Have you ever had a dream of flight? Sarah and I have, and we’re not the only ones. Monday’s podcast explored 10 attempts at one-person flight – and bungled attempts at that.

Thanks to a great article by Stuff from the B Side’s John Fuller, we learned about King Lear’s father (and his necromancy) and an archbishop’s castration. We also talked about why peasants might want to avoid personal flight-crazed clergymen and why you shouldn’t assemble a large crowd for your death-defying feat.

Wednesday’s podcast was holiday themed: the origins of Christmas in the winter solstice.

Saturnalia was a Roman festival honoring Saturn, the god of sowing. It was “the best of days,” according to Catullus — everyone’s favorite holiday. And there ain’t no party like a Saturnalia party, because a Saturnalia party don’t stop. It lasted for seven days. There is mention by Lucian of the feasting of slaves and the clapping of frenzied hands, along with some nude singing.