The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast

Latest Episodes:

ISIS: A Cultural and Historical Perspective Sep 15, 2014

Show notes

The militant organization called the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is grabbing front-page headlines and disrupting the global landscape. Learn why ISIS calls itself a caliphate; the source of their wealth and power; and whether their goal of a pan-Islamic state is achievable. What can the global community do to prevent ISIS from gaining more power?

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, How Things Go Viral, and the Neuroscience of Mindfulness Sep 11, 2014

Show notes

Discover the "perfect storm" of factors that made the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge so popular; learn how to apply big data to make big waves with your business; and learn why our brains are not hardwired for a sense of well-being.

Touch American History with the Smithsonian & The Great Courses Sep 03, 2014

Show notes

This month marks the inaugural Great Course produced in partnership with the Smithsonian. Join Host Ed Leon as he chats about Experiencing America: A Smithsonian Tour through American History with Professor Richard Kurin, the Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture at the Smithsonian.

Special Edition: The Ebola Outbreak Aug 12, 2014

Show notes

The outbreak of Ebola in West Africa is larger than any other Ebola outbreak in history, having over 1700 confirmed cases and over 950 deaths to date. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Dr. Roy Benaroch as they discuss the outbreak, the transmission of the disease, its treatment, and what it means to the medical community.

Big Data, Big City Life, and a Big Question about Jesus Christ Jul 30, 2014

Show notes

Examine the many uses of Big Data: from Netflix to military intelligence; gain insights into the first cities of the ancient world; and consider the most fundamental question about Jesus Christ.

Our 500th Course, the Not-so-Dark Ages, and Trust Mechanisms Jul 01, 2014

Show notes

A veteran professor shares stories from his 24 years with The Great Courses; we discover that the Dark Ages was actually a time of great innovations; and we learn the various skills behind successful negotiation.

Family History, Philosophical Politics, and Joyful Math Jun 03, 2014

Show notes

Gain a personal connection to world history through genealogy, reconnect with the joy of mathematics, and scratch the surface of politics to reveal the philosophy beneath.

A Healthier, Wealthier, Smarter You May 13, 2014

Show notes

Get an inside view how doctors think and how it can help you become a better patient; revisit battles that could have sent history in an entirely different direction; and gain the confidence to invest in the stock market.

Explore the World with The Great Courses Apr 09, 2014

Show notes

Experience European cities that are frozen in time; schedule your vacation activities to capture the best photos; and gain insight on the latest discovery about the moment just after the Big Bang.

Four Thermodynamic Laws, Four-Year-Olds, and Our 24th Anniversary Mar 19, 2014

Show notes

Take a romp from the four laws of thermodynamics to an appropriate parenting style for your four-year-old to the twenty-four year history of The Great Courses!