitzinger. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the p...

Apr 12, 202233 minSeason 5Ep. 373

Liv Reads the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite

Liv reads the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, translated by HG Evelyn-White. Sing of the Cytherean goddess and her encounter with the mortal Anchises, the conception of the Trojan prince Aeneas. 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! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Host...

Apr 08, 202232 minSeason 5Ep. 372

Getting Down & Dirty with Mortals, Aphrodite, Anchises & the Mysteries of Archaic Aeneas

When Aphrodite gets with mortals, crazy things happen. Aphrodite's affair with the Trojan Anchises lead to the birth of the Trojan prince Aeneas, a man who's much more interesting before the Romans ever got their hold on him... 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: Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz; Theoi.com; The Iliad translated by Caroli...

Apr 05, 202241 minSeason 5Ep. 371

BONUS: Announcing Playing Dionysus with Amy Pistone

Find out more about the Out of Chaos theatre's Playing Dionysus here . Follow Amy Pistone and ask any questions you might have on Twitter . 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 . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Apr 02, 202217 min

Conversations: Retconning the Olympians, Isis Worship in Ancient Greece w/ Dr. Lindsey Mazurek

Can you believe there was a time when Isis was worshipped as a Greek goddess, even sometimes one of the Olympians? Check out Lindsey's book on Isis worship and follow her on Twitter . 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 . Hoste...

Apr 01, 20221 hr 15 minSeason 5Ep. 369

Not Those Pesky Golden Apples Again! The Other Atalanta, the Boeotian Atalanta

Atalanta: the heroine of ancient Greece. Or, was it heroines? There are two Atalantas, sometimes conflated into one, other times separate. One fought the Calydonian boar, wrestled Peleus, and generally kicked ass. The other lost a foot race, distracted by a golden apple. 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.com entry on Atalanta, incl...

Mar 29, 202237 minSeason 5Ep. 368

Liv Reads Ovid: Heroides & Metamorphoses of Deianeira & Heracles

Liv reads Ovid's Heroides, letter from Deianeira to Hercules, translated by Grant Showerman, and Ovid's Metamorphoses, selection from Book 9, translated by Brookes More. Looking at the story of Deianeira and Hercules (because, Roman) from Ovid's perspective both through the words of Deianeira, and the full story as it appears in the Metamorphoses. 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 hav...

Mar 25, 202245 minSeason 5Ep. 367

Independent, Industrious, Badass & Brave, the Heroine of Greek Myth, Arcadian Atalanta

Atalanta: the heroine of ancient Greece. Or, was it heroines? There are two Atalantas, sometimes conflated into one, other times separate. One fought the Calydonian boar, wrestled Peleus, and generally kicked ass. The other lost a foot race, distracted by a golden apple. 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.com entry on Atalanta, incl...

Mar 22, 202239 minSeason 5Ep. 366

Conversations: A Most Sophoclean Prophecy, Women & Wordplay in Sophocles’ Trachiniae w/ Amy Pistone

Liv speaks with returning guest Amy Pistone who specializing in Sophoclean tragedy. Amy shares some of the complexities hidden within the Trachiniae and they discuss Sophoclean prophecies (ie., the origin of Never Trust the Oracle). Follow Amy on Twitter . 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 ...

Mar 18, 20221 hr 19 minSeason 5Ep. 365

When Poisoned Shirts Have Got You Down, Deianeira & the Women of Trachis (Heracles & Sophocles’ Trachiniae Part 3)

In the finale of the Trachiniae series, Deianeira deals with what she has inadvertently done, and Heracles finally returns to Trachis. CW/TW: Suicide, and, 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.com; Sophocles' Women of Trachis/The Trachiniae, translations by Robert Torrance and Peter Meineck. Quote from Meineck unless otherwise noted in the e...

Mar 15, 202245 minSeason 5Ep. 364

Conversations: The Intersection of Magic & Medicine, Women as Medica in the Ancient World w/ Dr. Christie Vogler

Liv is joined by Dr Christie Vogler who talks about women of the Roman world who practiced medicine, in varied forms, and how these women were seen and understood in the wider Roman world. Follow Christie on Twitter and check out her podcast, Movies We Dig (where Liv will soon be a guest!). 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....

Mar 11, 20221 hr 30 minSeason 5Ep. 363

Deianeira, Iole, & the Violence of Heracles’ Love (Hercules & Sophocles’ Trachiniae Part 2)

Continuing on with Sophocles' Women of Trachis, Deianeira learns the truth of where Heracles has been all this time, and what he's been doing. Spoilers: it's not good. CW/TW: Specific references to the effects and horrors of war, this was planned and written prior to the invasion of Ukraine, please take special care. 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. So...

Mar 08, 202240 minSeason 5Ep. 362

Why Isn't it a Myth? & What Makes Atlantis What It is, A Very Atlantean Q&A

Liv answers listener questions about Atlantis, and reads all your comments and observations about this messy, messy non-mythological idea. For more on pseudoarchaeology and debunking Atlantis, follow David S Anderson , Flint Dibble , and Steph Halmhofer . Check out Bad Ancient on Twitter and BadAncient.com for more, well, Bad Ancient. To submit questions or comments to future Q&As, fill out this form . Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: my...

Mar 04, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 361

A Husband Like Heracles (Hercules), the Tragedy of Deianeira (Sophocles’ Trachiniae Part 1)

Heracles is a complicated fellow... Or maybe it's not so complicated. Sophocles' Trachiniae, the Women of Trachis, looks at the life, and tragedy, of Heracles' last mortal wife, Deianeira. CW/TW: Specific references to the effects and horrors of war, this was planned and written prior to the invasion of Ukraine, please take special care. 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 referenci...

Mar 01, 202232 minSeason 5Ep. 360

Conversations: The Many Faces of Monsters, Monster Theory with David J. Wright

Liv speaks with David J Wright who has studied Monster Theory as it relates to the monsters of Greek myth... He also teaches mythology, and Medusa specifically, so you just know they had a great conversation. Follow David on Twitter for all things monsters and more . The piece of pottery referred to after the ad break can be found here . 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 re...

Feb 25, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 5Ep. 359

Encounters With the Pinhead With Hooves, Achelous, Deianeira and the Centaur Nessus (More Heracles Part 2)

Heracles reign of terror continues as he finds yet another woman to marry. This time, he must fight a river and defeat a centaur but not before inadvertently providing the cause of his own mortal demise... 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.com ; Pseudo-Apollodorus' Library of Greek Mythology; Ovid's Metamorphoses; Ovid's Heroides; ...

Feb 22, 202231 minSeason 5Ep. 358

Liv Reads Ovid: Valentine's Selections from the Ars Amatoria

Liv reads selections from Ovid's Ars Amatoria (big thanks to Michaela Smith for the selections and commentary!), translated by Henry T. Riley. Sometimes called a commentary on the idea of love, and elegy broadly, other times simply deemed an ancient guide to picking up women, Ovid's Ars Amatoria is at the very least... entertaining. The incredible twitter thread mentioned is here . CW/TW: Ancient Pick Up Artist style issues... Lots of them. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a ...

Feb 18, 202247 minSeason 5Ep. 356

Back On His Sh*t, Heracles (Hercules) Wants to Get Hitched, Encounters w/ Iole & Omphale (More Heracles Part 1)

Heracles is at it again! We return to this "hero" after he's "purified" himself from the murder of his wife and children... So obviously he's looking to get married again! For past episodes on ol' Herc, check out this Spotify playlist . Submit your questions or comments about Atlantis or the Deconstructing Atlantis series here. 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 ...

Feb 15, 202236 minSeason 5Ep. 355

BONUS: Gaslight. Gatekeep. Girlboss. The Ancient Roman Art of Love

Liv reads the first section of Ovid's Ars Amatoria, translated by Henry T. Riley. Even more ridiculous ancient Pick Up Artistry is coming on Friday... This is a Valentine's Day taste of what's to come... CW/TW: Ancient Pick Up Artist style issues... Lots of them. 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....

Feb 14, 202212 minSeason 5Ep. 354

Conversations: Black Achilles, African Queens & Whitewashing of Greek Myth w/ Princess O’Nika Auguste

Liv speaks with Caribbean scholar and writer Princess O'Nika Auguste all about the people of colour in Greek mythology, whitewashing of Greek myth and history both historically and in popular culture. Follow Princess on Twitter and Instagram . 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....

Feb 11, 202258 minSeason 5Ep. 353

Sing, Goddess, of the Wrath of the Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis, Who Loves to F*ck Sh*t Up

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.com; Callimachus' Hymn to Artemis, translated by AW Mair; Homeric Hymns to Artemis translated by Hugh Evelyn White; 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 a...

Feb 08, 202234 minSeason 5Ep. 352

Liv Reads Plato: The Critias Dialogue

Due to popular demand, Liv reads Plato's Critias dialogue to round off the Atlantis series of episodes. Further Reading: Plato's Timaeus and Critias , translated by Benjamin Jowett; A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato's Ideal State by Stephen P. Kershaw (includes alternate translation of Plato); PDF: Truth, Lies, and History in Plato's Timaeus and Critias by Thomas K Johansen, 1998. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attri...

Feb 04, 202250 minSeason 5Ep. 351

Fragments of an Ethiopian King, Memnon & the African Continent in Greek Myth

The ancient Greeks knew incredible warriors when they saw them. The African continent featured often in Greek myth, Egypt as well as regions typically referred to as Libya and Ethiopia, these are the Greek myths featuring those people and places. Listen to Legendary Africa on Apple Podcasts or Spotify . Legendary Africa host Theshira's suggestions for more on African mythologies and lore: Giraffe's Eggs and Other African Tales by L.M. Daini, Afro Tales Podcast , By the Fire Podcast , and No Be J...

Feb 01, 202244 minSeason 5Ep. 350

BONUS: But What About Milo?! Comparative Colonialism in Atlantis & Disney’s Lost Empire w/ Leesa Charlotte

Just because the "search" for Atlantis is supremely dangerous and problematic doesn't mean we can't continue to love Milo and his rag tag team! Liv and Leesa Charlotte of Sweetbitter and Cult America discuss the anti-colonial story within Disney's Atlantis contrasted with all about the truths and (deeply racist) lies behind the modern story of Atlantis. Sources/Further Reading: Plato's Timaeus and Critias , quotes translated by Benjamin Jowett; A Brief History of Atlantis: Plato's Ideal State by...

Jan 29, 20221 hrSeason 5Ep. 349
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