Episode Appearances
History Extra podcast · Apr 12, 2026
How Tudor London inspired literary genius
“University-educated dramatist; his 'The Jew of Malta' prompted competitive response from Shakespeare's company”
Elizabethan London literary sceneProfessional playwriting and dramaGrammar school educational reform
View AnalysisNo Such Thing As A Fish · Apr 12, 2026
Little Fish: No Harm, No Foul
“16th century poet who wrote 'The Passionate Shepherd to His Love' with reply poem by Walter Raleigh”
Answer songs and musical dialogue traditionsFootball manager naming coincidences1985 Austrian wine poisoning scandal and antifreeze adulteration
View AnalysisIn Our Time · Mar 5, 2026
Henry IV Part 1
“Playwright whose Tamburlaine established precedent for two-part plays in early modern theater”
Shakespearean succession narratives and Tudor political anxietyCharacter development and coming-of-age storytelling in early modern dramaPerformativity of power and political legitimacy
View AnalysisThe Daily Stoic · Feb 11, 2026
Stephen Greenblatt: Why “This Time Is Different” Is Always Wrong
“Elizabethan playwright who took transgressive risks with classical ideas and was murdered at age 29”
Shakespeare's use of indirect political commentary in playsMontaigne's intellectual independence during religious conflictSeneca's philosophical writings versus his service to Nero
View AnalysisUnexplained · Jan 30, 2026
Season 09 Episode 10: Me and the Devil Blues
“Elizabethan dramatist whose 'Dr. Faustus' established literary precedent for devil's bargain narratives”
Robert Johnson blues history and legacyFaustian pact mythology and devil's bargain narrativesBlues music cultural history and influence on rock and roll
View Analysis