I am not typically an early adapter of technology. I purchased my first personal computer, HD TV, and smart phone at least five years after they had hit the mainstream. And I was usually complaining about the price and unnecessity of the item right up until the moment I started using it. At which point: Eureka!
So it is with podcasts. What took me so long? These things are awesome. They come is so many flavors and sizes, there is something for everyone.
First, what is a podcast? According to Wikipedia, “a podcast is an episodic series of digital audio or video files that a user can download in order to listen.” [1] A podcast does not involve a person reading a book or a series of lectures, which have their own charms, it’s much better. The podcaster might be reading, but it’s something that was written specifically to be presented in a podcast, something intended to be listened to. Some podcasts allow modest interaction, not during the podcast of course, which is recorded, but after, often in the form of questions or a supplementary website.
I came by podcasts slowly, fending off many recommendations from friends because – why do I need podcasts. After reading Lost to the West, by Lars Brownworth (which I recommend), I discovered that he had produced a podcast called 12 Byzantine Rulers. Turns out, he wrote the book after attaining some acclaim from the podcast, which is a bit sensationalist for my amateur historian sensibilities. Brownworth tends to highlight the most salacious or vicious stories and rumors from antiquity. His style is entertaining, but it left me wanting more.[2]
My search led me to The History of Byzantium; I was captivated.[3] The podcast is not for the faint of heart; I’m up to episode 195 (which covered roughly 550 years, starting in 500 A.D. or so) and there are still 400 years to go. The podcaster, Robin Pierson, is outstanding: great voice, sense of humor, terrific research and writing skills. He also provides a complementary (as well as complimentary) website and Facebook page with maps and pictures.[4] I have read many books about the Roman Empire, but I had done nothing systematic. Pierson is systematic and it has helped me better understand the scope and nuance of the empire.
He recaps the centuries. He highlights social features (marriage, education, etc.) with special episodes. He surveys the provinces and provides much general information about empire-wide practices and changes. And, of course, he provides the nuts-and-bolts of the historical narrative — battles, wars, assassinations, and plagues, both mighty and petty. The podcast is a tour de force. I cannot recommend it more highly. I am so glad I have many episodes left.
Because I was late to the party, I didn’t realize that Pierson was reprising Michael Duncan, whose The History of Rome podcast might be the seminal history podcast. He starts at the beginning with Romulus and Remus being raised by wolves, continues through the fall of the republic and the rise of the empire, and concludes with the fall of the west. I’m on episode 161, the Vandals and Goths and Huns (oh my) are ready to assert themselves. The podcast ends on episode 179, so I’ll be able to wander back over to the History of Byzantium and finish off the entire 2,100-year history of the Roman polity.
Pierson and Duncan both turned their podcasts into careers. Duncan has subsequently published books. Both have led Roman history-oriented tours. Both have embraced their topic, which was not a significant part of their former professional lives.[5] The lesson for all of us – pursue your passion, pick a subject you love and champion it, perhaps you’ll create a new career for yourself.
In the meantime, I’m going to need a new podcast at
some point. I’m open to suggestion.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast Should it be “listen to”? Shouldn’t it be “listen to”? Well, should it or shouldn’t it? I enjoy when seeming opposites are actually the same – consider: flammable and inflammable, thaw and unthaw, loosen and unloosen.
[2] Brownworth is not a historian.
[3] I have always been fascinated by Rome. Through the years, I have been increasingly interested in the lesser known latter part of the empire, which is usually referred to as the Byzantine Empire, even though it shouldn’t be.
[4] https://thehistoryofbyzantium.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=history%20of%20byzantium%20podcast&epa=SEARCH_BOX
[5] Duncan was a fishmonger and Pierson a TV producer before turning to researching and delivering podcasts.