The Troubadour Podcast: Recent Episodes

Kirk j Barbera

"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.

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Ryan Pazicki joins us to reimagine the future of Austin, Texas as a leading urban center. What if Austin could surpass New York and Los Angeles? We explore this ambitious vision, focusing on the influx of Californians and New Yorkers and the sentiment of "Don't California, my Texas." We delve into how fostering human connection, commerce, education, and culture is essential for Austin's growth, highlighting exciting upcoming developments like new universities and cultural institutions.

We shift gears to discuss how Austin can build a more connected and vibrant urban environment. Emphasizing vertical growth over horizontal expansion, we unravel the importance of urban connectivity, robust arts scenes, and cultural activities that cities uniquely offer. We address the balance between personal transportation preferences and broader urban planning needs, advocating for fewer land use restrictions and improved road infrastructure. The potential of the Austin-San Antonio corridor to become a super-connected metroplex with high-speed transportation also takes center stage.

Our conversation ventures into the cultural contrasts between urban and rural values, drawing historical parallels and reflecting on the significance of spontaneous social interactions. We discuss how zoning laws and political ideologies shape urban growth, highlighting successful redevelopment projects like the Mueller Airport. We conclude by emphasizing the role of local activism in fostering thriving communities and the profound impact of architecture on society. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how intentional urban development can create diverse, vibrant, and connected cities.

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Can artificial intelligence truly replicate human consciousness and creativity? Join us on the Troubadour channel as we sit down with Peter Voss, a trailblazer in the field of artificial intelligence, to explore this profound question. Peter takes us through his captivating journey from electronics engineering to becoming a key figure in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), revealing the crucial lessons learned from the early days of AI research. We dissect the nuances between narrow AI and AGI, shedding light on the formidable challenges AI pioneers faced and the visionary potential of AGI to transform industries and human life.

We uncover the current limitations of AI and the tantalizing prospects for AGI. From the impressive yet constrained capabilities of large language models like ChatGPT to the dream of AGI with human-like autonomy and learning, Peter offers a candid assessment of where we stand and where we could go. Imagine AGI not just as a tool, but as an entity capable of revolutionizing fields such as biomedical research and space travel, driving progress with reasoning and efficiency that surpass human limits. We also ponder the implications of AGI on employment, governance, and the very nature of human creativity and consciousness.

Finally, we envision a future where AGI might create art akin to human geniuses and foster human flourishing on an unprecedented scale. Peter shares his company's ambitious goal of achieving AGI within five years, emphasizing the critical role of cognitive science. We conclude with a creative twist, discussing AGI's potential to compose poetry in the style of Wordsworth. With Peter's insights and a hopeful outlook, this episode is a deep dive into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to leave you both informed and inspired about the future of AI.

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Have you ever wondered how the simple melody of a poem can captivate the mind of a child? Join me, Kirk Barbera, as we journey through William Blake's enchanting "The Shepherd" from his iconic collection "Songs of Innocence and of Experience." Expect to immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of Blake's poetry while I read aloud and unpack the serene pastoral imagery and personification within the poem. Learn how to converse with verse and engage deeply with poetry, whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or simply a lover of literature. Discover practical tips to foster an early appreciation for poetry in young children, and understand the timeless allure of Blake's work.

Explore the power of rhythmic and melodic verses in nurturing a love for language in children. By examining Blake's use of shepherd imagery, we draw connections to both Christian and pagan traditions, shedding light on the deeper symbolic meanings. Delve into the contrast between the innocence of pastoral life and the corruption of city life, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Blake's artistic vision. By regularly reading poetry and creating a word-rich environment, you can cultivate a lifelong passion for literature in young minds. Whether you’re looking to enrich your child’s literary journey or deepen your own understanding of Blake’s poetry, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice.

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Ever wonder how Shakespeare's intricate language and timeless stories can transform K-12 education? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Kirk and Anne Ciccolella from Austin Shakespeare as we uncover the secrets to making classic literature accessible and exciting for young students. Learn how Shakespeare's complex narratives can significantly enhance students' language skills and overall literacy, even captivating fifth graders through performances and interactive activities. We also discuss the hurdles educators face, like limited time and inadequate training, and how Austin Shakespeare’s programs are pioneering solutions by bringing professional actors directly into the classroom.

Discover the magic of live theater as a tool for deepening literary appreciation and critical thinking. We delve into the educational value of experiencing Shakespeare and other classics like "Jane Eyre" through live performances, and how moving from mind to body in understanding literature can make a world of difference. Explore the multifaceted approaches of interactive theater experiences, including informances, and the benefits of reading poetry aloud and using multimedia resources to bring the beauty of literature to life for students.

Finally, get an inside look at the practical aspects of integrating Shakespeare into the classroom. From the logistics of having actors visit schools to the excitement of assembly programs like the World's Fastest Hamlet, we cover it all. Hear about the passion that drives these initiatives and the vital role of donations in making them possible. Plus, learn how you can support Austin Shakespeare and embrace the transformative power of classical language in contemporary education. Don't miss this inspiring episode that bridges the gap between timeless literature and modern learning!

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Can poetry transform the way you perceive the world? Journey with us as we explore the enchanting and profound works of William Blake, one of the most versatile artists and thinkers of his time. We'll uncover why Blake’s "Songs of Innocence and Experience" serve as the perfect introduction to poetry for all ages, revealing deep insights without the complexities of Shakespeare. You'll gain an appreciation for how ancient cultures used verse to simplify complex knowledge and why poetry remains a powerful tool for elevating our consciousness.

William Blake wasn't just a poet; he was a revolution in human form. Discover his bold declaration, "I must create a system or be enslaved by another man's," and see how it reflects the revolutionary spirit of his era. We'll delve into Blake's unique process of engraving and handmaking each book, emphasizing his philosophical and artistic genius. Our three-step approach to reading poetry will guide you through a transformative experience, allowing you to connect personally with Blake’s work and engage in what we call a "converse with verse."

In this episode, we bring you an interpretation of individual poems like "The Piper and Lamb," exploring themes of innocence, transformation, and the significance of the written word. We'll ponder why the child disappears when the piper starts writing and consider the metaphorical journey depicted in the "Introduction to Songs of Innocence." By the end of our discussion, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of Blake’s poetry but also a refreshed perspective on our relationship with nature and art. Don't miss out on this profound exploration of poetry with William Blake.

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Find Michael Morse's art on instagram @themichaelmorse

What if comic books were more than just colorful stories for kids? Join me as I sit down with Michael Morse, an expert in comic book history and an artist with a penchant for Godzilla-inspired figurines. Michael reveals the complexities behind producing official merchandise and shares his mission to elevate comics as a respected art form.

This episode provides a fascinating look at the artistic processes behind comic book creation, drawing inspiration from Japanese kaiju genres and iconic American series like Watchmen. We compare the narrative techniques in comics to those in traditional literature, discussing how memory and time play crucial roles in storytelling. Michael's insights extend beyond the panels to touch on the cultural impact of comics and how these visual stories resonate with contemporary issues.

The history of American comics is richer than you might think. From the pioneering works of Winsor McCay to the underground revolution led by figures like Robert Crumb and Art Spiegelman, we chart the evolution of this vibrant medium. Discover how the Comics Code Authority shaped—and sometimes stifled—creative expression, and learn about the resurgence through underground comics and Marvel's bold moves. Whether you're a comic book aficionado or a casual reader, this episode highlights the artistic depth and cultural significance of comics, urging a reevaluation of their place in the world of art and literature.

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Are men today navigating love and relationships with outdated maps? Join us as we sit down with Mike Mazza, associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute, to explore the controversial red pill manosphere's impact on modern dating advice. From fitness and fashion to the contentious pickup artist culture, Mike recounts his journey through the early manosphere. We scrutinize the blend of self-improvement and manipulative tactics, emphasizing the importance of genuine personal growth over superficial strategies.

In our conversation, we map the evolution of men's self-improvement resources, moving from surface-level tricks to profound personal development. Inspired by works like Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is the Way," Mike and I discuss how overcoming social anxiety and building real connections can lead to more fulfilling relationships. We share stories of transformative experiences, such as door-to-door sales and public speaking, which have helped men develop essential social skills for both their professional and personal lives.

We also tackle complex topics like the alpha-beta male theory, gender stereotypes, and the psychological landscape of the incel community. Mike and I debunk myths like "alpha fucks, beta bucks" and hypergamy, offering a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. We highlight the importance of self-awareness, realistic expectations, and holistic self-improvement. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that challenges societal norms and encourages a deeper, more balanced approach to personal and relational success.

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Is Catholicism more similar to a cult than you might think? In this episode, we embark on a thrilling exploration of religious movements, beginning with a deep dive into the controversial distinctions between cults and established religions. We critically examine characteristics like deference to authoritarian leaders and contrast them with the structures of traditional religions. Our discussion scrutinizes whether any religion truly fosters independent thought or if they all, in some way, impose an authoritative influence on their followers.

Our journey takes us to the unique town of St. Mary's, Kansas—once a Jesuit boys' school, now a bastion for traditional Catholics resisting modernizing reforms. We unravel its historical transformation, the role of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), and the broader struggles within the Catholic Church's confrontation with modernity. Key events like Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre's controversial actions and the subsequent schism offer a fascinating lens through which we examine the intersection of faith, tradition, and change.

We also delve into personal narratives and community dynamics that illustrate the diverse experiences within Catholicism. From the challenges of homeschooling in a devout community to the existential crises that push some to transition from faith to atheism or Objectivism, this episode provides a raw and honest look at belief and identity. Whether you're intrigued by religious history, personal faith journeys, or philosophical debates, this episode promises a riveting exploration of the complexities of religious life and thought.

What happens when a simple act of kindness spirals into a dark and twisted obsession? Join us in the Viewing Room as we dissect the British black comedy miniseries "Baby Reindeer," available on Netflix. Our panel, featuring Jennifer Buoni, Jax Schumann, Mark Pellegrino, and myself, embarks on an exploration of comedian Donnie Dunn's harrowing experience with an obsessive stalker. With thumbs up from Jennifer, Jax, and Mark for its unflinching narrative and nuanced character arcs, and my ambivalent take, we dive into the show's raw storytelling and intricate themes.

We explore broader motifs of obsession and abuse, debating whether Donnie's journey represents personal growth or remains unresolved. Comparing the narrative techniques to shows like Fleabag, we discuss how narration enhances emotional depth and brings to light the destructive behaviors driven by unhealthy obsessions with fame, sex, and relationships. Despite the show's challenging content, we appreciate its artistic approach and thematic consistency, recognizing the power of storytelling in addressing complex issues.

Shifting to moral and philosophical complexities, we scrutinize Martha's behavior and the dangers of excusing negative actions with psychological explanations. Hollywood's tendency to evoke empathy for flawed characters comes under fire as we highlight the importance of clear moral judgments. We delve into the moral dilemmas faced by Donnie, examining his introspective journey, the impact of his traumatic experiences, and the cyclical nature of abuse. Through the lens of Ayn Rand's philosophy, we underscore the significance of conscious convictions and the role of philosophy in human behavior and personal development. Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that bridges art, psychology, and moral philosophy.

Buy Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics (Ayn Rand Society Philosophical Studies)

Venture into the world of self-determination with Professor Tara Smith as she illuminates the path to living egoism authentically, free from the shackles of societal approval. Her new book, "Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics," serves as the compass for our journey, guiding us through the moral and psychological landscape of Ayn Rand's philosophy. Discover how to align your deepest desires with rational self-interest, and challenge the subconscious barriers that may be sabotaging your pursuit of happiness.

Embark on a quest to understand the intricacies of self-interest and how it shapes our every decision. Professor Smith's insights reveal the delicate balance between our desires, the virtues we strive to practice, and the courage required to pursue personal fulfillment. As we dissect the phenomena of human moral psychology, we open the door to a conversation about the essence of egoism and the role of self-esteem in carving out a life that's not just successful, but truly satisfying.

Grapple with the concept of selfishness and its misunderstood place in society, as we dismantle the misconceptions that often blur the line between egoism and sheer self-indulgence. This episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be selfish in a morally upright way, advocating for a life rich in both personal joy and value to others. Join us and Professor Tara Smith for a stimulating exploration that dares to redefine the pursuit of self-interest and the commendable life it can yield.

Embark on an enthralling odyssey into the soul of the theater with the Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare, inviting us into the realm where the magic of Shakespearean drama and the communal spell of live performances make us active participants. Our discussion honors the enchantment of the stage, the cerebral feast of its language, and the poignant art of translating classic literature like Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" into resonating theatrical experiences. We unite to not only celebrate these ageless tales but to also savor the communal essence of witnessing them unfold before our eyes.

As my esteemed guest and I traverse the landscape of theater, we acknowledge influential voices that have shaped the appreciation of the humanities, from critics to scholars. Theater's enduring pertinence is put under the spotlight, examining universal themes in the works of Shakespeare and contemporary playwrights. We contemplate the responsibilities and creative intricacies of directing scenes that have captured imaginations for centuries, while also delving into the complexities of age-appropriate casting and the cultural conversations it ignites.

The resilience of theater, particularly in the era of the pandemic, ushers in a reflection on the innovative adaptations and the birth of a new artistic synthesis of stage and film. This episode also peeks behind the curtain to reveal the business aspects of theater funding, the impact of workshops for nurturing writers and actors, and the future trajectory of this art form. Join us for a riveting exchange that passionately advocates for the irreplaceable influence of theater, showcasing its capacity to both mirror and mold our societal narratives.

Unlock the mysteries of love's timeless allure as we promise to guide you through the enchanting world of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Discover how this literary classic not only captures the essence of romantic infatuation but also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own experiences and beliefs about love. Delve into the profound influence that Shakespeare's masterpiece continues to wield on our modern-day notions of romance and relationships.

Join me on a literary journey spanning from ancient epics to 12th-century troubadours, all the way to the hallowed sonnets of Petrarch and the intimate dialogues between Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Along the way, we'll challenge preconceived notions of love and marriage, pondering whether these institutions are timeless truths or societal constructs that have evolved through the ages. Prepare to be inspired as we draw connections between historical perspectives on love and the frameworks we use to navigate our personal relationships today.

Concluding our exploration with a vibrant discussion of love language and the magic of live theater, we examine how the words of "Romeo and Juliet" gain new life on the stage. The episode reveals that Shakespeare's insights are not exclusive to scholars or the literary elite but resonate with anyone open to engaging with the text. Tune in to enrich your understanding of love's complex tapestry, and let Shakespeare's immortal words become a companion in your quest for happiness and understanding.

Have you ever pondered the stark realities hidden beneath the veneer of war's glory and honor? Our panelists Jennifer Bouani, Mark Pellegrino, and Jacqueline Schumann join me in dissecting HBO's "The Pacific," peeling back layers of history and the human condition through the lens of this poignant series. We promise an exploration that goes beyond the battlefield, delving into the psychological toll on the Marines and the challenging transition from war to peace. Mark, with his personal connection to the Pacific theater through his stepfather, brings an intimate perspective to the conversation, ensuring our analysis is deeply rooted in authenticity.

War is not just about the conflict; it's about the people, and that's where our discussion leads us. We traverse the landscape of soldiering, from the nuanced relationship between Sledge and Snafu to the cultural portrayals of the Japanese soldiers. The series' ability to juxtapose the romanticized notion of war with its grim underbelly offers endless avenues for examination. Through the character arcs of Leckie, Sledge, and John Basilone, we scrutinize the transformation of these men, shaped by the relentless nature of the Pacific theater, and reflect on the cultural and emotional divides that the series both bridges and exposes.

As we close, we touch on the timeless scars war leaves on humanity, symbolized poignantly in the series finale with the reading from "The Iliad." The conversation about the portrayal of Japanese soldiers' fierce commitment, the dramatic contrast between the combat theaters, and the cultural ramifications of the Allies' response after the war provides a sobering reminder of history's complexities. Through our guests' insights, we grapple with the layered storytelling of "The Pacific" and its attempt to convey the multifaceted nature of American history and the personal sacrifices within it. Join us in honoring the legacy of those who served and in contemplating the impact of their stories on our collective memory.

Imagine setting sail on a voyage where the depths of the American soul are as vast and mysterious as the ocean itself. Our latest episode traverses the enduring waves of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," through a lens that magnifies the novel's relevance to our contemporary lives. We promise a literary escapade that reveals how Ishmael's narrative resonates with our own yearnings for purpose and connection in an era of rapid societal transformation.

Feel the pulse of today's workforce as we discuss the striking parallels between the disconnection Ishmael felt aboard the Pequod and the sense of detachment permeating modern employment. The conversation sails through the industrial age's impact on the human spirit and anchors in the present-day longing for adventure within the confines of our structured lives. This quest for meaning and unity with the cosmos is more than just a tale of the sea; it's a journey into the heart of what it means to be alive in a world of constant change.

As the tides of history ebb and flow, so does the American consciousness, with the shadow of societal issues looming as large as the legendary whale itself. Join us as we navigate the moral quandaries faced by historical figures like Melville's father-in-law, Lemuel Shaw, against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of the Civil War. With a thoughtful reflection on life's meaning amidst personal and global events, we examine whether destiny plays a part in the chaos of existence or if the search for meaning is a quest as eternal as the sea.

Embark on a cinematic journey through the dusty trails of "High Noon," as we dissect the intricate layers of this timeless Western. With the help of our esteemed panelists—Jennifer Bawani, Jack Schumann, and Mark Pellegrino—we peel back the curtain on the artistic triumphs and critiques of this Gary Cooper classic. From the nuanced portrayal of Sheriff Will Kane to the controversial interpretations that have swirled around the film, our conversation promises a fresh perspective on an old favorite, exploring its enduring themes and dissecting its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

As the clock ticks towards the film's climactic showdown, our discussion turns to the powerful exploration of masculinity and femininity within the genre, questioning how these portrayals resonate in the modern era. We commend the film's strong female characters for their defiance against the era's constraints and consider how their virtues both conflict with and complement the story's trajectory. The Western hero archetype gets a thorough examination, too, prompting reflections on how contemporary films like "Tombstone" and Clint Eastwood's directorial ventures have been influenced by, and revisited, these classic roles.

Finally, the politically charged background of "High Noon" takes center stage as we navigate the minefield of interpretations it has provoked, from John Wayne's outspoken disdain to its curious embrace by Presidents Reagan and Clinton. The panel tackles the juxtaposition of personal integrity against societal expectations, and how art can transcend the creator's intent to offer universal insights on morality. This episode is not just about a film—it's about the very fabric of storytelling and character that challenges us to confront our own perceptions of good, evil, and standing up for what's right. Tune in for an intellectual shootout that promises to enlighten, entertain, and provoke thought long after the credits roll.

Discover the heartbeat of fandoms and the power of literature in our lives with Luc Travers, the eloquent author behind "Stories in Paint" and "Touching the Art." As we journey from the fervor of Star Wars fanatics to the wide-eyed students exploring the pages of "Anne of Green Gables," we unwrap the emotional tapestry that binds us to the stories we cherish. Join us for an episode that not only celebrates the passionate responses to narrative adaptations but also delves into the art of selecting transformative literature for the young reader.

Venture with us through the landscapes of education where art and literature intermingle, creating a symphony of empathy and cultural appreciation. Our candid talk with Luke Travers sheds light on the indispensable role the arts play in enriching the minds of future generations. As we dissect the importance of stretching a child's imagination, we underscore the lifelong journey of growth that goes hand in hand with a carefully curated literary diet. This episode isn't just a discussion; it's a gateway to understanding the profound impact of the humanities on our collective conscious.

We then bridge the worlds of STEM and the humanities, advocating for an education that marries the technical with the creative. Through the lens of literature-infused engineering, we illustrate how characters like Guy Montag from "Fahrenheit 451" influence our worldview and how a balanced education fosters innovation. Let this episode be your invitation to a richer understanding of life, where art and literature are not just subjects to be studied but are experiences that shape who we become.

Picture the gritty reality of war and the unbreakable bonds it forges—this is the essence we capture in our heartfelt conversation about "Band of Brothers." Joined by Jax, Jennifer, and Mark, we revisit the powerful emotions and painstaking authenticity that catapult this HBO series into the annals of must-watch TV. With personal connections to the WWII era, we peel back the layers of history, heroism, and horror, offering listeners a glimpse into the complex narratives that intertwine with our own families' tapestries.

Exploring further, we dissect the significance of leadership and the everyday German soldier's perspective, challenging conventional views and bringing to light the soldiers' common humanity. As the series' impressive budget and meticulous actor training come into focus, we appreciate the transformation of television storytelling into a cinematic experience, paralleled by the actors' own journeys in capturing the essence of their historical counterparts. The vibrant discussion illuminates how "Band of Brothers" extends beyond mere entertainment, influencing our cultural perceptions and honoring the legacy of those who served.

As our session wraps, we leave you with a sense of admiration for the indomitable spirit of soldiers and the lasting impact of their stories on screen. Whether you're a first-time viewer or returning to the trenches of Easy Company, our dialogue promises to enrich your understanding and provoke deeper reflection on the narratives that shape our world. Join us as we pay tribute to an era that continues to resonate through time and the groundbreaking series that brings it to life with unwavering authenticity.

Art and adversity intertwine in a dance as old as creation itself, and we're here to explore each step of their intricate pas de deux. As we close the curtains on our summer series, I, Kirk, alongside Luc and our esteemed guest Don Watkins, unpack the profound connection between struggle and creativity. From Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" to the raw emotion of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto, we traverse the landscape of human perseverance, culminating in a powerful finale that mirrors our own journey through the world of podcasting.

With vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, we take you on a sensory expedition, analyzing the tense engagement of man versus serpent in both sculpture and the real-life parallels of martial arts. Our conversation becomes a palette of emotions as we recall that fateful museum tour where "The Painter's Honeymoon" forever altered my perception of art. Don's insights illuminate the intricate details of a sculpted struggle, revealing the layers of determination and resilience etched into every muscle and sinew of "An Athlete Wrestling with a Python."

But it's not just physical barriers we confront; the invisible walls within society and the human psyche present their own form of strife. Through the verses of Robert Frost's "Mending Wall," we contemplate the boundaries we erect, questioning their necessity and the traditions that compel us to maintain them. This journey through art and life's hurdles is as much about communication and persuasion as it is about the literal act of mending. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we leave you enriched with a new understanding of the struggles that define, divide, and ultimately unite us.

Prepare to be whisked into the bustling kitchen of critique as we unfold the second season of "The Bear" with the astute insights of Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Buoani, and myself, Kirk Barbera. Together, we slice through the series' masterful storytelling, savoring the poignant and sometimes chaotic blend of aspiration, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of culinary greatness. Our discussion stirs up a rich stew of opinions on the complex characters who navigate the heat of personal and professional challenges within a 30-minute narrative that leaves a dramatic aftertaste.

In our conversation, we don't shy away from the meatier topics, such as the tragic entanglement of destiny and character flaws that echo the timeless echoes of Hamlet, or the savory debate over the mutual exclusivity of success and romantic fulfillment. We marinate in the themes of chaos and order, exploring how they serve up a narrative that resonates deeply with those who crave structure amidst the messiness of life. Our guest stars delve into the intricacies of organic acting, dissecting the ingredients that make performances like Jamie Lee Curtis's so emotionally impactful, proving that true artistry lies in the honest and natural delivery of a character's journey.

As we reach the final course, we reflect on episode seven's "Forks," a master class in how small actions can lead to profound change, and how personal redemption is a dish best served with dedication and finesse. The exceptional cast, particularly Oliver Platt's Uncle Jimmy, stirs the pot with performances that perfectly balance the delicate flavors of vulnerability and strength. Join us for this hearty conversation that will not only satiate your appetite for thought-provoking television discourse but also leave you hungry for more.

Uncover the intricate dance of love and beauty in Shakespeare's sonnets with Austin Shakespeare's Justin Scalise and Ann Cicolella. As Justin's voice breathes life into Sonnets 18 and 49, we embark on a journey through the complexities of romantic entanglement and the raw emotions that make us quintessentially human. Together, we celebrate the Bard's unrivaled ability to capture the fleeting moments of love, the insecurities that shadow our relationships, and the vivid imagery that remains as poignant today as it was in Elizabethan times.

Step into a world where poetry meets the precision of mathematics, and discover how understanding analogies and comparisons can unlock the deepest meanings of Shakespeare's works. This episode isn't just an auditory experience; it's a masterclass in interpretation, where the elegance of metaphor and the Petrarchan sonnet form come together to reveal insights into intelligence and creativity. As we draw parallels with modern thinkers, we see how the Bard's timeless words can still tap into our collective consciousness.

Finally, join us as we reflect on the transformative power of Shakespeare's sonnets within our personal lives and the theatre community. We delve into the intimate bond between the poet and the Earl of Southampton, finding our own connections across the centuries. We leave you with an enthusiastic appreciation for the sonnets' enduring relevance, encouraged to explore them in the quiet corners of your world or through the voices of actors who continue to bring these works to life. Stay tuned for more poetic adventures that promise to enrich your appreciation for Shakespeare's legacy.

Unlock the mysteries of love's first glow as we, Kirk and Luc, together with our spirited Facebook Group community, dissect the elusive 'romantic spark' through the prisms of poetry and painting. We kick off with a poignant poem and a captivating visual narrative, inviting you to feel the pulse quicken at the prospect of fresh love. Expect to traverse the landscapes of romantic comedies, iconic tales, and delve into the psyche behind one-sided infatuation versus the electrifying mutual connection that kindles true romance.

Have you ever felt the power of a silent gaze? Journey with us through the halls of the National Gallery of Art as we recount personal encounters with art that speaks volumes without uttering a word. Experience the stirring of deep emotions as we engage with a painting that captures the duality of longing and contentment, youth and wisdom, and the sheer magnetism of an adoring look. Our reflections will offer a window into how the unspoken can ignite a powerful sense of connection, whether it's in the context of budding romance or the multifaceted world of social dynamics.

Finally, let Shakespeare's words guide us as we unravel the potent sentiments captured in his timeless musings on love. Find solace in the thought that the spark of romance can reignite or burst into flame anew, regardless of the past. As we interpret complex metaphors within a challenging love poem, we'll explore the idea that in love, we find our true awakening, seeing ourselves mirrored in another's gaze. Join us to explore how art and poetry collectively become the mirror of our deepest feelings, identity, and the enduring artistry that encapsulates the very essence of the romantic spark.

Heather Schwarz and Scott Powell are co-founders of the online school Knowable World.

Embark on a journey through time with Scott Powell and Heather Schwartz as we unravel how a deep understanding of history can illuminate the complexities of today's world. Scott, with his books "The History of Now" and "The History of Tomorrow," deftly challenges the notion of present centrism, while Heather's Knowable World curriculum seeks to arm the younger generation with the historical context needed to navigate modern global events. Together, we dissect the integration of history and social studies, pondering how we can transform education to help students grasp the underpinnings of current world affairs and become well-informed citizens.

Throughout our conversation, we address the challenges educators face in creating curriculums that are both comprehensive and relevant. The traditional approach to teaching history often leaves students adrift in a sea of disconnected facts, but through the lens of present centrism, we propose a more structured methodology. We discuss the idea of a three-year rotating curriculum covering major cultural blocks and delve into the delicate balance between celebrating multicultural narratives and understanding the weight of pivotal historical events.

As we pull back the curtain on various educational approaches, we spotlight the importance of instilling a strong historical foundation from a young age. From the influence of Ancient Greece to the significance of China, we explore how these rich cultural histories shape our understanding of the world. In closing, we underscore the need for empowering curricula that encourage critical thinking and provide third graders through to twelfth graders with the tools to interpret their world. Discover how history, when taught with a present-centric view, can lead to a more interconnected and insightful perspective on the world we share.

Discover the complex emotional landscape of "Fauda" Season One as Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Bouani, and I unravel the artistry and cultural impact of this politically charged drama. Our candid discussion takes an unexpected turn as we peel back the layers of storytelling, character development, and representation, offering you a deeper insight into the nuanced portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Join us as we navigate the moral ambiguities and cultural resonances that make "Fauda" a thought-provoking encounter with the realities of war and personal struggle.

The heart of our conversation beats with the exploration of Palestinian identity and the intricate web of family dynamics that drive the show's narrative. As we dissect the characters' psychological complexities, Mark, Jacks, and Jennifer share their perspectives on how the show captures the adrenaline-filled lives of military units and the burden of conflict on loved ones. We tackle the thorny issues of martyrdom and national identity, examining how these themes resonate within the cultural narrative and the lives of characters caught in the crossfire.

Our debate crescendos as we ponder the series' authenticity in depicting combat and relationships amidst chaos. From the significance of realistic fight scenes to the pursuit of objectivity in storytelling, we delve into the artistic choices that shape the viewer's perception. We wrap up with reflections on "Fauda's" cultural reverberations and the responsibility of media in portraying the humanistic themes within such turbulent settings. Tune in for an episode that promises not just entertainment, but enlightenment on one of today's most pressing global issues.

Unveil the mystery behind Captain Ahab's obsession with the elusive white whale as we dissect his profound monologue in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick." Joined by a renowned Melville scholar, we plunge into Ahab's psyche, examining his belief in a hidden force driving existence and his unwavering determination to confront this power. Witness the collision of Ahab's fierce will against Starbuck's resistance and discover the philosophical and moral implications it raises about the nature of humanity and our quest for truth. This episode promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for one of literature's most complex characters and the eternal struggle to pierce life's veils.

In an electrifying dissection of Ahab's rallying cry to his crew, we delve into the heart of what fuels his relentless pursuit of Moby Dick. Ahab's charisma and command over words cast a spellbinding force, uniting his crew under a common, albeit tragic, flag. With our esteemed guest shedding light on the darkest corners of Ahab's resolve, we piece together the symbolism and motivations that drive this timeless narrative. Tune in to this episode as we navigate the turbulent waters of obsession, leadership, and the human condition, all encapsulated in the epic chase for the legendary leviathan.

*This was a short talk I gave at an Austin event called "Third Thursday."

Step aboard as we chart a course through the soul of America with Herman Melville's leviathan of literature, "Moby Dick." Grapple with the whale of all novels as we dissect the Essex tragedy's influence on Melville's masterwork, teasing out the human tendency to become what we fear most. Embark with me on a deep exploration of Melville's own odyssey – from exotic encounters with cannibals to his profound insights into the depths of the human condition. As we sift through the thematic currents of meaning, the eternal struggle of man versus nature, and the moral complexities of Melville's era, we'll uncover the resonances within our contemporary societal voyage.

Hold fast as we join the ranks of a virtual literary club, where the passion for prose thrives and Melville's epic reigns supreme. Together, we'll unravel the narrative genius of "Moby Dick," from its labyrinthine structure to the profound impact of Nathaniel Hawthorne on Melville's craft. Witness the immortalization of characters like Ahab, as we celebrate the literary legacy that Melville has etched into the annals of American letters. Also, clear your schedules for an illuminating evening with Luke Travers, whose upcoming talk marries epistemology with the art of interpretation, promising epiphanies as profound as the depths plied by Melville himself.

Join the conversation with Dr. Mike Mazza from the Einrand Institute as we navigate the purpose and future of philosophy amidst the changing tides of higher education. Our engaging chat begins with a casual banter on motorcycles, only to transition into an examination of America's unique approach to commercializing universities. As Dr. Mazza unfurls his wisdom on the philosophy of science, we pay homage to the likes of Newton and Darwin, whose monumental work still echoes through the scientific community. Together, we tackle the fine line distinguishing philosophers from professional intellectuals and how these deeply reflective individuals influence sectors from business to policy-making.

Strap in as we dissect the closure of the once-influential graduate school bootcamp at UNRAN University and reflect on what guidance it offered to scholars. We then journey into a hypothetical world where education systems operate free from government strings, discussing the survival of philosophers in a pure market landscape and the historical examples, such as Bell Labs, that showcase the fruitful alliance of private investment and scientific breakthroughs. This episode isn't just about the theoretical—it's an exploration of how philosophy can and does intersect with the practical aspects of our lives.

As we wrap up our thought-provoking exchange, we take a hard look at the value of a humanities degree versus the potential of alternative educational pathways like vocational schools. Dr. Mazza shares insights into the importance of public scientific standards, the perils of science journalism, and the role of peer review in maintaining—or muddling—the integrity of scientific research. Whether you're a philosopher at heart or a professional navigating the complex world of science and technology, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the intricate dance between the philosophical and the empirical.

Embark on a philosophical voyage with Dr. Ben Bayer, Director of Content at the Einrand Institute, as he joins us to dissect the intrinsic American value of individualism and its current cultural standing. Throughout our conversation, we tackle the complexities of consuming news in an era where 'fake news' floods our feeds, seeking strategies to maintain our sanity while staying truly informed. Dr. Bayer imparts wisdom on the intricate psychology that fuels conspiracy theorists and unpacks the depths of the American abortion debate, asserting the inviolable nature of the right to abortion.

Dr. Bayer's insights shine a spotlight on the societal impacts of conspiracism, challenging the notion that shadowy plots drive history. Instead, he guides us through understanding the role of philosophical ideals in shaping our world. We traverse the global shifts in abortion laws, contrasting the advancements in countries like Argentina and Ireland with the troubling rollback of reproductive rights in the U.S. Our discussion sails through the legal and cultural currents that define personal liberties, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in steering societal change and evolution.

The dialogue culminates in an examination of personal growth and the creation of like-minded communities as essential tools for effecting change. Dr. Bayer previews his upcoming book, which critiques the moral standard of altruism and encourages a reevaluation of our ethical compass. The episode promises an enriching exploration of how personal development, ethical philosophy, and the nurturing of our communities can lead to profound societal transformation. Join us for this exploration of ideas, where philosophy meets practice in the pursuit of a more thoughtful, informed life.

Could the fervent passion depicted in the tragic tales of Quasimodo and Esmeralda be present in our real-life love stories? This episode, with special guest Luke Travers from touchingtheart.com, delves into the enduring enigma of undying love as seen through the prisms of literature, art, and our everyday experiences. We struggle with the question of whether romantic love can truly be eternal, examining the reflective journey of Michael Corleone in "Godfather Part Three," and how the internal battles and societal pressures challenge the notion of everlasting affection.

Art has long been a canvas for the complexities of love, and we bring this to life by dissecting a poignant portrait that tells a story without words. The image of a tearful yet composed woman, potentially a figure from Greek mythology, invites us into a narrative steeped in love's bittersweet farewells, reminiscent of the emotional odysseys found in Homer's epic poetry. Our discussion intertwines with musings on how past relationships shape our creative impulses and the eternal search for a connection that resonates on spiritual, intellectual, and physical planes, much like the ill-fated romance of Tristan and Isolde.

As we wrap up, our conversation takes a poetic turn, immersing ourselves in the nuanced portrayal of love that seeks both eternal and sensual fulfillment. We're transported by the mesmerizing verses of poets who have likened undying love to the constancy of a star, while also acknowledging the enduring ache for a love that can transcend even death, as expressed in Longfellow's "The Cross of Snow." Join us on this heart-stirring journey that celebrates the art of love and the love of art, inviting you to reflect on the depth and longevity of your own romantic bonds.

Ever been caught off guard by the twist in a short story that left you pondering life's unexpected turns? We've all been there, and this episode celebrates the king of the twist ending, O. Henry. Joining me is the artistic director of Austin Shakespeare, Ann Ciccolella, as we delve into the whimsical world of this short story maestro. With Anne's intimate knowledge of translating literature to the stage, we unravel the intricacies of bringing O. Henry's vibrant characters and plots from the page to the spotlight, ensuring that every theatrical rendition pulses with the same energy and wit found in his timeless prose.

Anne and I also reminisce about how O. Henry's stories, like "Cupid à la Carte," have a unique way of threading joy and pathos into the fabric of our lives. We examine his sharp character sketches that draw readers into worlds as familiar as they are enchanting. Anne shares her approach to enlivening these narratives for the stage with multi-role casting and a mix of dance and music, crafting an immersive experience that pays homage to O. Henry's distinctive storytelling style. It's an episode that literature aficionados and theater lovers alike won't want to miss, as it's filled with the kind of insights that can only come from deep appreciation and professional expertise.

Rounding out our discussion, Anne and I touch on the profound impact reading with children can have, not just on their cognitive development, but on their emotional world as well. We stress the importance of sharing stories like O. Henry's, which are steeped in the beauty of language and the richness of the human experience. So, grab your favorite book, cozy up with your little ones, and let's journey together through the laughter, the twists, and the heartfelt moments that only a great story can provide.

Could achieving financial happiness be as simple as choosing your dad wisely - rich or poor? Together with Mike White, a former submarine officer turned MBA student, we navigate the intersection of wealth and well-being, drawing from Robert Kiyosaki's 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' as our compass. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge from Austin's Objectivist and Bitcoin circles, infusing our discussion with a fresh perspective on finding joy in the numbers.

Strap on your helmet and join us for a ride through the deserted streets of a shutdown California, where the freedom of motorcycling intersects with the solitude of empty cities. As we share tales from this eerie quietude, we segue into the transformative power of financial literacy. You'll discover the roots of my passion for financial education, tracing back to a high school real estate investment club and the strategic play of Cashflow 101. All this is intertwined with the practical advice of building a safety net, distinguishing assets from liabilities, and the tools—like YNAB and guidance from Certified Financial Planners—that make navigating the financial seas smoother.

Immersion in this episode will leave you contemplating the richer aspects of life—like how happiness, core values, and a robust vision can guide you to fulfillment beyond the balance sheet. We'll discuss the pursuit of happiness even in the most restrictive environments and how embracing Bitcoin can be an act of personal and financial rebellion. Our stories and insights serve as a reminder that true wealth is not just in your wallet but in the alignment of your life with your deepest values.

Embark on a poetic exploration with us as we peel back the layers of Andrew Marvell's "The Definition of Love," where we tease out the complexities of a doomed love with metaphysical flair. Alongside a comparison to Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress," we ponder the intricate dance of despair and impossibility in the quest for affection. The poem itself becomes a doorway to considering the ways love's portrayal has withstood the test of time, beckoning us to reflect on how its grand themes echo in our modern hearts.

Tackling the challenges of 17th-century poetry head-on, we share tales of our own pronunciation pitfalls, turning them into opportunities for deeper engagement with Marvell's text. As we dissect "The Definition of Love," we find ourselves in the throes of magnanimous despair, grappling with fate's cruel barriers. This linguistic journey not only enriches our understanding of Marvell's work but also invites us to discover the magnificence within the language of love that he so masterfully weaves.

Weaving past with present, the episode also muses on the chivalric codes of medieval literature and their transformation into today's romantic realism. We dare to dream of reviving chivalry, fusing imagination and affection with a healthy dose of practicality. As we traverse from the tales of troubadours to the truth of modern-day courtship, we champion a balance that honors the pursuit of profound connections in our lives, all the while ensuring our feet remain firmly on the ground amidst the stars of romantic idealism.

Discover the true essence of beauty where it overlaps with truth in our latest journey, guided by the timeless words of William Shakespeare in Sonnet 54. Are you ready to redefine beauty in your life? Join us as we peel back the layers of this seemingly simple poem to reveal a world where outer attractiveness is harmoniously balanced by the integrity and truth that radiate from within.

This episode isn't just a literary discussion; it's an introspective exploration of our contemporary beliefs about beauty and personal values. Together, we dissect each line, translating Shakespeare's eloquent language into a vernacular that resonates with today's audience. The rose and its canker blooms become symbols in our conversation, starkly contrasting fleeting beauty with enduring allure. Embrace this opportunity to reflect on how the values you hold dear define your own beauty, both inside and out, in a session that promises enlightenment well beyond the verse.

As the year wanes, Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ring Out, Wild Bells" calls to us, a clarion of hope and renewal amidst the echoes of loss. Together, we traverse the emotional landscape of Tennyson's masterpiece, "In Memoriam AHH," delving into the depths of his friendship with Arthur Henry Hallam and the resulting literary tribute. Through a heartfelt reading of the poem, we unravel layers of grief, truth-seeking, and the universal yearn for brighter days, offering you a chance to find solace and inspiration as the bells chime for change.

Join us as we embrace the transformative power of Tennyson's words, examining how the act of ringing out the old to welcome the new can mirror our own personal journeys of growth and healing. The episode becomes a sanctuary for contemplation, where the end of the year becomes not just a marker of time but a symbol of hope. Whether confronting personal sorrow or seeking motivation for the year ahead, we invite you to engage with this poetic exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the enduring promise of new beginnings.

Does becoming a parent condemn you to a less joyful marriage? Jesse McCarthy joins us to unravel the complexities of parental happiness and the dynamics between raising children and marital satisfaction. Our conversation moves beyond the common narrative that contentment dwindles post-children, probing into whether this decline is a parenting inevitability or a sign of unpreparedness. Along the way, we dissect perspectives on pro-natalism, the transformative potential of parenting for personal growth, and the delicate art of integrating children into the quest for a fulfilling life.

Embark on a journey of self-reflection and educational evolution with us as we sift through the Montessori method's impact on independence and family appreciation. Jesse McCarthy, with his expertise, guides us through the philosophical embrace of memento mori and its capacity to deepen familial bonds. We also consider the spectrum of personal growth that parenting initiates, the role of coaching, and the growth mindset in navigating life's undulating terrain. The episode promises not merely to navigate the challenges of parenting but to offer a lens through which we might better understand ourselves and the enduring happiness we seek.

As we wrap up this episode, we delve into strategies for cultivating positive friendships in children and the developmental advantages of experiencing different roles within a classroom setting. Our dialogue underscores the importance of modeling healthy relationships, respectful communication, and creating an environment ripe for learning—lessons aimed not only at children but at ourselves, too. We conclude with heartfelt thanks to Jesse McCarthy for enriching our discussion and invite our listeners to explore his resources for further enlightenment on the art of parenting and education.

As the first snowflake graces the ground, I always find myself reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday spirit. This episode is a canvas of thoughts painted with the vibrant hues of art, poetry, and heartwarming tales that redefine the essence of Christmas. Our journey begins with an enigmatic painting that might just alter your festive perceptions, while we muse over the symbols that make the holidays a time of joy and benevolence, transcending religious boundaries. And if you're keen to dive deeper into the art realm, I'm thrilled to shine a spotlight on Luke Travers' latest Kindle release, "Stories and Paint," which promises to enrich your artistic engagement.

Reconnection is the heart of this season's joy, and here, I bare my soul with personal anecdotes of rekindling ties that time had loosened but never fully undone. This is a tribute to the giving spirit, with nods to the altruism we see so movingly depicted in films and literature, where the warmth of family and community glows brighter than the most lavishly adorned Christmas tree. You'll hear how acts of kindness, like those from Amélie's world, can sprinkle magic into the mundane and how striking a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment is a theme as timeless as the holiday classics we know and love.

The episode wraps with an exploration of the profound ripple effect that personal happiness can have when it spreads to others, through the lens of Scrooge's iconic transformation. My dear friend Kirk joins me in unwrapping those 'secret anniversaries of the heart,' those whimsical private joys that burn bright in the festive cold. We reflect on the emotional craftsmanship behind new connections and celebrate the inclusivity that this season epitomizes. Reunited with old friends, we illuminate the simple yet profound pleasure of reaching out and the undeniable warmth that it brings to the holiday tapestry.

Painting described: "Under the Trees' by Èdouar Vuillard

Imagine the power of understanding your relationship with money. Join us, Jake and Kirk, on a journey to discover our money scripts and how they shape our financial decisions. From sharing personal anecdotes to hearing from a certified financial planner, you'll gain insights that could potentially revolutionize your approach to money management.

Have you ever considered that your approach to money could be categorized into a 'money personality'? We delve into the personalities of money vigilance, money worship, money avoidance, and money status, discussing the traits and behaviors associated with each. From learning how to balance a relationship where partners have different money personalities to understanding the emotional responses evoked by financial decisions, this episode is a treasure trove of financial wisdom.

Our special guest, a certified financial planner, offers his unique insights on the most common money scripts he encounters with his clients and how he guides them to adopt beneficial traits from different money scripts. To cap it all, we explore the complex relationship between money and personality, a discussion that can help you gain a deeper understanding of your financial habits and behaviors. So, tune in and start a journey to redefine your financial future.

What if the emotional fulfillment we seek through romantic love could be replaced by the profound experience of appreciating fine literature and art? As we dissect Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love', we pose and explore this provocative question, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and attraction. We challenge the conventional view that physical love is a necessity, underscoring the potential of art to portray 'what ought to be' and to remind us that love is a choice we consciously make. In this enlightening analysis, we also discuss the transformative power of love, as emphasized through the poem's repetitive phrase 'the first kiss of love'.

We then take a deeper dive into Byron's work, unraveling the intriguing irony that the poet himself uses his creative output to convey his sentiment. We highlight the poem's insistence on cherishing real-life experiences, cautioning against the risks of misplaced idealism. We also examine the intimate relationship between love and creativity, urging listeners to appreciate their significance in shaping our lives. At the same time, we challenge you, our audience, to revisit this poem with a fresh perspective and consider the importance of striving for real love. So, join us for this stimulating exploration, as we shed light on love, art, and the decisions that drive our lives.

Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an entrepreneur? Well, we have the perfect episode for you. We're thrilled to have Dr. Gena Gorlin with us, a trailblazer in the psychology of entrepreneurship. She offers an enlightening perspective on the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the unique challenges and complexities that entrepreneurs face. She touches on the importance of making value-oriented decisions in our relationships, which are relevant not just to entrepreneurs, but everyone out there.

What’s more, we delve into the importance of work in our lives, not in the typical sense but how being purposeful and goal-oriented changes your whole perspective about it. Dr. Gorlin sheds light on the concept of compartmentalizing work and how it shapes confidence and lends structure to your narrative. But that’s not all; work, according to Dr. Gorlin, can also have mental health benefits, providing an organizing function in one’s life.

In the latter part of our discussion, we circle around to topics that resonate with all of us - the power of passion, purpose, and finding meaning in life. We discuss the importance of understanding our subconscious and the role that community plays in fostering a builder's mindset. Plus, find expert insights from Dr. Gorlin on emotional intimacy, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and recognizing the value of people's contributions in supporting projects. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for personal and professional growth. Listen in!

Would you drop everything, pack your bags, and head into a war zone to fight for freedom? That's exactly what our guest, Dan Hackney, a bonafide YouTube engineer did when he volunteered his skills and time to the Ukrainian military during the Russo-Ukrainian War. We dive deep into Dan's mind, understanding his reasons and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with his extraordinary decision, and explore his dedication to the objectivist community.

From the surprising moment of finding a live grenade while building a drone to the outright defiance of curfew to experience the vibrant nightlife of Ukraine - Dan's experiences paint a chilling, yet authentic picture of the reality of war. The everyday mundane moments turn into acts of defiance and survival, and we get to hear about Dan's unexpected adventures. But it's not all guns and grenades - we also stumble upon a startup company creating military drones amidst this chaos.

As we take a step back from Dan's personal journey, we delve into the wider implications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Drawing parallels between Putin's ambitions and Hitler's atrocities, we consider the potential consequences of supporting Ukraine and the lasting impact of this war on Ukraine's identity. Tune in to hear about Dan's profound personal growth, and how his unique journey has shaped his perspective on life, war, and freedom.

Step into the enchanting world of romantic love as depicted by John Keats in his poignant ballad 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci' With us as your guides, you'll traverse the emotional landscape of love and loss, unearth the dual nature of love, and witness the power of romantic love that transcends even death itself. Can you imagine being so consumed by love that you find yourself in a state of bliss yet despair? Well, prepare to step into the shoes of a knight, as we dissect Keats' literary masterpiece, stanza by stanza, and unveil the paradox of love - its capacity to bring both joy and pain.

Ever wondered what a psychological interpretation of romantic love looks like? We're going to dive deep into Keats' metaphorical portrayal of a knight's heart-wrenching love journey. We will discuss the nuances of the blissful state of two lovers, the spiritual and physical nourishment, and the inevitable turn of events that leads to a cold, desolate hillside. As we reflect on the alluring yet fleeting nature of love, you'll gain a new perspective on the power and paradox of romantic love. Join us on this journey as we explore the intoxicating world of love and loss through the exquisite verses of John Keats.

In this episode of 'Surprised by Art', embark on a journey that intimately intertwines the worlds of art, poetry, passion, and pleasure. Discover how the subtle innuendos of a mysterious painting and evocative verse can profoundly amplify your appreciation of life's sensuous delights. Explore how flirting, foreplay, and secret desires are masterfully embodied in art, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue that deepens our understanding of desire, and ultimately, enhances our enjoyment of life and love. Dive in, and allow art to guide your senses to new heights of pleasure.

For more see Luc Travers' upcoming four week course "Romantic Relationships in Art" at https://www.touchingtheart.com/

This is a talk I gave at an event in Austin with a group of Ayn Rand Fans.
I first read Homer when I was 9 years old. I understood none of it. After re-reading it many times, and later creating The Literary Canon Club, I have come to the conclusion that everyone should read Homer. In this talk I'll explain why and give you some insights from an amateur on how to approach the two epic poems of Homer. "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."

With the call from some "futurists" like Elon Musk to pause development of AI, I explore two poems. One written by an Artificial Intelligence app, and another written by Robert Frost.

The hypothesis: The chasm between Artificial Intelligence and the miraculous Human Consciousness is infinitely deep and unsurpassable. This does not diminish AI, but rather puts it in it's place as a tool of the human mind.

Experiment: take three abstract human emotions "isolation, sorrow, despair" and implement the most basic universal English poetic forms "Sonnet Iambic Pentameter" and explore both poems as a poetry critic.

A discussion of the Poem:
Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798
By William Wordsworth

On this episode of Ted Lasso Luc Travers and Kirk Barbera are joined by Ted Lasso expert and creator of the biggest Ted Lasso fan group on Facebook, Joel Marquez.

We discussed the show Ted Lasso and its relation to today's topics "Infectious Optimism" or "Infectious Benevolence." Luc then surprised both Kirk and Joel with a fascinating painting and Kirk surprised Luc and Joel with an inspiring poem.

You won't want to miss the episode!

Joel's facebook group is called "Ted Lasso Talk." If you have an optimists attitude, or you'd like one, join up!

Joel's wife, Deanna, runs an etsy shop called Dlifeful, where she sells Ted Lasso inspired mugs, tshirts and more!

We were happy to have author Don Watkins on the show for our summer finale.

The topic this week was "struggle."

As always Luc chose a painting and Kirk selected a poem.

Don is the co-author of the best selling books Free Market Revolution and Equal is Unfair.
He's the host of the show Liberty Unlocked and he teaches communication skills at donswriting.com

Equal Is Unfair: America's Misguided Fight Against Income Inequality

Free Market Revolution: How Ayn Rand's Ideas Can End Big Government

Shortly after the recording of this episode, Luc Travers posted this to the facebook group:

"Oh man, that episode recording was a wild, emotional ride!

I went from warm nostalgia, to eager hope, to anxiety, to confused anger, to relief, to relative serenity in the space of 45 minutes!"

Kirk agrees. This was an intense episode that dealt with a very heavy topic. What is social harmony? On this episode, you'll hear a variety of different answers, including two radically different approaches by two different artists.

Special thanks to our voice recording volunteers:

Alexandra Hartline
Heather Schwarz
Mike Dartt

Not only did Luc and Kirk discuss the topic of romance, but they discussed rom-coms, read some Shakespeare, talked about literature and of course were surprised by the painting that Luc chose and the poem Kirk chose.

What do you think is a romantic spark? When does it happen? How does it happen?

Special thanks to our voice recording guests
Patrick Reasonover of justaddfirewater.com
Emily Meer from the Surprised by Art Facebook Group
Hillary Romero from Hilco Homes

View the painting here: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/surprised-by-art-5-romantic-spark

This week Luc and Kirk delve into the religious concept of revelation. Does revelation refer solely to the divine? How can revelation be brought down to earth? How is it relevant to our day-to-day lives? In painting, revelation is a very popular concept. The same is true in literature and poetry. What do you think? Does revelation have to be divine? Can we attain secular revelation? And what would that mean?

Special thanks to our voice recorders
Kelly Bowers & Sean Doherty.

Today Luc and Kirk are joined by sculptor Kelsy Landin. Make sure to follow her on Tiktok @landinart where she has become very popular creating videos of the sculpting process. Instagram she is @landinofficial and youtube Landin Art.

Luc chose a spectacular statue to surprise us with. All three of us discussed various aspects of the sculpture as well as its artistic meaning. At first, it was not obvious how it fit into the topic of "Self-creation" but after exploring the work with Luc, we saw a very unique and important aspect of creating the self that many of us do not consider.

The poem showed a contrary view to the idea of Self-creation, which gave the three of us much to contemplate.

Enjoy this special episode of Surprised by Art, and visit https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/surprised-by-art-8-self-creation to view all the of artworks from different angles, and to read the poem.

A reading and discussion of the poem "Easter, 1916" by WB Yeats. This poem is considered one of the most powerful political poems of the 20th century.

Easter, 1916
BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

I have met them at close of day
Coming with vivid faces
From counter or desk among grey
Eighteenth-century houses.
I have passed with a nod of the head
Or polite meaningless words,
Or have lingered awhile and said
Polite meaningless words,
And thought before I had done
Of a mocking tale or a gibe
To please a companion
Around the fire at the club,
Being certain that they and I
But lived where motley is worn:
All changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.

That woman's days were spent
In ignorant good-will,
Her nights in argument
Until her voice grew shrill.
What voice more sweet than hers
When, young and beautiful,
She rode to harriers?
This man had kept a school
And rode our wingèd horse;
This other his helper and friend
Was coming into his force;
He might have won fame in the end,
So sensitive his nature seemed,
So daring and sweet his thought.
This other man I had dreamed
A drunken, vainglorious lout.
He had done most bitter wrong
To some who are near my heart,
Yet I number him in the song;
He, too, has resigned his part
In the casual comedy;
He, too, has been changed in his turn,
Transformed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.

Hearts with one purpose alone
Through summer and winter seem
Enchanted to a stone
To trouble the living stream.
The horse that comes from the road,
The rider, the birds that range
From cloud to tumbling cloud,
Minute by minute they change;
A shadow of cloud on the stream
Changes minute by minute;
A horse-hoof slides on the brim,
And a horse plashes within it;
The long-legged moor-hens dive,
And hens to moor-cocks call;
Minute by minute they live:
The stone's in the midst of all.

Too long a sacrifice
Can make a stone of the heart.
O when may it suffice?
That is Heaven's part, our part
To murmur name upon name,
As a mother names her child
When sleep at last has come
On limbs that had run wild.
What is it but nightfall?
No, no, not night but death;
Was it needless death after all?
For England may keep faith
For all that is done and said.
We know their dream; enough
To know they dreamed and are dead;
And what if excess of love
Bewildered them till they died?
I write it out in a verse—
MacDonagh and MacBride
And Connolly and Pearse
Now and in time to be,
Wherever green is worn,
Are changed, changed utterly:
A terrible beauty is born.
Notes:
September 25, 1916

is there a difference between aloneness and loneliness? What are the benefits and drawbacks to being alone? Our two artists today have very different things to say about being alone and loneliness. You may be listening to this alone. But are you alone with Luc and Kirk in your ears? There are times when it is important to break away from others and be by yourself. But there are times when connection is a strong desire.

This and more is what we explore on this episode of Surprised by Art!

*Note to parents. Kirk uses one swear word in this episode!

In this episode Luc and Kirk explored the idea of the role of a mentor in ones life. To what degree should we revere them? How personal does the relationship have to be? What value is there in a mentor? How can you be better mentor? What truly does a mentor do? How is a mentor different than a teacher?

Luc shared a wonderful sculpture with all of us and Kirk chose a poem (stole might be a better word! From a talk by Lisa VanDamme, "Life Poetry and Keats.")

This podcast is a conversation one that will certainly surprise you with the inherent truths in great works of art. You do not need to be a scholar to approach these podcasts. Luc and Kirk provide approachable ways to make art more meaningful in your life.

Special thanks to: Lisa Vandamme for her reading of the poem. You can follow along with Lisa's literary readings and commentary on her Read with Me App.

Painting Voice Recorders:
Adriana Carlson - Author of the young adult novel Penelope and the Hob King

Molly Johnson - Esteemed member of the Surprised by Art facebook group!

Jake Rivas - of Jake of All Trades, a financial podcast for millennials

Here's the poem:

Great Spirits
By John Keats

GREAT spirits now on earth are sojourning;
He of the cloud, the cataract, the lake,
Who on Helvellyn’s summit, wide awake,
Catches his freshness from Archangel’s wing;
He of the rose, the violet, the spring,
The social smile, the chain for Freedom’s sake:
And lo!—whose steadfastness would never take
A meaner sound than Raphael’s whispering.
And other spirits there are standing apart
Upon the forehead of the age to come;
These, these will give the world another heart
And other pulses. Hear ye not the hum
Of mighty workings in the human mart?
Listen awhile, ye nations, and be dumb.

A discussion of the new show, Andor on Disney+

*To view the full painting visit: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/surprised-by-art-3-childhood-wildness

On this episode you get to hear a fundamental disagreement between Luc and Kirk regarding the interpretation of the poem.

This was a wild ride of a show. You'll get to experience a wonderful painting that most people pass by. It's a hidden gem rife with meaning, despite its minimalism. Luc and Kirk discussed the nature of wildness, bravery, thrill seeking and more with this painting.

WIth the poem, Luc and Kirk got to experience a knight's tale, from a very unusual and unexpected location.

We wanted to give a special thanks to our voice recording volunteers! They did a wonderful job describing the painting. Deanna Hekkinen of Piisan Academy, Rachael Rivera, and Jason Letman

On this episode both Kirk and Luc are quite surprised at what they find similar and different between the chosen painting and poem.

Luc chose a wonderful painting to illustrate "Righteous Defiance," and Kirk chose a rousing poem to define the topic.

The audio podcast is designed to help you visualize the painting without seeing it, but eventually you should explore the painting for yourself. We recommend exploring it after you hear the recordings of other people giving their first impressions.

You can see the painting and some close ups of it here: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/surprised-by-art-righteous-defiance

Special thanks to our volunteers, who took one quick glance at the painting and described it: Jennifer Minjarez, Atul Kapur, Amy Chou, and Sean Doherty (in order of appearance).

Today Luc Travers and Kirk cover the topic that you chose "Man's Loss of Faith."

Luc picked a painting that really affected Kirk. And Kirk wowed Luc with his selection.

Though paintings are of course visual, we have used audio descriptions of the painting to give you as clear an idea as possible of the painting. We do have a thumbnail that you can see as the artwork for this podcast episode.

You can also go to https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/surprised-by-art-man-s-loss-of-faith to experience the painting in the way that Luc recommends.

You can also read the poem there.

*Note to parents this episode does have a few swear words in it.

Join me for a reading and discussion of William Cowper's final poem The Castaway (1799)
This is the second time I have done a reading of this poem.

An elegy is a poem written to mourn the death of someone. Here we will explore the hidden depths of this philosophic poem.

Halloween is a time to face fears. Do not allow the fear of a lack of comprehension of this poem stop you from attempting to mine its meaning and beauty.

This special episode of Troubadour Talks features three members of the Literary Canon Club—a group dedicated to reading through the entire Western Canon from Homer to Rand.

Book one in our group was The Iliad. In this episode, Kirk discusses various aspects of Homer’s The Iliad with Molly Johnson, Marco Romero and Heather Schwarz.

Even if you have never read the Iliad, this discussion will show you the value of taking time out of your busy life to read great literature.

On today’s episode of Troubadour Talks, I chat with a host of the Daily Objective, Nikos Sotirakopoulos, about the novel by Jack Schaefer “Shane.”

One critic of Shane has expressed, correctly, that if you are to read one Western novel, let it be Shane.

Nikos and I discuss the straightforward plot and then have a deep discussion of the characters and their relationships. As this is a frontier story, like all Westerns, we will talk about life on the frontier, how it is different from life in a fully civilised location, and most importantly, how manliness is required in these frontier lands.

We also talk about the fraternity among men and how to earn the manly love of your brothers. This was an enjoyable conversation with a true brother in arms!

Today's guest is Rucka, and we will be discussing Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson.

We had a great discussion of the meaning of Peter Pan and why this is such a valuable story for children and adults.

What is the meaning of a boy who never grows up? What role does passion play in our lives, and do we have to give up our desires as we age? These and many other questions are ones that we discuss on this wide-ranging talk about these two great works of literary art and their role in our lives.

Today we have some Shakespeare to discuss. I have as my guest Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of Austin Shakespeare. We will be exploring the play "Macbeth", Also known within the theatre community as "The Scottish Play."

Before digging into the play, Ann and I explain why it can be beneficial to read the play and even watch videos summing up the play before seeing a performance. Our conversation included a summary of Macbeth, why its themes are relevant to our lives today, and some tips on how to enjoy Shakespeare, even if his language is difficult to understand at first.

Film director & producer Chris DePretis joins Kirk to talk about the short story “Boule de Suif” by Guy de Maupassant.

It is said that Maupassant is the most adapted literary writer after Shakespeare. Though this is hard to prove, because often his short stories offer a broad brush by which film directors like John Ford will use to paint. Nevertheless, his impact on world cinema is impressive. Besides Ford, many directors have adapted stories from the French short story writer, such as D.W. Griffith, Orson Welles, Jean Renoir, Kenji Mizoguchi, Jean-Luc Goddard and many more. These directors, of course, are the most influential directors in cinema. By proxy, very few people can claim as much influence on world cinema as Guy de Maupassant.

In this episode, we summarize and discuss one short story in particular “Boule de Suif.” Then we discuss and compare the classic western movie Stagecoach (1939) starring John Wayne and directed by John Ford.
We will be talking about the themes of both of these works as well as the way in which Ford was inspired by Maupassant.

If you are a literary lover or a film buff, this episode is for you! Great art builds on great art.

Kirk and guest Luc Travers from http://www.literatureatourhouse.com/ discuss the dystopian novel by Ray Bradbury “Fahrenheit 451.” Together they give a synopsis (from memory) of the story. Then they leap into the flames of Bradbury’s tale.

In this episode, you’ll enjoy discussions on:
The main characters: Guy Montag, Chief Beatty, Clarise and Faber
Meaning of the story
Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold
Dover Beach and its meaning relative to the story
The prescience of the story
What is happiness, and how do we know if we are happy?
The importance of UNhappiness
And much more!

Eric and I go over a synopsis of this play, first staged in 1897 to immense adulation. Then we discuss the meaning of the love triangle, the larger-than-life character of Cyrano and the meaning of the play.

Since 1897 there has been a variety of different projections of Cyrano’s looks. This is an important feature of the play. How ugly should Cyrano be?

What is it that Roxanne falls in love with?

Can a beautiful man also be bright and clever and witty?

What role does Cyrano’s nose play?

We analyze some specific passages in the play.

We take a look at the spiritual/body dichotomy in the play.

The role of “success” in Cyrano.

In the second half of the conversation, Eric, who is a Catholic, and I have a debate about Pride and the meaning of Cyrano’s Pride.

Eric Robert Morse (ericrobertmorse.com) is a writer, publisher, painter, illustrator, web programmer, philosopher, theologian, economist, and historian. His published works include a critique of Behavioral Economics (Psychonomics), a theory of political economy (Juggernaut), two novels (Monaco and Ricky Wills It), a psychology of storytelling (The 90-Minute Effect), a history of Feminism (The Economic Theory of Sex), and a sociology of postmodern America (Tearing at the Seams).

My guest today is Jesse McCarthy Founder of MontessoriEducation.com

Jesse McCarthy began his career as a young assistant at a small private school in California, and now 15+ years later he leads an organization that helps parents and teachers around the world to achieve inevitable success with children — happily and without stress.

We discussed The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave.

This book is described as a “dramatic autobiography,” and as Jesse and Kirk discuss, it is exactly that. It is not a long text. It can be read in a few hours. But it is an emotionally challenging text.

Jesse and Kirk discuss Douglass’ story, his courage and character as told within the narrative.

There are some ideas in this book that may be very challenging for people today to confront. Not in terms of slavery, everyone correctly abhors slavery, but rather some of the values and virtues that Douglass held as essential to the building of a good character.

Jesse and Kirk discussed:

the concept of “self-creation” as Douglass meant it.
Slave Mentality
Slave-holders mentality
Fighting a system of ideas
The education of Douglass
How to educate children
Importance of reading
Different levels of reading
And much much more.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (Original Classic Edition): An American Slave

What do Holden Caufield, Jerry Fletcher (Conspiracy Theory, 1997, played by Mel Gibson) and a modern conspiracy theorist have in common? On this episode of Troubadour Podcast, I discuss the style of J.D. Salinger's story about Holden Caufield's weekend adventure.

This is a book that has been linked to multiple assassins, including the man who shot John Lennon. It is also a favorite among teenage boys. What can we learn from the method of Caufield's 'stream of consciousness' that can reveal an important truth about the followers of Qanon, and other modern conspiracy theorists?

In this video I will outline the general plot of "The Catcher in the Rye,' what I call "the Caufield Effect,' and explain my view on why it is critical to read this book today.

On this episode of Troubadour Talks I had as a guest Timothy Sandefur, VP of Litigation at Goldwater Institute. We discussed the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles.

The Oedipus is likely one of the most referenced and analyzed work of imaginative literature in the history of the world. Now, Tim and Kirk have added their voices to this endeavor!

Both Kirk and Tim recommend the Robert Fagles translation of Oedipus The King.

On the show, Tim refers to a performance of Greek Plays done in Greek. The director is Leonidas Loizides. You can learn more about this director in this article.

Read Tim Sandefur on his personal blog at sandefur.typepad.com
Also, Tim has a review of a new translation of Oedipus, coming out at The Objective Standard,

Topics discussed:

Why lawyers today should read literature generally and ancient Greek literature in particular.
How the Ancient Greeks viewed literature's role as crucial in life.
An overview of The Oedipus story.
How Oedipus The King is like Batman.
The universality of this story.
A Character analysis of Oedipus & Jocasta
The problem with "Tragic Flaws."
Meaning from literature and mortality
the psychological insight we can learn from the ancients.
Do we have free-will or are we determined beings?
Analysis of the style of Oedipus' crossroads speech
On reading translations
The #DisruptTexts movement
and much more!

The Three Theban Plays: Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus

Welcome to Troubadour Talks, a new show where a guest and I discuss a great work of classic literature.

On today's episode I spoke with Jon Hersey of the Objective Standard Institute about Ayn Rand's fist novel, We The Living.

Ayn Rand was a Russian-American novelist. Her dates are 1905-1982. She is most known for her later novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.

In this episode Jon and I:

give a plot summary of the entire work
discuss the meaning of the novel's themes and plot events
discuss the main characters (Leo, Andrei and Kira)
compare and contrast the three characters
explain why 'We the Living,' written in 1934, is as relevant today as it was then
talk about why this novel is important to each of us
*give reasons why everyone should read this book today

Jon is editor for The Objective Standard magazine, and he is a teacher and podcaster for Objective Standard Institute. You can find out more here: https://objectivestandard.org/

Kirk is host of Troubadour Talks and founder of The Literary Canon Club
If you have ever wanted to read through the great western literary canon, now is the time. You can reserve your spot by signing up here: https://www.troubadourmag.com/literary-canon-club

in this episode I give five reasons you should consider reading Moll Flanders, an early 18th century novel written by Daniel Defoe, who is the author of Robinson Crusoe.

The five reasons are:

1) You get to visit 17th century London
-I mention a painting, which is featured as the artwork for this episode. It is "The Egg Dance by Jan Steen."

2) Meet an "immoral" woman who, nevertheless, leads an interesting life.
-Here I discuss why so many people have hated Moll Flanders.

3) Understand what philosophers hate about commercialism and capitalism.

4) Learn about the novel as an artistic achievement

5) Understand the novel as a moral institution.

Visit my magazine's website for a full analysis and commentary: https://www.troubadourmag.com/post/william-wordsworth-steals-a-boat-an-excerpt-from-the-prelude

The Boat Stealing Scene from the 1850 Prelude by William Wordsworth:

One summer evening (led by her) I found
A little boat tied to a willow tree
Within a rocky cove, its usual home.
Straight I unloosed her chain, and stepping in
Pushed from the shore. It was an act of stealth
And troubled pleasure, nor without the voice
Of mountain-echoes did my boat move on;
Leaving behind her still, on either side,
Small circles glittering idly in the moon,
Until they melted all into one track
Of sparkling light. But now, like one who rows,
Proud of his skill, to reach a chosen point
With an unswerving line, I fixed my view
Upon the summit of a craggy ridge,
The horizon’s utmost boundary; far above
Was nothing but the stars and the grey sky.
She was an elfin pinnace; lustily
I dipped my oars into the silent lake,
And, as I rose upon the stroke, my boat
Went heaving through the water like a swan;
When, from behind that craggy steep till then
The horizon’s bound, a huge peak, black and huge,
As if with voluntary power instinct,
Upreared its head. I struck and struck again,
And growing still in stature the grim shape
Towered up between me and the stars, and still,
For so it seemed, with purpose of its own
And measured motion like a living thing,
Strode after me. With trembling oars I turned,
And through the silent water stole my way
Back to the covert of the willow tree;
There in her mooring-place I left my bark, –
And through the meadows homeward went, in grave
And serious mood; but after I had seen
That spectacle, for many days, my brain
Worked with a dim and undetermined sense
Of unknown modes of being; o’er my thoughts
There hung a darkness, call it solitude
Or blank desertion. No familiar shapes
Remained, no pleasant images of trees,
Of sea or sky, no colours of green fields;
But huge and mighty forms, that do not live
Like living men, moved slowly through the mind
By day, and were a trouble to my dreams.

This is a poem in Blake's "Songs of Innocence & Experience: Showing The Two Contrary States of the Human Soul."

This poem is ripe with Biblical images. In fact, I'd argue that the entire poem is an extended metaphor, not to be taken literally at all. Though, there is a narrative story in the poem, the action of this story must be taken metaphorically.

This poem is about a 7 year old girl who becomes separated from her parents and lost in a desert. She falls asleep under a tree. Then some wild beasts (leopards and lions and tigers--OH MY!) come out of a cave and see her. They play at her feet, and then the kingly lion licks her. They then strip her naked and bring her to their cave.

This is how the poem ends.

Unlocking this poem is rather fun. Though, it does take a little bit of digging and a lot of knowledge of the Bible, I believe it is very worthwhile even if you are not religious or Christian. We will see how Blake both uses the imagery of Christianity while offering a criticism to his 19th century Christian readers.

O. Henry is a romantic writer, not because he writes epic tales of our medieval past, or that his stories always are love stories (though this one is!) but rather, because of his unique usage of language.

He never wanted to accept that the ordinary had to be ordinary. He wanted it to be extraordinary, exotic, exciting, filled with wonder and imagination. Even a tale about a man meeting a woman on a cattle ranch can be placed in the same realm as Aeneas meeting Dido.

Listen to this very simple tale, one with lessons for those of us dating today in the 21st century, and rekindle your wonder for the everyday.

This is the final reading of Benito Cereno by Herman Melville.

The primary narrative of this novella ends with this chapter. Next is a series of deposition documents describing the inquiry into the slave revolt.

In the summary I condense the key events of this chapter. In the closer look, I discuss three key points that are helpful in understanding this piece by Melville.

1) The core epistemological quandary I posed at the beginning, "A man who is incapable of comprehending a certain series of events is put in a situation where he must do exactly that." Throughout all three chapters we learn there are numerous reasons, Captain Delano is incapable of understanding the predicament he is in. But one that becomes explicit in this chapter is his racism.

2) The mystery is revealed in a general way, and this alters the image of all the bizarre events we have seen in the story.

3) the third point I make in the closer look section is a severe scrutiny of a particular image of Captain Deleno in the moments before he has his revelation regarding what has occurred on board The San Dominick.

This chapter concludes the major part of Melville's narrative.

We left off at the end of chapter 2 with the shaving scene. Delano has left Cereno to confer with his slave Babo. Delano is surprised t see Babo running after him with a cut on his face. He has been cut by his master Benito Cereno, in retaliation for Babo having accidentally cut him during shaving.

Next up will be a quick summary and a closer look at this chapter. That will be followed by the finale of Benito Cereno.

Here I give a quick summary of chapter 2: The Gordian Knot. Then we dive into the mind of Captain Amasa Delano.

One of the key values of reading great literature is the ability to enter the consciousness of another person. This is something we are unable to do in our daily lives. In Captain Delano you may find an unnerving similarity to the way that your mind (and mine!) works.

This is my reading of chapter 2 of "Benito Cereno" by Herman Melville.

Please note that this is part 4 of the series on this novella. In part One I have created an introduction for the text. In Part Two I have read Chapter 1: A Ship in Distress. In Part Three I have created a summary of Chapter 1 and a Closer Look into that chapter. This is part Four.

Please note that the Chapters breakdown and titles are my own creation they are not Melville's. I have broken it down this way to make it easier to digest.

Up next will be a summary of Chapter 2 as well as a closer look into the chapter.

In this episode we go over the first "Chapter" which I have titled "A Ship in Distress."

Make sure you have listened to parts 1 & 2. Part 1 is my introduction to Melville's Novella. Part 2 is my reading of Chapter 1. And this part, 3, is my quick summary followed by a closer look into the chapter.

I broke the Closer Look into 4 categories:
1) The Odd Ship
2) Aboard the Ship
3) Benito Cereno - First Surmises
4) Captain Amasa Delano, Whaling Ship Captain Extraordinaire

Next up will be a reading of "chapter 2."

Please note these chapters are my own inventions and not Melville's. He has written this story in one non-stop narrative. I am breaking it up to help make it a little more easy too digest.

This is the first reading of the novella by Herman Melville. In part 1 I argued why this remains a classic story we should all read. It may help to listen to my introduction.

Visit troubadourmag.com for a list of important terms, including nautical terms, that may help you to better understand the text.

In the next episode I will give you a summary of this section of the story, and then an exploration of some key themes in the text so far.

In part one of this series I argue why it is of critical importance for all Americans to read this novella by Herman Melville before it is too late. In it are critical observations about the American spirit, and an underlying philosophy that is currently tearing us apart.

Melville's story, published in 1855, is a thriller/mystery based on a true story. In 1799 an American Whaling Captain, Amasa Deleno, espies a ship in distress off the coast of Chile. As a good American, he goes to the rescue, bringing food and water. Upon boarding the ship, however, he begins to perceive odd behavior that he cannot explain.

In this introduction, I describe the core epistemological quandary of this character, and of our own lives in America today.

Stories should be experienced and enjoyed as stories, but nonetheless, with some guidance, I will help to show you how this classic tale can breath insight into your own daily life.

On this episode I talk with Troubadour Magazine's new Assistant Editor, Joe Dimon, about the three short stories we selected for his upcoming course on Science Fiction Literature.

The three stories are

Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Rappaccini's Daughter"

Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron,"

David Griggs's "A Song Before Sunset."

In this episode we discuss each short story and compare them. Whether or not you have read them,we give you an overview and explain there signifance.

In this short episode we explore the poem "Spring" by Shakespeare, from his play "Love's Labour Lost."

This short two stanza poem will become clearer and clearer to you as we flesh out the four dimensions of poetry.

Kelsy Landin is a sculptor who has recently found an unexpected niche: The Nose. On the social media platform TikTok her videos have been reaching millions of young people. She had been making 60 second videos teaching different aspects of sculpting, when suddenly, one video she posted reached 4.5 million views and almost 17,000 comments.

What happened? On this show we discuss that particular video (and I play the video for you) and we discuss how finding the beauty of a nose led to some very important discoveries about ourselves and art.

Enjoy this conversation with Kelsy Landin.

Support her work on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Sculptrix

Buy a bronze https://www.thesculptrix.com/sculptures/bronze

Watch her Tiktoks @ landinart

Watch her on youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEotHcs3DgZQcJpOc1PsB5g

Don't just read news articles, read poetry.

Jeremiah Cobra is the author of the book—written during quarantine—"And Then he Shot his Cousin." We discussed the creative process for this story, the background and even the style and content. I had a wonderful time exploring the artist creations of Jeremiah. He's a literary artist worth reading.

Purchase his book on amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Then-He-Shot-His-Cousin/dp/0999904302/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=jeremiah+cobra+and+then+he+shot+his+cousin&qid=1591160007&sr=8-1

And Then He Shot His Cousin

Shakespeare in LUST!

When most of us think of Shakespeare we think of the great love poet. He is known as one of the greatest romantic love poets of all time.

Yet in this poem he rails against sex. Not romantic sex of course, but sex devoid of spirit.

By the end of watching this video you'll be able to talk about this poem with anyone, and you'll have a better understanding of how Shakespearean sonnets are structured and how they operate.

Ask someone the following two questions. First, "Is reading literature a good thing?" Then, "Do you read literature?" And it is amazing that everyone will answer affirmative in the former and negative in the latter.

Do that with anything else in life and you will likely find a wide range of answers. "Is riding horseback a good thing?" Some will say yes and some will say no and some will be neutral. Then follow with the second question "Do you horseback ride,? And again you'll get a variety of answers. Try the question with 'working hard,' 'following your passion,' 'exercise,' 'eating healthy.'

There is a huge disconnect in our society. We all know that reading literature is a Good and yet very few of us actually read literature.

On today's episode I talked with Deanna Heikkinen from Pisan Academy to talk about the value of literature. Both Deanna and I share the missoin of attempting to bring literature to non-academics. At the Pisan Academy, they focus on creating curriiculum for homeschoolers.

Who remembers those magic eye illusions from the 90s? On this episode I use Shakespeare's most famous poem to illustrate how poetry is like those illusions.

Poetry begins as a meaningless jumble of lines on a page, but it ends with deep meaning. As Frost puts it, a good poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom. But how can we reach that "end?" And is it truly worth it?

These are some questions I discuss with you as I explore this great and short 14 line sonnet by the great bard himself.

On this episode, Luc Travers and Kirk Barbera surprise each other (and hopefully you too!) with art. They chose a topic—Memory and Loss—and each chose a work of art to surprise the other with. Luc chose a painting and Kirk chose a poem.

Memory and loss are part of the human experience. Whether you're 15 or 100 how we deal with loss and how we remember that which we have lost will change. In this episode Luc and Kirk will discuss two artists conception of this topic, and explore the ways in which it impacts our lives.

Poets are thinkers. We don't see them as thinkers. But great poets have a special way of thinking that can benefit us all.

In this poem we see that type of thinking at its clearest.

The poem is a simple poem about two types of love, but expressed in the way that only a poet can express it.

William Blake believed there were two contrary states battling it out within each and every individual human being. Innocence and experience. The way that we developed as unique individuals was by a "dialectic process." That is, there is a Thesis (a little boy is lost) and an Anti-thesis (The little boy is found) Together they can become a synthesis, or, a new thesis.

We find this process all throughout this book of poetry by Blake.

In today's episode we will be covering the two aforementioned poems. They are very short but reveal much of the way that Blake believed the human soul was developed.

The Little Boy LostBY WILLIAM BLAKE

Father, father, where are you going
O do not walk so fast.
Speak father, speak to your little boy
Or else I shall be lost,

The night was dark no father was there
The child was wet with dew.
The mire was deep, & the child did weep
And away the vapour flew.

Little Boy FoundBy William Blake

The little boy lost in the lonely fen,
Led by the wandering light,
Began to cry, but God, ever nigh,
Appeared like his father, in white.

He kissed the child, and by the hand led,
And to his mother brought,
Who in sorrow pale, through the lonely dale,
Her little boy weeping sought.

In unusual times even the usual is extraordinary.

Nathaniel Branden, a psychologist and pioneer in the study of self-esteem, said that artists and creators have an above average acceptance of the condition of aloneness. We can learn a lot from artists at any time of life, including our current situation. So how did great artists deal with isolation? What can we learn from them? How can we be better in contemplating art and our own lives?

Luc Travers is an art historian and art guide who has returned to the show to explore art with us. We looked at six paintings and he describes what he believes are two huge values of studying not only the painting of great artists, but their lives as well.

Luc will be putting on a multi-week course on the topic of Bonding with Great Artists. This video will be a tiny taste of all that he has to offer. I highly recommend you check it out: http://www.touchingtheart.com/bonding-with-great-artists.html?fbclid=IwAR0UkDpz4BglGgvfzwbA1Xp4WplDPK3QA1VE5fTpHkhjbDlUJQdTi-1UdyM

It's great to catch up with friends during this time so Chris De Pretis chatted about what's going on in the world and of course we discussed movies. All of us react differently to external tragedies and I'm personally appreciative of Chris for cheering me up.

Also hear our thoughts on the similarities between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and an old but relevant film genre.

This is the final poem in William Blake's Songs of Innocence (1789). The theme is a simple one of "God's love.' But even if you are not religious, it is a wonderfully told poem. Hear how a poet expresses discontent and comes to an understanding of this elusive idea for Christians.

Traveling is a big value for people today. It's one of the great benefits of being alive today. It is so easy and affordable to see the whole world. Often, we can travel places and see only the usual suspects. In this discussion I explore Dianne Durante's latest book "Getting More Enjoyment from Sculpture You love," and we discuss Dianne's work as being part of "travelogues."

Travelogues don't have to be boring lectures. They can be exhilarating and exciting new ways of seeing the world. Don't just go to NYC and see the same monuments you are "supposed to see." Try, instead, an art tour. Best of all, you can do this at your own pace and in your own way.

On this show Dianne and I discuss several sculptures, so you can see how simple her method is and how it helps anyone from any background enjoy art more deeply.

We also discuss a little bit of poetry and some ways to work with your children in seeing new art.

Special thank you to Quent Cordair Fine Art for the image of one of the sculptures they represent.

*To see all the art we discuss as well as links to many great resources please visit troubadourmag.com

A prosperous prince isolates himself in his castle along with 1,000 revellers, while a plague devastates the country-side.

This is the essence of this very short story by Poe.

When, today, we have the King of Thailand ordering arrests for people who go outside, while he holds up in a harem with 20 women, this story seems more real than fantasy.

Yet, I will be arguing there is a much deeper psychological story being told right under our eyes. It is one of fear and terror of course. Unfortunately, it will hit much closer to home than Thailand.

Enjoy this discussion and reading of a masterpiece by Edgar Allan Poe.

How can we get spiritual nourishment when we are quarantined in our homes?

Alexandra York's latest book "Soul Celebrations and Spiritual Snacks" can help us attain a sense of calm and serenity during this time of chaos.

In this conversation we discuss the ideas in the book, such as "Secular Spirituality," we read one of her poems from the book and discuss ways that the both of us are gaining spiritual fuel in our lives during the quarantine.

Even when this quarantine is over, these practices are very valuable. From picking up a rock by a beach you love, to purchasing a sculpture you love, there are practices big and small to help you have soul celebrations and spiritual snacks.

Enjoy!

What happens during a quarantine when you can’t call for help?

Luc Travers and I just had a fantastic discussion about various artworks and how to look at a paintings.

It often feels as though art is a special category of human activity that only a unique few can enjoy. What Luc teaches is how to "enhance those special moments in your life through the lens of art."

This approach to great artwork elevates even the everyday, seemingly mundane occurrences. It also, of course, elevates even the high points, the conflicts, the struggles, the achievements, or, in other words, LIFE.

On this episode we actually evaluate several pieces of artwork live. You will get to see me struggle to make sense of paintings, and I even get to introduce Luc to a new painting!

This was such a fun episode and I know you will enjoy it.

On this episode I spend some time discussing my observations from talking to people during this crisis and I share my personal lessons from riding a motorcycle.

Literature can provide us with models for living and for dying. This may seem like an un-important thing, but it is absolutely critical. Death frames life. Without death we would have no reason to live. Poems that show us decaying and death can provide for us insights and ways to contemplate our own mortality and how to behave at times of higher risk.

Poems read:
Old Man Travelling: Animal Tranquilty and Decay, A Sketch
by William Wordsworth

The Death of Simoeisios (excerpt from The Iliad)
Iliad, Book 4, lines 473-489 (trans. Seth Schein)

I had a great time talking with C Bradley Thompson about his latest book "America's Revolutionary Mind: A Moral History of The American Revolution and the Declaration That Defined it." We also had a wide ranging discussion about how Americans have lost their American minds and ways we can re-ignite the fire of liberty.

Yes we did discuss #covid19, but from the perspective of how our founders viewed the role and nature of government.

Bradley Thompson is a Professor of Political Science at Clemson University, where he teaches political philosophy. He is also the Executive Director of the Clemson Institute for the Study Capitalism and the founder of the Lyceum Scholars Program.

You know him as the youtube sensation taking over the minds of young people like a ... Well I won't talk like that right now. He's Rucka Rucka Ali.

We discussed how we are dealing with lock downs as well as how Objectivism helps us laymen interpret and act based on the current state of affairs.

Later in the discussion we get into a variety of topics including what we are reading now (you'll never guess!) the role of literature at a time like this, the creative process, and developing an independent life.

This was an absolute pleasurable conversation for me and I hope you enjoy it as well.

For the Romantics Dreams played a very special role in our lives. It was an indication of our imaginative capacities to reach into other realms. In this poem we experience a dream that Blake had about an ant that becomes isolated from its community.

We learn more about Blakes view of imagination, the self, innocence and the loss of innocence in "A Dream."

Poe was a proponent of a "single unified effect" in his fiction work. Some emotion that all of the parts of the story lead up to and create.

In The Cask of Amontillado we can experience the fear of unknown death by the character Fortunato. Or we can experience the fear of our own potential for violence in the narrator Montressor. Which one do you experience?

How should we perceive children? Are children born with sin as the Calvinists believed? Do infants retain a memory of God as some Romantics believed? Are children, as Rousseau taught, naturally good with an innate ability to learn?

In these two poems we will explore how William Blake, a Romantic poet, gave voice to the voiceless infants.

We will also discuss why these poems are useless by themselves but profound within the context of The Songs of Innocence and Experience.

This is a great example of William Blake's expression of the dialectic process. There are two nurse's songs in Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience. Each one reveals the inner feelings of a nurse as she is watching over a group of her wards. Each poem is in contrast to the other and speaking through the other.

This is a shorter episode because these poems are both more on the surface. But they are valuable to understanding Blake's book as a whole.

Night may be a time for partying in 2020, but two hundred years ago night represented terror and death.

In this poem we will explore a deep theme that runs throughout both the Songs of Innocence and the Songs of Experience. It will be important to read or listen to this poem before we read the songs of experience.

In this episode I have a movie recommendation too!

There are two Holy Thursdays, one in The Songs of Innocence and another in the Songs of Experience. The focus for this episode is the innocence.

As with other songs of innocence poems, there is a layer of darkness just beneath the surface. Ostensibly this is a poem about an annual procession of orphans in London called Ascension Day. The poem is told from the perspective of a casual observer of the ceremony.

We'll go line by line and see how Blake is using the form and meaning of his poem to vibrate your brain in such a way as to allow you to understand a deeper meaning behind this ceremony.

This is a very simple poem about a mother who sits by her infant's cradle while he sleeps and sings him a song. The deeper question to ask is, why is she crying?

I had the pleasure to sit down with Jason Crawford of The Roots of Progress to discuss human progress in the arts and sciences.

We discussed quite a bit, including:
The concept of progress
Progress in ancient Greece and Modern progress
How it can be lost
How art can fuel human progress
Explorers like Vasco Balboa and the myth of Eldorado
History of bronze, steel and other technologies
And so much more!

Enjoy this great conversation and let us know what you think. Is our ability to continue creating new inventions and making new discoveries coming to an end?

Next to The Tell-Tale Heart, this short tale by Poe is one of his most famous today. It is the story of a man captured by the Spanish Inquisition and sent to a dark pit where he received the worst psychological tortures.

We tend to think of Poe as purely a horror writer, which he is. But in Part 2 of this show I will discuss more of Poe's contributions to science fiction, which are present even in this work.

A new theme from The Song's of Innocence and Experience by Blake starts to take shape with this poem.

In simple language, understandable to a 5 year old, Blake uses words to paint a picture of a kind of fairy tale land. This is a perfect land that can actually exist one day. To get to that day requires just one important condition.

The Laughing Song

By William Blake

When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy,

And the dimpling stream runs laughing by;

When the air does laugh with our merry wit,

And the green hill laughs with the noise of it;

when the meadows laugh with lively green,

And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene,

When Mary and Susan and Emily

With their sweet round mouths sing 'Ha, ha he!'

When the painted birds laugh in the shade,

Where our table with cherries and nuts is spread:

Come live, and be merry, and join with me,

To sing the sweet chorus of 'Ha, ha, he!'

I will be arguing that Science Fiction is the genre of fantasy literature that uses science as a backdrop of plausibility. Moreover, that is an important genre for our present day, as its themes and style very much do influence our modern world.

We will be comparing Edgar Allan Poe's Rhetoric of Science style of writing with Nathanial Hawthorne and Mary Shelley's romantic style of writing.

We will also delve into this story by Poe, its impact at the time of publishing it, and the lessons we have yet to learn from it.

William Blake believed there were two contrary states battling it out within each and every individual human being. Innocence and experience. The way that we developed as unique individuals was by a "dialectic process." That is, there is a Thesis (a little boy is lost) and an Anti-thesis (The little boy is found) Together they can become a synthesis, or, a new thesis.

We find this process all throughout this book of poetry by Blake.

In today's episode we will be covering the two aforementioned poems. They are very short but reveal much of the way that Blake believed the human soul was developed

In this short story by Poe we hear a tale from a scientist who performs mesmerism on a man in articulo mortis. That is, "at the point of death." Mesmerism was a method of psychological and physical healing developed by Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), a Viennese doctor. It was believed to be therapeutic, especially of nervous people, and many also believed it could override the will of another person, as is hypnotism.

Poe shares a story from a man who actually performed mesmerism on a man at the point of death. What happens is unbelievable. Believe it.

On this episode I cover three very short poems by William Blake in his Songs of Innocence and Experience:

1) The Shepherd
2) The Lamb
3) Spring

These are the pastoral poems in this book of poetry. You'll learn the difference between a pastoral poem and a georgic poem and why that is important. Also, we'll explore the deeper themes recurring throughout this work by Blake.

WARNING: This is not an episode for people who cannot handle the reality of the decisions that parents had to make during the early years of the industrial revolution.

On this episode I give you a history lesson on life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution, including a history of chimney sweepers.

Blake's poem can be seen simply as a tale of a young chimney sweeper who has a vision about an angel setting him and his friends free, and it can be seen as an indictment of the way we indoctrinate children.

Few poets have the ability to infuse the most simple poetry with a subtle power that can effect real change in the minds of individuals.

Stewart Wade Margolis joins me for another conversation about poetry and his work as a diretor. This time we discussed the poem by William Blake "The Garden of Love," as well as his short vignettes about dating as a gay man in Coffee House Chronicles.

We had a great conversation about sexual repression in our society as well as the similarities and differences of dating and sexual taboos in modern culture.

Here is the poem by Blake:

The Garden of Love

BY WILLIAM BLAKE

I went to the Garden of Love,

And saw what I never had seen:

A Chapel was built in the midst,

Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were shut,

And Thou shalt not. writ over the door;

So I turn'd to the Garden of Love,

That so many sweet flowers bore.

And I saw it was filled with graves,

And tomb-stones where flowers should be:

And Priests in black gowns, were walking their rounds,

And binding with briars, my joys & desires.

Get ready for some difficult to read poetic moments. Here we will deal with racism and slavery.

In this poem by Blake, from The Songs of Innocence, he expresses in beautiful verse a story that a mother tells to her young child about why they are black slaves living in England during the mid 18th century.

If you have followed along with my readings of Blake you will know that this is only the surface level. It is the "innocent" reading. The experienced reading will metaphorically, shake your world.

Do not miss this one.

This is an audio version of the video you can find at troubadourmag.com or on Facebook or Youtube:

In this video I discuss Yaron Brook's review of The Irishman by Martin Scorsese. While there are several point of agreement I have with Yaron's assessment, I believe he fundamentally misses the point of the movie. Moreover, I believe he wrongly applies Ayn Rand's conception of esthetics to Scorsese's movie.

Here I will defend The Irishman as great art, whether or not you subjectively like the movie. It is my understanding that Yaron hated the fim (totally understandable) but that he allowed this to cloud his judgment of assessing the film is improper.

I hope you will enjoy a dissectioon of several scenes as well as a discussion of the gangster genre, Martin Scorse's filmography, the art of acting (and what we can judge of it) and much much more.

This was a fun one to create and as I say in the video it comes from a place of love, as so much of Yaron's work has been an inspiration to me.

*I also read "The Tyger" by Blake from the Songs of Experience.

Of all the innocence projected in The Songs of Innocence, none are more so than The Lamb! We will explore the imagery and metaphors as well as the tone of this poem by Blake.

As I have recommended in my other videos on Blake, if you have a small child, try reading this to them and talking through it. You may be interested to hear what a child hears versus what you hear.

This is the third poem in The Songs of Innocence, where we see a simple pastoral scene with families playing in a green pasture during springtime, from a child's perspective. But as adults reading it we will see something different, maybe even something slightly dark.

In this episode I will show teachers and parents a simple exercise to enjoy this Blake poem as a family. As all the songs of innocence, this is a great poem to read to children. And as Blake intended, children will have one experience of the poem, while adults will have a different one. Both are correct!

We will explore the poem and the hand made illustrations by William Blake from a child's view of the poem (to the best of my old man abilities!) and from an adults perspective.

William Blake was the most eccentric of the Romantics. He was equally important in visual arts as well as poetry. His books included beautiful engravings all hand made, and for this reason he was not well known until the 20th century.

A man opposed to oppression and repression of all times, in his work we see an imaginative mind building an entire world before our eyes.

This first poem, "The Piper" is from The Songs of Innocence and it serves as the introduction to this book.

This episode was recording during the holidays 2019. The Holidays are a time of reflections on your past as you prepare for New Years Eve resolutions for your future.

Can recollecting your past be done improperly? Is it an infallible process? If it is not infallible, what should we do about it? These are some of the themes we will see in Tintern Abbey by Wordsworth.

The full title of this poem is
Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern
Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye
during a Tour. July 13, 1798.

In this episode I explore the final poem of the 1798 Lyrical Ballads, Tintern Abbey. Here we get the first poem that shows the Giant Wordsworth. The former poems in Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth were great explorations of his poetic abilities, but in Tintern Abbey we get the full philosophical, psychological, autobiographical and poetic mastery that is Wordsworth.

For my full notes and breakdown go to troubadourmag.com

This is one of Wordsworth's most far-reaching poems. It takes place in a land he never set foot on: America.

Based on stories he read about traveling tribes of American Indians, he wrote this harrowing tale about a woman who is too sick to continue walking with her tribe, so they abandon her.

In the Oxford Book of English Verse, edited by Christopher Ricks, there are 9 William Wordsworth poems. Old Man Travelling, animal tranquility and decay was selected twice.

Like many of Wordsworth's best poems, this one power is so subtle it is easy to miss it. However, it is poetry and art par excellence.

Since the poem is so short I do not wish to spoil the exhilerating emotional revelation that occurs in a renewed investigation into this poem, so I will merely say that the experience this poem will give you will make you a better person. (Please note that I do not say "may" make you a better person.)

In November, 2019 the state of Oklahoma released almost 500 "non-violent" criminals in the largest commutation in US history. This brought up many issues regarding the justice system and the court system. But it also brings up a critical issue about the role and goals of the penal system.

Can convicts be reformed? If it is possible then what is in our best interest to support? If a convict CAN be reformed, then should not not attempt to help them do so? And at the very least, should we not get in the way of possible reform?

These are some important questions, among many others,that WIlliam Wordsworth asked in this poem.

It was so controversial, in fact, that he removed it from all subsequent publication.

The Female Vagrant is one of Wordsworth's most political poems. It tells the story two wanderers seeking shelter during a stormy night on Salisbury Plain in England. The woman tells how she came to be destitute and alone: her father had been evicted from his cottage in the Lakes by a wealthy industrialist neighbor, she had married but the advent of war had ruined them and, in a last desperate attempt to support her and their children, he volunteered for the army. He is shipped to fight in the war of the rebel colonialists in 1776 and she follows him. In America, he and their three children all die. She returns to wander Britain desolate, deprived of all home and sick.

The poem is an investigation into the mind of the female wanderer (vagrant). As is Wordsworth's principal object in most of his poetry: "I proposed to myself in these Poems was to chuse incidents and situations from common life, and to relate or describe them, throughout, as far as was possible, in a selection of language really used by men; and, at the same time, to throw over them a certain colouring of imagination, whereby ordinary things should be presented to the mind in an unusual way; and, further, and above all, to make these incidents and situations interesting by tracing in them, truly though not ostentatiously, the primary laws of our nature: chiefly, as far as regards the manner in which we associate ideas in a state of excitement."

There are many of the romantic flairs we have come to know of this period. The woman, like Hugo's gypsies, is abandoned but remains steadfast and strong. Only when she has lost everything due to imaginary lines drawn in the sand does she lose her "inner spirit."

This is the code of the romantic. To explore the inner world of human beings, so as to better understand human nature. For Wordsworth, experiencing the French Revolution and all of its upheaval, this was a story that struck his imagination, one night, as he lay exhausted at the stones of Stonehenge.

In this special episode I quote several passages from William Wordsworth's prefaces to the Lyrical Ballads and passages from C. Bradley Thompson's newest book "America's Revolutionary Mind."

My argument is that Wordsworth, in telling people to put away their books and look to Nature is reflecting a philosophical view from Isaac Newton and John Locke.

Up ! up ! my friend, and clear your looks,
Why all this toil and trouble ?
Up ! up ! my friend, and quit your books,
Or surely you’ll grow double.

There are times when we should put away our books. More importantly, there are dangers to only look in books for answers and not thinking for ourselves. Wordsworth in Lyrical Ballads and elsewhere is desperately trying to get people to look at the reality of human nature and the greater Nature that man inhabits.

This is a lesson we need now more than ever, as we are turning our backs on Man, Nature and the Right morality for living on this earth.

I am releasing this poem on Halloween, because it is indeed a horror story. In fact, it was so terrifying that when the young Mary Shelley first heard a reading of it, she hid behind a chair. Today, this poem may not terrify us in the way that it did people at the time, but I will be making two big arguments as to why you should challenge yourself to read poems like this even if you at first do not like them.

Coleridge's Mariner may be one of the most influential poems of the British romantics. Not only is there a popular Iron Maiden song but much gothic literature of the 19th century, from Frankenstein and Dracula to The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The House of the Seven Gables and the Fall of Usher was inspired by this poem. In fact, Coleridge's Mariner brings a major new strain of literary experience onto the scene.

In this episode I will give you the arguments to read poems you don't like, provide a summary of the poem, read a special version of the poem, give you the origin story of the poem, some ways to understand the poem as well as a breakdown of its ideology and the influence it held.

So yes, this is a big episode, prepare yourselves!

"Listen, Stranger! Storm and WInd,
A Wind and Tempest strong!
For days and weeks it play'd us freaks--
Like Chaff we drove along."

Do not be chaff driven along by a tempest. Understand this poem by listening to this episode.

Paul Guay conceived and co-wrote "Liar, Liar" and co-wrote "The Little Rascals" and "Heartbreakers."

We had a wonderful conversation about movies and movie making, art and culture, the changing tide of media, being a writer and the writing process, Paul's love of WWE, his filmmaking experiences, the Auteur Theory of FIlmmaking and much much more.

If you are interested in how movies are made, how to make a career in Hollywood, how the landscape is changing as well as the art of cinema, novels, short stories, poems and how that culture impacts our lives and society, this is a conversation not to be missed.

In his conversation poem, "Expostulation and Reply," William Wordsworth brings the art of argument into poetry.

A school teacher, Matthew, trained in the classical method of jamming facts into people's foreheads, admonishes young William for sitting out in nature and contemplating it. “Up! Up! and drink the spirit breath’d / “From dead men to their kind," he says.

In other words, get out of nature and read your books young Willy!

Well, you can imagine the young romantic poet had something to say about that!

The ultimate question of the sexes: Do men love women more than Women love Men?

Donne argues that his masculine love is superior than the love his woman feels for him. Maybe that's why he had such trouble with women?

In this (very challenging) poem we will see two major analogies: Masculine love and angels.

To understand this analogy I am going to share with you some important PRE-Newtonian concepts about the world in which we inhabit.

The best way to understand history is to live it and the best way to live it is through literature.

There is deep value in removing yourself from your own skin and entering the skin of another person. Only through poetry and literature and painting can we exercise this ability of humans. And in this poem, Wordsworth teaching you how

Lines Written Near Richmond, upon the Thames at Evening

By William Wordworth

How rich the wave, in front, imprest

With evening-twilight’s summer hues,

While, facing thus the crimson west,

The boat her silent path pursues!

And see how dark the backward stream!

A little moment past, so smiling!

And still, perhaps, with faithless gleam,

Some other loiterer beguiling.

Such views the youthful bard allure,

But, heedless of the following gloom,

He deems their colours shall endure

‘Till peace go with him to the tomb.

—And let him nurse his fond deceit,

And what if he must die in sorrow !

Who would not cherish dreams so sweet,

Though grief and pain may come to-morrow ?

Glide gently, thus for ever glide,

O Thames ! that other bards may see,

As lovely visions by thy side

As now, fair river! come to me.

Oh glide, fair stream! for ever so ;

Thy quiet soul on all bestowing,

‘Till all our minds for ever flow,

As thy deep waters now are flowing.

Vain though! yet be as now thou art,

That in thy waters may be seen

The image of a poet’s heart,

How bright, how solemn, how serene !

Such heart did once the poet bless,

Who, pouring here a* later ditty,

Could find no refuge from distress,

But in the milder grief of pity.

Remembrance! as we glide along,

For him suspend the dashing oar,

And pray that never child of Song

May know his freezing sorrows more.

How calm ! how still ! the only sound,

The dripping of the oar suspended !

—The evening darkness gathers round

By virtue’s holiest powers attended.

* Collin’s Ode on the death of Thomson, the last written, I believe, of the poems which were published during his life-time This Ode is alluded to in the next stanza.

On this special episode I will read The Idiot Boy by William Wordsworth. This poem was published in the 1798 Lyrical Ballads and it was very controversial. Yet, it is a beautifully written poem.

I spend the majority of the time simply reading the poem. I hope you enjoy the reading! At the end I give a small critique of Wordsworth's philosophy, but mostly I defend him and Romanticism from the cliche attacks toward Romanticism.

THE IDIOT BOY

By William Wordsworth

‘Tis eight o’clock, – a clear March night,

The moon is up– the sky is blue,

The owlet in the moonlight air,

He shouts from nobody knows where ;

He lengthens out his lonely shout,

Halloo ! halloo ! a long halloo !

–Why bustle thus about your door,

What means this bustle, Betty Foy?

Why are you in this mighty fret?

And why on horseback have you set

Him whom you love, your idiot boy?

Beneath the moon that shines so bright,

Till she is tired, let Betty Foy

With girt and stirrup fiddle-fiddle;

But wherefore set upon a saddle

Him whom she loves, her idiot boy?

There’s scarce a soul that’s out of bed;

Good Betty! put him down again;

His lips with joy they burr at you,

But, Betty! what has he to do

With stirrup, saddle, or with rein?

The world will say ’tis very idle,

Bethink you of the time of night;

There’s not a mother, no not one,

But when she hears what you have done,

Oh! Betty she’ll be in a fright.

But Betty’s bent on her intent,

For her good neighbour, Susan Gale,

Old Susan, she who dwells alone,

Is sick, and makes a piteous moan,

As if her very life would fail.

There’s not a house within a mile,

No hand to help them in distress:

Old Susan lies a bed in pain,

And sorely puzzled are the twain,

For what she ails they cannot guess.

And Betty’s husband’s at the wood,

Where by the week he doth abide,

A woodman in the distant vale;

There’s none to help poor Susan Gale,

What must be done? what will betide?

And Betty from the lane has fetched

Her pony, that is mild and good,

Whether he be in joy or pain,

Feeding at will along the lane,

Or bringing faggots from the wood.

And he is all in travelling trim,

And by the moonlight, Betty Foy

Has up upon the saddle set,

The like was never heard of yet,

Him whom she loves, her idiot boy.

And he must post without delay

Across the bridge that’s in the dale,

And by the church, and o’er the down,

To bring a doctor from the town,

Or she will die, old Susan Gale.

There is no need of boot or spur,

There is no need of whip or wand,

For Johnny has his holly-bough,

And with a hurly-burly now

He shakes the green bough in his hand.

And Betty o’er and o’er has told

The boy who is her best delight,

Both what to follow, what to shun,

What do, and what to leave undone,

How turn to left, and how to right.

And Betty’s most especial charge,

Was, “ Johnny! Johnny! mind that you

“Come home again, nor stop at all,

“Come home again, whate’er befal,

“My Johnny do, I pray you do.”

To this did Johnny answer make,

Both with his head, and with his hand,

And proudly shook the bridle too,

And then! his words were not a few,

Which Betty well could understand.

And now that Johnny is just going,

Though Betty’s in a mighty flurry,

She gently pats the pony’s side,

On which her idiot boy must ride,

And seems no longer in a hurry.

But when the

Ah to love is to be a fool, to tell your love is to be a double fool. But to be a triple fool? How does one do that?

John Donne will show you how.

In this special episode I go in to this poem with no prep. That means you will experience a live analysis and exploration of this poem. There will be times when I say "oh I was wrong about that interpretation, I'm quite sure it means this." And, "hmm what does this mean!?" I hope by the end you will see that there is intense exercise for the mind in exploring great poetry.

What is the purpose of a penal system? Is it strictly to punish or can it be to reform? If it can reform what are the best methods of accomplishing this?

The romanticist Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote a poem called The Dungeon, which is a soliloqouy from a man who resides in a medieval dungeon. He is lamenting more than his own personal situation, but the idea of what man has made of man. Do dungeons and prisons truly work for the guilty? Or do they make their souls even more rotted than when they entered?

And, of course, in the heart of a romanticist is an answer to the proper way to reform those souls plagued from within. Listen to find out Coleridge's proposed solution.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Quent Cordair Fine Art Gallery in Napa Valley and chatting with poet, painter, author, novelist, Marine, businessman (etc etc!) Author Quent Cordair.

William Wordsworth said that a poet is a "man speaking to men." This is certainly true of Quent Cordair's poetry. We chatted about his poetic influences and fiction and we dissected a Robert Frost poem along with two poems in Quent's latest book My Kingdom (https://www.amazon.com/My-Kingdom-other-stories-screen-ebook/dp/B07SVGNQG6/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=my+kingdom+quent&qid=1569908576&sr=8-1)

It was a great conversation with a talented man.

My Kingdom: & other poems, short stories, & short plays for stage & screen

Do you know that annoying couple that is always so lovey dovey? You know the type, they wear matching clothes and finish each other's sentences? Well get prepared to meet a man who believes he is so in love that he believes they should be canonized forever.

In "Canonization" John Donne makes a bizarre argument. Why can't two ideal lovers become canonized (made into saints by the Catholic Church?)

This is bizarre because by ideal lovers, he does not mean platonic lovers. These are lovers in sex and romance. These are the K I S S I N G type of lovers, but probably without a baby in a crib.

The only people to be canonized are those who are selfless and often ascetic (abscond from the pleasures of the body) and yet Donne argues for the exact opposite.

If you are in love or ever have been, you need to read The Canonization by John Donne.

In this episode I will give you two extreme models of education. One is best represented in the tale of Petronilla and the other is best represented in that of #gretathunberg

A theme that runs throughout the 1798 Lyrical Ballads by Coleridge and Wordsworth is that of nature as educator for a child. In this poem—a fragment from a theatrical play by Coleridge—we see multiple viewpoints on education. One critical question we must answer is how much, if any, of the outside world and its social ills should a child know about?

Education, knowledge and moral upbringing were of paramount importance to many of the romantics. This is a key theme not only in Lyrical Ballads but in much of the philosophers of this time as well as literary writers such as Mary Shelley. This poem is a first in exploring important ideas in action of sibling affection, taboo and the morality imposed upon young children.

Have you ever laid in bed with your significant other and just wished you could lay there all day but the cares of the world kept fighting their way into your life? Well, John Donne knows how ya feel and he proposes you do something about it.

As a Metaphysical Poet, witty and conceited, he proposes you start to command the sun, rather than the other way around.

In this episode you will learn a bit about Medieval Cosmology and the Chain of Beings Theory of the universe. And you'll see how a great poet uses language in all its glory to intellectually dissect a powerful emotion we all feel at some time in our lives.

P.S. Guys, there are a few lines in here which might make for a good one-liner to your lady friends (though no guarantees!)

William Wordsworth changed the way we use language. He changed the way we investigate human beings. This is the romantic legacy. The usage of imagination to delve into the inner world of man. As Hugo put it "There is one thing grander than the ocean, that is the sky; there is one thing grander than the sky that is the interior of man's soul."

This is one of the major projects of the romantics, to illustrate the depth of man's inner world. How, for instance, an event can cause a schism in ones values in this world.

That's exactly what happens to the main character in Wordsworth's ballad, "The Last of the Flock." He has to butcher a single sheep in order to feed his growing family, but in dong so we learn about the values of christianity, modernism, industrialism and more. And we learn of the conflicts that arise in these systems.

Increase your imaginative faculty with "The Last of the Flock."

Opposing his own view in "Go and Catch a Falling Star," Donne explains to us how to be braver than one of the nine worithes (Hector, Alexander the Great, Julius Ceasar, Joshua, David, Judas Maccabeus, King Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Boullion.)

To be greater then these men, in one area at least, we must simply love a woman for her inner virtues as opposed to her outer virtues. Oh and it's even better to not tell anyone about it!

In this balladic poem, Wordsworth tells the tale of a "solitary thorn," or British Hawthorn Bush, that "marks the spot where a pregnant woman, driven from town and forced to give birth alone on the heath, died from famine, pain and cold and anguish."

In typical Wordsworthian fashion, however, he was not at all interested in the tale of the woman. he was interested in how a tale like that, a stormy night and a solitary thorn can have a deep impact on the mind and soul of a certain type of man.

For Hawthorn, his main purpose for many of his poems was "to illustrate the manner in which our feelings and ideas are associated in a state of excitment. But, speaking in language somewhat more appropriate, it is to follow the fluxes and refluxes of the mind when agited by the great and simple affections of our nature."

Before listening to this poem it is important to note the narrator. In this case, it is NOT WIlliam Wordsworth. Instead, Wordsworth is projecting the character of a specific type of superstitious mind.

In this poem the narrator is:
A sufficiently common man
A captain of a small trading vessel
Past the middle age of his life
retired on an annuity to a small village or country town
He is not a native of the town he has retired to

Men such as this having little to do, become credulous and talkative from indolence. They are prone to superstition. This character is best able to exhibit, for Wordsworth "some of the general laws by which superstition acts upon the mind."

This will be our journey for this episode. How does superstition act upon the mind? What effect does it have? What turns of passion do men and women operating under superstition make?

On today's episode you'll learn how a 16th century poet delivers a punch line!

What does contemplation look like and how can we know it when we are doing it? This will be one of the themes to be explored on this episode.

On this Sunday Morning Poetry I'll be reading not only the Lines poem but a passage from Wordsworth's The Prelude and a poem from Robert Burns. We will learn much about a pivotal shift in the early Wordsworth's philosophy and poetry. It is the shift that made Romanticism... Well... Romanticism.

In Lyrical Ballads there are several poems by Wordsworth with the title simply "lines" and then a subtitle like (written in early spring) or (left upon a yew tree...). The most famous of these, and the most famous of all Wordsworth's poetry is the finale of the 1798 Lyrical Ballads, Lines (written a few miles above Tintern Abbey, on revisiting the banks of the Wy during a tour, July 13th, 1798).

These "lines" poems have at their core a certain way of contemplation reality. It is one that has changed English writing and thinking ever since. And it is a way of contemplation that will make your life worth living.

@jJeff Britting and Kirk Barbera will be peering at a special page of a manuscript from the Ayn Rand's Archives.

Jeff was instrumental in the building of the Ayn Rand archives. He worked with Rand's materials for over 25 years. And today we will be exploring her unique writing process and the writing process of many other famous (and some non-famous!) writers.

Are women innately fickle?

In episode 2 of Metaphysical Mondays we covered the poem The Good Morrow by Donne, where Donne waxes poetical about the eternality of romantic love.

This is a very different poem. Here Donne speaks like an anxious teenager after a passionate night with a women he believes he is in love with.

On this episode we'll talk about metaphysical conceit and more far fetched imagery.

Who among the big six Romantic Poets was the greatest of all Romantic artists? To me this is like asking which part of the Pacific Ocean is wettest.

However, in this discussion I explain some differences among all 6 and I discuss several advantages that William Wordsworth had over fellow poets like John Keats.

Today's poem was based on an incident that Wordsworth experienced while on a walking tour in 1793. He had been forced to flee France after the country was heating up. During this time he did not write as much as other poets of a similar age, but he did have numerous experiences that would be the seeds for future poems, including "We Are Seven."

On this special episode of Troubadour, I sat down in Hollywood with Jeff Britting. Jeff is an accomplished composer (including an Oscar nominated movie), play-wright, historian, author, and producer. He has lived in West Hollywood for the past 30 years.

We chatted about Quentin Tarantino's most recent movie Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.

We discussed the changing role of Hollywood in America, how the stars used to wait around for roles (and what they did while they were waiting) and we spent a lot of time discussing Tarantino's movie and its impact on our culture.

We would love to hear your thoughts about this impactful movie.

*NOTE: With this podcast we do refer to some visuals. But the bulk of the show is a discussion of Tarantino's movie, with no visuals needed.

Are we truly ALIVE before we fall in love?

This is a question John Donne asks his girl one morning while waking up beside her.

In this episode I explain the concept of "Metaphysical Conceit," which is often leveled at John Donne, and I also explain more about the differences in worldview between the Romantics and the Metaphysical Poets.

A flaw in all parents, and one not easily rectified, is the inadvertent expectation of cohesion between your child's view of the world and the parents.

In this poem by Wordsworth he gives you a hint as to how to identify and even rectify this mistake

In the discussion of this poem I also explain an important principle regarding romantic literature and poetry. Hint: It has to do with the way we look at waterfalls!

Thomas the Rhymer, or True Thomas, was a real person -- Thomas of Ercildoune, who lived probably between 1210 and 1297.

Thomas was supposed to have the power to see into the future. This power was given to him by the Fairy Queen, during his 7 year stay in the Fairy World. The story about his meeting with the Fairy Queen was believed by the Scottish peasants for many centuries.

This short story is what Poe called a 'Tale of Ratiocianation;" one where we look for reasons to solve a mystery. It is also an early science fiction thriller.

In previous podcasts I read and discussed Hawthorne and the birth of Sci-fi, now we turn to Edgar Allan Poe.

Hawthorne wrote science fiction in a romantic style, with elevated even poetic language; Poe, on the other hand, wrote science fiction in the precise literature of empirical science.

In this episode I give you a brief history of the first five years of the Royal Society of Science in the mid 17th century, and how that has shaped our minds through fiction to this day.

How does a 17th century poet ask a woman for sex? Join in for episode 1 of Metaphysical Mondays where we explore Donne's most famous poem, The Flea, and we see him do just that.

In this new series I'll be exploring a poetic school that preceded the Romantic Movement: The Metaphysical school.

This refers to what Samuel Johnson called a "race of writers that may be terrmed the metaphysical poets," they were writers who were "rather as beholders than partakers of human nature; as beings looking upon good and evil, impassive and at leisure, asEpicurean deities making remarks on the actions of men and the vicissitudes of life, without interest and without emotion."

Now a broader understand of this school is actually that it "expresses emotion within an intellectual context."

It is impossible to understand the world we live in without a grasp on the words, thoughts and actions of other societies and other eras. This allows us to transcend our own era and compare the way that we live, think, talk and act with the ways of others.

Moreover, these stories and poems add to our lives by giving us more examples of how we, today, can indeed choose to live our own lives.

In this poem, for instance, we will hear a man ask for sex. But it won't be the way that you or I may think about seducing a woman. But maybe it should be? Maybe making fun and even outrageous metaphors is not the worst way to enjoy the process of making love.

You decide.

How do we treat athletes after they have grown old and infirm? What does it feel like to once have been powerful and then to lose all power and strength?

In Wordsworth's Ballad, published in the 1798 Lyrical Ballads, he explores an incident he had with an old, one-eyed man named Christopher Trickey.

In his youth Trickey had been a strong huntsman with a wealthy family. Now they are all dead and he is impoverished and weak.

One day he is attempting to upturn a root with a farm tool, but he cannot do it. Wordsworth walks by and offers his help. In a single blow Wordsworth breaks the root and upturns it. Trickey, in tears, thanks Wordsworth.

"Alas! the gratitude of men

Has oftner left me mourning"

Today I explain why ballads are important for everyone to read.

Our ballad today is a traditional one about an old peasant woman who sends her three sons all out to sea, and they all die. Then she curses the sea. The sons return for Martinmas (November 11th). Martinmas was a celebration of St Martin. On this day, the town would get together while they killed the animals needed to survive the winter. It was hard work and singing ballads made it more bearable. At this point of the year, the nights were lang and mirk (long and dark.)

Which is perfect for a good ghost story.

You can hear a modern rendition of this very old ballad sung by the UK rock band Steeleye Span: https://open.spotify.com/track/4fPaMYuy5KfwXiaKcNrLOz

There lived a wife at Usher’s Well,
And a wealthy wife was she;
She had three stout and stalwart sons,
And sent them o’er the sea.

They hadna been a week from her,
A week but barely ane,
Whan word came to the carlin wife
That her three sons were gane.

They hadna been a week from her,
A week but barely three,
Whan word came to the carlin wife
That her sons she’d never see.

‘I wish the wind may never cease,
Nor fashes in the flood,
Till my three sons come hame to me,
In earthly flesh and blood.’

It fell about the Martinmass,
When nights are lang and mirk,
The carlin wife’s three sons came hame,
And their hats were o’ the birk.

It neither grew in skye nor ditch,
Nor yet in any sheugh;
But at the gates o’ Paradise,
That birk grew fair eneugh.

‘Blow up the fire, my maidens,
Bring water from the well;
For a’ my house shall feast this night,
Since my three sons are well.’

And she has made to them a bed,
She’s made it large and wide,
And she’s ta’en her mantle her about,
Sat down at the bed-side.

Up then crew the red, red cock,
And up and crew the gray;
The eldest to the youngest said,
‘Tis time we were away.’

The cock he hadna crawd but once,
And clapped his wings at a’,
When the youngest to the eldest said,
‘Brother, we must awa.’

‘The cock doth craw, the day doth daw,
The channerin’ worm doth chide;
Gin we be mist out o’ our place,
A sair pair we maun bide.’

‘Fare ye weel, my mother dear!
Fareweel to barn and byre!
And fare ye weel, the bonny lass
That kindles my mother’s fire!’

In the spring of 1798 William Wordsworth was going through a reckoning. His work on his elusive life project, The Recluse, was draining him. He had set out to study ALL knowledge up to that point in human history, and use it in an epic poem greater than The Iliad, Aeneid, Paradise Lost and all epics before it.

But Wordsworth began to question the relevance of his project and his ability to accomplish it.

In this poem, he challenges the idea of learning from books alone and advocates for putting down your books and leaving the joyless world of the mundane and entering an awe-filled, joyful world of nature and love.

Special thanks to Don Watkins for his article "The Reckoning: Why 'Serving a cause greater than yourself' cannot give life meaning." https://medium.com/@dwatkins3/the-reckoning-why-serving-a-cause-greater-than-yourself-cannot-give-life-meaning-d886bc56e116

At the end of Game of Thrones, Tyrion Lannister tells the council that the stories we tell unite us.

Is he correct? In this episode I argue that he is, and I give examples as to how stories we tell unite us as a country and they can unite us in our conception of our deepest values.

In this traditional Scottish ballad, a knight comes to a wistful young woman in a castle. He is there to woo her. But she sees him as beneath her, due to the clothes he wears. After asking him three riddles, she discovers that he is more than her match, so she agrees to be his. But then he reveals that he is actually her brother, who has been "beyond the sea." She wants to join him, but he tells her that she cannot, for he is dead. The knight is a ghost in disguise.

Lastly, he tells her that the reason for his journey from the land of the dead to her own land is to stop her from being so prideful.

We'll talk about pride, stories, ballads and more. Join in!

Why do we cease to teach through the medium of verse? In children we happily sing songs and tell stories to convey moral tales and even astronomy, math, and economics.

We know how effective this is in teaching young children ("My Very Evil Mother Just Swatted Uncle's Nose" -- for the planets) and yet why not teach the theory of evolution in metre and rhyme?

Great poets, in fact, do teach in this manner. In this very simple ballad, Wordsworth conveys a complex theoretical proposition from Erasmus Darwin's Zoonomia: The Laws of Organic Life."

With special Guest Joe Tabor of www.advancethenarrative.com.

There are of course spoilers!

In this wide-ranging discussion of GoT Joe Tabor and Kirk Barbera discuss the 8 season arc of the show, the arcs of the major characters, and the themes in the show.

We also discussed the backlash against the show and why the producers did the right thing in the end.

Overall, our discuss was about the show as a total work of art, rather than a piecemeal discussion, which is how everyone treats this work.

A ballad is a song that tells a story. The oldest ballads, some say, are older than the alphabet even, having been composed and sung far, far back in man's history at old tribal dances for which they were the only music.

In this series I will be reading a variety of traditional, modern and intellectual ballads. Some of these will be well known such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and some, like today's ballad are lesser known.

Ballads are especially great for middle schoolers. It is a great introduction to advanced English and they are also fun stories to contemplate.

Enjoys today's tale of a jealous King who believes his Abbott is cheating him. The only way he can leave without losing his head is if the abbott can answer three questions posed by the king.

It is said that Coleridge's greatest achievement was William Wordsworth. There is some truth to this. But he was also a great poet in his own right. In Lyrical Ballads he and Wordsworth changed English sensibilities (and American) completely. While Wordsworth was the greater poet, Coleridge was the greater philosopher. It is Coleridge's insights as a critic which encapsulates English Romanticism.

In this poem published in 1798, he not only conveys a new style of sensualness but also critiques the literarati before him. It is a truly Literary poem in that it is very aware of the literature that came prior.

The Nightingale opens with Colerdge painting a picture of a nighttime scene with friends. They sit on a "mossy bridge," where they will think on nature. Then, almost on cue, "the Nightingale begins its song." This bird causes him to reflect on the writers of yore. Men who wrote that the nightingale's song was a melancholy one. To which Coleridge replies "A melancholy bird? Oh idle thought!"

He goes on to convey a completely different way to approach our experience of knowledge, learning, nature and literature.

If you have ever wanted to truly experience the grandeur of nature and man in nature, this is a good poem to get you started.

Great men can battle many things, jealousy, hate, scorn, dissolute tongues, but what about neglect? Can a great man or woman perservere in the face of utter lifelong neglect?

What would Einstein be like in old age, had no one taken his theory of relativity seriously? What about Dostoevsky's novels? Galileo famously was locked in a tower. At least he was not neglected!

Neglect it not scorn or hatred. It is to be ignored, unacknowledged, ghosted. This is something profoundly worse than fear or fury.

In this haunting poem, Wordsworth writes about a man he knew at Hawkshead school. The man was educated, a genius even. But something made him abscond from humanity. The only monument were some lines left upon a seat in a yew-tree which stands near the lake of Esthwaite on a desolate prt of the shore, yet commanding a beautiful prospect.

Listen in to hear these powerful lines.

Visit https://www.troubadourmag.com/ to subscribe to the podcast.

One element we miss in reading poetry today is context. We often read poems isolated and alone (the poems that is...) They were meant to be read as a totality. Wordsworth and Coleridge carefully selected the poems they would publish and in what order. To fully understand Wordsworth's haunting "Lucy" poems, we must explore them as they were meant to be read, in the context of "Lyrical Ballads."

Lyrical Ballads was initially published in 1798 and it effectually launched the Romantic movement in England. In fact, it had profound effect on all the romantics including the French romantics.

It is impossible for us to understand the magnatitude of the change, unless we think of it in our modern context. Imagine for a moment that the next Marvel movie featured one of the characters, perhaps Captain America or Iron Man, who came out and who spoke in Shakespearean language. For instance:

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:"

This is a $100 million dollar movie mind you. You'd be shocked. Maybe awed. Maybe curious to learn what the the words meant. However you felt, it would be a radical turn in moviemaking today.

That is the profundity of Lyrical Ballads in 1798. It changed the way poetry was read, written and experienced. it changed the characters worthy of writing about. It changed the themes worthy to explore. it changed the way we look at the world. it left the dusty tomes behind and wrote of high emotion, imagination, wild characters... That is, romance!

This is the context of The Lucy Poems. And I hope you join me in this hour long discussion of the 5 lucy poems as well as the poetry that surrounds them.

Here is a special fourth of July poem. Longfellow, writing during the build-up to the civil war, is encouraging the north to remember that the ship of state is not fully built. It is up to the next generation to fully institute the vision of the founders: This means ending slavery.

This is a poem that is primarily analogistic. It is a supremely patriotic and American poem.

If you prefer to listen to the poem, go to www.troubadourmag.comwhere you can subscribe to the podcast on itunes, spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.

I recorded this the day after a life altering two lectures by Lisa VanDamme at Objectivist Conference 2019 "Literature and the Quest for Meaning," and "John Keats Life and Poetry." They should be up on youtube soon, I'll get the links.

In this Sunday Morning Poetry I compare one of the poems she taught us with a poem by William Wordsworth. There are several recommendations for other resources by Lisa and Dr. Leonard Peikoff that helped guide me in reading poetry. Make sure to join Lisa's group and download her app at www.readwithmebookgroup.com.

This is the 4th of the "Lucy" poems by William Wordsworth. In this one we get another poem about Wordsworth's view of death.

Wordsworth kicked off the English Romantic movement. He, like the romantics that proceeded him, was heavily focused on the internal world of humans. As the French Romanticist, Victor Hugo put it, "There is one thing grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one thing grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul."
The lucy poems taken as a whole are very helpful in understanding how unique this viewpoint really is. Why do we have the thoughts in our heads that we do? Where do those thoughts come from? What associations do we make in moments of high passion and why those associations? And, most importantly, how does the external world affect our internal one?

If you have not listened to the other episodes, then listen to this one! I give a brief overview at the beginning of the key points.

Three Years She Grew in Sun and Shower

by William Wordsworth

Three years she grew in sun and shower,

Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower

On earth was never sown;

This Child I to myself will take;

She shall be mine, and I will make

A Lady of my own.

"Myself will to my darling be

Both law and impulse: and with me

The Girl, in rock and plain,

In earth and heaven, in glade and bower,

Shall feel an overseeing power

To kindle or restrain.

"She shall be sportive as the fawn

That wild with glee across the lawn

Or up the mountain springs;

And hers shall be the breathing balm,

And hers the silence and the calm

Of mute insensate things.

"The floating clouds their state shall lend

To her; for her the willow bend;

Nor shall she fail to see

Even in the motions of the Storm

Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form

By silent sympathy.

"The stars of midnight shall be dear

To her; and she shall lean her ear

In many a secret place

Where rivulets dance their wayward round,

And beauty born of murmuring sound

Shall pass into her face.

"And vital feelings of delight

Shall rear her form to stately height,

Her virgin bosom swell;

Such thoughts to Lucy I will give

While she and I together live

Here in this happy dell."

Thus Nature spake—The work was done—

How soon my Lucy's race was run!

She died, and left to me

This heath, this calm and quiet scene;

The memory of what has been,

And never more will be.

Of the 5 Lucy poems this one is the prime example of the Wordsworthian endeavor to trace the associations we make in a state of excitement.

Doubtless, there has been a time when you were passionately in love with someone and they you. In the height of your love, while you made your way to your lovers house, you had a moment's terror that they wouldn't be there or that they would leave you. Maybe, they have lost interest in you or found someone else to love. Or possibly, they inexplicably die.

This is the experience of Wordsworth's strange fit of passion. The aim of the poem is to explore the origins of the associations which led to this strange conclusion: that his lover Lucy would be dead.

Sunday Morning Poetry: "I Travelled Among Unknown Men" by William Wordsworth.

This is our next "lucy" poem.

The lucy poems deal with death and the emotions surrounding death. In this poem, Wordsworth connects his homesick feeling about England to his love for a woman who died.

As Wordsworth put it in a letter to a friend "... a great poet out... to a certain degree to rectify men's feelings, to give them new compositions of feeling, to render their feelings more san pure and permanent."

In this poem and all the Lucy Poems, Wordsworth accomplishes this.

Wordsworth was a poet worthy of being uttered in the same breath as Shakespeare. His ballads and sonnets are both simple and profound in a way that even transcends the bard. More, his manner of stirring the imagination of his reader is unprecedented.

Our poem today is the first of the FIVE Lucy poems. (note: some people believe there are more than 5 LUCY poems, but, alas, they are wrong.) :) In the show I explain why.

These five poems should be experienced and understood together, so each week we will explore the Lucy Poems.

We will also be exploring Wordsworth's and Coleridge's philosophy of poetry, with special emphasis on the Preface to the 1802 Lyrical Ballads. Here we will find surprising insights into the nature of poetry and life, and, even more intriguing, a connection between Wordsworth's philosophy and that of author Ayn Rand.

Tune in here for the video or go to troubadourmag.com and subscribe to the audio podcast there.

Whether or not you are a lover of fine art, Linda Cordair can help you discover personal pieces that will change your life.

Linda is the co-owner of Cordair Fine Art Gallery in Napa Valley, California. https://cordair.com/

The Cordair's have a special showing of over 100 pieces this summer for Objectivist http://ocon.aynrand.org/ We talked about some of the pieces they will be bringing, as well as ways to make art more personal in your life, even if you don't believe yourself to be an art lover.

For those familiar with Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, imagine for a moment what Roark's childhood might have been like. He talked a great deal about his love of the material world and, equally, his love of his own ability to transform that material as he saw fit.

I believe some of Wordsworth's poetry, particularly Nutting, illustrates a similar view.

In this simple poem, a young boy enters an unvisited nook in the woods. After appreciating and reveling in his own power, he suddenly and maniacally tears, rips and sullies the hazel nut bower.

In this discussion, I explain the importance of this poem, how it is emblematic of Romanticism and, most importantly, how the essential interest of Wordsworth was the development of consciousness--our faculty of awareness.

This year is a very special Objectivist Conference. It's the 50th anniversary of Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto!

This work of nonfiction has not had the loud cultural impact of her political and economic work, but I believe it has impacted many artists in very personal ways.

More importantly, it has impacted many individuals in helping to bring to life the art around them.

This is a conference not to be missed. And I was able to chat with Anu Seppala of the Ayn Rand Institute to discuss the value of art in our lives and the value of OCON 2019.

Oh and be prepared for some recommendations on courses, books, articles and plays that will change your whole existence!

Sunday Morning Poetry: The Fountain by William Wordsworth

This is a follow up to the previous poem "The Two April Mornings." Here Wordsworth is exploring character that we tend to spend very little time thinking about. In other words, they are on the edge of our consciousness.

How can a young person learn from an old person? It seems paradoxical that you have to experience something in order to understand it and yet elders are constantly giving advice based on their experiences.

This poem is a conversation poem. Young and old are sitting beneath a tree by a natural fountain, when seemingly out of nowhere, the old man grows melancholy. He's remembering his past.

The poem explores loss and grief and has the very memorable lines: "
the wiser mind
Mourns less for what Age takes away, Than what it leaves behind."

THE FOUNTAIN

By William Wordsworth

WE talk’d with open heart, and tongue

Affectionate and true,

A pair of friends, though I was young,

And Matthew seventy-two.

We lay beneath a spreading oak,

Beside a mossy seat;

And from the turf a fountain broke

And gurgled at our feet.

‘Now, Matthew!’ said I, ‘let us match

This water’s pleasant tune

With some old border-song, or catch

That suits a summer’s noon.

‘Or of the church-clock and the chimes

Sing here beneath the shade

That half-mad thing of witty rhymes

Which you last April made!’

In silence Matthew lay, and eyed

The spring beneath the tree;

And thus the dear old man replied,

The gray-hair’d man of glee:

‘No check, no stay, this Streamlet fears,

How merrily it goes!

’Twill murmur on a thousand years

And flow as now it flows.

‘And here, on this delightful day,

I cannot choose but think

How oft, a vigorous man, I lay

Beside this fountain’s brink.

‘My eyes are dim with childish tears,

My heart is idly stirr’d,

For the same sound is in my ears

Which in those days I heard.

‘Thus fares it still in our decay:

And yet the wiser mind

Mourns less for what Age takes away,

Than what it leaves behind.

‘The blackbird amid leafy trees,

The lark above the hill,

Let loose their carols when they please,

Are quiet when they will.

‘With Nature never do they wage

A foolish strife; they see

A happy youth, and their old age

Is beautiful and free:

‘But we are press’d by heavy laws;

And often, glad no more,

We wear a face of joy, because

We have been glad of yore.

‘If there be one who need bemoan

His kindred laid in earth,

The household hearts that were his own,—

A #Mothersday challenge! This poem by William Wordsworth, THE MAD MOTHER, is not your typical lovey-dovey mom poem. Rather, it focuses on a woman, whose husband abandoned her and her newborn, as she copes with this new reality and her own apparent insanity.

One way art causes serious contemplation in the mind of an active observer is by "the pleasure which the mind derives from the perception of similitude and dissimilitude."

In other words, the mind find pleasure in seeing similarities among dissimilar things.

What can we learn about motherhood from an insane, abandoned, wild mother?

Tune in for this week's Sunday Morning Poetry!

THE MAD MOTHER

By WIlliam Wordsworth

Her eyes are wild, her head is bare,

The sun has burnt her coal-black hair,

Her eye-brows have a rusty stain,

And she came far from over the main.

She has a baby on her arm,

Or else she were alone;

And underneath the hay-stack warm,

And on the green-wood stone,

She talked and sung the woods among;

And it was in the English tongue.

"Sweet babe! they say that I am mad,

But nay, my heart is far too glad;

And I am happy when I sing

Full many a sad and doleful thing:

Then, lovely baby, do not fear!

I pray thee have no fear of me,

But, safe as in a cradle, here

My lovely baby! thou shalt be,

To thee I know too much I owe;

I cannot work thee any woe."

A fire was once within my brain;

And in my head a dull, dull pain;

And fiendish faces one, two, three,

Hung at my breasts, and pulled at me.

But then there came a sight of joy;

It came at once to do me good;

I waked, and saw my little boy,

My little boy of flesh and blood;

Oh joy for me that sight to see!

For he was here, and only he.

Suck, little babe, oh suck again!

It cools my blood; it cools my brain;

Thy lips I feel them, baby! they

Draw from my heart the pain away.

Oh! press me with thy little hand;

It loosens something at my chest;

About that tight and deadly band

I feel thy little fingers press'd.

The breeze I see is in the tree;

It comes to cool my babe and me.

Oh! love me, love me, little boy!

Thou art thy mother's only joy;

And do not dread the waves below,

When o'er the sea-rock's edge we go;

The high crag cannot work me harm,

Nor leaping torrents when they howl;

The babe I carry on my arm,

He saves for me my precious soul;

Then happy lie, for blest am I;

Without me my sweet babe would die.

Then do not fear, my boy! for thee

Bold as a lion I will be;

And I will always be thy guide,

Through hollow snows and rivers wide.

I'll build an Indian bower; I know

The leaves that make the softest bed:

And if from me thou wilt not go.

But still be true 'till I am dead,

My pretty thing! then thou shalt sing,

As merry a

In this discussion and reading of the famous piece of romantic poetry, I will explain the importance of metaphors, simile, and analogies; important to the poem and more important in your everyday life.

HINT: Thinking requires comparisons.

A weekly reading and discussion of great poetry.

Epigram Engraved on the Collar of a Dog Which I Gave to His Royal Highness By Alexander Pope

I AM his Highness’ dog at Kew;
Pray tell me, Sir, whose dog are you?

To A Butterfly

William Wordsworth

I'VE watched you now a full half-hour; Self-poised upon that yellow flower And, little Butterfly! indeed
I know not if you sleep or feed.

How motionless!--not frozen seas More motionless! and then
What joy awaits you, when the breeze Hath found you out among the trees, And calls you forth again!

This plot of orchard-ground is ours;
My trees they are, my Sister's flowers; Here rest your wings when they are weary; Here lodge as in a sanctuary!
Come often to us, fear no wrong;

Sit near us on the bough!
We'll talk of sunshine and of song,
And summer days, when we were young; Sweet childish days, that were as long As twenty days are now.

STAY near me--do not take thy flight! A little longer stay in sight!
Much converse do I find in thee, Historian of my infancy!

Float near me; do not yet depart! Dead times revive in thee:
Thou bring'st, gay creature as thou art! A solemn image to my heart,
My father's family!
Oh! pleasant, pleasant were the days, The time, when, in our childish plays, My sister Emmeline and I
Together chased the butterfly!
A very hunter did I rush
Upon the prey:--with leaps and springs I followed on from brake to bush;
But she, God love her, feared to brush The dust from off its wings.

Wordsworth 1770 - 1850 Pope 1688- 1744

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Daniel Sherrier is the author of a comic book novel called The Flying Woman. We chatted about the role of comics in our culture, ancient myths and the purpose of superpowers.

The Flying Woman by Daniel Sherrier is available for sale on Amazon, Books-a-million and Indibound.

Let's talk about sex baby!

We've got on the show writer/director Stewart Wade Margolis. We talked about his latest movie Say Yes. It's about a woman who plans her husband's romantic life for after she dies...with her bisexual brother.

Quite a unique logline.

We discussed sexuality and how sexuality is presented in our culture. There are a not a few controversial topics we broached in this discussion.

Check out the movie, available on Amazon and tell us what you think.
https://www.amazon.com/Say-Yes-Leah-McKendrick/dp/B07QBZMQ5Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=say+yes&qid=1555390113&s=gateway&sr=8-3

None

WHO WILL SIT ON THE IRON THRONE?

Chris and I had a great conversation about film, art, making movies, the changing medium of media and of course who will sit on the iron throne.

Check out this conversation between two film production majors about the art, craft and culture of moviemaking.

Follow the making of Chris' movie Death Blood 4 on Instagram @deathblood4

In the first of a series of conversations I am planning to have in the Bay Area, I had a great chat with a local poet Maryam Khawar.

We discussed some of her short poetry, where she is inspired, why art is important in our lives, and how to become GREAT at anything.

Here is a very short poem of hers we discussed:
How beautiful, was your mind

and the ability to see the essence of the universe

I see it through you

As you pass from artist to artist

We also read the poem "The Apology" by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Marco Romero is a real estate investor in Central Texas. He came on the podcast to talk about fiction books!

It is important to read non-fiction books of course, but often as we get busy in our careers we neglect literature. In this conversation Marco and I discussed how to select good fiction books and how reading fiction can make you a better person and give you an edge at work.

Enjoy!

You can watch part 1 on youtube or facebook: https://youtu.be/o0xJXslb7TA?list=PLg0eBZyxdlFmlTBWlwMj5aCMkz9UjcJm5

https://www.facebook.com/troubadourmag/videos/985670661821812/

In part 2 I give a thorough analysis and explanation as to who the real hero is of the story, why this is one of the most ancient plot structure, how that effects your experience of the story and I also teach you how to "read" a movie. This includes a look at elements of this film that were unjustly lambasted by critics like:

Acting
Editing
Camera work

But especially I show how very small and easily missed elements of the film really make this good art.

The purpose of a critic is not to find funny way to bash a movie, but to find good movies and teach their audience to see better.

The Titan (with Sam Worthington) is a movie that has been given horrible reviews by both the audience and critics. In this series I will not only argue its merits but also teach how this movie uses literary elements to tell a good science fiction story in cinematic fashion.

You will learn
how science fiction and art impact actual views and political policies including environmentalism.
Why science fiction is the most important field in the world, as the transmitter of ideas.
Science Fiction's rich literary history--from the bible to Dante, Milton, Shelley, Hawthorne and Wells.
How the Titan is deceptively complex, with a nested narrative conflict between two Doctors.
*We will ask real world and story questions such as: Who is in control of the future? What moral system is best? What methods of seeking knowledge are appropriate? and many more.

I hope you'll join me in exploring this rich world of THE TITAN.

A tale of how to invent the perfect woman.

On this episode I chat with the wonderful Amy J. Murphy, Sci-fi novelist and Nurse you don't wanna meet professionally. Check out her fiction https://amyjmurphy.com/

We discussed
Science fiction as legit literature
Military versus warrior stories
Space operas versus hard science
Joseph Campbell
Why scifi is more popular today than historical fiction
Health as analogy to capital L literature
Why literature is as important as the medical or scientific fields
And more

This is the reading for part 4 of the four part series on Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Birth of Sci Fi.

I have decided to record the commentary separately. For now, enjoy the reading of the Artist of the Beautiful.

Here is one question to ask yourself before entering the world of Hawthorne's artist. Does the artist solve a problem that Hawthorne established was the flaw of the scientist in his former stories, Dr. Heidegger's Experiment, The Birthmark, Rappaccini's Daughter?

Most importantly, what does Hawthorne's answer to this ambitious individual who wishes to discover and master the creative essence of the universe mean for us today?

You can read this story here: https://www.troubadourmag.com/home/band-of-gold

You can find DIane's work at Dianemorrisonfiction.com

We had a great conversation that began with a scan of her room and the Witch's broom she has! Ever wonder what a Wiccan Priestess does? We chatted about Wicca, Pagan and Greek Mythology, Jordan Peterson, Literature and modern writing.

Enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Sci-Fi author and musician Diane Morrison.

A short story about Prometheus and his bird.

Read the story at Troubadour Magazine

https://www.troubadourmag.com/home/a-promethean-liver

O. Henry is a modern Troubadour in every sense of the term. Romantic. Whimsical. Imaginative. Ingenious. Enlightening. Entertaining.

In this short story, O. Henry chooses as his characters an editor of a literary magazine and a fledgling writer. They each have their own theories on language in art and in "real life." The story is the epitome of what Troubadour Magazine seeks to bring out in each of us.

Robert Frost and Donald Trump would have been great friends. They have so much in common: They were both born in big American cities, both have wide appeal in rural America and both speak with poetic fervor about walls. “I will build a great wall — and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me… I will build a great, great wall on our southern border…mark my words,” said President Trump. Indeed, Robert Frost, too, has marked some words about walls in his poem, Mending Wall, which tells the story of two neighbors fixing the gaps in the walls which separate their property.

Trump and Frost are truly kindred spirits, for both also have a love of proverbs. Many of Frost’s’ phrases have made it into the American vernacular, and Trump is more than happy to use the phrases passed down to him. In his love poem about walls, Frost coined the saying: “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors;” recently Trump eloquently quoted his father’s saying: “a nation without borders is not a nation.” Indeed, Mr. Trump and Mr. Frost must be soulmates.

Unlike Frost, the President will not merely speak of building a wall; he’ll do it. “Mark my words,” he states. Don’t discount words too fast, however. There’s power in words as there’s power in building walls. In Frost’s’ realm, he waxes poetical on the beauty of walls: “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, that sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, and spills the upper boulders in the sun; and makes gaps even two can pass abreast.”

Who doesn’t love a wall? That makes boulders spill like milk in the sun, and that pushes the earth beneath like two barefooted lovers walking on damp grass. The very existence of a wall stresses our togetherness. Take a moment to picture two people walking in an open field. One wanders over here by the thrush and another over there by a boulder; this separation is not possible when they approach a wall. They must find the gap and then “two can pass abreast.”

Despite criticisms of President Trump, his intentions are pure. “We are going to stabilize on both sides of the border and we also understand that a strong and healthy economy in Mexico is very good for the United States,” he said upon his Presidential announcement to build a wall. “Today, America get’s back control of its borders.” Indeed!

Frost would nod gravely in agreement. “The work of hunters is another thing,” he would add. Referring to the heartache of mending his wall season after season, due to jackals and beasts of all sorts, he says “I have come after them and made repair where they would have the rabbit out of hiding to please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean, no one has seen them made or heard them made, but at spring mending time we find them there.” As Trump emphasizes many times, the days of cartels “wreaking havoc in our country is over. We are going to get them out and we are going to get them out fast.” How poetic, indeed!

Again Robby Frost would nod sagely and add to his buddy’s assessment. Walls also bring neighbors together. Trump’s wall, after all, will need repairing from time to time. And so our two nations must come together every spring mending time to repair it. When these gaps are found, perhaps the nation to our south will act as Frost does: “I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; and on a day we meet to walk the line and set the wall between us as we go.” Trump, in fact, may not be willing to go so far as his friend Frost here. For, to Frost, this mending of the walls is a “kind of a game” played by neighbors. Oh isn’t that fun? Indeed:

“To each the boulders that have fallen to each. And some are loaves and some so nearly balls we have to use a spell to make them balance: ‘Stay where you are until our backs are turned!’ We wear our fingers rough with handling them

Shar Lemond (sharlemond.com) is the author of the new novel "Travel Secrets Book One: Rio De Janeiro.

We had a great conversation about the differences between women's lit and "mens lit" (which doesn't really exist exactly). We also discussed the nature of femininity and masculinity and how to portray valuable themes in great works of literature.

In part 3 of our 4 part series we explore "Rappaccini's Daughter," one of Hawthorne's most famous short stories.

Whether we understand it or not, our American culture is heavily shaped by Science Fiction. It is arguably the closest we get to a literary genre. It's power is so immense that our views of things like the lone-billionaire scientist (think Musk) and the doting old intellectual (think Bernie) still follow us around today.

When we look to scientists to solve all of our ecological, biological, earthly "problems" we are acknowledging the impact of sci-fi. Science today resembles a religion of old with its leaders and secretive language and gatekeepers.

This of course is most assuredly NOT science. It is, instead, the by-product of the evolution of science in a literary artform.

In this four part series we are exploring the original conception of this genre. How it was envisioned and some of the original solutions to this primary character: the scientist. What can a scientist know? When should we take scientists at their word? Should we relegate the entire realm of knowledge to the specialists of today?

Explore these ideas as well as the personal moral values in Hawthorne's romantic sci-fi stories in part 3 of our 4 part series.

This one may be better in video since I watched two trailers. But the audio is good too.
https://www.facebook.com/kbarbera/videos/10157073720104781/

This was an impromptu facebook live I did on the first day I started receiving submission for the magazine.

Jeremiah is a poet living in Souther California, who writes what I would call Romantic literature. On this show we discussed the nature of poetry, spoken word and wrap, and his forthcoming book, which is in the genre called "slave-narrative."

I also have a book recommendation for him and for you in this conversation. A Victor Hugo book that is often overlooked.

Enjoy this conversation with Poet Jeremiah Cobra.

Get Jeremiah's book of poetry and short stories "Beauty and Perspective" www.bookofadriel.com

This marks Stacey's second time on the podcast and this time we chatted about the first of John Keats' "Ode" Poems, Ode to Psyche.

One of the keys to using this poem in our real life is to ask ourselves if it is possible to maintain a passionate love affair throughout our entire lives? Does passion have to fade? Can it remain eternal? What role does the imagination play in this process?

Stacey Reay is a popular youtuber who teaches literature and poetry across the pond. Not only did she add valuable insights into the poem but she brought her considerable knowledge of rhyme, meter and prosody to our conversation. Subscribe to her youtube channel for much more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhuqpyhE8NzYZFkwTzi_7g

Patrick came back to talk more about literature and art. This time we focused on Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Have you ever thought this about a romantic partner: "Is she or he The One?"

Likely, if you're over 25, this is a question you've seriously contemplated. But how do we get a sense of The One? Where does it come from? What shapes our unique individual desire for The One?

The One is an ideal. it's why so many mates seem to "fall short." They are actual, temporal, real, while The One is ephemeral, unreal, imaginary.

Should we give up The One for the actual? Do we have to?

Explore this poem by John keats where he brings you on a journey into the realm between the eternal perfect ideal and the world we inhabit in the here and now.

For full show notes and literary terms:

https://www.troubadourmag.com/home/odeonagrecianurn

On this wide ranging conversation, Tal and I chatted about the role of art in cognition, The Romantic Manifesto and a special ARI announcement for this summer's event!

Patrick is partner at Just Add Firewater https://justaddfirewater.com/ and co-founder/president of Taliesun Nexus http://talnexus.com/

Patrick is working to change the culture. Today we talked about how to do that and why literary art is essential to that end.

On this episode I have the world famous doctor of all things comedy and Youtube star Rucka Rucka ALI! His parody videos get millions of views on youtube. Make sure to watch his video on The History of Philosophy! https://youtu.be/39Em6t0G7Fc

Subscribe on Youtube or visit him at ruckasworld.com

We began our conversation on the nature of Comedy and Tragedy and quickly moved into how our minds work, what is naturally innate in humans, how to think about literature and philosophy and much much more.

We discussed:

Jordan Peterson
The IDW
Tragedy
Objectivism
How to Change the World
Columbine Killers
Postmodernism
The French Revolution

And much much more

Enjoy this fascinating and wide ranging conversation with Rucka Rucka ALLLIIIII

On this episode I'll be reading the short story "The Birthmark" by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

A scientists deepest desire and motivation is to master nature in the same way that the artist represents nature.

In this episode we will explore the deeper motivations of Hawthorne's character creation: The Mad Scientist.

We will explore the nature of art and science, literature as an artform, science fiction as a genre, and how all of these ideas converge within Hawthornes short story.

The four short stories we are covering are:

1) Dr. Heidegger's Experiment
2) The Birthmark
3) Rappaccini's Daughter
4) The Artist of the Beautiful

This is science fiction not as it is, but as it should be!

A reading of the poem by Keats.

I STOOD tip-toe upon a little hill, |
The air was cooling, and so very still, |
That the sweet buds which with a modest pride |
Pull droopingly, in slanting curve aside, |
Their scantly leaved, and finely tapering stems, | 5
Had not yet lost those starry diadems |
Caught from the early sobbing of the morn. |
The clouds were pure and white as flocks new shorn, |
And fresh from the clear brook; sweetly they slept |
On the blue fields of heaven, and then there crept | 10
A little noiseless noise among the leaves, |
Born of the very sigh that silence heaves: |
For not the faintest motion could be seen |
Of all the shades that slanted o’er the green. |
There was wide wand’ring for the greediest eye, | 15
To peer about upon variety; |
Far round the horizon’s crystal air to skim, |
And trace the dwindled edgings of its brim; |
To picture out the quaint, and curious bending |
Of a fresh woodland alley, never ending; | 20
Or by the bowery clefts, and leafy shelves, |
Guess where the jaunty streams refresh themselves. |
I gazed awhile, and felt as light, and free |
As though the fanning wings of Mercury |
Had played upon my heels: I was light-hearted, | 25
And many pleasures to my vision started; |
So I straightway began to pluck a posey |
Of luxuries bright, milky, soft and rosy. |

A bush of May flowers with the bees about them; |
Ah, sure no tasteful nook would be without them; | 30
And let a lush laburnum oversweep them, |
And let long grass grow round the roots to keep them |
Moist, cool and green; and shade the violets, |
That they may bind the moss in leafy nets. |

A filbert hedge with wildbriar overtwined, | 35
And clumps of woodbine taking the soft wind |
Upon their summer thrones; there too should be |
The frequent chequer of a youngling tree, |
That with a score of light green breth[r]en shoots |
From the quaint mossiness of aged roots: | 40
Round which is heard a spring-head of clear waters |
Babbling so wildly of its lovely daughters |
The spreading blue bells: it may haply mourn |
That such fair clusters should be rudely torn |
From their fresh beds, and scattered thoughtlessly | 45
By infant hands, left on the path to die. |

Open afresh your round of starry folds, |
Ye ardent marigolds! |
Dry up the moisture from your golden lids, |
For great Apollo bids | 50
That in these days your praises should be sung |
On many harps, which he has lately strung; |
And when again your dewiness he kisses, |
Tell him, I have you in my world of blisses: |
So haply when I rove in some far vale, | 55
His mighty voice may come upon the gale. |

Here are sweet peas, on tip-toe for a flight: |
With wings of gentle flush o’er delicate white, |
And taper fingers catching at all things, |
To bind them all about with tiny rings. | 60

Linger awhile upon some bending planks |
That lean against a streamlet’s rushy banks, |
And watch intently Nature’s gentle doings: |
They will be found softer than ring-dove’s cooings. |
How silent comes the water round that bend; | 65
Not the minutest whisper does it send |
To the o’erhanging sallows: blades of grass |
Slowly across the chequer’d shadows pass. |
Why, you might read two sonnets, ere they reach |&n

On this episode we take a detour from the four Hawthorne Sci-Fi stories to explore a critical symbol in literature and science fiction: the Butterfly. That's right, the butterfly.

I'll be telling you the myth of Cupid and Psyche and reading the poem "Ode to Psyche" By John Keats.

By the end of this episode you will have a better understanding of how symbols can be used by a master storyteller to add to a story, the similarities between symbols, allegories, metaphor, simile and analogy, and where specific symbols originated.

This may sound like a boring discussion about an academic subject. I hope, however, that I have taken examples from literature and poetry and shown you how these can improve you life, enrich your readings, and shape your consciousness. For, no art more than literature can do all of these, and in so short a span as a few power lines of prose.

Do you really know what a scientist is?

A literary genre brings up new and important questions. Questions critical for a society and for your own individual life.

What are your limits? Can you go too far? Should you strive boldly or react tamely?

These are a few questions Hawthorne and others addressed in the 19th century.

In this episode (one of four) I will show you why it's important not to take words like scientist for granted and how our current society is still grappling continuously with these ideas.

This is part 1 of 4. We'll be exploring 4 short stories, one for each episode. In each episode I will do a reading of the story, but I recommend reading it for yourself if possible.

Dr. Heidegger's Experiment
The Birthmark
Rappaccinni's Daughters
The Artist of the Beautiful

This episode is best watched on youtube: https://youtu.be/pWwjMHGNu6w

Often to understand poetry, it helps to compare two poems of a similar subject. On this episode I will be comparing a new poet to an old one.

The new: Jeremiah Cobra is a writer and poet living in Souther California. He recently published his first book of short stories and poems in a compilation, "Beauty and Perspective."

I'll be reading and discussing his poem A Flower's Bloom.

The old: William Blake (1757-1827). Blake is one of the great Romantic poets of the 18th and 19th century. Considered a visionary in his own time, his series Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience commonly portray a deceptively simplistic scene, but hide a beautifully dark vision of the world.

I'll be reading and discussing his poem The Blossom.

Read these poems here: https://www.kirkbarbera.com/single-post/2018/10/31/BLOOM-poetry

Read by Kirk Barbera

"An essential text for anyone who seeks to understand the United States Social Democracy from the years 2022-2034."

-Christopher Billings, The Afternoon Telegraph

"In this historical labor of research, the Jefferson Group has rescued the voices of the untold number of young boys from the grave."

Robert Spindler, The Soloist

"He has mastered this distressing material and convincingly tells the terrifying truth about the U.S.S.D terror."

-Greg Thick, The Caller

If we've ever had a conversation, or if you've ever heard me have a conversation, you may notice that I will not accept as an argument a "study" you cited. I've even been made fun of for saying that I don't trust "stats." (Yes I'm using scare quotes on purpose).

The reason for this is simple. Stat and studies and research papers may be well done. Just as easily they may be inaccurate, false, misleading and untruthful. Creating a truthful and rigorous scientific study is complex and difficult. Darwin dedicated his entire life to not only proving his own theory but DISPROVING his own theory. He wanted to make sure he was correct.

Throwing out a "study" that "proves" your case is inappropriate and destructive.

In this podcast (originally a video on my youtube channel) I dig into a particularly pernicious study done by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) about rape and sexual assault. Their study, the National Crime Victimization Survey is quoted and used as evidence for such claims that the vast majority (63% or more) of women do not report rapes and that only 2-10% of rape accusations are false.

Find out what this source actually says and how to be cautious of accepting magic words like "studies," "Stats," or even "science."

Here are the urls for all the websites that I refer to in this episode. It may be useful to go to my youtube page and watch the video. There I show the articles as well as talk about them. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmjldJNAsOzI50kfzOHyLA

Dr. Ben Bayer, The Sniff Test:
https://medium.com/@benbayer_62236/the-sniff-test-cb5727f319a6

Washington post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/false-accusations-of-rape-which-are-rare-should-not-be-the-priority/2018/10/05/969910ce-c820-11e8-9c0f-2ffaf6d422aa_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3e03c579b678

NSVRC overview: https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Overview_False-Reporting.pdf

BJS Review:

https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/rsarp00.pdf

The Cut Article: https://www.thecut.com/article/false-rape-accusations.html

NCVS Report 2015 https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cv15.pdf

NCRVS About page: https://www.nsvrc.org/about/national-sexual-violence-resource-center

National Academies report https://www.nap.edu/read/18605/chapter/11

Today I'll be speaking with my friend Hernando Arce about a controversial issue: the evil of "the other side" of the aisle. We tend to think "Those guys over there are the bad ones!" "The lefties are destroying free speech," I commonly hear. Today, we will be conversing about free speech and how to keep our country united, despite our differences.

Controversial Conversations is a new show where I will be discussing hot topic issues with those with whom I disagree. Which, is pretty much everyone!

On this new show Kirk Barbera sits down with guest Eric Robert Morse to talk about a very controversial issue: abortions. Eric is a Catholic and Kirk is a non-believer. Tune in and comment along with us!

During the Senate hearings Senator Chris Coons used a phrase that I think is correct. After having received numerous messages from female friends who said that they too had been sexually abused, he said it is clear that we are in a "nation of pain."

We are. And like any kind of pain, we should ask what causes it.

Rather than blame individual actors or patriarchal structures, I claim there are other cultural causes. The only way forward is to understand the true causes of our national pain.

Today my guest is Faris Virani, the President of The San Antonio Young Professionals: http://sayp.us/

As you may know, I've decided to sell my stuff and go around talking to people about controversial topics. One reason for leaving is the opportunity to be more flexible and stretch my abilities as a writer and media producer. But another reason I'm leaving is I just don't like San Antonio.

Faris gives a good defense of San Antonio. And I admit it's a big city with a lot to offer, just not for me.

We discuss: Dating in San Antonio Meeting People here Starting a business Growing a business Family life and more

In the end we came to some understanding of what is the culture of San Antonio as opposed to other places in America. And, I hope it helps you decide if it is a place for you... or, like me, not.

Dan is that unusual creature, the C-level exec who loves poetry.

Or, perhaps he is not. Perhaps, there are many more individuals in corporate jobs who spend their evenings amongst great poets and scholars.

We tend to think of life as having a series of crossroads: go down the corporate path and leave behind the artistic path. Be a scholar, or an athlete. A mom or a business owner. But, often, the best the greatest lives come from the greatest combinations.

And Dan is a perfect example of that.

Today we will be discussing not only The Road not Taken by Robert Frost, but why poetry is something that everyone should add to their lives, and how poetry can help you in your corporate job, in your business, with your spouse, and really just... well... live a life worth living!

Dan is a c-level executive for a major Canadian corporation, Telus. He's an accomplished Ted speaker and has written 2 books about building better organizations and finding your purpose. In his latest book he tackles the subject of thinking and how to slow down, think creatively, and make better decisions.

You can find his work at danpontefract.com.

America is no longer a country of immigrants. This unfortunate situation has nothing to do with borders or immigration policies, but the death of the spirit that made this country great.

The word immigrant has been ruined by politicization. When we think of immigrant we tend to see the poor and the wretched. many immigrants in fact are poor and wretched—that's why they're immigrating.

On the political left we hear about the tragedies of immigrants as they came to America and on the political right we hear about the criminalities of immigrants as they come to America.

On this episode I'll be attempting to rejuvenate that spirit for you through poetry. Our two poems today are both by the Kipling of America, Berton Braley. "Opportunity" And "The Pioneers."

And although we are no longer the nation of immigrants, in this episode, through the story of one of Americas most important modern immigrants, I will show you how to instill the spirit of a true emigrant and pioneer.

Every neighborhood has one. That old, beaten down house that someone ought to take care of. What goes on in those houses? Sarah was 17 and she knew what went on in The House in her neighborhood. Almost every day after school she would stop and look down into the basement searching for what she had seen 9 years prior. Was it real? Was he real?

Can you unravel the success paradox in Napoleon Hill's favorite poem "Success" By Berton Braley?

Philosophers both ancient and contemporary go to great lengths to create problems they hope that no one can solve. One of their favorites is the paradox.

Simply put, a paradox is a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

This will be our goal today: to explore an ancient paradox first applied to physics. Now, I will apply that paradox to success.

Rule 12: Pet a Cat When You Encounter One on the Street

This podcast I seek to answer Jordan Peterson's fundamental question posed in Chapter 12: "Is there any coherent alternative given the self-evidence horrors of existence? Can Being itself, with its malarial mosquitoes, child soldiers, and degenerative neurological diseases truly be justified?"

With reference to:

Homeric heroes and gods in The Iliad and The Odyssey Peterson's own unique literary criticism Blood Upon The Risers Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Ambitious Guest." Ayn Rand's "Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson Stoic philosophy And Much more

Does Peterson have the proper perspective on Man's metaphysical nature and the metaphysical nature of reality or has he perpetrated an error that leads him to see the world through a prism of pain, suffering and agony? Is LIFE suffering? As Peterson says, Or is there a way to see the world differently.

If you're a fan of Jordan Peterson I hope you'll join me on this final installment of my intellectual journey through the lectures and books of a controversial, interesting, erroneous, and brilliant thinker.

What is masculinity? Why is it under attack today?

These are the fundamental questions addressed in Jordan Peterson's Rule 11: Do Not Bother Children When They Are Skateboarding.

We'll be exploring the life of MAN from Ancient Greece to modern time. We'll be talking about wildly different men like

Demosthenes of Ancient Athens Winston Churchill John Adams Thomas Jefferson George Washington And Your everyday men like me!

Are there conditional requirements to meet before one can enter the eternal fraternity of man? If so what are they and what do they mean?

In the poem IF by Rudyard Kipling he sets down a set of 37 conditions he believes in necessary to achieve manliness.

As Peterson addresses in this chapter, there is a sentiment prevelant today that has been growing for the last 50 years. He began to identify this motivational emotion when he noticed that the University of Toronto, where he worked, put "skate stoppers" on certain curbs and on the bases of sculpture. These were designed to stop young skateboarders from grinding their boards against these areas. But they were uglier than any damage a young man could do on his flimsy piece of wood. So what really was their motivation? And what is it about boys and men that seem to crave pain and agression? Is this what so many women today are calling "toxic masculinity?" Is it the same tendency in men that leads to real violence?

We'll be exploring these questions any more in this episode. I hope you'll join me in an attempt to understand what this thing we call "masculine" really is.

IF- by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Rule 10: Be Precise in Your Speech.

Here are just a few of the topics we will be covering on this episode about poetry, language, perception, philosophy and anthropology.

Robert Frost and Jordan Peterson's differing view on meaning Frost's Mending Wall poem A conundrum from Germany circa 1939 The lost Jiukiukwe Indian tribe near the Orinoco The basic nature of language The Second Coming poem by William Butler Yeats *What we can learn about precision and clarity from Francis Bacon and Benjamin Franklin

It's an intellectual exploration deep into the headwaters of Peterson's "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos."

There's a youtube sensation going on in England. Her name is Stacey Reay and she teaches Poetry. Her channel is a must watch if you have children in school and even if you just want to understand a poem more thoroughly. Visit her channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhuqpyhE8NzYZFkwTzi_7g

Stacey and I will be discussing a poem she chose, "The Manhunt" by Simon Armitage. We dive into the story of a woman who is trying to find the man she loves. He is right before her, but she can't find him. We talk about PTSD and our modern era in warfare, and we talk about both war poetry and love poetry.

Most importantly, we converse with this verse by Armitage. Stacey provides a great break down of the poem and squeezes as much meaning as possible from it. You won't be disappointed!

The Manhunt By Simon Armitage:

After the first phase, after passionate nights and intimate days, only then would he let me trace the frozen river which ran through his face, only then would he let me explore the blown hinge of his lower jaw, and handle and hold the damaged, porcelain collar-bone, and mind and attend the fractured rudder of shoulder-blade, and finger and thumb the parachute silk of his punctured lung. Only then could I bind the struts and climb the rungs of his broken ribs, and feel the hurt of his grazed heart. Skirting along, only then could I picture the scan, the foetus of metal beneath his chest where the bullet had finally come to rest. Then I widened the search, traced the scarring back to its source to a sweating, unexploded mine buried deep in his mind, around which every nerve in his body had tightened and closed. Then, and only then, did I come close.

In this episode we will be exploring Peterson's rule "Assume that the person you are Listening to might know something you don't."

it's a lesson we should all take to heart, especially those (like myself) who are so inclined toward totalitarian certainty. While certainty is achievable, it is anything but easy. More appropriate should be our desire to understand other ideas, and how to entertain those ideas, without necessarily accepting them.

In that no greater tool is at your possession than ART. We'll be exploring the poem "The Laws of God, the Laws of Men."

Benjamin Franklin as a young man gave himself a daily assignment in his attempt toward moral perfection: To imitate Jesus and Socrates.

We know what it means to imitate Jesus. But what does imitating socrates entail? This episode will explore that idea.

Rule 7 is "Pursue what is Meaningful (not what is expedient). As surface advice, this is great. Yet what is more important than cliche advice are the underlying reasons for integrating this advice into your life.

Why should one pursue what is meaningful, in the face of Peterson's foundational proposition: "Life is Suffering?" What does meaning mean? Where does it come from? How do you pursue it given the trials and tribulations of life?

Is life suffering? Or can there be another worldview?

Peterson's 8th Rule "Tell the Truth (Or at least don't lie) is important not only for avoiding disaster but for building a new you!

That's what Ed Catmul, founder and president of Pixar, did. He was honest with himself that he was not a good enough animator to become a professional. So he pursued something else: computer science. By the mid 1970s he had his PHd and his dream: to create the first feature length animation movie done completely on a computer.

Of course, in 1995 he did that. But he came to another problem. Most successful companies fail by making stupid mistakes. Why do they do that? These unseen forces took down some powerful companies in his time. Catmul decided not to let that happen to his company, so instead of focusing on the technical difficulties of making better animated videos, he decided to institutionalize honesty and candor.

But how do you do that?

Listen to find out.

Today I'll be reading the poem "London" by William Blake. A poem that showcases a deeply progressive sentiment that many of the romantic artists of the 18th and 19th century held

London BY WILLIAM BLAKE I wander thro' each charter'd street, Near where the charter'd Thames does flow. And mark in every face I meet Marks of weakness, marks of woe.

In every cry of every Man, In every Infants cry of fear, In every voice: in every ban, The mind-forg'd manacles I hear

How the Chimney-sweepers cry Every blackning Church appalls, And the hapless Soldiers sigh Runs in blood down Palace walls

But most thro' midnight streets I hear How the youthful Harlots curse Blasts the new-born Infants tear And blights with plagues the Marriage hearse

Today we will explore how a philosopher would explain the famous "problem of evil" and how a poet would discuss the same problem.

Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies. Burnt the fire of thine eyes? On what wings dare he aspire? What the hand, dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder, & what art, Could twist the sinews of thy heart? And when thy heart began to beat, What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain, In what furnace was thy brain? What the anvil? what dread grasp, Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

When the stars threw down their spears And water'd heaven with their tears: Did he smile his work to see? Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright, In the forests of the night: What immortal hand or eye, Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Are you a clod or a pebble?

The Clod and the Pebble BY WILLIAM BLAKE "Love seeketh not itself to please, Nor for itself hath any care, But for another gives its ease, And builds a Heaven in Hell's despair."

So sung a little Clod of Clay Trodden with the cattle's feet, But a Pebble of the brook Warbled out these metres meet:

"Love seeketh only self to please, To bind another to its delight, Joys in another's loss of ease, And builds a Hell in Heaven's despite."

Eric Harris, one of the Columbine killers, was a young man who had his house in order. He was good with the ladies. He had several close friends, including Dylan Klebold (fellow Columbine Killer). He recently received a promotion. Though he had recently been punished for breaking into a van with his compatriot Dylan, Eric had graduated from the "diversion program," as one of the more distinguished young men. The judge who saw him believed him to be a fine young man with a good father. He was good with computers, smart, good-looking and charming.

Had we a time machine to take to Eric Harris the book "12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos" by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, Eric would have merely become a more efficient killer.

Had Eric taken to heart the blase advice by Peterson to put his house in perfect order before criticizing the world, Eric would merely have become a more efficient murderer. He would have arranged the chairs more properly on his sinking Titanic.

In this podcast episode I dive deep into what connects Eric and Dylan to Islamic radicals, to Nazis, to Communists, and to any individual or group who has created a subjectivist irrational worldview and acted it out to it's fullest conclusion.

In previous podcasts on rules 1-5 I have mostly praised Dr. Jordan Peterson. In this podcast I had no choice but to destroy his ideology. He is dead wrong about these ideologically motivated killers. Peterson also commits the gravest of crimes (though I am hoping he has been merely duped by his Christianity). But, he has committed the crime of intellectual dishonesty.

There is no other conclusion that can be drawn when he compares the suffering of Eric and Dylan to that of the brutal murdering Carl Panzram.

Dylan and Eric were upper middle class, very loved and very lucky young men. Carl Panzram was raped and brutalized as a child in a correctional facility. To even pretend that these were the same, and that their "suffering" is what led them to seek vengeance is absurd and dishonest.

Something else motivated Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold and Eliot Rodgers and Adam Lanza and Cho Seung-Hui to attempt to annihilate the universe, by pointing guns at school students.

This is what we will explore in today's podcast on Rule #6: Set Your House in Perfect Order before You Criticize the World

Whether or not you are a parent, ask yourself this question. If you had to choose for your child which would you prefer: Outward success or inner happiness?

In Jordan Peterson's rule 5 "Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything That Makes You Dislike Them," Peterson gives his answer clear as day.

At least it is an answer.

In this discussion of Peterson's book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote To Chaos," I bring up the stories of Sleeping Beauty versus Petronilla, William Blake's poem "The Little Vagabond," Edward Dyer's "My Mind to Me A Kingdom Is," and a fair bit of Socratic inquiry.

Peterson offers many interesting insights. The more I dig into his self-help philosophy the more I see the glaring face of a very peculiar American Philosopher, and the more I fall down holes that cannot be rectified.

Well, at least not by Peterson.

Today I'll be working through the very challenging romantic poem "The Three Minstrels' By Thomas Chatterton.

Remember, our aim is not to "appreciate" art but to understand it.

Today I'll be reading and discussing William Cowper's last poem "The Castaway."

The poem is about a real life incident of a man who fell overboard, but in the hands of a great poet this accident of life becomes a powerful and tragic universal metaphor.

Do you see the secret message in the poem? Follow along and let's find it.

us feels a winter during spring. We are beaten down and saddened by pain and loneliness (a form of emotional pain).

Poetry often cannot solve one's problems, but it can be a salve. It can make you feel better, wake up your spirit, and build your emotional reservoirs.

But only if you know how to read.

In this video is my reading of this poem. I've included the poem by Cowper.

It is my claim that you do NOT need any specialized knowledge, training or experience to work with great poems. To unlock them requires two things: a dictionary and your mind.

How to build an indomitable character (according to Napoleon Hill).

Today I read and discuss the poem "Invictus" by Henley

Today I'll be reading the poem "Success" by Ralph Waldo Emerson and talking about the importance of defining success for yourself.

Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, believed that poetry and literature were tied to success. Why do you think he included several poems in his mega-success book ON getting rich?

Today we will explore a poem called "A Psalm of Life" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Napoleon Hill wrote one of the first self-help books "Think and Grow Rich." Within it were some selected poems. But Hill liked many poems, from complex Shakespearen sonnets to simple everyday poems.

Today I'm going to very briefly read one short poem called "Success," which is about aiming high and defining your belief about success.

Even if you're not someone who likes poetry, if you like success, or Napoleon Hill, I can promise you'll enjoy this poem.

Mending Wall by Robert Frost and my newest "grappling" with Jordan Peterson's 4th rule for life.

Also I refer to my latest podcast episode of Jordan Peterson's fourth rule of life: "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today." Can be found here

Why Jordan Peterson is dangerous.

On this fourth installment of my grapplings with Peterson I explore Peterson's rule "Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not who someone else is today."

For the first time I express some serious disagreements with Peterson, though I definitely agree with much of his underlying reasoning for the rule.

After giving an overview of his method for expressing the underlying reasoning for this rule, I dive into where we diverge. I'll give you a hint: It has to do with the character Raskolnikov in the book Crime and Punishment.

The poem I chose was "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost, as I believe there is much mending to do with Peterson's view here.

My business Mastermind friend Sean Doherty came all the way from China JUST to be on my show! ;) And we talked about the poem Business is Business by Berton Braley. Is business actually beneficial to people if all it cares about is making money? Can those big boys ever really care about the little man? Or will they always just step all over them?

Rather than bringing us together, the case of Alfie Evans, the 23 month old boy who was taken off life support in the UK and died on Saturday April 28th, has further polarized our views in the west.

This has been a devastating journey for both Tom and Kate, Alfie's parents. It has "shattered their family." It has devastated all of the #alfiesarmy.

Death is an instructor. We must face it courageously and with heartfelt desire to exit the chaos of such a tragedy, better, stronger, more capable. No one wants a child to die. In life, children, adults, innocents do die. What we do about it, how we experience it, and how we express our grief defines us as humans.

Poetry refines your view of the world, and sometimes gives you fun arguments to help you with the ladies.

Only a poet can make a flea erotic.

A reading and discussion of the poem "Death, be not proud" By John Donne

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so; For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be, Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee do go, Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery. Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell, And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then? One short sleep past, we wake eternally And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.

"The Westerner" by Badger Clark doesn't seem at first very spiritual, but upon consideration like many poems about building your own world the poem rests on many spiritual ideas.

Ayn Rand once said in a TV Interview she did that she is not afraid of death because "it is not I who will die, but the world that will end."

This I think has a lot to do with her unique form of philosophy. In her younger years she was enamored with Nietzsche and his idea that God is Dead. @jordanbpeterson has been reviving this idea, but with a unique view on what Nietzsche might have meant.

Today we will explore this poem The Westerner as well as some of the ideas inherent in an individualistic atheist who "builds as they only dreamed."

I moved to San Antonio 17 years ago and read about Mr. Boomerang in a newspaper. At 15 I didn't understand this bizarre tale. Now at 32 I think I do.

It's a story that opens as many stories do today. One day a man, seemingly without reason, leaves his wife of ten years.

But here's the strange part. One day 20 years later, he returned as if he'd never left. Where had he been? Why had he gone?

Oh poor Abysmal Dismal Mr. Boomerang.

You've probably heard the observation "you are the product of the five people" you spend the most time with." Sounds good, right? Just surround yourself with 5 great people and voila! You'll be great too.

Doesn't work like that though. If we blindly drop one friend we are just as likely to attract a new friend of the same exact type and replay the past.

In this episode we explore Peterson's 3rd rule from his book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos." The rule is "Make friends with people who want the best for you." To do that, however, we must attempt new strategies at finding new types of friends.

To help illuminate the ideas in this chapter I discuss: The Poison Tree poem by William Blake Jason and the Argonauts by Apollonius of Rhodes The myth of Phaethon and the sun chariot.

I wish you luck in your exploration. And if you fail, 'yet nobly dare.'

For today's Sunday Morning Poem we will be exploring "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Or, on living rather than merely existing.

Few poems say so much in so little space. This is a poem that touches on the very core of being human.

We'll be talking about: The role of affirmations to a humanist atheist Importance of community to individualists And a converse with verse on "Ulysses"

Sunday Morning Poem: "Directive" by Robert Frost.

Subscribe to the podcast here! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/p...

Continuing our discussion of breaking the monopoly that religions hold on important emotional concepts such as Exaltation, Reverence, Glory, Serenity, and even Peace, today we will be discussing Robert Frosts directive on finding inner peace and serenity in our chaotic world.

Some who come from a strong religious background will not be able to help to see that this is just a religious poem. I do not think so. I believe it to be deeply humanistic.

Poetry and literature are the ways forward to a proper civilization. True the House of God (or as Frost puts it "the house that is no more a house," is no longer needed. We instead must not drink from a poisoned well that promise of becoming a ghost and whisking into a paradise. The paradise is here and now on this earth. We must seek that "brook that was the water of the house." That is the original source for that house that is no longer a house.

To get there is not so easy a path as sliding down a slight incline The way forward is to go backwards.

Happy Easter! On Sunday Morning Poetry #3 I'm reading the poem "Sailing to Byzantium" by William Butler Yeats. This is a poem often thought to be about Yeats' views on life after death. But I believe it's about Art as a religion, and, specifically, about the idea of reincarnation or "resurrection in our natural lives.

"The coward dies many deaths, but the brave man dies but once." Julius Caesar.

How can we worship reincarnation if we are an humanist atheist? How can we appreciate the death and rebirth of our own selves?

Well listen in.

I'll be discussion:

The story of Easter according to Christianity (Christ's resurrection) The story of Demeter The Rape of Persephone The story of Dionysus (Bacchus) The Eleusinian Myths Cicero The Dionysian festival And of course a converse with verse with Sailing to Byzantium.

Last week we discussed Wallace Stevens poem "Sunday Morning," and how to create a secular "church." In his poem he rejects Christian Doctrine and celebrates the actualities of human life and the physical universe as fulfilling man's needs without any compensating hope of immortality.

His solution is essentially to enjoy the sensual world and to live in harmony with nature. A good message for sure, but he neglects one critical component of the human condition: pain, suffering, misery, evil: CHAOS.

Matthew Arnold in Dover Beach grapples with a similar theme to Stevens', which is the impossibility (in the eyes of the poet) of holding any religious faith. But Arnold loses his faith for a much different reason.

Peterson's 2nd rule is "Treat Yourself Like Someone You are Responsible for Helping."

What is it about people that makes many of us more likely to take care of our pets and less likely to take care of ourselves? Or why are so many of us willing to dole out sound advice but not take it? We tell our loved ones that it's important to exercise regularly, as we sit around eating burgers and failing to exercise.

If we are to take care of any entity in the world, it seems we will do the worst job in taking care of ourselves.

In this episode I discuss the relation to Peterson's profound rule by diving into The Myth of Prometheus and Pandora Ayn Rand's theory of Epistemology Leonard Peikoff's "Objectivism the Philosophy of Ayn Rand" Richard Mitchell's "The Gift of Fire," And T.S. Eliot's The Little Gidding poem

I hope by the end of this you will respect Your Promethean gift.

In this inaugural episode of Sunday Morning Poetry I go through the poem "Sunday Morning" By Wallace Stevens. This humanist poem rejects Christian doctrine while celebrating spiritual values.

How can an atheist pray? Poetically

For thousands of years the West has inculcated a "mind-body" or "soul-body" dichotomy. This is the idea that the body is inferior to the spirit, or consciousness. This dichotomy has given us religious ascetics who destroy their own bodies as well as sadism. In modern America it has given us a bizarre coyness and bashfullness to our own nudity.

In this poem by Walt Whitman, he glorifies the body as equal to the soul. The poem is a song to the body electric, or our bodies that vibrant with the music of poetry.

My guest, Alex Spenser of wordswithwings.com, and I had a really fun converse with verse with this poem. We also talked about the nature of art, how art affects our lives, the practicality of painting and poetry and literature.

At one point in the poem Whitman talks about sex and we could not help but discuss modern male/female relationships, particularly with regards to feminism.

Kubla Khan is a Trip man, for real. It's not surprising to hear that Coleridge was on drugs when he wrote this.

I chatted with a fellow podcaster, Rhys Morgan from socialgoodpodcast.com. Rhys lives in Birmingham—England! We've never met, but we swapped travel stories (both real and metaphorical) and conversed with this trippy verse, man.

Enjoy as we go to middle earth with Good ol Coleridge!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with local San Antonio poet, Rohn Bayes.

We talked about Whitman's great, short poem "A Noiseless Patient Spider," and how its metaphor "takes you places."

That, after all, is the etymology of metaphor--to take you some where.

This particular metaphor is special to poets, writers, and creators of all sorts. Anyone who has every created "filament, filament, filament!" can sympathize with the meaning of this poem.

Stay tuned till the end for a special performance of an unread poem by Rohn Bayes.

Epithalamium is a song you would sing outside the doors of newlyweds - love poems.

Today I discuss the nature of poetry, romantic relationships, cheating, and the secret life of Pablo Neruda with guest, Cristina Sanchez.

She introduced me to this poem, and I really enjoyed it. If you haven't read Neruda before, it's worth your time.

I believe that wisdom comes through suffering not smiles.

Today I talk with the host of the TalentGrow Show, Halelly Azulay. Halelly is an author, speaker, facilitator, and leadership development strategist and an expert in communication skills and emotional intelligence.

We talked quite a bit about emotional intelligence and how poetry could improve one in that area. We also delved into this wonderful poem by Henley.

Buck up Buckaroo!

I love Westerns. I often wonder if the death of the western has led to some of our confidence problems today.

In this episode I compare Jordan Peterson's Rule Number 1 "Stand Up Straight WIth Your Shoulders Back" to the westerns of the 1939 to 1969 era as well as to the poem Horatius by Macaulay.

I'll discuss Ayn Rand and the mind/body integration How the wester American hero illuminates Peterson's number one rule A full analysis of the rule with reference to movies like Rio Bravo, Red River, The Searchers, Hondo, True Grit, The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy And the Sundance Kid and why Clint Eastwood is a horrible human being for creating High Plains Drifter.

The second half of the program is a reading of the poem Horatius followed by an in-depth converse with verse where I lay out the story and analyze it from a Petersonian perspective.

Enjoy!

We discuss rule number one in Dr. Jordan B. Peterson's book "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos." The rule is "Stand Up Straight with Your Shoulders Back."

it seems simple, but there is a lot to discuss in this chapter. What do lobsters have to do with human confidence? Do men need to be dominant to get the girl? What about women? And most importantly why do we need to to follow laws and rules in the first place? What if we just "live and let live."

In this we will bring up a famous poem by AE Housman, "The Laws of God, The Laws of Men,"

The laws of God, the laws of man, He may keep that will and can; Now I: let God and man decree Laws for themselves and not for me; And if my ways are not as theirs Let them mind their own affairs. Their deeds I judge and much condemn, Yet when did I make laws for them? Please yourselves, say I, and they Need only look the other way. But no, they will not; they must still Wrest their neighbour to their will, And make me dance as they desire With jail and gallows and hell-fire. And how am I to face the odds Of man's bedevilment and God's? I, a stranger and afraid In a world I never made. They will be master, right or wrong; Though both are foolish, both are strong, And since, my soul, we cannot fly To Saturn or Mercury, Keep we must, if keep we can, These foreign laws of God and man.

Are you reluctant to give up a passion? When is it time to let go? Does giving up on one stage of your journey inevitable to moving toward the next?

These are some of the questions Stephanie Scheller and I discuss in our fun little conversation with the great poet Robert Frost.

In this poem Walt Whitman suggests we build a new race of men in America. Who better to converse with this verse than an engineer!

Is it honorable to die for one's country?

War has always been sold to the public as an honorable and glorious thing. Is there anything honorable about death? Wilfred Owen in his famous anti-war poem draws a terrifying description of the realities of war in order to counter the propaganda urging young men to fight for their country. After all "it's the honorable thing to do."

So an Atheist and a Catholic enter a podcast studio...

I had a great time and a great conversation with Eric Robert Morse, author of The Juggernaut: Why the System Crushes the Only People Who Can Save it."

This poem by William Blake was great fodder for a much larger discussion: What is the ideal society and how does one build it.

What I found most interesting in this discussion was that eventually we got to the point where we were discussing out methods of thinking. This is the most critical aspects of coming to conclusion. If one person see the world as concretes disconnected from abstractions or vice versa or somewhere in between that makes it hard to converse.

Yet we figured it out and by the end came to some interesting conclusions on how an atheist and a Catholic can come to some serious agreements.

Enjoy.

My friend Sean Doherty and I discuss the famous WWI poem "I saw a man this morning" by Patrick Shaw Stewart.

Hopefully no one listening to this podcast, including the men reading it, will ever have to go to war. Yet, it is an activity that is apart of us. It was once believed that war was necessary to bring out our deepest virtues.

Sean is a man of peace. He wrote a peace poem campaign and sent it to every US Senator in the hopes of spreading the message that war is not the answer.

Our discussion is challenging and deep as we converse with this verse. We ask questions like when is war necessary? Should we be in the Middle East? What are the justifications of war? And, once there, what do we do?

How do you tell a child that he is dying?

This poem terrified me. It made me never want to have a child. What if this were to happen to my child?

Literature cannot solve all of our problems, but it can be a salve to many of them.

In talking to my old high school friend, Dr. Lamar Johnson, about this emotional issue, I came to appreciate the grandiosity of life and our role in society. Dr Johnson is a pediatrician who has to think about how to deliver terrible news to people. How do you cope? How do you convey this experience?

For me, it was a cathartic moment. That's poetry.

Dr. Johnson and I conversed with the verse. And we also talked more broadly about life, philosophy, how to tell the truth, race relations, culture and oh so much more.

A Physics teacher and I converse with William Ernest Henley's beautiful poem, Invictus.

We converse in depth with this poem and I learn a lot from Alex.

One big question we cover is "what is a terrible event that has occurred to you and how did you overcome it?"

This was my first LIVE IN-PERSON interview and I had a blast. I hope Jake had a blast too!

We talked about a lot. Our poem was "A Poison Tree" by William Blake. (yaaay JAKE chose BLAKE!) We opened the discussion with some spiked egg-nog and the mass exodus from blue states to red and then discussed why Jake, like myself, is a poetry hater.

Then we dug deep to investigate why this poem in particular spoke to a cloistered West Texas boy.

We got into the problems with building your life around a fake persona, the masks we wear and how they destroy us, the destructive power of repression and even some movie recommendations.

*Full disclaimer: Listening to this I must apologize to Jake because I was quite loopy. I was at the beginning stages of a fever and had only gotten around 4 hours sleep the night before. In a desire to be at the top of my game I downed two caps of dayquil a few hours before his arrival. Oh then I drank a red bull right before he arrived. Oh and then we had bourbon... So if I'm more loopy than normal, now you know why.

Tonight I read "Twas the Night before Christmas." Why did the Protestant Reformers, The New England Puritans and the Communist Soviets all HATE Christmas and St Nick? They squashed it and did all they could to bury it. Yet in America it took hold and morphed into something special.

Often, to understand an idea we must see what happens when our enemies destroy it. This does happen in history.

This is not a podcast about the war on Christmas. Instead, it is an episode about how the magic was taken away, and how I hope to help you bring it back.

On this mini episode I read the classic Ogden Nash Christmas poem about the mischievous Jabez Dawes. Don't be an uncivil mean little brute like boy Dawes!

We all know that person. That person, who, no matter what you do, they just will not stop smiling! Brad Beck is one of those people. He's a career salesman, and he's made a mantra out of optimism. In fact he changed his title from "National Sales Manager" to Director of YES! And that really speaks to the soul of Brad Beck.

Brad and I are not psychologists any more than we are literature experts. We're salesmen. We may not have all the theory, but Brad has spent a great career as a full time salesman, and he'll tell you that no character trait is more important to a salesperson than optimism.

In fact, he believes it's the most important traits in humans. This is where we have a great conversation about optimism, what it is, how to use it, but most importantly, when you should be negative. We discussed the value of negative emotions and the danger of being overly optimistic.

This was a fun one for me and I hope you enjoy it too!

Feminists today are attacking one of my favorite songs. They are also making up nonsensical words like "rapey."

In this conversation my friend Amy Chou and I converse with both the song Baby it's Cold Outside and the classic poem by William Blake "The Garden of Love."

Feminists should stay away from this one.

Poem: "Gunga Din" By Rudyard Kipling

Gunga Din is a "blackfaced crewman" who brings water to British troops in "Injia" If any of those words seemed racist and offend you, by god you had better run for the hills! That is only the beginning. Just Google these two words "Racist Poetry," And Gunga DIn is one of the top poems selected by El Google.

If words can "trigger" someone and make them uncomfortable or even violent, then almost all of the words in literature and poetry must be condemned.

This is a poem that may trigger some people. It may make you uncomfortable. But progress by its nature requires discomfort. We cannot grow our muscles by sitting in a locked room staring at a wall and protecting our arms "The metal is too harsh!"

In this story, a soldier tells the tale of a water bearer he met in India, while the British soldiers were battling some native savages. Go on the journey of discovery with this soldier as he begins to question his own assumptions. Perhaps, you will question yours too.

Today my friend Chase Abendschein and I talk about the poem The Road Not Taken, which is one of those poems that people who know a little bit about poetry love to school others on. "ACTUALLY that poems is about..."

Chase is a salesmen, like a super salesman. He works in global enterprise sales, meaning he sells to major major corporations. But he loves this poem and he enjoys poetry. He's not trained in it, as I'm not trained in it. So we go off on some ridiculous tangents that I hope you'll enjoy.

The Highlights

Belly Scratchers Billy Goats, Beers, and kissing babes at the tops of mountains Free will and Determinism Chris Farley and Patrick Stewart (?) on SNL Anton Chigurh and Twoface from "No Country For Old Men," and "The Dark Knight" Bananas and strippers The narrative voice of Robert Frost The life choices we make and how to feel good about them Bill Bradley and Bill Braskey (SNL again...) And throughout we are conversing with the verse by Robert Frost.

Lots of fun and ridiculousness peppered with deep insights about an iconic poem.

Enjoy!

Today's poem is Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress.

In the midst of these sexual allegations and confessions we should as men and women take a step back and remember that words must serve as the basis of seduction. Not Power, Cars, Cash, Clothes and Casa. Men should use words to persuade a woman to sleep with them.

The best purveyor of words are the poets. How, then, do great poets go about trying to get laid.

Listen in.

We all know the story "The Emperor's New Clothes." It's meant to illustrate the vanity of human desires and the problem with excessive pride. In our daily lives we may experience a moment when we realize our boss or, heaven forbid, we are not wearing any clothes. We believe something that isn't real.

We believe the idea for a new business marketing plan is great, but it's really a waste of time. We believe that perfect couple is perfect, merely from a social media post. We know the truth. But no one wants to admit it.

Children will. Children can be uncomfortably truthful (the younger the more so).

Why does it take a child to point out how obviously nude the emperor is? And how can we nurture that independent thinking, truthfulness, and connection to reality as a child matures and becomes more socialized?

That's the subject of our conversation today. Jesse McCarthy, author of the upcoming book Montessori Education, is an expert in child development. He received his B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and his Montessori teacher's diploma for 3- to 6-year-olds from the Montessori Institute of San Diego (MISD). Jesse has worked with thousands of children, teachers, and parents through the years, as an elementary & junior-high school teacher, as a Head of School overseeing programs for infants to 8th graders, and as an executive helping to lead a group of over a dozen Montessori schools.

Listen in as we converse with the verse in this (my favorite so far) podcast episode: The Emperor's New Clothes.

How will you be remembered? Men like Paul Revere and Gary Vaynerchuk understand the importance of legacy, because they understand the power of TIME. Time will take us all eventually. By experiencing the ravishes of time, as one would experience a war, we can better come to order our daily lives, now.

But first you must answer the question. Are you pursuing a legacy or prestige?

Have you ever believed yourself to be SOOOO right only to find out you were SOOOO wrong. Then you're a cookie thief.

Sean Doherty is worried about Cookie Thieves and you should be too!

Sean's the Business Development manager for a major fashion brand in Hong Kong (68).

Listen to a modern poem about how oblivious we can be about how wrong we are. And then listen as Sean and I converse with the verse.

Why does the best selling book on how to build wealth have numerous poems in it? Wherever you start in life, you have the power to program your subconscious mind, according to Hill. But what he doesn't explain is how you can do that.

In this episode, I converse with the verse by Walter Winkle "If you Think You Are Beaten," which is included in chapter 3 of Hill's book. And I explain HOW you can program your own subconscious mind through auto-suggestion.

Rich people need love too.

It's routine today to belittle "white people problems," but problems are experienced as an individual not global phenomena. Every single human being is important, no matter their color or upbringing.

In this poem, my friend and Founder of Deep Drilling Insights, Donovan Schafer converse with this verse by Robinson, and bring up topics such as suicide, white privilege, and the tide of history.

Poe writes about the haunting side of dreams, but he rarely calls them nightmares. Do all dreams carry within them the potential for nightmares? In this Poe piece, we experience the emotion of loss. To lose a loved one. Not just any love, but a love that was more than love. Imagine if you will being in love as a teenager. The intensity of it. Now imagine if you will losing that person right at the height of that emotional intensity. How would that feel? What would that look like? Poe shows us.

Gary Vee was not the first man to spout a love of the hustle. In fact, 100 years ago was a man named Berton Braley, who was dubbed "The Minstrel of Business," He, too expressed in poetic terms Gary' Vees philosophee in "The Joy of Life.

enJOY.

In this conversation Poe explains to us the positive value of negative emotions.

Anyone ever tell you "be happier," or "Be more positive," right in the moment when you were frustrated, angry, annoyed, sad? In our culture we have a tendency to teach our friends and children to "bear and forebear" (as the stoics say). When we should wallow and understand.

I'd be willing to bet that the parts of your life where you have grown the most are not happy moments. They are moments of sadness, confusion, tragedy, frustration.

Of course, Poe puts it much more eloquently.

We're always told to dream, but what if that dream leads you nowhere? What if you are forever chasing a pipe-dream? In this poem for people who hate poetry we converse with a verse by Poe, and we can hear that maybe dreams that fail aren't so bad after all.

Fear plays an interesting role in our lives. It guides us and help us to avoid danger. But we also must face our fears, in order to discover if they are rational and proper. What happens, when your fears face you? What happens when fear comes knocking at your door? Will you stand it? Or will you go mad?

Napoleon Hill read 100s of poems and even encouraged his readers to read poetry from time to time.

Why would a guru of self-help and wealth building advocate for such a silly activity as reading poetry? Find out in this episode as we explore the very first poem that Napoleon Hill put in his great book Think and Grow Rich.