Alexander Schmid Podcast

In this lecture, we discuss (a) Odysseus' transgressing and the destructive flame-like nature of speaking (falsely); (b) observe the drama of Guido da  Montafeltro; (c) we observe the Schismatics (Ditch 9) and then Myrhha, Master Adam, and Sinon in Ditch 10, and then (d) like towers in the distance, we encounter the unintelligible groaning and nearly-immobile giants. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we consider (a) the Malebranche and their allegorical, dramatic, and comic significance; (b) we observe the hypocrites and then Dante's essence-altering transformation of thieves and epic; (c) we conclude with observing Vanni Fucci's weaponized use of truth and by finally reaching Circle 8 bolgia 8, the Deceitful Counselors and Ulysses. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) consider the speeches of Phoinix and Aias the Greater to Achilleus; (b) we then move to the night-counsel and choice of Diomedes and Odysseus as spies, and (c) we conclude by meeting Dolon and seeing the respective Trojans and Achaians go out into the night. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) introduce the first four bolgias of Circle 8: the Malebolgia; (b) we consider the specific sinners of Jason of the Argonauts and Venedico Caccianemico among the panderers and seducers; (b) we then observe the sins and punishments of the flatterers, including Thais, and the Simonists, including Simon Peter; and conclude by (c) witnessing Dante being mistaken for Pope Boniface VIII and then observing the "far-seeing" future seers and their special contrapasso. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we observe (a) Zeus prohibiting the other gods from the battlefield; (b) the last-chance effort of Agamemnon and the Achaians to placate Achilleus by means of an embassy; and (c) the speech of Odysseus to Achilleus.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) consider in which ways Geryon represents fraud; (b) we consider how fraud makes a predator of a person (like a snake or scorpion), and (c) the remaining two circles (and second half) of Dante's "Inferno". --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) review Hektor's trip back to Troy and his farewell speech to Andromache, his wife; (b) we observe single combat between Aias the Greater and Hektor upset by nightfall, and (c) we see weak attempt of Paris and the Trojans to negotiate an end to the war without returning Helen. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) review the first two sub-circles of Circle 7, Violence before continuing through sub-circle 3; (b) we meet and converse with Brunetto Latini, Dante's former teacher, and (c) conclude by considering usury's, sodomy's, and blasphemy's relationship to violence. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we discuss (a) the concept of xenia and (b) its relation to Glaukos and Diomedes' strange interaction and exchange, and (c) we conclude by observing Hektor back in Troy meeting Hekabe, Helen (and Paris), and his wife Andromache. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) begin with a lesson in Italian negation and consider the "negating" aspect of self-harm from Canto 13, Circle 7.2; (b) we observe the pagan Capaneus from The Seven Against Thebes and observe the non-Christian nature of blasphemy, as opposed to Heresy (Circle 6); and (c) we consider the Old Man of Thebes and what his five substances (gold, silver, brass, iron, clay) represent politically and theologically/psychologically. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) observe the first major Trojan champion (Sarpedon) defeat an Achaian champion (Tlepolemos); (b) we witness the cruelty of Hektor in the wake of his friend's pleas for help, and (c) a battle between Diomedes and Ares, a far more formidable god than Aphrodite! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) review the concepts of tîmê (honor) and kleos (glory), (b) we observed the epic battle of Diomedes and Sthenelos vs. Pandaros and Aineias, and (c) witnessed the stabbing of a goddess (Aphrodite) by a mortal man (Diomedes). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) conclude the Circle of Heresy (6) by talking about the Guelf leader Cavalcante di Cavalcanti, (b) observe the nasty smell of Lower Hell and take a moment to consider the structure of the final three circles (7, 8, 9); and then (c) we enter the first of three sub-circles of Violence and witness the abominable minotaur, centaurs, and harpies and the boiling river of blood: Phlegethon. We cover cantos 10-12 in this lecture. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) introduce Diomedes and Athene's desire to use him to remove the dangerous and exasperating Aphrodite from the battlefield; (b) we distinguish the concepts of tīmḗ  (honor) and kleos (glory; that which is said of one; one's legend) and geras (physical rewards, like Briseis), and (c) considered (1) the amorality of the Olympian gods as well as (2) the theme that when: (a) a minor character (like Pandaros) injures a major character (like Menelaos or Diomedes), then (b) that minor character will be killed, generally by a major character. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) review the major events of Circle 5: wrath and sullenness; (b) we reach The Gate of Dis and watch the drama unfold between Virgil, Dante the Pilgrim, the Fallen Angels, the Furies, and the Heavenly Messenger; (c) then we begin our descent to Circle 6 and meet our first heretics there (the Epicureans and Farinata degli Uberti). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, we (a) describe the one-one-one combat between Menelaos and Paris of Troy for the hand of Helen; (b) we examine the interference of Aphrodite and what this means for the war; and (c) we view a dark covenant formed by Zeus and Hera and observe the trickery of Athene and foolhardiness of Pandaros, the Lykian. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture we (a) review the history of Agamemnon's scepter, (c) see Troy and meet Priam, Antenor, and Helen for the first time during the teichoscopia, and (c) hear our first descriptions of the beginning of the Trojan War before the one on one battle between Paris and Menelaos takes place! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture we discuss Circles Four and Five of Dante's Inferno. Specifically we (a) consider Plutus, Ciacco, and the place of Fortune among the avaricious and prodigal; (b) we then consider the fifth circle, its division into anger and sullenness (sulkiness/resentment), and meet Phlegyas as we cross (c) the River Styx, the second of four rivers in Dante's "Inferno" and end with an exciting scene between Virgil, Dante the Pilgrim, and Filipo Argenti. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this lecture, (a) we perceive a false dream which Agamemnon follows rather than good counsel; (b) we meet Thersites of the endless speech after a disastrous "call to arms" by Agamemnon, and (c) we see Odysseus jump into action to corral the troops. We then (d) meet Paris at the opening of Bk. 3 and close with a (e) description of the Achaian and Trojan Forces and an (f) explanation of Homeric Simile.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support

In this episode, Ms. Sarah Miller, Mr. Wes Schantz, and I consider the beginning of the end--our final topics in our Harry Potter Conversation series. We specifically look into: (a) the relationship between the Hallows and the Horcruxes and what they broadly represent, (b) Dumbledore's characterization in conjunction with consideration of several culminating events, and (c) weighing in on the death of one (actually more) of our favorite characters. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-schmid9/support