Shows
The Classical MindThe 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 c...2025-03-181h 14
The Classical MindLove in the Ruins by Walker Percy with Jesse HakeIn 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...2025-03-041h 14
The Classical MindThe Castle of OtrantoIn 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 mast...2025-01-281h 03
The Classical MindThe Communist ManifestoJoin 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 econ...2024-12-211h 20
The Classical MindPhaedo with Dr. John Mark ReynoldsJoin 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...2024-11-121h 14
The Classical MindGo Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika PratherIn 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 clas...2024-10-2849 min
The Classical MindThus Spake Zarathustra by Friedrich NietzscheJoin 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 be...2024-09-301h 06
The Classical MindThe Classical Mind Season 3 DraftJoin Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Classical Mind as they draft the reading list for Season 3! In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the themes they plan to explore, debate the merits of various texts, and reveal the final selections that will shape the next season of the podcast. Get a sneak peek into the minds of your hosts as they share their insights and passion for classical literature. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2024-09-0310 min
The Classical MindIntention by G.E.M. AnscombeJoin us on the Classical Mind podcast as we embark on an intellectual journey into the heart of G.E.M. Anscombe's groundbreaking work, "Intention." Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker engage in a stimulating conversation, unraveling the complexities of Anscombe's philosophical insights. In this episode, they delve into the essence of intentionality, exploring its implications for human action, free will, and moral responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or simply curious about the nature of human intention, this episode offers a rich and enlightening discussion. Tune in to the Classical Mind podcast and expand your understanding of...2024-08-191h 03
The Classical MindConfessions by Saint AugustineDelve into the depths of Saint Augustine's Confessions on the Classical Mind podcast. Explore themes of sin, redemption,and the journey towards spiritual enlightenment in this timeless autobiography. Discover how Augustine's personal struggles and philosophical inquiries continue to resonate with modern audiences.Endnotes:* Junius: Tractates on the Gospel of John by Saint Augustine* Wesley: * “Something More (Augustine’s Confession)” by Switchfoot* “The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West” by Krister Stendahl* Bonus: Lady Bird (2017)Thank you for listening to The Classical Mind. Please con...2024-06-181h 22
The Classical MindThe Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter ScottDelve into the enchanting world of Sir Walter Scott's "The Lady of the Lake" on the Classical Mind podcast. Explore the epic poem's historical context, its influence on Romanticism, and the enduring appeal of its characters and themes. Join us as we analyze the timeless story of love, rivalry, and magic set amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Perfect for literature lovers, history buffs, and anyone captivated by the allure of folklore and legend. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2024-05-2152 min
The Classical MindEmma by Jane AustenExplore the timeless charm of Jane Austen's beloved comedy of manners Emma (1815) in this episode of the Classical Mind podcast. Delve into the intricate web of social dynamics, witty dialogue, and romantic entanglements as our hosts dissect the nuances of this literary masterpiece. From Emma Woodhouse's matchmaking escapades to the complexities of love and society in Regency England, join us for a thought-provoking discussion that offers fresh insights into Austen's enduring classic. Whether you're a devoted Austen aficionado or a newcomer to her world, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of Emma in a way that...2024-04-161h 07
The Classical MindThe Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus by Christopher MarloweDive into the depths of ambition and despair with Classical Mind Podcast as hosts Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker unravel the timeless tale of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Explore the haunting pact Faustus makes with the devil, as we delve into the intricate web of ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of forbidden desires. Don't miss this captivating journey through one of literature's most profound works! End Notes: -Bedazzled (2000) -Beethoven's Last Night by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra -A Dialogue Between the Soul and Reason by Hugh of Saint Victor-Dare We Hope...2024-03-051h 21
The Classical MindMonsters in Literature with Kristen RuddOn this special bonus episode, Fr. Wesley sits down with Kristen Rudd to discuss monsters in literature. Kristen will be teaching a class this summer for adults on the topic. You can find out more at her website: https://kristenrudd.comKristen is a writer and literature teacher who teaches her own classes online, and serves as an adjunct professor for Thales College. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Classical Education through the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University where she wrote her thesis on Dante’s Divine Comedy. She is also the founder of...2024-02-2640 min
The Classical MindJulius Caesar by William Shakespeare“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar.”On this episode, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker sit down with Heidi White to talk about Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Why does Caesar appear so little in a play in which he is the titular character? How should we think about the actions of Brutus and his co-conspirators? What lessons about friendship can we learn from this work...2024-02-191h 17
The Classical MindThe Nicomachean Ethics by AristotleJoin Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker as they discuss Artistotle's famous treatise on virtue: The Nicomachean Ethics. How can we be happy? What is virtue and how do we acquire it? Why do friends matter? Listen to find out! Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2024-01-161h 17
The Classical MindTroilus and CriseydeTroilus and Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer is the tale of love gained and love lost. Heavily impacted by the chivalric codes, is this a story about a frivolous affair or is something else going on? Dive into this work with Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker on this episode of The Classical Mind!FYI: there are a few places where the audio might sound a tad choppy. This will be fixed in future episodes. The Classical Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free...2023-12-0553 min
The Classical MindThe Social Contract by Jean-Jacques RousseauWhat are human beings like outside of the constraints of social conventions? How do we work out the tension between state sovereignty and individual freedom? What place does religion have in society? , Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker discuss these questions and more as they delve into Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s monumental work of political philosophy, The Social Contract. Rousseau was a fascinating character whose work influenced generations of thinkers after him. Endnotes: Wesley and Junius co-offer this lecture by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, “Faith on Modern Areopagus” in which he discusses some of the positi...2023-11-141h 10
The Classical MindEuthyphroIn this episode, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker explore the philosophical questions surrounding the nature of piety, ethics, and the divine. Join us for an enlightening discussion that delves deep into this timeless work of ancient philosophy.End Notes: * God Matters by Herbert McCabe* St. Anselm* “With or Without You” by U2 Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-10-031h 00
The Classical MindOedipus Rex and PoeticsOn today's episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the timeless world of Greek tragedy! They explore the profound themes and dramatic elements of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Aristotle's Poetics. Gain insights into the complexities of fate, tragedy, and catharsis in these classical works. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or a student of ancient philosophy, this discussion promises to deepen your understanding of these literary masterpieces. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the classical mind. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-09-051h 11
The Classical MindThe Brothers KaramazovOn this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Brothers Karamazov. Endnotes* Junius: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky* Wesley: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-08-081h 16
The Classical MindSeason 2 DraftOn today’s special episode, Junius and Wesley select the books that will make up our reading list in season 2. One of the reasons to support us for $5 is that you can access the video of the draft which came out a few weeks ago.Thank you to all of you who support us, financially or otherwise. We appreciate you! Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-08-0114 min
The Classical MindThe IliadToday we discuss The Iliad by Homer. End Notes: -Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days-Statius, Thebaid-The Blues of Achilles by Joe Goodkin Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-07-111h 04
The Classical MindRobinson Crusoe with Dr. Karen Swallow PriorIn today's episode, Fr. Wesley Walker sits down to discuss Robinson Crusoe with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior. Dr. Prior's forthcoming book is The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis. It comes out on August 8. You can find more of her work at her website: https://karenswallowprior.com. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-06-0644 min
The Classical MindUtilitarianism by J.S. MillToday, we’re discussing Utilitarianism by J.S. Mill. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which emphasizes the maximizing of pleasure and the minimizing of pain. End Notes:The Dark KnightEnder’s GameRailton: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2265273 Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-05-051h 05
The Classical MindWise Blood by Flannery O'ConnorFlannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood is…something. A Catholic novel, a debut novel, a difficult and strange novel. Wesley and Jared discuss Wise Blood, the difficulty in reading about difficult characters, religion in O’Connor’s works, and much more. ‘Hazel Motes Is Not Black’: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26671329'Uncommon Grace: https://www.pbs.org/video/uncommon-grace-the-life-of-flannery-oconnor-yv87qa/ Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-04-111h 11
The Classical MindMacbethIn this episode, we discuss Macbeth, a work of Shakespeare’s that Jared had never read. Topic include: political propaganda, the problem of evil characters, Wicked and Darth Vader, the Great Conversation, and the Book of Job. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-03-141h 02
The Classical MindBeowulfJared and Wesley discuss Beowulf, and Jared is eventually converted.Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.comYou can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-02-141h 06
The Classical MindThe Consolation of Philosophy by BoethiusIn this episode, Wesley and Jared discuss Boethius’ ‘Consolation of Philosophy.’ Topics include parallels between this work and the Book of Job, the nature of Fortune and happiness, and the importance of remembering who you are. Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2023-01-0354 min
The Classical MindThe Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass with Dr. Anika PratherThis month, Wesley is joined by Dr. Anika Prather to discuss the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. They discuss the relevance of the classics to Douglass and to other Black Americans, the ways in which evil dehumanizes both victim and victimizer, and more. More about Anika Prather: https://drprather.com/→ Support us on Substack For $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com → Read along with us! We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to r...2022-12-061h 19
The Classical Mind'The Intellectual Life' by A.G. SertillangesHow can you be an intellectual? What are the habits and virtues you would need to cultivate? What's the point of intellectual activity? Do you need to be in the academy? These are the sorts of questions that A.G. Sertillanges tries to answer in his book 'The Intellectual Life.' Join us for our discussion. Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.com You can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack. End NotesKyle: 'The Sociological Imagination’ by C...2022-11-011h 07
The Classical MindThe Apology by PlatoPlato is one of the towering figures in the world of philosophy. Alfred North Whitehead infamously called all of Western philosophy a series of footnotes to Plato. In this episode, we discuss Plato’s Apology. This dialogue is a great introduction to reading Plato. For one, it is much shorter than texts like Republic. It is also dialectically straightforward — since most of the text is a monologue from Socrates, it can be easier to grasp the structure of the arguments. And finally, it is emotionally engaging in a way that some of Plato’s other dialogues are not. → Su...2022-10-041h 03
The Classical MindWhat is the Canon?→ Support us on SubstackFor $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com→ Read along with us! We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to read these great books.→ End NotesEvery month, we each recommend a book or other piece of media. Wesley: Rescuing Socrates by Roosevelt MontasJared: Savage Gods by Paul Kingsnorth → Contact and Social MediaTwitter: @mindclassicalTik...2022-09-0643 min
The Classical MindIntroducing The Classical MindIf you want to join us on this journey, find us on Substack (theclassicalmind.com) or wherever you get podcasts.Season 1 Reading ListTwitter: @mindclassical Get full access to The Classical Mind at www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe2022-08-1301 min