Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
  • 4.9 (114)
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  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago

    The Odyssey Books 23-24 with Dr. Justin Jackson and Dr. Benedict Whalen

    Today, we end our 12-week study of the Odyssey with a discussion on Books 23-24 with Dr. Justin Jackson and Dr. Benedict Whalen of Hillsdale College alongside host, Dcn. Harrison Garlick. There is yelling, laughter, cursing, and general chaos--but more of Homer's truth is unearthed in the process. Check out our ONLINE LIBRARY for resources on the great books. Check out Dr. Justin Jackson's Substack working through the Bible. Check out Dr. Justin Whalen at Hillsdale College. The long-awaited homecoming unfolds with Odysseus and Penelope's emotional reunion, the famous test of the immovable olive-tree bed, and the climactic confrontation with the suitors' vengeful families. The conversation crackles with insight as the guests unpack Penelope's cunning, Odysseus' complex character, parallels to Achilles and Heracles, and the poem's meditation on fidelity, mortality, justice, and the costs of homecoming. Dr. Jackson brings contrarian fire—challenging heroic ideals, celebrating the domestic, and wrestling openly with whether Odysseus' reckoning is justice or raw revenge—while Dr. Whalen offers sharp textual observations on themes of rootedness, temptation, and the poem's unresolved tensions. Expect yelling, laughter, heartfelt disagreement, and the kind of raw intellectual energy that makes great books come alive. Whether you’ve followed the whole series or are just dipping in, this capstone will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the Odyssey. Stick around after the discussion for a look ahead at Plato’s Republic and more. If you love the Great Books, this is unmissable. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Finishing the Odyssey Journey 04:46 - Host Welcome & Episode Setup 06:27 - Guest Introductions: Dr. Justin Jackson & Dr. Benedict Whalen 07:04 - Dr. Jackson’s New Book on Reading Literature 16:28 - Diving into Book 23: Penelope Learns Odysseus Has Returned 21:07 - Penelope’s Skepticism & the Secret Signs 25:05 - The Great Rooted Bed Test & Recognition Scene 36:36 - Odysseus & Penelope Reunion, Emotional Moments 47:05 - The Final Labor & Comparison to Heracles 59:11 - Temptations: Calypso, Nausicaa & Penelope 1:11:32 - Transition to Book 24: Laertes & the Avenging Families 1:15:26 - Achilles & Agamemnon in the Underworld 1:35:02 - Reunion with Laertes & Proof Scenes 1:49:10 - Dolius, the Final Battle & Deus Ex Machina Ending 2:11:04 - Reflections on Justice, Revenge & the Poem’s Message 2:16:50 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Episodes Keywords Odyssey Books 23 and 24, Homer's Odyssey finale, Odysseus Penelope reunion, rooted bed test, immovable olive tree bed, suitors slaughter, Ithaca homecoming, Penelope cunning, Odysseus homecoming, Great Books podcast, Ascend podcast, Hillsdale College professors, Dr. Justin Jackson, Dr. Benedict Whalen, Homer teacher philosopher, Telemachus maturation, Achilles Agamemnon underworld, Laertes reunion, Poseidon penitential journey, justice vs revenge Odyssey, classical literature podcast, Western canon Odyssey analysis, father son reunion Odyssey, Penelope faithfulness, heroic fate comparison, Plato Republic preview.

  2. Jul 7

    The Odyssey Book 22 with Dr. Alex Priou

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Alex Priou to discuss Book 22 of the Odyssey, the Slaughter of the Suitors. Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the Great Books. Check out Dr. Priou's new Substack: The Close Read. What happens in Book 22? 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). Chaos erupts in the hall as bread and meats are soaked in a swirl of bloody filth (22.21). Eurymachus attempts to broker a truce with Odysseus, but it is rejected (22.57); he then calls the suitors to arms and is slaughtered (22.73). Telemachus brings armor and weapons to his father, the swineherd, and the cowherd (22.121), but the goatherd sneaks weapons to the suitors (22.151). On his second run, the cowherd and swineherd intercept the goatherd, tie him up, and hang him from the rafters (22.196). Athena first arrives in the guise of Mentor (22.217) and then perches like a sparrow on the rafters, assisting Odysseus with her man-destroying shield of thunder (22.250). The suitors fall into panicked madness as Odysseus and his men wheel into the slaughter, slashing left and right, with grisly screams breaking from cracked skulls and the floor awash with blood (22.311). Odysseus spares the bard and the herald but shows no mercy to the prophet (22.327). The slaughter complete, Eurycleia summons the disloyal female servants, who help carry out the corpses and clean the gore (22.458–471). Telemachus oversees the disloyal women being slowly hanged in the courtyard—a pitiful, ghastly death (22.487)—while the goatherd is retrieved and mutilated to death by the swineherd and cowherd (22.500). Odysseus purifies his home with fire and brimstone (22.518), and the book ends with the loyal maidservants surrounding their king as he breaks down and weeps (22.528). Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 04:40 Exploring the Odyssey: Book 22 Overview 06:58 The Role of the Gods in the Odyssey 09:55 Justice and Revenge in the Slaughter of the Suitors 12:54 Imagery of Food and Gore in Homer 14:49 The Cyclops Narrative and Guest Friendship 18:51 Antinous: The First Death and Its Implications 22:36 The Role of Recognition in Justice 25:05 Eurimachus and the Plea for Mercy 29:18 Piety and the Restoration of Order 32:53 The Political Landscape of Ithaca 33:48 Purging and the New Order in Ithaca 34:18 The Balance of Power and Leadership Lessons 35:24 Pedagogical Journeys: Odysseus and His Men 37:39 Divine Endorsement and the Purging of the Unworthy 39:35 Odysseus's Transformation: From Arrogance to Understanding 41:36 The Role of Recognition in Identity 43:08 The Consequences of Identity and Wisdom 46:29 The Tragedy of Odysseus and Penelope 48:42 Telemachus's Growth and Inexperience 53:12 Divine Justice and the Nature of the Fight 58:11 The Role of Prophecy and Piety in Justice 01:05:23 The Nature of Piety and Accountability 01:06:59 Eros and the Path to Ascent 01:09:52 Self-Reflection and the Nature of Desire 01:13:10 Justice and the Fate of the Maidservants 01:23:36 The Consequences of Disloyalty 01:30:37 Recognition and Political Rule Discussion: Dr. Priou and Dcn. Garlick examine the justice of the slaughter, noting that while Antinous dies without recognizing Odysseus, the goatherd Melanthius suffers one of the most gruesome tortures in Homer—strung up and mutilated in language echoing the barbaric king Echetus. They discuss the hanging of the disloyal maidservants, Telemachus’s role in their execution, and why such violence may be necessary to purge disloyalty and restore order. Key themes include the restoration of piety, the shift from a decayed oligarchic rule by the suitors to a new natural aristocracy involving loyal servants, Odysseus’ pedagogical journey, and the tension between recognition, glory, and the establishment of a stable political regime supported by fear of the gods. Overall, the episode portrays Homer as a profound teacher on the ugly necessities of justice and political founding. The speakers reflect on how the book repudiates certain Iliadic values like vaunting over the slain, emphasizes cleansing and purification, and sets the stage for the final books. Dr. Priou highlights Odysseus’s cunning, the limits of rhetoric, and the need to curtail eros for civilized life, while both Dr. Priou and Dcn. Garlick encourage listeners to confront uncomfortable questions about revenge, mercy, and the role of divine and human violence in re-founding a polity. Next week our 12-week study of the Odyssey ends with Books 23-24!

  3. Jun 30

    The Odyssey Books 20-21 with Thomas Lackey and Dr. Grabowski

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Books 20 & 21 with Mr. Thomas Lackey and Dr. Frank Grabowski. NEW ARTICLE: Why Should Christians Read Homer? Check out our COLLECTION OF WRITTEN GUIDES. In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guests Dr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey dive into Books 20 and 21 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the stage is set for the long-awaited slaughter of the suitors. The portents multiply: Theoclymenus’s terrifying vision of the palace drenched in blood and gore, Athena’s divine orchestration, and Penelope’s masterful test with Odysseus’s legendary bow. Amid feasts for Apollo, disloyal servants, and growing frenzy, Odysseus the beggar masters his patience while Telemachus comes fully into his own—echoing the father-son reunion and the maturation arc that began in Book 2. The conversation has rich insights on Homeric anthropology, the thumos (spirited), xenia’s sacred bonds, ritual symbolism, and the limits of repentance under divine justice. Listeners will relish the similes, prophecies ignored at peril, subtle Christological resonances, and the masterful dramatic pause Homer builds before the violence erupts in Book 22. Whether you’re tracking Odysseus’s cunning, Telemachus’s growth, or the poem’s deeper moral and theological layers, this episode delivers fresh appreciation for why the Odyssey endures. Don’t miss it—especially with Dr. Patrick Deneen joining soon to connect the epic to our own age. Subscribe, grab the written guide, and join the journey on Patreon, YouTube, or thegreatbookspodcast.com. Keywords: Odyssey Book 20 summary, Odyssey Book 21 analysis, Homer Odyssey Books 20 and 21, Penelope bow test, Odysseus bow contest, Theoclymenus prophecy vision, slaughter of the suitors setup, Odysseus beggar disguise, Telemachus maturation, xenia guest friendship Odyssey, divine justice in Homer, Homeric thumos anthropology, Apollo feast day Odyssey, Greek classics podcast, Great Books discussion Odyssey, Odysseus revenge portents, Penelope cunning test, Homer similes Book 20, ritual symbolism Odyssey, Christological parallels Odyssey, Ascend Great Books Podcast.

  4. Jun 23

    The Odyssey Books 17-19 with Dr. Frank Grabowski

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski dive into Books 17–19 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the disguised king returns to Ithaca as a beggar. Check out our WRITTEN Q&A GUIDE TO THE ODYSSEY. Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack: The Porch and the Altar. The conversation explores iconic moments like Odysseus’s heartbreaking reunion with his loyal dog Argos, the tense first dialogue with Penelope that raises fascinating questions about what she truly knows or suspects, and the escalating violations of xenia by the suitors. Listeners will appreciate the rich analysis of loyalty as the ultimate standard, Odysseus’s hard-won maturation in temperance and piety, and striking contrasts between faithful servants like Eumaeus and disloyal figures like Melanthius. Homer emerges here as both poet and philosopher, using these scenes to probe justice, the nature of heroism, the city at peace, and the interplay of fate and human choice. With Athena guiding events and the tension building toward the suitors’ doom, Deacon and Dr. Grabowski illuminate how Odysseus’ trials have prepared him not just for revenge, but for restoring order. Whether you’re new to the epic or a longtime reader, this episode offers fresh insights that make the ancient story feel urgently relevant. Don’t miss it—subscribe and join the community as the Odyssey study continues toward its dramatic climax! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study 04:30 The Role of Penelope and Theoclymenus 07:14 Contrasting Characters: Eumaeus and Melanthius 10:28 Odysseus' Growth and Maturation 13:11 The Loyalty of Argos 16:26 The Test of Guest Friendship 19:10 The Fate of the Suitors 22:22 The Beggar Fight and Its Implications 24:43 Odysseus' Reflection on His Journey 27:21 The Irony of Antinous 30:45 Penelope's Anticipation and the Build-Up to Reunion 33:28 Odysseus' Moral Self-Awareness 36:37 Conclusion and Themes of Justice 42:10 The Philosopher Beggar and the Blindness of the Suitors 44:49 The Nature of Law and Lawlessness 47:33 Penelope's Cleverness and the Suitors' Downfall 52:09 Telemachus' Growth and the Stability of Society 57:19 The Reunion of Odysseus and Penelope 01:01:40 The Test of Loyalty and the Nature of Guest Friendship 01:06:23 The Subtlety of Odysseus and Penelope's Intuition 01:12:19 The Significance of Names and Identity 01:19:33 The Tension of Recognition and the Test of the Suitors Keywords: Odyssey Books 17-19, Homer Odyssey summary, Odysseus as beggar, reunion with Argos, Penelope and Odysseus dialogue, what Penelope knows, xenia guest friendship, loyalty in the Odyssey, Argos the dog, Melanthius goat herder, Eumaeus swineherd, Theoclymenus prophecy, suitors fate, Odysseus maturation, temperance and piety, Homer philosopher, city at peace, Athena disguise, beggar fight Book 18, bow of Odysseus, scar of Odysseus, Great Books Podcast, Ascend podcast Odyssey, Frank Grabowski Homer, classical education Odyssey, Western literature analysis.

  5. Jun 16

    The Odyssey Books 15-16 with Jack Drury and Dr. Grabowski

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by returning mentor Dr. Frank Grabowski—Third Order Franciscan, diaconate candidate, and Dean of Faculty at Holy Family Classical School—and Latin teacher Jack Drury for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 15 and 16. Check out all our resources on the great books! Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack on the great books. The conversation explores Telemachus’s maturation and homecoming, the poignant father-son reunion in the swineherd’s hut, and the deepening bonds of loyalty with Eumaeus. Listeners will enjoy thoughtful reflections on xenia (guest-friendship), Theoclymenus the mysterious prophet, Helen’s prophetic insight, Menelaus’s gracious hospitality, and the growing threat of the suitors, all while tracking themes of thumos, divine guidance, and the slow unfolding of justice. With warmth, humor, and insight, the trio unpacks Homer’s masterful storytelling—why Telemachus must become a threat, the nobility of the “lowly” swineherd, and the beautiful (and bittersweet) dynamics of recognition and reunion. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 09:15 Telemachus' Journey: A Coming of Age Story 15:25 Menelaus: The Gracious Host 22:57 The Arrival of Theoclymenus: A Mysterious Prophet 30:36 Odysseus and Eumaeus: Testing Loyalty 31:05 The Swineherd's Loyalty and Laertes' Mystery 32:41 Odysseus' Questions and Eumaeus' Story 34:41 The Tragic Tale of Eumaeus 38:36 Social Status vs. Moral Character 41:47 The Unique Island and Divine Justice 43:43 Guest Friendship and Telemachus' Choices 46:25 The Reunion of Father and Son 50:29 Telemachus and Odysseus: A Complex Relationship 55:27 Testing Nobility and Virtue 01:00:25 Divine Disguises and Recognition 01:04:59 The Standard of Belief 01:11:37 The Plan Against the Suitors 01:18:58 The Nature of Justice and Retribution Whether you’re reading the Odyssey for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, this episode illuminates how these ancient books continue to form souls and speak to fatherhood, virtue, and the return to order. Perfect listening for anyone journeying through the Great Books—don’t miss it!

  6. Jun 9

    The Odyssey Books 13-14 with Dr. Alex Petkas and Dr. Grabowski

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Dr. Alex Petkas (host of the Cost of Glory) for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 13 and 14. Check out all our resources on the great books! Check out the Cost of Glory! Check our the Porch and Altar, Dr. Grabowski's Substack. Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca—sleeping peacefully through the voyage as the Phaeacians carry him ashore—only to awaken uncertain and disguised by Athena as a beggar. The conversation explores his strategic plotting with the goddess, the symbolic Cave of the Nymphs (including a fascinating Neoplatonic reading from Porphyry), the poignant encounter with the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and Odysseus’s layered “lies” that reveal deep truths about his character. The guests delve into themes of homecoming, the restoration of patriarchal order, xenia (guest-friendship), internal moral growth, and the slowing narrative pace as Homer shifts focus from external adventures to the subtle work of reclaiming one’s house. This episode offers fresh, layered insights perfect for both first-time readers and Odyssey veterans, blending literary analysis, philosophy, and practical wisdom on loyalty, cunning, and self-mastery. Whether you’re drawn to the theological depth of the cave, the psychological realism of Odysseus’ deceptions, or the timeless lessons on rebuilding order amid chaos, Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Grabowski, and Dr. Petkas make these often-overlooked books come alive with warmth, humor, and profound appreciation. Tune in for an engaging, accessible conversation that will deepen your love for Homer and leave you eager for the next leg of the journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey and Guests 08:38 The Slow Pace of the Odyssey 13:15 Themes of Homecoming and Restoration 18:07 The Significance of Sleep and Rebirth 23:22 Divine Intervention and the Phaeacians 28:24 Odysseus' Identity and the Role of Athena 36:26 The Art of Deception: Odysseus and Athena's Intrigue 37:19 The Mist of Disguise: Odysseus' Identity Crisis 39:46 Inner Odyssey: The Journey of Self-Discovery 42:34 The Goddess of Trickery: Athena's Role in Odysseus' Return 44:39 The Cave of the Nymphs: Symbolism and Allegory 51:03 Depositing Treasures: Spiritual Growth and Cooperation with the Divine 59:13 The Loyal Swineherd: Eumaeus and the Theme of Hospitality 01:02:39 The Encounter with the Dogs 01:03:44 Loyalty and the Commoner's Perspective 01:05:11 The Swineherd's Knowledge and Loyalty 01:06:16 Odysseus's Tests and Coalition Building 01:07:59 Reflections on War and Leadership 01:11:35 Odysseus's Crafty Storytelling 01:14:58 The Nature of Lies and Truth 01:18:12 Piety and Character in the Odyssey 01:22:06 The Art of Storytelling and Requests 01:25:20 Final Thoughts and Future Encounters Be sure to check out our website for more resources on the great books!

  7. Jun 2

    The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski

    Today 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. Summary Listeners 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 06:01 Exploring the Odyssey: Books 11 and 12 12:54 The Theme of Descent into the Underworld 16:57 Elpenor's Ignoble Death and Its Significance 23:42 Tiresias and the Prophecies for Odysseus 31:43 Fate vs. Free Will in the Odyssey 38:29 The Role of Women in the Odyssey 43:24 The Significance of Penelope in the Odyssey 45:48 Odysseus' Emotional Journey and Family Dynamics 53:13 Agamemnon's Narrative and the Role of Women 58:32 Achilles' Regret and the Nature of Glory 01:09:41 Ajax's Silence and the Weight of Honor 01:17:53 Exploring the Underworld: Tantalus and Heracles 01:20:34 Odysseus's Descent: Fear and Fate in Hades 01:21:38 Homer's Philosophical Insights: Preparing for Christ 01:22:29 Homer as a Teacher and Philosopher 01:24:15 The Sirens: Temptation and Knowledge 01:33:46 Scylla and Charybdis: Leadership and Sacrifice 01:39:31 The Cattle of the Sun: Fate and Free Will 01:46:04 Odysseus's Reflection: Mortality and Leadership Keywords Homer 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.

  8. May 26

    The Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer

    Today 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! Summary Books 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books 07:42 Professional Updates and New Opportunities 09:37 Teaching Homer: Insights and Anecdotes 10:58 Homer as a Philosopher: Dialectics in the Text 14:08 Odysseus: The Complicated Hero 15:47 Odysseus' Journey: Learning and Growth 17:54 The Role of Storytelling in the Odyssey 23:05 The Importance of Place and Homecoming 28:08 Odysseus and His Men: Leadership Dynamics 35:47 The Lotus Eaters: Virtue and Temptation 40:31 The Nature of Happiness and the Soul's Journey 44:04 Odysseus and the Cyclops: A Political Critique 54:20 Guest Friendship and Ethical Dilemmas 01:05:01 Rhetoric and the Limits of Persuasion 01:09:21 Understanding Polyphemus: The Nature of Deception 01:11:20 Odysseus's Internal Monologue: The Role of Wisdom 01:12:46 The Cyclops's Overconfidence: A Fatal Flaw 01:13:49 The Role of Wine: A Tool for Manipulation 01:14:58 Guest Friendship: A Perverse Parody 01:16:36 The Blinding of Polyphemus: A Turning Point 01:17:47 Community Response: The Cyclops's Isolation 01:18:41 The Consequences of Pride: Odysseus Reveals His Name 01:20:51 The Significance of 'Nobody': Identity and Cunning 01:23:24 The Escape Plan: Cleverness in Adversity 01:24:05 The Curse of Polyphemus: A Divine Retribution 01:26:42 The Cycle of Violence: Guest Friendship Violated 01:27:34 The Structure of the Odyssey: Peaks and Valleys 01:29:09 The Role of Agency: Human Choices vs. Divine Will 01:29:38 The Heartbreak of Aeolus: Trust Broken 01:33:56 The Lystra-agonian Encounter: A Leadership Crisis 01:36:31 Odysseus's Leadership and Responsibility 01:39:50 The Enigmatic Circe: Goddess and Witch 01:45:13 Odysseus's Encounter with Circe: A Test of Will 01:50:59 The Nature of Eros and Odysseus's Choices 01:56:56 The Philosophical Journey: Nature and Mortality 02:01:51 The Path to the Underworld: Elpenor's Fate Keywords Key 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.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
  • Show Website
    Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

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