<![CDATA[Commonplace]]>Rooted in the Renaissance tradition of Commonplace book-keeping, this podcast explores the personal and poignant aspects of our lives. Join Katie Marshall and a host of academics, writers and creatives on Commonplace: The Podcast as they delve into the personal treasures that hold meaning, from poetry and lyrics to places and recipes.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:47:57 GMTThu, 05 Mar 2026 12:21:14 GMT60Katie Marshall<p>Rooted in the Renaissance tradition of Commonplace book-keeping, this podcast explores the personal and poignant aspects of our lives. Join Katie Marshall and a host of academics, writers and creatives on Commonplace: The Podcast as they delve into the personal treasures that hold meaning, from poetry and lyrics to places and recipes.</p>episodicKatie Marshallkatiehistory@outlook.comno<![CDATA[Commonplace with Harry Donoghue, Classics Influencer]]>Katie Marshall speaks to Harry Donoghue (@harryspoetryy), a classic literature enthusiast, about his journey from studying classics at Oxford to becoming a popular social media figure.

He discusses the relevance of ancient texts in modern times, using social media to communicate ancient ideas, and the value of learning dead languages like Latin and Ancient Greek. The conversation also touches on Nolan's Odyssey and its impact on making classics more accessible to a wider audience.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey into Classics
  • 03:06 Relevance of Ancient Texts in Modern Times
  • 06:00 Using Social Media to Promote Classical Literature
  • 09:00 Engaging with Short Attention Spans on Social Media
  • 11:02 The Value of Learning 'Dead' Languages
  • 12:56 Relevance of Ancient Texts in the 21st Century
  • 18:06 Nolan's Odyssey: Impact and Reception
  • 20:07 The Myth of Odysseus
  • 20:27 The Commonplace Book
  • 21:24 Insight into Classical Minds
  • 22:08 Aesthetic of Commonplace Book
  • 23:19 Art and Music in the Commonplace Book
  • 24:31 Motivational Songs and Poems
  • 25:25 Music Inspired by Classics
  • 26:30 Pastoral vs. Urban Inspirations
  • 27:27 Cooking and Recipes
  • 28:44 Gratitude and Goals
  • 29:23 Continuous Improvement
  • 30:05 Unexpected Successes
  • 31:26 Meaningful Conversations
]]>a3ae651f-de19-4076-b6c9-37806b35964cTue, 01 Sep 2026 17:38:02 GMT<p>Katie Marshall speaks to Harry Donoghue (@harryspoetryy), a classic literature enthusiast, about his journey from studying classics at Oxford to becoming a popular social media figure.</p><p></p><p>He discusses the relevance of ancient texts in modern times, using social media to communicate ancient ideas, and the value of learning dead languages like Latin and Ancient Greek. The conversation also touches on Nolan's Odyssey and its impact on making classics more accessible to a wider audience.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey into Classics</li><li>03:06 Relevance of Ancient Texts in Modern Times</li><li>06:00 Using Social Media to Promote Classical Literature</li><li>09:00 Engaging with Short Attention Spans on Social Media</li><li>11:02 The Value of Learning 'Dead' Languages</li><li>12:56 Relevance of Ancient Texts in the 21st Century</li><li>18:06 Nolan's Odyssey: Impact and Reception</li><li>20:07 The Myth of Odysseus</li><li>20:27 The Commonplace Book</li><li>21:24 Insight into Classical Minds</li><li>22:08 Aesthetic of Commonplace Book</li><li>23:19 Art and Music in the Commonplace Book</li><li>24:31 Motivational Songs and Poems</li><li>25:25 Music Inspired by Classics</li><li>26:30 Pastoral vs. Urban Inspirations</li><li>27:27 Cooking and Recipes</li><li>28:44 Gratitude and Goals</li><li>29:23 Continuous Improvement</li><li>30:05 Unexpected Successes</li><li>31:26 Meaningful Conversations</li></ul>no00:32:438Commonplace with Harry Donoghue, Classics Influencerfull<![CDATA[Commonplace with Dr Christopher Harding, Broadcaster and Historian of Japan]]>Katie Marshall speaks to Dr Christopher Harding about the significance of the Edo period, the role of the geisha and the samurai as an intellectual class, the syncretism and cultural values in Japanese religion, and the forms and evolution of Japanese poetry. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the psychological novel 'The Tale of Genji,' the impact of World War II on Japanese culture, the role of the Emperor in Japanese history, the debate on female emperors. The podcast finishes with Chris describing some of the special things he would include in his commonplace book.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Japanese History
  • 03:06 The Edo Period: A Time of Cultural Development
  • 10:01 The Samurai: Intellectual Class and Ethical System
  • 23:15 Japanese Religion: Syncretism and Cultural Values
  • 30:56 Japanese Poetry: Forms and Evolution
  • 39:18 The Tale of Genji: A Psychological Novel
  • 42:12 Japanese Culture and History Post-World War II
  • 42:57 Generational Collective Memory and Japanese Identity
  • 51:44 The Role of the Emperor in Japanese History
  • 54:28 The Debate on Female Emperors in Japan
  • Contents of Chris' commonplace book

*there were minor microphone issues in this episode

]]>d360a139-69dd-4b2c-be52-114fdfcbfceaWed, 22 Jul 2026 11:16:00 GMT<p>Katie Marshall speaks to Dr Christopher Harding about the significance of the Edo period, the role of the geisha and the samurai as an intellectual class, the syncretism and cultural values in Japanese religion, and the forms and evolution of Japanese poetry. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the psychological novel 'The Tale of Genji,' the impact of World War II on Japanese culture, the role of the Emperor in Japanese history, the debate on female emperors. The podcast finishes with Chris describing some of the special things he would include in his commonplace book.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Japanese History</li><li>03:06 The Edo Period: A Time of Cultural Development</li><li>10:01 The Samurai: Intellectual Class and Ethical System</li><li>23:15 Japanese Religion: Syncretism and Cultural Values</li><li>30:56 Japanese Poetry: Forms and Evolution</li><li>39:18 The Tale of Genji: A Psychological Novel</li><li>42:12 Japanese Culture and History Post-World War II</li><li>42:57 Generational Collective Memory and Japanese Identity</li><li>51:44 The Role of the Emperor in Japanese History</li><li>54:28 The Debate on Female Emperors in Japan</li><li>Contents of Chris' commonplace book</li></ul><p></p><p>*there were minor microphone issues in this episode</p>no01:22:067Commonplace with Dr Christopher Harding, Broadcaster and Historian of Japanfull<![CDATA[Commonplace with Sienna Wells, Medieval Manuscript Dealer ]]>Katie Marshall chats to Sienna Wells, a medieval manuscript dealer and historian. Sienna shares her journey into the world of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, shedding light on the misconceptions and the rich history of these objects. She also discusses the tactile and personal nature of these books, the involvement of women in the book trade, and the changing attitudes towards handling these manuscripts. The conversation delves into the significance of women in the book trade, the exploration of commonplace books, and the personal insights and experiences of Sienna Wells.

Check out Sienna's on insragram @sienna_a_wells

Katie's instagram @katiehistory

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Medieval Manuscripts
  • 02:50 Sienna's Journey and Inspiration
  • 06:12 The Living Objects of the Medieval Period
  • 08:52 Challenges and Learning in Manuscript Study
  • 09:48 Misconceptions and Literary Culture of the Time
  • 15:02 The Materiality and Personal Connection of Books
  • 22:51 Changing Attitudes Towards Manuscript Handling
  • 24:59 Involvement of Women in the Book Trade
  • 29:36 Women in the Book Trade
  • 30:37 Exploring Commonplace Books
  • 32:32 Personal Insights and Experiences
  • 37:01 Music, Memories, and Gratitude
  • 44:55 Aspirations and Growth
]]>9756acee-f09c-4ccf-bcff-e58d9ae8e41bFri, 17 Jul 2026 16:14:52 GMT<p>Katie Marshall chats to Sienna Wells, a medieval manuscript dealer and historian. Sienna shares her journey into the world of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, shedding light on the misconceptions and the rich history of these objects. She also discusses the tactile and personal nature of these books, the involvement of women in the book trade, and the changing attitudes towards handling these manuscripts. The conversation delves into the significance of women in the book trade, the exploration of commonplace books, and the personal insights and experiences of Sienna Wells.</p><p></p><p>Check out Sienna's on insragram @sienna_a_wells</p><p>Katie's instagram @katiehistory</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Medieval Manuscripts</li><li>02:50 Sienna's Journey and Inspiration</li><li>06:12 The Living Objects of the Medieval Period</li><li>08:52 Challenges and Learning in Manuscript Study</li><li>09:48 Misconceptions and Literary Culture of the Time</li><li>15:02 The Materiality and Personal Connection of Books</li><li>22:51 Changing Attitudes Towards Manuscript Handling</li><li>24:59 Involvement of Women in the Book Trade</li><li>29:36 Women in the Book Trade</li><li>30:37 Exploring Commonplace Books</li><li>32:32 Personal Insights and Experiences</li><li>37:01 Music, Memories, and Gratitude</li><li>44:55 Aspirations and Growth</li></ul>no00:48:096Commonplace with Sienna Wells, Medieval Manuscript Dealer full<![CDATA[Commonplace with Benjamin Saltzman, Author of Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture ]]>Katie Marshall chats to Professor Benjamin Saltzman about his new book 'Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture'. Exploring how averting one's gaze in the face of suffering, grief and shame has been depicted and interpreted from the ancient world to the modern day.

Do we still have agency to choose to 'turn away' in the age of social media and what lessons can we learn from the ancient interpretation of this universal, yet ambiguous gesture?

The second half explores highlights from Benjamin's own commonplace book, ranging from family connections and taking time out to home cooking and gratitude.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Exploring the Gesture of Turning Away
  • 04:11 The Poetics of Visual Culture
  • 10:16 The Ancient Gesture and Its Modern Relevance
  • 18:11 The Complexity of Turning Away
  • 39:02 The Changing Attitudes and Agency
  • 41:17 Exploring Commonplace Books
  • 42:01 The Art of Memorisation
  • 43:02 Influence of Philosophy and Art
  • 43:27 The Essence of Commonplace Books
  • 45:30 The Impact of Quotes and Philosophy
  • 47:22 Art and Personal Memories
  • 54:48 The Power of Poetry
  • 59:34 Cooking and Creativity
  • 01:01:44 Gratitude and Aspirations
  • 01:03:01 Wild Card: Capturing Essence
]]>037970f4-2e15-4f5d-9f58-aff3045b013bFri, 10 Jul 2026 20:54:07 GMT<p>Katie Marshall chats to Professor Benjamin Saltzman about his new book 'Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture'. Exploring how averting one's gaze in the face of suffering, grief and shame has been depicted and interpreted from the ancient world to the modern day.</p><p></p><p>Do we still have agency to choose to 'turn away' in the age of social media and what lessons can we learn from the ancient interpretation of this universal, yet ambiguous gesture?</p><p></p><p>The second half explores highlights from Benjamin's own commonplace book, ranging from family connections and taking time out to home cooking and gratitude.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Exploring the Gesture of Turning Away</li><li>04:11 The Poetics of Visual Culture</li><li>10:16 The Ancient Gesture and Its Modern Relevance</li><li>18:11 The Complexity of Turning Away</li><li>39:02 The Changing Attitudes and Agency</li><li>41:17 Exploring Commonplace Books</li><li>42:01 The Art of Memorisation</li><li>43:02 Influence of Philosophy and Art</li><li>43:27 The Essence of Commonplace Books</li><li>45:30 The Impact of Quotes and Philosophy</li><li>47:22 Art and Personal Memories</li><li>54:48 The Power of Poetry</li><li>59:34 Cooking and Creativity</li><li>01:01:44 Gratitude and Aspirations</li><li>01:03:01 Wild Card: Capturing Essence</li></ul>no01:04:315Commonplace with Benjamin Saltzman, Author of Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture full<![CDATA[Commonplace with Meg Kobza, Masquerade historian]]>Katie Marshall is joined by Meg Kobza to discuss her new book 'The Masquerade: A History of Extravagance and Intrigue', modern celebrity culture, women's history, inspiring philosophies, as well as the contents of her personal commonplace book.

Key Topics:

Origins of masquerades in European courts

The role of masquerades in social and political diplomacy

Gender and race dynamics in 18th-century masquerades

The decline of masquerades and their modern legacy

Cultural representations and satirical depictions of masquerades

]]>4618c345-060d-4f08-ae09-decaa37a985cThu, 14 May 2026 17:01:41 GMT<p>Katie Marshall is joined by Meg Kobza to discuss her new book 'The Masquerade: A History of Extravagance and Intrigue', modern celebrity culture, women's history, inspiring philosophies, as well as the contents of her personal commonplace book.</p><p></p><p>Key Topics:</p><p>Origins of masquerades in European courts</p><p>The role of masquerades in social and political diplomacy</p><p>Gender and race dynamics in 18th-century masquerades</p><p>The decline of masquerades and their modern legacy</p><p>Cultural representations and satirical depictions of masquerades</p><p></p>no01:01:504Commonplace with Meg Kobza, Masquerade historianfull<![CDATA[Commonplace with Joanne Paul, author of Thomas More: A Life and Death in Tudor England]]>Katie Marshall is joined by Tudor historian Dr Joanne Paul to discuss her high-acclaimed new book on Sir Thomas More, Utopia, history's lessons for today and the contents of her personal commonplace book.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Joanne Paul and Her Work
  • 06:44 The Controversy Around Thomas More
  • 13:12 The Writing of Utopia
  • 23:04 Thomas More's Attitudes Towards Education
  • 29:45 Understanding Human Complexity
  • 39:27 The Role of Music in Work and Life
  • 45:53 Literature and Recipes
  • 51:43 Personal Reflections and Aspirations
]]>36cb7ddd-a787-466d-bc13-fc579f94e19dThu, 09 Apr 2026 11:05:46 GMT<p>Katie Marshall is joined by Tudor historian Dr Joanne Paul to discuss her high-acclaimed new book on Sir Thomas More, Utopia, history's lessons for today and the contents of her personal commonplace book.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Joanne Paul and Her Work</li><li>06:44 The Controversy Around Thomas More</li><li>13:12 The Writing of Utopia</li><li>23:04 Thomas More's Attitudes Towards Education</li><li>29:45 Understanding Human Complexity</li><li>39:27 The Role of Music in Work and Life</li><li>45:53 Literature and Recipes</li><li>51:43 Personal Reflections and Aspirations</li></ul>no00:55:213Commonplace with Joanne Paul, author of Thomas More: A Life and Death in Tudor Englandfull<![CDATA[Commonplace with Catherine Clarke, Author of A History of England in 25 poems]]>Katie Marshall is joined by academic Catherine Clarke, author of A History of England in 25 Poems (Radio 4 Book of the Week) to discuss the history of emotions, poetry and nationalism, recovering women's voices, and the contents of her personal Commonplace book.

]]>970e04d9-ac5e-48f2-bcd6-71976b869753Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:40:51 GMT<p>Katie Marshall is joined by academic Catherine Clarke, author of A History of England in 25 Poems (Radio 4 Book of the Week) to discuss the history of emotions, poetry and nationalism, recovering women's voices, and the contents of her personal Commonplace book.</p>no00:51:352Commonplace with Catherine Clarke, Author of A History of England in 25 poemsfull<![CDATA[Commonplace with Dr Christina Faraday, Historian of Art and Ideas]]>In this episode of Commonplace, Katie Marshall speaks with acclaimed Tudor Art historian and New Generation Thinker, Christina Faraday, about her work and the contents of her personal commonplace book.

]]>4ee2af7b-b18b-4450-9ae4-0d733b10a622Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:41:12 GMT<p>In this episode of Commonplace, Katie Marshall speaks with acclaimed Tudor Art historian and New Generation Thinker, Christina Faraday, about her work and the contents of her personal commonplace book.</p>no00:35:271Commonplace with Dr Christina Faraday, Historian of Art and Ideasfull<![CDATA[ Commonplace: The Podcast Trailer]]>Rooted in the Renaissance tradition of Commonplace books, this podcast explores the personal and poignant aspects of our lives. Join Katie Marshall and a host of academics, writers and creatives to discuss their work and the personal treasures that hold meaning for them. First episode coming soon!

]]>bde25874-ed71-46f0-9cd2-3bf7057c6e4fThu, 05 Mar 2026 19:45:11 GMT<p>Rooted in the Renaissance tradition of Commonplace books, this podcast explores the personal and poignant aspects of our lives. Join Katie Marshall and a host of academics, writers and creatives to discuss their work and the personal treasures that hold meaning for them. First episode coming soon!</p>no00:01:15 Commonplace: The Podcast Trailertrailer