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

Getting to Know An Ancient Greek Theatre Kid, Euripides’ Life & Times

Continuing with the life of Euripides we look closer at 5th Century Athens and how the events happening around Euripides likely influenced his writing and the stories he wanted to tell. 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: Brill's Companion to Euripides "Life of Euripides", William Blake Tyrell; Euripides' Ion , translated by Robert Potter;...

Sep 10, 202450 minSeason 8Ep. 641

Conversations: Performance and Gender Blending in Euripides w/ Sarah Olsen

Liv speaks with Sarah Olsen, editor of Queer Euripides, about performance and gender, and performing gender, in Euripides. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes ! 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 o...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 8Ep. 640

Raging Misogynist or Original Social Justice Warrior? The Murky Life of Euripides

We have more of Euripides' work than either of the other tragedians combined and yet the details of his life, him as a real person composing real art, are frustratingly lacking. And when they're not lacking, they're often just slander or wild misunderstandings of history. Today we begin looking at the life and times of Euripides, the first BEST playwright. 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...

Sep 03, 202439 minSeason 8Ep. 639

Conversations: Women Are Wet & Spongy, the History of the Female Body w/ Prof Helen King

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 . 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 fou...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 30 minSeason 8Ep. 638

Euripides, Odysseus, and the Only Surviving Satyr Play (Cyclops Part 2)

Liv finishes telling the story of the only surviving Satyr play, Euripides' Cyclops and Euripides' take on Odysseus and Polyphemus...and a chorus of d*** swinging satyrs. 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' Cyclops Companion by Carl A Shaw; Euripides' Cyclo...

Aug 27, 202430 minSeason 8Ep. 637

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus, The Fall of Troy (Final)

Liv reads the final books of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. The final horrors of the war, and some satisfying bad luck for the Greeks on their way home... 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! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.c...

Aug 23, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 8Ep. 636

It Began With an STI, Origins of Athenian Theatre & Euripides’ Satyr Play, Cyclops

Liv looks at some of the more phallic origins of theatre (hint, it's very phallic) and retells the only surviving Satyr play, Euripides' Cyclops. 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' Cyclops Companion by Carl A Shaw; Euripides' Cyclops from Six Classical Gre...

Aug 20, 202442 minSeason 8Ep. 635

Coming Soon: Euripides, the First (Best) Playwright

No, Euripides was not the first playwright but he was the first BEST playwright. Coming September 3rd, we're diving into the man himself, the world in which he wrote, and everything that made him unique (and joyfully weird)! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 19, 20242 min

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Part 10)

Liv reads Book 12 and part of Book 13 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. The Greeks get a little divine help in the form of a follow wooden horse. It does not go well for the Trojans (or Sinon, or Laocoon). 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! For a list of Roman/Latin names...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 8Ep. 634

Sometimes You Just Stumble Into Something... More As to Your Qs

Surprise! Liv answers even more listener questions because there were too many and they were too good. Remember you can submit your question for the next Q&A episode(s) anytime at mythsbaby.com/questions 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 inform...

Aug 13, 202459 minSeason 8Ep. 633

The Best Answers Are Ridiculously Long Winded & Detailed in Historical Context... Answers (Q&A 2)

Liv answers more listener questions, featuring myth, history, and lots of educated rambling! 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 ac...

Aug 09, 20241 hr 21 minSeason 8Ep. 632

Is it Sappho, Sappho, or Psappho? Answering All Your Burning Questions (Q&A 1)

Liv answers listener questions, featuring myth, history, and a little bit about ancient Greek dialects! More questions will be answered on Friday's episode. 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 he...

Aug 06, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 8Ep. 631

Conversations: Real Men Compete Naked, the Ancient Olympics w/ Alexandra Sills

Liv speaks with Alexandra Sills (of Gladiator episodes fame) about the origins of the Olympic Games. Spoilers: the ancient Greeks were a wild bunch. Read more from Alexandra at Bad Ancient and Working Classicists . 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...

Aug 02, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 8Ep. 630

Sing, Muse, of Gods and Wrestlers, Origins & Odes of the Ancient Olympics

A look at the ancient and mythological history of Olympics, featuring some songs written for the ancient games' victors. 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: Pindar, the Odes, translated by Andrew M. Miller; readings from the Ernest Myers translation ; Pausanias' Description of Greece translated by WHS Jones . Attributions and licensing inf...

Jul 30, 202438 minSeason 8Ep. 629

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Part 9)

Liv reads the rest of Book 10 and Book 11 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. Paris is injured and the only woman who can save him is the wife he abandoned for Helen. Things aren't looking good for the Trojans, but Aeneas is pretty cool. 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! F...

Jul 26, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 8Ep. 628

Remnants of a Matriarchy Hidden in the Crimes of Zeus (Part 2)

Liv finishes revisiting the third episode of the podcast, the many crimes of Zeus, this time breaking down what's hidden behind the wild stories of a predatory god. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! Submit to this year's summer/anniversary Q&A! 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...

Jul 23, 202448 minSeason 8Ep. 626

A Special Anniversary Episode, Seven Years of LTAMB

Some of Michaela's favourite moments from the last couple years of the podcast, because it's our seven year anniversary! CW/TW: this compilation features episodes on Seneca's Thyestes (major gore etc.) and one on Ovid's "Nice Guys" (major misogyny), and as always... 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: Refer to the original episodes for sources/fu...

Jul 19, 20241 hr 32 minSeason 8Ep. 625

Remnants of a Matriarchy Hidden in the Crimes of Zeus

Liv revisits the third episode of the podcast, the many crimes of Zeus, this time breaking down what's hidden behind the wild stories of a predatory god. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! Submit to this year's summer/anniversary Q&A! 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 informatio...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 7Ep. 624

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Part 8)

Liv reads Book 9 and part of Book 10 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. With Neoptolemus on their side the Greeks defeat Troy's hero Eurypylus and the Trojans put up their last stand. 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! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in t...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 7Ep. 623

SPECIAL! Gender Rebels of Greek Mythology: Heracles x Omphale by Ancient History Fangirl

Liv shares an episode of Ancient History Fangirl, Genn and Jenny have a story to share... That time Heracles, the strong man, son of Zeus and noted impenetrable penetrator, lived as a woman. Yes, you read that right. And not only did he live as a woman, he was the submissive to a powerful female dom who took up his lionskin and club as symbols of her own power. Get ready for a fun, gender-bending episode that completely overturns the ancient Greek binary. Get the show notes here . Find more from...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 7Ep. 622

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Part 7)

Liv reads the rest of Book 7 and part of 8 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. With the threat of Eurypylus on the side of Troy, Odysseus and Diomedes go in search of Achilles' son Neoptolemus. 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! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they ...

Jul 05, 202451 minSeason 7Ep. 621

RE-AIR: It’s Almost Like Being Trans Isn’t New… Transgender Transformations in Ovid’s Metamorphoses

Revisiting the stories of trans characters, Caeneus and Iphis, in Ovid's Metamorphoses. 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: Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Stephanie McCarter (entries and end notes); " Reframing Iphis and Caeneus: Trans Narratives and Socio-Lingui...

Jul 02, 202441 min

Conversations: Putting the Trans in Transformation, Iphis and Caeneus w/ Dr Joe Watson

Liv speaks with Dr Joe Watson about the trans characters of Ovid's Metamorphoses, Iphis and Caeneus, along with some necessary asides into Atalanta, Arachne, and Medusa. Follow Joe 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 information for musi...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 39 minSeason 7Ep. 620

Beloved Boyfriends of Greek Myth's Most Famous Heroes

Stories of Achilles and Heracles and their beloved boyfriends. Featuring a clip from my conversation with Charlotte Gregory, episodes on Plato's Symposium, and the episode dedicated to Heracles' lovers. Find all episodes from past Pride Months 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 ...

Jun 25, 202440 minSeason 7Ep. 619

Conversations: Beyond the Binary, the Divine Madness of Dionysus w/ Chiara Baldini

Liv speaks with raver and researcher Chiara Baldini who talks Dionysus, pre-patriarchal goddesses, and ecstatic worship. Read more from Chiara on Academia.edu and find her Advaya courses 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 musi...

Jun 21, 20241 hr 32 minSeason 7Ep. 618

Gender Has Always Been Fluid, Just Ask Dionysus

Stories of Dionysus and gender identity in Greek myth. Featuring clips from my conversations with Emma Pauly and Yentl Love and episodes on Dionysus and Ampelus. Find all episodes from past Pride Months 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. Attribution...

Jun 18, 202454 minSeason 7Ep. 617

Conversations: The Love of a Good Woman, Translating Sappho w/ Brendon Zatirka

Liv speaks with Brendon Zatirka, author and translator of an upcoming volume of Sappho's poetry... They talk translation, poetry, Sappho, and ancient queerness. Learn more about Brendan's translation of everyone's favourite poet, Sappho . 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...

Jun 14, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 7Ep. 616

When the Pythia Speaks, You Listen (Euripides’ Ion Part 4)

Finishing off the play about the crimes of gods and men. Creusa considers burning Apollo's Oracle to the ground. 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' Ion: translation by Cecelia Eaton Luschnig ; introduction to Euripides' Orestes and Other Plays by Edith Hal...

Jun 11, 202443 minSeason 7Ep. 615

Liv Reads Quintus Smyrnaeus: The Fall of Troy (Part 6)

Liv reads the rest of Book 6 and part of 7 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. The Trojans get a new hero on their side, grandson of Heracles, Eurypylus. 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! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/...

Jun 07, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 7Ep. 614

For Love or Possession, Defining Ancient Parenthood (Euripides’ Ion Part 3)

Mistaken identities, lost half divine children, and the horrors of Apollo. Euripides tears apart the patriarchy. 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' Ion: translation by Cecelia Eaton Luschnig ; introduction to Euripides' Orestes and Other Plays by Edith Hal...

Jun 04, 202434 minSeason 7Ep. 613
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