The Case for Classics

Hi! Welcome to The Case for Classics ! I'm your host, Maira Zaidi.

I created this podcast to inspire a new generation of learners to discover the enduring value of Classical Studies. Through conversations with leading scholars, educators, students, and professionals, I explore how the ancient world is not a relic of the past but a living legacy that continues to shape our language, literature, philosophy, politics, and culture.

At its heart, the podcast seeks to make Classics more accessible and inclusive by introducing Latin, Greek, and Ancient History to students from all backgrounds, especially those who may never have encountered them before. By sharing insights from people across the field, I hope to demonstrate how the study of antiquity remains relevant to the questions and challenges we face today.

My goal is to make the case that an education in Classics develops intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, cultural understanding, and clear communication—qualities that prepare students not only to succeed in careers such as academia, law, medicine, public service, journalism, business, and science, but also to become thoughtful, engaged citizens capable of understanding the complexities of the modern world.

Through this podcast, I hope to inspire young people to discover the ancient world as part of our shared global heritage and recognize that Classics remains one of the most relevant and rewarding fields of study today.

Thank you so much for listening. Whether you're a lifelong Classicist or you're just discovering the ancient world for the very first time, I'm so glad you're here. Let's make the case for Classics together!

Maira Zaidi

Founder, Acta Diurna Classics – An Archive of Classical Inquiry

Follow: Acta Diurna— Gazette | @actadiurnaclassics

Read: Veritas — Blog | www.actadiurnaclassics.com

Listen: The Case for Classics — Podcast | www.actadiurnaclassics.com

All Episodes

The Case for Classics

Introduction to the Case for Classics

June 27, 2025 • Maira Zaidi

0:00 | 2:20

Hello! I'm your host, Maira Zaidi, and welcome to The Case for Classics, a podcast dedicated to inspiring a new generation of learners to discover the value of a Classics education.

I believe Classical Studies deserves a place in today's classrooms. Too often, the field is dismissed as irrelevant to modern times or reserved for an elite few. I believe it is for everyone.

Through conversations with leading scholars, educators, and professionals, I hope to highlight that the ancient world is not simply a relic of history but rather a living legacy that continues to shape our world today.

My goal is to make the case that an education in Classics develops critical thinking, cultural understanding, and effective communication, skills that prepare students not only to succeed in broader careers but also to become thoughtful and engaged citizens.

Whether you're a lifelong Classicist or just beginning your journey, I hope that these conversations inspire you to discover why Classics remains one of the most rewarding and transformative fields of study.

Let's make the case for Classics together!

SPEAKER_00 0:07

Hello everyone, and welcome to The Case for Classics. I'm your host, Myra Zady, a high school student based in Washington, DC. My journey into classics began when I first started studying Latin in seventh grade, and ever since I've been fascinated by ancient literature, Greco-Roman history, and classical reception. When I'm not immersed in the ancient world, you can usually find me reading historical fiction, doing some creative writing, checking out new coffee shops, or baking something sweet. I created this podcast to inspire a new generation of learners to discover the enduring value of classical studies. Through conversations with leading scholars, educators, students, and professionals, I explore how the ancient world is not a relic of the past, but a living legacy that continues to shape our language, literature, philosophy, politics, and culture. At its heart, the podcast also seeks to make classics more accessible and inclusive by introducing the subject to students from all backgrounds, especially those who may have never encountered it before. By sharing insights from people across the field, I hope to demonstrate how the study of antiquity remains relevant to the questions and challenges we face today. My goal is to make the case that an education in classics develops critical thinking, cultural understanding, and effective communications, qualities that prepare students not only to succeed in careers such as academia, law, medicine, public service, journalism, business, and science, to name a few, but also to become thoughtful and engaged citizens. I hope to inspire young people to discover the ancient world as part of our shared global heritage, and why classics remains one of the most relevant, rewarding, and transformative fields of study today. Thank you so much for listening. Whether you're a lifelong classicist or you're just discovering the ancient world for the very first time, I'm so glad you're here. Let's make the case for classics together.