The Reading Party Podcast

By Megan Lewis and Lexie Henning

Are you obsessed with mythology and the ancient world? Does seeing Medusa in movies make you smile? Do you tell yourself “Just one more page!” at 3am when reading a novel based on an ancient myth?

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FAQs about The Reading Party Podcast:

How many episodes does The Reading Party Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.

The Reading Party Podcast episodes:

May 14, 2024 Season 2 Roundup
Join Megan and Lexie for a wrap up of season two!
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40min
May 07, 2024 Desert God: Part 2
In the season finale of The Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie dive deep into the final chapters of "Desert God" by Wilbur Smith. They discuss the inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and unsatisfying conclusions in the book, questioning the choices made by the author. Despite the captivating writing style and beautiful descriptions, they express disappointment in the lack of resolution and the abrupt ending. Join them as they analyze the plot, characters, and historical inaccuracies, offer a critical review of "Desert God”, and explore the complexities of blending mythology and history in fiction.
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53min
April 30, 2024 Desert God: Part 1
In this episode of the Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie dive into the world of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia as they discuss the book "Desert God" by Wilbur Smith. Join them as they dissect the historical inaccuracies, character developments, and plot twists in this fifth installment of the Egyptian series. From the over-sexualization of characters to the questionable lore inconsistencies, Megan and Lexie provide a critical yet engaging analysis of the book.

Grab your favorite beverage and snacks as they spill the tea on the adventures of Taita, Mem, and the princesses in this epic journey through ancient lands. Tune in to explore the themes of misogyny, racism, and fantastical elements in this historical fantasy novel.

If you're a fan of ancient history, fantasy, or just enjoy a good book discussion, this episode is a must-listen. Join Megan and Lexie on their adventure through the pages of "Desert God" and get ready for some intriguing insights and lively commentary on this captivating tale.
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51min
April 23, 2024 The Prince of Egypt (1998)
In this episode of the Reading Party Podcast, hosts Megan and Lexie are joined by Dr. Roselyn A. Campbell to discuss the animated movie "The Prince of Egypt" set in ancient Egypt. Dr. Campbell, a subject matter expert, shares insights and expertise on bioarchaeology, the historical/cultural aspects of the film, and provides a captivating exploration of ancient Egyptian stories. Tune in for a lively discussion filled with tea-spilling and historical analysis on this engaging episode!
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55min
April 16, 2024 Pharaoh
Join your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians, Megan and Lexie, as they unpack the fast-paced plot and questionable historical accuracy of the book Pharaoh by Wilbur Smith on today’s episode of The Reading Party Podcast!
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55min
April 09, 2024 Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
Today on the Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie discuss the 2014 movie "Exodus: Gods and Kings" starring Christian Bale. Egyptologist Dr. Christian Casey, a postdoc at the Freie Universität Berlin working on the Zodiac Project, joins them to talk about ancient zodiacal terms and the development of horoscopes in Mesopotamia. Dr. Casey also shares insights on popular representations of ancient Egypt, focusing on accuracy and educating audiences about the reality of ancient Egyptian culture.

Dr. Casey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osarnachthis/

Website: https://www.caseyegyptologist.com/
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1h 10min
April 02, 2024 Joseph, King of Dreams (2000)
Grab your tea and snacks, and join your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians, Megan and Lexie, today as they talk about the 2000 animated movie Joseph, King of Dreams with special guest Dr. Joshua Bowen, who shares his expertise as an honorary Hebrew Bible scholar to analyze the biblical context of the film!
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59min
March 19, 2024 Cleopatra (1963) Deep Dive with Dr. Kara Cooney
On today’s episode of the Reading Party Podcast, Megan and Lexie are joined by Egyptologist Kara Cooney, to discuss Egypt during Cleopatra's reign.

Cleopatra's identity and heritage have been a subject of debate, with various theories suggesting different aspects of her ancestry. The episode discusses the possibility that Cleopatra may have had Egyptian ancestry, despite being part of the Macedonian Ptolemaic dynasty. One key piece of evidence supporting this theory is Cleopatra's ability to speak and read Egyptian, a language that was not commonly known among the ruling class of the Ptolemaic dynasty. This linguistic skill indicates a deeper connection to Egyptian culture and society than what was typical for a Ptolemaic ruler.

The podcast also touches on the cultural representations in the film, such as the depiction of Egyptian and African individuals in stereotypical roles. The use of blackface and racial stereotypes in the film's portrayal of Egyptian and African characters reflects the problematic racial attitudes prevalent in the entertainment industry at the time. These portrayals perpetuated harmful stereotypes and reinforced colonialist narratives about race and identity.

Ultimately, the complex relationship between Egypt and Rome, as explored in the podcast episode, highlights the power dynamics and political intricacies that shaped the interactions between these two ancient civilizations. Egypt's role as a provider of wealth and resources to Rome, coupled with Cleopatra's strategic maneuvers to maintain her rule, exemplifies the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that ultimately led to Egypt's absorption into the Roman Empire and the demise of its independent status.

Join your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians as they delve into ancient history and the legacy of Egyptian queens!

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55min
March 12, 2024 Cleopatra (1963)
Today on The Reading Party Podcast, join your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians, Megan and Lexie, as they shed light on the inaccuracies in costumes and historical context present in the 1963 movie Cleopatra, prompting discussions about the creative liberties taken in portraying ancient Egypt and Roman culture on screen.
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55min
March 05, 2024 The Quest
Your friendly neighborhood Ancient Historians, Megan and Lexie, are back this week to delve into their changing perspective on Wilbur Smith's novel The Quest, a mystical high fantasy novel set in ancient Egypt. They explore problematic themes of race essentialism, exoticism, and strange relationships within the story. The discussion highlights uncomfortable elements like magical rituals involving sex for knowledge transfer and the villain who steals magic from others. While critical, you don't want to miss this discussion examining the book's flaws and contradictions, offering a nuanced take on its content!
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33min

FAQs about The Reading Party Podcast:

How many episodes does The Reading Party Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 63 episodes available.