In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Brown University Professor Johanna Hanink, classicist, author, and host of Lesche: Ancient Greece, New Ideas, to explore how the ancient world continues to live, change, and inspire us today.

Professor Hanink traces her journey from studying Latin and Greek to a career exploring ancient Athens and the modern reception of Classical Greece. We discuss the influence of inspiring teachers, the value of connecting antiquity with the modern world, and why Classics teaches the increasingly important art of slowing down and reading closely.

We also explore the Odyssey, the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, mortality and cultural memory, and Professor Hanink’s creative project reimagining the House of Atreus as a Gothic haunted house. Ultimately, our conversation asks what it means to join a dialogue about ancient texts that has endured for thousands of years.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

info@nextdaypodcast.com

In the inaugural episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Elizabeth Murphy - Brown University graduate, professional actress (The Notebook, Grey's Anatomy, NCIS), Latin teacher, academic coach, and founder of Pretty Smartly - to explore how studying Classics can shape life in unexpected ways.

Elizabeth traces her journey from discovering Latin in high school to double concentrating in Latin and Biology at Brown, where professors and mentors deepened her fascination with ancient texts and the human experiences preserved within them. She reflects on how the rigor of Latin taught her to think analytically, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence to pursue paths far beyond the realm of a traditional classroom.

Our conversation explores the surprising connections between Classics, linguistics, acting, and storytelling; the influence of teachers and mentors; and the emotional power of ancient writers such as Catullus. Elizabeth explains why exposure to Latin remains valuable for students today and how Classics can open pathways into careers ranging from law and medicine to writing and the arts.

Ultimately, Elizabeth makes the case that Classics is more than a field of study; it's a way to cultivate curiosity, discover connections, and recognize our shared humanity across thousands of years.

Hello! I'm your host, Maira Zaidi, and welcome to The Case for Classics, a podcast dedicated to inspiring a new generation of learners to discover the value of a Classics education.

I believe Classical Studies deserves a place in today's classrooms. Too often, the field is dismissed as irrelevant to modern times or reserved for an elite few. I believe it is for everyone.

Through conversations with leading scholars, educators, and professionals, I hope to highlight that the ancient world is not simply a relic of history but rather a living legacy that continues to shape our world today.

My goal is to make the case that an education in Classics develops critical thinking, cultural understanding, and effective communication, skills that prepare students not only to succeed in broader careers but also to become thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Whether you're a lifelong Classicist or just beginning your journey, I hope that these conversations inspire you to discover why Classics remains one of the most rewarding and transformative fields of study.

Let's make the case for Classics together!