Explore every episode of the podcast Ascend - The Great Books Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Book Two: Gyges’ Ring with Dr. Jennifer Frey (357a-362c) | 03 Nov 2026 | 01:35:31 | |
Today on Ascend, we open Book Two of Plato’s Republic with one of the most striking passages in the whole work: the myth of the Ring of Gyges. Glaucon does not simply disagree with Socrates. He says he has been talked to death by Thrasymachus and countless others, and he wants to know whether Socrates is trying to persuade him or only to seem to persuade him. He then restores the argument for injustice in its strongest form. Justice, he says, is a compact struck by the weak. Those who practice it do so unwillingly. And the life of the unjust man is, after all, far better than that of the just. To make the claim vivid he tells the story of Gyges, who finds a ring that makes him invisible, seduces the queen, kills the king, and takes the throne. Dr. Jennifer Frey joins me to walk through the argument, and she is clear that this is no mere academic exercise. Plato is mapping the options that are still with us. The seeds of Machiavelli and Hobbes are already here. What makes the section so powerful is the way Glaucon strips justice of every external reward. He imagines a man of perfect injustice who has a reputation for justice, and then a man of perfect justice who has a reputation for injustice. The just man, they will say, will be whipped, racked, bound, have both his eyes burned out, and at the end, when he has undergone every sort of evil, he will be crucified. Dr. Frey notes that he will be treated like Christ. Plato is writing about his master, Socrates, but the parallel is unavoidable. The question the passage forces on the reader is simple and severe: is justice good in itself, or only for its effects? Glaucon wants the second kind of good. He wants to be shown that justice is desirable for its own sake and for what comes from it. Everything that follows in the Republic is an attempt to answer him. More Resources on Plato’s Republic:
If you are reading the Republic with us, this is the section that sets the stakes. The drama is part of the pedagogy. You cannot extract the argument and leave the myth behind. The question is first (i) what is justice and second (ii) is justice more profitable for the soul than injustice. That is the problem Book Two places before us, and it is the problem the rest of the dialogue will try to solve—at least on its face. Chapters 00:00 Book II reading guide and the central question of justice 04:29 Dr. Jennifer Frey on why The Republic remains a masterwork 07:14 How Plato anticipates modern political philosophy 10:14 Why Plato’s literary form is part of the argument 14:05 Glaucon challenges Socrates to defend justice 17:08 Three kinds of goods and where justice belongs 22:19 Glaucon’s three-part case for injustice 24:45 Glaucon seeks reasons, not just persuasion 29:38 Justice as a compromise against mutual harm 34:49 Socrates’ maxim: better to suffer than commit injustice 37:53 The Ring of Gyges and the test of justice 42:13 Invisibility, power, and the gap between appearance and reality 45:35 Can an unjust person truly flourish? 47:23 Gyges, Superman, and what power reveals 49:45 Plato’s magical ring and Herodotus’s political coup 52:04 Does power immediately cast moral norms aside? 53:33 Virtue as the long cultivation of appetite 55:02 Thrasymachus, legal positivism, and power 57:17 Justice as a compact or a reality beyond rulers 59:43 Universals, nominalism, and where meaning comes from 01:01:20 Why Glaucon thinks injustice can benefit the individual 01:04:35 Justice as a virtue of the soul, not just a social system 01:08:18 Religion, sacrifice, and whether the gods see the soul 01:10:16 Doing a just act versus becoming a just person 01:13:11 The soul, cosmic justice, and the afterlife 01:16:40 The perfectly just person with an unjust reputation 01:18:39 Why Plato’s just sufferer recalls Christ and Socrates 01:21:27 Why Glaucon’s challenge remains a serious argument 01:23:41 How Plato and pagan philosophy shaped Christian thought 01:27:34 Glaucon’s case: the tyrant’s apparent happiness 01:31:39 What counts as the highest good and a happy life 01:34:25 Closing reflections and where to find Jen Frey Be sure to check out our entire reading schedule, so you can be sure to read alongside us. | |||
| How Plato Shaped Christianity with Dr. Louis Markos | 27 Oct 2026 | 01:48:21 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Mr. Thomas Lackey sit down with Dr. Louis Markos—author of From Plato to Christ—for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on how Platonic thought prepared the world for the Gospel. From the fullness of time and the meeting of Athens and Jerusalem to C.S. Lewis, classical education, the myths of the Republic, and why even modern Christians still need Plato, this is a rich exploration of the intellectual roots of the faith and the enduring power of the Great Books. Dr. Markos is a whirlwind on a mission. Join us. And THANK YOU again to the Classic Learning Test for sponsoring this episode. Dr. Markos opened by framing his lifelong project of uniting Athens and Jerusalem—the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian inheritances that together shaped the West. He argued that the “fullness of time” was not only political and linguistic but intellectual: Greek philosophy, especially Plato, prepared the human heart for the Gospel through general revelation. God did not ignore the nations; He used reason, conscience, and imagination to plant redemptive analogies that pointed toward Christ. Dr. Markos noted that this recovery is now happening among evangelicals, who are reclaiming the classical tradition just as many secular universities abandon it, and that classical Christian education is quietly reintroducing Plato, the Church Fathers, and a hierarchical view of reality to a generation once wary of anything outside the Bible alone. The conversation then turned to Plato’s specific role as a kind of pre-evangelism. Dr. Markos distinguished Socrates’ negative work of clearing false definitions from Plato’s positive construction of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. He highlighted how the Republic uses the just and unjust man, the city-soul analogy, and the Myth of Er to show that injustice disorders the soul itself—an insight modern students often encounter first in Plato rather than in Scripture. Myths, he explained, are not mere stories for those who cannot grasp philosophy; they incarnate truths that pure dialectic cannot fully express, especially the reality of final judgment and the damage sin does to the soul. Deacon Garlick and Thomas Lackey pressed further on St. Augustine’s decisive Christianization of the Forms: relocating them in the divine Logos and affirming that God knows both universals and particulars, so that Platonic metaphysics is not an alien overlay but something already latent in the New Testament’s language of participation, shadows, and heavenly patterns. The episode closed with C.S. Lewis as the modern bridge who makes Plato accessible to Protestants. Dr. Markos pointed to the heavenly Narnia that is “more real” than the earthly one, the Silver Chair’s psychological undoing of the children’s knowledge of Aslan and the sun, and Lewis’s consistent realism against nominalism. Throughout, the guests returned to the practical stakes of the Republic for first-time readers: follow the through-line that justice is better than injustice even when it costs everything, let the allegory of the cave reorient what counts as real, and treat Plato not as an opponent to be purged but as a candle whose light is completed, not extinguished, by the greater light of Christ. If you’re interested in reading more on how Plato and the broader Hellenized culture impact the Gospel, check out “Do Christians Owe a Debt to Homer” and “How Plato Helped St. Augustine Convert to Christianity.” Good work! Next week we start Book Two of the Republic. Check out our reading schedule for more information. Chapters 00:00 Why discuss Plato’s impact on Christianity 00:28 Myth, sin, and what our actions do to the soul 03:06 Meet Lou Markos and the Athens-Jerusalem connection 04:00 Why poetry’s ambiguity can deepen meaning 07:06 Greek thought and general revelation 09:03 Plato’s influence on Scripture and Christian thought 11:05 Classical education’s return among evangelicals 13:58 Augustine, Aristotle, and the nature of universals 18:20 How Markos came to Plato 18:47 How C.S. Lewis brings Plato to life 22:03 Plato’s ideas, Christian language, and pre-evangelism 25:06 The Silver Chair and the reality behind appearances 29:00 Recovering metaphysics and the unseen world 30:55 Why Christians need the classics and Church Fathers 32:16 Augustine, the candle, and the greater light of Christ 34:51 Advice for reading Plato’s Republic 35:19 The Magi, natural reason, and the journey to faith 41:08 Why the Republic still speaks to modern readers 45:16 Justice, the soul, and the tyrant’s inner slavery 50:10 What Plato’s myths reveal about cosmic justice Keywords Plato and Christianity, Louis Markos, From Plato to Christ, classical education, general revelation, Plato's Republic, Augustine, Christian philosophy, Socrates, metaphysics Lou Markos, Plato, Christianity, Platonic thought, Augustine, Aristotle, C.S. Lewis, The Republic, Chronicles of Narnia, Christian philosophy | |||
| Republic Book One: Thrasymachus with Dr. Gregory McBrayer (336a-354c) | 20 Oct 2026 | 02:04:11 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guest Dr. Gregory McBrayer dive into the fiery third part of Book One of Plato’s Republic: the showdown between Socrates and the sophist Thrasymachus. Thrasymachus bursts onto the scene “hunched up like a wild beast,” roaring that justice is nothing more than “the advantage of the stronger.” What follows is a masterclass in Platonic drama and pedagogy—complete with forced feedings, blushing, and precision battles over definitions—as Socrates methodically unravels the sophist’s position. And THANK YOU again to the Classic Learning Test for sponsoring this episode. Dr. McBrayer and Dcn. Garlick explore why this confrontation matters so much. They compare Thrasymachus to the even more ferocious Callicles of the Gorgias (which Dr. McBrayer also discussed with Dcn. Garlick on Ascend) and discuss whether Socrates truly refutes him or merely “out-sophists the sophist.” They also go back and forth on the famous shepherd-and-sheep analogy, the arts-versus-money-making distinction, and the early hints of the philosopher-king and city-soul analogy. Along the way they surface deeper questions that haunt the rest of the dialogue: Is justice a real thing or merely a name the powerful give to their own advantage? Why does Plato bookend the Republic with religious myths? And how much of Book One is a deliberate deconstruction meant to clear the ground for Glaucon’s more serious challenge in Book Two? More Resources on Plato’s Republic:
Whether you’re a first-time reader still finding your footing or a returning student who wants to wrestle with one of the most famous attacks on justice in the Western tradition, this conversation models how to read Plato slowly, dramatically, and in good company. Tune in for sharp analysis, unexpected humor, and a clear sense of why Thrasymachus still feels so familiar—and so dangerous—today. Be sure to check out our entire reading schedule, so you can be sure to read alongside us. A good path is before us. Let’s take it and ascend. Chapters 00:00 — Introducing Thrasymachus and the end of Book One 13:00 — Thrasymachus and Callicles: comparing the “nasty” challengers 21:00 — Thrasymachus’s dramatic entrance—and why to take him seriously 31:00 — “Justice is the advantage of the stronger” 40:00 — Ruling as an art, and Socrates’ argument 52:00 — The shepherd, the sheep, and Thrasymachus’s shifting claims 66:00 — The soul, leadership, and the reluctant ruler 81:00 — The penalty of being ruled by someone worse 93:00 — Justice, injustice, and Thrasymachus’s defeat 106:00 — What Book One establishes—and what it leaves unresolved | |||
| Republic Book One: Polemarchus (331e-336a) | 13 Oct 2026 | 01:33:23 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we continue our slow, beautiful pilgrimage through Plato’s Republic. Last week Dr. Alex Priou walked us through the opening and the dialogue with Cephalus. This week we focus on Polemarchus, Cephalus’ son who inherits his father’s argument. We are joined by two excellent guides: Dr. Frank Grabowski, Dean of Faculty at Holy Family Classical School, and Mr. Thomas Lackey, independent scholar and a longtime friend of the podcast. Today, we ask what is owed and to whom. “Shall I be your heir?” Polemarchus takes his father’s definition and attempts to provide a standard: Friends owe friends some good and nothing bad. Notice that the concepts of friendship and the good enter the Republic. Polemarchus’ name means war-lord, and the opening of the Republic made him look like political force, maybe even tyranny (commanding Socrates to wait). In the argument, however, he shows himself to be a good-faith interlocutor. Lackey notes that the Piraeus will later be the center of the revolt against the Thirty Tyrants (the puppet government set up by Sparta over Athens after the Peloponnesian War), and that Polemarchus will die by drinking hemlock (the same death Athens will later condemn Socrates to). The line about being “an heir” applies more directly to Cephalus, but in a way could apply to Socrates as well—Polemarchus is an heir to Socrates, someone who loves wisdom and then dies by drinking hemlock. Further Resources to Help You Read the Republic:
Justice means to benefit friends and harm enemies. That is the Greek cultural default observed in the Oresteia and in Oedipus at Colonus. Socrates then asks: what is the art for? The man useful for keeping a deposit is also useful for stealing it. Then the harder question: Is a friend the man who seems good, or the man who is good? The one who decides can be wrong. The last turn is on the word harm. A first reader may hear a pacifist. Horses and dogs that have been harmed become worse in the virtue of horses and of dogs—but the just man cannot make a man more unjust. After they agree not to harm anyone, they call themselves partners in battle—a notable juxtaposition. The conversation is interrupted before Polemarchus can fully work through his aporia, his bewilderment. Be sure to check out our entire reading schedule, so you can be sure to read alongside us. A good path is before us. Let’s take it and ascend. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the dialogue and main themes 02:06 Who is Polymachus and his background 11:55 Polymachus inherits his father's argument on justice 20:54 Definitions of justice: giving to each what is owed 27:20 The significance of logos in the dialogue 35:34 Expanded definitions of justice and their implications 42:16 The role of techne and moral knowledge in justice 52:25 The teleology and purpose of justice 01:02:53 Historical and cultural context of the characters 01:17:22 The development of the concept of Arete 01:23:04 The objective versus voluntaristic understanding of justice 01:28:35 Humor and pedagogical style in Plato's dialogues 01:31:03 Conclusion and preview of next week's discussion | |||
| Republic Book One: Intro, Prologue & Cephalus with Dr. Alex Priou (327a-331d) | 06 Oct 2026 | 01:24:25 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we start our slow, beautiful pilgrimage through arguably the most important book in Western philosophy: Plato’s Republic. It is about justice and whether justice is more profitable to the soul than injustice—but along the way it provides rich conversations on the soul, virtue, education, metaphysics, and the afterlife. If you read this book and read it well, it will change your life. And we have an excellent guide and mentor to walk us through the opening of Plato’s Republic and the dialogue with Cephalus in Book One (327a-331d), Dr. Alex Priou who currently serves as a professor of political philosophy at the University of Austin. Today we start something life-changing. Plato is philosophy. To summarize a famous line, all of Western philosophy is a series of footnotes to Plato, and Plato’s Republic is his masterwork. He does not offer you a sterile, intellectual idea that is neat to contemplate—he makes claims on your soul. For Plato, philosophy is transformative. The goal of the pursuit of wisdom is to have a good soul, a beautiful soul. Further Resources to Help You Read the Republic:
“I went down to the Piraeus.” The famous opening line gives you much to contemplate, and Dr. Alex Priou is a wonderful guide. We have the verb of descent, which will be important to the entire text, and we have the Piraeus, the port of Athens, which is hosting a new festival to a new goddess. Moreover, Socrates narrates the entire Republic to an unnamed listener who never interrupts… but this allows Socrates to give commentary on the argument he otherwise could not. Dr. Priou shows us how the prologue to the Republic is simple but rich with meaning—a great introduction to how Plato teaches. In the house of Cephalus, age, wealth, and the old myths give the first account of justice. Asked the greatest good of his money, the old metic does not speak of friends or food. He speaks of the myths he laughed at when he was young, and of the peace of facing them without unpaid debts. Justice, for him, is telling the truth and giving what one owes. Socrates asks whether you return a borrowed weapon to a man who has gone mad. Cephalus cannot defend the rule he has lived by. He laughs, leaves the argument to his son, and goes back to the sacrifices. Cephalus leaves, but his conversation will haunt the entire Republic—as the text begins with a descent and religious myth and will end with an ascent and a religious myth. Be sure to check out our entire reading schedule, so you can be sure to read alongside us. Also, thank you to the CLASSIC LEARNING TEST for sponsoring our first month of Plato’s Republic. They are a really excellent group of people trying to change the landscape of education in America. Go check them out. A good path is before us. Let’s take it and ascend. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Republic and guest Dr. Alex Priou 02:01 Why read Plato's Republic today? 04:05 Historical and dramatic context of the dialogue 06:05 Dr. Priou's background and love for Plato 08:00 The purpose of the Republic and its themes 10:03 The setting and composition of the dialogue 11:57 The character of Cephalus and traditional justice 14:01 The significance of the Myth of the Cave 15:49 The pedagogical method of Plato's dialogues 18:13 The role of myths and poetry in philosophy 19:57 The purpose of the Republic and its relevance today 22:11 The character of Polemarchus and justice as friendship 23:50 The challenge of understanding the dialogue's structure 26:12 The importance of rereading Plato's works 28:07 The character of Thrasymachus and cynicism 30:06 The significance of Socrates' narration style 32:06 The allegory of the cave and ascent to truth 34:13 The role of myth and poetry in conveying truth 35:47 The balance between tradition and innovation in the Republic 37:51 The practical purpose of the dialogue 40:00 The limits of human knowledge and the form of the good 42:03 The political and moral lessons of the Republic 43:57 The significance of justice as a personal and political virtue 46:12 The character of Cephalus and his traditional views 48:02 The transition from traditional to philosophical justice 49:59 The role of Socrates in guiding the dialogue 51:56 The importance of self-knowledge and inner reflection 54:05 The myths of the afterlife and their philosophical purpose 55:58 The ongoing relevance of Plato's Republic Join us next week as we continue our studies on Plato's Republic! | |||
| How to Read Plato | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:59:30 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are preparing to read Plato’s Republic (we start next week!). Before turning to that long and demanding text, we ask a simple question: how do you read Plato well? Plato does not write treatises or lectures. He writes dialogues, and the setting, the characters, the irony, and even the moments of confusion (aporia!) are part of the teaching. The podcast takes up the questions that help a first-time reader get started on the right foot. Overall, however, we do not read Plato to “be smart” or brag we’ve read Plato. We read Plato to have a beautiful soul. We take him seriously as a teacher who can help us pursue the true, good, and beautiful. Here is a list of the major questions that are discussed on the podcast today:
Again, we read Plato to better understand the good life and to have a good, healthy soul. Be sure to check out the MASTER CALENDAR for our reading schedule for Plato’s Republic. Also, if you’re interested in a deeper dive into eros, see "Rediscovering Holy Eros” (one of the most popular articles on Ascend). Moreover, you can read more about pleonexia and its dangers at “The Greatest Threat to Your Freedom is You.” Last week, to prep for the Republic, we published “How to Read Plato’s Republic like C.S. Lewis.” Finally, regarding Socratic irony, read “How a Man Pretending to be Drunk Helps You Read Plato.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to reading Plato and its significance 01:00 Why reading Plato is essential for philosophy 02:20 Understanding Plato's teaching through dialogues 06:29 Preparing for the Republic: preliminaries and questions 09:07 Why read the Republic and its moral importance 13:23 How to approach reading Plato's dialogues 26:06 The Socratic method and dialectic explained 33:01 Understanding Socratic irony and its purpose 39:31 Recognizing patterns in Socratic teaching 47:11 Eros, love, and the soul in Plato 55:43 Upcoming plans for studying the Republic Next week we start Plato’s Republic! Everything you need to know is here: "How to Read Plato's Republic with Ascend." | |||
| Bartleby, the Scrivener by Melville | 22 Sep 2026 | 01:29:48 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we end Short Story September with “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” by Melville - a seemingly simple tale about men in a law office that becomes a puzzling, existential tale. Dcn. Garlick is joined by two excellent guests: Mr. Joey Bremer, a teacher at Holy Family Classical School and an iconographer studying at the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London, and “Montana” of Montana Classical College, an anonymous scholar who runs an X account that shares incredible insights on Melville’s Moby Dick. Overall, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a perplexing, existential tale that tends to quietly unsettle you by revealing the realities of modern life. CHECK OUT THE NEW ASCEND BOOK CLUB This episode of Ascend takes up Herman Melville’s “Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street,” a quiet, unsettling tale whose central figure answers nearly every request with the same spare formula: “I would prefer not to.” The conversation lingers on the contrast between that stubborn preference and the narrator’s own softness—an elderly lawyer who prizes the easiest way of life, cannot quite govern his office, and keeps mistaking indecision for charity. Names, nicknames, dull eyes, and the cramped windows that look onto other walls all become clues: who in this world still possesses a will, and who has already been reduced to a role? Listeners are invited to sit with the story’s larger questions rather than resolve them. What does the monotonous labor of copying do to a man? How does a commercial, conventional life flatten thumos and leave even well-meaning people lukewarm? Why does Bartleby’s refusal feel at once more human and more deathly than the quirks of his co-workers? Drawing on the textures of Moby-Dick and the aporetic spirit of Plato, the discussion treats the tale as a puzzle that rewards patient attention—an invitation to notice what modernity may have done to the soul, and to return to the text itself with sharper eyes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Melville and 'Bartleby' 00:12 Introduction to the episode and main themes 02:05 Biographical context of Melville's life 03:47 Overview of 'Bartleby the Scrivener' 06:54 Themes of monotony and human will 09:59 Character analysis: the narrator and Bartleby 14:57 Philosophical and literary connections 20:05 Implications for modern life and office culture 25:00 Concluding thoughts and interpretations 44:30 Dark passages and existential reflections in 'Bartleby' 45:25 Repetition of life and the prison of modernity 46:24 The loneliness of Bartleby and the narrator's solitude 46:56 Prison as a metaphor for societal dehumanization 48:02 Bartleby's awareness of death and existential insight 50:24 The role of the dead letters office and existential suffering 51:29 Melville's possible critique of modernity and capitalism 53:06 The dehumanizing nature of copying work and modern labor 55:07 Bartleby's refusal as act of will and control 57:47 Reason, preference, and the will in Bartleby's choices 01:00:20 The significance of small acts and existential meaning 01:02:19 Melville's relationship with Plato and classical philosophy 01:09:24 The philosophical underpinnings of Melville's critique 01:12:10 The aporetic nature of the story and open-ended interpretation 01:15:15 Comparison with other literary characters and philosophical figures 01:18:36 Fate, free will, and the acceptance of mortality 01:21:55 Melville, Plato, and the modern crisis of human nature 01:24:52 Final reflections on the story's philosophical depth and relevance | |||
| NEW BOOK CLUB and Neil Gaiman’s “Chivalry” with H.E. Eduard Habsburg | 15 Sep 2026 | 01:13:21 | |
We have BIG NEWS! We have launched the new Ascend Book Club! Ascend: The Great Books Podcast has partnered with “The Ascent” here on Substack to transform it into the new Ascend Book Club to offer you the most comprehensive online book club focused on reading the great books and living a beautiful, virtuous life. You’ll receive the same great content as before but with much more—which now includes:
We are also publishing years of articles, guides, videos, and other resources to the new site and organizing them by work and author so they are easy to find—tons of resources on Homer, Hesiod, the Greek plays, Plato, Dante, and more. You could start reading many great books today with the Ascend library. Check out our new website, the Ascend Book Club, and join us today! Join our reading group and study the great books with us! Our next big read is Plato’s Republic this October, check out How to Read Plato’s Republic with Ascend for everything you need to know. Chivalry with H.E. Eduard HabsburgToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and His Excellency Eduard Habsburg, Archduke of Austria and former Hungarian ambassador to the Holy See, discuss Neil Gaiman’s short story “Chivalry.” Before they turn to the text, Eduard speaks with warmth and candor about his family’s eight centuries of Catholic identity, the vocation of family in an atomized age, his decade in Rome, and an unexpected love of stories that runs from screenplays and Ghibli films to the understated magic of Gaiman. What follows is a close, affectionate reading of a story in which the Holy Grail turns up in an Oxfam shop, Sir Galahad knocks on a widow’s door for tea, and the most English understatement imaginable meets Arthurian quest. Together they trace Mrs. Whitaker’s loneliness and ritual, the knight’s unironic goodness, Marie’s transformation, the slugs in the garden, the three gifts of youth and immortality, and the moment an old woman quietly refuses what does not belong to her life. Eduard reads the tale as homage to Englishness and as a call to accept the adventure when it arrives, while Deacon Garlick asks whether that same ordinariness can also flatten what ought to remain extraordinary. It is a warm conversation on the charming short story, “Chivalry.” Reading ScheduleWe are currently finishing SHORT STORY SEPTEMBER! Next week, we will discuss “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Melville, the author of Moby Dick, with two excellent guests. Read it this week and join the conversation! We’ll then have an introduction to Plato’s Republic on 9.29.26 and launch into Plato’s Republic on 10.6.26. Check out How to Read the Republic with Ascend for everything you need to know. You can read the great books with the Ascend Book Club! Join us. Dcn. Harrison Garlick lives in rural Oklahoma with his wife and five children. He serves as a deacon at Holy Family Cathedral and as Chancellor & General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Follow him on X at Dcn. Garlick or Ascend. | |||
| Red Shadows: A Savage Tale of Solomon Kane with Alberto Fernandez | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:59:24 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick is joined by the always wonderful Alberto Fernandez to discuss "Red Shadows," a salvage tale of Solomon Kane by Robert E. Howard. Check out our website for our reading schedule, articles, written guides, and more. Dcn. Garlick and Alberto discuss Robert E. Howard’s 1928 Solomon Kane tale “Red Shadows,” a pulp adventure chosen as a lively Short Story September “palette cleanser” after heavier classical reading. Howard (1906–1936), the Texas-born creator of Conan the Barbarian, produced hundreds of stories in a short life. Alberto first encountered him through the 1960s–70s Lancer paperbacks with Frank Frazetta covers. Kane, Howard’s only recurring explicitly Christian series character, is described as a grim Puritan-Cavalier mix with pagan and philosophical streaks—“God’s angry swordsman”—a remorseless wandering avenger who rights wrongs he encounters by chance. The story opens in the French countryside when Kane finds a dying young Catholic woman assaulted by bandits led by Le Loup (“the Wolf”). The stranger’s death prompts Kane’s vow that “Men shall die for this,” launching a relentless pursuit that takes him from France across Europe to the West African jungle. There the narrative juxtaposes Kane’s grim, driven sense of justice (he sees himself as a “vessel of wrath”) against Le Loup’s cynical evil, tribal politics, the witch-doctor N’Longa, voodoo, jungle drums, and “blood memory.” Unlike the mirthful, vitalistic Conan, Kane is cold and mysterious even to himself. The climax features a duel framed as cosmic justice versus injustice, followed by a second, primal coda in which a gorilla avenges his mate—showing that nature itself can enact justice and that Kane often needs allies to complete vengeance. Alberto highlights Howard’s youthful ambition (he wrote the story at 21), his debt to adventure writers like Edgar Rice Burroughs and H. Rider Haggard, and the way Africa becomes a recurring, almost inescapable landscape in later Kane tales. He recommends the Del Rey edition and especially the later novella “Wings in the Night” as Howard’s finest Kane story. Both hosts note the stories’ value as high-energy, well-crafted adventure that can later be shared with sons, and they close by pointing listeners toward the next Short Story September episode on Neil Gaiman’s “Chivalry.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Robert E. Howard and Solomon Kane 02:13 Howard's Background and Literary Influence 04:37 The Character of Solomon Kane and His Morality 08:36 Howard's Philosophy and Moral Duality 11:02 Why Red Shadows Was Chosen for Discussion 14:48 Beginning of the Story: France and the Dying Girl 16:52 Stranger Motif and the Western Influence 19:10 Cain's Vengeance and Inner Drive 22:50 Primal Justice and the African Setting 26:53 Howard's Use of Africa and Its Significance 32:52 Howard's Publishing Journey and African Themes 36:07 The Role of Ilonga and African Characters 43:49 Eternal Forces: Justice and Injustice 45:58 The Ending: Gorilla and Primal Justice 50:49 Howard's Final Warning and Blood Memory 54:41 Recommended Follow-up Stories and Howard's Legacy Keywords Solomon Kane Red Shadows, Robert E. Howard Solomon Kane, Ascend Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick, Alberto Fernandez, Weird Tales 1928, pulp fiction, sword and sorcery, God’s angry swordsman, Conan the Barbarian comparison, Tower of the Elephant, Le Loup the Wolf, N’Longa witch doctor, G’loka the Gorilla Slayer, Short Story September, Del Rey Solomon Kane, Wings in the Night, Moon of Skulls, Hills of the Dead, Puritan avenger, vengeance for a stranger, West Africa jungle, blood memory, jungle drums, Howard pulp adventure, 16th century historical fantasy, Christian hero pulp fiction, Frank Frazetta, Centaur Press Solomon Kane, Lancer paperbacks, Argosy rejection, eighty dollars Weird Tales, grim Puritan Cavalier, vessel of wrath, justice versus injustice. NEXT WEEK we discuss Neil Gaiman's "Chivalry" with His Excellency Eduard Habsburg, the Archduke of Austria. | |||
| Enduring Chill by Flannery O'Connor with Dr. Joseph Boyne | 01 Sep 2026 | 01:40:14 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick is joined by Dr. Joseph Boyne to discuss Flannery O'Connor's "Enduring Chill" as part of Short Story September. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule, articles, and a whole host of written guides. Asbury Fox, the failed New York writer who returns home to his mother’s dairy farm convinced he is dying a tragic, Kafka-esque death, meets a rural doctor, two farmhands who refuse to share his resentment, and a deaf, one-eyed priest from Purrgatory who simply walks him through the Baltimore Catechism. What begins as another Southern Gothic confrontation with pride becomes something rarer in O’Connor: a dark comedy in which the protagonist desires of a romantic death are met with an enduring chill. Dr. Boyne and Dcn. Garlick draw out the story’s autobiographical shadows, its critique of performative liberalism and abstract love of humanity, and the way O’Connor uses both the Jesuit in New York and the homely Father Finn to insist that meaning—and grace—cannot be manufactured from the self. The conversation lingers on the water-stain dove that descends as ice rather than fire, the question of whether the tale is comic or merely purgatorial, and what it means for those of us who prize the Great Books that education, by itself, is never enough. Listeners who have been scarred by “The Lame Shall Enter First” will find this one far easier to finish—and far more unsettling in its quiet demand that we keep living. Chapters 00:05 — Podcast intro and the reading plan for Short Story September 01:01 — Introducing Enduring Chill and Dr. Joseph Boyne 03:21 — Why Dr. Boyne picked the story 05:00 — Flannery O’Connor and the Southern Gothic tradition 12:55 — The grotesque, violence, and grace in O’Connor 20:32 — Asbury returns home and the education theme 30:30 — Asbury’s desire for a meaningful death and the Jesuit in New York 41:42 — Dr. Block and Asbury’s confrontation with illness 50:00 — The dairy farm, the black workers, and failed communion 57:13 — Asking for a priest and the dream sequence 70:29 — Father Finn arrives and subverts Asbury’s expectations 80:31 — Randall and Morgan return 85:34 — Dr. Block diagnoses the illness correctly 87:40 — Final scene: the Holy Ghost in ice and the enduring chill 96:23 — Closing reflections on O’Connor and the story’s meaning Keywords Flannery O’Connor The Enduring Chill short story analysis, Ascend the Great Books Podcast Short Story September episode with Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Joseph Boyne of Tulsa Community College, Southern Gothic literature, Catholic short stories, Christ-haunted South, Asbury Fox character study, Jesuit priest Ignatius Vogle, Father Finn from Purgatory, Baltimore Catechism, Holy Spirit as ice instead of fire, undulant fever raw milk irony, performative liberalism and racial condescension, education versus practical wisdom, grotesque as medium of grace, O’Connor comedy versus tragedy, Good Country People comparison, lupus and autobiographical elements, Great Books education critique, upcoming Plato Republic series, Robert E. Howard Red Shadows Solomon Kane, Neil Gaiman Chivalry with Archduke Eduard Habsburg, Herman Melville Bartleby the Scrivener. | |||
| Plato's Ion with Erik Rostad, Dr. Grabowski, and More | 25 Aug 2026 | 01:38:14 | |
Dcn. Harrison Garlick hosts a full house to discuss the short, strange, forgotten dialogue of Plato's Ion, subtitled "On the Iliad." 10 Question Written Guide on Plato's Ion Visit our website for more information! Plato’s Ion opens with a victorious rhapsode who claims to speak more beautifully about Homer than any other human being. Socrates grants the premise that a true rhapsode must not merely recite but interpret the poet’s thought to his hearers—and then tests whether that excellence is a techne, a teachable art that should apply across all poets who treat the same subjects. Ion fails the test. He is “asleep” except when Homer is mentioned. Socrates therefore offers another account: poets and rhapsodes work not by craft but by divine mania. The Muse is a lodestone, and poet, reciter, and audience form a chain of possession. Ion recognizes himself at once. On stage he is outside himself, and he can move twenty thousand hearers to tears and terror (with a subtle nod in the dialogue about the desire to make money...). The dialogue then presses the distinction between speaking beautifully and speaking correctly. On charioteering, medicine, and the other arts present in Homer, the expert—not the rhapsode—speaks rightly. Unwilling to admit he has no art at all, Ion seizes the last remaining claim and declares himself the best general. The identification is absurd, and the conversation nearly collapses. Socrates leaves him a choice: to be called unjust, or divine. Ion takes the latter. Skill and inspiration remain unreconciled. What the short work has done is place poetry, possession, and the education of the city on the table—and prepare the larger judgment of the poets that the Republic will make. Chapters 00:00 - Welcome to Ascend and overview of the episode's purpose 01:05 - Introducing Ion and the returning and first-time guests 02:29 - Erik Rostad explains Book of Titans and his lifelong reading project 06:28 - First reactions to Ion and its perplexing character 07:11 - Preliminary framing: subtitle, translation, and why the dialogue matters 10:10 - Ion's claim to be the finest speaker on Homer 11:44 - What techne means in this dialogue 20:00 - Does Ion really claim knowledge, or only beautiful performance? 23:50 - Ion's claim that no one else speaks more finely on Homer 28:37 - The question of poetry as a better educator than philosophy 31:03 - Ion admits he dozes off when other poets are discussed 38:45 - The magnet metaphor and the chain of divine influence 44:32 - Is divine inspiration irrational, or can it be a real source of truth? 55:31 - A third sense of possession: skill, demonization, and being subsumed into beauty 60:15 - Ion says he watches the crowd and adjusts for money and effect 62:49 - Does Ion have a real art, or is he just managing audience response? 70:29 - The charioteer, the physician, and whether Socrates is being fair 72:26 - Does philosophy itself become a narrow specialty in the same way? 76:03 - Why actors may be excellent performers but poor explainers of their craft 78:10 - Socrates as a guide toward self-recognition of Ion's actual techne 87:25 - Plato as storyteller and the philosopher's need for a better story 90:20 - Storytelling, parables, and the pedagogical power of narrative 92:37 - Plato's self-reflection on his own art and craft 94:36 - The unresolved tension between inspiration and skill 99:44 - Closing thanks Keywords Plato’s Ion, On the Iliad, Ion of Ephesus, rhapsode, Homer, Iliad, Odyssey, technē, techne, divine inspiration, mania, theia moira, magnet metaphor, lodestone, Muse, speaking beautifully, speaking correctly, kalos, orthos, Socratic dialogue, forgotten Platonic dialogues, aporetic dialogue, poetry versus philosophy, education of the city, Republic Book 10, poets as imitators, Allan Bloom, Thomas Pangle, Roots of Political Philosophy, Debra Nails, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Thomas Lackey, Jack Drury, Erik Rostad, Book of Titans, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, rhapsodic contest, Asclepieia, Epidaurus, generalship, polymathy, Plato as dramatist. | |||
| Hippias Minor (On the Lie) with Dr. Grabowski and Friends | 18 Aug 2026 | 01:34:16 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Larson, Dr. Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey discuss the short, strange, and forgotten dialogue of HIppias Minor or "On the Lie." 8 Questions on Hippias Minor Study Guide Check Ascend out on X, YouTube, Facebook, and More! Plato’s Hippias Minor is a short, strange dialogue with a traditional subtitle that cuts straight to the point: “On the Lie.” After the boastful sophist Hippias finishes a public speech ranking Achilles the best and Odysseus the most polytropos—the man of twists and turns—Socrates is drawn into a conversation that begins with Homer and ends in one of the deepest aporias of the early dialogues. What starts as a dispute over who is the better man, the straightforward Achilles or the wily Odysseus, quickly becomes a rigorous examination of voluntary versus involuntary wrongdoing, the nature of knowledge and power, and the unsettling claim that the man who does injustice on purpose is better than the one who does it by accident. Deacon and the guests work through the dialogue’s sharp arguments and its surprising relevance. The conversation exposes the limits of treating virtue as mere knowledge plus power, raises the question of whether a just person might ever speak falsely for a good end, and serves as a genuine appetizer for the noble lie in the Republic. Come listen—and discover why even Socrates, at the end, cannot agree with himself. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hippias Minor and its Context 04:55 Setting the Scene: Hippias' Speech and Socrates' Role 09:22 Hippias' Boasts and Socrates' Irony 17:55 The Homeric Heroes: Achilles and Odysseus 25:04 Knowledge, Power, and the Art of Lying 36:15 The Distinction Between Capacity and Action 44:53 The Nature of Truth and Falsehood in Socratic Dialogue 46:43 Conclusion: What Socrates Reveals About Knowledge and Lies 02:39 Socrates' questioning of Hippias and the nature of virtue 04:55 The analogy of athletic competitions and the concept of justice 07:57 Socrates' discussion on voluntary and involuntary actions 12:05 The role of knowledge and capacity in moral actions 15:34 Hippias' understanding of justice and its relation to power 19:50 The concept of noble lies and pedagogical deception 25:04 The absence of forms and gods in the dialogue 30:14 The deeper meaning of Socratic ignorance and self-awareness 34:54 The significance of the question: Is justice knowledge or power? 39:51 Conclusion: What we learn about virtue, knowledge, and truth Keywords Plato’s Hippias Minor, Lesser Hippias, On the Lie, Hippias of Elis, Achilles and Odysseus, polytropos, voluntary and involuntary wrongdoing, voluntary liar, Socratic dialogue, aporetic dialogue, forgotten Platonic dialogues, noble lie, Republic, virtue is knowledge, knowledge and power, sophist, polymath, Eudicus, Embassy scene Iliad, teleology, Forms, Socratic irony, beneficial falsehood, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Dr. Brett Larson, Thomas Lackey, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, political philosophy, Allan Bloom, Roots of Political Philosophy. Next week we discuss Plato's Ion! | |||
| Plato's Lovers with Dr. Larson and Dr. Grabowski | 11 Aug 2026 | 01:01:57 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Larson, and Dr. Grabowski discuss Plato's Lovers--a strange, short, and somewhat forgotten dialogue seeking the definition of philosophy. We are celebrating ONE YEAR of our sister-company, The Ascent, a top 100 Substack on Christian spirituality. Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Lovers. Plato’s Lovers is a short, strange, and easily overlooked dialogue that asks one of the most important questions in the entire Platonic corpus: What is philosophy? Set in a grammar school where two rival older lovers—one an athlete, the other a cultured “know-it-all”—compete for the attention of younger boys discussing astronomy, the conversation quickly becomes an erotic and educational contest. Socrates enters the scene and quietly reorders the loves on display, showing that philosophy is not the accumulation of many things, that self-knowledge must come before any claim to rule, and that the true lover of the young is the one who leads their souls toward wisdom. In this episode of Ascend, Dcn. Garlick is joined by Dr. Grabowski and Dr. Larson to unpack the dialogue’s subtle images of the soul, its playful yet serious treatment of eros, and its surprising role as an appetizer for the Republic. The accompanying written guide offers a clear outline, preliminary questions, and dense Q&A—perfect for first-time readers, small groups, or anyone who wants to follow the argument more carefully. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's 'The Lovers' 02:07 The setting and context of the dialogue 06:19 Who is the dialogue for? Audience and purpose 11:12 The erotic dimension of philosophy and education 16:10 The strangeness of the dialogue's setting 22:02 What is philosophy? The first definitions 27:36 The analogy of athletic training and measured learning 37:25 Usefulness, goodness, and self-knowledge 41:11 The political implications and the role of the philosopher 50:11 The dramatic and rhetorical aspects of the dialogue 57:32 The aporetic ending and its significance Keywords Plato’s Lovers, Rival Lovers, Erastai, what is philosophy, polymathy, much learning, Socratic dialogue, aporetic dialogue, forgotten Platonic dialogues, eros, erotic education, true love of the soul, tripartite soul, music and gymnastics, mousikē, gymnastikē, self-knowledge, know thyself, Socrates as third lover, Dionysius grammar school, anonymity in Plato, via negativa, aporia, preparation for the Republic, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Dr. Brett Larson, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Platonic education, philosophy and politics, soul craft before statecraft. | |||
| Plato's Hipparchus with Dr. Frank Grabowski | 04 Aug 2026 | 01:11:01 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick and Dr. Grabowski discuss a short, strange, and somewhat forgotten Platonic dialogue - The Hipparchus. Check out our 15 Q&A Written Guide to the Hipparchus - great for small groups, homeschooling, autodidacts, and more! What begins as a simple question—“What is the love of gain?”—quickly becomes a sharp and unsettling examination of the democratic soul. With no dramatic setting and a nameless interlocutor, the dialogue feels almost like overhearing Socrates in the marketplace, pressing an ordinary Athenian citizen on whether the desire for more is always shameful, or whether the soul might rightly love higher forms of gain: nobility, honor, and even wisdom itself. What makes the conversation especially rewarding is how Socrates deliberately chooses a shocking example—the tyrant Hipparchus—and reimagines him as a lover of wisdom who sought to educate the city. In doing so, the dialogue quietly draws a parallel between the supposed tyrant and Socrates himself, both of whom attract the youth, challenge conventional order, and are ultimately rejected by a democratic culture that cannot tolerate excellence. Along the way, listeners encounter an early sketch of the tripartite soul, a critique of the leveling effects of egalitarianism, and an aporetic ending that leaves the interlocutor “compelled rather than persuaded.” Brief, strange, and surprisingly profound, this episode is an excellent preparation for the Republic and a compelling invitation to reconsider what the soul truly seeks. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Plato's Hipparchus and its significance 01:54 Main themes: Love of gain, democracy, and wisdom 04:03 The character of Socrates and the setting of the dialogue 06:03 Hipparchus as a figure in political myth and history 07:58 Translation choices and interpretive approaches 10:00 The dialogue's structure and lack of dramatic setting 11:56 The definition of love of gain and greed 13:54 Socrates' critique of the love of worthless things 16:06 Hipparchus as a symbol of love of wisdom and fame 18:04 The political implications of Hipparchus' love of wisdom 20:00 The role of the democratic man and the love of gain 21:49 Socrates' pedagogical method and the nature of knowledge 23:52 The significance of the tyrant example and Hipparchus' myth 26:04 The character of the interlocutor and the setting of the dialogue 28:03 The introduction of Hipparchus and its layers of meaning 30:10 The political myth of Hipparchus and its revisionist history 32:00 Hipparchus' love of wisdom and the Herms 34:08 The allegory of knowledge and the tripartite soul 35:53 The love of gain as a love of wisdom and truth 38:08 The democratic man, shame, and the pursuit of philosophy 40:00 The role of philosophers in democratic society 42:01 The character of Socrates as a gadfly and teacher 43:48 The process of being compelled towards truth 45:54 Bloom's interpretation: Socrates as a political and epistemological figure 48:00 The significance of the short dialogues for understanding Socrates 50:12 The importance of humility and piety in reading Plato 51:57 Next week's discussion: Rival Lovers and the nature of wisdom Key words: Plato Hipparchus, love of gain, philokerdia, Socratic dialogue, political philosophy, Alan Bloom, Thomas Pangle, Roots of Political Philosophy, democratic man, egalitarianism, leveling effect, tripartite soul, thumos, nous, appetitive soul, tyrant Hipparchus, Herms, Socrates as gadfly, aporetic dialogue, compulsion versus persuasion, preparation for Plato’s Republic, philosopher-king, Great Books podcast, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick, Frank Grabowski, classical education, ancient philosophy, Plato short dialogues, forgotten Platonic dialogues. | |||
| Rediscovering Holy Eros | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:29:17 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Garlick invites you into a rich, methodical exploration of eros: the primal desire to satiate in beauty and be happy. What if the restlessness in your soul—the endless craving for more beauty, more fulfillment, more rest—is not a curse but a divine gift? Reclaiming Holy Eros https://www.theascent.io/p/reclaiming-holy-eros Women as Icons of God, Beauty-itself https://www.theascent.io/p/the-beauty-of-woman-as-an-icon-of Porn as a Poor Expression of Eros https://www.theascent.io/p/the-poor-erotics-of-porn Far from the pornographic or puritan distortions that dominate modern thinking, this ancient concept runs like a golden thread through Homer, Hesiod, Plato’s Symposium, the Old and New Testaments, the Church Fathers, Dante, and even Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est. Deacon shows how eros is the very question of the human condition—an upward call that moves the soul from lesser beauties to greater ones until it finds rest in Beauty itself. Drawing on his own spiritual labors, the host walks listeners through Plato’s ladder of love, the marital imagery of God’s covenant with Israel, the Song of Songs, Christ’s union with the Church, and the harmony between erotic ascent and the self-giving love of agape. Along the way he recovers a lost grammar of desire that is both natural and supernaturally elevated by grace—one that produces virtue, fecundity, and genuine theosis. The result is not abstract theory but a living path: a latticework upon which your own understanding of restlessness, happiness, and the call to become more Christlike can grow. Whether you have wrestled with the restlessness of the heart, wondered how pagan wisdom and Christian revelation speak to one another, or simply want a deeper vision of love that orders the soul toward God, this conversation offers something rare: a beautiful, coherent tradition that answers the deepest questions of what it means to be human. Listen, and begin the ascent. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Eros and its significance in Christian spirituality 01:54 Eros in Homer, Hesiod, and the primordial cosmos 07:12 Plato's Symposium and the ladder of love 15:07 Eros in the Old Testament: Marriage and divine love 20:00 Eros in the New Testament: Christ and the Church 30:06 Eros and the ascent to divine beauty 40:11 Eros, virtue, and happiness in Christian thought 50:02 Eros and grace: the divine ascent and participation in God 01:00:10 The harmony of eros and agape in Christian life 01:10:08 Practical implications: loving God and neighbor through eros 01:20:01 Conclusion: recovering holy eros as the heart of human and divine love Keywords Holy Eros, Christian eros, Plato Symposium ladder of love, divine beauty, eros and agape, Deus Caritas Est Pope Benedict XVI, Song of Songs, marital imagery God and Israel, Christ bridegroom Church bride, Ephesians 5, St Augustine restless heart, Gregory of Nyssa, bridal mysticism, Bernard of Clairvaux, John of the Cross, Diotima, ascent to God, theosis, pagan and Christian erotics, Homer Hesiod Aristotle eros, natural and supernatural love, virtue and beauty, Ascend Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick, reclaiming holy eros, spiritual ascent, rest in God. | |||
| A Cantankerous Review of the Odyssey Movie | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick delivers an unapologetically curmudgeonly critique of Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey. Check out our LIBRARY on the great books. https://www.patreon.com/cw/greatbooks/collections 23 Raw Thoughts on the New Odyssey Movie https://www.patreon.com/greatbooks/posts/23-quick-on-164190324 SEE OUR SCHEDULE BELOW! Fresh off a twelve-week deep dive into Homer’s epic with thousands of listeners, Deacon argues that the movie is no mere adaptation but a modern ideological rewriting that flattens Homer’s rich characters, mutes the divine, and replaces sacred myth with progressive lessons about shame, war, race, and power. From Odysseus reduced to a guilt-racked figure who “defies the gods,” to the deliberate recasting and reframing of Helen, Menelaus, Circe, Athena, and even guest-friendship itself, Deacon contends that Nolan’s version marries cultural illiteracy with calculated compromise—and that both the film and the culture’s eager defense of it reveal far more about us than about Homer. Yet this is more than a film review. Deacon uses the movie as a lens to examine how stories shape a civilization’s soul, why myths matter more than mere fiction, and why Christians and lovers of the Western tradition must resist the slow leftward drift of endless compromise. SCHEDULE July 28, 2026 - Holy Eros: An exploration of eros in Plato, the Bible, and Christian thought August 4, 2026 - Plato's Hipparchus August 11, 2026 - Plato's Lovers August 18, 2026 - Plato's Hippias Minor August 25, 2026 - Plato's Ion September 1, 2026 - Enduring Chill by Flannery O’Connor September 8, 2026 - Red Shadows by Robert E. Howard September 15, 2026 - Chivalry by Neil Gaiman CHAPTERS (Updated) 00:00 — Intro: why this review matters 01:00 — Piety toward Homer and the problem with the film 03:05 — Why the movie is not a “conservative Trojan horse” 05:05 — The danger of relativism and compromise 07:10 — Myth vs. fiction: why adaptation matters 10:10 — Odysseus as a shame-filled hero 12:50 — Menelaus, Helen, and the film’s cultural messaging 15:30 — How Nolan flattens characters and tension 18:05 — Penelope and the loss of the rooted-bed scene 21:10 — Casting, modern language, and suspension of disbelief 23:55 — Calypso and the removal of Odysseus’s moral triumph 26:25 — Athena as shame and post-traumatic projection 29:55 — Nolan’s treatment of the Trojan War 32:55 — The Lystragonians and armor/costume criticism 35:05 — The cult of Nolan vs. the cult of Homer 37:00 — Gods, superstition, and the muted divine 39:15 — The slaughter of the suitors 41:10 — Guest-friendship, Xenia, and Christian themes 43:00 — Circe, the deer, and the soul of the crew 44:55 — Pacing, emotional investment, and the bard KEYWORDS Christopher Nolan Odyssey movie review, Homer Odyssey film adaptation critique, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick, cultural illiteracy in modern cinema, myth versus fiction in storytelling, Odysseus shame and guilt, Nolan casting controversies Helen Menelaus, Circe Athena Penelope Telemachus character changes, xenia guest friendship Golden Rule, Trojan War regret in film, Defy the Gods tagline analysis, classical education and Great Books, piety toward Homer, liberalism compromise in culture, upcoming Plato Republic study, Holy Eros episode, short Platonic dialogues Hipparchus Lovers Hippias Minor Ion, Short Story September Flannery O’Connor Robert E. Howard Neil Gaiman Melville, and Western civilization sacred myths. | |||
| NEW BOOK: The American Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:59:24 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick hosts Dr. Patrick Deneen to discuss his NEW BOOK: The American Odyssey: What an Ancient Story Reveals About Our Divided Souls. Pick up the AMERICAN ODYSSEY out today! https://a.co/d/01rpYuwt 23 Observations on the new Christopher Nolan Odyssey Movie https://www.patreon.com/greatbooks/posts/23-quick-on-164190324 In this special episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick welcomes back renowned Notre Dame political thinker Dr. Patrick Deneen—author of Why Liberalism Failed and Regime Change—to celebrate the release of his brand-new book, The American Odyssey: What an Ancient Story Reveals About Our Divided Souls. Fresh off a 12-week deep dive into Homer’s epic, the conversation reveals why Odysseus is the ultimate “proto-American” hero: a restless seeker torn between the hunger for home and the irresistible call of the frontier. Deneen traces this tension from the ancient text through Dante’s damning portrayal of Odysseus as a villain of forbidden knowledge, to the Renaissance reinvention of him as the triumphant explorer who metaphorically discovers America itself. What makes this episode unmissable is how Deneen unlocks Aristotle’s radical claim that humans are political animals precisely because we are neither beasts nor gods, the “citylessness” that turns Ithaca into a Cyclopean free-for-all, and the startling parallels between Odysseus’ refusal of immortality and Huck Finn’s decision to “go to hell.” Pairing iconic American stories like The Wizard of Oz, Field of Dreams, and Huckleberry Finn with Homer’s timeless episodes, Deneen shows that the Western tradition isn’t locked in dusty classics—it’s alive in our movies, novels, and national character, especially as America marks its 250th anniversary. Dive in and discover how an ancient tale of departure and return still maps the divided soul of a nation that can’t stop exploring… or longing for home. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Patrick Deneen and the Book 01:54 Deneen's Return to Homer and the Odyssey 03:59 Odysseus as a Proto-American Figure 06:59 The Tension Between Flourishing and Discontent 12:07 Odysseus and the Pioneering Spirit of America 19:02 The Shift in Odysseus' Image from Medieval to Renaissance 27:01 Odysseus as a Figure of Forbidden Knowledge 34:08 The Connection Between Odysseus and Columbus 40:02 The Polis and Citylessness in Homer and Aristotle 48:07 The Return of the Polis and the Homecoming 56:06 Huckleberry Finn as an Odyssean American Hero 59:45 The Western Tradition in Popular Culture Key words: Ascend Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick, Dr Patrick Deneen, The American Odyssey book, Homer Odyssey, Odysseus proto-American hero, Why Liberalism Failed, Regime Change, Western tradition, Aristotle Politics, man political animal, apolis citylessness, Dante Inferno Odysseus villain, Renaissance explorers, Columbus Amerigo Vespucci, American character, pioneering spirit, frontier homecoming, Calypso immortality, Huckleberry Finn, Field of Dreams, Wizard of Oz, 250th anniversary Declaration of Independence, Notre Dame political science, Homeric studies, great books podcast, Platonic dialogues, American soul, divided souls, political theory, classical literature, Americana, Odyssey episodes. | |||
| The Odyssey Books 23-24 with Dr. Justin Jackson and Dr. Benedict Whalen | 14 Jul 2026 | 02:24:33 | |
Today, we end our 12-week study of the Odyssey with a discussion on Books 23-24 with Dr. Justin Jackson and Dr. Benedict Whalen of Hillsdale College alongside host, Dcn. Harrison Garlick. There is yelling, laughter, cursing, and general chaos--but more of Homer's truth is unearthed in the process. Check out our ONLINE LIBRARY for resources on the great books. Check out Dr. Justin Jackson's Substack working through the Bible. Check out Dr. Justin Whalen at Hillsdale College. The long-awaited homecoming unfolds with Odysseus and Penelope's emotional reunion, the famous test of the immovable olive-tree bed, and the climactic confrontation with the suitors' vengeful families. The conversation crackles with insight as the guests unpack Penelope's cunning, Odysseus' complex character, parallels to Achilles and Heracles, and the poem's meditation on fidelity, mortality, justice, and the costs of homecoming. Dr. Jackson brings contrarian fire—challenging heroic ideals, celebrating the domestic, and wrestling openly with whether Odysseus' reckoning is justice or raw revenge—while Dr. Whalen offers sharp textual observations on themes of rootedness, temptation, and the poem's unresolved tensions. Expect yelling, laughter, heartfelt disagreement, and the kind of raw intellectual energy that makes great books come alive. Whether you’ve followed the whole series or are just dipping in, this capstone will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the Odyssey. Stick around after the discussion for a look ahead at Plato’s Republic and more. If you love the Great Books, this is unmissable. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Finishing the Odyssey Journey 04:46 - Host Welcome & Episode Setup 06:27 - Guest Introductions: Dr. Justin Jackson & Dr. Benedict Whalen 07:04 - Dr. Jackson’s New Book on Reading Literature 16:28 - Diving into Book 23: Penelope Learns Odysseus Has Returned 21:07 - Penelope’s Skepticism & the Secret Signs 25:05 - The Great Rooted Bed Test & Recognition Scene 36:36 - Odysseus & Penelope Reunion, Emotional Moments 47:05 - The Final Labor & Comparison to Heracles 59:11 - Temptations: Calypso, Nausicaa & Penelope 1:11:32 - Transition to Book 24: Laertes & the Avenging Families 1:15:26 - Achilles & Agamemnon in the Underworld 1:35:02 - Reunion with Laertes & Proof Scenes 1:49:10 - Dolius, the Final Battle & Deus Ex Machina Ending 2:11:04 - Reflections on Justice, Revenge & the Poem’s Message 2:16:50 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Episodes Keywords Odyssey Books 23 and 24, Homer's Odyssey finale, Odysseus Penelope reunion, rooted bed test, immovable olive tree bed, suitors slaughter, Ithaca homecoming, Penelope cunning, Odysseus homecoming, Great Books podcast, Ascend podcast, Hillsdale College professors, Dr. Justin Jackson, Dr. Benedict Whalen, Homer teacher philosopher, Telemachus maturation, Achilles Agamemnon underworld, Laertes reunion, Poseidon penitential journey, justice vs revenge Odyssey, classical literature podcast, Western canon Odyssey analysis, father son reunion Odyssey, Penelope faithfulness, heroic fate comparison, Plato Republic preview. | |||
| The Odyssey Book 22 with Dr. Alex Priou | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:33:45 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Alex Priou to discuss Book 22 of the Odyssey, the Slaughter of the Suitors. Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the Great Books. Check out Dr. Priou's new Substack: The Close Read. What happens in Book 22? Odysseus stands at the threshold of his home, cries out to Apollo, and lets loose an arrow straight through the neck of Antinous (22.15). Chaos erupts in the hall as bread and meats are soaked in a swirl of bloody filth (22.21). Eurymachus attempts to broker a truce with Odysseus, but it is rejected (22.57); he then calls the suitors to arms and is slaughtered (22.73). Telemachus brings armor and weapons to his father, the swineherd, and the cowherd (22.121), but the goatherd sneaks weapons to the suitors (22.151). On his second run, the cowherd and swineherd intercept the goatherd, tie him up, and hang him from the rafters (22.196). Athena first arrives in the guise of Mentor (22.217) and then perches like a sparrow on the rafters, assisting Odysseus with her man-destroying shield of thunder (22.250). The suitors fall into panicked madness as Odysseus and his men wheel into the slaughter, slashing left and right, with grisly screams breaking from cracked skulls and the floor awash with blood (22.311). Odysseus spares the bard and the herald but shows no mercy to the prophet (22.327). The slaughter complete, Eurycleia summons the disloyal female servants, who help carry out the corpses and clean the gore (22.458–471). Telemachus oversees the disloyal women being slowly hanged in the courtyard—a pitiful, ghastly death (22.487)—while the goatherd is retrieved and mutilated to death by the swineherd and cowherd (22.500). Odysseus purifies his home with fire and brimstone (22.518), and the book ends with the loyal maidservants surrounding their king as he breaks down and weeps (22.528). Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 04:40 Exploring the Odyssey: Book 22 Overview 06:58 The Role of the Gods in the Odyssey 09:55 Justice and Revenge in the Slaughter of the Suitors 12:54 Imagery of Food and Gore in Homer 14:49 The Cyclops Narrative and Guest Friendship 18:51 Antinous: The First Death and Its Implications 22:36 The Role of Recognition in Justice 25:05 Eurimachus and the Plea for Mercy 29:18 Piety and the Restoration of Order 32:53 The Political Landscape of Ithaca 33:48 Purging and the New Order in Ithaca 34:18 The Balance of Power and Leadership Lessons 35:24 Pedagogical Journeys: Odysseus and His Men 37:39 Divine Endorsement and the Purging of the Unworthy 39:35 Odysseus's Transformation: From Arrogance to Understanding 41:36 The Role of Recognition in Identity 43:08 The Consequences of Identity and Wisdom 46:29 The Tragedy of Odysseus and Penelope 48:42 Telemachus's Growth and Inexperience 53:12 Divine Justice and the Nature of the Fight 58:11 The Role of Prophecy and Piety in Justice 01:05:23 The Nature of Piety and Accountability 01:06:59 Eros and the Path to Ascent 01:09:52 Self-Reflection and the Nature of Desire 01:13:10 Justice and the Fate of the Maidservants 01:23:36 The Consequences of Disloyalty 01:30:37 Recognition and Political Rule Discussion: Dr. Priou and Dcn. Garlick examine the justice of the slaughter, noting that while Antinous dies without recognizing Odysseus, the goatherd Melanthius suffers one of the most gruesome tortures in Homer—strung up and mutilated in language echoing the barbaric king Echetus. They discuss the hanging of the disloyal maidservants, Telemachus’s role in their execution, and why such violence may be necessary to purge disloyalty and restore order. Key themes include the restoration of piety, the shift from a decayed oligarchic rule by the suitors to a new natural aristocracy involving loyal servants, Odysseus’ pedagogical journey, and the tension between recognition, glory, and the establishment of a stable political regime supported by fear of the gods. Overall, the episode portrays Homer as a profound teacher on the ugly necessities of justice and political founding. The speakers reflect on how the book repudiates certain Iliadic values like vaunting over the slain, emphasizes cleansing and purification, and sets the stage for the final books. Dr. Priou highlights Odysseus’s cunning, the limits of rhetoric, and the need to curtail eros for civilized life, while both Dr. Priou and Dcn. Garlick encourage listeners to confront uncomfortable questions about revenge, mercy, and the role of divine and human violence in re-founding a polity. Next week our 12-week study of the Odyssey ends with Books 23-24! | |||
| The Odyssey Books 20-21 with Thomas Lackey and Dr. Grabowski | 30 Jun 2026 | 01:25:28 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Books 20 & 21 with Mr. Thomas Lackey and Dr. Frank Grabowski. NEW ARTICLE: Why Should Christians Read Homer? Check out our COLLECTION OF WRITTEN GUIDES. In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guests Dr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey dive into Books 20 and 21 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the stage is set for the long-awaited slaughter of the suitors. The portents multiply: Theoclymenus’s terrifying vision of the palace drenched in blood and gore, Athena’s divine orchestration, and Penelope’s masterful test with Odysseus’s legendary bow. Amid feasts for Apollo, disloyal servants, and growing frenzy, Odysseus the beggar masters his patience while Telemachus comes fully into his own—echoing the father-son reunion and the maturation arc that began in Book 2. The conversation has rich insights on Homeric anthropology, the thumos (spirited), xenia’s sacred bonds, ritual symbolism, and the limits of repentance under divine justice. Listeners will relish the similes, prophecies ignored at peril, subtle Christological resonances, and the masterful dramatic pause Homer builds before the violence erupts in Book 22. Whether you’re tracking Odysseus’s cunning, Telemachus’s growth, or the poem’s deeper moral and theological layers, this episode delivers fresh appreciation for why the Odyssey endures. Don’t miss it—especially with Dr. Patrick Deneen joining soon to connect the epic to our own age. Subscribe, grab the written guide, and join the journey on Patreon, YouTube, or thegreatbookspodcast.com. Keywords: Odyssey Book 20 summary, Odyssey Book 21 analysis, Homer Odyssey Books 20 and 21, Penelope bow test, Odysseus bow contest, Theoclymenus prophecy vision, slaughter of the suitors setup, Odysseus beggar disguise, Telemachus maturation, xenia guest friendship Odyssey, divine justice in Homer, Homeric thumos anthropology, Apollo feast day Odyssey, Greek classics podcast, Great Books discussion Odyssey, Odysseus revenge portents, Penelope cunning test, Homer similes Book 20, ritual symbolism Odyssey, Christological parallels Odyssey, Ascend Great Books Podcast. | |||
| The Odyssey Books 17-19 with Dr. Frank Grabowski | 23 Jun 2026 | 01:26:09 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski dive into Books 17–19 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the disguised king returns to Ithaca as a beggar. Check out our WRITTEN Q&A GUIDE TO THE ODYSSEY. Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack: The Porch and the Altar. The conversation explores iconic moments like Odysseus’s heartbreaking reunion with his loyal dog Argos, the tense first dialogue with Penelope that raises fascinating questions about what she truly knows or suspects, and the escalating violations of xenia by the suitors. Listeners will appreciate the rich analysis of loyalty as the ultimate standard, Odysseus’s hard-won maturation in temperance and piety, and striking contrasts between faithful servants like Eumaeus and disloyal figures like Melanthius. Homer emerges here as both poet and philosopher, using these scenes to probe justice, the nature of heroism, the city at peace, and the interplay of fate and human choice. With Athena guiding events and the tension building toward the suitors’ doom, Deacon and Dr. Grabowski illuminate how Odysseus’ trials have prepared him not just for revenge, but for restoring order. Whether you’re new to the epic or a longtime reader, this episode offers fresh insights that make the ancient story feel urgently relevant. Don’t miss it—subscribe and join the community as the Odyssey study continues toward its dramatic climax! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study 04:30 The Role of Penelope and Theoclymenus 07:14 Contrasting Characters: Eumaeus and Melanthius 10:28 Odysseus' Growth and Maturation 13:11 The Loyalty of Argos 16:26 The Test of Guest Friendship 19:10 The Fate of the Suitors 22:22 The Beggar Fight and Its Implications 24:43 Odysseus' Reflection on His Journey 27:21 The Irony of Antinous 30:45 Penelope's Anticipation and the Build-Up to Reunion 33:28 Odysseus' Moral Self-Awareness 36:37 Conclusion and Themes of Justice 42:10 The Philosopher Beggar and the Blindness of the Suitors 44:49 The Nature of Law and Lawlessness 47:33 Penelope's Cleverness and the Suitors' Downfall 52:09 Telemachus' Growth and the Stability of Society 57:19 The Reunion of Odysseus and Penelope 01:01:40 The Test of Loyalty and the Nature of Guest Friendship 01:06:23 The Subtlety of Odysseus and Penelope's Intuition 01:12:19 The Significance of Names and Identity 01:19:33 The Tension of Recognition and the Test of the Suitors Keywords: Odyssey Books 17-19, Homer Odyssey summary, Odysseus as beggar, reunion with Argos, Penelope and Odysseus dialogue, what Penelope knows, xenia guest friendship, loyalty in the Odyssey, Argos the dog, Melanthius goat herder, Eumaeus swineherd, Theoclymenus prophecy, suitors fate, Odysseus maturation, temperance and piety, Homer philosopher, city at peace, Athena disguise, beggar fight Book 18, bow of Odysseus, scar of Odysseus, Great Books Podcast, Ascend podcast Odyssey, Frank Grabowski Homer, classical education Odyssey, Western literature analysis. | |||
| The Odyssey Books 15-16 with Jack Drury and Dr. Grabowski | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:23:49 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by returning mentor Dr. Frank Grabowski—Third Order Franciscan, diaconate candidate, and Dean of Faculty at Holy Family Classical School—and Latin teacher Jack Drury for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 15 and 16. Check out all our resources on the great books! Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack on the great books. The conversation explores Telemachus’s maturation and homecoming, the poignant father-son reunion in the swineherd’s hut, and the deepening bonds of loyalty with Eumaeus. Listeners will enjoy thoughtful reflections on xenia (guest-friendship), Theoclymenus the mysterious prophet, Helen’s prophetic insight, Menelaus’s gracious hospitality, and the growing threat of the suitors, all while tracking themes of thumos, divine guidance, and the slow unfolding of justice. With warmth, humor, and insight, the trio unpacks Homer’s masterful storytelling—why Telemachus must become a threat, the nobility of the “lowly” swineherd, and the beautiful (and bittersweet) dynamics of recognition and reunion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 09:15 Telemachus' Journey: A Coming of Age Story 15:25 Menelaus: The Gracious Host 22:57 The Arrival of Theoclymenus: A Mysterious Prophet 30:36 Odysseus and Eumaeus: Testing Loyalty 31:05 The Swineherd's Loyalty and Laertes' Mystery 32:41 Odysseus' Questions and Eumaeus' Story 34:41 The Tragic Tale of Eumaeus 38:36 Social Status vs. Moral Character 41:47 The Unique Island and Divine Justice 43:43 Guest Friendship and Telemachus' Choices 46:25 The Reunion of Father and Son 50:29 Telemachus and Odysseus: A Complex Relationship 55:27 Testing Nobility and Virtue 01:00:25 Divine Disguises and Recognition 01:04:59 The Standard of Belief 01:11:37 The Plan Against the Suitors 01:18:58 The Nature of Justice and Retribution Whether you’re reading the Odyssey for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, this episode illuminates how these ancient books continue to form souls and speak to fatherhood, virtue, and the return to order. Perfect listening for anyone journeying through the Great Books—don’t miss it! | |||
| The Odyssey Books 13-14 with Dr. Alex Petkas and Dr. Grabowski | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:27:37 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Dr. Alex Petkas (host of the Cost of Glory) for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 13 and 14. Check out all our resources on the great books! Check out the Cost of Glory! Check our the Porch and Altar, Dr. Grabowski's Substack. Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca—sleeping peacefully through the voyage as the Phaeacians carry him ashore—only to awaken uncertain and disguised by Athena as a beggar. The conversation explores his strategic plotting with the goddess, the symbolic Cave of the Nymphs (including a fascinating Neoplatonic reading from Porphyry), the poignant encounter with the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and Odysseus’s layered “lies” that reveal deep truths about his character. The guests delve into themes of homecoming, the restoration of patriarchal order, xenia (guest-friendship), internal moral growth, and the slowing narrative pace as Homer shifts focus from external adventures to the subtle work of reclaiming one’s house. This episode offers fresh, layered insights perfect for both first-time readers and Odyssey veterans, blending literary analysis, philosophy, and practical wisdom on loyalty, cunning, and self-mastery. Whether you’re drawn to the theological depth of the cave, the psychological realism of Odysseus’ deceptions, or the timeless lessons on rebuilding order amid chaos, Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Grabowski, and Dr. Petkas make these often-overlooked books come alive with warmth, humor, and profound appreciation. Tune in for an engaging, accessible conversation that will deepen your love for Homer and leave you eager for the next leg of the journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey and Guests 08:38 The Slow Pace of the Odyssey 13:15 Themes of Homecoming and Restoration 18:07 The Significance of Sleep and Rebirth 23:22 Divine Intervention and the Phaeacians 28:24 Odysseus' Identity and the Role of Athena 36:26 The Art of Deception: Odysseus and Athena's Intrigue 37:19 The Mist of Disguise: Odysseus' Identity Crisis 39:46 Inner Odyssey: The Journey of Self-Discovery 42:34 The Goddess of Trickery: Athena's Role in Odysseus' Return 44:39 The Cave of the Nymphs: Symbolism and Allegory 51:03 Depositing Treasures: Spiritual Growth and Cooperation with the Divine 59:13 The Loyal Swineherd: Eumaeus and the Theme of Hospitality 01:02:39 The Encounter with the Dogs 01:03:44 Loyalty and the Commoner's Perspective 01:05:11 The Swineherd's Knowledge and Loyalty 01:06:16 Odysseus's Tests and Coalition Building 01:07:59 Reflections on War and Leadership 01:11:35 Odysseus's Crafty Storytelling 01:14:58 The Nature of Lies and Truth 01:18:12 Piety and Character in the Odyssey 01:22:06 The Art of Storytelling and Requests 01:25:20 Final Thoughts and Future Encounters Be sure to check out our website for more resources on the great books! | |||
| The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski | 02 Jun 2026 | 01:49:35 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick discusses Books 11-12 of the Odyssey with Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Luke Heintschel, the Academic Headmaster of Coeur du Christ Academy. Check out Ascend's LIBRARY of written guides and SOCIAL MEDIA. Check out Luke's Substack at CoCrucified and Dr. Grabowski's at Porch & Altar. Summary Listeners are taken on Odysseus’ harrowing katabasis into the underworld, where he confronts shades of the dead, including his mother, the tragic Agamemnon, and especially Achilles, whose devastating reflection on glory versus life delivers one of the most “blood on the floor” moments in Western literature. The conversation masterfully unpacks themes of piety, humanization, fate and free will, and the meaning of a well-lived life, while drawing illuminating connections to Plato, Dante, Boethius, and the Christian tradition. The discussion continues into Book 12 with the irresistible Sirens, the terror of Scylla and Charybdis, and the fateful transgression with the Cattle of the Sun. Throughout, the guests offer sharp insight into Odysseus’s evolving character, the tensions between cunning and virtue, and why these ancient stories remain essential for forming minds today. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Homer or new to the Great Books, this episode delivers rich intellectual conversation, pedagogical wisdom, and profound reflections that will leave you eager to pick up the text—or re-read it with fresh eyes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 06:01 Exploring the Odyssey: Books 11 and 12 12:54 The Theme of Descent into the Underworld 16:57 Elpenor's Ignoble Death and Its Significance 23:42 Tiresias and the Prophecies for Odysseus 31:43 Fate vs. Free Will in the Odyssey 38:29 The Role of Women in the Odyssey 43:24 The Significance of Penelope in the Odyssey 45:48 Odysseus' Emotional Journey and Family Dynamics 53:13 Agamemnon's Narrative and the Role of Women 58:32 Achilles' Regret and the Nature of Glory 01:09:41 Ajax's Silence and the Weight of Honor 01:17:53 Exploring the Underworld: Tantalus and Heracles 01:20:34 Odysseus's Descent: Fear and Fate in Hades 01:21:38 Homer's Philosophical Insights: Preparing for Christ 01:22:29 Homer as a Teacher and Philosopher 01:24:15 The Sirens: Temptation and Knowledge 01:33:46 Scylla and Charybdis: Leadership and Sacrifice 01:39:31 The Cattle of the Sun: Fate and Free Will 01:46:04 Odysseus's Reflection: Mortality and Leadership Keywords Homer Odyssey Books 11 and 12, Odyssey Book 11 summary and analysis, Odyssey Book 12 summary, Odysseus katabasis underworld descent, Achilles in Hades dialogue, Odysseus meets Achilles, Sirens episode Odyssey, Scylla and Charybdis, Cattle of the Sun God, Tiresias prophecy, Elpenor burial, Odysseus piety and character development, fate versus free will in Homer, classical education podcast, Great Books discussion Homer, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick Odyssey, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Luke Heintschel Court of Christ Academy, Homer philosophy and theology, katabasis tradition Plato Dante, Christian reading of the Odyssey, Odysseus hero journey analysis. | |||
| The Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer | 26 May 2026 | 02:03:42 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and the Dr. Gregory McBrayer discuss Books 9-10 of the Odyssey--the first half of Odysseus telling his own story and covering such famous narratives as the lotus eaters, the cyclops, and Circe. Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey--great for small groups! Follow us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and more! Summary Books 9 and 10 of the Odyssey feature Odysseus revealing his identity to the Phaeacians and recounting his adventures after Troy. The episodes include the raid on Ismarus, the encounter with the Lotus Eaters (whom Odysseus forcibly removes to prevent them from forgetting home), the harrowing trap in Polyphemus the Cyclops's cave (where Odysseus uses the "Nobody" ruse, wine, and an olive-wood stake to blind the giant before taunting him and invoking Poseidon's curse), the visit to Aeolus (whose bag of winds is opened by the crew, blowing them off course), the cannibalistic Laestrygonians (who destroy the fleet except Odysseus's ship), and the stay with the goddess Circe (who transforms his men into pigs, but is countered by Hermes' moly herb, leading to a year of feasting and Odysseus bedding her under divine instruction before she directs him to the underworld). The hosts explore deeper philosophical and moral themes, viewing these stories as Odysseus's moral and theoretical education. They discuss xenia (guest-friendship) and its perversions, the tension between Odysseus's cunning intellect and his men's appetites or spiritedness, leadership failures, and Homer's intentional dialectic presenting human nature. Particular attention is given to Odysseus's curiosity, pride, and evolving understanding of place, home, mortality, and nature (highlighted in the moly scene as a discovery of physis). The conversation frames Circe as a structural pivot, contrasting earlier moral tales with later intellectual ones, and portrays Odysseus as a complex, self-serving yet learning figure whose narrative may blend truth and rhetoric tailored to his audience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books 07:42 Professional Updates and New Opportunities 09:37 Teaching Homer: Insights and Anecdotes 10:58 Homer as a Philosopher: Dialectics in the Text 14:08 Odysseus: The Complicated Hero 15:47 Odysseus' Journey: Learning and Growth 17:54 The Role of Storytelling in the Odyssey 23:05 The Importance of Place and Homecoming 28:08 Odysseus and His Men: Leadership Dynamics 35:47 The Lotus Eaters: Virtue and Temptation 40:31 The Nature of Happiness and the Soul's Journey 44:04 Odysseus and the Cyclops: A Political Critique 54:20 Guest Friendship and Ethical Dilemmas 01:05:01 Rhetoric and the Limits of Persuasion 01:09:21 Understanding Polyphemus: The Nature of Deception 01:11:20 Odysseus's Internal Monologue: The Role of Wisdom 01:12:46 The Cyclops's Overconfidence: A Fatal Flaw 01:13:49 The Role of Wine: A Tool for Manipulation 01:14:58 Guest Friendship: A Perverse Parody 01:16:36 The Blinding of Polyphemus: A Turning Point 01:17:47 Community Response: The Cyclops's Isolation 01:18:41 The Consequences of Pride: Odysseus Reveals His Name 01:20:51 The Significance of 'Nobody': Identity and Cunning 01:23:24 The Escape Plan: Cleverness in Adversity 01:24:05 The Curse of Polyphemus: A Divine Retribution 01:26:42 The Cycle of Violence: Guest Friendship Violated 01:27:34 The Structure of the Odyssey: Peaks and Valleys 01:29:09 The Role of Agency: Human Choices vs. Divine Will 01:29:38 The Heartbreak of Aeolus: Trust Broken 01:33:56 The Lystra-agonian Encounter: A Leadership Crisis 01:36:31 Odysseus's Leadership and Responsibility 01:39:50 The Enigmatic Circe: Goddess and Witch 01:45:13 Odysseus's Encounter with Circe: A Test of Will 01:50:59 The Nature of Eros and Odysseus's Choices 01:56:56 The Philosophical Journey: Nature and Mortality 02:01:51 The Path to the Underworld: Elpenor's Fate Keywords Key keywords for this episode include Odyssey Book 9, Odyssey Book 10, Odysseus Cyclops, Polyphemus, Circe Odyssey, Homer Odyssey summary, Odysseus adventures, Lotus Eaters, Aeolus bag of winds, Laestrygonians, Odysseus and Circe, Nobody Odysseus, Xenia guest friendship, Homer philosophy, Odysseus leadership, Odysseus moral education, Summary of Odyssey Books 9 and 10, Odysseus vs Polyphemus, Circe turns men into pigs, Philosophical themes in The Odyssey, Homer Odyssey Cyclops episode, Odysseus journey home, Guest friendship in The Odyssey, Ascend Great Books Podcast, Harrison Garlick Odyssey, and Gregory McBrayer Homer. | |||
| The Odyssey Books 6-8 with Dr. Frank Grabowski | 19 May 2026 | 01:48:47 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski discussing Books 6-8 of the Odyssey discussing Odysseus' time with the Phaeacians. Check our our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey. 10 Reasons to Read the Odyssey (The Ascent) Why Odysseus Refused to Become a God (The Ascent) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey and the Phaeacians 10:45 The Nature of the Phaeacians 16:38 The Role of Rhetoric in Nausicaa's Character 22:41 Cultural Norms and Guest Friendship 28:23 Marriage Motifs and Political Wisdom 34:09 Nausicaa as a Symbol of Virtue 43:06 Odysseus and the Gods: A Growing Understanding 48:53 The Unique Role of Women in Homeric Epics 52:02 The Complexity of Guest Friendship 57:25 Divine Intervention: The Role of the Gods 01:02:24 Marriage Proposals: Naivety or Strategy? 01:04:53 Cultural Embarrassment: Odysseus's Maturity 01:08:52 Exploring the Human Side of Heroes 01:09:55 The Complexity of Virtue in Homer 01:10:50 Beauty and Political Instability 01:11:35 Marriage Proposals and Hidden Identities 01:11:58 Odysseus' Response to Offers of Hospitality 01:13:35 Cultural Insights from the Phaeacians 01:15:08 The Nature of Athleticism and War Games 01:16:44 The Role of the Bard in Storytelling 01:18:32 Odysseus' Emotional Depth and Vulnerability 01:19:44 Guest Friendship and Reciprocity 01:21:38 Odysseus' Identity and the Stakes of Revelation 01:24:07 The Bard's Song and Its Implications 01:25:59 Craft vs. Strength: Lessons for Odysseus 01:30:09 Adultery and Its Consequences in Homeric Society 01:31:15 The Warning Embedded in the Bard's Tale 01:34:10 Nausicaa's Role and the Theme of Marriage 01:37:04 Odysseus Weeping: A Complex Hero 01:40:45 The Final Ask: Identity and Storytelling 01:42:13 Prophecies and Their Consequences 01:45:10 Narrative Structure and the Art of Storytelling Book 6 Summary Odysseus washes ashore on the island of the Phaeacians. Athena appears to Princess Nausicaa in a dream and inspires her to go wash clothes at the river with her handmaids. Odysseus awakens, naked and brine-covered, and approaches the princess cautiously. He flatters her with rhetorical skill (comparing her to Artemis), requests aid without grasping her knees, and bathes privately. Nausicaa, showing courage, wit, and political savvy, provides him clothes, food, and careful instructions on how to approach the palace and supplicate her mother, Queen Arete, while avoiding gossip. The book ends with Odysseus praying to Athena in a sacred grove. Book 7 Summary Guided invisibly by Athena, Odysseus enters the splendid, utopian palace of King Alcinous and Queen Arete. He supplicates the queen as instructed, pleading for passage home. The court is initially stunned into silence until an elder prompts hospitality. Odysseus is bathed, feasted, and given a seat of honor. Queen Arete recognizes her daughter’s clothing and questions him; he recounts his arrival but omits some divine help. King Alcinous offers generous hospitality, promises to convey him home, and even subtly proposes marriage to Nausicaa (which Odysseus sidesteps). The Phaeacians are portrayed as peaceful, technologically advanced, and god-kin, living in an Edenic setting. Book 8 Summary The next day features athletic games, feasting, and bardic performance. A young Phaeacian (Broadsea) taunts Odysseus, prompting him to compete and win the discus throw, demonstrating his prowess. The bard Demodocus sings of the Trojan War (stirring Odysseus to tears) and the comic adultery of Ares and Aphrodite (trapped by Hephaestus’s craft), which Odysseus enjoys. More gifts and dancing follow. Nausicaa bids Odysseus a quiet, flirtatious farewell. Alcinous finally asks his name, setting up the hero’s full tale in the next books. The episode underscores themes of hospitality, craft over brute strength, and Odysseus’s emotional vulnerability. Check out our 2024 playlist on the Odyssey too! Keywords Odyssey Books 6-8 summary, Odyssey Books 6-8 analysis, Nausicaa and Odysseus, Phaeacians Homer, King Alcinous Queen Arete, Nausicaa beach scene, Odysseus Nausicaa temptation, guest friendship xenia Odyssey, Phaeacian utopia, Homer Odyssey podcast, Ascend Great Books Odyssey, Odysseus Nausicaa rhetorical exchange, Hephaestus Aphrodite song Odyssey, Odysseus weeping simile, Odysseus Alcinous marriage proposal, Phaeacian ships technology, Calypso vs Nausicaa, Odyssey Book 8 games bard, Odysseus craft over strength, Deacon Harrison Garlick Odyssey, Frank Grabowski Odyssey, Porch and Altar Substack. | |||
| The Odyssey Book 5 with Dr. Glenn Arbery and Dr. Frank Grabowski | 12 May 2026 | 01:48:18 | |
Odysseus rejects becoming a god... why? Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Glenn Arbery of Wyoming Catholic College and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School to discuss BOOK FIVE of the Odyssey--arguably one of the important passages in the entire Odyssey and in the Western canon. Check out Ascend on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Patreon. Check out our written study guide to the Odyssey! Odysseus is offered everything a man could desire: immortality, endless pleasure, and the love of the goddess Calypso on her enchanted island. Yet he refuses, choosing instead the path of suffering, homecoming, and humanity. The conversation unpacks why Odysseus weeps on the shore despite his Edenic surroundings, the deeper meaning of his refusal, and the timeless question Homer poses to every listener: Would you say no to immortal pleasure? The scholars dive into rich themes—Odysseus’s interior dialogue with his own thumos (spirit), the contrast between Calypso’s cave and rocky Ithaca, the subtle work of the gods and fate, and striking antecedents to Platonic psychology. With insightful close readings, connections to the Iliad, and reflections on identity, place, and human flourishing, this discussion transforms a single book into a meditation on what truly makes life worth living. Whether you’re new to Homer or revisiting the epic, this episode will leave you eager for more. Highly recommended for anyone who loves great books, philosophy, or wrestling with life’s biggest questions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books 04:13 Exploring the Odyssey: Book Five 09:41 Athena's Plea and Zeus's Response 23:53 Odysseus on Calypso's Island: A Study of Contrast 34:43 The Choice of Immortality: Odysseus's Dilemma 39:32 The Identity of Odysseus: Suffering and Immortality 41:02 The Nature of Human Desire and Fulfillment 42:56 The Dilemma of Odysseus: Choices and Consequences 45:14 The Complexity of Fidelity: Odysseus and the Goddesses 48:09 Homer's Moral Landscape: Understanding Odysseus 51:14 The Role of Place in Identity and Homecoming 54:05 The Symbolism of Clothing: Calypso vs. Nausicaa 01:09:40 The Wrath of Poseidon: Odysseus's Struggles at Sea 01:13:35 The Inner Dialogue of Odysseus: Heart and Mind 01:17:23 The Weight of Time and Suffering 01:20:04 The Complexity of Divine Intervention 01:22:21 Agency and Internal Dialogue 01:25:20 Mortality and Immortality: The Role of Women 01:29:10 Navigating Divine Guidance 01:31:20 The Human Experience and Divine Learning 01:33:56 The Journey to the Shore: A Symbol of Rebirth 01:40:05 The Significance of the Olive Tree 01:43:41 The Transformation of Odysseus Keywords: Odyssey Book 5, Book Five of the Odyssey, Odysseus Calypso, Odysseus refuses immortality, Homer Odyssey Book 5, Calypso's island, why does Odysseus refuse immortality, Odysseus choice Calypso, Homer Odyssey analysis, Ascend the Great Books, Odysseus thumos, Platonic soul Homer, Odysseus homecoming, fate Zeus Odyssey, Odysseus rebirth, Calypso pleasure island, great books podcast Odyssey Be sure to check out our Odyssey episodes from 2024 too! | |||
| The Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Frank Grabowski | 05 May 2026 | 01:53:52 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski discuss the famous "Telemachy" or the coming of age story of Telemachus, Books 2-4 of the Odyssey. Check us our on X, Instagram, Facebook, and more! Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey. In this rich second episode of our 12-week Odyssey series, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski dive deep into Books 2–4 — the Telemachy — exploring Telemachus’s powerful coming-of-age journey from a fatherless, disordered Ithaca to the ordered poleis of Pylos and Sparta. They unpack how Homer paints a vivid picture of political decay: twenty years without an assembly, a missing generation of men, and suitors devouring the household while logos itself loses its force. Yet as Telemachus steps into his father’s seat and sets sail under Athena’s guidance (disguised as Mentor), we witness not only his maturation but a masterclass in what makes a healthy polis. The conversation shines especially when they examine the suitors’ impiety, the beautiful practice of guest-friendship (xenia), and the threefold piety it reveals — toward the gods, the city, and the family. From Nestor’s sacrifices and storytelling to Menelaus and Helen’s double wedding feast, the episode is packed with insight, humor, and timely wisdom. Whether you’re reading the Great Books for the first time or returning to Homer with fresh eyes, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the political, moral, and spiritual layers of the Odyssey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study 06:18 Telemachus' Journey and Athena's Role 08:01 Political Instability in Ithaca 09:38 The Assembly and Telemachus' Leadership 15:48 Penelope's Dilemma and Guest Friendship 17:47 Xenia: The Importance of Hospitality 24:16 The Omen and the Suitors' Fate 30:37 Justice and the Role of the Gods 32:11 Mentorship and Guidance in Telemachus' Growth 39:45 Telemachus' Transformation and Epithet Significance 44:15 The Evolution of Characters in Homer 45:01 Telemachus' Journey to Maturity 47:42 The Role of Divine Guidance 48:38 Sacrifices and Natural Religion 52:56 Pylos: A Model of a Healthy Society 54:44 The Power of Prayer and Rhetoric 59:15 The Tragedy of War and Its Heroes 01:03:58 The Consequences of Choices in War 01:10:57 The Role of the Bard in Society 01:14:46 Foreshadowing and Sacrifice in the Odyssey 01:19:34 The Double Wedding Feast and Hospitality 01:22:08 Piety, Gratitude, and Debt 01:25:46 Reflections on War and Loss 01:28:12 Helen's Duality and the Nature of Free Will 01:29:10 Temptation and the Role of Wisdom 01:39:07 Menelaus' Journey and Wrestling with Fate 01:45:00 The Return to Ithaca and the Threat to Telemachus Here are more videos from our 2024 study! Book 2 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas Lackey Book 3 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas Lackey Book 4 of the Odyssey with Adam Minihan and Fr. Bonaventure, OP. | |||
| The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Grabowski | 28 Apr 2026 | 01:33:58 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos of Wyoming Catholic College and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School to discuss BOOK ONE of the Odyssey--one of the greatest texts in the Western canon. Check out our NEW 12-WEEK STUDY OF THE ODYSSEY. Follow Ascend on X, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and more! Be sure to use our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey! They explore why the epic opens with “man” (not rage, not a god), the meaning of polytropos (“man of twists and turns”), Telemachus’s urgent coming-of-age amid an absent father and predatory suitors, Athena’s masterful mentoring, and Zeus’ striking defense of human responsibility. Along the way they illuminate Homer’s sophisticated anthropology, the poetic dialectic of Homer the philosopher, the haunting parallels with the House of Atreus, and why this ancient poem still speaks so powerfully to questions of masculinity, homecoming, virtue, and human greatness today. Witty, learned, and full of “blood on the floor” interpretive energy, this conversation will leave you hungry for the next eleven weeks—and convinced that Homer is one of the greatest teachers you’ll ever encounter. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 03:39 The NEW Odyssey: A 12-Week Study 09:29 The Importance of Reading Homer 17:01 Exploring the Opening Lines of the Odyssey 30:14 The Man of Twists and Turns: Understanding Odysseus 35:28 Exploring Odysseus: The Complexity of a Hero 39:26 Justice and Fate: The Role of Aegisthus 42:28 Divine Intervention: Zeus and Human Responsibility 55:30 The Journey Home: Odysseus and Telemachus 01:03:12 Coming of Age: Telemachus's Transformation 01:05:37 Exploring Penelope's Role 01:11:44 Telemachus' Journey to Manhood 01:24:56 Reflections on the Odyssey More Resources Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen (2024) The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey (2024) Do Christians Owe a Debt to Homer? The Ascent. Understanding Homer as a Philosopher & Theologian. The Ascent. Keywords Odyssey, Homer, Greek Literature, Great Books, Philosophy, Mythology, Education, Homer's Teachings, Classical Studies, Odyssey Analysis Odyssey, Homer, fate, divine justice, Odysseus, Telemachus, Greek mythology, divine intervention, hero's journey, philosophy | |||
| Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen and Dr. Chad Pecknold (2024) | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:06:18 | |
For the first time since 2023, Ascend is reposting an episode--our introduction to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen (6.25.2024) in anticipation of our NEW 12-WEEK STUDY of the Odyssey starting next week! We start BOOK ONE OF THE ODYSSEY next week! Check us out on X, Facebook, Instagram, and more! In this special introduction to Homer’s Odyssey, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by three distinguished guests: Dr. Patrick Deneen (Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame and author of Why Liberalism Failed), Dr. Chad Pecknold (Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at The Catholic University of America), and Dr. Richard Meloche (then President of the Alcuin Institute for Catholic Culture). The conversation explores why the Great Books matter, why Homer’s Odyssey remains foundational to Western thought and theological formation, and key introductory themes in the epic (with a few light spoilers). Topics include the dynamic nature of the canon, Odysseus’s journey home as a meditation on human nature (neither beast nor god), the tension between fate and choice, temptations of forgetfulness or false immortality, and how a Catholic lens reveals anticipations of Christian truths like restlessness for our true home. The guests share personal stories of how they encountered the Great Books and reflect on the role of narrative in education and spiritual formation. It’s a rich, accessible discussion that sets the stage for deeper dives into the Odyssey while connecting ancient pagan wisdom to Christian theology. In this episode the panel discusses: • The importance of the Great Books canon and why it remains vital • Personal journeys into the classics (and how providence often leads us there) • Key themes in the Odyssey: homecoming, beast-like forgetfulness vs. god-like immortality, fate and free choice, father-son relationships, and Odysseus’s very human flaws • Reading pagan texts through a Catholic lens—seeing anticipations of Christian truth (restlessness for the City of God, the need for virtue and community) • The role of great stories in theological and liberal education Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and guest introductions 08:15 – How each guest discovered the Great Books 22:40 – Why read Homer? The foundational role of the Odyssey 40:00 – Major themes and introductory overview of the Odyssey (light spoilers) 1:05:00 – Odysseus as neither beast nor god – the need for the city 1:25:30 – Theological reading of pagan literature 1:45:00 – The dynamic canon and reading with Christian eyes 2:05:00 – Final thoughts and what’s next for Ascend Join us as we read the Odyssey over the next 12 weeks! | |||
| The Spiritual Harm of Lying | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:35:49 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick explores one of the most striking features of Dante’s Inferno: why the poet places liars, flatterers, and the treacherous in the lowest circles of Hell — deeper than murderers, tyrants, suicides, and even blasphemers. Check out our new INSTAGRAM page! Visit THE ASCENT, our sister publication on Substack. We are reading the Odyssey over 12 weeks! Why does Dante rank fraud and treachery as worse sins than violence? What is the spiritual harm of lying? And how is lying profoundly anti-Christ? Deacon Garlick takes listeners on a deep but accessible journey through:
This episode will challenge you to take lying far more seriously and to see how every lie moves both ourselves and others farther away from Jesus Christ, who declares “I am the Truth.” Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend The Great Books Podcast 04:13 Exploring Dante's Inferno: The Spiritual Harm of Lying 06:07 Understanding the Architecture of Hell 15:05 The Nature of Truth and Speech 20:26 The Consequences of Lying vs. Murder 24:24 The Nature of Lying and Its Consequences 30:52 Understanding Logos and Its Significance Key Topics Discussed
Notable Quotes / Insights
Keywords and phrases: spiritual harm of lying, Dante Inferno lying, is lying worse than murder, Dante Inferno flattery, why Dante puts liars in lower hell, spiritual harm of lying Dante, lying worse than violence, Christ as the Logos, logos theology lying, anti-Christ act of lying, Dante hell structure explained, truth and speech Catholic theology, why is lying worse than murder in Dante's Inferno, spiritual consequences of lying Catholic, Dante Inferno fraud vs violence, what is the spiritual harm of lying, lying as anti-Christ act, St Thomas Aquinas truth conformity of mind to reality, John 1 Logos and lying, Dante Inferno sins of malice, treachery in Dante's Inferno, flattery in Dante's hell, Dante Divine Comedy moral lesson, sins against the soul vs body, corruption of the intellect, teleology of speech, Catholic teaching on lying, Aquinas definition of truth, Inferno architecture explained. | |||
| Discover the Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:42:55 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick takes a popular article from The Ascent, a top 100 substack in faith and spirituality, and does a deep dive on CS Lewis, Dante, and the problem of evil (theodicy). Check out THE ASCENT - a top 100 Substack on Christianity spirituality. Check out "The Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter" Substack article. Check out the NEW Instagram page for Ascend. In this fascinating episode Deacon Garlick explores one of C.S. Lewis’s most striking images: the never-ending winter in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Why is it “always winter but never Christmas”? Far more than a chilly backdrop, Lewis uses the endless cold as a powerful allegory for evil itself. Deacon connects Lewis’ imagery to Dante’s frozen pit at the bottom of Hell in the Inferno, revealing how both Christian master-teachers portray evil not as an opposite of the good, but as a cold, lifeless privation—an absence of heat, motion, and life. You’ll gain fresh insight into: - Why evil is best understood as a “hole in the ground” or darkness without light - How the White Witch’s power to turn creatures to stone mirrors the soul-freezing effect of sin - The beautiful contrast of Aslan’s warm, life-giving breath (echoing John's Pentecost and the forgiveness of sins) - The deeper Christian truth that goodness and being are convertible—evil pulls us toward unreality and non-existence Deacon also shares why reading Narnia to children is such a gift: it trains young minds to love allegory, unlocks the four senses of Scripture, and cultivates a richer, more sacramental view of reality. Warm, thoughtful, and packed with spiritual wisdom, this episode will leave you with renewed appreciation for Lewis, Dante, and the profound way great stories reveal eternal truths. If you love C.S. Lewis, Dante, or want to understand the nature of evil more deeply, you won’t want to miss this one! Episode Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & What’s New on Ascend 01:34 Welcome to Ascend: The Great Books Podcast 03:45 The Ascent Substack & Sister Publication 06:20 The Hidden Meaning of Narnia’s Endless Winter 08:10 Background Story of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 11:30 Aslan as Christ Allegory & Benefits of Reading Narnia to Children 15:45 The Four Senses of Scripture (Literal, Allegorical, Moral, Anagogical) 20:10 Why Allegory Matters for Scripture and Reality 23:50 What Is Evil? – Introducing the Problem of Evil (Theodicy) 27:40 Evil as Privation of the Good (Augustine & Aquinas) 32:15 Freedom, Free Will, and the Origin of Evil 36:40 C.S. Lewis: Endless Winter as Allegory for Evil 40:20 The White Witch’s Power & Aslan’s Life-Giving Breath 44:10 Dante’s Inferno: The Frozen Pit of Hell 48:30 God as Love That Moves the Sun and Stars 52:00 Key Lessons: Evil, Being, and Goodness 55:20 Recap & Closing Thoughts 57:40 What’s Coming Next on Ascend Keywords: C.S. Lewis, Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, endless winter Narnia, hidden meaning of Narnia, Narnia allegory, problem of evil, theodicy, Dante Inferno, frozen hell Dante, evil as privation, nature of evil, Aslan Christ allegory, White Witch, Christian allegory, four senses of Scripture, reading Narnia to children, great books podcast, Christian spirituality, privation of the good, evil and free will, Dante and Lewis, spiritual meaning of winter. | |||
| Purgatorio: Beatrice (Cantos 32-33) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski | 31 Mar 2026 | 01:29:46 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison discusses the last two cantos of the Purgatorio (32-33) with Joshua Charles of Eternal Christendom and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School. We are reading the ODYSSEY NEXT! Check out our 12-week schedule. See our collection of written guides to the great books! Check out Joshua Charles' Eternal Christendom. Check out Holy Family Classical School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They explore the symbolic significance of Beatrice's role in guiding Dante through his spiritual journey, highlighting her as a representation of divine grace and wisdom. The conversation also touches on the allegorical elements of the sacred tree and the griffin, which symbolize Christ and the intertwining of spiritual and temporal authority. The episode further examines the complex allegories of spiritual and temporal power, focusing on themes of judgment, schism, and the corruption within the church. The guests discuss Dante's critique of ecclesiastical corruption, particularly involving figures like Boniface VIII and the Avignon Papacy, and how these historical contexts are woven into the narrative. The prophetic visions of church corruption, represented by the harlot and the coming hero, the Greyhound, are analyzed for their implications on Dante's vision of divine justice and societal renewal. The discussion is enriched with references to biblical texts, especially the Book of Revelation, which heavily influences Dante's imagery. Throughout the episode, the philosophical underpinnings of Dante's work are explored, with particular attention to the influences of Platonic, Augustinian, and Thomistic thought. The conversation transitions from the individual soul's purification journey to broader societal and political reflections, emphasizing the need for harmony between spiritual and temporal powers. The episode concludes with reflections on Dante's vision for renewal and hope, encouraging listeners to consider the allegories as guides for personal sanctification and societal transformation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast 03:07 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio 06:02 The Role of Beatrice and Grace 08:50 Imagery and Symbolism in Canto 32 12:06 The Pageant of Church History 15:00 The Griffin and the Tree of Knowledge 17:53 Temporal vs. Spiritual Authority 20:45 The Significance of the Pageant 23:57 Concluding Thoughts on Dante's Vision 29:18 The Role of the Church in Governance 30:01 Wealth and Temptation: The Weight of Luxury 32:13 Temporal Authority vs. Spiritual Purpose 34:26 The Emergence of the Dragon: Schism and Violence 36:05 The Transformation of the Chariot: Corruption and Power 38:47 The Harlot and the Giant: The Church's Grotesque Reality 42:37 Dante's Perspective on the Papacy and Authority 49:35 The Need for a Temporal Leader 55:41 The Prophetic Vision of the Future 01:00:21 The Purifying Power of Temporal Authority 01:04:21 The Role of the Tree in Justice 01:06:47 Understanding the Moral and Anagogical Senses 01:10:46 The Discord Between Heaven and Earth 01:16:42 The Significance of the Two Rivers 01:22:40 Baptism and the Renewal of the Soul Good work on reading the Purgatorio! We have a few episodes from THE ASCENT up next and then we are reading the Odyssey. | |||
| Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West | 24 Mar 2026 | 01:38:22 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Michael West discuss the top of Mount Purgatory: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31). Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Purgatorio. Check Ascend out on X, Facebook, Youtube, and More! They explore the serene, uncultivated garden where Dante encounters the mysterious Matilda picking flowers, the two rivers (Lethe, which erases the memory of sin, and Eunoe, which restores the memory of good deeds), and the elaborate apocalyptic procession featuring candelabras, elders, symbolic creatures, the griffin-drawn chariot of the Church, and dancers representing the theological and cardinal virtues. The discussion highlights Dante’s use of erotic imagery, classical allusions (Proserpina, Venus, Hero and Leander), and the communal themes running through the Commedia, while noting how Purgatorio depicts the gradual strengthening of the will through spiritual “exercise,” much like physical training. The conversation then turns to the dramatic appearance of Beatrice in Canto 30, her stern rebuke of Dante for pursuing “shadows of false goods” after her death, and the emotional departure of Virgil, whose guidance ends as Beatrice assumes the role of divine wisdom. They interpret Canto 31 as a sacramental confession scene in which Dante acknowledges his sins, experiences contrition while gazing at Beatrice’s eyes reflecting the dual-natured griffin (Christ), and is immersed in the River Lethe by Matilda. The hosts reflect on the limits of human reason and mentorship (Virgil), the incarnational role of beauty in leading the soul to God, the necessity of properly ordered eros, and the deeper Christian vision that Eden is not the final destination but a way station toward the beatific vision. The episode ends with anticipation for the conclusion of Purgatorio in the next installment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books 02:19 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Canto 28-31 04:03 Scholarship and Themes in Dante 06:52 The Role of Community in Dante's Works 09:43 Personal Reflections on Purgatorio 12:20 The Earthly Paradise and Its Significance 14:48 Matilda: A Symbol of Beauty and Desire 17:44 The Rivers of Lethe and Eunoë 20:25 The Dichotomy of Memory in Dante's Vision 33:04 The Nature of Confession and Memory 34:32 Exploring Apocalyptic Imagery 38:08 The Role of Virtues in Spiritual Life 45:58 The Significance of the Procession 52:43 The Transition from Virgil to Beatrice 01:04:09 Virgil's Journey and Final Gift 01:05:25 The Role of Mentorship and Growth 01:07:24 The Pain of Separation from Mentors 01:08:58 Understanding Virgil's Absence 01:10:52 Beatrice's Introduction and New Guidance 01:12:22 Beatrice's Sarcasm and Wisdom 01:14:07 The Complexity of Virgil's Guidance 01:15:11 The Nature of True Goodness 01:17:04 The Pursuit of Apparent Goods 01:19:47 Beatrice as an Icon of Divine Beauty 01:21:41 The Role of Pity in Relationships 01:25:56 The Sacrament of Confession 01:27:43 The Importance of Tears and Remorse 01:33:41 The Vision of the Griffin and Christ Good work reading the great books! Next week, we are joined by Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to end our journey! | |||
| Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP | 17 Mar 2026 | 01:35:59 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Fr. Patrick Biscoe, OP, discuss gluttony and lust in Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 23-27. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Check out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES for the great books. Check out the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers. Check out Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, at Godsplaining Podcast. In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, currently serving in Rome as the Order’s General Promoter for Social Communication. The conversation opens with Fr. Patrick explaining Dominican life, the charism of preaching rooted in study and contemplation, the historical significance of Santa Sabina, and the Order’s ongoing vitality—especially through institutions like the Angelicum. The bulk of the episode then offers a close, theologically rich reading of the Purgatorio. The hosts explore how Dante structures these sins as forms of excessive or misdirected love, placing them high on the mountain because they are less grave than pride, envy, or wrath, yet still require deep purification. Key themes include the contrapasso of emaciated souls on the gluttony terrace, the “OMO DEI” face motif symbolizing refashioning in God’s image, the role of intercessory prayer (especially Nella’s for Forese Donati), the two instructive trees, medieval embryology and hylomorphism (how airy shades appear gaunt), and the wall of flame on the lust terrace. They highlight Dante’s nuanced treatment of lust—treating both heterosexual excess (Pasiphaë/bestiality) and sodomy as incontinence—while emphasizing the praise of chaste marriage and the enduring good of ordered eros. The episode closes powerfully with Virgil’s farewell in Canto 27, crowning Dante “lord of himself” once his will is aligned with the good, symbolizing true Christian freedom. Throughout, the discussion weaves literary analysis with practical spiritual application—especially apt for Lent—showing Purgatorio as a map for self-mastery, image perfection, and liberation from disordered desire. Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Garlick underscore Beatrice as an icon of divine beauty and grace, whose memory motivates Dante through the flames rather than being purged away. The episode ends with an invitation to reread the text, follow the Dominicans’ work, and prepare for the Earthly Paradise cantos in the next installment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio 07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order 13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin 18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory 24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls 29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife 35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics 39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love 43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory 48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance 52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger 57:07 Gradations of the Soul 58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul 01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion 01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory 01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain 01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity 01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory 01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise 01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love 01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession 01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory 01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences 01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust 01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory 01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer 01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge 01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey 01:25:38 Purification Through Love 01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect 01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante 01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-Mastery Following us on X, Facebook, and More! | |||
| Purgatorio: Acedia and Avarice (Cantos 18-22) with Dr. Sarah Berry | 10 Mar 2026 | 01:56:02 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Sarah Berry of the University of Dallas discuss Acedia, Avarice, and part of Gluttony in Cantos 18-22 of the Purgatorio. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information! Check out our GUIDE to the Purgatorio! Dr. Sarah Berry joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to explore Cantos 18–22, covering the terrace of sloth (acedia) and the transition into avarice and prodigality. In Canto 18, Virgil delivers a pivotal discourse on love as the root of all human action, explaining that love can be misdirected (pride, envy, wrath), deficient (sloth), or excessive (avarice, gluttony, lust). Berry emphasizes the terrace’s brevity and lack of a formal prayer: “their prayers are their action... the penitents too... are doing the thing as a way of offering up some kind of prayer to God” (Dr. Sarah Berry), with running souls and examples of zeal (Mary’s haste to Elizabeth, Caesar’s swift march) countering sloth’s cooling of love. The dream of the siren in Canto 19 warns against deceptive earthly goods, while the face-down penance on the avarice terrace forces fixation on the earth once loved excessively: “these are those who had a disordered love of money... goods that can’t be shared” (Dr. Sarah Berry). Cantos 20–22 deepen the exploration of avarice’s societal and personal consequences. Hugh Capet’s lament in Canto 20 indicts the French dynasty’s greed and sacrilege, including the capture of Boniface VIII. Berry highlights the terrace’s broadened scope: “Dante is really broadening... our awareness of this constellation of problems” beyond mere hoarding or spending. In Canto 21, Statius is released with an earthquake and song, explaining his long purgation on sloth and avarice before moving freely upward. Canto 22 poignantly contrasts Statius (saved through Virgil’s influence and grace) with Virgil himself, who lacks faith despite his virtues. Berry notes the tragedy: “Dante is inviting us... hoping that there is some special providence for Virgil at the end of his journey through purgatory” (Dr. Sarah Berry). The cantos reveal Purgatorio’s hopeful, dynamic nature: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from deficient to excessive attachments, preparing the soul for divine union. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio 02:29 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Themes and Structure 04:30 The Importance of Purgatorio in Spiritual Growth 08:32 Understanding Love and Culpability in Purgatorio 12:00 Diving into Canto 18: The Lesson on Love 13:26 Virgil's Discourse on Love and Free Will 17:40 The Nature of Love: Ascent and Culpability 20:31 The Role of Reason in Human Actions 26:01 The Formation of Intellect and Will 33:12 Contrapasso: The Penance of Slothfulness 40:19 Examples of Zeal: Mary and Caesar 42:17 Understanding Zeal and Sloth 47:04 The Subtlety of Sin and Human Effort 52:31 Dreams and Allegory in Purgatory 01:00:27 The Nature of Prayer and Action 01:01:58 Exploring Avarice and Its Consequences 01:20:15 Exploring Dante's Inferno: Sin and Intellect 01:23:03 Wrath and Sloth: Roots of Sin in Purgatorio 01:25:23 Positive Examples: Virtue Against Avarice 01:29:30 Dante's Critique of French Dynasties 01:35:56 The Role of Statius: A New Perspective 01:50:30 Virgil's Tragic Journey: Hope for Salvation? Keywords Dante's Purgatorio, Sloth, Love, Virtue, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Literature, Dante, Purgatory, Christian Virtues Dante, Purgatorio, allegory, sin, virtue, divine justice, theology, Mount Purgatory, purgation, salvation | |||
| Purgatorio: Envy and Wrath (Cantos 13-17) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson | 03 Mar 2026 | 01:32:33 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson of Pepperdine University discuss cantos 13-17 of Dante's Purgatorio--the purging of envy and wrath. Check out our 51 question and answer guide (35 pages!) to the Purgatorio. Check out our YOUTUBE page which has our episodes in playlists! Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to discuss Cantos 13–17, covering the terraces of envy (Canto 13) and wrath (Cantos 14–17), with a strong focus on the central discourses in the middle of the Comedy. In Canto 13, the envious have their eyelids sewn shut with iron wire, a contrapasso that forces them to rely on others and recognize interdependence. Wilson explains: “envy is to look cross-eyed on another's blessings... to look askance,” and the disembodied voices proclaim examples of generosity (Cana, “I am Orestes,” “Love them from whom you’ve suffered evil”), teaching a mindset of abundance over scarcity (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). Sapia humbly confesses her envy and malice, contrasting with the divisive souls in Inferno. Cantos 14–15 transition to wrath, with visions of meekness (Mary and Joseph seeking Jesus, a tyrant sparing a youth, Stephen forgiving his stoners) and Virgil’s discourse on goods: exhaustible earthly goods versus inexhaustible spiritual ones. Wilson notes: “envy stems from a mindset of scarcity versus Mary’s mindset of abundance... able to supply where it looks like there’s not enough in the world” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). The pivotal Canto 16 (the exact midpoint of the Comedy) features Marco Lombardo’s sermon on free will: “If the present world has gone astray, the cause is in you, look at yourselves” (Marco via transcript). Wilson calls it “the clearest sermon that Dante has about what’s wrong with the world,” emphasizing that sin arises from misused free will, not fate or stars, and critiques the separation of temporal and spiritual powers. Canto 17 concludes the wrath terrace with Virgil’s discourse on love as the root of all action (“Neither Creator nor creature was ever without love... natural or of the mind” – Virgil via transcript), which can be misdirected, deficient, or excessive. Wilson highlights the shift from reason to grace: “reason can’t do it alone... you need this other kind of intervention” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). The cantos underscore Purgatorio’s hopeful pedagogy: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from misdirected to deficient love in preparation for the excessive attachments above. Wilson stresses the urgency: “the Purgatorio shows humanity in motion, dynamic humanity... it has the immediacy... that is an urgency to it” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 04:06 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio 07:20 The Great Books Program at Pepperdine University 10:18 The Significance of Purgatorio 13:27 Understanding Envy in Purgatorio 16:17 Contrary Virtues: Generosity and Kindness 19:22 The Role of Sight and Blindness in Envy 22:15 Dante's Moral Lessons on Envy 25:14 Comparative Analysis with Inferno 30:33 Dante's Poetic Structure and Contrapasso 32:15 Comparative Analysis of Characters in Inferno and Purgatorio 33:54 The Role of Good and Bad Examples in Moral Education 34:14 The Shift from Temporal to Eternal Mindsets 34:20 Understanding Canto 14: The Importance of Examples 39:35 Canto 15: The Inquiry into Goods and Wrath 49:58 Canto 16: The Purging of Wrath and Examples of Virtue 51:35 Ecstatic Visions and Penitent Souls 52:19 The Tyrant's Moment of Virtue 53:28 Humanity in Purgatorio 54:38 The Role of Mary in Purgatory 56:02 Saint Stephen's Example of Forgiveness 57:12 Virgil's Limitations as a Guide 59:12 The Nature of Freedom in Purgatory 01:03:07 The Importance of Canto 16 01:04:37 Understanding Freedom in Dante's Context 01:07:32 The Role of Law and Governance 01:14:39 Self-Reflection and the State of the World 01:23:48 Exploring Wrath in Purgatory 01:30:57 Understanding the Structure of Purgatory Keywords: Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 13-17, spiritual growth, virtues and vices, education, great books, Dante analysis Dante's Divine Comedy, Purgatory, Virtues and Vices, Free Will, Theology, Morality, Literature, Catholic Teaching, Spiritual Journey | |||
| Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory and the Terrace on Pride (Cantos 6-12) with Mr. Luke Heintschel | 24 Feb 2026 | 02:28:27 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Garlick and Mr. Luke Heintschel, headmaster of Coeur du Christ Academy, discuss the rest of ante-purgatory and then the first terrace--the purging of pride. Check out our GUIDE: 51 QUESTIONS ON THE PURGATORIO. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. The conversation explores the transition from Ante-Purgatory into the proper mountain of Purgatory and the first terrace dedicated to purging the sin of pride. Garlick describes this section as one of his favorites in the entire Purgatorio, praising Dante’s ability to provide a rich “liturgy” and spiritual library of resources for reshaping the soul into the beautiful image of Christ. The episode emphasizes Purgatorio as a positive map for sanctification and theosis, contrasting sharply with the Inferno’s exposure of sin’s ugliness.Guest Introduction and Classical Education Insights Luke Heintschel shares his personal journey from evangelization and biblical theology into classical education, explaining how he came to see the liberal arts tradition—long cultivated by the Church—as the most effective means of making Catholicism relevant to contemporary young people. He describes his school’s mission of forming saints, scholars, and servants through the historic Catholic educational model. Deacon and Heintschel discuss the harmony of faith and reason, noting how reading great books alongside Scripture and theology reveals that the God who grants intellect is the same God who died on the cross. They highlight the value of using Dante’s Purgatorio in moral theology classes, where it serves not as a list of rules but as a vivid portrayal of transforming the heart’s disordered loves toward their divine end. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio 09:02 Understanding Purgatorio: A Map for Spiritual Growth 15:17 Dante's Intercessory Prayer and Its Significance 24:13 The Role of Beatrice and the Nature of Beauty 34:53 Dante's Political Critique and the State of Italy 43:05 The Call to Higher Patriotism 53:44 Understanding Virtue: Natural vs. Theological 59:35 The Valley of the Kings: Political Failures and Redemption 01:15:02 Dante's Heroism and Divine Grace 01:19:41 The Three Steps to Purification 01:28:10 The Role of Humility in Purgatory 01:51:27 The Purpose of Purification 01:59:24 Contrappasso: The Nature of Punishment in Purgatory 02:04:44 Examples of Pride: Lessons from the Past 02:16:26 The Beatitudes and the Path to Humility 02:23:47 Eagerness to Ascend: The Transformation of the Soul Moral Theology and the Purpose of Purgatorio The hosts stress that moral theology is not merely about avoiding sin but about becoming beautiful like Christ through active configuration to His image. Purgatorio offers a lifelong guide for this ascent, presenting prayers, hymns, scriptural examples, and artistic visions tailored to remedy each vice. They critique modern reductions of ethics to a “negative list” of prohibitions, arguing that Dante invites readers to pursue positive virtue and interior change. In Canto 6, the souls in Ante-Purgatory eagerly seek Dante’s prayers, illustrating the Catholic doctrine of intercession for the dead as a participation in Christ’s merits. Virgil explains that purgation is possible through the resurrection, and the episode includes a brief catechesis on the communion of saints across the Church Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant. Beatrice is presented as an icon of divine beauty and grace, with the pilgrim’s desire for her serving as a ladder of ascent from earthly eros to divine charity. Dante’s political lament critiques Italy’s fractured state and absent emperor, yearning for the proper balance of temporal and spiritual powers (duo sunt). Canto 7 introduces the Valley of the Princes—failed rulers delayed for neglecting their Christian vocation—while the night rule underscores that ascent requires God’s grace (symbolized by the sun). The princes sing Salve Regina, submitting to the true Queen, Mary. Cantos 8–9: Nighttime Vigil, Dream, and Entry into Purgatory Canto 8 features angels driving off the serpent of temptation in a repeated catechetical drama, while the souls sing Te lucis ante terminum to entrust the night to God. In Canto 9, St. Lucy (meaning “light”) carries the sleeping Dante upward, emphasizing that grace, not human effort, enables ascent. The three steps to the Gate of Purgatory symbolize self-knowledge (polished white marble), contrition (cracked dark stone), and penance (fiery red porphyry). An angel inscribes seven P’s (peccata, sins) on Dante’s forehead and uses the keys of Peter—commanded to err on the side of mercy—to open the gate, accompanied by the Te Deum. Cantos 10–12: The First Terrace – Purging Pride The first terrace features marble reliefs of humility: the Annunciation (Mary’s fiat), David dancing before the Ark, and Emperor Trajan aiding a widow. These Christian and pagan examples of the contrary virtue counter pride. The proud souls carry massive boulders that force them to bow low, habituating humility through a purifying contrapasso. The ground displays carved examples of pride’s fall—Lucifer, the Tower of Babel, Niobe, Saul, Arachne, Rehoboam, and others—often alternating biblical and classical stories to show pride’s universal danger. The souls recite an expanded Our Father, praying intercessorily for those on earth, and the Beatitude “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is sung sweetly. As pride is purged, an angel removes one P, the soul grows eager and light-footed, and Virgil laughs—a rare moment of joy signaling progress in the ascent.Closing and Next Steps Deacon thanks Heintschel for his insights and reminds listeners that Purgatorio functions as both literary masterpiece and practical spiritual guide. The next episode will cover Cantos 13–17 (envy and wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson of Pepperdine University. Keywords Dante's Purgatorio, Christian Virtues, Intercessory Prayer, Classical Education, Theology, Morality, Politics, Dante's Guide, Beatrice, Virgil Dante's Purgatorio, humility, pride, spiritual journey, classical analogies, biblical themes, liturgical imagery, virtue, contrapasso, purgation | |||
| Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory Cantos 1-5 with Dr. Donald Prudlo | 17 Feb 2026 | 02:09:31 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo, the Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, discuss the Ante-Purgatory, the foot of Mount Purgatory (Cantos 1-5). Check out our guide on Dante's Purgatorio (out soon!) Visit Dr. Jason Baxter's website and use "Ascend" in the promo code for 20% off his Purgatorio audiobook. Thanks for the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College for their support! The conversation with Dr. Prudlo and Deacon Garlick on Cantos 1–5 of Purgatorio opens with the dramatic shift from the despair of Inferno to the hope and refreshment of Purgatory. In Canto 1, Dante and Virgil emerge from Hell onto the shores of Mount Purgatory at Easter dawn, where Dante humbly invokes Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry, signaling his project as “the Christian epic” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). They meet Cato the Younger, a pagan suicide saved by special grace, who embodies the four cardinal virtues and serves as Purgatory’s guardian. Prudlo emphasizes the shock: “Cato the pagan, the suicide is going to heaven. And we have got to confront that or we're going to miss so much of what Dante has to tell us here” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). The ritual of washing with dew and girding with the humble reed contrasts the broken plants of the suicides in Hell and symbolizes the beginning of true humility and ascent. Cantos 2–5 introduce the late-repentant souls and the mountain’s structure. In Canto 2, an angelic boat ferries souls singing “In exitu Israel de Aegypto,” a psalm of liberation that Prudlo calls “a multifaceted song” evoking Exodus, baptism, and community (Dr. Donald Prudlo). Casella’s song of Dante’s own poetry enchants the group until Cato rebukes their idleness. Cantos 3–5 explore excommunicated sinners like Manfred (“even under a curse like mine, no one's ever so lost that eternal love cannot come back, as long as hope has any sprouts of green” – Manfred via transcript) and the slothful Belacqua, who banters with Dante like old friends. Prudlo highlights the power of last-minute mercy and intercession: “Mary is the last refuge of sinners” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). The cantos teach that Purgatory is a place of communal hope, where grace reaches even the unlikely, and purification begins with humility, prayer, and rightly ordered love—setting the stage for the active ascent through the terraces. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dante's Purgatorio 04:42 The Importance of Reading Purgatorio 08:02 Themes of Emancipation and Freedom 10:57 The Role of Cato in Purgatorio 13:49 Cato's Significance and Political Implications 17:00 Cato as a Precursor to Christ 19:51 Dante's Literary Techniques and Inspirations 22:56 Contrasting Ulysses and Dante 25:36 Cato's Death and Its Symbolism 28:52 The Nature of Purgatory and Salvation 31:51 Cato's Virtues and Their Relevance 34:49 The Relationship Between Cato and Christ 37:48 Conclusion and Reflections on Purgatorio 50:03 Understanding Cato's Role in Purgatorio 52:43 The Heartbreaking Choice of Cato 54:39 Rituals and Purification in Purgatory 01:00:18 The Arrival at Purgatory 01:06:34 The Significance of Water in Salvation 01:12:09 Virgil's Role and the Nature of Guidance 01:24:57 Manfred: A Case of Late Repentance 01:29:38 The Role of Intercessory Prayer in Purgatory 01:34:00 Understanding Mount Purgatory and Its Significance 01:40:15 The Character of Belacqua and Themes of Friendship 01:45:22 Late Repentance and the Nature of Mercy 01:54:16 Mary as Intercessor and the Nature of Salvation 02:00:25 The Concept of Divine Justice and Mercy 02:07:53 Final Reflections on Dante's Purgatorio Keywords: Dante, Purgatorio, spiritual growth, Cato the Younger, community, freedom, liberty, friendship, baptism, Easter, Dante, Purgatory, Virgil, Divine Comedy, late repentance, intercessory prayer, Mary, salvation, medieval theology, mercy. | |||
| Introduction to Dante's Purgatorio with Dr. Jason Baxter | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:03:23 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dr. Jason Baxter and Dcn. Harrison Garlick come together to introduce Dante's Purgatorio and Dr. Baxter's new translation! We are reading Dante's Purgatorio for Lent. Join us! Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the great books! DISCOUNT: Check out Dr. Jason Baxter's website and enter "Ascend" to receive **20%** off the Purgatorio audiobook read by Dr. Baxter! Check out Dr. Baxter's Substack article on his new translation. And thank you to the Center of Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College for promoting this reading of the Purgatorio! Dr. Baxter first describes the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College as a fellowship program (Angelico Fellows) that immerses students in beauty across the arts, music, literature, and theology—through concerts, museums, and pilgrimages—to foster interiority and the conviction that “beauty can save the world.” The conversation then contrasts Purgatorio with the Inferno: while the latter is dark, lurid, and focused on judgment, Purgatorio is a place of hope, mercy, transformation, and “eternal New Year’s resolutions,” where repentant souls engage in spiritual exercises to purify their tarnished mirrors, learn authentic love and prayer, and prepare for Paradise. Baxter likens the shift to moving from heavy metal to Schubert, emphasizing greenness, brightness, and unexpected mercy. Baxter explains that his translation began as a personal quest for mastery—going word-by-word to internalize Dante like memorizing a piano piece—but evolved into a philosophy capturing Dante’s “fugue” of style: ascending, prolix syntax with lofty classical allusions layered over humble, earthy words that reflect Franciscan humility and incarnational Christian poetics. Examples include goats ruminating on the “foco d’amore” (fire of love) amid elevated star imagery, or Statius calling Virgil’s Aeneid “una mamma” (translated “mommy”). He describes Purgatorio as spiritual surgery—painfully removing the soul’s “carcinogenic” elements through grace-filled cooperation—and a map for configuring to Christ beyond mere sin avoidance. Baxter advises first-time readers to pause at puzzling images or word choices, ask “why would Dante do that here?,” trust their instincts, and consider his audiobook for the text’s soundscape, while Deacon Garlick stresses the canticle’s role as a spiritual guide that mirrors one’s own maturation toward God. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio 03:43 The Center for Beauty and Culture 05:40 Understanding Dante's Purgatorio 07:54 The Nature of Purgatorio 14:54 Dante the Pilgrim vs. Dante the Poet 19:32 The Spirituality of Translation 20:14 The Philosophy of Translation 30:02 Dante's Christian Poetics 34:22 Exploring Dante's Poetic Style 36:51 Juxtaposition in Dante's Imagery 41:42 The Concept of Spiritual Surgery 44:49 The Journey of Holiness 48:13 The Role of Love in Dante's Theology 52:00 Eros and the Ascent to Divine Beauty 55:29 Engaging with Dante: Tips for First-Time Readers Join us next week as we start Dante's Purgatorio for Lent! SCHEDULE: 2.10.26: Introduction with Dr. Jason Baxter, Benedictine College 2.17.26: Cantos 1-5 (Ante-Purgatory) with Dr. Donald Prudlo, University of Tulsa 2.24.26: Cantos 6-12 (Ante-Purgatory, Gate, First Terrace) with Luke Heintschel, Headmaster, Coeur du Christ Academy 3.3.26: Cantos 13-17 (Envy and Wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Pepperdine University 3.10.26: Cantos 18-22 (Avarice and Prodigality) with Dr. Sarah Berry, University of Dallas 3.17.26: Cantos 23-27 (Gluttony and Lust) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP 3.24.26: Cantos 28-31 (Earthly Paradise) with Dr. Michael West, University of Dallas. 3.31.26: Cantos 32-33 (Beatrice) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski, Holy Family Classical School DISCOUNT: Check out Dr. Jason Baxter's website and enter "Ascend" to receive **20%** off the Purgatorio audiobook read by Dr. Baxter! PS - Like the icon in the background? Check out Joey Bremer's incredible hand painted icons! | |||
| Q&A on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Dr. Justin Jackson | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:41:23 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Justin Jackson host a Q&A on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. They explore major themes such as the role of femininity, the moral dilemmas faced by Gawain, and the significance of the girdle. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our episodes on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and our study guide! Visit Professor Jackson's awesome SUBSTACK. The conversation highlights Gawain's character development, the tension between chivalric ideals and Christian morality, and the Green Knight's role as a tempter. Through a detailed analysis, they uncover the layers of meaning within the poem, emphasizing the intentional tension crafted by the poet. Join our Patreon page to be able to submit questions in the future! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 03:13 Teaching 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' 06:34 The Role of Women in the Poem 12:27 The Tension Between Pagan and Christian Elements 21:57 Gawain's Moral Dilemmas and Compartmentalization 28:05 The Confession Scene and Its Implications 37:02 Confession and Contrition 40:56 The Green Knight's Dual Role 51:58 Chivalry, Cowardice, and the Girdle 01:02:50 Symbolism of Colors in Gawain 01:07:31 The Intensity of the Green Knight 01:08:36 Gawain's Confrontation and Internal Conflict 01:11:29 The Symbolism of the Green Girdle 01:17:24 The Ending: Bliss and Blunder 01:26:19 Final Thoughts on Gawain's Journey Keywords Sir Gawain, Green Knight, themes, femininity, chivalry, morality, confession, literature, medieval, analysis, Sir Gawain, Green Knight, chivalry, medieval literature, symbolism, courtly love, Morgan Le Fay, color symbolism, moral lessons, literary analysis, great books, philosophy, Catholic, Catholicism Takeaways
We start the Purgatorio next week! Join us! | |||
| Platonic Thought in St. Thomas Aquinas with Dr. Donald Prudlo | 27 Jan 2026 | 01:35:50 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo explore the intricate relationship between Plato and St. Thomas Aquinas, examining how Aquinas's thought is influenced by Platonic philosophy while also being rooted in Aristotle. We are reading the PURGATORIO for Lent! Check out our LIBRARY OF GUIDES TO THE GREAT BOOKS. See Dr. Prudlo's books on St. Thomas, administration, and more! They discuss the nuances of Aquinas' understanding of universals, the nature of evil, and the significance of the body in Christian anthropology, highlighting the complexities of Aquinas's intellectual context and the historical development of these philosophical ideas. They discuss how Aquinas synthesized various philosophical traditions, particularly in his understanding of existence and essence, the role of beauty, and the moral implications of his metaphysics. The dialogue also touches on the early church's reception (or rejection) of Aristotle, the influence of Islamic philosophy, and the evolution of Aquinas' thought throughout his life. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the richness of Aquinas' philosophy and its relevance to contemporary discussions on faith and reason. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 03:11 Experiencing the Papal Conclave 06:34 Plato and Aquinas: A Complex Relationship 12:43 Aquinas' Intellectual Evolution 17:02 The Importance of Reading the Great Books 24:25 Platonic Thought in Aquinas' Philosophy 34:48 The Quest for Certitude in Philosophy 37:20 Realism and the Nature of Universals 40:56 Mind-Body Dualism and the Significance of the Body 47:36 The Reception of Aristotle in Early Christianity 54:09 The Distinction Between Essence and Existence 01:04:53 The Role of Beauty in Aquinas' Philosophy 01:06:38 Exploring Beauty in Philosophy 01:11:23 The Role of Beauty in St. Thomas Aquinas 01:13:44 The Ladder of Love and Its Implications 01:19:18 Essence and Existence in Thomistic Thought 01:21:41 The Hierarchy of Being and Divine Wisdom 01:25:22 The Evolution of Aquinas' Thought 01:27:35 Understanding Aquinas Through His Influences 01:30:17 Final Thoughts on Faith and Reason Takeaways
Keywords Plato, St. Thomas Aquinas, philosophy, Neoplatonism, Aristotle, universals, particulars, evil, mind-body dualism, Christian thought, Aquinas, Aristotle, Plato, medieval philosophy, essence, existence, beauty, Islamic philosophy, hierarchy of being, Thomism, great books | |||
| Plato's Influence on St. Boethius with Dr. Thomas Ward | 20 Jan 2026 | 00:54:36 | |
In this episode of the Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Thomas Ward from Baylor University about Plato's influence on St. Boethius. The conversation begins with an exploration of Boethius's life, particularly his role as a Roman statesman and philosopher during a tumultuous time in history. Dr. Ward highlights St. Boethius's seminal work, "The Consolation of Philosophy," written while he awaited execution, and discusses its impact on medieval thought and the liberal arts tradition. The dialogue emphasizes St. Boethius's unique position as a bridge between Roman and medieval philosophy, often referred to as the last of the Romans and the first of the medievals. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Want to know more about Plato? Start here with our Plato playlist. And check out Dr. Thomas Ward's website! As the conversation unfolds, the discussion shifts to the Platonic influences on St. Boethius's writings. Dr. Ward explains how Boethius synthesized Platonic and Aristotelian thought, particularly in his understanding of the good and the nature of happiness. The episode delves into the themes of evil as privation, the nature of true happiness, and the philosophical journey from despair to enlightenment that St. Boethius undergoes in his work. The dialogue is rich with references to other philosophical texts, including the works of Plato, and draws parallels between Boethius's ideas and those found in the writings of later thinkers like Dante and Aquinas. Overall, the episode serves as a compelling introduction to Boethius's thought and its enduring relevance in the study of philosophy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 02:24 Exploring Boethius and His Influence 04:16 Who Was Boethius? 07:49 Boethius: The Last Roman and First Scholastic 10:18 The Liberal Arts and Boethius' Legacy 11:36 Teaching Boethius: A Personal Journey 14:07 Plato's Influence on Boethius 18:50 The Consolation of Philosophy: Setting the Stage 24:31 Lady Philosophy: Deconstruction and Reconstruction 29:58 The Quest for Self-Knowledge 30:51 Fortune and Its Dual Nature 31:53 The Good: Bridging Plato and Christianity 36:19 Happiness and the Divine Connection 40:00 The Paradox of Good and Evil 45:11 The Poetic and Philosophical Fusion 48:44 Evil as Privation: A Platonic Insight 52:08 Boethius: A Synthesis of Philosophical Traditions Takeaways
Keywords Boethius, Plato, Consolation of Philosophy, medieval philosophy, Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Thomas Ward, liberal arts, happiness, evil as privation, philosophy, Deacon Harrison Garlick, great books | |||
| Plato and St. Augustine with Dr. Chad Pecknold | 13 Jan 2026 | 01:26:50 | |
How did Plato influence St. Augustine? Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Chad Pecknold of the Catholic University of America discuss Plato's influence on St. Augustine. Check out our account on X for daily postings on the great books! Check out our library of written guides to the great books! Check out FIRE ON THE ALTAR by Dr. Chad Pecknold. The discussion begins with the historical evolution of Platonism—from the original Academy of Socrates and Plato, through Middle Platonism (with figures like Plutarch and Apuleius), to the late or Neoplatonism of Plotinus and others—showing how it became increasingly religious, mystical, and hierarchical in the Roman Empire, complete with daemons (intermediary spiritual beings) and a strong emphasis on the soul's ascent to the divine. St. Augustine, after years as a Manichaean and skeptic, encountered Platonic texts (likely including Plotinus) in Milan around 385–386 AD through Christian Platonists like Bishop Ambrose and Simplicianus. These writings played a crucial role in his intellectual conversion: they revealed a transcendent, immaterial God as Being itself, the eternal Word/Logos, and the soul's capacity for contemplative ascent beyond the material world—ideas strikingly parallel to the prologue of John's Gospel. Yet St. Augustine recognized Platonism's crucial limitation: it allowed him to "catch the fragrance" of God but not to "feast" through union, because it lacked the Word made flesh—the incarnate Christ as the true mediator who bridges the gap between the divine and humanity, solving the problem of mediation and purification that Platonism itself raised but could not resolve. Ultimately, Pecknold presents Platonism as a providential praeparatio evangelica—a promise that raises the restless heart's longing for God, truth, beauty, and eternal happiness—but one fulfilled only in Christianity. St. Augustine adopts and transforms Platonic elements (such as the ideas/forms residing in the divine mind, now identified with the Logos/Christ, and the soul's ascent through purification) while critiquing its errors, especially its inadequate mediators and inability to address incarnation, bodily resurrection, and grace. In this way, St. Augustine shows that Plato comes closest among philosophers to Christianity, yet only the Word made flesh satisfies the hunger Plato so powerfully articulated. Plato on St. Boethius is up next week! | |||
| Why Christians Should Read the Pagans with Alec Bianco and Sean Berube | 06 Jan 2026 | 01:29:29 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, host Dcn. Harrison Garlick, along with guests Alec Bianco and Sean Berube, explore St. Basil the Great’s letter To Young Men, on the Right Use of Greek Literature, passionately arguing that Christians—especially young men—should actively read pagan classics like Homer, Plato, and Hesiod. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com Check out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES to the great books. Drawing on personal testimonies, the trio explains how these pre-Christian texts strengthened their own faith, trained natural virtue, sharpened Scripture reading, and revealed seeds of the Logos planted by divine providence. Through vivid analogies—leaves preparing fruit, bees gathering honey, and despoiling the Egyptians—they, supported by St. Jerome’s defense, contend that pagan literature is not a threat but a providential gift that grace perfects, forming the soul, evoking wonder, and equipping believers to engage the world with confidence and love. SummaryThe conversation highlights how pagan texts address universal human questions—virtue, meaning, fate, and the divine—preparing the soul for revelation, much as leaves nourish fruit on a branch or mirrors help the immature soul see itself. St. Basil’s analogies are unpacked: pagan literature as a shallow pool for beginners, bees selectively gathering honey from flowers, and the need to discriminate good from harmful elements through the standard of Christ. Examples include Odysseus’s restraint with Nausicaa as a model of natural virtue and Socrates’s near-Christian insights on non-retaliation. The guests stress that grace perfects nature, so training in natural virtue via pagan examples elevates rather than diminishes the supernatural call, challenging modern sloth and low expectations of human potential. Providence is a recurring theme: Hebrew faith and Greek reason converged under Roman order to prepare the world for Christ; parallels in myths (floods, giants, serpents) and the Hellenization of Scripture (Septuagint, New Testament in Greek) show God working through pagan culture. References to Tolkien, Lewis, and Justin Martyr’s logos spermatikos underscore that truth found anywhere belongs to Christians. Music and athletics are explored as parallels—pagan modes and contests can form the soul when approached with discernment, just as Doric tunes sobered revelers in Pythagoras’s story. The discussion shifts to St. Jerome’s Letter 70, defending the use of secular literature against accusations of defiling the Church. Jerome cites Moses educated in Egyptian wisdom, Paul quoting pagan poets, and analogies like despoiling the Egyptians or David wielding Goliath’s sword—Christianity takes the best of pagan thought and conquers paganism with it. His provocative image of shaving the captive woman (Deuteronomy) to make secular wisdom a “matron of the true Israel” illustrates stripping away seductive errors to reveal underlying beauty and truth. Ultimately, the episode frames engagement with pagan literature as an act of love: understanding providence, nurturing what is good, evangelizing by meeting souls where they are, and ascending toward the Logos who permeates all reality. The tone is confident and joyful, rejecting both puritanical fear and uncritical consumption in favor of prudent, Christ-centered discernment. KeywordsChristians read pagans, pagan literature Christians, St Basil pagan literature, St Basil Greek literature, why Christians read Homer, why Christians read Plato, classical education Christianity, great books Christianity, and pagan classics faith. Long-tail keywords to target specific searches are should Christians read pagan literature, why young Christian men read pagans, St Basil address to young men, St Basil on Greek literature, St Jerome pagan literature, despoiling the Egyptians, logos spermatikos, faith and reason harmony, grace perfects nature, reading Homer as Christian, Plato and Christianity, pagan virtue Christian formation, classical literature Catholic, great books Orthodox, and Justin Martyr pagan truth. Keywords focused on Church Fathers and texts encompass St Basil the Great, St Jerome Letter 70, Justin Martyr Christians pagans, and Cappadocian fathers classics. Related topics and authors include Homer Scripture, Plato Scripture, Iliad Christian reading, Odyssey virtue, Greek philosophy faith, Hellenization Christianity, Regensburg address Benedict XVI, and logos eros Christianity. Finally, audience-specific keywords cover young Christian men books, Christian men's formation, Catholic great books, and Orthodox classical education. | |||
| Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Fitt 4 with Chivalry Guild and Banished Kent | 30 Dec 2025 | 01:52:30 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast concludes their Christmas reading of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Fitt 4, exploring Gawain’s restored armor, journey to the eerie Green Chapel, the three axe swings, Bertilak’s revelations, Morgan le Fay’s role, and the court’s final response. Visit our WEBSITE for our reading schedule and more! Check out our 50 QUESTION AND ANSWER GUIDE to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The discussion wrestles with Gawain’s girdle lapse, the degree of his fault, the poem’s moral realism, and its enduring vision of chivalry tempered by humility and grace. Why is this poem worth reading? This 14th-century gem subverts chivalric romance by relocating true heroism from battlefield glory to internal struggles with fear, courtesy, and faith—revealing with wit, irony, and profound humanity how even the “most faultless” knight bears imperfection. Its vivid poetry, layered symbolism (pentangle, girdle, greenness), and Christmas-liturgical depth offer a timeless meditation on pride, mortality, and divine mercy that meets flawed striving with grace—making it an ideal seasonal read for reflecting on our own hidden fears and the courage to face them. Key Discussion Points
Notable Quotes
Thank you for joining this Christmas journey through Sir Gawain. Next week: Why Christians should read the pagan Greeks, with St. Basil and St. Jerome. Join the community on Patreon or X! | |||
| Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Fitts 2 and 3 with Dr. Tiffany Schubert | 23 Dec 2025 | 02:09:28 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Dr. Tiffany Schubert of Wyoming Catholic College, George of the Chivalry Guild, and Banished Kent discuss Fitts 2 and 3 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight! Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our 50 QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GUIDE to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Be sure to visit our sister publication, THE ASCENT, for Christian spirituality. Episode Summary The panel continues the Christmas reading of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, exploring Fitts 2 and 3 with Dr. Tiffany Schubert. The discussion covers the meditative passage of time, Gawain’s elaborate armor and pentangle, his wilderness journey, arrival at the lord's castle, and the three bedroom temptations mirroring the lord’s hunts. Themes of courtesy versus Christian prudence, the unexpected location of peril, and human imperfection dominate. Why Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Is Worth Reading This poem masterfully redirects chivalric expectations from martial heroism to internal trials of temperance and fidelity, using irony, humor, and subtle symbolism to expose the tensions within knighthood itself. As Dr. Schubert notes, it brings readers “back down into this world”—a murky, incarnate place of comfort and laughter where true danger often hides—while probing whether Christian virtue can govern or perfect courtly ideals. Rich in liturgical resonance, Marian devotion, and realistic grace, it humanizes the heroic quest, making it profoundly relevant for reflecting on temptation, fear, and humility during the Christmas season.Key Discussion Points
Notable Quotes
Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our 50 QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GUIDE to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Be sure to visit our sister publication, THE ASCENT, for Christian spirituality. | |||
| Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Fitt 1 with Dr. Justin Jackson | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:54:53 | |
Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Fitt 1 of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Justin Jackson of Hillsdale College, Chivalry Guild, and Banished Kent. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to Sir Gawain and the Greek Knight (posted soon!). Episode Summary The panel dives into the 14th-century Middle English masterpiece Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, exploring its mysterious single-manuscript survival, alliterative brilliance, and rich layers of meaning in Fit 1. From the Troy-to-Britain prologue to the shocking arrival of the Green Knight and the beheading game, the discussion uncovers dualities, temptations, and the clash between chivalric courtesy and Christian virtue that make this Christmas tale profoundly relevant. Why Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Is Worth Reading This poem stands as one of the greatest works of English literature because it masterfully blends adventure, humor, moral depth, and spiritual insight. As Dr. Jackson notes, it survived by miracle in a single tiny manuscript, yet offers the “greatest chivalric romance” alongside exquisite theological literacy. It probes timeless questions—how do pride, fear, courtesy, and faith collide in a fallen world?—without easy answers, forcing readers to wrestle with their own choices. Tolkien saw it as a meditation on seductive worldly culture versus Christian ethos; the guests highlight its realistic portrayal of human imperfection amid high ideals. Beautifully crafted (alliteration, bob-and-wheel, vivid imagery), often funny, and profoundly Christian, it humanizes the heroic while elevating humility and grace—perfect for Christmas reflection on mortality, temptation, and redemption. Key Discussion Points
Notable Quotes
Resources & Recommendations
Next episode: Fits 2–3 with Dr. Tiffany Schubert. Join the discussion on Patreon or X! | |||
| Plato and Education: The Teacher as a Lover of the Soul | 09 Dec 2025 | 02:01:26 | |
Today on Ascend, we discuss Plato, education, the role of the teacher, eros, beauty, and much more drawing from the dialogues First Alcibiades and the Meno. Returning to the podcast, we have Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Dr. Brett Larson, and Thomas Lackey. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Visit our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES to help you read the great books. What does it mean to teach like Plato? In this rich, wide-ranging conversation the panel explores lessons on education drawn from Plato’s First Alcibiades and Meno. The central idea: the true teacher is not an information-dispenser or job-trainer, but a lover of the soul who serves as a living mirror in which the student comes to “know himself” and is drawn toward virtue, happiness, and ultimate beauty. Summary: The conversation revolved around a single, radiant idea: for Plato, the true teacher is not a dispenser of information or a trainer for the marketplace, but a lover of the soul. In First Alcibiades, Socrates positions himself as the living mirror in which the young, ambitious Alcibiades can finally see himself clearly and be drawn toward genuine happiness through virtue. Education is therefore deeply personal, erotic (in the classical sense of an ardent desire for not only pleasure but also nobility and wisdom), and irreducibly communal; self-knowledge is never solitary navel-gazing but requires another soul whose loving gaze reflects one’s own. The panel repeatedly contrasted this rich, teleological vision—where education aims at universal happiness, orders the whole person toward truth, goodness, and beauty, and ultimately points to God as the final mirror—with the thin, “unerotic” reality of modern schooling, which often reduces teachers to talking search engines and students to economic cogs in a materialist machine. A second major thread was the haunting, unresolved tension of the Meno: teaching demands both an able and willing teacher and an able and willing student. Virtue can be cultivated, but it cannot be forcibly downloaded; the student must respond, cooperate, and allow his desires to be re-ordered toward what is truly lovable. This led to broader reflections on beauty, rhetoric, place, and hierarchy: truth is beautiful and therefore insists on being loved; philosophy without rhetoric is impotent, rhetoric without philosophy becomes tyrannical; ugly buildings and disembodied logic deform the soul; natural hierarchy is not abolished by grace but perfected and placed in service of the common good. Throughout, the panel returned to the conviction that genuine education is slow, embodied, relational, and oriented toward the transcendent—an ascent that begins with a teacher who truly sees and loves the soul before him. Key words: Plato, First Alcibiades, Meno, classical education, teacher as lover of the soul, know thyself, virtue, happiness, eudaimonia, beauty, transcendentals, eros, mirror of the soul, rhetoric, philosophy, modern education critique, materialism, teleology, Socratic method, student-teacher relationship, hierarchy, imago Dei, Christian Platonism, and Great Books. This conversation was recorded April 2025. | |||
| Grace and the Grotesque: The Lame Shall Enter First by Flannery O'Connor with Dr. Brian Kemple | 02 Dec 2025 | 02:21:14 | |
In this episode of Ascend, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Brian Kemple discuss the violent, grotesque southern tale "The Lame Shall Enter First" by Flannery O'Connor. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the great books. Check out the Lyceum Institute. They explore O'Connor's life, her unique Southern Gothic style, and the themes of faith, suffering, and the grotesque in her writing. The conversation also touches on the mission of the Lyceum Institute, the significance of characters and their arcs, and the pedagogical purpose of violence in literature. Through their analysis, they highlight the complexities of human relationships and the contrasting desires of the characters, ultimately revealing the deeper truths embedded in O'Connor's work. Through a detailed analysis of specific scenes and character dynamics, the discussion highlights the grotesque elements in O'Connor's storytelling and the moral implications of her narratives, ultimately reflecting on the nature of redemption and the human experience. "She doesn't intend to tidy up reality." - Dr. Kemple | |||