The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast
70 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 6 years ago - ★★★★ - 131 ratingsThe Great Courses brings engaging professors from the best universities to lifelong learners on audio and video. We create a "university of the best," working closely with our customers to design each Great Course. With this podcast hosted by Ed Leon, you'll meet our fascinating professors and experts who create The Great Courses, listen to their stories and insights, and learn more about the great work they are doing. Discover scientists explaining the latest findings from the fields of astronomy, particle physics, or neuroscience; historians exploring the implications of the latest archaeological findings; medical experts making sense of current health alerts or medical breakthroughs; and literature professors bringing fresh insights to classic literary works. This podcast is available in audio-only format. More information about our courses can be found at www.TheGreatCourses.com.
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Episodes
Was the American West as Wild as We Think?
August 22, 2017 13:18 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBExperience the grit and grandeur of an epic period in American history with a story more thrilling than any Hollywood Western. History professor Patrick N. Allitt dispels tall tales by sharing even more fascinating true stories of the American West. He reveals the facts behind accepted myths around the Cherokee, the Gold Rush, and even beaver fur hats.
Delve Into the Grand Drama of Spanish History
July 24, 2017 19:19 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBSpain has played a unique and pivotal role in Western civilization. It has historically stood at a critical crossroad of geography, of cultures, of religions, of ideas, of trade, and more. Join a seasoned expert on Spain to examine the dazzling unfolding of Spanish civilization: the birth and death of dynasties, the integrations of cultures, and the influence of religion. Professor Joyce E. Salisbury provides you with a deep understanding of Spain’s epic history and demonstrates how it has c...
Discover Everything You Need to Know About What You Eat and Why You Eat It
July 24, 2017 19:10 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBEating is as old as mankind but we are still learning so much about food, nutrition, and our own bodies. Examine the evolution of the human diet with award-winning professor and anthropologist Alyssa Crittenden. Discover how what’s old is new—the evolution and resurgence of the Paleo diet—and how people (and even civilizations) have defined themselves through what they make to eat.
What is Emotional IQ?
June 27, 2017 14:14 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MBDon’t let your emotions run the show! Learn how to control your emotions and use them to help you achieve your goals with Professor Jason M. Satterfield, Professor of Clinical Medicine at UCSF. Delve into this fascinating topic and discover how being aware of your emotional intelligence (EQ) can help you become more perceptive and avoid knee-jerk emotional reactions.
Get Introduced to the Wonders of Birding
May 30, 2017 18:05 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MBGoing beyond basic bird identification, birding includes a far-reaching look into matters such as bird behavior, migration, habitats, conservation, and the science behind them. Join James Currie, birding expert, to discover more about this compelling, delightful, and multifaceted field. Even if you don’t plan to travel the country and become a birding professional, you can get to know the exceptional species in your own neck of the woods with helpful tips to make your backyard more attractive...
Discover the Transformative Power of Anthropology
May 30, 2017 17:28 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBFrom biology to culture, anthropology strives to gain a comprehensive understanding of humanity’s development from primates to digital citizens. Join acclaimed professor and field researcher Scott M. Lacy to delve into what anthropology has taught us about what it means to be human, where we came from, and what keeps us connected.
The History of Higher Education
May 02, 2017 15:43 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBWhen we think of old universities, our minds may go to Cambridge or Oxford, or maybe the University of Bologna. But one of the earliest known universities was established in the Moroccan City of Fez. Join Professorial Lecturer in African Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Eamonn Gearon, to explore the fascinating story of an esteemed University that was established centuries before Oxford: Karaouine University, founded by Fatima Al-Fishri in 859.
Learn the Secrets of the Plants All Around You
May 02, 2017 15:37 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBStepping outside, we can’t help but notice the natural world all around us. Discover how to do more than just notice it. Join Dr. Catherine Kleier, a Professor of Biology at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, to dive into the fascinating world of plants and learn how to see the world as a botanist does. Natural selection has allowed plants to adapt to the widest possible range of environments all around the globe. These adaptations have led to plant adaptations so surprising that they almo...
Learn Music Fundamentals with a Master Guitarist
April 10, 2017 01:31 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBColin McAllister, who studied guitar with Celin and Pepe Romero, interpretation with Bertram Turetzky, and conducting with Harvey Sollberger and Rand Steiger, and has connections to some of the most influential musicians in history, helps you learn how to play and appreciate music. Discover scales, fingering, and posture as he tells tales of being a rock star on the road. Plus, hear some amazing music!
Experience the Formation of America Through the Eyes of the Founders
April 10, 2017 01:27 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBTake a deep dive into the creation of the U.S. Constitution as it actually happened with New York Times best-selling author and professor Allen C. Guelzo of Gettysburg College. He reveals fascinating secrets behind some of the more famous Founding Fathers, using them as a lens through which to see powerful truths about the early political history of the United States. Discover the harsh lesson George Washington learned about how whiskey can make (or break) an election, how calling James Madi...
Discover the secrets of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
March 07, 2017 16:33 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBA million and a half words, 2,500 pages long, and encompassing six volumes, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire has made a lasting and consequential contribution to history. Whether you’re familiar with this masterpiece of literature or not, you’ll gain fascinating insights and discover modern parallels revealed by Harvard professor emeritus of literature Leo Damrosch and Chief of Brand, Ed Leon in this eye-opening edition of The Torch.
Apply the Art of Debate to Your Real Life
March 07, 2017 16:12 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MBWant to improve the discussions in your organization, in your house, or in your social circles? Join Ed Leon and Jarrod Atchison, associate professor of communication at Wake Forest University, to discover how learning the rules and structure of formal debate can improve your communication skills, even in informal situations. By applying the same logic that great debaters employ, you’ll see drastic improvements in your ability to persuade and influence others, and discover you can better stru...
Gain New Insights into the Holy Grail of Science: The Theory of Everything
March 07, 2017 15:22 - 27 minutes - 38 MBCan one single theory explain everything in the universe? Providing a scientific explanation to the big questions of the universe such as “Why are we here?” is a huge undertaking—and one Einstein failed at, but this remains a quest many top scientists still work to unravel. Join physicist Don Lincoln from The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory as he discusses the latest discoveries and if this enigma will ever be resolved.
Separate fact from fiction; reveal facts; and explore fiction with The Torch!
February 06, 2017 15:23 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MBThe truth is out there! Explore misconceptions about how your mind works, uncover overlooked history, and define two-sides of the same literary coin. Join Ed Leon and three esteemed experts on this revealing edition of The Torch where we bust common myths about our own minds, expose the amazing contributions that came from the Islamic Middle Ages, and delve into the literary genres of utopian and dystopian fiction. Do brain games help us avoid Alzheimer’s? What percentage of our brain do we...
Travel Deep Into History and Your Own Mind
January 10, 2017 16:17 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBHow did the great philosophers view the connections between our minds and bodies? How did the ancient civilizations view the skies? How can stress benefit us? How did one singular period of history impact and influence the entire world? Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer, and four renowned experts answer these questions providing profound insights into time, space, and our own bodies. How are our mental and physical perceptions connected? Professor Patrick Grimm tackles this problem from a philos...
Four ways we can impact our world by learning about our history
December 15, 2016 18:17 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBEd Leon, Chief Brand Officer, and four renowned experts introduce us to what the new field of Big History can teach us about our future, how history’s greatest investor’s made their fortunes, what mysteries and wisdom are found in the Analects of Confucius, and how we can use history to predict which political candidate will win the presidency. Although Big History often focuses on the ancient past, Professor Craig Benjamin explains how we use Big History to learn much about the ways our act...
The Literature of Mysteries, the Science of History, and Brain Hacks You Can’t Miss.
November 14, 2016 16:35 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBSolve the puzzles of great mystery fiction, uncover the depths of what paleontology can tell us about our past, and reveal secrets for outsmarting your own brain in this exceptional edition of The Torch. Join Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer, as he talks to three renowned experts to learn more about these fascinating topics. Professor David Schmid, an award-winning associate professor, reviews the 200-year old genre of mystery and suspense by taking you backward and forward in time, around the w...
Explore the Enigmas of History, Philosophy, Photography, and Math.
October 24, 2016 14:33 - 41 minutes - 56.5 MBWe’re revealing the secrets to histories mysteries, modern math, and phenomenal photographs in today’s edition of the Torch. Join Ed Leon as he talks with four esteemed experts to help you learn to crack the codes! One of the world’s foremost experts on Egyptology Bob Brier—known as Mr. Mummy—provides an overview of how to decrypt hieroglyphs. Professor Charles Mathewes deciphers the major themes and lessons from St. Augustine’s seminal work The City of God. National Geographic photogra...
Exercise Your Body and Your Brain With Three Terrific Topics.
September 26, 2016 13:55 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode of The Torch, join The Great Courses Chief Brand Officer, Ed Leon, to explore the philosophies and benefits of tai chi, break down the complex concepts of Chemistry, and discover the incredible science behind decision making. No matter what your age or fitness level, the ancient art of tai chi can provide a multitude of benefits for you. Part exercise, part relaxation technique, the practice of tai chi can be considered a moving meditation. There is no one better to introduce...
Finding Fun in Grammar, Economics, and Machiavelli
August 23, 2016 15:00 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MBDiscover fascinating, intriguing, and enlightening insights about three rewarding topics—grammar, economics, and Machiavelli. No matter how proficient at grammar you are, you’ll benefit from joining Professor Anne Curzan, a professor of English at the University of Michigan, to reveal the rules of words, to study the structure of sentences, and to explore how the elegance of English has evolved. They say money makes the world go round and nowhere is that more evident than when you look at ...
The 50th Edition of the Torch: History, Literature, and Lightning!
July 25, 2016 20:26 - 33 minutes - 46.1 MBThis is our 50th episode of The Torch, hosted by Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer for the Great Courses, and our podcast continues to entertain, inform, and provide our audience with more ways to continue their passion for lifelong learning. This milestone edition examines how music has reflected and affected major milestones in history, delves into the defining moments of Irish culture, and embarks on an exciting adventure into the science of extreme weather. First you’ll explore how history...
New Views on the Present, the Past, and Future
June 27, 2016 20:18 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBLearn the benefits of writing personal essays, examine the Bible as a work of literature, and explore what effects the future will have on your mind in this exceptional episode of The Torch, hosted by Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer for the Great Courses. Begin by looking at a fantastic and flexible outlet for sharing your personal experience with the world: the essay. Dr. Jennifer Cognard-Black, Professor of English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, reveals the simplicity and ultimate grati...
Change Your Perceptions
June 01, 2016 00:35 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MBJoin host Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer of The Great Courses, to discover insights into what we are communicating before we even open our mouths, examine the fascinating world of a real archaeologist, and separate fact from fiction when it comes to fitness and nutrition all in this edition of The Torch! First, examine the nuances of nonverbal communication with Professor Mark Frank of University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, as he provides some illuminating insights into how w...
Change the Way You Think
May 02, 2016 15:15 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBJoin host Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer of The Great Courses, to discover Mayo Clinic’s approach to wellness and healing, examine the rich and complex history of India, and learn how computer programmers think by exploring the language of Python - all in this edition of The Torch! Start by learning what Dr. Brent Bauer of Mayo Clinic has discovered about the benefits of complementary and integrative medicines. By looking at the science and research behind treatments such as acupuncture, yoga,...
Take Your Knowledge to the Next Level
April 05, 2016 19:17 - 44 minutes - 61.2 MBImprove your ability to win an argument, learn how to keep your kids safe from disease, and discover how a master photographer is creating an award-winning project on endangered animals all in this edition of The Torch! Join host Ed Leon as he chats with Professor Steven Gimbel, Dr. Roy Benaroch, and National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore about their exciting new courses. In this information-packed podcast: You'll learn how to apply formal logic to win an argument, solve a problem, ...
The Facts Behind Apple vs. the FBI
March 18, 2016 19:47 - 14 minutes - 2.02 MBYou may think you know all the details about the current debate over privacy vs. security: Superficially, the FBI and Apple are locking horns about a locked phone that belonged to a suspected terrorist. However, this is a small part of a much bigger issue. Dr. Paul Rosenzweig, a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, breaks down both sides of this debate, and you'll discover that the nuances of this story have potentially far-reaching consequences. Jo...
Who Will, and Should, Pick the Next Supreme Court Justice?
March 16, 2016 14:27 - 20 minutes - 28 MBWith the recent passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, the current state of the Supreme Court is surrounded by chaos, confusion, and conflict. A divided government defines the current political environment, and increasing tension surrounding the upcoming election means this Supreme Court nomination is going to be a political battle royale. As President Obama attempts to confirm his selection-Merrick Garland, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circu...
Thoughtful Topics across the Past, Present, and Future
March 09, 2016 14:32 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBProbe three powerful topics ranging from an ancient language to questions and concerns we ponder now, and will continue to think about in this time-traveling edition of The Torch. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses along with three notable professors as they first examine the legalities of a question that has been debated for centuries and is even more relevant today: Should you sacrifice your privacy in exchange for your security? Then look at the past, present, and future of how, where, and ...
The Astonishing Observation of Gravitational Waves
February 19, 2016 20:44 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBOn its 100th anniversary, Einstein’s prediction about his theory of relativity has been validated. Just this month, two facilities in the U.S. recorded gravitational waves resulting from the merging of two black holes that happened 1.3 billion years ago. These ripples are so small — only a fraction the size of an atom – that capturing them was a seemingly insurmountable task. It was a feat that, although Einstein predicted, he never believed we would be able to confirm. In this special episod...
Learn The Truth about the Alarming Zika Virus Outbreak
February 15, 2016 16:19 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MBWith reported cases in the U.S. and a travel advisory out from the CDC, there has been a lot of confusion around what the Zika virus is, how it spreads, and who is at risk. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Dr. Barry Fox, Clinical Professor of Infectious Disease, as they separate fact from fiction, put to rest the rumors, and examine the true nature of this virulent and alarming disease.
Fascinating Facets of History
February 08, 2016 20:57 - 41 minutes - 57 MBSpend 30 engrossing minutes exploring two areas of history that provide some enthralling context for the events and characteristics of our modern world. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and two renowned professors as they first illuminate pivotal moments in the history of the Middle East, then outline the captivating history of American English, in this new edition of The Torch.
Facts, Fiction, and the Big Questions
January 11, 2016 21:45 - 36 minutes - 50.5 MBEd Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 illuminating minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they explore the "big questions" of philosophy, shed light on a little-known yet highly influential ancient civilization, and embark on a stellar journey into why science fiction is so important to our society.
Get New Insights into Worlds You Thought You Knew
December 18, 2015 14:30 - 41 minutes - 56.8 MBEd Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 mindboggling minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they strive to define and understand the true nature of information, investigate the cultural context of Jesus and how the society of his time influenced who he was, and discover why it’s never too late to learn Spanish as you take the first steps into mastering this beautiful and useful language.
Opening New Doors
November 16, 2015 21:14 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MBEd Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors have something for everyone in this edition of The Torch. Join them as they shed light on the engineering marvels we take for granted every day, reveal a history of Eastern Europe that is often overlooked, and help you discover your hidden talent for drawing.
Solve a Myriad of Mysteries
October 27, 2015 17:52 - 49 minutes - 68 MBLove watching doctors solve mysteries on medical dramas? Ever wonder about the enigmatic evolution of our most beautiful national parks? Interested in navigating the little-known, yet fascinating, secrets behind what it takes to get published? Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors have something for everyone in this edition of The Torch. Join them as they solve all sorts of mysteries, ranging from split-second life and death decisions in the high-pressure environment of...
The Mistakes of Our Past and the Discoveries That Will Impact Our Future
September 29, 2015 17:32 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MBTravel back in time to understand what we can learn from some of the most profound military failures, and look to the future with the search for another Earth. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses as he talks with two renowned experts about historic blunders in battle and the exploration of exoplanets.
Pope Francis: The People’s Pope
September 18, 2015 15:36 - 41 minutes - 41.5 MBJust in time for the first-ever visit of Pope Francis to the U.S., The Torch presents an in-depth look at the life and legacy of this unconventional religious leader. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Professor William Cook, Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at the State University of New York at Geneseo, as they discuss Pope Francis, his unique approach and perspectives, and his influence on both the Catholic church and the world.
Stimulate Your Mind: Reality, Mythology, and Italy.
August 21, 2015 19:39 - 37 minutes - 51.9 MBOur panel of experts delves deeply into three thought-provoking topics, all packed into one riveting podcast! Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors as they embark on a comprehensive tour of Italy’s best-kept secrets, undertake an engrossing discussion about what defines reality, and explore spellbinding stories from some of the world’s first myths.
Expanding Minds and Horizons
July 28, 2015 14:49 - 36 minutes - 49.7 MBExpand your mind and your horizons with three fascinating topics covered in one riveting podcast! Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors as they bend your mind with math, investigate how our brains are wired for music, and embark on a cultural exploration of Japan.
Improving Your World
June 29, 2015 19:16 - 32 minutes - 44.3 MBWe have things we would like to change about ourselves - and our world. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses as he tackles the difficult subject of how to create positive and long-lasting change that benefits you and the world you live in.
From the Robotics Revolution to Economic Risk
June 01, 2015 17:50 - 33 minutes - 45.3 MBJoin host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions about topics ranging the world of knowledge. Have you ever dreamed of having your own C3PO or R2D2? It turns out we’re closer than you think. Roombas, pace-makers, Deka arms, navigation systems, you name it... the future of robotics is here! And, managing the uncertainty in our financial futures can seem like a daunting task but with the right tools it becomes manageable and measurable!
From Robber Barons to Superconductors
May 01, 2015 14:46 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBJoin host Ed Leon as he chats with popular Great Courses professors. In this episode Professor and historian Edward O’Donnell talk about The Gilded Age and the Progressive Era - a time of tremendous change in America including: post civil war reconstruction, industrial and economic booms, taming the Wild West, the emerging women’s rights movement, and World War I. And chemistry, it’s no longer a mystery! Chemist and acclaimed professor David Ball breaks down the entire realm of physical ...
The Real King Arthur and the Secrets of Business Success
April 07, 2015 18:28 - 38 minutes - 52.6 MBThink King Arthur is a bedtime story? Meet the real King Arthur - a fifth-century Celtic warrior that the legends are based on. Then, gain a strategic advantage by learning two of the fundamental skills you need to know to succeed at business! Join host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions about topics ranging the world of knowledge.
From Ancient Civilizations to Arctic Poles
March 27, 2015 17:36 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBJoin host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions including what its like to live on the Arctic peninsula, and the truth about the Mayan Calendar- why the world didn’t end in 2012!
To Kill A Mockingbird’s Amazing Long-Lost Follow-Up Novel
March 03, 2015 18:20 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBDiscover the astounding impact that the great literary masterwork To Kill A Mockingbird had on America during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the story behind her long-lost follow-up novel Go Set A Watchman, and the controversy surrounding its July release.
Who Was the Greatest President: Washington or Lincoln?
February 12, 2015 20:24 - 38 minutes - 53 MBDiscover the amazing true story of the creation of the American Presidency, the genius of the Founding Fathers, and why Washington and Lincoln have become mythic figures in our great national saga.
Regional Accents and Ruthless Murders
February 09, 2015 18:14 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBHear intriguing stories behind infamous crimes like the Tylenol murders and the case of Jack the Ripper. Then, see how hundreds of unconscious choices you make in the way you speak affect how others perceive you.
Busting Brain Myths and Bringing Balance through Tai chi
December 17, 2014 14:49 - 29 minutes - 40.3 MBLearn about tai chi, the ancient practice that brings your body and mind in balance. An award-winning tai chi competitor and instructor explains how tai chi can improve your life in scientifically-proven ways. Then, turn to the newest research in neuroscience to learn about the easiest ways to maintain cognitive function as you age.
Magnificent Churches, Cosmic Wonders, and a Lovely Landscape
November 21, 2014 15:32 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBDiscover why the greatest churches in the world are not necessarily the most grandiose; hear the fascinating story of an amazing ice moon the size of England; and learn what you should be doing this Fall to maintain and improve the landscaping in your yard.
Modern Parenting, the Age of the Entrepreneur, and our New Smithsonian Course
October 08, 2014 20:46 - 27 minutes - 38 MBCompare the "successful parent" of the 21st century to one just a generation ago; delve into the fascinating world of lean, digital startups; and explore the original "tech revolution" with the professor of our newest Smithsonian course.