This Is the Podcast Episode You’re Looking For
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we turn to the dark side to talk Star Wars with our special guest, Dr. Chris Kempshall. Chris talks to us about establishing his career as a leading WW1 historian, a video games consultant, and a historian for Star Wars. He also talks about how all of this great work got him ruthlessly expelled from the academy. We then give him a very challenging WW1 x Star Wars quiz followed by a discussion of geek chic fashion. Finally, Kurt mixes a Star Wars-themed shot to drink after a hard day in the space hangar. Join us you will!
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Tickling the Ivories
The Ivory Attic
In this on-location episode, we join Professor Jocelyn Swigger in her piano-filled office. Jocelyn is Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. Jocelyn introduces us to a wonderful composer few have heard, Agnes Tyrrell. She also talks about what it is like teaching piano in a conservatory at a small liberal arts college. In our fashion segment, we find out why musicians wear black in concerts—and why Jocelyn chooses differently when out and about on campus. Finally, the three of us raise a glass in honor of Agnes...
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U.S. Politics Haven't Changed at All!
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we speak with Bruce A. Larson, Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College. Bruce speaks to us about his work on campaign finance issues in the U.S. government and how it is definitely super easy to fix. Bruce also takes us on a winding journey through his path to academia—a route marked by romantic pursuits and rock bands—and reflects on how, given the state of things these days, staying in the band might’ve been the better choice. As usual, we quiz him on his political science knowledge and in our fashion segment ask him about the difference between dressing...
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I(a)n the Trenches
The Ivory Attic
Now with fewer hosts! In this episode, Ian switches sides of the Attic to talk with Kurt about his new book, ,. They kick off the new season by talking about how defeat can sometimes look a lot like victory, why writing about war during a global pandemic might not be the best way to pass the time in quarantine, and about Ian’s love of playing with toy soldiers. From there, the conversation turns to military fashion, as Kurt tries his best to get Ian to name history’s best and worst uniforms. Finally, they raise a glass and chat about the late Queen Elizabeth II over a well-earned cocktail....
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The Healing Episode 2: Water of Life
The Ivory Attic
In case our previous episode did not provide solace, we have a backup plan. Join Kurt and R.C. Miessler as they talk about how to go about enjoying whiskey! Sometimes words help and sometimes it’s a quick tipple that makes life a bit more bearable. So grab a finger or two of your favorite brown liquor and join us for a tasting!
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The Healing Episode
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we try to recover from some recent unpleasantness. We asked previous guests of the show to read inspirational passages, poems, speeches, make their own comments, and simply give whatever message they thought that we all needed right now. As usual, our guests did not disappoint. We hope you enjoy this collection of calls to action, thoughts on our current political situation, and reflections on how one moves forward in darker times. Perhaps these thoughtful words from amazing people can contribute a bit of brightness in a dark time.
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Butchin'
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we speak with Amy Tooth Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Oral History at Royal Holloway, University of London. Amy talks to us about her oral history research on butch culture and why, despite the fact that most people can recognize someone who is butch, it still takes academics years to figure out what “butch” means. She also explains why listening is something that actually takes practice and is hard to do. (Don’t Ian and I know it!) We then quiz her in a new rapid-fire format and geek out with her about our shared love of tweed fashion. Finally, we give her one difficult to...
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The Essence of the Clown
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we speak with Professor Christopher Kauffman, Adams Professor in Theatre Arts at Gettysburg College. Chris talks about the serious side of clowning and why nobody should ever try to be funny. He also explains why having a mean French man call you a “double-zero” is a great way to be funnier and explains the new “Muppet-core” fashion movement. Finally, we make our noses red both figuratively and literally by sipping on a cocktail. We promise this will only be the third worst thing you have ever heard! Call us Natalie!
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Total Chaos
The Ivory Attic
In this episode, we speak with Professor of Mathematics at Gettysburg College, Ben Kennedy. Ben talks about why anyone would want to do math, what is interesting about chaos, and why it doesn’t matter if the thing you are discovering is important. He then (for some reason) answers a truly awful set of quiz questions and talks about how he has stopped screaming at colleagues during meaningless basketball games. Finally, we share a whiskey together that was made by two very special people (at least partially).
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The Graduation Special: It’s Just Putting Clothes on People
The Ivory Attic
It’s our special Graduation Episode! In this episode, we talk with special guest Juls Buehrer, Gettysburg College’s Costume Designer-in-Residence and Gettysburg College’s Costume Shop Manager and Gettysburg College’s Scenic Artist. Despite doing more work in a day than Ian and I do in a year, Juls managed to carve out a little time to tell us about the amazing history of Academic Regalia. She also explains her affinity for Fairy dress and Ian tells the sad story of his own college graduation outfit. Finally, to recover, we all drink a purple-hued cocktail to celebrate the graduation of...
info_outlineIt’s our first ever co-curriculum episode! To thank everyone for the great reception the podcast has received so far, we created a St. Patrick’s Day special. In it, we will interview Dr. Jeff McHugh about being a post-doc, running in Paris, and his opinions on box-chain store St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts. Our co-hosts will also discuss (and drink) the perfect Irish Manhattan (which, it turns out, is not a “perfect” Manhattan).