This episode dives into the immensely rich and ancient literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. We explore the spiritual depth of the Vedas and the Upanishads, and unravel the sprawling narratives and profound moral questions of the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which continue to influence billions of lives today.
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.
This piece explores the art of finding meaning in life by viewing our existence through the lens of a story. Delve into philosophical nuggets on free will, destiny, and memory to question whether you’re the author or the character in your own epic.
Challenge the traditional definition of literature. Explore the literary merits of graphic novels like Maus, prestige TV like The Sopranos, and cinematic video games like The Last of Us.
How do stories change us? Go beyond plot summaries and character analysis with a guide to reflective reading, exploring the deep, personal questions that great narratives ask of you, long after the final page is turned.
Test your listening skills with a passionate review of a fictional sci-fi novel. Perfect for IELTS and TOEFL prep, this post includes a full audio script, key vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz.
Discover the hidden science of reading. Learn how literary fiction enhances brain connectivity, boosts empathy (Theory of Mind), and sharpens your problem-solving skills. Get tips for a better brain.
Ever feel like your life is too ordinary to be a story? Think again. This piece explores why your stories matter more than you know and how your unique perspective is a form of literature waiting to be recognized.
It’s one of my new projects where I don’t fuse different types of music just because of the hype of it but because the end result is sometimes greater than the sum of its parts, and yes because it’s cool to try and do these things. That’s exactly what I did with Wood Wire and Wave. East and West fusion. Enjoy this new Spectrum Radio Episode.
Why does a fresh start feel so lonely? The Poet explores the melancholic beauty of January, the grief of leaving who we were behind, and why real growth happens in the dark, long before the flowers bloom.
This may be one of the dearest albums I have ever created. I poured my poetic sense into the lyrics of the songs and the music wrote itself. The album retells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice from Greek mythology. It’s one of the most tragic and beautiful love stories there are, and it happens to be one my favorite love stories of all time. Enjoy.
Are you waiting for the “perfect time” to change your life? The Doorman explains why waiting for the perfect gap in the revolving door will leave you out in the cold, and why real fresh starts are usually boring, uncomfortable, and quiet.
This is a very special album I created as a gift for my best friend, Rada, to honor our friendship first and to honor her rich heritage. I tend to express myself best in music, so I hope you enjoy this Christmas inspired album mix, called Christmas Across the Miles.
A cyberpunk short story by Danny Ballan about a man who trades his painful memories for success—only to discover that resilience, empathy, and humanity cannot be bought without suffering.
