Ancient Answers: Recent Episodes
Gordon Harris and Shane Kingsbury
Ancient Answers is a podcast dedicated to discussing modern issues by looking to the wisdom left behind by the civilizations that came before us. Follow our hosts and history buffs Gordon Harris and Shane Kingsbury as they chat about how, despite thousands of years of evolution and progress around the globe, some things really haven't changed that much.
In the final episode of Season 2, Gordon and Shane look back at the discussions they had and the things they learned over the previous 29 episodes, and share some upcoming news about Season 3.
In the final Q&A episode of season 2, Gordon and Shane discuss four quotes from ancient philosophers, orators, and historians and discuss their relevance in the modern world.
In the first of the final three for season two, Gordon and Shane open with another selection of historical biographies, discussing the lives of Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) and Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.
In the second iteration of historical profiles, Gordon and Shane discuss the lives and influences of Roman General Scipio Africanus and Celtic rebel leader Boudicca.
In this episode, Gordon and Shane continue their discussion on ancient revolutions and ask a potentially alarming question: are we on the cusp of another revolution?
In this episode Gordon and Shane take a look back at revolutions in ancient history and how they shaped the modern world. Or did they?
In the 11th instalment of the Quote & Answer series, Gordon and Shane discuss four more quotes from ancient sources and their relevance to modern life.
In this episode Gordon and Shane introduce a new format where they discuss two historical figures; their lives, their impact on history, and what they would ask them given the chance. To start off this new series they have selected Sargon of Akkad and Odysseus.
In this episode Gordon and Shane conclude their discussion on chariot racing and the influence it had throughout the course of human history.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss one of the greatest sports spectacles in human history: chariot racing. Beginning with its origins in ancient Greek literature all the way through to modern NASCAR and Formula 1, chariot racing has had an immense impact on human history and culture. Listen here to learn how!
It's our 10th one! In another Q&A episode Gordon and Shane select four quotes from ancient historians and philosophers and discuss their relevance in modern society.
In this episode Gordon and Shane conclude their discussion on the Silk Road and how it echoes throughout history to this day.
In this episode Gordon and Shane begin a long discussion on the importance of and impact of the Silk Road on modern history. Part I of II.
In this episode Gordon and Shane select four more quotes from ancient sources and discuss their relevance in modern society.
Who doesn't love cold, hard cash? Turns out that the idea - while ancient - isn't quite as old as most people would think. Listen to the latest episode where Gordon and Shane discuss the origins of coins and the evolution of money.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the cities of Alexander the great and the legacy he left behind by conquering Northern Greece all the way to India.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss four more quotes from ancient thinkers and their relevance in today's society.
In this episode Gordon and Shane conclude their discussion on ancient climate and how it helped to shape the history of mankind.
Climate change is thought to be a relatively modern topic, but in this episode Gordon and Shane demonstrate that climate has been an influential factor in human civilizations across history.
In this episode, recorded on the Ides of March, Gordon and Shane revisit a topic from season 1: assassination. This time, however, they discuss the opposing viewpoint that assassinations don't really affect the course of history.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the importance of sanitation; chiefly the importance of moving water systems to prevent the spread of contaminants and disease and its effect on human populations throughout history.
Quote & Answer Episode VII: The Quote Awakens
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss four more historic quotes and their relevance in modern society.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the origins and importance of music within human history and culture.
In another Quote & Answer episode Gord and Shane dissect and discuss four more quotes from philosophers, politicians, and historians and their relevance in modern life.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the origins of board games! Learn why we play, and the origins of some iconic games that have been around for, literally, thousands of years.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss quotes from their favourite philosophers, politicians, and orators and their relevance in modern society.
In this episode Gordon and Shane conclude their discussion on the origins of agriculture and it's impact on civilization.
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the origins of agriculture and how it was the catalyst that eventually to human civilization as we know it.
For the first time in season 2 Gord and Shane select four quotes from historical sources and discuss their relevance in modern society.
In the second half of the their discussion on medicine, Gordon and Shane continue to delve into the origins of modern medicine by looking at ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian sources.
In the first episode of season 2 Gordon and Shane discuss the origins of modern medicine
Welcome back to Ancient Answers! In this short episode Gord and Shane re-introduce themselves and give a small taste of what's to come in the upcoming episodes.
In this very special episode Gordon and Shane conclude their interview with Lianne Harris, comparing and contrasting the women of ancient Athens and Sparta.
In this episode Gordon and Shane continue their interview with Lianne Harris; comparing and contrasting life for Athenian and Spartan women.
In this very special episode of Ancient Answers Gordon and Shane sit down (metaphorically speaking) with a very special guest. Lianne Harris is an accomplished educator and published author who works in the Greater Toronto Area mixing education with theatre by presenting on an extremely wide variety of historical topics in authentic period clothing. She has presented to over 80,000 teachers and students, been an exhibiting artist at the Royal Ontario Museum, Roy Thomson Hall, The IDA Gallery, and The Shaw Festival, and was selected by W.O.M.A.D. as one of Toronto's Women of Influence in 2003. In this episode Lianne compares and contrasts the life of Athenians versus Spartans with a special emphasis on the roles of women in both societies. This episode is Part I of III.
You can find out more about Lianne and her work by following the link here: https://historybyharris.ca/
In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss the relevance of four more quotes from ancient philosophers, politicians, and orators.
Taxes! Listen as Gordon and Shane discuss everyone's least favourite topic; how some things are different, and some are very much the same.
In this episode Gordon and Shane break down and discuss the relevance of four more historical quotes.
In this episode Gordon and Shane continue their discussion on how assassinations have changed the course of history.
From Julius Caesar to JFK, assassination has had a profound effect on history. In this episode Gordon and Shane discuss that impact by looking at some of the earliest assassinations in recorded history. Part I of II
In this episode Gordon and Shane break down four more quotes from ancient sources and reflect on their relevance in the modern world.
In this episode Gord and Shane continue their discussion on pandemics and their historical impact. Part II of II
Recorded during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic this episode discusses plagues throughout human history and their impact on society. Part I of II
In this episode Gord and Shane change things up a bit. Instead of discussing a topic they choose four quotes from ancient philosophers, politicians, and orators and discuss their relevance in a modern world.
In this episode Gord and Shane continue their discussion on ancient sports by moving beyond the Mediterranean. Part II of II (for now)
In this episode Gord and Shane discuss sports! The origins of athletic competition, Greco-Roman sports, as well as the economics of sport. Part I of II.
In this episode Gord and Shane talk a little about themselves, provide a short summary of their experience studying history, the roots of their passion for ancient civilizations, and the importance of looking back to the cultures and peoples that came before us. Welcome to Ancient Answers.