Vespucci has launched Exploring The Greats, a video podcast book-club series in which actors and academics discuss major works of literature. Led by Rob Delaney, Tim Blake Nelson, John Douglas Thompson and classicist Mary Beard, the project aims to make demanding classics more approachable at a time when audiences may struggle to sustain attention.

The first four series cover Moby-Dick, Plato’s Republic, Othello and The Odyssey, with each participant joined by a specialist scholar. Released weekly from 30 July, the series ranges from five to 38 episodes per book and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube; Delaney recorded his Moby-Dick discussions at Herman Melville’s former home.