Mary Beard & Charlotte Higgins Launch “Instant Classics” Podcast | Ancient Stories for Modern Times
Podcasting is booming in 2025, but a brand-new show is about to redefine how we look at history. “Instant Classics,” a video podcast hosted by renowned classicist Mary Beard and Guardian’s Chief Culture Writer Charlotte Higgins, is launching this month. This innovative series blends ancient myths, legendary figures, and historical politics with contemporary issues and cultural trends—all in an entertaining, approachable format.
Whether you’re a history buff, a curious listener, or someone who wants to understand the origins of popular expressions like “crossing the Rubicon” or the “Midas touch”, this podcast promises to keep you hooked.
Platform: Available on all major podcast platforms, Spotify, and YouTube (video version).
Hosts:
Mary Beard: Acclaimed classicist, author, and broadcaster.
Charlotte Higgins: The Guardian’s chief culture writer, known for her insightful commentary on arts and history.
Launch Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025.
Format: Weekly episodes + Bonus subscriber content every fortnight.
Why Is This Podcast Different?
Unlike traditional academic discussions that often feel dense, “Instant Classics” brings wit, humor, and debate into the world of ancient history. The goal? To bridge the gap between the ancient and modern worlds, showing how events from thousands of years ago still shape politics, pop culture, and daily life.
Key Highlights:
No degree in classics required – It’s accessible and fun.
Ancient stories with modern twists – Relating Julius Caesar’s assassination to today’s political backstabbing.
Cultural connections – Explaining why we say things like “Oedipus complex” or “crossing the Rubicon.”
Book Club Bonus Episodes – Starting with Homer’s Odyssey, just in time for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation.
Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins: A Dynamic Duo
Mary Beard – The Fearless Classicist
Mary Beard is more than a historian; she’s a cultural icon. Known for her best-selling books like SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome and her appearances on BBC, Beard has spent decades making the classics accessible to the public. She’s celebrated for her bold opinions, sharp intellect, and ability to challenge stereotypes in academia.
Charlotte Higgins – The Cultural Bridge
Charlotte Higgins brings deep cultural insight, having written extensively on classical studies and modern art. Her expertise lies in connecting the dots between ancient texts and modern sensibilities, making her the perfect co-host for this groundbreaking podcast.
What Will the Episodes Cover?
The series isn’t limited to retelling myths. It dives deep into:
Historic assassinations – What Julius Caesar’s death teaches us about leadership and betrayal.
Epic journeys – The Odyssey and its relevance to modern narratives.
Sex, power, and politics – The untold everyday lives of ancient Romans.
Language and idioms – Origins of phrases we use without realizing their ancient roots.
Sample Episode Ideas (As Announced):
“Crossing the Rubicon” – What does it really mean, and why do politicians still use it?
“The Midas Touch” – Greed, gold, and modern capitalism.
“Oedipus Complex” – Freud, tragedy, and family dynamics.
“Homer’s Odyssey” – Deep dive with the Book Club edition.
Why Classics Still Matter Today
You may wonder: Why do ancient stories still fascinate us in 2025? Here are some reasons:
Politics repeats itself: Power struggles then and now look eerily similar.
Cultural continuity: Many of our values, laws, and even memes trace back to Rome and Greece.
Entertainment roots: Modern literature, films, and even Netflix plots borrow heavily from classical myths.
The Rise of Educational Podcasts
In an era of TikTok and short attention spans, podcasts like “Instant Classics” prove there’s a growing hunger for long-form intellectual content. According to recent studies:
68% of podcast listeners seek educational content.
History-based podcasts have seen a 35% surge in subscriptions since 2023.
How to Subscribe and Listen
Spotify: Video and audio versions.
Apple Podcasts & Google Podcasts: Audio version.
YouTube: Full-length video episodes.
Bonus Content: Available for subscribers (fortnightly).
Expert Opinions and Early Buzz
Industry insiders suggest “Instant Classics” will become a cultural phenomenon, given its hosts’ reputation and the growing popularity of infotainment formats. Critics expect it to rank among top educational podcasts within weeks.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
It’s educational without being boring.
It connects ancient wisdom with modern dilemmas.
Perfect for students, professionals, and lifelong learners.
Conclusion
As history collides with modernity, “Instant Classics” offers an engaging way to revisit the past without leaving today behind. Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins are on a mission to prove that the classics are not just relics—they are living, breathing stories that still define us.
Mark your calendars: 28 August 2025. Subscribe, listen, and rediscover history.
FAQs
1. When does “Instant Classics” launch? It launches on Thursday, 28 August 2025.
2. Where can I listen? On Spotify (video), YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
3. Do I need knowledge of classics? No. The show is beginner-friendly.
