The Case for Classics

About The Case for Classics

Hi! Welcome to The Case for Classics ! I'm your host, Maira Zaidi. I created this podcast to inspire a new generation of learners to discover the enduring value of Classical Studies. Through conversations with leading scholars, educators, and professionals, I explore how the ancient world is not a relic of the past but a living legacy that continues to shape our language, literature, philosophy, politics, and culture. At its heart, the podcast seeks to make Classics more accessible and inclusive by introducing Latin, Greek, and Ancient History to students from all backgrounds, especially those who may never have encountered them before. By sharing insights from people across the field, I hope to demonstrate how the study of antiquity remains relevant to the questions and challenges we face today. My goal is to make the case that an education in Classics develops intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, cultural understanding, and clear communication— qualities that prepare students not only to succeed in careers such as academia, law, medicine, public service, journalism, business, and science, but also to become thoughtful, engaged citizens capable of understanding the complexities of the modern world. Through this podcast, I hope to inspire young people to discover the ancient world as part of our shared global heritage and recognize that Classics remains one of the most relevant and rewarding fields of study today. Thank you so much for listening. Whether you're a lifelong Classicist or you're just discovering the ancient world for the very first time, I'm so glad you're here. Let's make the case for Classics together! Maira Zaidi Acta Diurna Classics – An Archive of Classical Inquiry Follow: Gazette, Acta Diurna Read: Journal, Veritas Listen: Podcast, The Case for Classics @actadiurnaclassics | www.actadiurnaclassics.org

Publisher

Maira Zaidi

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 May 2026

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   Ancient Drama, Human Stories: Harvard Professor Naomi Weiss Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Harvard University Professor Naomi Weiss, Director of the Center for Hellenic Studies, to explore Greek drama and the emotions that connect us to stories. Professor Weiss traces her journey from enjoying the puzzles of Latin to teaching herself Greek with her friend. She reflects on the teachers and colleagues who shaped her scholarship, and how studying at Oxford and Berkeley opened ways of approaching the ancient world. Through Hec...

2. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Ancient Machines, Modern Questions: Cornell Professor Courtney Roby Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Cornell University Professor Courtney Roby to explore ancient machines, modern technology, and the questions that connect engineering with the humanities. Professor Roby traces her journey from mathematics and electrical engineering to Classics, sharing how a love of puzzles and structures drew her toward Latin and Greek. She reflects on the mentors who supported her change of direction and the questions that prompted her to reconside...

3. 

   26 Oct 2026

   For the Love of Classics: Ekklesia’s Co-Founders Make the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Imogen Briscoe and Tom Hilless, co-founders of Ekklesia Magazine, to explore how a love of antiquity can become a welcoming community beyond the classroom. From Percy Jackson and Jason and the Argonauts to an unexpected conversation that changed a university application, they share the moments that drew them into Classics. They reflect on teachers who balanced encouragement with challenge, and how their studies led to different paths i...

4. 

   25 Oct 2026

   Ancient Languages in an AI Future: Paideia Institute Founder Dr. Jason Pedicone Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Dr. Jason Pedicone, Co-Founder and President of the Paideia Institute, to explore ancient languages and the value of the humanities in the age of artificial intelligence. Dr. Pedicone traces his journey from discovering classical references in Shakespeare to becoming his university’s first Fulbright scholar. He reflects on the mentors who encouraged him, including papal Latinist Father Reginald Foster, whose teaching helped inspire P...

5. 

   4 Oct 2026

   The Joy of Learning: Chair of Classics, Columbia University Prof. Katharina Volk Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Chair of Classics, Columbia University Professor Katharina Volk, a Classicist specializing in Roman literature, philosophy, and intellectual history, to explore why the joy of learning belongs at the heart of education. Professor Volk traces her journey from childhood fascination with Homer in Germany to finding her academic home in a small, welcoming Classics department. She reflects on the influence of a charismatic mentor who began...

6. 

   20 Sept 2026

   From Homer to Hip-Hop: UPenn Prof. & Pres. Sociey for Classical Studies Ralph Rosen Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with University of Pennsylvania Professor Emeritus Ralph Rosen, a scholar of ancient literature, satire, and medicine, to explore connections between Homer, jazz, and freestyle rap. Professor Rosen traces his journey from aspiring scientist to student of Greek and Latin, sharing how Plato, Homer, and inspiring mentors opened a world of intellectual possibilities. He reflects on discovering parallels between jazz improvisation and Homeric or...

7. 

   6 Sept 2026

   Roman Mysteries, Timeless Stories: BBC-Adapted Author Caroline Lawrence Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Caroline Lawrence, author of the bestselling Roman Mysteries series adapted for the BBC, to explore how ancient stories can spark imagination, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning. Caroline traces her journey from reading Mary Renault and Homer during a gap year to studying Classics at UC Berkeley and Cambridge. She shares how teaching Latin to children rekindled her enthusiasm for the ancient world and how a simple idea, “Nancy Dr...

8. 

   23 Aug 2026

   Who Owns the Ancient World? Johns Hopkins Prof. Nandini Pandey Makes the Case for Classics

   In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Johns Hopkins University Professor Nandini Pandey to explore identity, belonging, and why the ancient world can speak to people from every background. Professor Pandey shares her journey as a South Asian American who found refuge in books and discovered Latin on her first day of college. Hearing Virgil’s Aeneid recited aloud sparked a fascination that became a career. She reflects on the generous mentors who shaped her path and her com...

9. 

   9 Aug 2026

   Ancient Texts, Modern Lives: Brown University Prof. Johanna Hanink Makes the Case for Classics

   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 ancient texts continue to shape modern lives. Professor Hanink traces her journey from charismatic Latin teachers and studying Greek in high school to a career connecting ancient and contemporary Greece. She reflects on the mentors who encouraged her curiosity and how exploring antiquity’s afterlife can make the ...

10. 

    19 Jul 2026

    Latin, Travel & the Art of Learning: Calder Classics Founder Cindy Calder Makes the Case for Classics

    In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Cindy Calder, founder of Calder Classics, to explore how language, travel, and art can transform the way we experience the ancient world. Cindy traces her journey from growing up among ancient sites in Greece to working in banking and translation before returning to school to study Greek and Latin. She reflects on the demanding courses and inspiring teachers who opened a new chapter in her life, reminding us that there is no single pat...

11. 

    5 Jul 2026

    Giving Classics New Life: Aôthen Magazine Founder Samantha Ng Makes the Case for Classics

    In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Samantha Ng, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Aôthen Magazine, to explore how archaeology, literature, and creativity can bring new life to the ancient world. Samantha traces her journey from growing up in Hong Kong without Latin or Greek at school to discovering archaeology through an online Homeric Greek course. Once an aspiring chemist, she shares how supportive teachers encouraged her change of direction and helped her feel welcome i...

12. 

    21 Jun 2026

    Ancient Languages, Living Voices: Founder of Polymathy, Luke Ranieri Makes the Case for Classics

    In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Luke Ranieri, language educator and creator of the YouTube channels Polymathy and ScorpioMartianus, to explore how speaking ancient languages can transform our relationship with the past. Luke traces his unconventional journey through geology, military aviation, and independent language study, beginning with his father’s love of ancient art and his desire to read Latin inscriptions in Italy. He shares the excitement of discovering a L...

13. 

    7 Jun 2026

    Latin to Medicine: Neuroradiologist Dr. Christopher Mattern Makes the Case for Classics

    In this episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Mattern, a neuroradiologist and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Radiology Partners, to explore how a classical education can enrich a career in medicine. Dr. Mattern traces his journey from an inspiring Latin classroom in North Dakota to studying Biology and Classics at Stanford. He shares encounters with professors, including one who recalled his friend Albert Einstein, and reflects on the relationships that made a ...

14. 

    24 May 2026

    From Latin to Hollywood: Classicist & Actor Elizabeth Bond Murphy Makes the Case for Classics

    In the inaugural episode of The Case for Classics, I sit down with Elizabeth Bond Murphy, actress, Latin teacher, academic coach, and founder of Pretty Smartly, to explore how ancient languages can open unexpected doors. Elizabeth traces her journey from a high school Latin classroom to double concentrating in Latin and Biology at Brown University. She reflects on professors who deepened her love of Virgil, encouraged her research, and helped her discover connections between classical literat...

15. 

    10 May 2026

    Introduction to the Case for Classics

    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...

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