Poems For People Who Hate Poetry

Send us a textUnlock timeless leadership and betrayal lessons from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar as we explore the question: Why did Brutus kill Caesar? In this lecture, we dive into Brutus’s famous “serpent’s egg” soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 1 and unpack how his loyalty to Rome ultimately collides with his love for Caesar. Along the way, you’ll discover:Brutus’s Internal Conflict: How his philosophical reasoning convinces him that assassinating Caesar serves the common good.Cassius’s Manipulation: Why planted letters and echo chambers can blind even the noblest leaders to hidden agendas.Stoicism & Emotional Blind Spots: How Brutus’s Stoic restraint becomes a shield that prevents him from seeing his own ambition.Historical Impact: The assassination’s role in ending the Roman Republic and ushering in the Empire—plus modern parallels in today’s boardrooms and tech feuds.Practical Takeaways: Leadership red flags, moral agency under pressure, and the dangers of self-sabotage when you “destroy what you love.”

Send us a textProudly presented at the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Austin Chapter—learn more and get involved here:FFRF Austin Chapter: [https://austinffrf.org/]Main FFRF Site: [https://ffrf.org/]In this lecture, I explore how Ayn Rand’s Objectivism can strengthen atheist thought by offering a positive, reason-grounded moral framework. I cover:Why Rand is so often misunderstood by atheistsA critique of the current Rand quote on the FFRF site—and five powerful alternativesMy personal journey from agnosticism to atheism via Rand’s devotion to truth and George H. Smith’s Atheism: The Case Against GodRand’s reclaiming of “sacred” values—reverence, exaltation, and moral passion—for secular lifeThe cultural resurgence of religion (Jordan Peterson, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, trad-wife and “new Age” trends) and why atheism must offer more than negationRand’s famous letter to Congressman Bruce Alger: “I am fighting for reason, not against religion.”

Send us a textWhat happens when an epic Hindu poem collides with modern workplace bias?Artistic-director Sharanya Rao joins Kirk to trace three big chapters of her journey: consulting on Mahabharata Tales for Austin Shakespeare, founding Leela Indian Community Theatre, and creating Anklets in the Boardroom, a Theatre of the Oppressed production where spectators jump onstage to rewrite real discrimination scenarios. https://www.leelatheatre.org/ In this conversation:Cutting the Mahabharata down to a 2-hour stage piece (and the “must-have” scenes)Why Austin needed a South-Asian community stage—and how Leela was born in 2012Theatre of the Oppressed 101: “spect-actors,” no spectatorsHow story circles turn real workplace stories into live scriptsThe power of name-pronunciation, audience agency, and non-violent rehearsalMay 16-18 performances of Anklets in the Boardroom at Austin PBS

Send us a textIn this video I give a brief analysis of Ahab's character and a reading of one of his speeches in chapter 132, The Symphony.

Send us a textJoin me for an in-depth conversation with actress and poet Divya Goruganthu as we unravel the rich layers of the Mahabharata Tales! In this episode, we dive into one of India's most enduring epics, exploring its poetic structure, complex characters, and the intricate interplay of female agency, divine curses, and royal intrigue.What You'll Discover:Introduction & Cultural Roots (0:00 – 10:15): How the Mahabharata shaped childhood, culture, and literary passion, with insights from Divya’s unique experience playing both Madri and Sanjaya.Moral Complexity & Dualities (10:15 – 19:45): A discussion on how mythic characters defy simple archetypes and mirror the multifaceted nature of duty, honor, and virtue.Royal Alliances & Tragic Curses (19:45 – 31:29): The politics behind arranged marriages, the fatal hunting accident, and the curse that changed destinies.Divine Interventions & The Birth of Heroes (31:29 – 41:06): How sacred mantras and divine forces—invoked by Kunti and M

Send us a textJoin me for a dynamic live reading of The Iliad, bringing the epic drama, passion, and power of Achilles to life. Experience firsthand how Homer's timeless verses still resonate today, connecting ancient heroes with modern audiences.From fierce rivalries and heartbreaking losses to legendary battles, watch Achilles come alive in this unforgettable performance.

Send us a textIn this episode of Troubadour, Kirk Barbera sits down with geneticist Razib Khan to explore a provocative question: Does our DNA determine our beliefs and behaviors? Razib, known for his work in population genetics, computational biology, and his blog Unsupervised Learning, delves into the intersection of genetics, free will, and natalism—the movement advocating for increased birth rates. Together, they discuss how genetics informs our understanding of human history, identity, and cultural evolution, and debate whether our DNA might shape our intellectual interests, choices, and even beliefs.

Send us a textJoin Kirk and Dr. Aleksey Nikolsky on a fascinating journey through human expression in this episode where we explore how our earliest babbling blossoms into the complex symphonies of Beethoven. We dive into the intertwined evolution of music and language—uncovering the biological foundations that make us instinctively responsive to sound, while also examining how cultural learning transforms simple sounds into art.In this conversation, we debate whether music’s impact is more of an automatic emotional trigger or a deeply contemplative experience, and we consider how these elements shape our creativity, empathy, and overall human consciousness. Discover why exposure to diverse artistic experiences might be the key to unlocking our full potential, and how the loss of traditional fine arts in modern society affects us today.If you're curious about the science behind why music moves us and how our cultural heritage of art influences our minds, this episode is a must-watch. Prepare to rethink e

Send us a textUnlock the secret of transformation through imagination with William Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet.” In this video, I explore how Blake’s vivid metaphors—the crystal cabinet, the golden key, and the mystical portal—reveal a timeless process of inner change and self-discovery. As a modern romantic realist, I blend personal reflections with a detailed literary analysis to show how the power of the imagination can elevate everyday life, reshape our views on love, and inspire creative growth.In This Video You’ll Discover:The hidden symbolism behind Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet”How our imaginative faculties serve as a gateway to deeper emotional and creative experiencesWays to balance romantic idealism with practical reality for a more meaningful lifePersonal insights on using art and literature as tools for transformative self-explorationChapters: [00:00:00] Introduction: Embracing Imagination’s Power[00:03:29] Personal Reflections: Art as a Transformative Force[00:07:59] Reading “The Crystal Cabinet

Send us a textThis a sample of a new translation of the Iliad for young adults that I have completed. I have crafted this from the original greek into Modern English Verse. That is, verse that is readable by a modern reading public. Support my kickstarter so I can publish this work and do a full recording of all 24 chapters of the Iliad. http://kck.st/3QmrYpkThis is not a re-imagining of The Iliad. It IS the Iliad, but made readable to young people today.

Send us a textJoin host Kirk and special guest Srini—an engineer and Sanskrit scholar—as they uncover the hidden depths of the Mahabharata, one of India’s most celebrated epics. From analyzing the epic’s timeless themes of loyalty and honesty to drawing unexpected parallels with Greek myths, this discussion reveals how the Mahabharata continues to shape culture, philosophy, and even modern theater performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or curious newcomer, you’ll discover fresh insights into why these ancient tales still resonate across the globe today.

Send us a textJoin A.Y Oza and Kirk Barbera for a thought-provoking discussion that bridges ancient Indian epic storytelling with the timeless insights of Western literature. We explore how the Mahabharata’s themes of duty, philosophy, and cosmic order resonate across cultures—inviting you to discover epic wisdom in a modern light.

Send us a textDiscover the power and passion behind the Mahabharata—India’s most famous epic. In this video, we explore the key stories, characters, and lessons from the Mahabharata, offering educational insights for those new to the epic and fresh perspectives for returning fans.This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a preview of our upcoming live production in Austin that brings these age-old stories to life through dynamic theater, music, and dance. Subscribe for more mythological insights and be sure to check out the link in the description for ticket information!

Send us a text*Talk given at Third Thursday in Austin.In this in-depth lecture, we examine the timeless wisdom in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote and Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Learn how literary heroes—and antiheroes—can help us stay grounded while pursuing lofty ambitions. We’ll discuss Peter Keating, Howard Roark, and Don Quixote as models for introspection, exploring how to balance big dreams with real-world constraints.

Send us a textJoin us for a thought-provoking discussion on Ayn Rand's The Romantic Manifesto and the profound role of art in human life.In this group conversation, we explore key ideas from Rand's groundbreaking work, including:The purpose of art and how it shapes our consciousnessWhy literature, movies, and other art forms resonate differently with each individualThe role of empathy, judgment, and self-discovery in experiencing artWe also discuss how Rand’s ideas on art relate to personal values, self-reflection, and understanding the world around us. Whether you're an Objectivist, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the connection between philosophy and creativity, this discussion offers unique insights and perspectives.Key topics covered include:What makes art essential to human lifeThe concept of “sense of life” and its reflection in artistic expressionWhy introspection through art is crucial to personal growthWe’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite works of art or your

Send us a textRead Don Quixote with me and a community of readers by joining the Literary Canon Club https://www.troubadour.studio/reading... In this video, we explore the famous (and surprisingly humorous) book-burning scene in Don Quixote—and how Miguel de Cervantes used satire to critique censorship, champion storytelling, and essentially invent the modern novel. Discover how Don Quixote’s clash between medieval ideals and the realities of a sprawling empire remains relevant in our own time of book bans and cultural shifts. Join me in uncovering the timeless lessons of this literary masterpiece!Topics Covered:The hilarious yet thought-provoking “book-burning” sceneCervantes’ life and disillusionment with chivalric idealsThe birth of the modern novel formWhy Don Quixote still matters in our era of censorshipHow stories shape personal identity and cultural valuesSubscribe for more discussions on classic literature, modern insights, and the power of great storytelling.

Send us a textJoin host Kirk Barbera and Denver filmmaker Rob Shearer as they explore how Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote still resonates in today’s film and media landscape. From the balance between imagination and reality to the impact of AI on creativity, this lively conversation weaves together classic literature, modern media trends, and the art of storytelling.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Troubadour Show, host Kirk Barbera welcomes teacher, literature coach, and art educator Luc Travers to explore Homer’s Iliad—the ancient Greek epic that helped shape Western civilization. Discover why The Iliad remains timeless: from Achilles’ legendary rage and Hector’s humanizing struggles, to the eternal questions of honor, glory, and empathy. Kirk and Luc dive deep into the epic’s most poignant moments, revealing how its lessons on life and death still resonate with readers today.Join Kirk’s Literary Canon Club:https://www.troubadour.studio/literary-canon-club(A vibrant community dedicated to reading and discussing the greatest works of literature.)Connect with Luc Travers:Website: LiteratureAtOurHouse.comArt Book: Touching the Art – A unique guide to understanding and appreciating paintings and sculpture.

Send us a textJoin me on a journey that blends literary analysis with interactive history! In this video, I use the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as a backdrop to re-experience John Keats’s famous Romantic poem, “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” By imagining the vibrant art and culture of ancient Greece—just as the game brings it to life—we’ll uncover the poem’s timeless themes, from eternal youth and beauty to the nature of truth and art. Whether you’re a fan of classical literature, historical games, or simply curious about how these worlds connect, this guided exploration will give you a richer understanding of Keats’s masterpiece.

Send us a textJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Professor Tara Smith, a University of Texas philosopher and an expert on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism, as we delve deep into the First Amendment and the imperative of intellectual freedom.You can buy Tara's book, which includes essays and contributions by Onkar Ghate, Greg Salmieri, and Elan. Journo https://a.co/d/hG4VZqKTara Smith is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing in moral, legal, and political philosophy, she is a prominent scholar on Ayn Rand’s Objectivism. Her latest book, The First Amendment: Essays on the Imperative of Intellectual Freedom, explores the critical importance of free speech and intellectual freedom in today’s society.