WINNOW: A Couple’s Close Reading of the Iliad and Odyssey
Welcome to WINNOW, a podcast where Owen and Isabella Gemmer read, recap, and discuss Homer’s two epic poems. New episodes every Friday will each cover one chapter. Whether you’re a first time Homer reader or are already a fan, we hope there will be something for you along the way.
Listen on:
Episodes
41 minutes ago
41 minutes ago
Enjoy Book 21 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen.
Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation.
Narrated by Owen Gemmer.
3 days ago
3 days ago
This episode we're talking about foreshadowing. How is it used effectively in stories? How is it used in the Odyssey? Does knowing the suitors' fate make the story experience better or worse?
Listen to Book 21 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for 1,000 subscribers on YouTube!
Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.
Edited by Isabella Gemmer
Sunday May 31, 2026
Sunday May 31, 2026
Enjoy Book 20 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen.
Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation.
Narrated by Owen Gemmer.
Friday May 29, 2026
Friday May 29, 2026
In Book 19 of the Odyssey we get to see Odysseus and Penelope's first conversation, but it is not a reunion. And we ask the hot questions: Does Penelope recognize Odysseus? And if she does, why doesn't she say anything?
Listen to Book 20 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon, CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books
Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.
Edited by Isabella Gemmer
Sunday May 24, 2026
Sunday May 24, 2026
Enjoy Book 19 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen.
Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation.
Narrated by Owen Gemmer.
Friday May 22, 2026
Friday May 22, 2026
Odysseus begins to make small moves in the palace in Book 18 of the Odyssey. Thigh reveal! And Penelope scams the suitors for more gifts.
Listen to Book 19 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon, CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books
Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.
Edited by Isabella Gemmer
Sunday May 17, 2026
Sunday May 17, 2026
Enjoy Book 18 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen.
Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation.
Narrated by Owen Gemmer.
Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
In Book 17 of the Odyssey Odysseus enters the palace. But he is not greeted kindly. He is kicked and chairs are thrown at him. But one loyal canine seems to remember the master of the house, Argos. Join us as we discuss what kind of homecoming this is for Odysseus.
Listen to Book 18 of the Odyssey to be prepared for next week's episode on YouTube.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon, CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books
Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.
Edited by Isabella Gemmer
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Wednesday May 13, 2026
Welcome to the Lord of the Flies bonus episode.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Check out our bonus podcast on Patreon, CHONKERS a mini podcast about thick books
Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.
Edited by Isabella Gemmer
Sunday May 10, 2026
Sunday May 10, 2026
Enjoy Book 17 of Homer's Odyssey. These audiobooks are also available on YouTube with text on-screen.
Thank you to Project Gutenberg for the full text of the Samuel Butler (1900) translation.
Narrated by Owen Gemmer.