In this on-location episode, we join Professor Jocelyn Swigger in her piano-filled office. Jocelyn is Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. Jocelyn introduces us to a wonderful composer few have heard, Agnes Tyrrell. She also talks about what it is like teaching piano in a conservatory at a small liberal arts college. In our fashion segment, we find out why musicians wear black in concerts—and why Jocelyn chooses differently when out and about on campus. Finally, the three of us raise a glass in honor of Agnes Tyrrell. It’s our most musical episode yet!

In this episode, we speak with Bruce A. Larson, Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College. Bruce speaks to us about his work on campaign finance issues in the U.S. government and how it is definitely super easy to fix. Bruce also takes us on a winding journey through his path to academia—a route marked by romantic pursuits and rock bands—and reflects on how, given the state of things these days, staying in the band might’ve been the better choice. As usual, we quiz him on his political science knowledge and in our fashion segment ask him about the difference between dressing as a political scientist and dressing to be in a hair band. Finally, we end with an expensive cocktail that was definitely not used to buy favorable policies for Ian and me at the college.

Now with fewer hosts! In this episode, Ian switches sides of the Attic to talk with Kurt about his new book, The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front,. They kick off the new season by talking about how defeat can sometimes look a lot like victory, why writing about war during a global pandemic might not be the best way to pass the time in quarantine, and about Ian’s love of playing with toy soldiers.

From there, the conversation turns to military fashion, as Kurt tries his best to get Ian to name history’s best and worst uniforms. Finally, they raise a glass and chat about the late Queen Elizabeth II over a well-earned cocktail.

Give it a listen—we promise this won’t be an episode of attrition!