Welles's University

About Welles's University

Class is in session! Join your TAs/hosts Hope and Stephen as they take a deep dive into the life and work of one of America's most influential performers, filmmakers, artists, and raconteurs - the late, great Orson Welles! New episodes every other Tuesday!

Publisher

Welles University

Category

arts · history · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

6 May 2025

Latest episode

8 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2025

   SPECIAL #1 - News… on the March! Fall 2025 Edition

   "Keep Ted Turner and his g*ddamn Crayolas away from my movie." Hope and Stephen discuss some Orson Welles adjacent news including an upcoming Parisian Welles retrospective, the death of one of Orson's proteges, and the encroaching spectre of AI on the art and legacy of Orson Welles. Read the articles we reference here: * BREAKING NEWS: 'Rare' Welles BBC interview on his infamous War of the Worlds broadcast: https://nerdist.com/article/rare-orson-welles-war-of-the-worlds-interview-resurfaces/ * Welles retrospective at Cinémathèque Française: https://www.cinematheque.fr/my-name-is-orson-welles.html * RIP Henry Jaglom: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/sep/25/henry-jaglom-fiercely-independent-director-and-friend-of-orson-welles-dies-aged-87 * The attempt to reconstruct The Magnificent Ambersons: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/orson-welles-lost-movie-ai-1236361881/ * The Welles estate response: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/orson-welles-estate-blasts-ai-magnificent-ambersons-ending-1236509523/ * Tilly Norwood, AI actress: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/ai-actress-tilly-norwood-talent-agents-zurich-summit-1236533454/ * The SAG-AFTRA response: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sag-aftra-slams-ai-actress-tilly-norwood-xicoia-union-1236388942/ Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know how we're doing! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendu

2. 

   9 Sept 2025

   010 - The Hearts of Age (1934) w/ Samuel Dumas

   "It was a send-up, Peter – a charade. Sunday-afternoon fun out on the lawn." Get ready, class, because we've brought in our first guest lecturer - amateur filmmaker and technical director for The Department of Menial Humor, Samuel Dumas - to discuss Welles's first foray into filmmaking with the 1934 short film The Hearts of Age. We discuss this film's surrealist influences, the parallels with Welles's later work (especially his final film The Other Side of the Wind), and finally get into the details of Stephen's fabled Wellesian bachelor party! Homework for next week - 'Voodoo' MacBeth - https://youtu.be/9wmWBki06yc Find our guest lecturer, Samuel Dumas, and his work in the following places: * @iamyourpallbearer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamyourpallbearer/] * Follow The Department of Menial Humor [https://www.thedepartmentofmenialhumor.com/] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ACrossroadBetweenActingOurAgeOrFartingOnTheSalad], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dept.menialhumor/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@dept.ofmenialhumor], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDepartmentofMenialHumor] * Watch Sam's short films Epochs of Love [https://archive.org/details/epochs-of-love#:~:text=Epochs%20of%20Love%20is%20an,time%20after%20an%20occultic%20ritual.] and Eyes on You [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxEJcmYVG3o] Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know how we're doing! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendulum [https://www.podandthependulum.com/] * Check out Stephen's novel - Check In, Check Out - on Amazon, now available in paperback or ebook: https://amzn.to/44idk8y

3. 

   26 Aug 2025

   009 - Everybody's Shakespeare (1934, 1939)

   "Shakespeare said everything. Brain to belly; every mood and minute of a man's season… He wrote it with tears and blood and beer, and his words march like heart beats. He speaks to everyone." This week, we're taking our first deep foray into the work of William Shakespeare as we take a look at Welles's first actually published work (with Roger Hill) - Everybody's Shakespeare! We'll be discussing our histories both with the work of Shakespeare and the plays covered - The Merchant of Venice, Twelfth Night, and Julius Caesar. Orson Welles as AI? Miss us with that: https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/orson-welles-ai-voice-storyrabbit-audio-storytelling-app-1236406112 Homework for next class - The Hearts of Age: https://youtu.be/pXKIMag5hHE Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know how we're doing! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Follow Hope at @hopelichtner on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:tcfqfzsel6zthdcdnst4xawq], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hopelichtner/], and Tumblr [https://www.tumblr.com/highimhope] * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendulum [https://www.podandthependulum.com/] * Check out Stephen's novel - Check In, Check Out - on Amazon, now available in paperback or ebook: https://amzn.to/44idk8y

4. 

   12 Aug 2025

   008 - Marching Song (1932)

   "John Brown's body lies mouldering in the grave, but his soul goes marching on!" This week, we're finally getting into The Work™ as we discuss Orson's "collaboration" with his teacher/father-figure Roger Hill about the life of "prophet–warrior–zealot (and) the most incredible and dynamic figure in American history," abolitionist John Brown, Marching Song! Orson Welles "Battle Hymn of the Republic" link: https://youtu.be/KVd1AxViLY4 Homework for next class - Everybody's Shakespeare by Welles & Hill: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=miun.afw2961.0001.001&seq=1 Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Do you want to hear us cover Bright Lucifer now or in a decade? Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendulum [https://www.podandthependulum.com/] * Check out Stephen's novel - Check In, Check Out - on Amazon, now available in paperback or ebook: https://amzn.to/44idk8y

5. 

   30 Jul 2025

   007 - The March Toward Marching Song (1932)

   "My happiness and self-respect seem founded only on an admiration and confidence in that, our play." This week, we're talking all about Orson's return to the States following his triumphs on the Irish stage. We'll discuss the vindication of his Todd School production of Twelfth Night and his collaboration with Roger 'Skipper' Hill that would become the biography play on the life of John Brown - Marching Song! Footage from the Todd School production of Twelfth Night: https://youtu.be/fadbbEi_7OE Homework for next class - Marching Song: https://archive.org/details/marching-song-a-play-by-orson-welles-roger-hill-z-lib.org/mode/2up Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know how we're doing! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendulum [https://www.podandthependulum.com/] * Check out Stephen's novel - Check In, Check Out - on Amazon, now available in paperback or ebook: https://amzn.to/44idk8y

6. 

   15 Jul 2025

   006 - Orson Go Bragh (1931-1932)

   "To stay out of school, I went on the stage. I only fell in love with it afterwards." We finally got Orson to Ireland! And while Welles is lost in Eire, Hope and Stephen discuss new resources, Orson's thoughts on Chaplain and Dracula, and a recently-released (at the time of recording, anyway) ranking of Orson's 13 films. Gold Derby's 13-film Welles ranking: https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/best-orson-welles-movies-ranked/citizen-kane/ Follow us on our (admittedly limited) socials to keep up with assignments and other exciting Welles-related news: * @wellesupod on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/wellesupod.bsky.social] and YouTube [https://youtube.com/wellesupod] * Email us at wellesupod@gmail.com to let us know how we're doing! * Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welless-university/id1812682642] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1gWA2jKtwX4Fci4whXYY8n]! * Read Hope's blog at highimhope.com [http://highimhope.com/] * Listen to Hope's other podcasts - High on Cartoons Presents DuckTakes! [https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/high-on-cartoons-presents-ducktakes/id1619137001], The Matrix Reclamations [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-matrix-reclamations-a-queer-fancast/id1694835591], and The Lanes Between [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lanes-between/id1819743319] * Follow Stephen at @chewywalrus on Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:4h4tflreclqjhvsjodqnwtsh] and Letterboxd [https://letterboxd.com/ChewyWalrus/] * Listen to Stephen's other podcasts - Disenfranchised Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disenfranchised/id1531328098] and The Pod and the Pendulum [https://www.podandthependulum.com/] * Check out Stephen's novel - Check In, Check Out - on Amazon, now available in paperback or ebook: https://amzn.to/44idk8y

7. 

   1 Jul 2025

   005 - The Todd Years: Part Two (1929-1931)

   This episode explores Orson Welles's experiences at the Todd School, including his leadership of the drama program, travels to Asia, and his complex relationship with his father.

8. 

   17 Jun 2025

   004 - The Todd Years: Part One (1926-1928)

   The hosts of Welles's University podcast explore Orson Welles's formative years at the Todd School, highlighting his relationship with Roger Hill and his summer experiences.

9. 

   3 Jun 2025

   003 - Orson Begins (1915-1926)

   The hosts discuss Orson Welles's early life in Kenosha and Chicago, the impact of his mother's death, and the artistic influences that shaped his auteurist vision.

10. 

    20 May 2025

    002 - The Road to Orson (1905-1915)

    Hosts Hope and Stephen explore Orson Welles's family history and early life, setting the stage for understanding his development as a filmmaker.

11. 

    6 May 2025

    001 - "By Way of Introduction…"

    Hosts Hope Lichtner and Stephen introduce themselves and the podcast's objective to explore the life and work of filmmaker Orson Welles in this introductory episode.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 39 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

65

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Welles's University

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.