The poem is allegorical, with multiple meanings. Each episode will cover a canto at a time, summarizing and interpreting the poem based on dozens of commentaries. Check the website for further reading.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/31/13/586df02e-2312-4d1d-9eaa-b532104ba773_inferno-canto29.mp3

Dante and Virgil enter the tenth and final bolgia of the 8th circle, the circle of fraud, where they encounter the first of the Falsifiers; those who practiced alchemy. We will meet two souls who knew Dante and learn what the poet can tell us about straw-men arguments, misuse of wealth, and how lies create a toxic, viral culture.

Inferno: Canto 29 - The Hospital of Hell

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/17/1/5c2aea0f-8a13-405e-83dc-6341eaea649a_danteshistory-inferno_28.mp3

The pilgrim and his guide enter the ninth bolgia and encounter the sowers of discord, those who sought to create division. He will meet a controversial religious leader and a few other disfigured souls and begin to learn how those who divide from within can be worse than an outside threat.

Inferno: Canto 28 - The Sowers of Discord

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/7/30/8/10cf1f4c-e268-4e22-a6a5-c205f36e2df4_danteshistory-inferno_27.mp3

Dante and Virgil are in the 8th bolgia where they meet a former warlord turned friar who broke his vows to help a contested pope defeat his enemies. Though he was promised absolution, he would be the cause of his own damnation.

Inferno: Canto 27 - The Phony Holy

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/20/15/02cdd4c4-7fe1-44e3-93fa-6f5d41ff6cee_danteshistory-inferno_26.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil climb out of the pit of the thieves and approach the eighth ditch of the 8th circle of the Inferno, where fire itself becomes the instrument of punishment. Here, Dante will behold flickering tongues of flame that speak without mouths — and one mysterious double flame that burns unlike the others. What it reveals offers both wonder and caution.

Inferno: Canto 26 - The False Flames

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/5/13/37964865-79b1-4c97-96b4-ac7ed50e092e_inferno-canto25.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil continue to observe the thieves that reside in the seventh ditch of the 8th circle of the inferno, aka The Malebolge. Virgil will tell him about us about the raging centaur that terrorizes the inhabitants here and Dante will witness a couple of grotesque transformations.

In this canto, Dante and Virgil continue to observe the thieves that reside in the seventh ditch of the 8th circle of the inferno, aka The Malebolge. Virgil will tell him about us about the raging centaur that terrorizes the inhabitants here and Dante...

In this canto, Dante and Virgil continue to observe the thieves that reside in the seventh ditch of the 8th circle of the inferno, aka The Malebolge. Virgil will tell him about us about the raging centaur that terrorizes the inhabitants here and Dante will witness a couple of grotesque transformations.

Inferno: Canto 25 - The Transforming Thieves

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/5/13/8c8f8f17-6257-465e-b5c2-568dd6948846_inferno-canto24.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil finally make it out of the sixth subring of the 8th circle. As they cross the next bolgia, a disgruntled voice draws them down to take a closer look. They discover the seventh subring is full of snakes and thieves. Our travelers speak with one of these thieves, a political opponent of Dante&#39;s, who tells them about his greatest crime and offers the pilgrim a discouraging prophecy.

In this canto, Dante and Virgil finally make it out of the sixth subring of the 8th circle. As they cross the next bolgia, a disgruntled voice draws them down to take a closer look. They discover the seventh subring is full of snakes and thieves. Our...

In this canto, Dante and Virgil finally make it out of the sixth subring of the 8th circle. As they cross the next bolgia, a disgruntled voice draws them down to take a closer look. They discover the seventh subring is full of snakes and thieves. Our travelers speak with one of these thieves, a political opponent of Dante&#39;s, who tells them about his greatest crime and offers the pilgrim a discouraging prophecy.

Inferno: Canto 24 - The Den of Snakes

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/5/13/62feeae9-0377-4087-9d2a-0b5dc6001bb6_inferno-canto23.mp3

In this canto our travelers venture into the sixth bolgia of the 8th circle and walk with a procession of miserable monks who&#39;ve been forced to wear heavy cloaks. We&#39;ll meet two of these sad hypocrites and learn why some of them have been crucified to the ground.

In this canto our travelers venture into the sixth bolgia of the 8th circle and walk with a procession of miserable monks who've been forced to wear heavy cloaks. We'll meet two of these sad hypocrites and learn why some of them have been crucified to...

In this canto our travelers venture into the sixth bolgia of the 8th circle and walk with a procession of miserable monks who&#39;ve been forced to wear heavy cloaks. We&#39;ll meet two of these sad hypocrites and learn why some of them have been crucified to the ground.

Inferno: Canto 23 - The Heavy Hypocrites

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/5/13/e5cbc9a5-ad8d-4383-b1c9-7fc45d88d6d5_inferno-canto22.mp3

In this canto, our travelers are joined by the Malebranche who may be leading them into a trap. The demonic escorts also catch an escaped barrator who identifies a few others sinners that bartered for a positions of power and are now submerged under the boiling black pitch. The barrator then tries to trick the demons with a bargain that sounds too good to be true.

In this canto, our travelers are joined by the Malebranche who may be leading them into a trap. The demonic escorts also catch an escaped barrator who identifies a few others sinners that bartered for a positions of power and are now submerged under...

In this canto, our travelers are joined by the Malebranche who may be leading them into a trap. The demonic escorts also catch an escaped barrator who identifies a few others sinners that bartered for a positions of power and are now submerged under the boiling black pitch. The barrator then tries to trick the demons with a bargain that sounds too good to be true.

Inferno: Canto 22 - The Bargaining Barrators

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/c4d7afd0-5fcb-4ce2-bee2-d9b2dc277166_inferno-canto21.mp3

In this canto, our travelers meet the Malebranche; winged demons that patrol the 5th bolgia of the Circle of Fraud. We&#39;ll also learn about the sinners here and what the sin of barratry has to with sailing ships.

In this canto, our travelers meet the Malebranche; winged demons that patrol the 5th bolgia of the Circle of Fraud. We'll also learn about the sinners here and what the sin of barratry has to with sailing ships.

In this canto, our travelers meet the Malebranche; winged demons that patrol the 5th bolgia of the Circle of Fraud. We&#39;ll also learn about the sinners here and what the sin of barratry has to with sailing ships.

Inferno: Canto 21 - The Malebranche

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/3/24/16/b16ea87f-ecf6-4615-84e0-0ca04e09d79a_inferno_canto20.mp3

In this canto, Virgil and the pilgrim examine the fourth ditch of the 8th circle and the group of sinners who abused the gift of prophecy. We&#39;ll learn about a few ancient prophets and Dante will have Virgil make a correction to his own work.

In this canto, Virgil and the pilgrim examine the fourth ditch of the 8th circle and the group of sinners who abused the gift of prophecy. We'll learn about a few ancient prophets and Dante will have Virgil make a correction to his own work.

In this canto, Virgil and the pilgrim examine the fourth ditch of the 8th circle and the group of sinners who abused the gift of prophecy. We&#39;ll learn about a few ancient prophets and Dante will have Virgil make a correction to his own work.

Inferno: Canto 20 - The Seditious Soothsayers

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/4d665a54-6c63-405f-92d7-6224cb0381cb_inferno-canto19.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil explore the 3rd valley of the Malebolge. We&#39;ll learn about the sin of Simony and meet a former Pope who has been buried upside down for twenty years. Dante also finds a way to insult one of his greatest political enemies.

In this canto, Dante and Virgil explore the 3rd valley of the Malebolge. We'll learn about the sin of Simony and meet a former Pope who has been buried upside down for twenty years. Dante also finds a way to insult one of his greatest political enemies.

In this canto, Dante and Virgil explore the 3rd valley of the Malebolge. We&#39;ll learn about the sin of Simony and meet a former Pope who has been buried upside down for twenty years. Dante also finds a way to insult one of his greatest political enemies.

Inferno: Canto 19 - The Sycophantic Simonists

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/ddc1c077-8360-4c78-a17e-0f5348c9f507_danteshistory-inferno_18.mp3

In this episode, Dante and Virgil begin exploring the 8th circle of the Inferno: The Malebolge. The pilgrim will describe the structure of this part of hell and meet two different kinds of sinners. We&#39;ll also learn how the sinners in this part of the Inferno use fraud to exploit the sins of others.

In this episode, Dante and Virgil begin exploring the 8th circle of the Inferno: The Malebolge. The pilgrim will describe the structure of this part of hell and meet two different kinds of sinners. We'll also learn how the sinners in this part of the...

In this episode, Dante and Virgil begin exploring the 8th circle of the Inferno: The Malebolge. The pilgrim will describe the structure of this part of hell and meet two different kinds of sinners. We&#39;ll also learn how the sinners in this part of the Inferno use fraud to exploit the sins of others.

Inferno: Canto 18 - The Belly Of Hell

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/9835a219-9570-4143-97ea-29d02046f142_danteshistory-inferno_17.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil encounter Geryon, the beast of fraud and the pilgrim will meet the last group of violent sinners, those who make money from money.

In this canto, Dante and Virgil encounter Geryon, the beast of fraud and the pilgrim will meet the last group of violent sinners, those who make money from money.

Inferno: Canto 17 - The Beast of Fraud

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/bb111588-48ea-4abe-a9cd-34c8546768cc_dante-inferno-16.mp3

In this canto, our travelers meet a trio of Florentine politicians who want to know about the current state of nobility in Florence. They also encounter a waterfall at the very edge of the 7th ring where Dante will be asked to give up something of his.

In this canto, our travelers meet a trio of Florentine politicians who want to know about the current state of nobility in Florence. They also encounter a waterfall at the very edge of the 7th ring where Dante will be asked to give up something of his.

Inferno: Canto 16 - The Three Shades

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/daaa7a32-fdaa-4f71-b399-d519c935eb19_dante-inferno-13.mp3

In this canto, Dante meets the man who taught him how to speak and write-- a politician and fellow exile who has one last lesson for the pilgrim. We&#39;ll also learn about the group of sinners punished in this sub-circle-- those who were violent against nature and order.

In this canto, Dante meets the man who taught him how to speak and write-- a politician and fellow exile who has one last lesson for the pilgrim. We'll also learn about the group of sinners punished in this sub-circle-- those who were violent against...

In this canto, Dante meets the man who taught him how to speak and write-- a politician and fellow exile who has one last lesson for the pilgrim. We&#39;ll also learn about the group of sinners punished in this sub-circle-- those who were violent against nature and order.

Inferno: Canto 15 - The Uncivil Servants

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/3/24/16/4cc61931-054f-4619-8fbb-e17acbc77b72_dante_inferno_14.mp3

In this canto, Dante and Virgil continue across the middle ring of the 7th Circle of hell, where they encounter a giant warrior with a chip on his shoulder. Then Virgil teaches the pilgrim about the tragic source of all the rivers of the inferno.

Inferno: Canto 14 - The Burning Blasphemers

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/7204ee69-4cd3-406f-ba77-dca3ca1df273_dante-inferno-13.mp3

In this canto, Dante and his guide enter a dark forest of mangled trees. They speak with a damned soul who took his own life. He shares his sad story and the gruesome fate that awaits those who use violence against themselves.

In this canto, Dante and his guide enter a dark forest of mangled trees. They speak with a damned soul who took his own life. He shares his sad story and the gruesome fate that awaits those who use violence against themselves.

Inferno: Canto 13 - The Forest of the Suicides

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/fff4529c-7d3e-46bc-b7ca-c38fb2966638_dante-inferno-12.mp3

In this canto, Dante and his guide will be confronted by &#34;The Infamy of Crete&#34; and the leader of thousands of centaurs guards threatens to shoot an arrow at the pilgrim. We&#39;ll learn about the ancient philosophy of love and hate and see which famous tyrants ended up in a boiling river of blood.

In this canto, Dante and his guide will be confronted by "The Infamy of Crete" and the leader of thousands of centaurs guards threatens to shoot an arrow at the pilgrim. We'll learn about the ancient philosophy of love and hate and see which famous...

In this canto, Dante and his guide will be confronted by &#34;The Infamy of Crete&#34; and the leader of thousands of centaurs guards threatens to shoot an arrow at the pilgrim. We&#39;ll learn about the ancient philosophy of love and hate and see which famous tyrants ended up in a boiling river of blood.

Inferno: Canto 12 - The Bloody Tyrants

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/4bba5383-6d6e-41f7-9f98-ee55857bb1c6_dante-inferno-11.mp3

In this canto, the pilgrim and his guide are forced to take a short break. Virgil uses the opportunity to describe the architecture of lower hell and explain why the act of making money from money is considered violence against nature.

In this canto, the pilgrim and his guide are forced to take a short break. Virgil uses the opportunity to describe the architecture of lower hell and explain why the act of making money from money is considered violence against nature.

Inferno:  Canto 11 - The Shape of Hell

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/6/23/bc6ab231-1af0-4385-9701-9ede714b1595_dante-inferno-10.mp3

In this canto our duo walk among the tombs of the city of the dead where they meet two once feuding aristocrats who must now share a grave for eternity. We&#39;ll learn about the noble Epicureans and their views on the immortal soul and get further insight into the poet&#39;s view of the past , present, and future of the civil war in his homeland of Florence.

In this canto our duo walk among the tombs of the city of  the dead where they meet two once feuding aristocrats who must now share a grave for eternity. We'll learn about the noble Epicureans and their views on the immortal soul and get further...

In this canto our duo walk among the tombs of the city of the dead where they meet two once feuding aristocrats who must now share a grave for eternity. We&#39;ll learn about the noble Epicureans and their views on the immortal soul and get further insight into the poet&#39;s view of the past , present, and future of the civil war in his homeland of Florence. Visit <a href="http://www.patreon.com/danteshistory" rel="nofollow">www.patreon.com/danteshistory</a>

Inferno: Canto 10 - The Soulless Nobles