This is our 50th episode of The Torch, hosted by Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer for the Great Courses, and our podcast continues to entertain, inform, and provide our audience with more ways to continue their passion for lifelong learning.

This milestone edition examines how music has reflected and affected major milestones in history, delves into the defining moments of Irish culture, and embarks on an exciting adventure into the science of extreme weather.

First you’ll explore how history isn’t just dates and names. Great moments in history impact our culture, our views, and our art; applying the lens of music to the study of history provides you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation for both subjects. There is no better professor to present this scope than Great Courses favorite Robert Greenberg, renowned musicologist and Music Historian-in-Residence with San Francisco Performances.

We all understand how the Italian renaissance resulted in a plethora of amazing art and music, and also helped define the Italian culture. Lesser known is the Irish Renaissance, which gave birth to not only a number of timeless works of literature, but helped generate and foster a revolution, calling for independence and establishing an Irish identity. Professor Marc Conner, Professor of English at Washington and Lee University, discusses this vibrant period of time where conflict, unrest, and a cultural explosion came together to capture and help to create a nation.

Lastly, join Professor Eric Snodgrass, a storm chaser and Director of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois, to better understand the different facets of extreme weather and how we use science and nature to predict storms and climate change in general.