Even after all this time.

Yes, and I think your casting idea is better than the way I initially described the role.

In the script as written the two voices are really co hosts, not interviewer plus expert.

The male voice is often the one asking the naive but intelligent question, but he also knows enough to make connections, challenge things, and occasionally supply context.

The woman explains more of the history, but she isn't supposed to sound like a lecturer being interviewed.

It should feel like two history podcasters exploring it together with one slightly more important than that.

For that reason, I would actually drop the names entirely in 11 laps.

They're only useful to us as speaker members.

The listener doesn't need to hear Ben or Layla,