Speaking to the Dead

Welcome to the eleventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode, we hear all the calamities that befall poor Peter Abelard, his eventful and long-lasting relationship with Heloise, and ask if everyone you meet is awful might that say something about you?

Join us for a bonus episode of speaking to the dead where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford consider, now that father's day is behind us, the sons in history that have most disappointed their parents.

Welcome to the eleventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode, we join Queen Lili'uokalani as she tries to preserve the independence of her island home in the face of American imperialism. 

Welcome to the tenth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode we interrogate Kamaahmaah about his military prowess in the takeover of the whole of Hawaii, uniting the kingdoms under his rule. We also wonder about his change in tone to King George as he become more secure in his position.

Welcome to the ninth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode, Will makes the dubious choice of turning to the ancient Roman stoic Gaius Musonius Rufus for wedding advice.  Learn about the truly shocking extent of patriarchy in Rome and how Rufus offers for his time a radical view of harmony in marriage. 

Welcome to the eighth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

We are joined by Zhou Daguan to hear his occasionally unbelievable record of the Khmer Empire at the height of its power.

Welcome to the seventh episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode we travel to medieval Nubia to meet with the father of Jak who has some relationship advice for a friend. 

To see the letter we read and many more go to: http://www.medievalnubia.info

Welcome to the sixth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode join us as we talk to Alcuin as he complains about men not being men anymore, the need for virtue, and whether God is sending the Vikings.

Join us for a bonus episode of speaking to the dead where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford trade stories of three (or maybe four) carols from different times and places.

Welcome to the fifth episode of Speaking to the Dead. Where Doug Rooney and Will Stafford read historic texts and put them in conversation with the modern-day. The only rule: the author must be dead!

In this episode, we are joined by the sculptor of the Lionman. In our first consideration of a piece of art, we delve into a world of ice and lions as we consider the amazing creative work of the iceage.