Dr. Eduardo García-Molina, an Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joins Lexie to discuss his journey from being inspired by the video game 'Rome Total War' to specializing in the Seleucid Empire in his academic career, insights from his research, including the challenges of working with limited historical records, and his course on the intersection of gaming and ancient history.

Emmy Award winning casting director Suzanne Smith discusses the intricacies of casting for film and television, particularly in historical and period dramas. She shares her unplanned journey into casting, experiences with projects like Band of Brothers, Outlander, and Reign, and the unique challenges of casting roles that span different time periods. The episode explores the importance of historical accuracy, chemistry reads, and the impact of modern technology on the casting process. The conversation delves into the essence of an actor, the nuances of today's casting requirements, and personal anecdotes from her numerous casting endeavors. The episode culminates in a discussion on the significance of story adaptation across different media and a revelation of a dream casting project: The Hobbit by Peter Jackson.

Dr. Alyson Melzer, an Assistant Professor of Classics at Indiana University Bloomington, joins Lexie to discuss the emotional resonance of Greek tragedies and specific elements that make these ancient works distinctively Greek, the challenges of interpreting and performing these plays in modern times, balancing authenticity and modern adaptation, and the timeless themes found in Greek tragedies and their relevance today.