Best Stephen Albert Podcasts (2025)

1
AHFG Book Club: Jenny Williamson's Enemy of My Dreams 1:15:15

1d ago1:15:15

1:15:15

In a very special episode, Liv and Genn McMenemy of Ancient History Fangirl interview debut author Jenny Williamson. Find Enemy of My Dreams wherever you get your books. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby. CW/TW: far too …

1
Stephen Reitz 1:09:11

3d ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Stephen Reitz invoked a sleepwalking defense after he was charged with killing a woman during a weekend getaway. He claimed he woke up from a dream that he was fighting off an intruder and discovered her body. Investigators doubted his story, especially when they uncovered evidence about his tumultuous relationship with the victim. Join Mike and Gi…

1
OTL #956: The future of the Chicago Reader, The Secret History of The Monteras 37:58

4d ago37:58

37:58

Mike Stephen talks to Amber Nettles the publisher of the Chicago Reader and Salem Collo-Julin, the paper's editor in chief, about the dire financial situation of the publication and its future and then discovers the Secret History of the local 1960s garage rock band The Monteras.By Mike Stephen

1
Conversations: To Palestine, With Love... Ancient & Biblical History of the Levant w/ Dr Chance Bonar 1:42:17

5d ago1:42:17

1:42:17

Liv speaks with ancient and biblical scholar Chance Bonar about the history of Palestine and the ancient Levant. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and …

1
The White House Farm Murders 1:19:17

10d ago1:19:17

1:19:17

On August 7th, 1985, an entire family was murdered at their farmhouse in Essex, England. Authorities initially believed it was a murder-suicide, but suspicion soon turned to Jeremy Bamber, the surviving family member who called police to the house that night. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the White House Farm Murders. Initially, police suspec…

1
OTL #955: The future of electric vehicles in Illinois, Restorative justice in North Lawndale 40:10

11d ago40:10

40:10

Mike Stephen explores the potential impact of the Trump administration’s position on environmental funding with Brian Urbaszewski, director of environmental health programs at the Respiratory Health Association, and learns about the impact of restorative justice practices in the North Lawndale neighborhood from Cliff Nellis, president and CEO of th…

1
RE-AIR: Conversations: A Long and Storied History of Sparta, Modern Misuse & Misconception w/ Stephen Hodkinson 1:40:25

13d ago1:40:25

1:40:25

This episode originally aired in January 2023. (Note: we'll return to new episodes very soon, there's been some behind the scenes changes and loads of recordings we're perfecting, stay tuned!) Liv speaks with Stephen Hodkinson, expert in all things Sparta. They discuss Sparta throughout history including its use in politics from the founding of the…

1
Hermes Historia: Giorgos the Oikist, Colonization in Greek Antiquity 42:43

14d ago42:43

42:43

Michaela teaches Liv about 6th century Greek colonization for not at all relevant reasons. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves god…

1
RE-AIR: Queering the Classical World w/ Yentl Love (the Queer Classicist) 1:21:46

16d ago1:21:46

1:21:46

This episode originally aired in June 2023. Liv speaks with PhD student Yentl Love about queerness in the ancient world and Greek mythology, about classical reception in Lil Nas X, and so much more. Follow Yentl (the Queer Classicist) on Twitter, and learn more on her site. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW…

1
Shawn Gant-Benalcazar 57:50

17d ago57:50

57:50

Austin, Texas experienced three similar murders in December 2014. The killer left behind no DNA evidence, and the police worried they were dealing with a serial killer. A neighbor testing out his new thermal imaging scope recorded evidence that would help identify the killer. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Shawn Gant-Benalcazar. Shawn didn't h…

1
OTL #954: The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, The Secret History of Yama & The Karma Dusters 38:59

18d ago38:59

38:59

Mike Stephen learns about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative renewal in Congress from Don Jodrey, director of federal relations at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and then discovers the Secret History of the 1970s counterculture band Yama & The Karma Dusters.By Mike Stephen

1
RE-AIR: Very Extravagant Rich People, Ancient Sparta & The Spartan Mirage (Part Two) 49:04

19d ago49:04

49:04

This episode originally aired in January 2023 as part of the research series on ancient Sparta. We're talking all things Spartan culture: all the things made them Spartan, set them apart from the rest of the Greek world. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given i…

1
What Does it Mean to Rebel? (Ancient) Resistance to Imperial Violence 41:08

23d ago41:08

41:08

Revisiting the story of Europa of Tyre alongside the true story of the siege of Milos. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods an…

1
Steve Pankey 1:05:19

24d ago1:05:19

1:05:19

Steve Pankey was a husband, father, car salesman, and Idaho gubernatorial candidate. He was recently convicted of murdering 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews, bringing closure to a case that had been cold for decades. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Steve Pankey and the murder of Jonelle Matthews. Jonelle went missing in December of 1984 after arriv…

1
OTL #953: Chicago’s “Taping Guy,” The Surge Institute’s civil rights work 42:54

25d ago42:54

42:54

Mike Stephen talks to Aadam Jacobs, a Chicagoan who has recorded thousands of local live music performances, about why he’s making his collection public and then discusses the ongoing civil rights work of The Surge Institute with executive director Ulric Shannon.By Mike Stephen

1
Liv Reads Statius: The Thebaid (Part 1) 1:01:58

26d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Liv reads book one of Statius' Thebaid, translated by JH Mozley. Oedipus looks back on the mess that was his family. His son Polynices is refused his share of the Theban throne and travels to Argos where he meets the king and hero Tydeus. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscr…

1
Hermes Historia: Homer, have you heard of him? Pretty chill dude 52:24

28d ago52:24

52:24

On today's Hermes Historia Michaela tells Liv the Homeric origins of her favourite messed up ancient family... For future episodes of Hermes Historia (aside from a few one offs we might release now and then!) subscribe to the podcast's Patreon. The Oracle Edition features AD-FREE episodes, Hermes Historia, and so much more! patreon.com/mythsbaby CW…

1
Behind Every ‘Great’ Man… Metis, Thetis, and the Power of Prophecy 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

The stories of Zeus and two goddesses defined by prophecies and patriarchy. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monste…

1
Kodi Patten and Toni Fratto 1:07:12

1M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Micaela “Mickey” Costanzo was a 16-year-old from West Wendover, Nevada, who was murdered by two teens, one of whom she briefly dated. One suspect was identified quickly, but the other surprised investigators by coming forward on her own weeks later. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Kodi Patten and Toni Fratto. Both teens were arrested and charge…

1
OTL #952: Are we in dark civic times?, The impending “TIF Cliff,” HelloBaby expands 39:03

1M ago39:03

39:03

Mike Stephen explores the impending "TIF Cliff" and its ramifications for Chicago with civic educator Tom Tresser, discusses the state of local civic life, and gets the lowdown on the expansion of HelloBaby on the South Side of the city with founder Debbie Frisch and Leva Family Foundation president Craig Leva.…

1
Conversations: They Weren't Always F***able, the History of Sirens & Harpies w/ Dr Ryan Denson 1:32:05

1M ago1:32:05

1:32:05

Liv speaks with returning guest, the Sea Monster Guy Ryan Denson, about the history and transformation of Sirens and Harpies. Find more from Ryan on Twitter/X. Submit to the quarterly Q&A at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek …

1
Greek Myth is So Much More Than Terrible Gods and Misogynist Monsters 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

What makes a myth, and what does that mean? Liv looks at mythology as a concept and the sources that shared it with us. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for m…

1
The Murder of Cari Farver 1:09:08

1M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Cari Farver went missing in November 2012 after spending the night at her new boyfriend’s house. Days after she disappeared, her boyfriend began receiving harassing and threatening text messages. Investigators believed Cari was not sending these messages and identified an unlikely suspect. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the murder of Cari Farv…

1
OTL #951: Local education issues in 2025, Illinois corrections’ programs that work, New music from Poi Dog Pondering 46:30

1M ago46:30

46:30

Mike Stephen gets an update on important education issues in the new year from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin, discusses the positive impacts of a few Illinois Department of Corrections programs with Jennifer Vollen-Katz, executive director of the John Howard Association, and previews an upcoming show by the local band Poi Dog Pondering with…

1
RE-AIR: Conversations: Beware of the Splash Zone! Gladiators in the Greek World w/ Alexandra Sills 1:45:15

1M ago1:45:15

1:45:15

This episode originally aired in September 2023. Liv speaks with Alexandra Sills who studies spectacle! and, specifically: when Gladiators went to Greece... They talk mythologizing gladiatorial games, adapting things (splash zone!) and even, the evidence for women fighting in games. Read more from Alexandra at Bad Ancient and Working Classicists. H…

1
Hermes Homerica: They're Making an Odyssey Movie & We Have Thoughts 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

In a special New Years Eve episode, Michaela and Liv discuss the news that Christopher Nolan is making an adaptation of the Odyssey... For the first time, this was recorded in person so the audio isn't ideal but there will be video available on the podcast's YouTube in the next couple of days. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given …

1
OTL #950: A look back on Chicago in 2024 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

Mike Stephen highlights a few local conversations from the show in 2024. See you in 2025!By Mike Stephen

1
RE-AIR: Conversations: A Most Sophoclean Prophecy, Women & Wordplay in Sophocles’ Trachiniae w/ Amy Pistone 1:19:20

2M ago1:19:20

1:19:20

This episode originally aired in the spring of 2022. Liv speaks with returning guest Amy Pistone who specializing in Sophoclean tragedy. Amy shares some of the complexities hidden within the Trachiniae and they discuss Sophoclean prophecies (ie., the origin of Never Trust the Oracle). Follow Amy on Twitter. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve a…

1
RE-AIR: Holiday Special: Battle of the Bastards, Who's The Worst? Theseus vs. Jason 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

Because it only seemed right, here's a holiday re-airing of 2022's inaugural Battle of the Bastards. (Yes, Michaela and I will make this an annual thing!) It's that time of year when I can't fathom writing another heavily researched script so here's me breaking down Theseus vs. Jason, mostly from memory. Who is the worst? Will the results be 50/50?…

1
Bruce McArthur Part 2 1:08:02

2M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Bruce McArthur is a grandfather who worked as a landscaper and a mall Santa in the off-season. For nearly eight years, McArthur lived a secret life as a serial killer, primarily targeting men in The Gay Village, an LGBTQ+-friendly area of Toronto. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur. In part two of the Bruc…

1
OTL #949: The lack of Chicago environmental regulations enforcement, The Secret History of JD, Foster, and Eastman 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Mike Stephen talks to Neighbors for Environmental Justice board president Anthony Moser about how local politics and a lack of enforcement are impacting Chicago’s environmental policies and then discovers the Secret History of 1970s Chicago country rockers JD, Foster, and Eastman.By Mike Stephen

1
Conversations: What Makes a Serial Killer, Mythological or Otherwise? w/ Debbie Felton 1:45:01

2M ago1:45:01

1:45:01

Liv speaks with Dr Debbie Felton about serial killers of the ancient world, both mythological and otherwise. Plus, monsters and monstrosity... Find more from Debbie here, including links to the books mentioned, and the Ancient Monsters Blog here. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or…

1
Battle of the Bastards: Achilles v Odysseus w/ Hermes Michaela 45:10

2M ago45:10

45:10

In a special, rambley holiday episode, Liv and Michaela look at who was worst Achilles or Odysseus? CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the pod…

1
Bruce McArthur Part 1 1:07:53

2M ago1:07:53

1:07:53

Bruce McArthur is a grandfather who worked as a landscaper and a mall Santa in the off-season. For nearly eight years, McArthur lived a secret life as a serial killer, primarily targeting men in The Gay Village, an LGBTQ+-friendly area of Toronto. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur. In part one of the Bruc…

1
OTL #948: Re-mapping Chicago, The state of local food journalism, Quimby’s calls it quits 38:58

2M ago38:58

38:58

Mike Stephen gets an update on the effort to re-map Chicago community areas from Emily Talen, director of The Urbanism Lab at the University of Chicago, discusses the state of local food journalism Mike Gebert, editor of Fooditor, and reflects on the good work of the soon-to-be-sold Quimby’s bookstore in Wicker Park.…

1
Can You Talk About the Cats in Greece? Another Q&A 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Liv answers more listener questions, from cats in both modern and ancient Greece to Hera's attempted coup and everything in between. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing info…

1
The Oh So Disjointed Life of Helen of Sparta, and Hekate in the Haida Gwaii (Q&A) 44:09

2M ago44:09

44:09

Liv answers listener questions about Helen, the trouble with translations, pesky personification deities, and more. The episodes referenced were with guest Maciej Paprocki. Submit a question for a future Q&A here. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential…

1
Michelle Yvette Busha 1:05:08

2M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

In May 1980, a woman’s body was found near Blue Earth, Minnesota. In 2015, the woman was identified as 18-year-old Michelle Yvette Busha, who had been buried in an anonymous grave for nearly 35 years. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the murder of Michelle Busha. In 1988, a former Minnesota State Trooper named Robert Leroy Nelson confessed to a …

1
OTL #947: Local housing assistance in 2025, What’s left behind after gun violence, The Secret History of Dee Clark 47:10

2M ago47:10

47:10

Mike Stephen discusses proposed housing measures for Chicago in the new year from Alejandra Cancino, investigative reporter at Injustice Watch, learns about a new documentary that focuses on gun violence victims’ families and loved ones called What's Left Behind from director Dr. Janice Collins, and discovers the Secret History of 1960s soul and do…

1
RE-AIR: Conversations: From Homer, With Love… The Evolution of Oral Storytelling w Dr Joe 1:25:30

2M ago1:25:30

1:25:30

Due to a cough that Liv just cannot seem to shake, part two of the Q&A episodes will be coming next week. Instead, today enjoy a favourite episode from earlier this year. This episode originally aired on April 19, 2024. Liv is joined by Joel Christensen to talk all things oral storytelling, the tradition, theories on its origins, and how the Iliad …

1
Musical Epics, a Reincarnation of Sappho, and Kaos... Your Questions, My Answers 1:02:17

2M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Liv answers listener questions about all things ancient and a handful of modern things that feature the ancient world... Submit your questions for future Q&A episodes and segments here. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I refere…

1
The Gitchie Manitou Murders 1:03:39

2M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

On November 17th, 1973, five teens went to the Gitchie Manitou State Preserve on the Iowa-South Dakota border to hang out and play guitar. Three brothers found them sitting by the fire and began shooting. Only one of the teens survived the night. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss what has become known as the Gitchie Manitou murders. The only surv…

1
OTL #946: The proposed Chicago liquor tax increase, Protecting our genetic privacy 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

Mike Stephen discusses the potential impact of the proposed Chicago liquor tax increase with Mr. Chicago Bars and then talks to Ericka Watson, principal and CEO of Data Strategy Advisors, about privacy issues stemming from private companies mapping our DNA.By Mike Stephen

1
Conversations: How Women Became Poets, Gender History in Greek Literature w/ Emily Hauser 1:51:42

3M ago1:51:42

1:51:42

Liv speaks with author Emily Hauser about her book How Women Became Poets. They look at women in Greek myth, literature, etymology, and, very specifically, the long and arduous history of women 'poets' in Greek literature. Plus, a sneak peak at Emily's next work: Mythica/Penelope's Bones. Find more from Emily here. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths i…

1
002: Hak Baker 1:05:20

3M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Hak Baker's music selection was top drawer. Unexpected gems from Reggae to Ital Disco, via 90's Chill Out and West Coast Hip Hop. The chat was peppered with laughter, touching moments and revealing stories of MC battles in youth clubs, navigating prison life, blue Ford Focus' and ASDA's champion CD section. And of course a few live surprises (check…

1
Stephen Walt on the Return of Trump (Part 2) 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

Democracy in Question? is brought to you by: • Central European University: CEU • The Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: AHCD • The Podcast Company: scopeaudio Follow us on social media! • Central European University: @CEU • Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy in Geneva: @GVAGrad_AHDC Subscribe to the show. If you enjoyed what you lis…

1
RE-AIR: But What About Rome?! Roman Mythology & the Great Mother Cybele 43:03

3M ago43:03

43:03

Naturally, as soon as Liv was ready to get settled in Toronto, she came down with a terrible cold and sounds half human half lawnmower, so today we're bringing you a little more ancient Rome, since it's all the rage right now. Liv dives (or perhaps wades into the shallows) of Roman mythology and religion, and tells the story of how the Phrygian god…

1
Timothy Bliefnick 1:08:44

3M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

On the afternoon of February 23rd, 2023, 41-year-old Becky Bliefnick was found dead on her bathroom floor. Becky had three boys with her husband, Tim. But at the time of her death, the two were estranged and going through a contentious divorce. Becky had started dating someone new, and it didn't take the police long to zero in on Tim. Join Mike and…

1
OTL #945: Stories from a local Uber driver, Shawn Maxwell’s new music, The Secret History of Viewfinder 42:11

3M ago42:11

42:11

Mike Stephen talks to Provy Taylor, a local Uber driver, about his new book of stories while on the job called Uber Me to Providence, gets the lowdown on local saxophonist Shawn Maxwell’s new music, and discovers the Secret History of 90s alt-rockers: Viewfinder.By Mike Stephen

1
Ancient History Fangirl: A Day at the Gladiatorial Games 41:14

3M ago41:14

41:14

In celebration of Gladiator II (and because it's a great episode), today's episode comes to us from Ancient History Fangirl's archive. We give you... A day in the Gladiatorial Games. See the original show notes and find more from Ancient History Fangirl here. Join us as we travel back in time to the amphitheatre of Capua—mainland Italy's largest am…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Stephen Albert Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide

zproxy.org