Podcast
Ascend - The Great Books Podcast
Hosted by Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan · EN
Welcome to Ascend!
We are a weekly Great Books podcast hosted by Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan.
What are the Great Books?
The Great Books are the most impactful texts that have shaped Western civilization. They include ancients like Homer, Plato, St. Augustine, Dante, and St. Thomas Aquinas, and also moderns like Machiavelli, Locke, and Nietzsche. We will explore the Great Books with the light of the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Why should we read the Great Books?
Everyone is a disciple of someone. A person may have never read Locke or Nietzsche, but he or she thinks like them. Reading the Great Books allows us to reclaim our intellect and understand the origin of the ideas that shape our world. We enter a "great conversation" amongst the most learned, intelligent humans in history and benefit from their insights.
Is this for first-time readers?
YES. Our goal is to host meaningful conversations on the Great Books by working through the texts in chronological order in a slow, attentive manner. Our host Adam Minihan is a first-time reader of Homer. We will start shallow and go deep. All are invited to join.
Will any resources be available?
YES. We are providing a free 115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad written by Deacon Harrison Garlick in addition to our weekly conversations. It will be available on the website (launching next week).
Go pick up a copy of the Iliad!
We look forward to reading Homer with you in 2024.
81episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski
2d ago01:49:35Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick discusses Books 11-12 of the Odyssey with Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Luke Heintschel, the Academic Headmaster of Coeur du Christ Academy.Check out Ascend's LIBRARY of written guides and SOCIAL MEDIA. Check out Luke's Substack at CoCrucified and Dr. Grabowski's at Porch & Altar.SummaryListeners are taken on Odysseus’ harrowing katabasis into the underworld, where he confronts shades of the dead, including his mother, the tragic Agamemnon, and especially Achilles, whose devastating reflection on glory versus life delivers one of the most “blood on the floor” moments in Western literature. The conversation masterfully unpacks themes of piety, humanization, fate and free will, and the meaning of a well-lived life, while drawing illuminating connections to Plato, Dante, Boethius, and the Christian tradition.The discussion continues into Book 12 with the irresistible Sirens, the terror of Scylla and Charybdis, and the fateful transgression with the Cattle of the Sun. Throughout, the guests offer sharp insight into Odysseus’s evolving character, the tensions between cunning and virtue, and why these ancient stories remain essential for forming minds today. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Homer or new to the Great Books, this episode delivers rich intellectual conversation, pedagogical wisdom, and profound reflections that will leave you eager to pick up the text—or re-read it with fresh eyes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast06:01 Exploring the Odyssey: Books 11 and 1212:54 The Theme of Descent into the Underworld16:57 Elpenor's Ignoble Death and Its Significance23:42 Tiresias and the Prophecies for Odysseus31:43 Fate vs. Free Will in the Odyssey38:29 The Role of Women in the Odyssey43:24 The Significance of Penelope in the Odyssey45:48 Odysseus' Emotional Journey and Family Dynamics53:13 Agamemnon's Narrative and the Role of Women58:32 Achilles' Regret and the Nature of Glory01:09:41 Ajax's Silence and the Weight of Honor01:17:53 Exploring the Underworld: Tantalus and Heracles01:20:34 Odysseus's Descent: Fear and Fate in Hades01:21:38 Homer's Philosophical Insights: Preparing for Christ01:22:29 Homer as a Teacher and Philosopher01:24:15 The Sirens: Temptation and Knowledge01:33:46 Scylla and Charybdis: Leadership and Sacrifice01:39:31 The Cattle of the Sun: Fate and Free Will01:46:04 Odysseus's Reflection: Mortality and LeadershipKeywordsHomer Odyssey Books 11 and 12, Odyssey Book 11 summary and analysis, Odyssey Book 12 summary, Odysseus katabasis underworld descent, Achilles in Hades dialogue, Odysseus meets Achilles, Sirens episode Odyssey, Scylla and Charybdis, Cattle of the Sun God, Tiresias prophecy, Elpenor burial, Odysseus piety and character development, fate versus free will in Homer, classical education podcast, Great Books discussion Homer, Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick Odyssey, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Luke Heintschel Court of Christ Academy, Homer philosophy and theology, katabasis tradition Plato Dante, Christian reading of the Odyssey, Odysseus hero journey analysis.
SummaryThe Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer
1w ago02:03:42Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and the Dr. Gregory McBrayer discuss Books 9-10 of the Odyssey--the first half of Odysseus telling his own story and covering such famous narratives as the lotus eaters, the cyclops, and Circe. Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey--great for small groups!Follow us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and more!SummaryBooks 9 and 10 of the Odyssey feature Odysseus revealing his identity to the Phaeacians and recounting his adventures after Troy. The episodes include the raid on Ismarus, the encounter with the Lotus Eaters (whom Odysseus forcibly removes to prevent them from forgetting home), the harrowing trap in Polyphemus the Cyclops's cave (where Odysseus uses the "Nobody" ruse, wine, and an olive-wood stake to blind the giant before taunting him and invoking Poseidon's curse), the visit to Aeolus (whose bag of winds is opened by the crew, blowing them off course), the cannibalistic Laestrygonians (who destroy the fleet except Odysseus's ship), and the stay with the goddess Circe (who transforms his men into pigs, but is countered by Hermes' moly herb, leading to a year of feasting and Odysseus bedding her under divine instruction before she directs him to the underworld).The hosts explore deeper philosophical and moral themes, viewing these stories as Odysseus's moral and theoretical education. They discuss xenia (guest-friendship) and its perversions, the tension between Odysseus's cunning intellect and his men's appetites or spiritedness, leadership failures, and Homer's intentional dialectic presenting human nature. Particular attention is given to Odysseus's curiosity, pride, and evolving understanding of place, home, mortality, and nature (highlighted in the moly scene as a discovery of physis). The conversation frames Circe as a structural pivot, contrasting earlier moral tales with later intellectual ones, and portrays Odysseus as a complex, self-serving yet learning figure whose narrative may blend truth and rhetoric tailored to his audience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books07:42 Professional Updates and New Opportunities09:37 Teaching Homer: Insights and Anecdotes10:58 Homer as a Philosopher: Dialectics in the Text14:08 Odysseus: The Complicated Hero15:47 Odysseus' Journey: Learning and Growth17:54 The Role of Storytelling in the Odyssey23:05 The Importance of Place and Homecoming28:08 Odysseus and His Men: Leadership Dynamics35:47 The Lotus Eaters: Virtue and Temptation40:31 The Nature of Happiness and the Soul's Journey44:04 Odysseus and the Cyclops: A Political Critique54:20 Guest Friendship and Ethical Dilemmas01:05:01 Rhetoric and the Limits of Persuasion01:09:21 Understanding Polyphemus: The Nature of Deception01:11:20 Odysseus's Internal Monologue: The Role of Wisdom01:12:46 The Cyclops's Overconfidence: A Fatal Flaw01:13:49 The Role of Wine: A Tool for Manipulation01:14:58 Guest Friendship: A Perverse Parody01:16:36 The Blinding of Polyphemus: A Turning Point01:17:47 Community Response: The Cyclops's Isolation01:18:41 The Consequences of Pride: Odysseus Reveals His Name01:20:51 The Significance of 'Nobody': Identity and Cunning01:23:24 The Escape Plan: Cleverness in Adversity01:24:05 The Curse of Polyphemus: A Divine Retribution01:26:42 The Cycle of Violence: Guest Friendship Violated01:27:34 The Structure of the Odyssey: Peaks and Valleys01:29:09 The Role of Agency: Human Choices vs. Divine Will01:29:38 The Heartbreak of Aeolus: Trust Broken01:33:56 The Lystra-agonian Encounter: A Leadership Crisis01:36:31 Odysseus's Leadership and Responsibility01:39:50 The Enigmatic Circe: Goddess and Witch01:45:13 Odysseus's Encounter with Circe: A Test of Will01:50:59 The Nature of Eros and Odysseus's Choices01:56:56 The Philosophical Journey: Nature and Mortality02:01:51 The Path to the Underworld: Elpenor's FateKeywordsKey keywords for this episode include Odyssey Book 9, Odyssey Book 10, Odysseus Cyclops, Polyphemus, Circe Odyssey, Homer Odyssey summary, Odysseus adventures, Lotus Eaters, Aeolus bag of winds, Laestrygonians, Odysseus and Circe, Nobody Odysseus, Xenia guest friendship, Homer philosophy, Odysseus leadership, Odysseus moral education, Summary of Odyssey Books 9 and 10, Odysseus vs Polyphemus, Circe turns men into pigs, Philosophical themes in The Odyssey, Homer Odyssey Cyclops episode, Odysseus journey home, Guest friendship in The Odyssey, Ascend Great Books Podcast, Harrison Garlick Odyssey, and Gregory McBrayer Homer.
SummaryThe Odyssey Books 6-8 with Dr. Frank Grabowski
2w ago01:48:47Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski discussing Books 6-8 of the Odyssey discussing Odysseus' time with the Phaeacians.Check our our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey.10 Reasons to Read the Odyssey (The Ascent)Why Odysseus Refused to Become a God (The Ascent)Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey and the Phaeacians10:45 The Nature of the Phaeacians16:38 The Role of Rhetoric in Nausicaa's Character22:41 Cultural Norms and Guest Friendship28:23 Marriage Motifs and Political Wisdom34:09 Nausicaa as a Symbol of Virtue43:06 Odysseus and the Gods: A Growing Understanding48:53 The Unique Role of Women in Homeric Epics52:02 The Complexity of Guest Friendship57:25 Divine Intervention: The Role of the Gods01:02:24 Marriage Proposals: Naivety or Strategy?01:04:53 Cultural Embarrassment: Odysseus's Maturity01:08:52 Exploring the Human Side of Heroes01:09:55 The Complexity of Virtue in Homer01:10:50 Beauty and Political Instability01:11:35 Marriage Proposals and Hidden Identities01:11:58 Odysseus' Response to Offers of Hospitality01:13:35 Cultural Insights from the Phaeacians01:15:08 The Nature of Athleticism and War Games01:16:44 The Role of the Bard in Storytelling01:18:32 Odysseus' Emotional Depth and Vulnerability01:19:44 Guest Friendship and Reciprocity01:21:38 Odysseus' Identity and the Stakes of Revelation01:24:07 The Bard's Song and Its Implications01:25:59 Craft vs. Strength: Lessons for Odysseus01:30:09 Adultery and Its Consequences in Homeric Society01:31:15 The Warning Embedded in the Bard's Tale01:34:10 Nausicaa's Role and the Theme of Marriage01:37:04 Odysseus Weeping: A Complex Hero01:40:45 The Final Ask: Identity and Storytelling01:42:13 Prophecies and Their Consequences01:45:10 Narrative Structure and the Art of StorytellingBook 6 SummaryOdysseus washes ashore on the island of the Phaeacians. Athena appears to Princess Nausicaa in a dream and inspires her to go wash clothes at the river with her handmaids. Odysseus awakens, naked and brine-covered, and approaches the princess cautiously. He flatters her with rhetorical skill (comparing her to Artemis), requests aid without grasping her knees, and bathes privately. Nausicaa, showing courage, wit, and political savvy, provides him clothes, food, and careful instructions on how to approach the palace and supplicate her mother, Queen Arete, while avoiding gossip. The book ends with Odysseus praying to Athena in a sacred grove.Book 7 SummaryGuided invisibly by Athena, Odysseus enters the splendid, utopian palace of King Alcinous and Queen Arete. He supplicates the queen as instructed, pleading for passage home. The court is initially stunned into silence until an elder prompts hospitality. Odysseus is bathed, feasted, and given a seat of honor. Queen Arete recognizes her daughter’s clothing and questions him; he recounts his arrival but omits some divine help. King Alcinous offers generous hospitality, promises to convey him home, and even subtly proposes marriage to Nausicaa (which Odysseus sidesteps). The Phaeacians are portrayed as peaceful, technologically advanced, and god-kin, living in an Edenic setting.Book 8 SummaryThe next day features athletic games, feasting, and bardic performance. A young Phaeacian (Broadsea) taunts Odysseus, prompting him to compete and win the discus throw, demonstrating his prowess. The bard Demodocus sings of the Trojan War (stirring Odysseus to tears) and the comic adultery of Ares and Aphrodite (trapped by Hephaestus’s craft), which Odysseus enjoys. More gifts and dancing follow. Nausicaa bids Odysseus a quiet, flirtatious farewell. Alcinous finally asks his name, setting up the hero’s full tale in the next books. The episode underscores themes of hospitality, craft over brute strength, and Odysseus’s emotional vulnerability.Check out our 2024 playlist on the Odyssey too!KeywordsOdyssey Books 6-8 summary, Odyssey Books 6-8 analysis, Nausicaa and Odysseus, Phaeacians Homer, King Alcinous Queen Arete, Nausicaa beach scene, Odysseus Nausicaa temptation, guest friendship xenia Odyssey, Phaeacian utopia, Homer Odyssey podcast, Ascend Great Books Odyssey, Odysseus Nausicaa rhetorical exchange, Hephaestus Aphrodite song Odyssey, Odysseus weeping simile, Odysseus Alcinous marriage proposal, Phaeacian ships technology, Calypso vs Nausicaa, Odyssey Book 8 games bard, Odysseus craft over strength, Deacon Harrison Garlick Odyssey, Frank Grabowski Odyssey, Porch and Altar Substack.
SummaryThe Odyssey Book 5 with Dr. Glenn Arbery and Dr. Frank Grabowski
3w ago01:48:18Summary readyOdysseus rejects becoming a god... why?Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Glenn Arbery of Wyoming Catholic College and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School to discuss BOOK FIVE of the Odyssey--arguably one of the important passages in the entire Odyssey and in the Western canon.Check out Ascend on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Patreon.Check out our written study guide to the Odyssey!Odysseus is offered everything a man could desire: immortality, endless pleasure, and the love of the goddess Calypso on her enchanted island. Yet he refuses, choosing instead the path of suffering, homecoming, and humanity. The conversation unpacks why Odysseus weeps on the shore despite his Edenic surroundings, the deeper meaning of his refusal, and the timeless question Homer poses to every listener: Would you say no to immortal pleasure?The scholars dive into rich themes—Odysseus’s interior dialogue with his own thumos (spirit), the contrast between Calypso’s cave and rocky Ithaca, the subtle work of the gods and fate, and striking antecedents to Platonic psychology.With insightful close readings, connections to the Iliad, and reflections on identity, place, and human flourishing, this discussion transforms a single book into a meditation on what truly makes life worth living. Whether you’re new to Homer or revisiting the epic, this episode will leave you eager for more. Highly recommended for anyone who loves great books, philosophy, or wrestling with life’s biggest questions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books04:13 Exploring the Odyssey: Book Five09:41 Athena's Plea and Zeus's Response23:53 Odysseus on Calypso's Island: A Study of Contrast34:43 The Choice of Immortality: Odysseus's Dilemma39:32 The Identity of Odysseus: Suffering and Immortality41:02 The Nature of Human Desire and Fulfillment42:56 The Dilemma of Odysseus: Choices and Consequences45:14 The Complexity of Fidelity: Odysseus and the Goddesses48:09 Homer's Moral Landscape: Understanding Odysseus51:14 The Role of Place in Identity and Homecoming54:05 The Symbolism of Clothing: Calypso vs. Nausicaa01:09:40 The Wrath of Poseidon: Odysseus's Struggles at Sea01:13:35 The Inner Dialogue of Odysseus: Heart and Mind01:17:23 The Weight of Time and Suffering01:20:04 The Complexity of Divine Intervention01:22:21 Agency and Internal Dialogue01:25:20 Mortality and Immortality: The Role of Women01:29:10 Navigating Divine Guidance01:31:20 The Human Experience and Divine Learning01:33:56 The Journey to the Shore: A Symbol of Rebirth01:40:05 The Significance of the Olive Tree01:43:41 The Transformation of OdysseusKeywords: Odyssey Book 5, Book Five of the Odyssey, Odysseus Calypso, Odysseus refuses immortality, Homer Odyssey Book 5, Calypso's island, why does Odysseus refuse immortality, Odysseus choice Calypso, Homer Odyssey analysis, Ascend the Great Books, Odysseus thumos, Platonic soul Homer, Odysseus homecoming, fate Zeus Odyssey, Odysseus rebirth, Calypso pleasure island, great books podcast OdysseyBe sure to check out our Odyssey episodes from 2024 too!
SummaryThe Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Frank Grabowski
May 501:53:52Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski discuss the famous "Telemachy" or the coming of age story of Telemachus, Books 2-4 of the Odyssey.Check us our on X, Instagram, Facebook, and more!Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey.In this rich second episode of our 12-week Odyssey series, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski dive deep into Books 2–4 — the Telemachy — exploring Telemachus’s powerful coming-of-age journey from a fatherless, disordered Ithaca to the ordered poleis of Pylos and Sparta.They unpack how Homer paints a vivid picture of political decay: twenty years without an assembly, a missing generation of men, and suitors devouring the household while logos itself loses its force. Yet as Telemachus steps into his father’s seat and sets sail under Athena’s guidance (disguised as Mentor), we witness not only his maturation but a masterclass in what makes a healthy polis. The conversation shines especially when they examine the suitors’ impiety, the beautiful practice of guest-friendship (xenia), and the threefold piety it reveals — toward the gods, the city, and the family.From Nestor’s sacrifices and storytelling to Menelaus and Helen’s double wedding feast, the episode is packed with insight, humor, and timely wisdom. Whether you’re reading the Great Books for the first time or returning to Homer with fresh eyes, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the political, moral, and spiritual layers of the Odyssey.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study06:18 Telemachus' Journey and Athena's Role08:01 Political Instability in Ithaca09:38 The Assembly and Telemachus' Leadership15:48 Penelope's Dilemma and Guest Friendship17:47 Xenia: The Importance of Hospitality24:16 The Omen and the Suitors' Fate30:37 Justice and the Role of the Gods32:11 Mentorship and Guidance in Telemachus' Growth39:45 Telemachus' Transformation and Epithet Significance44:15 The Evolution of Characters in Homer45:01 Telemachus' Journey to Maturity47:42 The Role of Divine Guidance48:38 Sacrifices and Natural Religion52:56 Pylos: A Model of a Healthy Society54:44 The Power of Prayer and Rhetoric59:15 The Tragedy of War and Its Heroes01:03:58 The Consequences of Choices in War01:10:57 The Role of the Bard in Society01:14:46 Foreshadowing and Sacrifice in the Odyssey01:19:34 The Double Wedding Feast and Hospitality01:22:08 Piety, Gratitude, and Debt01:25:46 Reflections on War and Loss01:28:12 Helen's Duality and the Nature of Free Will01:29:10 Temptation and the Role of Wisdom01:39:07 Menelaus' Journey and Wrestling with Fate01:45:00 The Return to Ithaca and the Threat to TelemachusHere are more videos from our 2024 study!Book 2 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas LackeyBook 3 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas LackeyBook 4 of the Odyssey with Adam Minihan and Fr. Bonaventure, OP.
SummaryThe Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Grabowski
Apr 2801:33:58Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos of Wyoming Catholic College and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School to discuss BOOK ONE of the Odyssey--one of the greatest texts in the Western canon.Check out our NEW 12-WEEK STUDY OF THE ODYSSEY.Follow Ascend on X, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and more!Be sure to use our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Odyssey!They explore why the epic opens with “man” (not rage, not a god), the meaning of polytropos (“man of twists and turns”), Telemachus’s urgent coming-of-age amid an absent father and predatory suitors, Athena’s masterful mentoring, and Zeus’ striking defense of human responsibility. Along the way they illuminate Homer’s sophisticated anthropology, the poetic dialectic of Homer the philosopher, the haunting parallels with the House of Atreus, and why this ancient poem still speaks so powerfully to questions of masculinity, homecoming, virtue, and human greatness today. Witty, learned, and full of “blood on the floor” interpretive energy, this conversation will leave you hungry for the next eleven weeks—and convinced that Homer is one of the greatest teachers you’ll ever encounter.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast03:39 The NEW Odyssey: A 12-Week Study09:29 The Importance of Reading Homer17:01 Exploring the Opening Lines of the Odyssey30:14 The Man of Twists and Turns: Understanding Odysseus35:28 Exploring Odysseus: The Complexity of a Hero39:26 Justice and Fate: The Role of Aegisthus42:28 Divine Intervention: Zeus and Human Responsibility55:30 The Journey Home: Odysseus and Telemachus01:03:12 Coming of Age: Telemachus's Transformation01:05:37 Exploring Penelope's Role01:11:44 Telemachus' Journey to Manhood01:24:56 Reflections on the OdysseyMore ResourcesIntro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen (2024)The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey (2024)Do Christians Owe a Debt to Homer? The Ascent.Understanding Homer as a Philosopher & Theologian. The Ascent.KeywordsOdyssey, Homer, Greek Literature, Great Books, Philosophy, Mythology, Education, Homer's Teachings, Classical Studies, Odyssey Analysis Odyssey, Homer, fate, divine justice, Odysseus, Telemachus, Greek mythology, divine intervention, hero's journey, philosophy
SummaryIntro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen and Dr. Chad Pecknold (2024)
Apr 2101:06:18Summary readyFor the first time since 2023, Ascend is reposting an episode--our introduction to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen (6.25.2024) in anticipation of our NEW 12-WEEK STUDY of the Odyssey starting next week!We start BOOK ONE OF THE ODYSSEY next week!Check us out on X, Facebook, Instagram, and more!In this special introduction to Homer’s Odyssey, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by three distinguished guests: Dr. Patrick Deneen (Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame and author of Why Liberalism Failed), Dr. Chad Pecknold (Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at The Catholic University of America), and Dr. Richard Meloche (then President of the Alcuin Institute for Catholic Culture).The conversation explores why the Great Books matter, why Homer’s Odyssey remains foundational to Western thought and theological formation, and key introductory themes in the epic (with a few light spoilers). Topics include the dynamic nature of the canon, Odysseus’s journey home as a meditation on human nature (neither beast nor god), the tension between fate and choice, temptations of forgetfulness or false immortality, and how a Catholic lens reveals anticipations of Christian truths like restlessness for our true home. The guests share personal stories of how they encountered the Great Books and reflect on the role of narrative in education and spiritual formation.It’s a rich, accessible discussion that sets the stage for deeper dives into the Odyssey while connecting ancient pagan wisdom to Christian theology.In this episode the panel discusses: • The importance of the Great Books canon and why it remains vital • Personal journeys into the classics (and how providence often leads us there) • Key themes in the Odyssey: homecoming, beast-like forgetfulness vs. god-like immortality, fate and free choice, father-son relationships, and Odysseus’s very human flaws • Reading pagan texts through a Catholic lens—seeing anticipations of Christian truth (restlessness for the City of God, the need for virtue and community) • The role of great stories in theological and liberal educationTimestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and guest introductions 08:15 – How each guest discovered the Great Books 22:40 – Why read Homer? The foundational role of the Odyssey 40:00 – Major themes and introductory overview of the Odyssey (light spoilers) 1:05:00 – Odysseus as neither beast nor god – the need for the city 1:25:30 – Theological reading of pagan literature 1:45:00 – The dynamic canon and reading with Christian eyes 2:05:00 – Final thoughts and what’s next for AscendJoin us as we read the Odyssey over the next 12 weeks!
SummaryThe Spiritual Harm of Lying
Apr 1400:35:49Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick explores one of the most striking features of Dante’s Inferno: why the poet places liars, flatterers, and the treacherous in the lowest circles of Hell — deeper than murderers, tyrants, suicides, and even blasphemers.Check out our new INSTAGRAM page!Visit THE ASCENT, our sister publication on Substack.We are reading the Odyssey over 12 weeks!Why does Dante rank fraud and treachery as worse sins than violence? What is the spiritual harm of lying? And how is lying profoundly anti-Christ?Deacon Garlick takes listeners on a deep but accessible journey through:The architecture and purpose of Dante’s InfernoThe nature of truth and the teleology (purpose) of speechWhy sins against the soul are worse than sins against the bodyThe corruption of the intellect as the worst perversion of human natureThe profound theology of Christ as the Logos — the divine ordering principle of all realityThis episode will challenge you to take lying far more seriously and to see how every lie moves both ourselves and others farther away from Jesus Christ, who declares “I am the Truth.”Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend The Great Books Podcast04:13 Exploring Dante's Inferno: The Spiritual Harm of Lying06:07 Understanding the Architecture of Hell15:05 The Nature of Truth and Speech20:26 The Consequences of Lying vs. Murder24:24 The Nature of Lying and Its Consequences30:52 Understanding Logos and Its SignificanceKey Topics DiscussedDante’s moral purpose in writing the Divine ComedyThe structure of Hell: sins of incontinence vs. sins of maliceUpper Hell vs. Lower Hell and the City of DisWhy flattery appears lower in Hell than murderSt. Thomas Aquinas on truth: “the conformity of the mind to reality”The purpose (telos) of speech: to convey truth and help others conform their minds to realityWhy lying is a perversion of speech and an attack on the intellectThe inverted hierarchy of the soul in HellChrist as the Logos (John 1) — the rational structure and ordering principle of all creationHow lying is an anti-Christ act that divorces the mind from reality and from Jesus HimselfThe spiritual danger of breeding greater errors through falsehoodNotable Quotes / Insights“Sins against the soul are always going to be more severe than sins against the body.”“The corruption of the best is the worst.”“Christ does not say ‘I have come to share a truth with you.’ He says, ‘I am the Truth.’”“Every lie moves people farther away from Jesus Christ because you are divorcing the mind from reality.”Keywords and phrases: spiritual harm of lying, Dante Inferno lying, is lying worse than murder, Dante Inferno flattery, why Dante puts liars in lower hell, spiritual harm of lying Dante, lying worse than violence, Christ as the Logos, logos theology lying, anti-Christ act of lying, Dante hell structure explained, truth and speech Catholic theology, why is lying worse than murder in Dante's Inferno, spiritual consequences of lying Catholic, Dante Inferno fraud vs violence, what is the spiritual harm of lying, lying as anti-Christ act, St Thomas Aquinas truth conformity of mind to reality, John 1 Logos and lying, Dante Inferno sins of malice, treachery in Dante's Inferno, flattery in Dante's hell, Dante Divine Comedy moral lesson, sins against the soul vs body, corruption of the intellect, teleology of speech, Catholic teaching on lying, Aquinas definition of truth, Inferno architecture explained.
SummaryDiscover the Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter
Apr 700:42:55Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick takes a popular article from The Ascent, a top 100 substack in faith and spirituality, and does a deep dive on CS Lewis, Dante, and the problem of evil (theodicy). Check out THE ASCENT - a top 100 Substack on Christianity spirituality.Check out "The Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter" Substack article.Check out the NEW Instagram page for Ascend.In this fascinating episode Deacon Garlick explores one of C.S. Lewis’s most striking images: the never-ending winter in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.Why is it “always winter but never Christmas”?Far more than a chilly backdrop, Lewis uses the endless cold as a powerful allegory for evil itself. Deacon connects Lewis’ imagery to Dante’s frozen pit at the bottom of Hell in the Inferno, revealing how both Christian master-teachers portray evil not as an opposite of the good, but as a cold, lifeless privation—an absence of heat, motion, and life.You’ll gain fresh insight into:- Why evil is best understood as a “hole in the ground” or darkness without light- How the White Witch’s power to turn creatures to stone mirrors the soul-freezing effect of sin- The beautiful contrast of Aslan’s warm, life-giving breath (echoing John's Pentecost and the forgiveness of sins)- The deeper Christian truth that goodness and being are convertible—evil pulls us toward unreality and non-existenceDeacon also shares why reading Narnia to children is such a gift: it trains young minds to love allegory, unlocks the four senses of Scripture, and cultivates a richer, more sacramental view of reality.Warm, thoughtful, and packed with spiritual wisdom, this episode will leave you with renewed appreciation for Lewis, Dante, and the profound way great stories reveal eternal truths.If you love C.S. Lewis, Dante, or want to understand the nature of evil more deeply, you won’t want to miss this one! Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction & What’s New on Ascend01:34 Welcome to Ascend: The Great Books Podcast03:45 The Ascent Substack & Sister Publication06:20 The Hidden Meaning of Narnia’s Endless Winter08:10 Background Story of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe11:30 Aslan as Christ Allegory & Benefits of Reading Narnia to Children15:45 The Four Senses of Scripture (Literal, Allegorical, Moral, Anagogical)20:10 Why Allegory Matters for Scripture and Reality23:50 What Is Evil? – Introducing the Problem of Evil (Theodicy)27:40 Evil as Privation of the Good (Augustine & Aquinas)32:15 Freedom, Free Will, and the Origin of Evil36:40 C.S. Lewis: Endless Winter as Allegory for Evil40:20 The White Witch’s Power & Aslan’s Life-Giving Breath44:10 Dante’s Inferno: The Frozen Pit of Hell48:30 God as Love That Moves the Sun and Stars52:00 Key Lessons: Evil, Being, and Goodness55:20 Recap & Closing Thoughts57:40 What’s Coming Next on AscendKeywords: C.S. Lewis, Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, endless winter Narnia, hidden meaning of Narnia, Narnia allegory, problem of evil, theodicy, Dante Inferno, frozen hell Dante, evil as privation, nature of evil, Aslan Christ allegory, White Witch, Christian allegory, four senses of Scripture, reading Narnia to children, great books podcast, Christian spirituality, privation of the good, evil and free will, Dante and Lewis, spiritual meaning of winter.
SummaryPurgatorio: Beatrice (Cantos 32-33) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski
Mar 3101:29:46Summary readyToday on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison discusses the last two cantos of the Purgatorio (32-33) with Joshua Charles of Eternal Christendom and Dr. Frank Grabowski of Holy Family Classical School. We are reading the ODYSSEY NEXT! Check out our 12-week schedule.See our collection of written guides to the great books!Check out Joshua Charles' Eternal Christendom.Check out Holy Family Classical School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.They explore the symbolic significance of Beatrice's role in guiding Dante through his spiritual journey, highlighting her as a representation of divine grace and wisdom. The conversation also touches on the allegorical elements of the sacred tree and the griffin, which symbolize Christ and the intertwining of spiritual and temporal authority.The episode further examines the complex allegories of spiritual and temporal power, focusing on themes of judgment, schism, and the corruption within the church. The guests discuss Dante's critique of ecclesiastical corruption, particularly involving figures like Boniface VIII and the Avignon Papacy, and how these historical contexts are woven into the narrative. The prophetic visions of church corruption, represented by the harlot and the coming hero, the Greyhound, are analyzed for their implications on Dante's vision of divine justice and societal renewal. The discussion is enriched with references to biblical texts, especially the Book of Revelation, which heavily influences Dante's imagery.Throughout the episode, the philosophical underpinnings of Dante's work are explored, with particular attention to the influences of Platonic, Augustinian, and Thomistic thought. The conversation transitions from the individual soul's purification journey to broader societal and political reflections, emphasizing the need for harmony between spiritual and temporal powers. The episode concludes with reflections on Dante's vision for renewal and hope, encouraging listeners to consider the allegories as guides for personal sanctification and societal transformation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast03:07 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio06:02 The Role of Beatrice and Grace08:50 Imagery and Symbolism in Canto 3212:06 The Pageant of Church History15:00 The Griffin and the Tree of Knowledge17:53 Temporal vs. Spiritual Authority20:45 The Significance of the Pageant23:57 Concluding Thoughts on Dante's Vision29:18 The Role of the Church in Governance30:01 Wealth and Temptation: The Weight of Luxury32:13 Temporal Authority vs. Spiritual Purpose34:26 The Emergence of the Dragon: Schism and Violence36:05 The Transformation of the Chariot: Corruption and Power38:47 The Harlot and the Giant: The Church's Grotesque Reality42:37 Dante's Perspective on the Papacy and Authority49:35 The Need for a Temporal Leader55:41 The Prophetic Vision of the Future01:00:21 The Purifying Power of Temporal Authority01:04:21 The Role of the Tree in Justice01:06:47 Understanding the Moral and Anagogical Senses01:10:46 The Discord Between Heaven and Earth01:16:42 The Significance of the Two Rivers01:22:40 Baptism and the Renewal of the SoulGood work on reading the Purgatorio!We have a few episodes from THE ASCENT up next and then we are reading the Odyssey.
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