Cost of Glory

By Alex Petkas

The most influential biographies ever written, admired by leaders, creators, soldiers, and thinkers for nearly 2,000 years: Plutarch’s Parallel lives. Essential listening for anyone striving after greatness. Alex Petkas, former professor of ancient philosophy and history, revives and dramatically retells these unforgettable stories for modern audiences. The subjects are statesmen, generals, orators, and founders; pious and profane, stoics and hedonists. The stakes bear on the future of Western civilization. The cost of glory is always great. Visit costofglory.com to find out more.

5 episodes

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All Episodes

Civilizations Fall From Fatal Disconnect With Reality

Feb 21, 2026

Civilizations fall not to external force, but to a fatal disconnect with reality, miscalculating allies and enemies. Understand the hidden vulnerabilities that precede collapse.

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Caesar's Radical Reforms Dismantled Republic, Paved Way for Empire

Jan 24, 2026

Caesar's radical reforms aimed to forge a new Roman order, but his consolidation of power and departure from tradition ultimately dismantled the Republic, paving the way for empire.

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Aristotle's Greatness of Soul Fuels Entrepreneurial Impact

Nov 07, 2025

Traditional education drains intellectual vitality, while Aristotle's philosophy reveals how ambition, true friendship, and action forge character and drive impactful achievements.

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Roman Power Struggles Shaped Judea Through Caesar and Herod

Oct 24, 2025

Caesar's patronage reshaped Roman-Jewish relations, but his assassination ignited power struggles. Herod the Great navigated this chaos, balancing Romanization with Temple rebuilding, all while ruthlessly securing his reign.

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Stoicism's Appeal as a Coping Mechanism and Its Paradoxes

Oct 03, 2025

Stoicism offers a low-cost coping mechanism for anxiety by devaluing external circumstances, but its adherence reveals paradoxes even among its greatest proponents.

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