My first podcast titled: “What have the Roman’s ever done for us?” has reached 145,000 downloads. I am overwhelmed, and suspicious that its success is more to the fact that the title is a popular Monty Python comedy skit, then an interest in my pontification on Ancient Rome. Either way, it has given me the opportunity to introduce Ancient Rome Refocused to the pod-o-sphere.
I just wished I started the podcast with: “And now for something completely different…”
I think I delivered on that.
Rob Cain has traveled extensively through Europe, Italy, and Egypt. He was formerly on active duty with the United States Army. He is a fan of history, and enjoys reading books on the history of Rome. He currently has a podcast presentation on itunes and hipcast. The blog is for the free and open discussion of Ancient Rome based on Mr. Cain's observations noted in his podcast. Most episodes start out with an original dramatic narration written by Mr. Cain. In the podcasts he will include his own unique commentary, and interviews with subject matter experts. Comments are welcome and will be highlighted on the show.
Agree or disagree, but write!
This blog site is protected by the muse Calliope (epic poetry), and her sister Clio (muse of history).
Guest editors are welcome and are invited to submit articles. Please contact Mr. Cain at: Rob@ancientromerefocused.org.
There are some simple house rules:
1. Educate through ideas
2. Share with us what you know
3. No profanity
4. Cite your sources if possible
5. Attack ideas not people
And more importantly if you hear or see something on the blog or podcast that you know to be inaccurate or you disagree with let's hear from you. Don't let it pass by, make a comment.
SO FAR INTERVIEWED ON ANCIENT ROME REFOCUSED
1. The author Steven Saylor
2. The New York Director Bryan Dorries
3. The historian Professor Carl J. Richard
4. The graphic novelist of THE AGE OF BRONZE SERIES Eric Shanower.
5. Mark Schauss of RUSSIAN RULERS HISTORY
6. Natalie Haynes, author of the book THE ANCIENT GUIDE TO MODERN LIFE.
INTERVIEWS TO BE POSTED
7. Jame A. Bretney, producer of proposed TV series THE STORY OF CRETICUS.
8. Jordan Harbour, writer and host of the creative history podcast TWILIGHT HISTORIES.
Episode 10, “Nothing New Under the Sun. Get Over it”, features the book, “The Ancient Guide to Modern Life” written by author, comedian, and TV commentator Natalie Haynes.” Whether political, cultural, or social, there are endless parallels between the ancient and modern worlds. Whether it's the murder of Caesar or the political assassination of Thatcher; the narrative arc of the hit HBO series, The Wire, or that of Oedipus; the popular enthusiasm for the Emperor Titus or President Obama – over and over again we can be seen to be living very much like people did 2,000 or more years ago. It's time for us to re-examine the past. Our lives are infinitely richer if we take the time to look at what the Greeks and Romans have given us in politics and law, religion and philosophy and education, and to learn how people really lived in Athens, Rome, Sparta and Alexandria. 
This is a book with a serious point to make but the author isn't just a classicist but a comedian and broadcaster who has made television and radio documentaries about humor, education and Dorothy Parker. This is a book for us all, not for an elite.
