Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
  • 4.9 (108)
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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. 5D AGO

    The Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Frank Grabowski

    Today 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study 06:18 Telemachus' Journey and Athena's Role 08:01 Political Instability in Ithaca 09:38 The Assembly and Telemachus' Leadership 15:48 Penelope's Dilemma and Guest Friendship 17:47 Xenia: The Importance of Hospitality 24:16 The Omen and the Suitors' Fate 30:37 Justice and the Role of the Gods 32:11 Mentorship and Guidance in Telemachus' Growth 39:45 Telemachus' Transformation and Epithet Significance 44:15 The Evolution of Characters in Homer 45:01 Telemachus' Journey to Maturity 47:42 The Role of Divine Guidance 48:38 Sacrifices and Natural Religion 52:56 Pylos: A Model of a Healthy Society 54:44 The Power of Prayer and Rhetoric 59:15 The Tragedy of War and Its Heroes 01:03:58 The Consequences of Choices in War 01:10:57 The Role of the Bard in Society 01:14:46 Foreshadowing and Sacrifice in the Odyssey 01:19:34 The Double Wedding Feast and Hospitality 01:22:08 Piety, Gratitude, and Debt 01:25:46 Reflections on War and Loss 01:28:12 Helen's Duality and the Nature of Free Will 01:29:10 Temptation and the Role of Wisdom 01:39:07 Menelaus' Journey and Wrestling with Fate 01:45:00 The Return to Ithaca and the Threat to Telemachus Here are more videos from our 2024 study! Book 2 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas Lackey Book 3 of the Odyssey with Dr. Grabowski and Thomas Lackey Book 4 of the Odyssey with Adam Minihan and Fr. Bonaventure, OP.

    1h 54m

  2. APR 28

    The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Grabowski

    Today 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast 03:39 The NEW Odyssey: A 12-Week Study 09:29 The Importance of Reading Homer 17:01 Exploring the Opening Lines of the Odyssey 30:14 The Man of Twists and Turns: Understanding Odysseus 35:28 Exploring Odysseus: The Complexity of a Hero 39:26 Justice and Fate: The Role of Aegisthus 42:28 Divine Intervention: Zeus and Human Responsibility 55:30 The Journey Home: Odysseus and Telemachus 01:03:12 Coming of Age: Telemachus's Transformation 01:05:37 Exploring Penelope's Role 01:11:44 Telemachus' Journey to Manhood 01:24:56 Reflections on the Odyssey More Resources Intro 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. Keywords Odyssey, 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

    1h 34m

  3. APR 21

    Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen and Dr. Chad Pecknold (2024)

    For 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 education Timestamps: 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 Ascend Join us as we read the Odyssey over the next 12 weeks!

    1h 6m

  4. APR 14

    The Spiritual Harm of Lying

    Today 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 reality This 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 Podcast 04:13 Exploring Dante's Inferno: The Spiritual Harm of Lying 06:07 Understanding the Architecture of Hell 15:05 The Nature of Truth and Speech 20:26 The Consequences of Lying vs. Murder 24:24 The Nature of Lying and Its Consequences 30:52 Understanding Logos and Its Significance Key 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 falsehood Notable 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.

    36 min

  5. APR 7

    Discover the Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter

    Today 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-existence Deacon 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 Ascend 01:34 Welcome to Ascend: The Great Books Podcast 03:45 The Ascent Substack & Sister Publication 06:20 The Hidden Meaning of Narnia’s Endless Winter 08:10 Background Story of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe 11:30 Aslan as Christ Allegory & Benefits of Reading Narnia to Children 15:45 The Four Senses of Scripture (Literal, Allegorical, Moral, Anagogical) 20:10 Why Allegory Matters for Scripture and Reality 23:50 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 Evil 36:40 C.S. Lewis: Endless Winter as Allegory for Evil 40:20 The White Witch’s Power & Aslan’s Life-Giving Breath 44:10 Dante’s Inferno: The Frozen Pit of Hell 48:30 God as Love That Moves the Sun and Stars 52:00 Key Lessons: Evil, Being, and Goodness 55:20 Recap & Closing Thoughts 57:40 What’s Coming Next on Ascend Keywords: 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.

    43 min

  6. MAR 31

    Purgatorio: Beatrice (Cantos 32-33) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski

    Today 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast 03:07 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio 06:02 The Role of Beatrice and Grace 08:50 Imagery and Symbolism in Canto 32 12:06 The Pageant of Church History 15:00 The Griffin and the Tree of Knowledge 17:53 Temporal vs. Spiritual Authority 20:45 The Significance of the Pageant 23:57 Concluding Thoughts on Dante's Vision 29:18 The Role of the Church in Governance 30:01 Wealth and Temptation: The Weight of Luxury 32:13 Temporal Authority vs. Spiritual Purpose 34:26 The Emergence of the Dragon: Schism and Violence 36:05 The Transformation of the Chariot: Corruption and Power 38:47 The Harlot and the Giant: The Church's Grotesque Reality 42:37 Dante's Perspective on the Papacy and Authority 49:35 The Need for a Temporal Leader 55:41 The Prophetic Vision of the Future 01:00:21 The Purifying Power of Temporal Authority 01:04:21 The Role of the Tree in Justice 01:06:47 Understanding the Moral and Anagogical Senses 01:10:46 The Discord Between Heaven and Earth 01:16:42 The Significance of the Two Rivers 01:22:40 Baptism and the Renewal of the Soul Good work on reading the Purgatorio! We have a few episodes from THE ASCENT up next and then we are reading the Odyssey.

    1h 30m

  7. MAR 24

    Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Michael West discuss the top of Mount Purgatory: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31). Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Purgatorio. Check Ascend out on X, Facebook, Youtube, and More! They explore the serene, uncultivated garden where Dante encounters the mysterious Matilda picking flowers, the two rivers (Lethe, which erases the memory of sin, and Eunoe, which restores the memory of good deeds), and the elaborate apocalyptic procession featuring candelabras, elders, symbolic creatures, the griffin-drawn chariot of the Church, and dancers representing the theological and cardinal virtues. The discussion highlights Dante’s use of erotic imagery, classical allusions (Proserpina, Venus, Hero and Leander), and the communal themes running through the Commedia, while noting how Purgatorio depicts the gradual strengthening of the will through spiritual “exercise,” much like physical training. The conversation then turns to the dramatic appearance of Beatrice in Canto 30, her stern rebuke of Dante for pursuing “shadows of false goods” after her death, and the emotional departure of Virgil, whose guidance ends as Beatrice assumes the role of divine wisdom. They interpret Canto 31 as a sacramental confession scene in which Dante acknowledges his sins, experiences contrition while gazing at Beatrice’s eyes reflecting the dual-natured griffin (Christ), and is immersed in the River Lethe by Matilda. The hosts reflect on the limits of human reason and mentorship (Virgil), the incarnational role of beauty in leading the soul to God, the necessity of properly ordered eros, and the deeper Christian vision that Eden is not the final destination but a way station toward the beatific vision. The episode ends with anticipation for the conclusion of Purgatorio in the next installment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books 02:19 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Canto 28-31 04:03 Scholarship and Themes in Dante 06:52 The Role of Community in Dante's Works 09:43 Personal Reflections on Purgatorio 12:20 The Earthly Paradise and Its Significance 14:48 Matilda: A Symbol of Beauty and Desire 17:44 The Rivers of Lethe and Eunoë 20:25 The Dichotomy of Memory in Dante's Vision 33:04 The Nature of Confession and Memory 34:32 Exploring Apocalyptic Imagery 38:08 The Role of Virtues in Spiritual Life 45:58 The Significance of the Procession 52:43 The Transition from Virgil to Beatrice 01:04:09 Virgil's Journey and Final Gift 01:05:25 The Role of Mentorship and Growth 01:07:24 The Pain of Separation from Mentors 01:08:58 Understanding Virgil's Absence 01:10:52 Beatrice's Introduction and New Guidance 01:12:22 Beatrice's Sarcasm and Wisdom 01:14:07 The Complexity of Virgil's Guidance 01:15:11 The Nature of True Goodness 01:17:04 The Pursuit of Apparent Goods 01:19:47 Beatrice as an Icon of Divine Beauty 01:21:41 The Role of Pity in Relationships 01:25:56 The Sacrament of Confession 01:27:43 The Importance of Tears and Remorse 01:33:41 The Vision of the Griffin and Christ Good work reading the great books! Next week, we are joined by Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to end our journey!

    1h 38m

  8. MAR 17

    Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Fr. Patrick Biscoe, OP, discuss gluttony and lust in Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 23-27. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Check out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES for the great books. Check out the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers. Check out Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, at Godsplaining Podcast. In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, currently serving in Rome as the Order’s General Promoter for Social Communication. The conversation opens with Fr. Patrick explaining Dominican life, the charism of preaching rooted in study and contemplation, the historical significance of Santa Sabina, and the Order’s ongoing vitality—especially through institutions like the Angelicum. The bulk of the episode then offers a close, theologically rich reading of the Purgatorio. The hosts explore how Dante structures these sins as forms of excessive or misdirected love, placing them high on the mountain because they are less grave than pride, envy, or wrath, yet still require deep purification. Key themes include the contrapasso of emaciated souls on the gluttony terrace, the “OMO DEI” face motif symbolizing refashioning in God’s image, the role of intercessory prayer (especially Nella’s for Forese Donati), the two instructive trees, medieval embryology and hylomorphism (how airy shades appear gaunt), and the wall of flame on the lust terrace. They highlight Dante’s nuanced treatment of lust—treating both heterosexual excess (Pasiphaë/bestiality) and sodomy as incontinence—while emphasizing the praise of chaste marriage and the enduring good of ordered eros. The episode closes powerfully with Virgil’s farewell in Canto 27, crowning Dante “lord of himself” once his will is aligned with the good, symbolizing true Christian freedom. Throughout, the discussion weaves literary analysis with practical spiritual application—especially apt for Lent—showing Purgatorio as a map for self-mastery, image perfection, and liberation from disordered desire. Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Garlick underscore Beatrice as an icon of divine beauty and grace, whose memory motivates Dante through the flames rather than being purged away. The episode ends with an invitation to reread the text, follow the Dominicans’ work, and prepare for the Earthly Paradise cantos in the next installment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio 07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order 13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin 18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory 24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls 29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife 35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics 39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love 43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory 48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance 52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger 57:07 Gradations of the Soul 58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul 01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion 01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory 01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain 01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity 01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory 01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise 01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love 01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession 01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory 01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences 01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust 01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory 01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer 01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge 01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey 01:25:38 Purification Through Love 01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect 01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante 01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-Mastery Following us on X, Facebook, and More!

    1h 36m
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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
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
  • Show Website
    Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

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