The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast

Latest Episodes:

From the Robotics Revolution to Economic Risk Jun 01, 2015

Show notes

Join host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions about topics ranging the world of knowledge.

Have you ever dreamed of having your own C3PO or R2D2? It turns out we’re closer than you think. Roombas, pace-makers, Deka arms, navigation systems, you name it... the future of robotics is here!

And, managing the uncertainty in our financial futures can seem like a daunting task but with the right tools it becomes manageable and measurable!

From Robber Barons to Superconductors May 01, 2015

Show notes

Join host Ed Leon as he chats with popular Great Courses professors. In this episode Professor and historian Edward O’Donnell talk about The Gilded Age and the Progressive Era - a time of tremendous change in America including: post civil war reconstruction, industrial and economic booms, taming the Wild West, the emerging women’s rights movement, and World War I. And chemistry, it’s no longer a mystery! Chemist and acclaimed professor David Ball breaks down the entire realm of physical matter into three basic elements and explains how all matter contains particles that came from supernovas.

The Real King Arthur and the Secrets of Business Success Apr 07, 2015

Show notes

Think King Arthur is a bedtime story? Meet the real King Arthur - a fifth-century Celtic warrior that the legends are based on. Then, gain a strategic advantage by learning two of the fundamental skills you need to know to succeed at business! Join host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions about topics ranging the world of knowledge.

From Ancient Civilizations to Arctic Poles Mar 27, 2015

Show notes

Join host Ed Leon and popular Great Courses professors for lively discussions including what its like to live on the Arctic peninsula, and the truth about the Mayan Calendar- why the world didn’t end in 2012!

To Kill A Mockingbird’s Amazing Long-Lost Follow-Up Novel Mar 03, 2015

Show notes

Discover the astounding impact that the great literary masterwork To Kill A Mockingbird had on America during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the story behind her long-lost follow-up novel Go Set A Watchman, and the controversy surrounding its July release.

Who Was the Greatest President: Washington or Lincoln? Feb 12, 2015

Show notes

Discover the amazing true story of the creation of the American Presidency, the genius of the Founding Fathers, and why Washington and Lincoln have become mythic figures in our great national saga.

Regional Accents and Ruthless Murders Feb 09, 2015

Show notes

Hear intriguing stories behind infamous crimes like the Tylenol murders and the case of Jack the Ripper. Then, see how hundreds of unconscious choices you make in the way you speak affect how others perceive you.

Busting Brain Myths and Bringing Balance through Tai chi Dec 17, 2014

Show notes

Learn about tai chi, the ancient practice that brings your body and mind in balance. An award-winning tai chi competitor and instructor explains how tai chi can improve your life in scientifically-proven ways. Then, turn to the newest research in neuroscience to learn about the easiest ways to maintain cognitive function as you age.

Magnificent Churches, Cosmic Wonders, and a Lovely Landscape Nov 21, 2014

Show notes

Discover why the greatest churches in the world are not necessarily the most grandiose; hear the fascinating story of an amazing ice moon the size of England; and learn what you should be doing this Fall to maintain and improve the landscaping in your yard.

Modern Parenting, the Age of the Entrepreneur, and our New Smithsonian Course Oct 08, 2014

Show notes

Compare the "successful parent" of the 21st century to one just a generation ago; delve into the fascinating world of lean, digital startups; and explore the original "tech revolution" with the professor of our newest Smithsonian course.