Selfies and Socrates don’t often go together, but Mary Beard is no typical classicist. For decades, the brilliant British scholar has worked to bring the world of classical antiquity to the masses. Boris Johnson certainly helped the cause when, in 2015, he took part in a viral public debate with Beard over whether Ancient Greece or Rome was the better civilization. Arguing for the Romans, Beard won. Having retired from her duties as a Cambridge don, her newest project is a series of short videos that explore modern themes with a classical spin. Actor Rachel Weisz joins to talk about the history of drama. Comedian Rosie Jones chats about free speech. And author Malorie Blackman helps explore what it means to be a hero. —Clara Molot