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: It's Never A Cataclysm, Pseudoarchaeology & “Documentaries" w/ Steph Halmhofer

The opinions expressed here are... Opinions. Liv is joined by past guest Steph Halmhofer, an archaeologist who specializes in pseudoarchaeology and conspirituality. They talk about popular pseudo-arch "documentaries" and the issues behind them. Follow Steph on Twitter and Mastodon . 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 w...

Apr 07, 20231 hr 28 minSeason 6Ep. 492

Beware the Wrath of the Furies, Screaming for Blood, Euripides’ Orestes (Part 1)

This play takes place after the end of the Trojan War and after the death of Agamemnon. While there's a recap in the episode, you can listen to the full story in this Spotify playlist . 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: Euripides' Orestes, translations by Anne Carso...

Apr 04, 202342 minSeason 6Ep. 491

Liv Reads Ovid: The Metamorphoses, Book V

Liv reads Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Brookes More. Perseus deals with some leftover drama with Andromeda's family, and the Muses tell the story of Demeter/Ceres, Persephone/Proserpina, and Hades/Pluto. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! 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 informat...

Mar 31, 20231 hrSeason 6Ep. 490

RE-AIR: Evil or Righteous? Manipulative or Brilliant? Wronged Women of Mythology

A Women's History Month re-airing of the episode dedicated to varied women whose stories have been manipulated by their interpreters and interpretation. 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: See the original episode from March 2021 for sources, future episodes mentioned...

Mar 29, 202334 min

Turns Out They’re Just As Interesting As Men, Who Knew? Real Women of the Ancient Greek World

Just a little taste of what the lives of women in the Ancient Greek World might have looked like. 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: Hesiod's Works and Days, translated by Hugh Evelyn White ; Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves by Sarah B. Pomeroy. Attributions and ...

Mar 28, 202338 minSeason 6Ep. 489

Conversations: A Journey Aboard the Argo, the Many Myths of the Argonautika w/ Helen Lovatt

Liv speaks with Helen Lovatt, professor of Classics and author of a book all about the Argonauts! They talk about, well, the Argonauts and all the many varied versions of their story. Follow Helen on Twitter or check out her book, In Search of the Argonauts . 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 referenci...

Mar 24, 20231 hr 29 minSeason 6Ep. 488

RE-AIR: Pandora, the Beautiful Evil & the Misogyny of Her “Curiosity"

A Women's History Month re-airing of the episode dedicated to vindicating the first woman of Greek mythology, Pandora. 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: See the original episode from June 2021 for sources. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the...

Mar 22, 202331 min

So Much More Than Just Achilles’ Mother, the Strong-Willed Saviour Thetis

She may have been mother to one of the most famous heroes, but Thetis did and meant so much more. Check out more episodes on strong women of Greek myth and women of history on this Spotify playlist. 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: Homer's Iliad, translated by A.T....

Mar 21, 202337 minSeason 6Ep. 486

Conversations: I Guess Aristophanes Is Worth Reading After All, Redeeming the Thesmophoriazusae w/ George Kovacs

Liv is joined by associate professor George Kovacs to give us all a much needed appreciation of Aristophanes and the Thesmophoriazusae. 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/sou...

Mar 17, 20231 hr 33 minSeason 6Ep. 485

Men Writing Absurd Female Characters, But Make It Ancient (Aristophanes’ Thesmophoriazusae Part 3)

We're (finally) finishing with Aristophanes' Thesmophoriazusae and all I can say is: I'm sorry. Please stay tuned for Friday's conversation episode, it helps immensely. 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: Aristophanes' Thesmophoriasuzae/Women at the Thesmophoria, tran...

Mar 14, 202339 minSeason 6Ep. 484

Conversations: In Defence of Euripides, Aristophanic Nonsense w/ Julie Levy

Liv speaks with returning guest Julie Levy about all things Thesmophoriazusae. What made Aristophanes tick and why is Euripides perfect and amazing, actually? We answer all your questions. Follow Julie on Twitter. 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 ...

Mar 10, 20231 hr 36 minSeason 6Ep. 483

BONUS: Answering Those Lingering Spartan Questions

In a brief finale to the series on Sparta and the Spartan mirage, Liv answers lingering listener questions about that ancient city-state and its mythology. 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/pr...

Mar 08, 202327 minSeason 6Ep. 482

Egregious Euripides Slander, Aristophanes’ Women of the Thesmophoria (Part 2)

(Fictional) Euripides and Mnesilochus work to infiltrate the Thesmophoria festival and things get very, very weird. 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: Aristophanes' Thesmophoriasuzae/Women at the Thesmophoria, translations by Stephen Halliwell and George Theodoridis ...

Mar 07, 202343 minSeason 6Ep. 481

Conversations: They Make Rome Fun, Rome’s First Kings w/ the Partial Historians

Liv speaks with the Partian Historians, Dr Rad and Dr G, who share the stories of the seven kings of Rome! Learn more about the Partial Historians here . Follow them on Twitter here . And order their book 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 in...

Mar 03, 20231 hrSeason 6Ep. 480

No Boys Allowed! Celebrating Demeter & Persephone, Aristophanes’ Women of the Thesmophoria (Part 1)

It's time for a bit of comedic relief (and Euripidean slander)... We're diving in to Aristophanes' play the Thesmophoriazae/the Women at the Thesmophoria. It's got women (kind of!)! It's got a women's only festival! It's got Euripides! This one has it all. 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 ...

Feb 28, 202339 minSeason 6Ep. 479

Here’s Why Pseudoarchaeology & the Search For Atlantis is Bad, Actually (Deconstructing Atlantis Conversations RE-AIR)

Due to a frustratingly renewed interest, we're revisiting the Deconstructing Atlantis series. Today's episode features conversations from last year's Deconstructing Atlantis series: with Flint Dibble, David S. Anderson, and Steph Halmhofer. Check out Flint's twitter relevant threads: Atlantis in current pop culture , the dangers of Atlantis "lore" , erotic vases . Follow David , and Steph on Twitter. Further Reading: Plato’s Timaeus and Critias , quotes translated by Benjamin Jowett; A Brief His...

Feb 24, 20233 hr 32 min

There Was No Ancient Apocalypse & Atlantis Wasn’t the Eye of the Sahara (Deconstructing Atlantis RE-AIR)

Due to a frustratingly renewed interest, we're revisiting the Deconstructing Atlantis series. The story of Atlantis has fascinated the world for centuries... But how many of us know where the story came from, or what is actually included in the original source? Episode one of Deconstructing Atlantis dives into the story of Atlantis as it exists in the Timaeus and Critias. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as ...

Feb 21, 20232 hr 16 min

Conversations: Singing the Songs of Sparta, Alcman’s First Partheneion w/ Julia Perroni

Liv speaks with fellow podcaster Julia Perroni about the (possibly) Spartan poet Alcman and his poem dedicated to the young women of Sparta, the First Partheneion. Listen to Julia's podcast, Classically Trained and follow her on Twitter . 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. At...

Feb 17, 20231 hr 21 minSeason 6Ep. 477

TikTok Teen Heartthrob Eros or Creepy Cupid Cherub? The Evolution of the God of Love

The god of love was a troublemaker, humans rarely came out unscathed. This Valentine's Day we're looking at the messy nature of Eros and Cupid. 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.com; Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz. Attributions and licensing information fo...

Feb 14, 202341 minSeason 6Ep. 476

BONUS: Researching Sparta Was A Trip, Behind the Scenes w/ Michaela Smith

In this bonus episode, Liv speaks with Michaela Smith who handled the research for the special Sparta series. They talk about researching for the show, and the ancient world in general. 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 i...

Feb 11, 20231 hr 20 minSeason 6Ep. 475

Conversations: Bringing Medusa Back to Life, w/ Stone Blind Author Natalie Haynes

Liv speaks with author and classicist Natalie Haynes about all things Medusa and Natalie's new novel about the tragic Gorgon, Stone Blind. 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/...

Feb 10, 20231 hr 20 minSeason 6Ep. 474

Things Were Marginally Better for Them! The Women of Sparta (Ancient Sparta & the Spartan Mirage Part 4)

In this final episode of the Spartan series, Liv goes through the lives of Spartan women. From worshipping and dancing with Helen to having your brother in law's babies, Spartan women had interesting and unique lives. 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: Lyra Graeca: b...

Feb 07, 202342 minSeason 6Ep. 473

BONUS: Xerxes, Hairless Like a Sphinx Cat: Tearing Apart the 300 Film w/ Ben of CSMFHT

Liv speaks with Ben of Classical Studies Memes for Hellenistic Teens to break down the movie 300... And there's no holding back because this movie is a mess of so many issues. Follow Ben on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram . 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 a...

Feb 04, 20231 hr 31 minSeason 6Ep. 472

Conversations: A Long and Storied History of Sparta, Modern Misuse & Misconception w/ Stephen Hodkinson

Liv speaks with Stephen Hodkinson, expert in all things Sparta. They discuss Sparta throughout history including its use in politics from the founding of the USA to Nazi Germany to modern day misuses of Spartan culture and history. Read more about Sparta and the Capitol insurrection (and so much more Sparta content!) here. Read the book, Classical Controversies, for free here . Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assaul...

Feb 03, 20231 hr 40 minSeason 6Ep. 471

They Really Just Loved to Sing & Dance, Ancient Sparta & The Spartan Mirage (Part Four)

We're talking more of Sparta's history and culture including a (very brief!!) overview of the Persian and Peloponnesian wars and just a taste of Sparta during the Roman period, Lacedaimonia Land. 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: Thucydides translation by X; Spartan...

Jan 31, 202351 minSeason 6Ep. 470

Conversations: Not the Fun Kind of Myths, De-Mystifying Spartan Tradition w/ Owen Rees

Liv speaks with Owen Rees, a professor and founder of Bad Ancient, about ancient Sparta, that Mirage, and how Sparta is viewed today by some of the most dangerous groups around. Follow Owen and Bad Ancient on Twitter and find some fascinating Bad Ancient articles on Sparta 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 woul...

Jan 27, 202352 minSeason 6Ep. 468

Mythology vs. Myth Making, From the Heracleidae to Thermopylae, Ancient Sparta & The Spartan Mirage (Part Three)

That's right it's time for actually, run of the mill mythology! Okay, it's Spartan so actually it's still pretty weird, and confusing... Because you know, Greek mythology. We're talking Children of Heracles and all the famous Spartans of the Homeric world. Plus, the myth-making that gave us 300. 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 defer...

Jan 24, 202348 minSeason 6Ep. 467

Conversations: The Classic Blunder! 'Never get involved in a land war [with Sparta], Spartan Military w/ Roel Konijnendijk

Liv speak with Roel Konijnendijk who teaches at Oxford and specializes in ancient Greek warfare. Roel covers Spartan warfare, what made them different, and not so different from the rest of the ancient Greek city-states. Follow Roel on Twitter and check out the Ask Historians for more. 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 ...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 29 minSeason 6Ep. 466

Very Extravagant Rich People, Ancient Sparta & The Spartan Mirage (Part Two)

We're talking all things Spartan culture: all the things made them Spartan, set them apart from the rest of the Greek world. 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: Constitution of the Lacedaimonians by Xenophon, translated by Xenophon E. C. Marchant and G. W. Bowersock; ...

Jan 17, 202348 minSeason 6Ep. 465

Conversations: Pausanias in the Peloponnese, Spartan Myth & Culture w/ Dr. Maria Pretzler

Liv is joined by Maria Pretzler, a professor of Classics who specializes in mythology and the writings of Pausanias. They talk about the culture of the Peloponnese, what we learn from the late travel writer Pausanias, the mythology of ancient Sparta. Follow Maria on Twitter and read more 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 defere...

Jan 13, 20232 hrSeason 6Ep. 464
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