By listener request, Steven welcomes the double bill of Dr. Earl Showerman and Tom Woosnam, who both return to the series to discuss their involvement with teaching classes for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Earl and Tom share insights into how to create and teach a class at your local OLLI location, fun stories about their experiences, reactions to the Shakespeare Authorship Mystery in education, and much more.
Shakespearean Know-It-Alls
Steven welcomes Dr. Ros Barber to this episode to discuss her books, her research, her successful online class on the Shakespeare Authorship Mystery, and what it's like to get sued for defamation by a Shakespearean Know-It-All.
Lightning Bolt Moments
Steven shares some insight into messages and suggestions he has received from members of the Quiller Nation, some "lightning bolt moments" sparking ideas for future episodes, and a look at things to come in the near future for fellow Quillers to anticipate.
Caesar and the Art of Oral Advocacy
Steven takes a deep dive into "Julius Caesar" and the aspects of legal knowledge found in the play. He specifically examines the art of oral advocacy demonstrated throughout the play and especially through the funeral speeches delivered by Brutus and Antony.
The Price of Authorship Studies
Steven welcomes Diana Price to this episode to discuss her seminal work, "Shakespeare's Unorthodox Biography," now heralding truth about the importance of authorship markers for more than two decades.
Conspiracy Realist
Steven welcomes fellow podcaster and the host of Conspiracy Realist, Shane Skwarek, to this episode to discuss Shane's discovery of the Shakespeare Authorship Mystery, how it compares to other conspiracy theories he has studied, and what actually qualifies as a conspiracy.
Remembering Alexander Waugh
Steven is joined by frequent guest, Dr. Earl Showerman, to deliver a farewell to Oxfordian luminary Alexander Waugh, whose recent passing has been felt across the literary spectrum, and most among the Oxfordian community.
Much Ado About Romance
Steven welcomes prominent romance novelist and fellow Shakespeare mystery sleuth Leigh Michaels to this episode to discuss her incredible volume of work, her process as a prolific writer, and how that led her to question the Stratfordian narrative, ultimately writing a book on the subject called Much Ado About Shakespeare.
Movie Watch Along: The Taming of The Shrew
Join Steven and Annie in watching Franco Zeffirelli's 1967 classic adaptation of "The Taming of The Shrew" starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Annie and Steven recently appeared as Kate and Petruchio in the Rogue Valley Shakespeare Company production of the play. Hear them give their commentary about the film; how it matches up to the actual text; analysis of the production; and their honest critique of the film, scene by scene. Exclusively for patrons at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger
A Measure of Justice
Steven reviews the legal aspects of "Measure For Measure," calling upon a thesis published in 2004 by Virginia R. Stephens as a profound examination into the play's depiction of the qualities of justice in Elizabethan society and beyond.
Shake-Speare's Sonnets by Anne Hathaway-Shaksper
Steven welcomes Dr. Chris Summers to this episode to discuss Summers' works dedicated to the theory that the works of Shakespeare were actually written by Anne Hathaway, wife to William Shaksper of Stratford. Summers' published books specifically examine the Sonnets as written by Anne to William.
Tolkien vs. Shakespeare
Steven explores Tolkien's professed hatred for the works of Shakespeare while pointing to how much Tolkien's works were actually influenced by the Bard he appeared to be so jealous of, and whether Tolkien's vitriol may have been rooted in his skepticism over Shakespeare authorship.
Running a Shakespeare Marathon
Steven and his wife, Annie, discuss the recent Shakespeare Marathon event held at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. They also explore the unique aspects of Shakespearean theatrical companies rooted in the traditions of Elizabethan theatre, and what it is like to consistently "run" the Shakespeare marathon of their lives as regular producers and performers of Shakespearean works.
Macbeth and Freemasonry
As promised in a previous episode, Steven delivers an insightful view into the Masonic symbolism and references found within "Macbeth," as well as an exploration of the Bard's obvious fascination with the occult. Hear it exclusively at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger
Oresteian Hamlet With Dr. Earl Showerman
Steven welcomes Dr. Earl Showerman back to the series to discuss the ancient Greek sources and topical allusions of Elizabethan politics found within English literature's greatest work of drama.
Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry
Steven takes a deep dive into the work and research of Alfred Dodd (1933) and others who have studied and written about Shakespeare's connection to the rites and rituals of Freemasonry. Dodd's book, "Shakespeare: Creator of Free Masonry," laid the foundation for Masons to fully claim Shakespeare as one of their own.
The 'Heretic' Queen of Literary Taboo
Journalist and author, Elizabeth Winkler, returns to the series to look back at the global reactions to her book, "Shakespeare Was A Woman and Other Heresies: How Doubting the Bard Became the Biggest Taboo in Literature." She and Steven discuss critiques and praise for the book, additions to the coming paperback edition, and hints about what Elizabeth is working on next.
The Art of Collaboration and Commitment
Steven shares behind-the-scenes details and insights into the many collaborators and facets behind producing a major theatrical event such as "William Shakespeare, Esquire" and the Brittle Glory Marathon at the Guthrie Theater.
Shakespeare's Muses: A Measure for the Ladies
Steven welcomes globally renowned engineer and music composer, Luis Sousa, back to the series to discuss the importance of the muse to the creative process and the five female muses found within the Shakespeare canon. Recorded March 8, International Women's Day, this episode pays tribute to the ladies who helped shape the Bard's life and his works.
Movie Watch Along: Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
Join Steven and his wife, Annie, in watching one of their favorite Shakespeare films: the 1993 Renaissance Films production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Kenneth Branagh; starring Branagh, Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale, Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Keaton. Available now exclusively to patrons at patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger