Our Team
Lexie Henning
Founder/CEO and Podcast Host
Lexie earned her BA in Classics from the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in 2018. Prior to co-founding The Ozymandias Project, she worked on political campaigns, interned on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., and worked for the Illinois State Senate. Her scholarly interests are in exploring Classical reception through the lens of contemporary storytelling in media, advocating for open access to the ancient world, and making ancient studies applicable in the modern world. In January 2023, she completed an MSc in Southeast European Studies at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, writing her thesis on the effects of Islamic iconoclasm on the Hagia Sophia and its impact on cultural heritage policy in ErdoÄŸan’s Turkey. She now serves as the programs & administration coordinator for UCLA’s Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, reading, horse-riding, learning foreign languages, traveling the world, and studying transportation/infrastructure issues.
Daniel Maday
Co-Founder / CAO and Executive Producer
A Chicago based IO Psychology Practitioner, Daniel has a passion for podcasts, education, and organizational design. In his capacity as Co-Founder, Daniel is the strategic lead and business manager for The Ozymandias Project and serves as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the non profit entity. As the Executive Producer of Ancient Office Hours, Daniel coordinates all the 'behind the scenes' elements for the podcast and archaeogaming, along with external partnerships. His puns know no bounds, is occasionally mistaken for a cryptid, and writes weekly haiku.
Hadley Leasman
Art Director and Social Media Director
Hadley is an artist currently based in Kansas City. Her work includes illustration, animation, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. She loves experimenting with new techniques and trying new things. When not making art, she is reading, cooking, watching tv, spending time outdoors, or planning her next adventure.
Chelsea Bilek
Content Strategist
Chelsea is a non-profit fundraiser by day and a tiktok and social media fiend by night! She is always looking to learn about something new and deep dive into intense internet holes. She supports the podcast in their initiatives by providing feedback, building brand-expanding ideas, and completing special projects. She is currently enjoying a deep dive into the ancient world of the Etruscans.
Abigail Turner
Voice Artist
Austin, Texas based voice actor Abigail Turner provides the voice for the podcast intros and outros. You can also hear her character work in video games, animation, and audio dramas, and other work in commercial and narration. For reels and credits, check out her website. With an international upbringing and education, she has a special place in her heart for ancient cultures and literature, and is thrilled to be a part of TOP!
