In this episode, we dive deep into Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman’s groundbreaking and ever-evolving collection of poetry that redefined American literature. From the bold opening of Song of Myself to the tender reflections of When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d, we explore how Whitman’s radical embrace of the self, nature, democracy, and the human body challenged 19th-century norms and continues to resonate today. Join us as we unravel the poetic rhythms, celebrate the sensual and the spiritual, and trace the legacy of a man who saw the divine in every blade of grass.

Step into the shadowy elegance of 19th-century Paris as we explore The Flowers of Evil, Charles Baudelaire’s groundbreaking and controversial poetry collection. In this episode, we unravel Baudelaire’s obsession with beauty, sin, and the grotesque, tracing how he transformed the poetic landscape by blending sensuality with despair and modernity with decay. From “Spleen and Ideal” to “The Vampire,” we look at how Baudelaire wrestled with the contradictions of the human soul and helped usher in the age of modern poetry. Whether you’re a longtime lover of verse or just curious about the poet who scandalized a generation, this episode offers a darkly intoxicating dive into the world of Les Fleurs du Mal.

In this episode, we dive into Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot — a haunting and deeply philosophical novel that asks what happens when a truly good person enters a corrupt world. We explore Prince Myshkin, Dostoyevsky’s answer to the “perfectly beautiful man,” and examine how his innocence, honesty, and compassion both uplift and unravel the people around him. From the chaos of 19th-century Russian society to timeless questions of morality, love, and suffering, The Idiot remains as relevant today as ever. Join us as we unpack the psychological depth, literary brilliance, and tragic beauty of this unforgettable masterpiece.