Quintus Curtius

This podcast is a change of pace. I talk about one of my favorite Twitter accounts, the account of @MichaelPorfirio, and I discuss why I think it actually has, in its own way, legitimate artistic merit.

Sometimes we need to be thrown curve balls here and there, to keep us all on our toes.

In this podcast I discuss three separate questions sent to me by readers. The questions are:

1. How do I deal with a situation where I'm worried my boss might try to prevent me from getting a new position?

2. What do I think of dress codes and standards?

3. Is there a place for men's organizations?

After saying a few words about the great explorers and travelers of the past, we give a podcast reading of my most recent article, "Charles Sturt: A Pioneer Of Australian Exploration."

In this podcast we discuss David Mamet's 2008 film "Redbelt." This is a great movie, and a worthy addition to his long line of films that explore the moral and ethical problems that men face as they try to reconcile their personal creeds with the world's corrupting influences. How we resolve this struggle will define what kind of man we are.

I spent the recent holidays in Belo Horizonte, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.  It was a fantastic trip, and I wanted to give readers my impressions of the city.

During this holiday season, try to reach out to someone who needs a hand and try to show some kindness. Too often, we all get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget other people also need help.

The theme of this podcast is the subject of escape, and how it is connected with travel and discovery. We explore this theme through the prism of two recent movies: "The Last Days" (2013) and "The Way Back" (2010).

(Trailers for both films can be found on my post for this podcast at qcurtius.com).

We explore the theme of the presence of death through two movies: "Biutiful" (2010) and "Amour" (2012). We also discuss Polydore Vergil's comments on the burial customs of various peoples.

A reader has some questions about giving his son advice on educational and career choices. He is torn between emphasizing what is "practical" and what he feels "passionate" about. Which one is more important? And if given the option, which one should be emphasized?

I offer six points that might help him in coming to his own conclusions.

In this podcast we discuss three movies: "Good People" (2014), "Smoke and Mirrors" (El Hombre de las Mil Caras)(2016), and the unsettling "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017).

Trailers for these films can be seen on the post for this podcast at www.qcurtius.com.