YSU professor appears on TV Show "Clash of the Gods"
Alicia Pattillo REPORTER
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: News
After the success of the book "Myth & Knowing: An Introduction to World Mythology," author and Youngstown State University English professor Dr. Scott Leonard gained the interest of the producers behind the History Channel's televised show "Clash of the Gods."
Leonard was sent an e-mail by the producers of the show expressing interest in his book. They wanted him to be a consultant for the show, and also requested that he fly to Manhattan for filming.
This came as a surprise to Leonard, who predicted that the "exchange of consultant interpretation would be through e-mail."
Leonard describes his initial reaction as "very surprised."s
His first time on national television, Leonard stood for five hours on a mark in front of a camera, answering numerous questions related to what he does best, interpretations of the interaction and teachings of the historical perspective in the world of mythology.
Leonard said he was "definitely nervous" on camera.
The aftermath was rewarding though, as public notice of the YSU professor on TV started to peak.
"It was astonishing to see how many previous students contacted me saying they saw me," Leonard said.
Leonard and his understanding of mythology ask the "big questions" pertaining to our purpose in life or death, followed by many more. For Leonard, there are two kinds of truth. They can be categorized under the scientifically factual truth and the abstract ideas, or the myth.
While Leonard has no promise for any future shows with the channel yet, he hopes to revise his book.
Leonard said it "has been amazing how the book has opened up so many opportunities and social network possibilities."
Leonard was sent an e-mail by the producers of the show expressing interest in his book. They wanted him to be a consultant for the show, and also requested that he fly to Manhattan for filming.
This came as a surprise to Leonard, who predicted that the "exchange of consultant interpretation would be through e-mail."
Leonard describes his initial reaction as "very surprised."s
His first time on national television, Leonard stood for five hours on a mark in front of a camera, answering numerous questions related to what he does best, interpretations of the interaction and teachings of the historical perspective in the world of mythology.
Leonard said he was "definitely nervous" on camera.
The aftermath was rewarding though, as public notice of the YSU professor on TV started to peak.
"It was astonishing to see how many previous students contacted me saying they saw me," Leonard said.
Leonard and his understanding of mythology ask the "big questions" pertaining to our purpose in life or death, followed by many more. For Leonard, there are two kinds of truth. They can be categorized under the scientifically factual truth and the abstract ideas, or the myth.
While Leonard has no promise for any future shows with the channel yet, he hopes to revise his book.
Leonard said it "has been amazing how the book has opened up so many opportunities and social network possibilities."
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