The Troubadour Podcast

Obsession and Morality in 'Baby Reindeer': Art, Psychology, and Philosophy

Send us a Text Message. What happens when a simple act of kindness spirals into a dark and twisted obsession? Join us in the Viewing Room as we dissect the British black comedy miniseries "Baby Reindeer," available on Netflix. Our panel, featuring Jennifer Buoni, Jax Schumann, Mark Pellegrino, and myself, embarks on an exploration of comedian Donnie Dunn's harrowing experience with an obsessive stalker. With thumbs up from Jennifer, Jax, and Mark for its unflinching narrative and nuanced ch...

Egoism Without Permission: Tara Smith on Ayn Rand’s Ethics

Send us a Text Message. Buy Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics (Ayn Rand Society Philosophical Studies) Venture into the world of self-determination with Professor Tara Smith as she illuminates the path to living egoism authentically, free from the shackles of societal approval. Her new book, "Egoism Without Permission: The Moral Psychology of Ayn Rand's Ethics," serves as the compass for our journey, guiding us through the moral and psychological landscap...

Beyond Netflix: Discovering the Thrill of Live Theatre

Send us a Text Message. Embark on an enthralling odyssey into the soul of the theater with the Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare, inviting us into the realm where the magic of Shakespearean drama and the communal spell of live performances make us active participants. Our discussion honors the enchantment of the stage, the cerebral feast of its language, and the poignant art of translating classic literature like Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" into resonating theatrical experie...

Exploring the Timeless Allure of Love Through Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the mysteries of love's timeless allure as we promise to guide you through the enchanting world of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Discover how this literary classic not only captures the essence of romantic infatuation but also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own experiences and beliefs about love. Delve into the profound influence that Shakespeare's masterpiece continues to wield on our modern-day notions of romance and relationships.  Join me on a lit...

Dissecting Romance: From 'An Affair to Remember' to the Realities of Love

Send us a Text Message. As the golden age of cinema meets contemporary skepticism, my guests Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, and Jennifer Buoani help me peel back the layers of the beloved film "An Affair to Remember." We grapple with whether the idealistic portrayal of romance in this classic can still kindle the fires in our modern hearts. Join us as we navigate the complexities of love and self-discovery through the lens of film and literature, examining the characters' quests for authent...

Beyond Glory: A Deep Dive into HBO's The Pacific and the Human Cost of War

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever pondered the stark realities hidden beneath the veneer of war's glory and honor? Our panelists Jennifer Bouani, Mark Pellegrino, and Jacqueline Schumann join me in dissecting HBO's "The Pacific," peeling back layers of history and the human condition through the lens of this poignant series. We promise an exploration that goes beyond the battlefield, delving into the psychological toll on the Marines and the challenging transition from war to peace. Mar...

Why You Should ONLY Read the First 3 Chapters of Moby-Dick

Send us a Text Message. Imagine setting sail on a voyage where the depths of the American soul are as vast and mysterious as the ocean itself. Our latest episode traverses the enduring waves of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," through a lens that magnifies the novel's relevance to our contemporary lives. We promise a literary escapade that reveals how Ishmael's narrative resonates with our own yearnings for purpose and connection in an era of rapid societal transformation.  Feel the pulse of...

Is "High Noon" Toxically Masculine? W/Viewing Room Crew

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a cinematic journey through the dusty trails of "High Noon," as we dissect the intricate layers of this timeless Western. With the help of our esteemed panelists—Jennifer Bawani, Jack Schumann, and Mark Pellegrino—we peel back the curtain on the artistic triumphs and critiques of this Gary Cooper classic. From the nuanced portrayal of Sheriff Will Kane to the controversial interpretations that have swirled around the film, our conversation promises a fresh ...

Why We Bond With Art - A Discussion with Art Historian Luc Travers

Send us a Text Message. Discover the heartbeat of fandoms and the power of literature in our lives with Luc Travers, the eloquent author behind "Stories in Paint" and "Touching the Art." As we journey from the fervor of Star Wars fanatics to the wide-eyed students exploring the pages of "Anne of Green Gables," we unwrap the emotional tapestry that binds us to the stories we cherish. Join us for an episode that not only celebrates the passionate responses to narrative adaptations but also de...

Exploring the Legacy and Impact of 'Band of Brothers': A Discussion on War, Heroism, and Historical Storytelling

Send us a Text Message. Picture the gritty reality of war and the unbreakable bonds it forges—this is the essence we capture in our heartfelt conversation about "Band of Brothers." Joined by Jax, Jennifer, and Mark, we revisit the powerful emotions and painstaking authenticity that catapult this HBO series into the annals of must-watch TV. With personal connections to the WWII era, we peel back the layers of history, heroism, and horror, offering listeners a glimpse into the complex narrati...

The Aesthetic of Adversity: Tracing the Dance of Struggle in Art and Life

Send us a Text Message. Art and adversity intertwine in a dance as old as creation itself, and we're here to explore each step of their intricate pas de deux. As we close the curtains on our summer series, I, Kirk, alongside Luc and our esteemed guest Don Watkins, unpack the profound connection between struggle and creativity. From Michelangelo's "Rebellious Slave" to the raw emotion of Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto, we traverse the landscape of human perseverance, culminating in a po...

Feasting on Chaos and Redemption: A Deep Dive into 'The Bear' Season 2 with Expert Panel

Send us a Text Message. Prepare to be whisked into the bustling kitchen of critique as we unfold the second season of "The Bear" with the astute insights of Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Buoani, and myself, Kirk Barbera. Together, we slice through the series' masterful storytelling, savoring the poignant and sometimes chaotic blend of aspiration, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of culinary greatness. Our discussion stirs up a rich stew of opinions on the complex characters wh...

Shakespeare's Greatest Love Sonnets for Valentine's Day

Send us a Text Message. Uncover the intricate dance of love and beauty in Shakespeare's sonnets with Austin Shakespeare's Justin Scalise and Ann Cicolella. As Justin's voice breathes life into Sonnets 18 and 49, we embark on a journey through the complexities of romantic entanglement and the raw emotions that make us quintessentially human. Together, we celebrate the Bard's unrivaled ability to capture the fleeting moments of love, the insecurities that shadow our relationships, and the viv...

Exploring the Romantic Spark: Poetry, Painting, and the Power of Unspoken Connections

Send us a Text Message. Unlock the mysteries of love's first glow as we, Kirk and Luc, together with our spirited Facebook Group community, dissect the elusive 'romantic spark' through the prisms of poetry and painting. We kick off with a poignant poem and a captivating visual narrative, inviting you to feel the pulse quicken at the prospect of fresh love. Expect to traverse the landscapes of romantic comedies, iconic tales, and delve into the psyche behind one-sided infatuation versus the ...

Rethinking History Education W/ Scott Powell & Heather Schwarz

Send us a Text Message. Heather Schwarz and Scott Powell are co-founders of the online school Knowable World. Embark on a journey through time with Scott Powell and Heather Schwartz as we unravel how a deep understanding of history can illuminate the complexities of today's world. Scott, with his books "The History of Now" and "The History of Tomorrow," deftly challenges the notion of present centrism, while Heather's Knowable World curriculum seeks to arm the younger generation with the h...

The Viewing Room: Fauda Discussion

Send us a Text Message. Discover the complex emotional landscape of "Fauda" Season One as Mark Pellegrino, Jax Schumann, Jennifer Bouani, and I unravel the artistry and cultural impact of this politically charged drama. Our candid discussion takes an unexpected turn as we peel back the layers of storytelling, character development, and representation, offering you a deeper insight into the nuanced portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Join us as we navigate the moral ambiguities an...

Behind the Mask of Moby-Dick: Captain Ahab's Pivotal Speech Explained

Send us a Text Message. Unveil the mystery behind Captain Ahab's obsession with the elusive white whale as we dissect his profound monologue in Herman Melville's "Moby Dick." Joined by a renowned Melville scholar, we plunge into Ahab's psyche, examining his belief in a hidden force driving existence and his unwavering determination to confront this power. Witness the collision of Ahab's fierce will against Starbuck's resistance and discover the philosophical and moral implications it raises...

Navigating the Depths of "Moby Dick": Herman Melville's Epic and Its Reflection of America's Soul

Send us a Text Message. *This was a short talk I gave at an Austin event called "Third Thursday." Step aboard as we chart a course through the soul of America with Herman Melville's leviathan of literature, "Moby Dick." Grapple with the whale of all novels as we dissect the Essex tragedy's influence on Melville's masterwork, teasing out the human tendency to become what we fear most. Embark with me on a deep exploration of Melville's own odyssey – from exotic encounters with cannibals to h...

Philosophy's Place in the Modern World: From Higher Education to Practical Impact W/ Dr. Mike Mazza

Send us a Text Message. Join the conversation with Dr. Mike Mazza from the Einrand Institute as we navigate the purpose and future of philosophy amidst the changing tides of higher education. Our engaging chat begins with a casual banter on motorcycles, only to transition into an examination of America's unique approach to commercializing universities. As Dr. Mazza unfurls his wisdom on the philosophy of science, we pay homage to the likes of Newton and Darwin, whose monumental work still e...

Navigating Truth and Liberty: Fake News, and the American Abortion Debate with Dr. Ben Bayer

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a philosophical voyage with Dr. Ben Bayer, Director of Content at the Einrand Institute, as he joins us to dissect the intrinsic American value of individualism and its current cultural standing. Throughout our conversation, we tackle the complexities of consuming news in an era where 'fake news' floods our feeds, seeking strategies to maintain our sanity while staying truly informed. Dr. Bayer imparts wisdom on the intricate psychology that fuels conspirac...

Surprised by Art: Undying Love

Send us a Text Message. Could the fervent passion depicted in the tragic tales of Quasimodo and Esmeralda be present in our real-life love stories? This episode, with special guest Luke Travers from touchingtheart.com, delves into the enduring enigma of undying love as seen through the prisms of literature, art, and our everyday experiences. We struggle with the question of whether romantic love can truly be eternal, examining the reflective journey of Michael Corleone in "Godfather Part Th...

The Art of the Twist: Celebrating O. Henry's Timeless Tales with Ann Ciccolella

Send us a Text Message. Ever been caught off guard by the twist in a short story that left you pondering life's unexpected turns? We've all been there, and this episode celebrates the king of the twist ending, O. Henry. Joining me is the artistic director of Austin Shakespeare, Ann Ciccolella, as we delve into the whimsical world of this short story maestro. With Anne's intimate knowledge of translating literature to the stage, we unravel the intricacies of bringing O. Henry's vibrant chara...

Riding Towards Wealth: The Pursuit of Financial Happiness and the Wisdom of Rich Dad Poor Dad

Send us a Text Message. Could achieving financial happiness be as simple as choosing your dad wisely - rich or poor? Together with Mike White, a former submarine officer turned MBA student, we navigate the intersection of wealth and well-being, drawing from Robert Kiyosaki's 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' as our compass. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge from Austin's Objectivist and Bitcoin circles, infusing our discussion with a fresh perspective on finding joy in the numbers. Strap on your helmet ...

Exploring the Grand Themes of Love and Chivalry in Andrew Marvell's Poetry

Send us a Text Message. Embark on a poetic exploration with us as we peel back the layers of Andrew Marvell's "The Definition of Love," where we tease out the complexities of a doomed love with metaphysical flair. Alongside a comparison to Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress," we ponder the intricate dance of despair and impossibility in the quest for affection. The poem itself becomes a doorway to considering the ways love's portrayal has withstood the test of time, beckoning us to reflect on h...

Unveiling the Layers of Beauty and Truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54

Send us a Text Message. Discover the true essence of beauty where it overlaps with truth in our latest journey, guided by the timeless words of William Shakespeare in Sonnet 54. Are you ready to redefine beauty in your life? Join us as we peel back the layers of this seemingly simple poem to reveal a world where outer attractiveness is harmoniously balanced by the integrity and truth that radiate from within. This episode isn't just a literary discussion; it's an introspective exploration ...

Reflecting on Tennyson: Embracing Hope and Renewal as the Year Ends

Send us a Text Message. As the year wanes, Alfred Lord Tennyson's "Ring Out, Wild Bells" calls to us, a clarion of hope and renewal amidst the echoes of loss. Together, we traverse the emotional landscape of Tennyson's masterpiece, "In Memoriam AHH," delving into the depths of his friendship with Arthur Henry Hallam and the resulting literary tribute. Through a heartfelt reading of the poem, we unravel layers of grief, truth-seeking, and the universal yearn for brighter days, offering you a...

Exploring the Intersection of Parenting, Personal Growth, and Marital Satisfaction with Jesse McCarthy

Send us a Text Message. Does becoming a parent condemn you to a less joyful marriage? Jesse McCarthy joins us to unravel the complexities of parental happiness and the dynamics between raising children and marital satisfaction. Our conversation moves beyond the common narrative that contentment dwindles post-children, probing into whether this decline is a parenting inevitability or a sign of unpreparedness. Along the way, we dissect perspectives on pro-natalism, the transformative potentia...

Surprised by Art: Holiday Spirit

Send us a Text Message. As the first snowflake graces the ground, I always find myself reflecting on the true meaning of the holiday spirit. This episode is a canvas of thoughts painted with the vibrant hues of art, poetry, and heartwarming tales that redefine the essence of Christmas. Our journey begins with an enigmatic painting that might just alter your festive perceptions, while we muse over the symbols that make the holidays a time of joy and benevolence, transcending religious bounda...

Redefining Your Financial Future through Money Scripts With Jake Nuno

Send us a Text Message. Imagine the power of understanding your relationship with money. Join us, Jake and Kirk, on a journey to discover our money scripts and how they shape our financial decisions. From sharing personal anecdotes to hearing from a certified financial planner, you'll gain insights that could potentially revolutionize your approach to money management. Have you ever considered that your approach to money could be categorized into a 'money personality'? We delve into the pe...

Exploring Love and Art Through Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love'

Send us a Text Message. What if the emotional fulfillment we seek through romantic love could be replaced by the profound experience of appreciating fine literature and art? As we dissect Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love', we pose and explore this provocative question, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and attraction. We challenge the conventional view that physical love is a necessity, underscoring the potential of art to portray 'what ought to be' and...

The Psychology of Entrepreneurship: Insights from Dr. Gena Gorlin

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an entrepreneur? Well, we have the perfect episode for you. We're thrilled to have Dr. Gena Gorlin with us, a trailblazer in the psychology of entrepreneurship. She offers an enlightening perspective on the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the unique challenges and complexities that entrepreneurs face. She touches on the importance of making value-oriented decisions in our relationships, which are relevant not jus...

From YouTube Engineer to War Volunteer: Examining Dan Hackney's Journey Into the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

Send us a Text Message. Would you drop everything, pack your bags, and head into a war zone to fight for freedom? That's exactly what our guest, Dan Hackney, a bonafide YouTube engineer did when he volunteered his skills and time to the Ukrainian military during the Russo-Ukrainian War. We dive deep into Dan's mind, understanding his reasons and the rollercoaster of emotions that came with his extraordinary decision, and explore his dedication to the objectivist community. From the surpris...

The Beautiful Woman Without Mercy (La Belle Dame Sans Merci)

Send us a Text Message. Step into the enchanting world of romantic love as depicted by John Keats in his poignant ballad 'La Belle Dame Sans Merci' With us as your guides, you'll traverse the emotional landscape of love and loss, unearth the dual nature of love, and witness the power of romantic love that transcends even death itself. Can you imagine being so consumed by love that you find yourself in a state of bliss yet despair? Well, prepare to step into the shoes of a knight, as we diss...

Flirting & Foreplay in Art and Poetry

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of 'Surprised by Art', embark on a journey that intimately intertwines the worlds of art, poetry, passion, and pleasure. Discover how the subtle innuendos of a mysterious painting and evocative verse can profoundly amplify your appreciation of life's sensuous delights. Explore how flirting, foreplay, and secret desires are masterfully embodied in art, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and intrigue that deepens our understanding of desire, and ultima...

On Shakespeare by John Milton

How And Why To Read Homer

Send us a Text Message. This is a talk I gave at an event in Austin with a group of Ayn Rand Fans.  I first read Homer when I was 9 years old. I understood none of it. After re-reading it many times, and later creating The Literary Canon Club, I have come to the conclusion that everyone should read Homer. In this talk I'll explain why and give you some insights from an amateur on how to approach the two epic poems of Homer. "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey."

Robert Frost Versus Artificial Intelligence

Send us a Text Message. With the call from some "futurists" like Elon Musk to pause development of AI, I explore two poems. One written by an Artificial Intelligence app, and another written by Robert Frost.  The hypothesis: The chasm between Artificial Intelligence and the miraculous Human Consciousness is infinitely deep and unsurpassable. This does not diminish AI, but rather puts it in it's place as a tool of the human mind. Experiment: take three abstract human emotions "isolation, s...

Why Are Reaction Videos So Popular (A Poet Answers)

Send us a Text Message. A discussion of the Poem: Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, On Revisiting the Banks of the Wye during a Tour. July 13, 1798 By William Wordsworth

Surprised by Art: Ted Lasso and Infectious Optimism W/Joel Marquez

Send us a Text Message. On this episode of Ted Lasso Luc Travers and Kirk Barbera are joined by Ted Lasso expert and creator of the biggest Ted Lasso fan group on Facebook, Joel Marquez. We discussed the show Ted Lasso and its relation to today's topics "Infectious Optimism" or "Infectious Benevolence." Luc then surprised both Kirk and Joel with a fascinating painting and Kirk surprised Luc and Joel with an inspiring poem.  You won't want to miss the episode! Joel's facebook group is cal...

Surprised by Art: Indiana Jones And the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Surprised by Art: James Bond and Sexy Confidence

Surprised by Art: Struggle W/ Guest Don Watkins

We were happy to have author Don Watkins on the show for our summer finale. The topic this week was "struggle." As always Luc chose a painting and Kirk selected a poem. Don is the co-author of the best selling books Free Market Revolution and Equal is Unfair. He's the host of the show Liberty Unlocked and he teaches communication skills at donswriting.com

Surprised by Art: Social Harmony

Send us a Text Message. Shortly after the recording of this episode, Luc Travers posted this to the facebook group:  "Oh man, that episode recording was a wild, emotional ride! I went from warm nostalgia, to eager hope, to anxiety, to confused anger, to relief, to relative serenity in the space of 45 minutes!" Kirk agrees. This was an intense episode that dealt with a very heavy topic. What is social harmony? On this episode, you'll hear a variety of different answers, including two radi...

Surprised by Art: Romantic Spark

Not only did Luc and Kirk discuss the topic of romance, but they discussed rom-coms, read some Shakespeare, talked about literature and of course were surprised by the painting that Luc chose and the poem Kirk chose. What do you think is a romantic spark? When does it happen? How does it happen? Special thanks to our voice recording guests Patrick Reasonover of justaddfirewater.com Emily Meer from the Surprised by Art Facebook Group Hillary Romero from Hilco Homes View the painting here: ...

Surprised by Art: (Secular) Revelation

Send us a Text Message. This week Luc and Kirk delve into the religious concept of revelation. Does revelation refer solely to the divine? How can revelation be brought down to earth? How is it relevant to our day-to-day lives? In painting, revelation is a very popular concept. The same is true in literature and poetry. What do you think? Does revelation have to be divine? Can we attain secular revelation? And what would that mean? Special thanks to our voice recorders Kelly Bowers & Sean ...

Surprised by Art: Self-Creation

Send us a Text Message. Today Luc and Kirk are joined by sculptor Kelsy Landin. Make sure to follow her on Tiktok @landinart where she has become very popular creating videos of the sculpting process. Instagram she is @landinofficial and youtube Landin Art. Luc chose a spectacular statue to surprise us with. All three of us discussed various aspects of the sculpture as well as its artistic meaning. At first, it was not obvious how it fit into the topic of "Self-creation" but after explorin...

Easter, 1916 by WB Yeats

Send us a Text Message. A reading and discussion of the poem "Easter, 1916" by WB Yeats. This poem is considered one of the most powerful political poems of the 20th century. Easter, 1916 BY WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS I have met them at close of day    Coming with vivid faces From counter or desk among grey    Eighteenth-century houses. I have passed with a nod of the head    Or polite meaningless words,    Or have lingered awhile and said    Polite meaningless words, And thought before I had d...

Surprised by Art: Aloneness

Send us a Text Message. is there a difference between aloneness and loneliness? What are the benefits and drawbacks to being alone? Our two artists today have very different things to say about being alone and loneliness. You may be listening to this alone. But are you alone with Luc and Kirk in your ears? There are times when it is important to break away from others and be by yourself. But there are times when connection is a strong desire.  This and more is what we explore on this episo...

Surprised by Art: Reverence for a Mentor

Send us a Text Message. In this episode Luc and Kirk explored the idea of the role of a mentor in ones life. To what degree should we revere them? How personal does the relationship have to be? What value is there in a mentor? How can you be better mentor? What truly does a mentor do? How is a mentor different than a teacher? Luc shared a wonderful sculpture with all of us and Kirk chose a poem (stole might be a better word! From a talk by Lisa VanDamme, "Life Poetry and Keats.") This pod...

Andor & Great Literature W/Luc Travers

Send us a Text Message. A discussion of the new show, Andor on Disney+