
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
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Total monthly reach
Estimated from 2 chart positions in 2 markets.
By chart position
- 🇸🇦SA · Books#174500 to 3K
- 🇳🇿NZ · Books#184500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
500 to 3K🎙 ~2x weekly·50 episodes·Last published 2w ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
1K to 6K🇸🇦50%🇳🇿50% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
400 to 2.4K
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Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 11 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Paradiso with Dr. Jonathan Juilfs
May 12, 2026
1h 24m 42s
Purgatorio with Heidi White
Apr 28, 2026
1h 23m 47s
"The Tapestry": A Conversation about a New CiRCE Language Arts/Grammar Curriculum with Buck Holler
Apr 1, 2026
13m 32s
The Inaugural Classical Mind Battle of the Books
Mar 16, 2026
30m 07s
Inferno
Mar 10, 2026
1h 15m 37s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12/26 | ![]() Paradiso with Dr. Jonathan Juilfs | In this concluding chapter of our journey through Dante’s Commedia, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker are joined by Dr. Jonathan Juilfs to explore the radiant heights of Paradiso. The conversation centers on the idea that the third canticle is not a boring landscape of static perfection, but rather the very “point” of the entire project grounded in the medieval understanding of capacity and divine alignment. Endnotes: * Dr. Juilfs: * The Pearl* The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius * What Dreams May Come* Wesley: Little Gidding from Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot* Junius: * The Discarded Image by C.S. Lewis* The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis* Perelandra by C.S. Lewis This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 24m 42s | ||||||
| 4/28/26 | ![]() Purgatorio with Heidi White✨ | DantePurgatory+4 | Heidi White | Divine ComedyThe Great Divorce+2 | — | PurgatorioDante+4 | — | 1h 23m 47s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() "The Tapestry": A Conversation about a New CiRCE Language Arts/Grammar Curriculum with Buck Holler✨ | language artsgrammar curriculum+4 | Buck Holler | CiRCE InstituteThe Lost Tools of Writing+3 | — | grammarcurriculum+5 | — | 13m 32s | |
| 3/16/26 | ![]() The Inaugural Classical Mind Battle of the Books✨ | book tournamentliterary analysis+3 | Dr. Junius Johnson | LilithBilly Budd, Sailor+10 | — | Battle of the Booksvoting+3 | — | 30m 07s | |
| 3/10/26 | ![]() Inferno✨ | Dante's Infernomedieval understanding of sin+5 | Catherine Illingworth | Dante’s Inferno | — | DanteInferno+6 | — | 1h 15m 37s | |
| 2/10/26 | ![]() BONUS EPISODE: An Introduction to The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri✨ | Dante AlighieriThe Divine Comedy+4 | — | The Divine ComedyVirgil | JerusalemPurgatory | Dante AlighieriDivine Comedy+7 | — | 56m 30s | |
| 1/20/26 | ![]() Lilith✨ | fantasy literaturespiritual vision+4 | Dr. Junius Johnson | LilithPhantastes+1 | — | LilithGeorge MacDonald+5 | — | 1h 23m 42s | |
| 1/6/26 | ![]() Medieval Exegesis✨ | Medieval ExegesisChristian exegesis+3 | — | Junius: The Mystical Ark by Richard of Saint VictorThe Selected Spiritual Writings of Hugh of Saint Victor | — | Medieval ExegesisChristian exegesis+3 | — | 1h 05m 26s | |
| 12/30/25 | ![]() Our Top Reads of 2025✨ | book recommendationsyear-end review+3 | — | Junius FrankensteinPhantastes+8 | — | book recommendations2025 reads+3 | — | 22m 47s | |
| 12/2/25 | ![]() Billy Budd, Sailor✨ | Herman MelvilleBilly Budd+5 | — | Billy Budd, SailorBartleby, the Scrivener+1 | — | Herman MelvilleBilly Budd+5 | — | 1h 09m 11s | |
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| 11/13/25 | ![]() The Classical Mind Goes to the Movies: Frankenstein (2025)✨ | film adaptationFrankenstein+5 | — | Frankenstein | — | Frankensteinfilm adaptation+6 | — | 1h 05m 46s | |
| 10/28/25 | ![]() The Proslogion by St. Anselm✨ | ontological argumenttheology+4 | — | ProslogionThe Prayers and Meditations of St. Anselm+2 | — | St. AnselmProslogion+5 | — | 1h 10m 28s | |
| 10/14/25 | ![]() The Taming of the Shrew | In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take on Shakespeare’s most provocative comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. Junius and Wesley dig into the play’s strange structure—from the unclosed frame of Christopher Sly to the unsettling symmetry between performance and identity. What does it mean that the “prologue” is itself a play? And how does that affect the way we read Katherina’s transformation—or her apparent submission?Along the way, we explore the tension between romantic idealism and pragmatic marriage, trace the medieval roots of love as both commerce and devotion, and consider how Shakespeare’s comedy holds the contradictions of his culture up to the mirror. We talk about mimesis, medieval “speculum” thinking, and why comedy works best when it exposes absurdity rather than preaches morality.The result is part literary diagnosis, part philosophical reflection: a conversation about performance, freedom, and what it means to find truth in the masks we wear.Endnotes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 05m 30s | ||||||
| 8/27/25 | ![]() Frankenstein by Mary Shelley | Let’s go back to the 19th century and talk about one of the scariest novels we’ve ever read on the Classical Mind (but maybe not for the reasons you might think) with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. On this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the different editions of this book before getting into some of its underlying philosophy like the responsibilities a creator has to their creatures and vice-versa, romanticism’s critique of scientism, and the moral deterioration that results from sin. Join us as we dive deeply into the text and make some fun connections with other books we’ve read or will read in the Classical Mind program (we’re looking at you J.R.R. Tolkien). Endnotes: * Junius: The Bicentennial Man by Isaac Asimov * Wesley* “Show Me How to Live” by Audioslave* Grendel by John Gardner This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 21m 40s | ||||||
| 8/21/25 | ![]() Bonus Episode: Season 4 and a Life Well Read | The Classical Mind has officially reached 2,000 subscribers! To celebrate, Junius and Wesley unveil the Season 4 reading list! The method of selection is a little different this year to accommodate Wesley’s upcoming PhD studies. Stick around after the reading list is unveiled for a discussion about the purpose of literature, how reading helps us grow, a discussion on the dilemma of re-reading vs. new reads, the significance of intertextuality, and other reading related issues! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 59m 42s | ||||||
| 7/25/25 | ![]() The Aeneid by Virgil | In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take on Virgil’s Aeneid. We explore Aeneas’ journey as both refugee and empire-builder, tracing his flight from Troy, his doomed romance with Dido, his descent into the underworld, and the brutal war that led to the founding of Rome. Along the way, we wrestle with the epic’s central tensions: fate and providence, duty (pietas) and rage (furor), divine will and human cost. What kind of hero is Aeneas? Why does the poem end with vengeance and wrath? And what does Virgil want us to believe—or question—about Rome’s origins? Endnotes: * Junius: * Thebaid by Statius * "Dido's Lament" by Henry Purcell* Wesley: "White Flag" by Dido This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 06m 13s | ||||||
| 6/24/25 | ![]() Peter Pan | In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take a deep dive into J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. We explore how Peter Pan has been portrayed in various adaptations, and how these adaptations differ from the novel. We discuss J.M. Barrie’s fascinating and complicated biography, offering insight into the personal experiences that influenced his writing. We also unpack the rich symbolism of Neverland, analyze Peter and Wendy’s characters, and explore major themes like masculinity, colonialism, and death. Join us as we uncover the deeper layers of Peter Pan, a story that’s far darker, haunting, and thought-provoking than most remember.Endnotes: * Wesley: * Finding Neverland (2004)* Hook (1991)* Junius: “Dear Brutus” by J.M. Barrie This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 06m 25s | ||||||
| 6/9/25 | ![]() The Federalist Papers | In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into a curated selection of The Federalist Papers, the seminal series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to argue for the Constitution. Rather than tackling all 85 essays, we focus on a thematic collection (#s 1, 9-10, 15, 30, 39, 51, 62-63, 68, and 78) that highlights the philosophical and structural pillars of the American experiment in self-government.We begin with Hamilton’s General Introduction (No. 1), then explore how the proposed union protects against internal strife and faction (Nos. 9–10), and why the Articles of Confederation were inadequate (No. 15). We examine the central role of federal taxation (No. 30), the plan’s alignment with republican principles (No. 39), and the essential structure of checks and balances (No. 51).We also explore the three branches of government through Madison’s defense of the Senate (Nos. 62–63), Hamilton’s thoughts on presidential elections (No. 68), and his case for an independent judiciary (No. 78).Along the way, we consider the historical context: chaos under the Articles of Confederation, Enlightenment influences like Montesquieu, and why Democracy in America offers a fitting modern endnote. Join us as we revisit the founding debates that continue to shape the American constitutional imagination.Endnotes: -Hamilton -Junius: The Closing of the American Mind: How Higher Education Has Failed Democracy and Impoverished the Souls of Today’s Students by Allan Bloom -Wesley: Democracy in America by Alexis de TocquevilleOur next read will be Peter Pan. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 25m 58s | ||||||
| 3/18/25 | ![]() The Journey of the Mind to God by Bonaventure (A Crossover Episode with the Sacramentalists Podcast) | In this special crossover episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast and The Classical Mind Podcast, we dive deep into St. Bonaventure’s The Journey of the Mind to God—a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that maps the soul’s ascent to divine union. Together, we explore Bonaventure’s vision of contemplation, the role of intellect and love in knowing God, and the ways in which his thought is deeply sacramental, drawing from both Scripture and the broader Catholic tradition. Join us as we discuss the structure of Bonaventure’s journey, the influence of St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, and how this medieval classic speaks to modern Christians seeking a deeper, more mystical encounter with God. Whether you're new to Bonaventure or a longtime admirer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see creation, reason, and revelation as pathways to divine illumination. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 14m 18s | ||||||
| 3/4/25 | ![]() Love in the Ruins by Walker Percy with Jesse Hake | In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into Walker Percy’s Love in the Ruins, a satirical yet deeply philosophical novel that explores the fragmentation of American culture, the tension between faith and modernity, and the collapse of both personal and national identity. Joining us for this discussion is Jesse Hake, Director of ClassicalU.com at Classical Academic Press. Together, we unpack Percy’s biting critique of American politics, his unique handling of race and social divisions, and the novel’s darkly comedic vision of a society unraveling at the seams. We also explore Love in the Ruins as a work that straddles multiple genres—dystopian fiction, theological novel, political satire—and discuss its protagonist, Dr. Thomas More, whose Lapsometer attempts to diagnose the spiritual and ideological malaise of modern man. How does Percy contrast faith with scientific materialism? Is his portrayal of America’s decline eerily prophetic? And what lessons does Love in the Ruins hold for us today?Our next book is The Journey of the Mind to God by St. BonaventureEndnotes:-Junius: “Mr. Roboto” by Styx-Jesse: The Hidden Wound by Wendell Berry-Wesley: “The Fiction Writer and His Country” and “Some Aspects of the Grotesque in Southern Fiction” by Flannery O’Connor This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 14m 13s | ||||||
| 1/28/25 | ![]() The Castle of Otranto | In this episode of The Classical Mind, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson dive into Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, the first Gothic novel and a cornerstone of literary history. They examine its groundbreaking blend of medieval romance, supernatural terror, and family drama, asking questions like: Is this a Christianized version of Oedipus Rex? How does the novel's atmosphere shape the Gothic genre? And why does this strange, haunting story still resonate today?Discover the lasting impact of Walpole’s work, the moral consequences of unchecked ambition, and its fascinating connections to later Gothic masterpieces. Stay tuned to the end for a special recommendation to further explore the world of Gothic literature.Resources mentioned in the episode:“Helena” by My Chemical RomanceA picture of Horace Walpole’s home, Strawberry HillEndnotes-Junius: The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott-Wesley: * “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe* The Witch (2015) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 03m 37s | ||||||
| 12/21/24 | ![]() The Communist Manifesto | Join hosts Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson in this engaging episode of The Classical Mind as they dive into Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' contraversial work, The Communist Manifesto. Discover the historical context of the 1848 publication, the philosophy of historical materialism, and Marx’s critique of capitalism. Explore key themes like class struggle, the proletarian revolution, and the manifesto’s vision for a classless society. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Marxist thought, this episode offers insightful analysis of one of the most influential political documents in history. Perfect for enthusiasts of philosophy, politics, and economics!End Notes* Junius: The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton * Wesley:* “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Walter Benjamin* Why Marx Was Right by Terry Eagleton* The Catholic Social Teaching Collection by Word on Fire This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 20m 23s | ||||||
| 11/12/24 | ![]() Phaedo with Dr. John Mark Reynolds | Join the Classical Mind podcast for a captivating exploration of Plato's Phaedo, featuring insightful commentary from Dr. John Mark Reynolds.This episode delves into the profound dialogue where Socrates, facing his own mortality, engages in a compelling argument for the immortality of the soul. Dr. Reynolds illuminates the text with his expertise, unraveling:* Socrates' final hours and his unwavering belief in the soul's existence.* The philosophical underpinnings of the soul's immortality and its journey after death.* The nature of true knowledge and its connection to the soul's liberation.Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on one of the most influential works in Western philosophy.Dr. John Mark Reynolds, the president of The Saint Constantine School as well as a faculty member at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a Fellow of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute. Previously, he served as the provost of Houston Christian University and the founder and director of the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Appropriate for today’s conversation, he has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Rochester where he wrote his dissertation analyzing cosmology and psychology in Plato’s Timaeus.Endnotes:* Dr. Reynolds: * When Athens Met Jerusalem* The Passion of Joan of Arc* Junius: Meet Joe Black* Wesley: Hymn #299 from the 1940 Hymnal* Bonus (not mentioned in the episode): “Learning How to Die” by Jon Foreman This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 14m 11s | ||||||
| 10/28/24 | ![]() Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather | In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather, the Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Coordinator at the Catholic University of America. Together, they explore Baldwin’s reflections on faith, identity, and the African American experience, analyzing the novel's profound insights into spirituality and social justice. Dr. Prather shares her expertise on how Baldwin’s narrative and characters offer timeless lessons, bridging classical and modern literature. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in literature, theology, and cultural dialogue, providing new perspectives on Baldwin's work through a classical lens.Do you like what we’re doing here at the Classical Mind? If so, please subscribe!Be sure to share us with your friends!Endnotes:* The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin* Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 49m 19s | ||||||
| 9/30/24 | ![]() Thus Spake Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche | Join us for the newest episode of the Classical Mind on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical novel Thus Spake Zarathustra and find out why this is Fr. Wesley’s least favorite work. In this episode, we'll explore the key themes and ideas of Thus Spake Zarathustra, including:* The Death of God: What does Nietzsche mean by this provocative statement? How does he see this "death" create both a crisis and an opportunity for humanity?* The Übermensch: Who is it, and how do we become one? What are the qualities and virtues that define this higher state of being?* Eternal Recurrence: This profound concept suggests that our lives will repeat endlessly. How can we embrace this idea and live each moment to the fullest?* The Will to Power: Nietzsche saw this as the fundamental driving force in the universe. How does it manifest in human behavior, and how can we harness it for self-overcoming? Endnotes:Junius: The WatchmenWesley: Prometheus and Alien: CovenantThis is the scene Fr. Wesley alludes to: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe | 1h 06m 03s | ||||||
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Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.
Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.

























