Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
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Sandi O'BrienJust bought all the bonus contentI just finished all the episodes on the Old Testament. Everything has been so interesting, that I just can’t pass up the bonus content, and I’m buying all of it far into the future episodes. This man is so very knowledgeable and entertaining.
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Hummingbird 7The best!Thank you, Doug! Thank you for your advance organizer on City of God!
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TrueCrimeAllTheTime9Literature + History = Epic CombinationThis is one of the most entertaining and interesting podcasts I’ve ever listened to! Plus I’m learning so much!
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Kir333333Original perspective on historyGreat podcast! I consider myself quite knowledgeable in history but this podcast showed me many historical events under a different angle.
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JWojSkiGreat PoscastJust recently found this Podcast, enjoying the depth of detail provided on each topic.
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ToadfatherI’m addictedI have listened to hours and hours, and I love every nerdy minute of it.
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MLGU FanDoesn’t Get BetterI only recently stumbled onto this show and have utterly devoured the content; already through the first 40 episodes and get wait to get into the Roman writers/see what’s in store for the next season. My only fear is that like so many niche educational podcasts this one will fizzle out for lack of time and resource. So give this man all your money!! He never asks for any and it’s add free. I have been frustrated with my education and lack of context for anything historical and felt like even after my bachelores degree from a liberal arts college there was hardly anything liberal about the education in the traditional sense. I came out feeling confused and illiterate. Maybe that’s the point of your undergrad. In the years since I’ve tried to give myself a liberal education with a library card and have been slowly working my way through the classics and great books but struggled with feeling siloed and on my own. The whole idea was Socratic discussing after all but I didn’t know anyone with a similar interest in these texts, let alone placing them in their historical context. This podcast has scratched that itch more meaningfully than I know how to articulate and anyone else out there lacking a community of readers to engage with on this topic the warmth and accessibility you’ll find here will be like coming home. I am so glad that this exists.
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—::;)$&@“Does everything rightSkillfully blends providing the context and summarizing the text. Always makes me want to read the book for myself. Thanks!
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sussoperLiterature and History made my cry about the death of CiceroLove this show.
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BigdogchillfrogInsightful and excitingMy man Metzger really does it up! Brilliant analysis giving you the background knowledge to understand literature in a comprehensive manner! Appreciate all the hard work!!! (Songs at the end are kinda goofy though)
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Robert957395Perhaps my favorite podcastDoug does a tremendous job of presenting each work of literature in a balanced fashion within historical context. Also, I really appreciate the balanced biblical coverage. So much biblical discussion is taken from either a Christian or anti-Christian stance and I really appreciate hearing a balanced perspective that presents it within historical context.
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MarissakaysongsThe best literature AND history podcastLiterature and History does what any educational podcast should do: it analyzes dense, historically significant text and makes it accessible to modern listeners. I work as an English teacher and I listen to this podcast every day on my way to work. I’ve learned a lot from this podcast, which gives me interesting material for my lessons and helps me feel more comfortable in my own brain. The musical accompaniment is great too!
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MonsieurBooyahDoug continues to create excellent materialFollow along the journey, it's worth every moment. Doug keeps a consistent and digestible pace at material that is not typically considered easy. He frequently inspires me to go back and read materials I might not have actually read on my own.
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RWRyburna great storytellerDoug connects history and literature in a clear and entertaining way! I’ve learned A LOT and look forward to upcoming shows.
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Solly IsmailSenecaI came across this thread by chance and have just listened to one episode on Seneca. It was very well presented, clear, at a good pace, and wonderful for listening. Also gave me a new perspective. In my reading ( although I have not read much) Seneca was presented as a saintly Stoic. Thank you.
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SaganthonyIncredible in Many WaysI can’t believe this guy does this incredible work and offers it to the rest of the world absolutely free of charge. Dude, whoever you are, you really are a very talented and, more importantly, a wonderful human being. This podcast is incredible and I don’t even want to know how many hours this takes away from your life. If I knew, I’d probably feel guilty for even listening. Keep up the fantastic work!!!
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Ddang1257436AmazingAbsolutely amazing podcast, I’ve learned so much and it’s done in both a comprehensive yet entertaining way. Thank you!!
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GeneFRGEntertainingAn extremely entertaining take on literature and history. The length can be a bit daunting but the payoff is worth it. These long episodes are broken down with little intermissions that provide a welcome rest to your brain. I’m curious as to why Doug didn’t break up these longer episodes into smaller podcasts but that is only a mild complaint. It’s well worth a listen and don’t skip the song at the end of each episode.
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CpommersheimAmazing and informative and addictingI have never reviewed anything in my life but this podcast is THAT good and I can only hope more episodes come out!!!
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MGP TerpsExcellent PodcastWhat an awesome podcast. professional and informative. Entertaining The endings are a treat
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DMBAddictI’m obsessedI could not love this podcast more. I’ve purchased all the bonus content and am hundreds of hours of listening in. It’s riveting honestly. Doug is an amazing host, author, researcher and podcaster. I’m at episode 76 and dreading the fact that it seems like this will not go on forever . Seriously- listen to this podcast!
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CurlsintheSquatRackGreat educational resourceI searched for St. Jerome and came across this podcast and wow, it’s like stepping into a well run seminar. Really well researched and presented.
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Ann211The bestOne of the best podcast I have listened to. I am so lucky to have found it and I intend to spend a good deal of my remaining time on this earth listening, studying, relistening and enjoying this very thoughtful and insightful course. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and insight.
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RobBrCollege Course in ClassicsThe latest review prompted this one from me because I too move at a glacial pace as I read all the works as well, including making my way through the Old Testament. I even read some of the additional reading books. Right now I have finished Aeschylus and am moving on to Sophocles. It is a College Course and boy was that a help over this past year and a half with the Covid lockdown. There is something very reassuring about reading 2500 year old texts while the world goes crazy. I can’t wait to get to the Romans but at my pace that will be 2022. I can’t recommend this podcast enough
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Thesquirmy1Best podcastI have personally listened to this podcast 3 times all the way through. You learn so much and get a unique perspective on the great works of literature framed by the historical context in which they were written.
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anthony louis burnsThe WordIt’s pure truth. Beyond good, didn’t want to but felt compelled to become a patreon support to this amazing beautiful work of art. Just to good
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Solo Solo SoloWhere is he?I’m bereft! Only recently - like 6 months ago - discovered this wonderful podcast. Learned soo much! Have listened to numerous episodes over and over - signed up on Patreon. Face it - listening to Doug Metzer discuss and present ancient history and tales - you start to feel guilty - at least I did - felt like I was getting something, something very valuable for nothing! Like I was cheating somehow! The podcast is so good, so edifying. And now … nothing since March. The beginning of March! Just hoping he’s ok. Have come to love him. Oh … and yeah … his work!
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ReciporKATEMy new favoriteEx english majors- you’ve found your new home! This podcast is incredible. It gives you an excellent summary of the work, surprisingly well performed, with in depth analysis and historical context. And then a song about it all. I’ve only listened to a few so far but I will be binge listening to them ALL. Such a wonderful podcast: content, production, host all 10/10!
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colinthewolfSuperbly produced, expertly narrated, thoughtfully researchedSome of the best educational content on the internet - engaging, thoughtful, well produced, fun, and not too gimmicky (except for the songs, those are kitsch in the best way possible). Just became a Patreon subscriber and couldn’t be more willing to part with my $3/episode.
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Crowbar ManA unique gem in the podcast worldDr. Metzger’s podcast is a singular and most important contribution to literature and history. In a world where academic knowledge is conspicuously silent and people get most of their information from uneducated bloggers, it is a breath of fresh air to get an actual PhD to teach about literature and history. I have come across other podcasts run by historians. However, the information has sadly been biased by personal beliefs, and processed to coddle our modern sensibilities. Dr. Metgzer does what a true historian should: tell us what happened, guide us with an informed perspective, and otherwise let us make sense of it all. His through and entertaining review of the literature and robust resources on the website help me develop my own reading list. He doesn’t stop there. Instead of unrehearsed rants, he gives us very well-produced shows with professional-quality audio. Just when I thought young people no longer cared about classic literature or history, here is Dr. Metzger, making learning fun without watering down the content. I have already donated to his podcast, and will continue to do so.
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Circa45Wow. Thank youI stumbled across your podcast and had never explored literature in a historical context thanks to your podcast. I am now ravenous for more information and contact you make learning about history and literature, entertaining and crave worthy. Thank you, thank you thank you I am binging every single episode.
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Golan TrevizeThe bestWHO IS GIVING ANYTHING LESS THAN A 5/5 - SERIOUSLY WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING?!? Nothing better for anyone who has any interest in literature with historical context. HIGHLY recommended. And Iliad rap battle. I mean, c’MON. Simply the best
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suj AlexandriaSo GoodThis is so good! Will spend probably a year getting through what is posted so far. It is free BUT when you finish an episode you want to find the check-out --this is something I would want to pay for! Worth a donation.
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justbeapersonMy most engaging listenFew things make me spontaneously smile like hearing the intro music of this podcast come up unexpectedly in my queue. Doug is rigorous, accessible, and comfortable to listen to, and he’s the first creator whose patreon was an immediate yes for me. I’ve listened to most of the episodes more than once (that’s a lot of delightful hours). It makes me feel at home in my own brain.
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AcktuallyWelcome back!So glad you are back, and so excited for the new content. The amount of work put into everything, from the music and soundtrack to the transcription and website really sets this podcast aside as a passion project and labor of love.
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Daveypoo@KWIlluminating and ProfoundLoving every minute of this show . Our host couldn't be more engaging and entertaining . The perfect complement to my ritual of watching the sunrise each day here in the Florida Keys . I wish there were as many episodes as sunrises . 😂
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Big old fishSuch a Good CompanionThis is a great podcast—engaging, painstakingly researched, and Metzger is not afraid to be earnest, goofy, funny, whatever. The little songs are good fun, and Metzger has an unerring sense of when to emphasize continuities between us and the ancients and when to emphasize our differences.
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JoshHistoryAmazingLearning so much history and literature! Don’t forget to take breaks and read some times!
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bros4HeyZeusCan’t recommend enoughSuch a great podcast. Worth the listen and definitely worth looking at the website quizzes and bonus content.
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JanetellenirwinThank youI am always looking for sources of intellectual stimulation as I am retired, living alone, and bored by pop culture. “Literature and History“ is a gift from the gods, females I am sure and, of course, Doug. Thank you for sharing your gifts with me.
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abigail.hillmanLiterally amazingWe call Doug my new boyfriend in my house because I’m obsessed. He’s brilliant beyond measure and these podcasts are the best.
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Maude The ThirdMusic tooThe song “Rollin’ into Canaan” is genius. Bloody superb. Scholarly exegesis of ancient texts is good, but spitting bars about war donkeys is great (on YouTube.)
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Pip & PepsiLiterature & History: best podcast ever!Doug is a national treasure! Fascinating material and discussion - complete with humor and music. Who du thunk it would be possible? May Doug find the energy and time to continue for years to come. And may he find a supportive audience for his labors!
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codyHTX93I’m so thankfulAll I can think as I’m listening along to these episodes is “wow we live in an amazing time”. It’s just a huge delight to listen to someone so intelligent and well educated share what they’ve learned. And learnings history through literature is such a great way to understand our past.
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nikauI'm addictedLike having a really great, intelligent, approachable, witty dinner guest for 97 hours. Oh, and he sings for his supper. I am addicted to this podcast.
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neabinorbExcellentThese are excellent lectures on ancient literature in its historical context. Impressive scholarship and presentation.
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TozGraecusBetter than UniversityI have a literature degree and this podcast beats most of the classes I took. Informative, entertaining, intellectually stimulating- what else do you need?
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Suc_kerFor free!I can't believe the outstanding quality of this podcast. People pay thousands in tuition to get a much more boring version of literature and history. Thank you so much for this!
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PelogicAmazing!Can’t say enough good things about this podcast. The best! Deep and wide, impeccably researched, VERY well-told and immensely entertaining. Sober and comedic at the same time. Don’t skip the songs - some of them, such as the epic rap battle between Greek luminaries, are brilliant literature (the lyrics, that is) in their own right, and hilarious. If you’re interested in the history of western literature, or in theology, philosophy, music theory, cultural development or any of a number of other related humanities topics, this is your podcast. University degrees should be handed out to anyone who listens to the whole thing and passes the accompanying quizzes.
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caconkIndescribably GoodTHE most well-presented, thorough, enlightening, and entertaining podcast you'll find anywhere.
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