Julie Langford,  Associate Professor of Roman History at the University of South Florida, joined the Birthday edition of Life Elsewhere. Ms Langford described in explicit detail how the ancient Romans celebrated birthdays and rites of passage, “Romans marked out children from adults by their dress, in particular by an amulet that citizen children would wear around their neck. Very often, this had a phallus and testicles…it was in the shape of a cock and balls” the Professor cooly announced, causing Norman B’s producer to have an instant deer-in-the-headlights moment as she readied herself to hit the “bleep” button. Julie Langford went on to describe how a phallus was the symbol of life  and crucial in averting the Evil Eye. The Professor continued with stories about sacrifices, honey cakes, the age girls became women and much more.

Listen to the complete Podcast of Life Elsewhere’s Birthday edition, which also includes Norman B retracing momentous changes in his life through music. His musical selection includes, Elvis Presley, Elmore James, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Cornell Campbell, Gregory Isaacs, David Bowie, The Smiths, The Only Ones, Killing Joke, A.R. Kane and Barzin.

This is the song Norman B heard at the age of ten, that changed his life. Hear the complete Podcast of Life Elsewhere’s Birthday edition here or here