1. What drew you to writing/working with Classical Antiquity and what challenges did you face in selecting, representing, or adapting particular myths or stories?

I’ve always loved Classical Antiquity, and have had a passion for mythology since I was very young. I began to dive really deep when I started writing a novel set half in ancient Greece, from there I bought every book I could find and learned all I could. Shortly after, I decided to study the subject in university. The way I cover the myths can be inherently challenging as I choose to examine them from a modern lens. Discussing modern ideas of feminism and the rights of marginalized people can often rub some the wrong way since those things “didn’t matter back then”. But I carry on, I think it’s important not to gloss over the more problematic aspects.

2. Why do you think classical / ancient myths, history, and literature continue to resonate with young audiences?

The concepts and stories are timeless, and so very entertaining even now. The mythology is very grounded in humanity, something that hasn’t changed in the intervening millennia. Family squabbles, adventure, it’s all things we are still so interested in as a people, and examining how those things were dealt with thousands of years ago only adds to the intrigue.

3. Do you have a background in classical education (Latin or Greek at school or classes at the University?) What sources are you using? Scholarly work? Wikipedia? Are there any books that made an impact on you in this respect?

I have a bachelor’s degree in Classical Civilizations from the aptly named Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. I try to use as accurate sources as possible, when I can I use primary sources, and choose my translations where possible. As someone who only studied in Undergrad and isn’t in academia now, finding distinctly academic sources can be tricky, but I’m very selective with what I do use. At times I’ll refer to Wikipedia, as a source for easy to find information, but I only use it to find the sources listed, and then refer to those sources for anything I might actually include in the podcast.

4. Did you think about how Classical Antiquity would translate for young readers, esp. in (insert relevant country)?

I never considered how my podcast and it’s take on classical mythology would resonate with so many people, across age groups, and countries. I’m constantly surprised by how many people connect with it, either from a historical perspective, or story-telling, or just entertainment for the sake of it. It’s fascinating and very rewarding.

5. How concerned were you with "accuracy" or "fidelity" to the original? 

I try to be faithful to originals, where possible. Still, I try to interpret and retell in my own style, while ensuring it’s as accurate as possible. I am personally passionate about the consistent mistakes made in Hollywood (etc.) adaptations of Greek mythology and always want to ensure I’m being better than those two might have Perseus come upon a herd of “Pegasi”. Utter madness.

6. Are you planning any further forays into classical material?

I have been working on a novel based around Greek mythology for… too long. But in the very near future I intend to seek representation so I might finally try to get it published. I also plan to write a book of Greek mythology told in the style of my podcast.

Prepared by Alessia Borriello, University of Bologna, alessia.borriello2@studio.unibo.it