Shows
Ascend - The Great Books PodcastLaw of Nature: Part Three of Plato's Gorgias with Dr. Gregory McBrayerIn the incredible final act of Plato’s Gorgias (481–527), Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Greg McBrayer (Ashland University, New Thinkery podcast) tackle the longest and most brutal confrontation: Socrates versus Callicles, the most shameless, most ambitious, and—as Greg insists—nastiest character in all of Plato. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our read schedule!Check out our COLLECTION OF GUIDES to the great books.Go to THE ASCENT to receive two spiritual lessons a week.Callicles storms in threatening to “whoop Socrates in the mouth” and delivers the most radical claim yet: conventional...
2025-11-251h 21Ascend - The Great Books PodcastTyranny v Philosophy: Part Two of Plato's Gorgias with Dr. Matthew BiancoToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Matthew Bianco of the Circe Institute discuss the second part of Plato's Gorgias--the dialogue between Socrates and Polus—Gorgias’ spirited, “colt-like” student who bursts in at 461b accusing his own teacher of being “too ashamed” to admit rhetoric needs no justice, only the power to persuade. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Visit our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES to the great books.Visit our sister publication, THE ASCENT, for two spiritual lessons per week.What follows is pure Platonic fir...
2025-11-182h 27Ascend - The Great Books PodcastRhetoric and Philosophy: Part One of the Gorgias with Athenian Stranger and Johnathan Bi"In war and battle, this is the way to do your part."Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by the Athenian Stranger and Johnathan Bi to introduce the Gorgias and discuss the first part: the dialogue of Gorgias and Socrates.What begins as a polite inquiry into the nature of rhetoric erupts into a war for the soul of Athens—and for every reader seeking the good life. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Visit our COLLECTION OF GUIDES to the great books. ...
2025-11-112h 03Ascend - The Great Books PodcastPlato's Meno and Education with Dr. Daniel WagnerToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Daniel Wagner dive into Plato’s Meno as a masterclass in education, contrasting Meno’s stagnant, power-seeking sophistry with his slave boy’s humble, rapid learning during the famous geometry demonstration.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.See our COLLECTION OF GUIDES on the great books.Check out our sister publication, THE ASCENT, for spiritual lessons.They explore aporia (perplexity) as a vital pedagogical tool requiring courage and humility, the theory of recollection as a rhetorical device rather than d...
2025-11-051h 41Ascend - The Great Books PodcastHalloween Short Story: The Chief Mourner of Marne by GK ChestertonHALLOWEEN SPECIAL! In this episode, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Joseph Boyne explore G.K. Chesterton's short story 'The Chief Mourner of Marne,' discussing its themes, characters, and moral implications. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our COLLECTION OF GUIDES TO THE GREAT BOOKS.They delve into the significance of transformative texts in education, the role of Father Brown as a detective, and the interplay between Gothic literature and Halloween motifs. The conversation highlights the importance of Christian charity and the complexities of forgiveness, ultimately reflecting on the deeper...
2025-10-281h 29Ascend - The Great Books PodcastPlato's Phaedo Explained with Dr. Christopher Frey Part IIThe Phaedo is a beautiful dialogue! Join Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Christopher Frey, McFarland Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tulsa, as they conclude their exploration of Plato’s Phaedo, a profound dialogue capturing Socrates’ final hours and his arguments for the soul’s immortality. Reading schedule and more!Collection of guides on the great books!In this episode, Dcn. Garlick and Dr. Frey dive into the second half of the text (72e–118a), unpacking the recollection and affinity arguments, objections from Simmias and Cebes, the concept of misology, the final cause ar...
2025-10-211h 25Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Crito by Plato with Dr. Pavlos PapadopoulosIn this episode, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos dive into Plato’s Crito, a dialogue set in Socrates’ prison cell as he awaits execution. They explore Socrates’ refusal to escape, his debt of gratitude to Athens, and the tension between philosophy and the polis’s poetic traditions. Through engaging analysis, they unpack the dialogue’s themes of justice, piety, and civic obligation, offering insights for first-time readers and drawing parallels to modern liberal democracy.Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos, Assistant Professor of Humanities at Wyoming Catholic College, joins the episode. With a BA from St. John’s College and...
2025-09-301h 46Ascend - The Great Books PodcastPlato's Apology Part II with Fr. Justin Brophy, OPIn this episode of the Ascend the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Father Justin Brophy, OP, delve into the second part of Plato's Apology, exploring Socrates' defense during his trial. They discuss the significance of Socrates' thoughts on death, virtue, and the role of philosophy in life. The conversation also touches on the influence of Saint Justin Martyr, the relationship between pagans and philosophy, and the concept of the daemon as a guiding force in Socrates' life. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and prior great books!Check out our COLLECTION...
2025-09-231h 54Ascend - The Great Books PodcastPlato's Apology Part I with Fr. Justin Brophy, OPIn this episode of Ascend, The Great Books Podcast, host Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Fr. Justin Brophy, a Dominican friar and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Providence College, to dive into the first half of Plato’s Apology. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Check out our collection of guides on the great books!The discussion explores Socrates’ defense speech at his trial in 399 BC, set against the backdrop of post-Peloponnesian War Athens. The conversation delves into key themes, including the role of Aristophanes’ The Clouds in shaping Socrat...
2025-09-161h 58Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAquinas and the Euthyphro Dilemma with Dr. Donald PrudloHow would a Christian answer the Euthyphro dilemma? Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Donald Prudlo, the Warren Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, to discuss Aquinas and the Euthyphro dilemma. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more!Need a guide to a great book? Check out our online collection.Also, check our Dr. Prudlo's new books:Governing Perfection (2024) - "In the beginning, God administrated." For as Donald Prudlo observes, "There can be no achievement without administration." In...
2025-09-091h 27Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Euthyphro by Plato Part II with Dr. Joey Spencer and FriendsIn this episode of the Ascend the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guests delve into the complexities of Plato's Euthyphro, exploring themes of piety, morality, and the divine - including the famous "Euthyphro Dilemma." The podcast welcomes back Dr. Joey Spencer, who serves as a tutor of theology, an archivist, and an expert in angels and demons.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more!Check out our collection of written guides on the great books!Check our Part I of the Plato's Euthyphro if you missed...
2025-09-021h 36Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Euthyphro by Plato Part I with Dr. Joey Spencer and FriendsToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are joined by Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Joey Spencer to discuss the first part of Plato’s Euthyphro—a dialogue on piety.Dr. Spencer is the diocesan Archivist for the Diocese of Tulsa, a tutor in Theology, and an expert in the theology of angels and demons.We discuss the context of the dialogue and move into conversations on piety as a political problem, the role of imitating the divine in Greek religion, an introduction to Plato’s Ideas and its reception into C...
2025-08-261h 47Ascend - The Great Books PodcastTeaching Plato's First Alcibiades with Dr. Daniel ShieldsIn this episode of the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Daniel Shields discuss the significance of Plato's First Alcibiades, particularly in the context of its use at Wyoming Catholic College.They explore the themes of self-knowledge, the relationship between philosophy and politics, and the importance of mentorship in education. The conversation delves into the character of Alcibiades as a reflection of the student experience, the role of spiritedness in the pursuit of wisdom, and the communal nature of the philosophical life. Dr. Shields shares insights from his teaching experience, emphasizing the need...
2025-08-1958 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastFirst Alcibiades by Plato Part Two with Alec Bianco and Athenian StrangerKNOW THYSELF. Today, we have the second part of the excellent conversation on First Alcibiades with Dcn. Garlick, Alec Bianco, and Athenian Stranger. The conversation starts at 124(b)!First Alcibiades is one of the BEST PLACES you could start with Plato. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more!Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to First Alcibiades.From the guide:14. What does Socrates teach Alcibiades about the body (129b)?Plato teaches that the body is subordinate to the soul, viewing it as a possession rather...
2025-08-121h 07Ascend - The Great Books PodcastNEW BOOK: The Transhumanist Temptation with Grayson QuayIn this episode of the Ascend to the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick welcomes back Grayson Quay to discuss his new book, 'The Transhumanist Temptation.'The conversation delves into the ideological roots of transhumanism, its implications for humanity, and the historical context that has led to its rise. Quay emphasizes the importance of teleology in understanding human nature and critiques the modern conception of freedom as it relates to technology. The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by technology, the influence of Nietzsche, and the need for a moral framework to navigate the complexities...
2025-07-161h 06Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Clouds by Aristophanes with Dr. Zina HitzIn this episode, Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Chancellor and General Counsel of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, welcomes Dr. Zena Hitz, a tutor at St. John’s College and founder of the Catherine Project, to discuss Aristophanes’ comedic masterpiece, The Clouds. The episode dives into the play’s biting humor, its critique of Athenian society, and its timeless questions about education, piety, and moral decay. From the Thinkery’s absurd teachings to the mysterious Clouds, Dcn. Garlick and Zena unpack the play’s relevance to modern audiences, exploring themes of social ambition, familial breakdown, and the consequences of abandon...
2025-07-011h 08Ascend - The Great Books PodcastMadness and Piety: A Discussion on The Bacchae Part IIToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we plunge into the second part of Euripides’ The Bacchae—a harrowing yet gripping Greek tragedy that leads us deeper into the mystery of Dionysian eros. We’ll observe the tragic descent of King Pentheus, the Bacchae as a parasite upon society, and the haunting themes of eros, justice, and the question of piety under an evil god.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading SCHEDULE.Check out our Patreon page for our 25 Q&A GUIDE to the Bacchae.From the guide:Why sh...
2025-06-241h 51Ascend - The Great Books PodcastMadness and Piety: A Discussion on The Bacchae Part IMadness, piety, gore, and reason! Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, host Dcn. Harrison Garlick and the always insightful Dr. Frank Grabowski delve into the first part of Euripides’ The Bacchae—a chilling yet captivating Greek tragedy that explores piety, eros, the nature of the divine, and the fragility of societal order.The guys explore Dionysus, a god transformed from Homer’s jovial wine deity into a “cruel” and “diabolical” figure worshipped through “frenzied madness and the bestial release of sex and violence." With its graphic imagery, raw intensity, and ambiguous morality, this play offers a rich discussion...
2025-06-172h 26Ascend - The Great Books PodcastCursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part TwoToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone discuss the second and final part of Oedipus at Colonus—wherein Sophocles brings the horrific tale of Oedipus to a beautiful, redemptive end.Deacon and Eli discuss the dramatic zenith of Oedipus’ life, the theme of redemptive suffering, the binding power of love, and all the various ways this play comments on the relationships in Antigone and Oedipus Rex.Go visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out this awesome guide to Oedipus at Colonus! Here is the...
2025-06-101h 49Ascend - The Great Books PodcastCursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part OneIn this episode of Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and returning guest Eli Stone dive into the first half of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus, the third play in the Theban cycle by publication order but the second in narrative chronology.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Check out Patreon page for written guides to the great books!Recorded in rural Oklahoma, this episode explores Oedipus’ transformation from a cursed exile to a figure of divine significance, set against the backdrop of Athens’ post-Peloponnesian War turmoil.The hosts...
2025-06-032h 05Ascend - The Great Books PodcastKnow Thyself: A Discussion on Oedipus the King by SophoclesAristotle said Oedipus the King was the best tragedy. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Eli Stone and our friend Josiah to discuss Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) by Sophocles - the second play in the Oedipus cycle or Theban plays.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more!Check out our Patreon for our written guides!Here is a letter Dcn. Garlick wrote to our supporters about Oedipus the King:Oedipus the King is, according to Aristotle, the best of the Greek tragedies. Through Oedipus’ own in...
2025-05-272h 28Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Dark Sign of the Gods: Antigone by Sophocles Part IIDoes Antigone hold strong until the end? Is Antigone the hero? Today, Dcn. Garlick is joined again by David Niles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the second part of Sophocles' Antigone. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our Patreon page! We appreciate all our supporters.From our guide:15. How does Haemon’s interaction with Creon highlight his character and challenge Creon’s perspective?Haemon, Creon’s son and Antigone’s betrothed, enters around line 700 and is described by David as “one of my favorite characters” for...
2025-05-202h 08Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Dark Sign of the Gods: Antigone by Sophocles Part IAntigone is the "dark sign from the gods." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. David Niles of the Catholic Man Show and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the Greek tragedy "Antigone" by Sophocles.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our Patreon for our guide on Antigone!From the guide:This guide, like the podcast conversation, explores Antigone as a profound meditation on piety, justice, and the cosmic order. This guide addresses critical aspects of arguably Sophocles’ greatest work, such as: the moral conflict over burying th...
2025-05-132h 10Ascend - The Great Books PodcastPrometheus Bound by Aeschylus with Dr. Jared ZimmererHow would you respond to the will of a tyrant? Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jared Zimmerer of Benedictine College to discuss Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound - the first play in an otherwise lost triad. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!WHY SHOULD YOU READ PROMETHEUS BOUND?From the guide:Prometheus Bound is the story of man and civilization. Within the contrast of Prometheus’ rebellion and Zeus’ tyranny, Aeschylus provides a narrative that explores the concepts of liberty and purpose. It is a story of human nature—of the...
2025-05-061h 48Ascend - The Great Books PodcastHow to Read the Bible like St. Thomas Aquinas and Dante"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Thomas Lackey and Mr. Adam Minihan to discuss how to read the Bible like Jesus, St. Paul, the Early Church Fathers, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Dante!There are four senses: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. The guys explain Divine Authorship, Dante's thesis that you read his Comedy like you Scripture, and then explain each sense and give examples.Check our thegreatbookspodcast.com for resources on the Iliad, Odyssey, Dante's Inferno, and more!Summary: St. Jerome states, “Ig...
2025-04-291h 29Ascend - The Great Books PodcastLying as Contraceptive Speech: Lessons from Dante's InfernoLying is a sterile act that impedes the purpose of the intellect. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Sean Berube and Shannon of Catholic Frequency to discuss "Lying as Contraceptive Speech." Dcn. Garlick gives several short talks pulling from Dante's Inferno, the Gospel of St. John, and liberalism with responses from Sean and Shannon from a live recording on X (Twitter).Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more help to read the great books!Master Adamo lies a bloated mass of “watery rot.” His amorphous frame bears his diseased paunch and distended limbs, as his lips...
2025-04-222h 16Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 7: Cantos 32-34 with Evan AmatoThe frozen heart of hell. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Evan Amato to discuss the frozen wastes of the 9th Circle of Hell - the damned guilty of treachery (or complex fraud).Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books to read!A few questions from our guide to Dante's Inferno:78. What happens in the ninth circle of hell: Treachery (Complex Fraud) (Canto 34)?Pressing onward, Virgil leads the Pilgrim to “Judecca”—named after Judas Iscariot—in which those souls that have betrayed their benefactors or their lords are frozen comple...
2025-04-151h 43Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 6: Cantos 26-31 with Dr. Donald PrudloWe finish the 8th Circle of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo of the University of Tulsa discuss pits 8-10 of the 8th Circle of Dante's Inferno (Cantos 26-31). Dr. Prudlo is an incredibly talented Catholic scholar! You'll want to hear what he has to say - especially about Odysseus, Troy, and the Garden of Eden.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources!From our guide:64. What happens in the eighth ditch (Cantos 26-27)?Overlooking the eighth ditch, the Pilgrim and Virgil view the punishment of those souls King Minos found...
2025-04-081h 56Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 5: Cantos 18-25 with Noah and Gabriel of CLTSeducers, Flatterers, Sorcerers, and more! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Noah Tyler, CFO of the Classic Learning Test, and Gabriel Blanchard, a staff writer for CLT, to discuss the first part of the 8th Circle: Simple Fraud (Cantos 18-25).Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.Check out our written GUIDE to Dante's Inferno: 80+ Questions and Answer.FROM THE GUIDE:53. What happens in the Eighth Circle of Hell: Simple Fraud (Canto 18)The Eighth Circle of Hell holds the souls of those King Minos found guilty of simple fraud and is...
2025-04-012h 17Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 4: Cantos 12-17 with Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist.We enter the circle of violence. This week Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist., a Cistercian priest who teaches at the University of Dallas, to discuss the seventh circle of Dante's Inferno: (1) violence against neighbor (2) violence against self and (3) violence against God & nature.Check out our website for more info: thegreatbookspodcast.com.Check out our 80+ Question and Answer Guide to the Inferno.From the guide:43. What happens in the Seventh Circle of Hell: Violence Toward Neighbor (Canto 12)?As Virgil and the Pilgrim press on toward...
2025-03-251h 42Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 3: Cantos 6-11 with Dr. Jason BaxterToday, we finish lower hell. Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jason Baxter of Benedictine College to discuss cantos 6-11 of Dante's Inferno.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books!Check out our Patreon for our 80+ Question & Answer guide to the Inferno.From our guide:27. The Third Circle of Hell – Gluttony (Canto 6) Musa explains the third circle and the contrapasso, “the shades in this circle are the gluttons, and their punishment fits their sin. Gluttony, like all the sins of incontinence, subjects reason to desire; in this case desir...
2025-03-181h 54Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 2: Cantos 2-5 with Dr. Jennifer Frey and Dr. Jessica Hooten WilsonDante approaches the gates of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jennifer Frey, the Dean of the new Honors College at the University of Tulsa, and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, to discuss cantos 2-5 of Dante's Inferno.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com. Check out OUR GUIDE to Dante's Inferno: 80+ Questions and Answers.13. What happens in the Vestibule of Hell (Cantos 2-3)?The narrative of the Dark Woods in Canto 1 is arguably the introduction to the entire Divine Comedy, and as such...
2025-03-111h 39Ascend - The Great Books PodcastDante's Inferno Ep. 1: Intro and Canto 1 with Dr. Jeremy HolmesWe are reading the Inferno together! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jeremy Holmes of Wyoming Catholic College to give an introduction to Dante's Inferno and discuss the first canto. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.Reading Schedule for Lent 2025:Introduction & the Dark Woods1. Intro & Canto 1 (3.4.25) with Dr. Jeremy Holmes (Wyoming Catholic)Vestibule of Hell, Limbo & Lust2. Cantos 2-5 (3.11.25) with Dr. Jennifer Frey (TU) and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson (Pepperdine).Gluttony, Spendthrift/Hoarders, Wrathful/Acedia & Heretics3. Cantos 6-11 (3.18.25) with Dr. Jason Baxter...
2025-03-042h 01Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: The Eumenides Explained Part TwoDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss the end of the Oresteia, the second part of the Eumenides.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com.Check out our guide to the Oresteia. The first half of the Eumenides demonstrates Aeschylus’ ability to dramatize philosophical questions. The old system of justice, bound to the Furies’ blood-soaked vengeance, has proven incomplete. The Olympian purity rituals are not a sufficient answer either.Athena’s brilliance is found in pushing the concept of justice forward into a more dispassionate, procedural affair...
2025-02-251h 45Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: The Eumenides Explained Part OneDcn. Harrison Garlick is once again joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss the first part of the Eumenides, the third play in Aeschylus' Oresteia.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.Check out our written guide to the Oresteia.The final play of Aeschylus’ Oresteia, The Eumenides, sets forth the transformation of justice from the familial mechanics of the blood avenger to a more mature procedural justice set within the polis. It is a story of civilizational maturation. Whereas Agamemnon and the Libation Bearers dealt with the house of...
2025-02-181h 27Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: Libation Bearers Explained Part TwoDcn. Harrison Garlick, Mr. Thomas Lackey, and the Adam Minihan come together to discuss the second part of the Libation Bearers, the second play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for guides and more information.Support us on Patreon and get access to guides!The second half of the Libation Bearers moves decisively toward the climax of Orestes’ role as blood avenger, culminating in the deaths of Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. He will enact the justice that is demanded, and in turn be guilty of murdering his own blood—his mother. As Adam observed, “Oreste...
2025-02-111h 02Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: Libation Bearers Explained Part OneThis week Dcn. Garlick is joined by Mr. Thomas Lackey and the Adam Minihan to discuss part one of the Libation Bearers, the second play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Check out thegreatbooksdpodcast.com for more resources.Check out our Patreon for a written GUIDE to the whole Oresteia.From our guide:The Libation Bearers presents Orestes as both the hero and the victim. The cycle of violence will both demand his action and condemn it. “The one who acts must suffer,” as Aeschylus observes. The play builds an incredible tension within the curr...
2025-02-041h 32Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: Agamemnon Explained Part TwoWe are reading Aeschylus' Oresteia. This week Dcn. Garlick, Adam Minihan, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Frank Grabowski discuss part two of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, the second part of the first play of the Oresteia. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more sources.Check out our written guide to the Oresteia.I. Clytemnestra and Agamemnon: Murder, Manipulation & Denial (795)Clytemnestra dominates Agamemnon as a complex figure of cleverness, rage, and manipulation. Upon Agamemnon’s return, she denies him a true homecoming by rolling out the red tapestries and inviting him to walk on them (901). Two main observatio...
2025-01-281h 20Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAeschylus' Oresteia: Agamemnon Explained Part OneDcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Thomas Lackey are reunited to discuss the first part of Agamemnon, the first play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.From our written guide available to our supporters:The first play of the Oresteia tells of the homecoming of Agamemnon and is predominately animated by revenge. Aeschylus presents us with questions concerning the legitimacy of the Trojan war, how Argos has suffered without its king, and why Clytemnestra has plotted to murder her husband. Though chronologically Odysseus has not return home yet, one...
2025-01-211h 49Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAn Introduction to Aeschylus, the Father of Greek TragedyDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are reunited to intro Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy.Aeschylus (b. 525 BC) was a warrior, statesman, and the father of Greek tragedy. Born into nobility, he grew up in Athens during its pivotal transition from tyranny to democracy. Furthermore, he famously fought in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), defending a nascent Western civilization against Persian invasion. Aeschylus died in 456 BC, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the foundation of Greek drama.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.From our guide on the Oresteia:1. What is...
2025-01-1438 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastA Discussion on Hesiod's TheogonyDcn. Harrison Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey come together to discuss Hesiod's Theogony - a poem about the origin of the gods and the cosmos.Key conversations:The role of the MusesThe four primordial gods - especially ChaosEros as the generative and binding force of the cosmosZeus as a bringer of civilizationThe Prometheus mythsWomen as the beautiful evilHesiod is a contemporary of Homer. Homer composed the Iliad around 750 BC and the Odyssey around 725 BC, and Hesiod was active in the mid 700s and into the 600s.[1] Hesiod, like Homer, has...
2025-01-072h 47Ascend - The Great Books PodcastWhy You Should Read the Greek Plays with AscendYou can read the Greek plays with Ascend!Dcn. Harrison Garlick flies solo this week as he explains why you should read the Greek plays. He discusses how the plays are an intellectual bridge between Plato and Homer and explains some of the major themes you can expect in their writings: justice, eros, fate, divinity, etc.He'll then introduce each Greek play to be read and why it is worth reading.Join us! Schedule below:HESIOD'S THEOGONY & GREEK PLAYS (2025)1/1 Intro to the Greek Plays1/7 Hesiod's Theogony
2025-01-0135 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Tower of the Elephant by Robert E. Howard with Alberto FernandezThis week Dcn. Garlick is joined by Alberto Fernandez, a former U.S. diplomat and Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) in Washington, D.C., to discuss "The Tower of the Elephant," one of the best Conan the Barbarian stories by Robert E. Howard. Deacon and Alberto discuss the life and philosophy of Robert E. Howard along with key elements of the "Tower of the Elephant" short story (which is available online for free).Topics:Civilization v. BarbarismHP LovecraftNietzscheVitalismIn 2025, we are reading Hesiod, the Greek plays, Dante...
2024-12-311h 15Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey as the Restoration of Culture with President WashutDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Kyle Washut, President of Wyoming Catholic College, to discuss the Odyssey as the restoration of Catholic Culture and the unique educational approach of Wyoming Catholic College. Eastern CatholicismJohn SeniorOdyssey as the restoration of culturePresident Washut takes on the question: "Why go to a great books college" and gives an excellent answer.They have a brief detour into the importance of Eastern Catholicism before discussing the influence of John Senior on education and how the Odyssey serves as a metaphor for rebuilding culture. The conversation also...
2024-12-241h 16Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twenty-Four: Peace with Roundtable DiscussionTHE FINAL BOOK! Dcn. Garlick is joined by Adam Minihan, David Niles, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss Book 24 of the Odyssey: Peace. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.From our guide:111. What happens in book twenty-four? Hermes leads the souls of the suitors to Hades, to the fields of asphodel, where they meet Achilles and Agamemnon (24.130). One of the suitors tells Agamemnon their story, and Agamemnon praises Odysseus calling him “happy” and praises his wife Penelope in contrast to his wife, Clytemnestra (24.210). Meanwhile, Odysseus and his men arrive at...
2024-12-171h 59Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twenty-Three: The Great Rooted BedDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mrs. Rachel Greb to discuss Book 23 of the Odyssey: The Great Rooted Bed. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources!From our written guide:108. What happens in book twenty-three?The old maid Eurycleia, laughing with delight, runs and tells Penelope that the day she’s dreamed of is here: Odysseus has come home (23.05). “Penelope’s heart busts in joy” upon hearing that the beggar in the hall was actually her husband (23.34). Penelope, however, falls back into her guarded skepticism (23.75). She enters the hall and sits in silence s...
2024-12-101h 02Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twenty-Two: Slaughter in the Hall with Dr. Adam CooperSlaughter in the hall! This week Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Adam Cooper of Wyoming Catholic College to discuss Odysseus' revenge upon the suitors in Book 24. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information!103. What happens in book twenty-two?The time has come. 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). It is chaos in the hall, as the “bread and meats [were] soaked in a swirl of bloody filth” (22.21). Eurymachus attempts to broker a true between Odysseus...
2024-12-031h 11Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twenty-One: Odysseus Strings His Bow with Dcn. ConqueDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by another Catholic deacon, Dcn. Adam Conque to discuss Book 21 of the Odyssey: Odysseus Strings His Bow.Check out more at thegreatbookspodcast.comHelp support the podcast and get access to guides!From the guide:100. What happens in book twenty-one?The time has come for Penelope’s test and the slaughter the suitors (21.05). Penelope brings out Odysseus’ bow, one he received as a gift of friendship (21.40), and Telemachus sets out a line of ax heads the suitors must shoot through (21.140). Telemachus gives the first attempt...
2024-11-261h 09Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twenty: Portents Gather with Dr. Jennifer FreyDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jennifer Frey of the University of Tulsa Honors College to discuss Book 20 of the Odyssey: The Portents Gather.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for guides and more!From the written guide:97. What happens in book twenty?After his conversation with Penelope, Odysseus the beggar lays in bed alert to the fact the maidservants are leaving the house to go sleep with the suitors (20.08). Athena causes him to fall asleep (20.59), and in the morning Odysseus prays to Zeus for an omen of support (20.109). His prayer is answer...
2024-11-1959 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Nineteen: Penelope and Her Guest with Mary Pat DonoghueDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mary Pat Donoghue, Executive Director of the Secretariat of Catholic Education at the USCCB, to discuss Book 19 of the Odyssey: Penelope and her guest. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more!From our written guide:93. What happens in book nineteen?With the suitors retired for the evening to their own houses, Odysseus and Telemachus clear the hall of weapons, as Athena carries a golden lamp to light their way (19.35). Odysseus is harassed by the maidservant Melantho (19.70), and Melantho is warned by both Odysseus the beggar and...
2024-11-121h 01Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Eighteen: The Beggar-King of IthacaDr. Jared Zimmerer of Benedictine College returns to the podcast to discuss Book 18 of the Odyssey with Dcn. Garlick and Adam Minihan. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more.From our written guide:90. What happens in book eighteen?Another beggar, a man nicknamed Irus, arrives at Odysseus’ palace and begins to harass Odysseus, the beggar in disguise (18.13). Antinous, the suitor, elects to host a battle between Odysseus the beggar and Irus—the winner will dine with the suitors and loser will be cast out (18.56). Odysseus soundly beats the would-be beggar king (18.121) and is rewarde...
2024-11-0550 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Seventeen: The Stranger at the Gates w Dr. ZimmererDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jared Zimmerer to discuss Book 17 of the Odyssey: The Stranger at the Gates. Dr. Jared Zimmerer is the Content Marketing Director and Great Books adjunct professor for Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. The former Senior Director of the Word on Fire Institute and the Dean of Pastoral Fellows. He holds a PhD in Humanities from Faulkner University and a master’s degree in Theology from Holy Apostles College. He and his wife Jessica live in Atchison, Kansas, with their six children.Check out more resources at thegreatbookspodcast.com. ...
2024-10-291h 06Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Sixteen: Father and SonDcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by independent scholar and friend of the podcast Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss book 16 of the Odyssey: Father and Son.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our written guide!From the guide:83. What happens in book sixteen?Telemachus arrives at the home of the Swineherd and, the Swineherd greets him like a father welcoming “home his darling only son” (16.19). Telemachus meets Odysseus disguised as a beggar, and the three men discuss the problem of the suitors (16.100). Telemachus tells the Swineherd to tell Queen Penelope he is back in Ithaca...
2024-10-221h 24Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Fifteen: The Prince Sets Sail for HomeDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan continue the YEAR WITH HOMER by discussing Book 15 of the Odyssey: The Prince Sets Sail for Home. Check out our guide at thegreatbookspodcast.com.80. What happens in book fifteen?Athena goes to Sparta and inspires the young Telemachus to return home quickly (15.10) and advises him on how to avoid the ambush set by the suitors (15.31). Menelaus gives Telemachus kingly gifts and sends him and Nestor’s son back to Pylos (15.112). Telemachus asks Nestor’s son to leave him at his ship and not take him back to Nestor’s h...
2024-10-1556 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Fourteen: The Loyal Swineherd with Alec BiancoDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute to discuss Book Fourteen of the Odyssey: The Loyal Swineherd. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more!From our guide:77. What happens in book fourteen?Odysseus, disguised as an old beggar, makes his way to the home of his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus (14.32). Odysseus is welcomed warmly, as the swineherd reiterates that “every stranger and beggar comes from Zeus” (14.66). The swineherd shows great affection for his king that sailed away for Troy, but believes he is now most likely dea...
2024-10-081h 08Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Intellectual Life with Alan Cornett and Dr. Richard MelocheIn this episode, Deacon Harrison Garlick, along with guests Alan Cornett and Dr. Richard Meloche, delve into the french Dominican A.G. Sertillanges' influential book "The Intellectual Life." They explore the significance of cultivating an intellectual life, the role of courage and discipline, and the importance of community in intellectual pursuits. The conversation emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their background or age, is called to engage in the life of the mind and that it can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth.Main Takeways:The intellectual life is a vocation for everyone.Courage...
2024-10-031h 21Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Thirteen: Ithaca at Last with Dr. PapadopoulosDcn. Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos of Wyoming Catholic College to discuss BOOK THIRTEEN of the Odyssey. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more. From our guide: 73. What happens in book thirteen?King Alcinous makes good on his promise and sends Odysseus back to Ithaca (13.108). Odysseus sleeps the whole way home (13.91), and the Phaeacians lay a sleeping Odysseus on the beach and leave (13.133). Poseidon, meanwhile, convinces Zeus to punish the Phaeacians for their hospitality and aid of Odysseus (13.142). Back in Ithaca, Odysseus awakes and fears he’s been hoo...
2024-10-011h 25Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Twelve: The Cattle of the SunDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book Twelve of the Odyssey: The Cattle of the Sun.Check out more at thegreatbookspodcast.com.From our guide:68. What happens in book twelve?Odysseus and his men return the island of Circe and bury their comrade, Elpenor, who had spoken to Odysseus from the underworld (12.10). Circe tells Odyssey—and Odysseus alone—what trials await him on his journey (12.36). First, he and his men will sail by the Sirens and their irresistible song of temptation (12.44). Next, Odysseus will have to choose between sailing through the path o...
2024-09-241h 08Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Eleven: The Kingdom of the DeadDr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey return to discuss Book Eleven of the Odyssey with Dcn. Garlick. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources.From the guide:60. What happens in book eleven?Odysseus and his men sail to the edge of the world into the endless darkness and the house of death (11.21). Following the ritual Circe prescribed, Odysseus fills a trench with blood, and the shades of the dead came out to meet him (11.40). Odysseus first speaks to Elpenor, his comrade who fell off the roof of Circe’s house and lays unb...
2024-09-172h 05Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Ten: The Bewitching Queen of AeaeaDcn. Garlick flies solo to explore the depths of BOOK TEN of the Odyssey: The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. From the guide: 53. What happens in book ten? Odysseus and his men come to the floating island of King Aeolus[1] who Zeus had made the “master of all the winds” (10.24). After hosting them for a month, King Aeolus stuffed all the winds into a bag, except a favorable west wind, and gave it to Odysseus (10.29). Leaving the island, they sailed for nine days until they came so clo...
2024-09-101h 01Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Nine: Odysseus and the CyclopsDcn. Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss BOOK NINE of the Odyssey: Odysseus and the Cyclops. Odysseus finally gives his name and starts to tell his story. Book Nine is one of the most important books in the Odyssey. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. From the guide: 48. What happens in book nine?The guest of good King Alcinous finally declares, “I am Odysseus” (9.21), and he begins to tell his story (9.33). After Troy, Odysseus and the ships under his command raided a city on the island of Ismarus (9.44) where, the next m...
2024-09-031h 20Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Eight: A Day for Songs and ContestsThis week Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone, formerly of the TU Great Books Honors College and now teaching at a classical school, discuss Book VIII of the Odyssey: A Day for Songs and Contests. We have a 50+ page guide to the Odyssey.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. From the guide:42. What happens in book eight?King Alcinous and Odysseus go to the meeting grounds, as Athena whips up the curiosity of the islanders to come and see the stranger who “looks like a deathless god” (8.16). King Alcinous...
2024-08-271h 33Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Seven: Phaeacia’s Halls and GardensThis week Dcn. Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone discuss Book Seven of the Odyssey: Phaeacia’s Halls and Gardens.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. FROM THE GUIDE:36. What happens in book seven?Athena hides Odysseus in a mist and leads him, in the guise of a child, toward the palace (7.17). She reiterates the advice of Nausicaa by telling Odysseus to go to Queen Arete (7.61). Odysseus enters the magnificent palace and throws his arms around the queen’s knees, as Athena withdraws her mist (7.168). Odysseus pleads for mercy and then falls into...
2024-08-201h 21Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Six: The Princess and the StrangerDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Eli Stone, formerly of the TU Great Books Honors College and now with Holy Family Classical School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss BOOK SIX of the Odyssey: The Princess and the Stranger. Check us out at thegreatbookspodcast.com.From the guide: 32. What happens in book six?Athena inspires Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, to go with her handmaids to the river and wash clothes (6.20). Her father grants her permission, and she takes a wagon of clothes to be washed (6.75). As she waits...
2024-08-131h 25Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Five: Calypso's Island with Rewire the WestDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Evan Amato of Rewire the West to discuss Book Five of Odyssey: Odysseus escapes Calypso's Island.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for a written guide to the Odyssey. A couple questions from the guide: 28. What happens in book five?King Odysseus is trapped on Calypso’s island. Zeus, at Athena’s pleading, agrees to two proposals: first, Odysseus may leave the captivity of Calypso; and second, Athena may help Telemachus escape the trap set by the suitors (5.24). Hermes, the messenger god, goes and tells Caly...
2024-08-061h 45Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Four: The King & Queen of SpartaThis week Adam Minihan returns to discuss Book Four of the Odyssey with Father Bonaventure, OP - a Dominican Friar of the Province of St. Joseph. The out our website for a 50+ page guide to the Odyssey.23. What happens in book four?Telemachus arrives in Sparta to find King Menelaus hosting a “double-wedding feast;” as Menelaus’ daughter is marrying the son of Achilles, and Menelaus’ son is marrying a girl from Sparta (4.04). Telemachus and Nestor’s son, Pisistratus, are received warmly (4.68). Though a gracious host, Menelaus still mourns for his brother, Agamemnon (4.103), and for all the men...
2024-07-3052 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Three: King Nestor RemembersDcn. Harrison Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey discuss Book Three of the Odyssey: KING NESTOR REMEMBERS. The lovable old man from the Iliad returns to help set Telemachus on his way. More on Telemachus' coming of age storyWhat power comes to rest on Telemachus?How did Great Ajax die?! (ignobly...)What caused the Achaeans to suffer the wrath of Athena?Check out Dcn. Garlick's 50+ page guide to the Odyssey.What happens in book three?Telemachus arrives in Pylos to find King Nestor sacrificing eighty-one...
2024-07-231h 07Ascend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book Two: Telemachus Sets SailDcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey come together to discuss Book Two of the Odyssey: Telemachus sets sail.Summary of the bookDiscussion on key themesAristotle's MetaphysicsJohn Wayne referencesAnd more!Check out our website for 60+ page reader's guide to the Odyssey.What happens in book two?Inspired by Athena, Telemachus addresses the assembly of Ithaca (2.25) and condemns the suitors and invokes the gods against them (2.70). In response, Antinous, a suitor, blames Telemachus’ mother, Penelope, the “matchless queen of cunning” (2.95) for refusing to return to her father’s house and letting him choo...
2024-07-1655 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastFatherhood in the Odyssey with Jason CraigDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Jason Craig of Sword and Spade magazine to discuss the theme of fatherhood in the Odyssey. The fatherhood of OdysseusThe problem of fatherlessness in IthacaThe coming of age story of TelemachusAnd more!Check out Sword and Spade magazine. Check out our 60+ page guide to the Odyssey. Join us as we read the Odyssey as part of our Year of Homer!
2024-07-0944 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastThe Odyssey Book One: Athena Inspires the PrinceWE ARE STARTING THE ODYSSEY! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss Book One of the Odyssey. Check out our website - thegreatbookspodcast.com - for a written guide to the Odyssey and other resources. Questions discussed:What happens in book one?What should be observed about the invocation to the Muses?What should be made of Zeus’ comment on fate?What happened to Agamemnon?What should be made of Telemachus?What major themes and narratives help unfold the story of the Odyssey?Join us...
2024-07-021h 37Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIntro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick DeneenDcn. Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Patrick Deneen, Dr. Chad Pecknold, and Dr. Richard Meloche to introduce Homer's Odyssey. Dr. Patrick Deneen is a Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame. He is the author of many books and articles including Why Liberalism Failed (2018). His teaching and writing interests focus on the history of political thought, American political thought, liberalism, conservatism, and constitutionalism. Dr. Chad Pecknold, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Catholic University of America. “In political theology, Pecknold is principally concerned with close readings of Augustine’s masterwork, The City of God, as a funda...
2024-06-251h 06Ascend - The Great Books PodcastAfter-Hours: The Story Between the Iliad and the OdysseyDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss the events BETWEEN the Iliad and the Odyssey. There is a notable gap between the Iliad and the Odyssey. As the Odyssey picks up after the fall of Troy, tradition turns to authors such as the Greek poet Sophocles, the Greek poet Euripides, and the Roman poet Virgil to tell the story of how Troy fell. The following questions, while tracking the fates of specific individuals, tell the narrative that occurs between the Iliad and the Odyssey. One may make a distinction between the Homeric tradition and the Greek tradition...
2024-06-1841 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 24 | Achilles and PriamDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss the FINAL book of the Iliad: Book 24 - Achilles and Priam. Check out our 65-page guide to the Iliad!I have put to my lips the hands of the man who killed my son. Priam to Achilles (24.591) 103. What happens in book twenty-four?The funeral games have ended, and Achilles, who still mourns for Patroclus, drags Hector’s body behind his chariot around Patroclus’ tomb (24.19). Twelve days after the death of Hector, Apollo pleads with the gods to save the body of the Tro...
2024-06-111h 47Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 23 | The Funeral Games for PatroclusDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 23 of the Iliad: The Funeral Games. Check out this section of our guide to the Iliad!Sleeping, Achilles? You’ve forgotten me, my friend. You never neglected me in life, only now in death. Bury me, quickly—let me pass the Gates of Hades. Patroclus (23.81) 100. What happened in book twenty-three?Now back at the Achaean camp, Achilles leads his Myrmidons in mourning around the body of Patroclus (23.13). That night, as Achilles lay by the shoreline, the ghost of Patroclus appears to...
2024-06-0448 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 22 | The Death of HectorDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 22 on the Death of Hector. “There are no binding oaths between men and lions—wolves and lambs can enjoy no meeting of the minds—they are all bent on hating each other to death.” Achilles (22.310). 97. What happens in book twenty-two? The Trojans scurry back into the city like “panicked fawns,” while Hector remains outside the walls (22.05). Apollo, who had taken the form of a Trojan soldier to make Achilles chase him, reveals his trickery to Achilles (22.09)—and Achilles turns back to the city (22.26). Despi...
2024-05-2853 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 21 | Achilles Fights the RiverDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discussed BOOK 21 of the Iliad: Achilles Fights the River.“Come friend, you too must die. Why moan about it so? […] Even for me, I tell you, death and strong force of fate are waiting.”Achilles (21.119).CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE ILIAD.93. What happens in book twenty-one?The Trojans are in full retreat. Achilles drives half the Trojan army back toward Troy over the plains, but the other half is driven into the Xanthus river (21.09). Achilles, who leaps into the waters, slaughters Trojans until his a...
2024-05-211h 01Ascend - The Great Books PodcastInterview with the Chivalry GuildDcn. Harrison Garlick interviews George of the Chivalry Guild on topics such as CS Lewis, virtue, magnanimity, meekness, and the importance of strength and prowess. Deacon and George will also discuss his new book - "Chivalry: An Ideal Whose Time Has Come Again" - and explore the concept of noblesse oblige. Thank you for checking out Ascend! We exist to help people study the great books and explore timeless truths. Check out our website and account on X for more information.
2024-05-161h 29Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 20 | The Olympian Gods in ArmsDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 20 of the Iliad: The Olympian Gods in ArmsSummary of the narrativeWhat is Aeneas special?Some details others often overlookCheck out our GUIDE TO THE ILIAD. “Aeneas will rule the men of Troy in power—his son’s sons and the sons born in future years.” Poseidon (20.355). 90. What happens in book twenty?Zeus calls the gods to council and tells them that they may now aide whatever side they wish—the strict decree to not intervene is...
2024-05-1452 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 19 | The Champion Arms for BattleDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 19 of the Iliad: The Champion Arms for Battle!Achilles prepares to enter the war!Summary of Book 19How does Odysseus try to broker peace?What should we make of Briseis weeping over Patroclus?Who is Ate, the goddess of ruin?“You talk of food? I have no taste for food—what I really crave is slaughter and blood and the choking groans of men!” Achilles (19.254). 85. What happens in book nineteen? Thetis returns to Achilles with new armor crafted by He...
2024-05-0743 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 18 | The Shield of AchillesDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 18 of the Iliad: The Shield of Achilles. Arguably the MOST philosophically dense book in the entire Iliad. Summary of the NarrativeWhat lesson does the "heart" of Achilles teach?How do we interpret the shield of Achilles?Check out our 115 QUESTION GUIDE to the Iliad. How should we interpret the shield of Achilles?The shield of Achilles presents a commentary on the cosmos. It is a testament to the Greek belief that the world is ordered and in balance. From the heavens to...
2024-04-301h 26Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 17 | Menelaus’ Finest HourDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 17 of the Iliad: Menelaus' Finest Hour. Summary of Book 17What is the "dark heart" of Hector?Can human agency affect fate?What about the horses of Achilles?Check out our 115 Question & Answer Guide on the Iliad. But grief bore down on Hector, packing his dark heart.Homer (17.92) 75. What happens in books seventeen?The body of Patroclus still lays on the plains outside of Troy. Menelaus, the Spartan king, slays Euphorbus, the Trojan who had speared Patrocl...
2024-04-231h 08Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 16 | Patroclus Fights and DiesDcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 16 of the Iliad: Patroclus Fights and Dies. Summary of Book 16What is the difference between Zeus and Fate?What is the relation of Fate to the free will of men?Did Patroclus deserve his fate?Check our GUIDE ON THE ILIAD. 70. What happens in books sixteen? Patroclus returns to Achilles and begs Achilles to send him out to fight in Achilles’ armor (16.43). Homer writes: “So [Patroclus] pleaded, lost in his own great innocence, condemned to beg for his own death and brutal doom” (16.5...
2024-04-161h 15Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 15 | The Achaean Armies at BayDeacon Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson to the podcast to discuss Book 15 of The Iliad, The Achaean Armies at Bay.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in book fifteen?What is the relationship between men and the will of the gods in book fifteen? What else should be noted in book fifteen?You can follow Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson on X at @HootenWilsonWant our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.67. What happens in book fifteen?Zeus, the father of gods and men...
2024-04-0952 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 14 | Hera Outflanks ZeusDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey back to the podcast to discuss Book 14 of The Iliad, Hera Outflanks ZeusIn this episode we will discuss:What happens in book fourteen?What are we to make of Love and Sleep conquering Zeus?Why is this one of the funniest books thus far (according to Adam)?What else should be noted in book fourteen?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Book FourteenHera Outflanks ZeusAnd so, deep in peace, the Father slept...
2024-04-021h 03Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 13 | Battling for the ShipsDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey back to the podcast to discuss Book 13 of The Iliad, Battling for the ShipsIn this episode we will discuss:What happens in book thirteen?How does the story of Asius end?Why Adam is frustrated with this book and why it's Dcn. Garlick's least favorite so far.What else should be noted in book thirteen?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Zeus, Father Zeus, they say you excel all others… all men and gods, in wis...
2024-03-2646 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 12 | The Trojans Storm the RampartDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey and David Niles to discuss Book 12 of The Iliad, The Trojans Storm the Rampart.In this episode we will discuss:Our Sunday Great Books group.What is the issue with the gods and the wall of the Achaeans?What should we make of the story of Asius?What should we make of Hector disregarding the bird-sign?What else should be observed in book 12?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Bird-signs! Fight for your country—that is...
2024-03-191h 45Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 11 | Agamemnon's Day of GloryDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Book 11 of the Iliad, Agamemnon's Day of Glory.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in Book 11?What should be noted about Patroclus?What should be noted about Peleus' command to Patroclus?What else should be observed in book 11?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Achilles will listen to you—for his own good. So the old man told you. You’ve forgotten. - Nestor to Patroclus (11.943)55. What happens in book eleven?Dawn has...
2024-03-1249 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 10 | Marauding Through the NightDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Book 10 of the Iliad, Marauding Through the Night.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in Book 10?Hector calls for a spy.Diomedes goes on a rampageWhat else should be observed in book 10?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.53. What happens in book ten?Agamemnon cannot sleep (9.04). He is tormented by the thousand fires of the Trojans camped around his black ships (10.14), and he tears “his hair out by the roots” (10.18). He dresses for...
2024-03-0545 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 9 | The Embassy to AchillesDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the embassy to Achilles in Book 9.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in book nine?Who is Phoenix?What is the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus?What effect does the embassy have on Achilles?What else should be noted in the embassy to Achilles?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Book NineThe Embassy to AchillesBut now at last, stop, Achilles—let your heart-devouring anger go!Odysseus (9.307)...
2024-02-271h 05Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 8 | The Tide of Battle TurnsDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the tide of battle turns in Book 8.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in book eight?Do the Achaeans actually need Achillies?What is the relationship between Athena and Zeus?What else should be observed in book eight?Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free.Book EightThe Tide of Battle TurnsMany attempts have been made to reconcile these two ideas, to assert the overriding power of Zeus’s will on...
2024-02-2057 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 7 | Ajax Duels with HectorDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the duel between Ajax and Hector in Book 7.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in book 7?What does Nestor, the old Achaean war chief, say to Hector?The duel between Ajax and Hector.How the end of book seven introduces the reader to the importance of burying the dead.What happens in book seven?Hector and Paris lead the “rampaging Trojans” on a counteroffensive against the Achaeans (7.19). Athena goes to intervene, but Apollo convinces her to “halt the war and th...
2024-02-1336 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 6 | Hector Returns to TroyDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Hector returning to Troy.In this episode we will discuss:What happens in book six?What should be noted in the duel between Glaucus and Diomedes?What may be noted in Helen's lament to Prince Hector?What lesson does Homer provide by Hector returning to Troy?Is Homer presenting Hector as a virtuous character?Book SixHector Returns to TroyAlways be the best, my boy, the bravest, and hold your head up high above the others. N...
2024-02-061h 28Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 5 | Diomedes Fights the GodsDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Grayson Quay. Grayson Quay Grayson Quay is a writer and News and Opinion Editor for the Daily Caller. He earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019.Book FiveDiomedes Fights the GodsNow take heart, Diomedes, fight it out with the Trojans!Deep in your chest I’ve put your father’s strength.Athena (5.137)30. What happens in book five of the Iliad? Athena grants Diomedes, an Achaean, power to fight the Trojans (5.01) and convinces Ares, who h...
2024-01-301h 53Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 4 | The Truce Erupts in WarDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 4 of the Iliad - The Truce Erupts in WarBook FourThe Truce Erupts in WarThe Iliad is a poem that lives and moves and has its being in war. Bernard Knox26. What happens in the fourth book of the Iliad?Zeus taunts Hera with possibly supporting the truce and ending the war (4.17). Amongst the bickering, Zeus reveals that he esteems Troy (Ilium) more than any other city, and its destruction is given to Hera by Zeus of h...
2024-01-2341 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 3 | Helen Reviews the ChampionsDeacon Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Karl Schudt to Ascend to discuss Book 3 of the Iliad - Helen Reviews the ChampionsIn this episode Dcn. Garlick and Dr. Karl Schudt will discuss:What happens in the third book of the Iliad?What is the story of Helen and Paris?What are Trojan politics concerning Helen and Paris?What is guest-friendship?What else should be noted in book 3?Book ThreeHelen Reviews the ChampionsParis’ spirit shook, backing into his friendly ranks he cringed from death…dreading Atrides—magnificent, brave Paris...
2024-01-161h 55Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 2 | The Great Gathering of ArmiesDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan take a slow read of Book 2 of The Iliad. Adam is not sure about this book, but by the end of the discussion, Deacon Garlick has talked Adam off the ledge.Book TwoThe Great Gathering of ArmiesThe rage of kings is strong—they’re nursed by the gods, their honor comes from Zeus—they’re dear to Zeus, the god who rules the world.Odysseus (2.226)14. What happens in the second book of the Ilia...
2024-01-091h 06Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIliad: Book 1 | The Rage of AchillesDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan jump into The Iliad Book 1.Commentary on the textBook OneThe Rage of Achilles[1]Rage—Goddess, sing of Peleus’ son Achilles. Iliad (1.1) 6. What happens in the first half of book one?The rage of Achilles is both the theme of book one and of the Iliad as a whole. Achilles is the son of Peleus, King of Phthia, a legendary city-state in ancient Greece. Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae and leader of the federation of ancient Greek tribes that have come...
2024-01-021h 24Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIntroduction to HomerDeacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan answer the question, "Who is Homer?"We announce a year with Homer! Who is Homer? Was he a real person? Did he write the Iliad and the Odyssey?1. Who was Homer?The city of Troy is said to have fallen in 1184 B.C.[1] Such a date would place it just prior to ancient Israel’s foray into a monarchy under King Saul and the subsequent zenith of the reign of King David at 1000 B.C. Troy was a well-fortified Greek city-state[2] or polis situated on the west coast of a...
2024-01-0142 minAscend - The Great Books PodcastHow to Read the Great Books WellDr. Richard Meloche, Dr. Aaron Henderson, Dcn. Harrison Garlick, and Adam Minihan ask the question, "Why read the Great Books and how do you read them well?"In this episode, they discuss:What are the Great Books?Why should we read the Great Books?How reading the Great Books helps form the person.How reading the Great Books will help form the cultureHere is a copy of the text read at the beginning of the episode:Avoiding the Unreal: How to Read the Great Books Well...
2023-12-311h 29Ascend - The Great Books PodcastIntroduction to Ascend: The Great Books PodcastWho are we and why did we start this podcast?In this episode Adam and Deacon Garlick discuss:Who is Adam Minihan and Deacon Harrison Garlick?Why did we start this project?What should the listener expect?Announcing a YEAR WITH HOMER!We are all disciples of someone.Many are disciples of Nietzsche or of Locke without ever having read them. *This is why we read the great books.*We read to know the origin of ideas and to take ownership of our own intellect.To...
2023-12-2623 min