Live from Mount Olympus - podcast cover

Live from Mount Olympus

Onassis Foundationplay.prx.org

A dramatic adventure for tweens and listeners of all ages, Live from Mount Olympus weaves timeless Greek myths with the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers and the imaginative power of audio. Hermes, god of storytellers, travelers, and thieves (Tony Award-winner André De Shields) is our host.

Season Six: Theseus and Ariadne: When King Minos of Crete demands fourteen young Athenians to feed to the monstrous Minotaur, Prince Theseus and a lively group of teenagers set sail. Minos expects his daughter Ariadne to watch quietly as the Athenian tributes meet their gruesome deaths. But Eros, mischievous god of love, takes aim with his arrows, changing the fate of Theseus and Ariadne.  

Season Five: Pandora: Zeus, king of the gods, commands Hephaestus to sculpt a beautiful woman out of clay, and orders each god to grant her a gift.  Aphrodite bathes her in grace, Athena bestows wisdom, Zeus himself imbues her with insatiable curiosity, and Hermes gives her language and her name: Pandora, "all the gifts."  While you may think you know Pandora's story, you’ve never heard it told this way before.

Season Four: Prometheus: You’d think being able to see the future would be a gift – but Prometheus’s visions are never completely clear, and he quickly learns that not everyone wants to see what lies ahead. When he glimpses a coming war that will threaten the whole world, Prometheus knows he must forge an unlikely alliance with the young Olympian Zeus.  But their friendship is tested when they find they have very different ideas about how to restore a shattered world. 

Season Three: Atalanta: A tiny newborn, abandoned in the forest, is adopted by a mama bear who raises her as her own. Under the divine guidance of Artemis and Athena, the bear girl grows up wise and strong, a skilled archer ready for adventure. When she meets the greatest heroes in all Greece - who are none too happy to hunt alongside a girl - Atalanta surprises them all.

Season Two: Demeter and Persephone: Persephone is eager to strike out on her own for the first time, but is immediately pulled into the underworld and must find her power in the darkness. Her mother Demeter fights to bring her back to the sunlight, and nothing can grow. Can the Olympians stop fighting before humanity starves?

Season One: Perseus: Young Perseus makes a rash promise to save his mother from the clutches of an evil king, and must strike out on a dangerous quest full of terrifying monsters, powerful gods, and a brave girl who will change our hero’s life forever.

Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, created and produced by Peabody Award-winning showrunner Julie Burstein, co-produced by the Brooklyn-based theater ensemble The TEAM, and directed by Rachel Chavkin, Zhailon Levingston, Keenan Tyler Oliphant, and Josiah Davis. Karen Brooks Hopkins is executive producer.

Live from Mount Olympus is written by Nathan Yungerberg. Audio production and mix by John Melillo. Audio editing and sound design by Yonatan Rekem. Magdalini Giannikou composed our original music, performed by Banda Magda and mixed and mastered by Luca Bordonaro. Jason Adam Katzenstein created our illustrations and is series humor consultant.

Press by Grand Communications. Graphic design by Onassis Creative Studio. Distribution by PRX.

Since 1975, the Onassis Foundation has been dedicated to culture, community, and education, with projects that can effectively inspire social change and justice across borders. Learn more at www.onassis.org.

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Episodes

Persephone 10: When You Return, Everything Will Bloom Again

Never before has the Earth faced a challenge like this. Half the year with no harvest means half the year without food. Together, Persephone and Demeter must find a way to save humanity, and maybe learn a bit more about each other along the way. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the On...

Jun 28, 202218 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Persephone 9: Six Pomegranate Seeds

Demeter is overjoyed when Persephone returns, but horrified to learn that her daughter has eaten the food of the underworld. When the two goddesses finally agree to meet Zeus, they must all come to terms with how their lives will be forever changed. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of th...

Jun 21, 202221 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Cassandra predicted we'd have technical difficulties this week -- but no one believed her

Athena, master strategist, insisted that all the gods get their vaccines and boosters. And good thing, too — Covid has reached Mount Olympus (and our production team…) Everyone is going to be ok, but it means the next episode will be delayed. Athena swears on the River Styx that the episode will be ready next week so we can all find out what happens to Persephone!

Jun 14, 20221 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Persephone 8: Are You Ready to Live in Both Worlds?

When Iris returns to Olympus with bad news, Zeus must find a new approach. He asks silver-tongued Hermes to convince Hades to do something unimaginable for the powerful king of the underworld. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the Onassis Foundation. The bold and original audio drama i...

Jun 07, 202219 minSeason 2Ep. 8

Persephone 7: All Our Fates Are Tied Together

Persephone ventures deeper into the mists of the underworld, where she encounters a grieving soul with a fuzzy memory. As she helps this lost shade, the young goddess finds a new sense of purpose and faces her deepest fears - and some enormous monsters. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production o...

May 31, 202222 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Persephone 6: We Are All Hungry

Zeus must confront the disaster on earth that is unfolding because he gave Hades permission to marry Persephone without letting her – or her mother – know. So he sends Iris, goddess of the rainbow, to try to convince Demeter to let things grow again. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of t...

May 24, 202220 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Persephone 5: Lean Into the Darkness!

Persephone is terrified when an enormous being appears from the depths of the rushing river. But could the River Styx have just the wit and wisdom Persephone needs to hear? Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the Onassis Foundation. The bold and original audio drama is created and produc...

May 17, 202223 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Persephone 4: We Thought You Were Just Some Regular Old Lady!

Demeter is furious at Zeus and done with Olympus. So she disguises herself as an old woman to live among mortals. She finds a family that needs her help and tries to fit in – but it’s hard to keep her power under wraps. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the Onassis Foundation. The bold...

May 10, 202221 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Persephone 3: Are You Kidnapping Me?

Wrenched out of the sunlit meadow, Persephone confronts Hades, ruler of the underworld, and his three-headed dog, the terrifying yet strangely affectionate Cerberus. Persephone runs away from Hades’ gloomy palace, but learns there is no way home. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the O...

May 03, 202218 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Persephone 2: Where is My Daughter?

When she hears Persephone’s cry, Demeter runs to the meadow where Artemis and Athena are searching for their friend. But Persephone has completely disappeared. Demeter turns to Hecate, goddess of witchcraft, magic, and the night, for help. Together they stop Helios from taking the sun across the sky until he tells them what he knows. It’s worse than Demeter had feared. While Demeter mourns, the earth withers. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless storie...

Apr 26, 202221 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Persephone 1: You Don’t Trust Me to Strike Out on My Own!

Persephone is tired of always being tied to her mother’s side. But when she runs off to attend a picnic with her friends Athena and Artemis, her curiosity leads to a terrifying fall and the beginning of a perilous journey. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. This podcast is a production of the Onassis Foundation. The r...

Apr 19, 202218 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Live From Mount Olympus: Persephone: Trailer

When a young goddess strikes out on her own for the first time, she is pulled into a terrifying journey, and must find her power in the darkness. Her mother fights to get her back – and the fate of all humanity lies in the balance. Combining the artistry of foremost contemporary theater-makers with the timeless stories of Greek myth and the imaginative power of audio, Live from Mount Olympus is an adventure for tweens and families of all ages. The podcast is a production of the Onassis Foundatio...

Apr 12, 20221 min

Mythlet: "The God of Middle Children"

We know Hermes is the god of liars, travelers, and thieves. But what other powers does he hold? Turns out, he’s one of Dr. Kate Birney’s favorite gods – and in our Mythlet she tells us why she connects with our favorite trickster (hint – Dr. B is a middle child…). Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and crea...

Apr 05, 20227 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Mythlet: "I Belong to No Man!"

When Athena burst from her father’s head she looked just like a hoplite warrior, with armor and a helmet. Dr. Kate Birney tells us about this fierce aspect of the goddess as well as the civilized attributes of the patron goddess of Athens. No wonder she’s Danae’s favorite goddess – and maybe yours too? Visit our pages on social media or search #livefrommountolympus to find images of Athena made by the residents of the city that bears her name with pride. Live from Mount Olympus is a production o...

Dec 14, 20216 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Mythlet: A Mouth Like Flame and Breathing Death

When Perseus cut off Medusa’s head, shouldn't she have lost her power? Dr. Kate Birney says “Definitely not!” and reveals the Middle Eastern origins of this ghastly Greek monster. Dr. B also shows us how the ancient Greeks used Medusa’s terrifying power to protect themselves from evil spirits. Check out our Instagram @OCCNY or search #livefrommountolympus to see some scary images of Medusa and her Mesopotamian inspiration, Humbaba! Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundatio...

Nov 16, 20217 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Mythlet: "Don't Drop Your Shield!"

Perseus has his hands full when he enters the Gorgons’ cave – and Dr. Kate Birney says it’s remarkable that our hero was able to juggle Hermes’ sword and that magical bag while brandishing Athena’s shield at the same time. In Mythlet 2, we find out more about that magical shield, which Dr. Birney says was probably like the enormous shields that Greek warriors carried into real ancient battles. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The pod...

Oct 12, 20215 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Mythlet: "I Bestow Upon Thee My Adamantine Sword"

Remember the moment in Episode 2 when Hermes gives Perseus that cool sword? In our first Live from Mount Olympus Mythlet, find out what makes the sword so special – and why it has that wicked curve to it. Dr. Kate Birney, who is an expert on ancient weapons and teaches archaeology at Wesleyan University, is our guide to the mythical roots of this powerful weapon. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-...

Sep 14, 20215 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Perseus 10: No One Can Evade a Prophecy

When their ship is blown off course, Perseus, Andromeda and Danae find themselves far from Argos. But Perseus is delighted that there are games going on nearby — and enters the discus competition, even though he’s never thrown one before in his life. That choice seals his fate and the future of those he loves. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Leving...

Mar 30, 202126 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Perseus 9: I Have What You Sent Me For

Perseus and Andromeda arrive in Seriphos to find the island in chaos. Will Perseus be able to fulfill his quest and set his mother free? Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Brooks Hopkins is the executive producer. Live from Mount Olympus is...

Mar 23, 202119 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Perseus 8: Meet the Parents

Together, they’ve vanquished a sea monster. But can their new love survive Andromeda introducing Perseus to her parents, King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia? Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Brooks Hopkins is the executive producer. Live fr...

Mar 15, 202117 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Perseus 7: Sea Monster!

On his way home to Seriphos, Perseus spies a terrifying monster in the sea below. It’s headed straight towards a high cliff where Perseus glimpses a solitary figure on a rocky ledge. Could that be — a girl??? Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Ka...

Mar 09, 202123 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Perseus 6: The Weight of the Sky

In the Garden of the Hesperides, Hermes gathers apples for the next leg of the journey while Perseus collects stories from the Titan Atlas, who holds up the sky. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Brooks Hopkins is the executive producer. L...

Mar 02, 202117 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Perseus 5: The Cavern of Serpent Doom

Like big brothers and sisters everywhere, Hermes and Athena enjoy scaring their little brother Perseus with tales of warriors and monsters. They also help prepare him for what he must do to save his mom. But to become a hero, he must face Medusa on his own. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by ...

Feb 23, 202118 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Perseus 4: I Smell Fear

Hermes flies Perseus to the Island of Cisthene, where the Gray Sisters live. They’re three very old ladies — how hard could it be for Perseus to get what he needs? Plenty hard, as he quickly finds out. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Bro...

Feb 16, 202116 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Perseus 3: We're Related???

Perseus meets two powerful half-siblings he never knew he had, and confronts his mother Danae about the secrets she’s kept his whole life. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Brooks Hopkins is the executive producer. Live from Mount Olympus ...

Feb 09, 202122 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Perseus Bonus — The Trickster

Hermes is barely out of his cradle when he comes up with a tricky plan to join the other gods on Mount Olympus. Annoying his big brother Apollo is the first step. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Brooks Hopkins is the executive producer. ...

Feb 02, 20218 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Perseus 2: A Question and a Quest

A fisherman named Dictys finds a big wooden crate caught in his nets. Inside are a mother and her baby. Dictys takes them back to his simple little hut and cares for them as if they were his own family. As baby Perseus grows into a young man, he wonders where he came from and who he really is, and makes a crazy vow to save his mom from an evil king. Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel ...

Feb 02, 202121 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Perseus 1: The Prophecy

Locked up in a tall stone tower by her father the king, Princess Danae is terribly lonely. But she has a big secret. When it’s revealed she has to face her father’s rage. What will happen to her next? Live from Mount Olympus is a production of the Onassis Foundation, and co-produced by The TEAM. The podcast is directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin ( Hadestown ) and Zhailon Levingston ( Tina: The Tina Turner Musical ) and created by Peabody Award-winning producer Julie Burstein. Karen Broo...

Jan 26, 20217 min
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