Our life in the classics with Mary Beard

Women Leaders is having a relaxing summer with women authors.The Odyssey is a big summer hit, but it has been a hit for 3000 years: it is both a classic, and part of the classics, a broad field of study that Western culture has long been obsessed with. From legalities to laughter and from battles to bread, the ancient Greeks and Romans seem to have lived our lives then, while we seek out their lives now.Mary Beard is undoubtedly the most prominent classicist of our times, and her new book, Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old reflects most clearly on our longstanding relationship with the classical period and its ongoing relevance. A strong woman leader, she has authored many books, including the important Women & Power: A Manifesto.In a fun and fabulous conversation, Mary Beard discusses the significance of many issues past and present — and what she really thinks of The Odyssey, the film. Don’t miss it!This episode was recorded on 4 August 2026Chapters:What is a classicist?Use and abuse of classical culture in politicsOrigins of the silencing of women's voicesNolan’s Odyssey impact on female charactersMentionsThe Booker PrizesPodcast - Instant Classics with Charlotte Higgins: YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts  InstagramInstant Classics - Podcast Book Club on the OdysseyBook - Women in Power, a Manifesto (2017), AudibleBook - SPQR, a history of Ancient Rome (2015)Book - Talking Classics, The Shock of the Old (2026), AudibleBook - Samuel Butler The Authoress of the Odyssey (1922)Book - H.R Trevor-Roper History & imagination (1981)The Odyssey movieFollowMary Beard Cambridge University, InstagramIlana Bet-ElInstagram @women_leaders_podcastListen to this episode on our YouTube channelOur partner European Leadership Network Twitter LinkedIn Facebook websiteCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/let-good-times-rollLicense code: ZXIIIJUU2ISPZIJTContribute to the conversation with a comment & a 5-⭐️Reach us on our Instagram and follow for updates @women_leaders_podcastWatch now our episode on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.