The Fiction Podcast

"Seasoning" Season 4 — S.4 — Bonus Episode 5

In this bonus episode, Frank and Justin take an interlude and riff on ancient leaders, strategy, and militaries through fun games such as 'this or that' and 'blind ranking.' Join the party. Takeaways * Exploring the concept of leadership and military strategy through a 'this or that' game * Discussion on the appeal of different historical armies and the desire to be part of them * Consideration of career choices in different historical eras and the challenges associated with them * Reflection on the appeal of living in the 1980s and the desire to experience the culture of that time period Chapters * 00:00 Bonus Episode: A Game of 'This or That' * 08:03 Career Choices in Different Historical Eras * 22:37 The Appeal of Living in the 1980s

300 (2006) — Did Someone Order Abs? S.4 — Episode 4

Hosts Frank and Justin continue their tour of the Ancient World by exploring a romanticized portrayal of history through the lens of the movie '300.' Directed by Zack Snyder, this movie is based on the graphic novel by Frank Miller. The conversation covers the myth and reality of the Spartans, the depiction of Leonidas and Spartan culture and training, and the balance between history and propaganda. The conversation hits on the world building and cinematography of the film, and the enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300. The hosts continue to present the 'Ron Weasley Award,' because why not, and grade of the movie '300.' Takeaways * Romanticized portrayal of history * The depiction of Leonidas and Spartan culture * The balance between history and propaganda Spartan culture and training * World building and cinematography * The enduring legacy of Leonidas and the 300 Heroes vs. Legends * The Tragic Legend of Leonidas Chapters * 00:00 The Brutality of Spartan Life * 36:51 The World Building and Cinematography * 46:03 The Ron Weasley Award * 58:25 Next Week: Prince of Egypt

Troy (2004) — Glory vs Peace — S.4 - Episode 3

In this episode, Hosts Frank and Justin continue to examine the Ancient World with their discussion of the 2024 movie Troy. The conversation delves into the debate of Achilles and Hector as heroes, exploring their contrasting motivations and actions. It also highlights the absence of gods in the movie, a departure from the epic poem (The Iliad), and its impact on the portrayal of characters and events. The conversation delves into the themes of honor and greed, as well as the grading of characters and the movie itself. Takeaways * Achilles and Hector as Heroes * The Absence of Gods in the Movie Honor and Greed * Character Grading Chapters * 00:00 Achilles vs. Hector: The Heroic Debate * 30:47 The Ron Weasley Award * 35:54 Themes of the Movie * 42:44 World Building and Cinematography * 55:09 Final Grading and Sign Off

The Blueprint (Homer's The Iliad & The Odyssey) — S.4-Episode 2

Frank and Justin kickstart Season 4 - The Ancient World discussing the significance of Homer's epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, exploring their importance and the oral tradition that contributed to their preservation. With the help of Guest Hosts Classical Studies Professors Rebecca Schindler and Pedar Foss, their conversation delves into Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensations, the contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey, character analysis of Hector and Paris, the transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey, differences between the two epics, and the modern relevance of Homeric heroes. This all serves as a preclude as Frank and Justin build up to the theatrical release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in July 2026. Takeaways * Ancient Greek epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey, are central to the discussion * The oral tradition and performance of these poems played a significant role in their preservation Homer's ability to capture intense emotions and physical sensations * The contrast between the Iliad and the Odyssey Trusting oneself in a tough world * Fascination with the character of Helen Chapters * 00:00 The Oral Tradition and Performance of Epic Poems * 29:51 Capturing Intense Emotions * 36:13 Character Analysis: Hector and Paris * 43:51 Transition from the Iliad to the Odyssey * 57:01 Modern Relevance of Homeric Heroes * 01:02:21 Fascination with the Character of Helen Editor's Notes * Contact hosts at @TheFictionPodcast or TheFictionPodcast@gmail.com [TheFictionPodcast@gmail.com] * Contact Rebecca Schindler: rschindler@depauw.edu [rschindler@depauw.edu] * Contact Pedar Foss: pfoss@depauw.edu [pfoss@depauw.edu] * Professors Schindler and Foss shared information about the Trasimeno Regional Archaeological Project. For more information view the webpage at: trasimenoscavi.org [http://trasimenoscavi.org] * Book Picks: * The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt (Foss) * Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (Schindler) * Babel by R.F. Kuang (Schindler)

Cooking Season 4 — S.4-Episode 1

The Fiction Podcast Season 4 explores ancient cultures and storytelling, focusing on Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey. Hosts Frank and Justin express excitement for the ancient world, including African and Asian cultures, and invite audience suggestions for related themes and works. Takeaways * Exploration of ancient cultures and storytelling * Engagement with audience suggestions for related themes and works Chapters * 00:00 Return to the Original Franchise * 06:43 Exploring Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey * 13:17 Engaging with Audience Suggestions