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From 17 epsHosts
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Recent episodes
The Odyssey Books 17-19 with Dr. Frank Grabowski
Jun 23, 2026
Unknown duration
The Odyssey Books 15-16 with Jack Drury and Dr. Grabowski
Jun 16, 2026
Unknown duration
The Odyssey Books 13-14 with Dr. Alex Petkas and Dr. Grabowski
Jun 9, 2026
1h 27m 37s
The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski
Jun 2, 2026
1h 49m 35s
The Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer
May 26, 2026
2h 03m 42s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
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| 6/23/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 17-19 with Dr. Frank Grabowski | 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!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study04:30 The Role of Penelope and Theoclymenus07:14 Contrasting Characters: Eumaeus and Melanthius10:28 Odysseus' Growth and Maturation13:11 The Loyalty of Argos16:26 The Test of Guest Friendship19:10 The Fate of the Suitors22:22 The Beggar Fight and Its Implications24:43 Odysseus' Reflection on His Journey27:21 The Irony of Antinous30:45 Penelope's Anticipation and the Build-Up to Reunion33:28 Odysseus' Moral Self-Awareness36:37 Conclusion and Themes of Justice42:10 The Philosopher Beggar and the Blindness of the Suitors44:49 The Nature of Law and Lawlessness47:33 Penelope's Cleverness and the Suitors' Downfall52:09 Telemachus' Growth and the Stability of Society57:19 The Reunion of Odysseus and Penelope01:01:40 The Test of Loyalty and the Nature of Guest Friendship01:06:23 The Subtlety of Odysseus and Penelope's Intuition01:12:19 The Significance of Names and Identity01:19:33 The Tension of Recognition and the Test of the SuitorsKeywords: 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. | — | ||||||
| 6/16/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 15-16 with Jack Drury and Dr. Grabowski | 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast09:15 Telemachus' Journey: A Coming of Age Story15:25 Menelaus: The Gracious Host22:57 The Arrival of Theoclymenus: A Mysterious Prophet30:36 Odysseus and Eumaeus: Testing Loyalty31:05 The Swineherd's Loyalty and Laertes' Mystery32:41 Odysseus' Questions and Eumaeus' Story34:41 The Tragic Tale of Eumaeus38:36 Social Status vs. Moral Character41:47 The Unique Island and Divine Justice43:43 Guest Friendship and Telemachus' Choices46:25 The Reunion of Father and Son50:29 Telemachus and Odysseus: A Complex Relationship55:27 Testing Nobility and Virtue01:00:25 Divine Disguises and Recognition01:04:59 The Standard of Belief01:11:37 The Plan Against the Suitors01:18:58 The Nature of Justice and RetributionWhether 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! | — | ||||||
| 6/9/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 13-14 with Dr. Alex Petkas and Dr. Grabowski✨ | Odyssey analysishomecoming+4 | Dr. Frank GrabowskiDr. Alex Petkas | The OdysseyCost of Glory+1 | Ithaca | OdysseyHomer+5 | — | 1h 27m 37s | |
| 6/2/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski✨ | Odysseykatabasis+5 | Dr. Frank GrabowskiLuke Heintschel | Coeur du Christ AcademyThe Odyssey | — | OdysseyHarrison Garlick+8 | — | 1h 49m 35s | |
| 5/26/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer✨ | The OdysseyOdysseus's adventures+4 | Dr. Gregory McBrayer | The Odyssey | IsmarusPhaeacians+3 | OdysseyOdysseus+7 | — | 2h 03m 42s | |
| 5/19/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 6-8 with Dr. Frank Grabowski✨ | Homeric epicsOdyssey analysis+4 | Dr. Frank Grabowski | The Odyssey | — | OdysseyPhaeacians+6 | — | 1h 48m 47s | |
| 5/12/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Book 5 with Dr. Glenn Arbery and Dr. Frank Grabowski✨ | Odyssey Book 5immortality+4 | Dr. Glenn ArberyDr. Frank Grabowski | Wyoming Catholic CollegeHoly Family Classical School+2 | Wyoming | OdysseusCalypso+5 | — | 1h 48m 18s | |
| 5/5/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Frank Grabowski✨ | Telemachycoming of age+5 | Dr. Frank Grabowski | The Odyssey | IthacaPylos+1 | OdysseyTelemachus+8 | — | 1h 53m 52s | |
| 4/28/26 | ![]() The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Grabowski✨ | The OdysseyHomer+4 | Dr. Pavlos PapadopoulosDr. Frank Grabowski | Wyoming Catholic CollegeHoly Family Classical School+1 | — | OdysseyHomer+6 | — | 1h 33m 58s | |
| 4/21/26 | ![]() Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen and Dr. Chad Pecknold (2024)✨ | Homer's OdysseyGreat Books+5 | Dr. Patrick DeneenDr. Chad Pecknold+1 | Notre DameThe Catholic University of America+2 | — | OdysseyHomer+7 | — | 1h 06m 18s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 4/14/26 | ![]() The Spiritual Harm of Lying✨ | spiritual harm of lyingDante's Inferno+4 | — | Dante’s InfernoOdyssey | — | lyingDante+6 | — | 35m 49s | |
| 4/7/26 | ![]() Discover the Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter✨ | C.S. Lewistheodicy+5 | — | The AscentAscend+3 | — | NarniaC.S. Lewis+8 | — | 42m 55s | |
| 3/31/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Beatrice (Cantos 32-33) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski✨ | Dante's PurgatorioBeatrice's role+5 | Joshua CharlesDr. Frank Grabowski | Eternal ChristendomHoly Family Classical School+4 | — | DantePurgatorio+8 | — | 1h 29m 46s | |
| 3/24/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West✨ | Dante's Purgatoriospiritual exercise+4 | Dr. Michael West | PurgatorioCommedia+3 | Mount PurgatoryEarthly Paradise+2 | DantePurgatorio+6 | — | 1h 38m 22s | |
| 3/17/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP✨ | DantePurgatorio+5 | Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP | DominicansOrder of Preachers+2 | Rome | DantePurgatorio+6 | — | 1h 35m 59s | |
| 3/10/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Acedia and Avarice (Cantos 18-22) with Dr. Sarah Berry✨ | AcediaAvarice+5 | Dr. Sarah Berry | University of DallasPurgatorio | — | PurgatorioAcedia+6 | — | 1h 56m 02s | |
| 3/3/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Envy and Wrath (Cantos 13-17) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson✨ | Dante's Purgatorioenvy+4 | Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson | Purgatorio | — | DantePurgatorio+5 | — | 1h 32m 33s | |
| 2/24/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory and the Terrace on Pride (Cantos 6-12) with Mr. Luke Heintschel✨ | Purgatorypride+4 | Luke Heintschel | Coeur du Christ AcademyPurgatorio | — | Purgatoriopride+7 | — | 2h 28m 27s | |
| 2/17/26 | ![]() Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory Cantos 1-5 with Dr. Donald Prudlo✨ | DantePurgatory+4 | Dr. Donald Prudlo | University of TulsaPurgatorio+1 | — | DantePurgatorio+7 | Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College | 2h 09m 31s | |
| 2/10/26 | ![]() Introduction to Dante's Purgatorio with Dr. Jason Baxter | 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio03:43 The Center for Beauty and Culture05:40 Understanding Dante's Purgatorio07:54 The Nature of Purgatorio14:54 Dante the Pilgrim vs. Dante the Poet19:32 The Spirituality of Translation20:14 The Philosophy of Translation30:02 Dante's Christian Poetics34:22 Exploring Dante's Poetic Style36:51 Juxtaposition in Dante's Imagery41:42 The Concept of Spiritual Surgery44:49 The Journey of Holiness48:13 The Role of Love in Dante's Theology52:00 Eros and the Ascent to Divine Beauty55:29 Engaging with Dante: Tips for First-Time ReadersJoin us next week as we start Dante's Purgatorio for Lent!SCHEDULE:2.10.26: Introduction with Dr. Jason Baxter, Benedictine College2.17.26: Cantos 1-5 (Ante-Purgatory) with Dr. Donald Prudlo, University of Tulsa2.24.26: Cantos 6-12 (Ante-Purgatory, Gate, First Terrace) with Luke Heintschel, Headmaster, Coeur du Christ Academy3.3.26: Cantos 13-17 (Envy and Wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Pepperdine University3.10.26: Cantos 18-22 (Avarice and Prodigality) with Dr. Sarah Berry, University of Dallas3.17.26: Cantos 23-27 (Gluttony and Lust) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP3.24.26: 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 SchoolDISCOUNT: 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! | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | ![]() Q&A on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Dr. Justin Jackson | 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!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests03:13 Teaching 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'06:34 The Role of Women in the Poem12:27 The Tension Between Pagan and Christian Elements21:57 Gawain's Moral Dilemmas and Compartmentalization28:05 The Confession Scene and Its Implications37:02 Confession and Contrition40:56 The Green Knight's Dual Role51:58 Chivalry, Cowardice, and the Girdle01:02:50 Symbolism of Colors in Gawain01:07:31 The Intensity of the Green Knight01:08:36 Gawain's Confrontation and Internal Conflict01:11:29 The Symbolism of the Green Girdle01:17:24 The Ending: Bliss and Blunder01:26:19 Final Thoughts on Gawain's JourneyKeywordsSir 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, CatholicismTakeawaysThe tension in the poem is intentional and significant.Gawain's character is complex, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses.The role of femininity is prominent and influential in the narrative.The girdle symbolizes Gawain's internal conflict and moral struggles.Gawain's confession scene raises important questions about sincerity and contrition.The Green Knight serves as a tempter, challenging Gawain's virtues.The poem explores the interplay between pagan and Christian ideals.Gawain's journey reflects a maturation of character and understanding.The hunting scenes parallel Gawain's temptations and moral choices.The poet's use of language invites readers to engage deeply with the text. The nick on the neck symbolizes Gawain's failure in chivalry and Christianity.The poet uses precise language to draw parallels between Gawain's actions and the Green Knight's.The kisses exchanged in the poem have both courtly and liturgical significance.Morgan Le Fay's role raises questions about manipulation and temptation in the narrative.Color symbolism in the poem serves multiple interpretations, particularly with green and red.Gawain's cowardice is a central theme, reflecting on self-preservation and honor.The green girdle represents both shame and a form of glory for Gawain.The ending of the poem invites reflection on the nature of mirth and mockery in chivalric culture.The final motto suggests a moral principle about projecting one's faults onto others.The cyclical nature of bliss and blunder is a key takeaway from the poem's conclusion.We start the Purgatorio next week! Join us! | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 | ![]() Platonic Thought in St. Thomas Aquinas with Dr. Donald Prudlo | 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast03:11 Experiencing the Papal Conclave06:34 Plato and Aquinas: A Complex Relationship12:43 Aquinas' Intellectual Evolution17:02 The Importance of Reading the Great Books24:25 Platonic Thought in Aquinas' Philosophy34:48 The Quest for Certitude in Philosophy37:20 Realism and the Nature of Universals40:56 Mind-Body Dualism and the Significance of the Body47:36 The Reception of Aristotle in Early Christianity54:09 The Distinction Between Essence and Existence01:04:53 The Role of Beauty in Aquinas' Philosophy01:06:38 Exploring Beauty in Philosophy01:11:23 The Role of Beauty in St. Thomas Aquinas01:13:44 The Ladder of Love and Its Implications01:19:18 Essence and Existence in Thomistic Thought01:21:41 The Hierarchy of Being and Divine Wisdom01:25:22 The Evolution of Aquinas' Thought01:27:35 Understanding Aquinas Through His Influences01:30:17 Final Thoughts on Faith and ReasonTakeawaysAquinas is often mischaracterized as purely Aristotelian.The relationship between Plato and Aristotle is more complex (and harmonious) than often portrayed.Aquinas' thought is enriched by both Platonic and Aristotelian influences.Evil is understood as a privation of the good in Aquinas's philosophy.Aquinas' understanding of universals differs from both Plato and Aristotle.The concept of exitus and reditus is a key Neoplatonic idea in Aquinas.The mind-body dualism presents challenges for Christian thought.Aquinas retained Platonic emphasis on the immortality of the soul.The early church viewed Aristotle as a lesser philosopher compared to Plato.Islamic philosophy significantly influenced medieval scholasticism.Aquinas' distinction between existence and essence is revolutionary.God's essence is existence itself, making Him unique.Beauty is integral to understanding truth and goodness in Aquinas' thought.Grace perfects nature, allowing for a fuller realization of being.The hierarchy of being reflects God's wisdom in creation.Aquinas' later works show a deeper engagement with Neoplatonism.The dialogue between faith and reason is central to Aquinas' philosophy.KeywordsPlato, 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 | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | ![]() Plato's Influence on St. Boethius with Dr. Thomas Ward | 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast02:24 Exploring Boethius and His Influence04:16 Who Was Boethius?07:49 Boethius: The Last Roman and First Scholastic10:18 The Liberal Arts and Boethius' Legacy11:36 Teaching Boethius: A Personal Journey14:07 Plato's Influence on Boethius18:50 The Consolation of Philosophy: Setting the Stage24:31 Lady Philosophy: Deconstruction and Reconstruction29:58 The Quest for Self-Knowledge30:51 Fortune and Its Dual Nature31:53 The Good: Bridging Plato and Christianity36:19 Happiness and the Divine Connection40:00 The Paradox of Good and Evil45:11 The Poetic and Philosophical Fusion48:44 Evil as Privation: A Platonic Insight52:08 Boethius: A Synthesis of Philosophical TraditionsTakeawaysBoethius is often called the last of the Romans and the first of the Medievals.His work, "The Consolation of Philosophy," was written while he awaited execution.Boethius synthesized Platonic and Aristotelian thought in his writings.Evil is understood as a privation of good, not a substance in itself.The journey from despair to enlightenment is central to Boethius's philosophy.KeywordsBoethius, 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 | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 | ![]() Plato and St. Augustine with Dr. Chad Pecknold | 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! | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 | ![]() Why Christians Should Read the Pagans with Alec Bianco and Sean Berube | 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.comCheck 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. | — | ||||||
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