Best Fate Ambition Podcasts (2025)

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The Quiet Pain of Self-Loathing and Finding the Courage to Face It with Sarah Gormley 1:02:08

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2d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally…

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The benefit to actors of taking your time - Discussion with the ARCADIA team | The Rehearsal Room 22:23

2d ago22:23

22:23

Director Brendon Fox kicks off the question of "what happens when you take your time?" and the entire group shares their experience and ideas. This was such a wonderful and spontaneous discussion to highlight. It was taken from our Week 3 session of 2 scenes from ARCADIA: https://youtu.be/aUa7sRheup8 ----- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next re…

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Why We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali Sharot 1:01:35

6d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim ou…

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Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Finding Ease and Clarity with Charlie Gilkey 51:44

9d ago51:44

51:44

You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigati…

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How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Burnout with Leah Weiss 57:56

13d ago57:56

57:56

What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the …

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The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara 1:00:34

16d ago1:00:34

1:00:34

What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the au…

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Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 2) 1:00:08

20d ago1:00:08

1:00:08

In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of s…

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Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1) 1:00:25

23d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…

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Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday 52:41

27d ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…

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Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman 59:56

1M ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …

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King John (1.1), Final Session: "Urgency & Discovery" - The Rehearsal Room 1:27:44

1M ago1:27:44

1:27:44

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ Diving deep into character motivations and their historical context ➤ The collaborative effort of the director, dramaturg, and vocal coach ➤ Q&A about the rehearsal process and discoveries madeBy Nathan Agin

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From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda 54:52

1M ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …

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Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…

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King John (1.1), Week 3: "Legacy & Ambition" - The Rehearsal Room 1:53:08

1M ago1:53:08

1:53:08

By Nathan Agin

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Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams 1:07:20

1M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape o…

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Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor 50:14

1M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished pa…

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King John (1.1), Week 2: "Honor & Identity" - Shakespeare | The Rehearsal Room 2:00:17

1M ago2:00:17

2:00:17

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ The complex relationships between characters ➤ The historical context and its impact on character motivations ➤ A discussion on power and legitimacy We dive into two scenes from the play: the opening between Johnny and Bentley, and then a later scene with Hypatia and Percival. --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified…

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Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transfor…

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Anxiety, Beauty, and the Unknown: A Map to Emotional Resilience with David Whyte 57:53

2M ago57:53

57:53

In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us …

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King John (1.1), Week 1: "Fate & Fortune" - Shakespeare | The Rehearsal Room 1:59:00

2M ago1:59:00

1:59:00

Welcome back to The Rehearsal Room! We begin another exceptional series from the archive. Originally recorded in January/February 2021, this has been our only (to date!) dive into Shakespeare's King John! 🏁 In this session, highlights include: ➤ The complex relationships between characters ➤ The historical context and its impact on character motiva…

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Unlock Your Inner Anthem: A Tribute to Mike Peters 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and l…

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Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We ma…

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Misalliance (2 scenes), Final Session: "Tension and Transformation" - George Bernard Shaw | The Rehearsal Room 1:52:13

2M ago1:52:13

1:52:13

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Going to the extreme with a character or acting choice to see how it works Discussing the importance of pacing and its impact on performance Q&A with the artists We dive into two scenes from the play: the opening between Johnny and Bentley, and then a later scene with Hypatia and Percival. --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to g…

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The Bittersweet Truth About Beauty, Sorrow, and What Makes Life Worth Living with Susan Cain 51:55

2M ago51:55

51:55

In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek be…

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Flaws as Fuel: Harness Doubt, Cynicism & Ambition for Real Growth with Claire Hoffman 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry …

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Misalliance (2 scenes), Week 3: "Manners and Mayhem" - The Rehearsal Room 1:51:29

2M ago1:51:29

1:51:29

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Discussing the historical context of the Haypenny newspapers and their impact Examining the rich character dynamics in Shaw's work Taking a deep dive into these characters' motivations and inter-personal relationships We dive into two scenes from the play: the opening between Johnny and Bentley, and then a lat…

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The Midlife Makeover: Redefining Success and Happiness After 40 with Chip Conley 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for somet…

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How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overw…

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Misalliance (2 scenes), Week 2: "Duty and Desire" - The Rehearsal Room 2:08:22

2M ago2:08:22

2:08:22

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Exploring the tension between characters Delving into the complexities of societal expectations Portraying these characters authentically We dive into two scenes from the play: the opening between Johnny and Bentley, and then a later scene with Hypatia and Percival. --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get notified of our next …

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From Loneliness to Belonging: Small Steps That Change Everything with Jillian Richardson 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out…

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What If You’re Wrong? How Uncertainty Makes Us More Human with William Egginton 58:43

3M ago58:43

58:43

In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this is…

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Misalliance (2 scenes), Week 1: "Class and Conflict" - The Rehearsal Room 1:57:34

3M ago1:57:34

1:57:34

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Exploring the process of working on Shaw's material for the first time Insights into character dynamics in the play Discussion about class distinctions present between characters We dive into two scenes from the play: the opening between Johnny and Bentley, and then a later scene with Hypatia and Percival. ---…

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The Beatles, Lennon and McCartney, and the Truth We All Share with Ian Leslie 53:11

3M ago53:11

53:11

In this episode, Ian Leslie discusses the history of the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the truth we all share in their story. Ian explores how two young men from Liverpool created something together than neither could have made alone, not just music, but a shared consciousness that changed culture forever. John and Paul’s story isn’t…

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Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni 57:23

3M ago57:23

57:23

In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about…

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Uncle Vanya (Act 2), Final Session: "Echoes of the Past" - The Rehearsal Room 1:54:44

3M ago1:54:44

1:54:44

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Exploring the controversial reception of Chekhov's work and its impact on his legacy Delving into the complex relationships between characters in Uncle Vanya Q&A with the group about the process and what they learned We dive into the first half of Act 2, from a translation by our director and dramaturg: https:…

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How to Stop Losing Your Mind (Literally): The Surprising Science of Attention with Amishi Jha 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mi…

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Debunking Brain Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Change with Sarah McKay 54:42

3M ago54:42

54:42

In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: […

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Uncle Vanya (Act 2), Week 3: "The Weight of Regret" - The Rehearsal Room 1:54:05

3M ago1:54:05

1:54:05

🏁 In this session, highlights include: The psychological tension with the characters during a stormy night The motivations and frustrations expressed throughout the scene Vanya's emotional turmoil and existential reflections We dive into the first half of Act 2, from a translation by our director and dramaturg: https://www.chekhovplays.com/home ---…

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Unlocking the Wisdom of Dogs: What They Know About a Good Life with Mark Rowland 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the a…

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Redefining Wealth: The Truth About Money & Happiness with Sahil Bloom 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

In this episode, Sahil Bloom explores the idea of redefining wealth and the truth about money and happiness. He also shares a different definition of wealth – one that goes beyond financial success and taps into time, purpose, and relationships. Learn how to start finding the balance between striving for more while appreciating what’s right in fron…

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Uncle Vanya (Act 2), Week 2: "Conflict and Desire" - The Rehearsal Room 1:51:52

3M ago1:51:52

1:51:52

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Delving into themes of aging, longing, and existential despair Uncovering the subtext and motivations behind the characters' words Examining the frustrations and desires on this stormy night We dive into the first half of Act 2, from a translation by our director and dramaturg: https://www.chekhovplays.com/hom…

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How to Overcome Struggle & Find Freedom : Life-Changing Lessons with Spring Washam 1:06:20

3M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

In this episode, Spring Washam discusses how to overcome struggle and find freedom. She explores the extraordinary life and spiritual wisdom of Harriet Tubman—not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for breaking free from our own inner prisons. Spring dives deep into the intersection of spirituality, justice, and personal transformation. Ke…

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Relationship Mistakes & How to Love Better with Yung Pueblo 52:55

4M ago52:55

52:55

In this episode, Yung Pueblo discusses relationship mistakes and how to love better. He explores how attachments can masquerade as love and how true connection requires flexibility, and shares this powerful insight: attachment is just a deep form of inflexibility—it can look like love, but it’s often about control. Diego also delves into why growth…

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Uncle Vanya (Act 2), Week 1: "Love, Loss and Longing" - The Rehearsal Room 2:03:00

4M ago2:03:00

2:03:00

🏁 In this session, highlights include: ▶ Exploring Chekhov's characters and their complex relationships ▶ Discussing the impact of beauty and its ephemeral nature in the play ▶ Examining the themes of longing and self-worth We dive into the first half of Act 2, from a translation by our director and dramaturg: https://www.chekhovplays.com/home --- …

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How to Be Okay When Life Feels Overwhelming with Liz Fosslien 56:43

4M ago56:43

56:43

In this episode, Liz Fosslien discusses how to be okay when life feels overwhelming. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by emotions like anger, envy, or uncertainty—and then feel guilty for feeling that way? Liz challenges some of the biggest myths about emotions. She also dives into why negative emotions aren’t actually bad, how perfectionism holds us b…

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The Happiness Formula: Using Your Body to Transform Your Mind with Janice Kaplan 58:44

4M ago58:44

58:44

In this episode, Janice Kaplan explores the happiness formula and how to use your body to transform your mind. She discusses the powerful connection between our bodies and our minds. Drawing from her latest book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness, Janice shares groundbreaking research on how our physical state directly influences our emotions, t…

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King Lear - Final Session: "The Art of Character and Conflict" - The Rehearsal Room 1:50:54

4M ago1:50:54

1:50:54

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Delving into the dynamics of power and how it shapes the characters' choices throughout the play Exploring the nuances of familial loyalty Q&A with the artists! We dive into the scene where Lear and his two daughters quarrel over what how much of an entourage he needs - Act 2, Scene 4. --- 🛑 SUBSCRIBE to get n…

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The #1 Mindset Shift to Stop Overthinking and Start Living with Nikki Eisenhauer 1:05:00

4M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

In this episode, Nikki Eisenhauer shares the #1 mindset shift to stop overthinking and start living. She explores the profound role of insight, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility in personal growth. With her extensive wisdom gleaned from her 17+ years of experience working with highly sensitive individuals, she dives into why some peop…

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The Secret to Learning & Problem-Solving in Life with Ben Orlin 1:06:03

4M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In this episode, math teacher and author Ben Orlin explores the secret to learning and problem-solving in life. He explains why struggling through challenges (in math and life) can actually be a good thing. Ben also discusses the unexpected power of humor and how we can rethink our approach to learning and change. Key Takeaways: 05:16 – Struggle is…

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King Lear - Week 3: "The Unraveling of Lear" - The Rehearsal Room 2:14:04

4M ago2:14:04

2:14:04

🏁 In this session, highlights include: Discussing the importance of props in Shakespearean plays and their role in storytelling Examining the arcs of Lear, Goneril, and Regan as they navigate power struggles Tracing the characters from the beginning of the play, looking at how their relationships evolve and the consequences of their choices We dive…