Canonball

In this podcast we discuss the European literary canon and the history, culture, philosophy, art, and science that surrounds it.

Podcasting since 2023 • 93 episodes

Canonball

Latest Episodes

Discussing "Medea" By Euripides With Evan

In this episode of Canonball, Evan and I discuss the play "Medea," which Euripides wrote and which was first performed in 431 BC. The cover art for this episode is the painting "Jason and Medea," which John William Waterhouse comple...

June 05, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 14 • 1:01:46

Discussing "Mozart On The Way To Prague" By Eduard Mörike

In this episode of Canonball we discuss "Mozart On The Way To Prague" by Eduard Mörike, which was published in 1856.Here is the final scene of Don Giovanni, Mörike's description of which we discuss at around 28:32

May 15, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 13 • 33:52

Discussing Petrarch's "Scattered Rhymes"

In today's episode of Canonball we discuss Francis Petrarch's "Scattered Rhymes," which were written over 40 years and finalized as a collection shortly before Petrarch's death in 1374.

May 09, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 12 • 46:05

Discussing Max Planck's "Where Is Science Going?"

In this episode of Canonball we discuss "Where Is Science Going?" by Max Planck, which was published in 1932.

April 19, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 11 • 44:29

Discussing "Novum Organum" By Francis Bacon

In this episode of Canonball we discuss "Novum Organum," which Francis Bacon wrote and which was published in 1620.

April 04, 2026 • Season 4 • Episode 10 • 58:15

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Fan Mail

Hello, Mr. Vollrath. I stumbled across your podcast quite by accident and was immediately intrigued. I am curious to know your background. I am a former Adjunct professor of literature and composition at Austin Community College, currently working for the University of Texas' dual enrollment program. I'm studying philosophy in my free time in hopes of pursuing a PhD. Would love to learn more about your background and what led you to create Canonball (great name, btw) and to publish your interpretation of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein."

Austin, Texas