The Odyssey Odyssey Podcast

Can the world's oldest tale help in the modern world?•odysseyodyssey.substack.com

Every week, Tom and Jane-Frances sail through one book of Homer’s Odyssey, then chart the parallels to their own modern quests. Expect sharp laughs, honest detours, and ancient insights for anyone navigating career storms or reinvention in their own Odyssey.

odysseyodyssey.substack.com

Last refreshed: November 21st, 2025 at 2:17 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Book 8: Don't Challenge Odysseus!

Book 9 appears to be a day of games and folly, but like everything in The Odyssey there are plenty of lessons to learn, traps to avoid and feasts to be had. A surprise guest appearance from the local rock star helps move the day along, but also drags the mood down with a the ancient world’s sadest song. Join us as we dodge the flying discus and try to guess the melody of an ancient Greek folk classic. Can we work out who Odyssey realy is, and why is so good at discus? Subscribe now as the action...

Nov 14, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Book 7: Know Your Story

The parallels between Bronze Age Greece and our modern life continue to jump out at us as we march through Book 7 (without the help of a invisible fog). Join us as we continue to pull apart each book and find the hidden and not so hidden clues on how to get through our own ordeals. And yes there is another feast. Like what you are hearing? Please subscribe and leave a message. Ask questions and tell us more about what you have learnt from this very, very old story. Get full access to The Odyssey...

Nov 04, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Book 6: Best Washing Day Ever

Welcome back to the Odyssey Odyssey as we continue the story of our hero as he finds himself washed up, stark naked on a Greek island. Luckily Athena is there with her Glow Up powers, and some brave girls who help him on his way. What on earth can we learn from this book? As usual we find more than one lesson from the ancient greeks - and we try our best to do better… (not just on washing day). Get full access to The Odyssey Odyssey at odysseyodyssey.substack.com/subscribe...

Oct 29, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Book 5: What would you do?

You are trapped on an exotic Greek island with a beautiful nymph who offers you ever lasting love and eternal life. Would you say no? Would you spend every day crying on the beach?? OK so the island is clearly a metaphor - but can we work out how to apply this to our lives? And… when all is lost who will throw you a magic scarf (and would you leave it on the beach?). Another book and another set of life lessons from one of the world’s oldest stories. Like what you are hearing? Please tell your f...

Oct 12, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Book 4 - Another Feast, Another Clue & More Life Tips

Another book, another set of genuinely handy ideas for real life. In this episide Tels gets the inside scoop on Dad from old mates; the gods nudge the plot along, but Helen steals the show. We unpack the practical stuff: how to handle gods, crash a wedding without being a goose, survive being stranded on an island, and reboot a party when the vibe’s gone sideways. Join Jane-Frances and me as we wade through yet another feast and a tangle of divine meddling to pull out tips you can use now. Like ...

Oct 05, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Book 3: A Feast with King Nestor

As promised here is our podcast on Book 3 of the Odyssey where we dive into King Nestor’s stories as he helps Tels understand what happened to his father and all of the warriors after the Trojan war. As usual there are plenty of life lessons, great god moments and meat laiden feasts. Meanwhile news of the suitors and their poor behaviour is spreading adding urgency to the journey. Join us as Jane-Francis and I continue our detailed journey through the Odyssey as we look for clues to help us with...

Sep 26, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Book 2 - Where A Plan Is Hatched.. And Tels Sets Sail

Dear Listeners, Here is the anticipated next episode of the Odyssey Odyssey. JFK and I use Book 2 to work out what happens to young Tels, how it happened, and what we can learn from it. Will our man Tels find the courage to seek his father? Will Athena reveal herself? Will Penelope stop her son from leaving? Will the suitors stop eating all the food? And how much wine does a young man need for a sailing trip? From the townhall meeting with a bad omen, to a midnight raid to get the best booze, on...

Sep 21, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The Odyssey Odyssey

And so it begins. Two of us tackle one of the greatest stories of all time to see if it can help in today’s world. Surprisingly book one does offer a few tips. Not in the modern day influencer style insta ready form, but from the Gods themselves (dressed as an old neighbour). And as to our efforts in dissecting these tips: rambling, honest and just fun. Mercifully short! And there's more to come. Get full access to The Odyssey Odyssey at odysseyodyssey.substack.com/subscribe...

Sep 13, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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