While I anticipated that my declaration of intent not to vote would create some vigorous and healthy debate, I had no idea it would create the firestorm of controversy that it did in some corners. But let's not forget all of the great people who approached me constructively and persuaded me to vote. In this podcast, originally recorded as a YouTube video, I follow the lead of Marcus Aurelius begin by expressing gratitude for my friends.

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

I am a social studies teacher and I do not plan to vote in the upcoming election. Let's make a teachable moment out of this! Is it a teacher's job to tell people to vote or is it a teacher's job to encourage students to think critically about their political participation? I think that the latter is more in line with the kind of teacher I want to be and with so many voices making generic appeals to vote, I think adding my voice to the marketplace of ideas can only help the ongoing dialogue about citizenship.

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

I have the honor to be joined again by Dr. Gregory Sadler, YouTube's favorite philosopher-in-residence. Dr. Sadler and I discussed the current political climate and my own struggles with whether or not to vote in the upcoming election with references to Aristotle and John Stuart Mill. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to check out Greg's YouTube channel!

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

Say what you want about Mark Zuckerberg, but the guy's been successful? What is responsible for this success? I think that it owes something to his classical education that was focused on the study of ancient Rome. This kind of education has its roots in the Renaissance and is still used by the most prestigious prep schools today. Mark Zuckerberg is not just a coder - he's a Renaissance man with an obsession with Augustus Caesar.

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

After reading an article about Jimmy Carter recently published by the Washington Post, I began reflecting on how Carter presents a model of classical republicanism on the model presented by the ancient Romans - specifically in the person of Publius Valerius Publicola.

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron lectured a boy who called him "Manu" at a ceremony to honor heroes of the French Resistance. This is a good moment to think about the presidency as a republican institution and why the president of a country should be addressed respectfully even in a republic without a rigid social hierarchy.

Music Credit: TJ's Bar Fight courtesy of John Fulford Music

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Greg Sadler, an expert on philosophy who I've collaborated with on YouTube on a few occasions. Greg and I share our perspectives on Confederate memory colored by Greg's extensive knowledge of philosophy, with special attention to Stoic philosophy.

More about Dr. Greg Sadler, visit his YouTube channel and consider supporting his work on Patreon!

Music Credit:
TJ's Bar Fight
courtesy of John Fulford Music

While watching the epic battle scene at the end of last Sunday's episode of Game of Thrones, I was reminded of a similar battle during the time of the Roman Republic. The Battle of Lake Trasimene was one of the most horrific defeats ever suffered by the Roman Army after the Roman consul, Flaminius, was led by Hannibal into an ambush. Using historical documents written by Polybius and Livy, I tell the story of the battle, focusing on the conduct of Flaminius. I then reflect on the conduct of Jaime Lannister in the fictional battle before offering lessons that we can all learn from these commanders.

Music Credit:
TJs Bar Fight (Intro/Outro Music)
The Will to Win (Battle Music)
courtesy of John Fulford Music

I've heard a lot of entrepreneurs talk about taking cold showers as part of their morning routine, but they're not discovering anything new. In ancient Greece, the comic playwright, Aristophanes, criticized philosophers for encouraging young people to take hot baths. Let's learn a bit from modern science and ancient Greek theater!