The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Fascinating Facets of History Feb 08, 2016

Show notes

Spend 30 engrossing minutes exploring two areas of history that provide some enthralling context for the events and characteristics of our modern world. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and two renowned professors as they first illuminate pivotal moments in the history of the Middle East, then outline the captivating history of American English, in this new edition of The Torch.

Facts, Fiction, and the Big Questions Jan 11, 2016

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Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 illuminating minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they explore the "big questions" of philosophy, shed light on a little-known yet highly influential ancient civilization, and embark on a stellar journey into why science fiction is so important to our society.

Get New Insights into Worlds You Thought You Knew Dec 18, 2015

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Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors present 30 mindboggling minutes with this new edition of The Torch. Join them as they strive to define and understand the true nature of information, investigate the cultural context of Jesus and how the society of his time influenced who he was, and discover why it’s never too late to learn Spanish as you take the first steps into mastering this beautiful and useful language.

Opening New Doors Nov 16, 2015

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Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors have something for everyone in this edition of The Torch. Join them as they shed light on the engineering marvels we take for granted every day, reveal a history of Eastern Europe that is often overlooked, and help you discover your hidden talent for drawing.

Solve a Myriad of Mysteries Oct 27, 2015

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Love watching doctors solve mysteries on medical dramas? Ever wonder about the enigmatic evolution of our most beautiful national parks? Interested in navigating the little-known, yet fascinating, secrets behind what it takes to get published? Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors have something for everyone in this edition of The Torch. Join them as they solve all sorts of mysteries, ranging from split-second life and death decisions in the high-pressure environment of the emergency department, to explaining the many reasons the Grand Canyon is so glorious and awe-inspiring.

The Mistakes of Our Past and the Discoveries That Will Impact Our Future Sep 29, 2015

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Travel back in time to understand what we can learn from some of the most profound military failures, and look to the future with the search for another Earth. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses as he talks with two renowned experts about historic blunders in battle and the exploration of exoplanets.

Pope Francis: The People’s Pope Sep 18, 2015

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Just in time for the first-ever visit of Pope Francis to the U.S., The Torch presents an in-depth look at the life and legacy of this unconventional religious leader. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Professor William Cook, Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at the State University of New York at Geneseo, as they discuss Pope Francis, his unique approach and perspectives, and his influence on both the Catholic church and the world.

Stimulate Your Mind: Reality, Mythology, and Italy. Aug 21, 2015

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Our panel of experts delves deeply into three thought-provoking topics, all packed into one riveting podcast! Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors as they embark on a comprehensive tour of Italy’s best-kept secrets, undertake an engrossing discussion about what defines reality, and explore spellbinding stories from some of the world’s first myths.

Expanding Minds and Horizons Jul 28, 2015

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Expand your mind and your horizons with three fascinating topics covered in one riveting podcast! Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and three renowned professors as they bend your mind with math, investigate how our brains are wired for music, and embark on a cultural exploration of Japan.

Improving Your World Jun 29, 2015

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We have things we would like to change about ourselves - and our world. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses as he tackles the difficult subject of how to create positive and long-lasting change that benefits you and the world you live in.