The TAC Podcast

Thomas Aquinas College
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Welcome to the official podcast of Thomas Aquinas College. Each week, senior members of the teaching faculty open a window into the intellectual life of the College through conversations rooted in the Great Books and the pursuit of first principles. Together, they explore the foundational questions that have shaped Western civilization. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the podcast invites listeners into the same kind of thoughtful, rigorous dialogue that defines the classroom experience. From ancient mathematics and astronomy to philosophy, theology, and modern science, each episode seeks to understand the truth of things by returning to first principles. Occasionally featuring guest scholars and educators, the show offers rich discussions on the Great Books, liberal education, and the enduring relevance of classical learning. New episodes air weekly.Subscribe and join the conversation.

  1. 5d ago

    Catholics & Communists: Pope Leo XIII's "Rerum Novarum" | Ep. 27 The TAC Podcast

    In this episode of "The TAC Podcast," we explore Pope Leo XIII's landmark 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labor). This foundational document of modern Catholic social teaching addressed the dire condition of the working classes during the Industrial Revolution, offering a third way between unbridled capitalism and the rising tide of socialism. We discuss how Leo XIII defends the natural right to private property, while emphasizing its social purpose, the essential harmony between capital and labor, and the critical role of the family as the primary unit of society. We also look ahead to how later Popes, such as St. John Paul II, built upon these principles to address the challenges of the 20th century. Join us as we break down the "lasting paradigm" created by Leo XIII for the Church's engagement with social and economic concerns. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Rerum Novarum and the "genre" of Encyclicals 01:32 - Why Pope Leo XIII addressed the condition of the Working class 03:55 - The Rise of socialism and the Church's response 05:40 - Three reasons Leo XIII Argued against the socialist remedy 06:28 - Defending private property through Natural Law 08:39 - The threat to the social and political order 09:30 - The Church as a father figure to a global family 10:48 - Harmony vs. Conflict: The Relationship Between Employer and Employee 11:23 - The inseparability of private property and the family 13:43 - The dignity of human labor and personal ownership 16:36 - Reason, human nature, and the need for lasting goods 19:51 - The right to possess vs. the responsibility of use 22:21 - How private ownership serves the common good 24:18 - Man as sub-creator: the art of cultivation 25:52 - Pragmatic failures of abolishing private property 27:18 - 20th-Century Reflections: From Leo XIII to John Paul II 28:22 - True alienation: being cut off from god and neighbor 31:40 - Rejecting class warfare for the "body politic" 35:48 - The Church's higher call to friendliness and community 37:47 - Covetousness, envy, and the Tenth Commandment 40:26 - A Warning to the rich: the responsibility of wealth 42:43 - Work as a communal act: working with and for others

  2. Aug 13

    The Catholic School Playbook | Ep. 26 The TAC Podcast

    In this episode of The TAC Podcast, host John Goyette sits down with Mike Ortner, tech entrepreneur, founder of Capterra, and author of The Catholic School Playbook. Together, they explore the essential foundations of an authentic Catholic education and why subjects like Latin and Mathematics are more relevant today than ever. Mike shares his journey from the tech world to philanthropic work in education, discussing the "product problem" in modern schools and the growing movement to revive wonder and rigor in the classroom. Whether you are a parent, educator, or student, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on the true purpose of college and the lifelong value of the Great Books.In this episode, you'll discover: Why Latin and Math are the ultimate tools for learning logic and coding. The "renewal movement" happening in Catholic schools across the country. How to move beyond "teaching to the test" to cultivate a genuine sense of wonder. Why an 18-year-old shouldn't feel pressured to choose a specialized career path immediately. The unique power of the seminar-style learning used at Thomas Aquinas College.   Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Why 18-year-olds should study what they love 00:27 - Meeting Mike Ortner: From Capterra to Catholic education 01:10 - The importance of Mathematics and Latin in learning logic 03:45 - Latin as a foundation for coding and STEM careers 06:33 - Reviving Catholic education: Moving beyond the peripheral 08:00 - The decline and renewal of Catholic schools since 1965 11:06 - The "Product Problem": Why schools mirrored public systems 13:14 - Escaping the utilitarian trap: Restoring a sense of wonder 14:43 - Evangelization and Christ at the center of the curriculum 18:14 - Signs of hope: The leapfrog effect in successful schools 21:07 - Advice for parents: Demanding a better path for children 24:10 - Mike's personal journey: Finding the Great Books in his 20s 27:10 - Discovering Aristotle, Plato, and the power of humility 31:00 - Why Thomas Aquinas College? Seminar vs. Lecture formats 35:15 - The danger of early specialization and niche majors 37:00 - "What are you going to do with that?" Reframing the career question 40:00 - Learning as a "team sport": The value of the seminar table 42:03 - Conclusion: An education for life

  3. Aug 6

    When God asks the Impossible | Ep. 25 The TAC Podcast

    What does it really mean to have faith? In this episode of The TAC Podcast: Great Books and First Principles, John Finley and Chris Decaen explore Søren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling and one of the most unsettling passages in all of Scripture: God's command that Abraham sacrifice Isaac.  Drawing from Kierkegaard's famous "four vignettes," they examine why Abraham is called the father of faith, why faith cannot simply be reduced to reason, and why this story continues to challenge believers and skeptics alike. Together they discuss: Why Kierkegaard believed you cannot "go beyond faith" The challenge Hegel posed to Christianity Abraham, Isaac, and the test on Mount Moriah The relationship between faith and reason Why Kierkegaard's imagined versions of the story ultimately fail to explain Abraham The meaning of paradox in the Christian life What Abraham teaches us about trust, suffering, and obedience to God Whether you're interested in philosophy, theology, the Great Books, or the Bible, this conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to one of the most influential works of Christian existentialism and one of the greatest meditations ever written on faith. Subscribe for weekly conversations on the Great Books, philosophy, theology, history, science, and the enduring questions of human life. Learn more about Thomas Aquinas College: https://www.thomasaquinas.edu #Kierkegaard #FearAndTrembling #Abraham #Isaac #Faith #ChristianPhilosophy #GreatBooks #ThomasAquinasCollege #BibleStudy #Theology #Philosophy #Existentialism #MountMoriah #SorenKierkegaard #Catholic #Christianity

  4. Jul 30

    The Odyssey (Spoilers) | Ep 24 The TAC Podcast

    Does the new film adaptation of The Odyssey live up to Homer's epic, or does it lose the heart of the story? In this episode of The TAC Podcast, we compare the original ancient text with the latest cinematic version. We explore what the film gets right, what it completely changes, and whether it's even possible to capture Odysseus's complex ten-year journey on the silver screen. In this video, we discuss: Key differences between the film's portrayal of Odysseus and Homer's original "man of many ways." How the movie handles the intervention of the gods compared to the book. Whether the film captures the true themes of home, identity, and suffering found in the epic poem. _______________________________   0:00 - Introduction: The Cultural Impact of The Odyssey 00:44 - First Impressions: Christopher Nolan's Adaptation 01:32 - Casting Decisions: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Agamemnon 02:41 - The Cinematics: Visualizing the Storms of Poseidon 03:15 - The Presence of the Gods: Personification vs. Hallucination 05:18 - Spoilers Begin: Analyzing the Final Scene and The Trojan Horse 06:21 - War Guilt: Why Odysseus Struggles to Return Home 08:42 - The Role of Agamemnon: Economic Motives vs. Insecurity 11:34 - The Destruction of Civilization: A 21st-Century Interpretation 13:06 - The Island of the Dead: Encounters with Achilles and the Price of Glory 16:11 - Major Structural Changes: The Omission of the Phaeacians 17:18 - Hospitality (Xenia): The Cyclops as the Worst Host and Guest 18:32 - Testing Fidelity: Odysseus in Ithaca (The Second Half of the Book) 20:41 - Character Arcs: The Crafty Odysseus vs. The Reflective Hero 21:26 - The Noble Swineherd: A Focus on Virtue and Fidelity 23:00 - Visual Spectacle vs. Existential Interiority 25:56 - Telemachus and Penelope: Vulnerability and Coming of Age 27:30 - Defining Zeus's Law: The Virtue of Treatment of Strangers 30:39 - The Sea as an Enemy: Blinding Polyphemus and the Curse of Poseidon 32:44 - The Fate of the Men: Negligence, Blame, and Dante's Inferno 36:47 - Calypso and Fidelity: Making Odysseus a "Respectable" Man 41:16 - Analyzing Anne Hathaway's Penelope: Feminism and Anachronisms 43:46 - The Homecoming Symbolism: The Olive Tree Bed vs. The Film's Ending 46:42 - The Power of Language vs. Moving Pictures 50:11 - The Staying Power of Homer: Why This Story Still Resonates 54:25 - Anti-Superhero Fatigue: The Vulnerability of the Human Spirit 56:32 - The Final Journey: Piety, Sacrifice, and the Oar in the Sand 1:01:03 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  5. Jul 23

    Is Film "Art"? | Ep 23 The TAC Podcast

    What separates a masterpiece from mere entertainment? In this episode of The TAC Podcast, we move beyond film criticism to explore the "first principles" of cinema.   Drawing on the insights of Aristotle, Aquinas, and contemporary thinkers, we discuss whether film truly "imitates nature" and what it means to make the invisible visible on screen. We dive into the ethics of storytelling, the difference between art and propaganda, and the paradoxical necessity of stories being both "surprising and inevitable."   Whether you're a filmmaker, a cinephile, or someone interested in the intersection of faith and art, join us for a deep dive into the soul of cinema.   In this episode, we discuss: The nature of contemplation in a digital age. Why "bad movies" often feel like commercials. The role of human action and "the promise" in storytelling. A philosophical defense of bleak masterpieces like No Country for Old Men. Whether "Christian Film" is a coherent artistic category. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction: Why talk about film? 02:15 - Art vs. Work: The nature of contemplation 05:03 - What makes a movie "bad"? 06:43 - Art, prayer, and the perversion of manipulation 09:13 - The first principles of cinema 10:05 - Does art imitate reality? 12:21 - The artist's role: Making the invisible visible 16:46 - Revealing the meaning in humble realities 21:00 - Respecting the medium of film 26:10 - The Pixar framework: "Surprising and Inevitable" 31:00 - The juxtaposition of images 36:08 - Can a "bad person" make great art? 41:00 - The philosophy of No Country for Old Men 48:40 - Defending the hero of the story 50:50 - Is there such a thing as "Catholic Film"? 54:00 - Can you evangelize through art? 01:02:04 - Why movies are miracles 01:04:30 – Conclusion

  6. Jul 16

    Can Anyone Actually Teach You Anything? | Ep 22 The TAC Podcast

    What does it mean to teach? Can knowledge truly be transferred from one person to another, or must every student ultimately learn for himself? In this episode of The TAC Podcast, John Finley and Chris Decaen explore St. Thomas Aquinas's On the Teacher (De Magistro), one of the most profound reflections ever written on education, learning, and the life of the mind. Drawing from Aquinas's Disputed Questions on Truth, they examine whether human beings can genuinely be called teachers, how knowledge is acquired, why learning requires the active participation of the student, and what separates education from the mere transmission of information. Along the way, they discuss: • Can anyone actually teach you anything? • Why learning cannot be forced • The relationship between teachers, students, and truth • Whether we can teach ourselves • Why great teaching resembles guidance more than information transfer • The connection between education, virtue, and human flourishing • Aquinas's surprising account of angelic teaching • Whether teaching belongs to the contemplative or active life At a time when information is everywhere and artificial intelligence can answer nearly any question, Aquinas offers a timeless reminder: education is about more than information. It is about the formation of the human person and the pursuit of truth.  Learn more about Thomas Aquinas College at https://www.thomasaquinas.edu #Aquinas #Education #Teaching #Learning #Philosophy #GreatBooks #CatholicEducation #ThomasAquinas #ClassicalEducation #TheTACPodcast ___________________________________________________________________  00:00 - Introduction to Aquinas's On the Teacher 01:35 - The Disputed Questions vs. the Summa Theologiae 03:05 - Overview of the Four Articles on Teaching 03:40 - Article 1: Can a Human Truly Be a Teacher? 05:00 - Is God the Only Real Teacher? 08:55 - The Teacher-Student Dynamic: Pushing vs. Being Pushed 11:40 - Three Issues of Opinion: Existence, Virtue, and Knowledge 17:30 - Two Extremes of Moral Virtue Acquisition 22:20 - How Knowledge Comes to Be: Building on First Principles 27:00 - The Unity of Soul and Body in Learning 30:50 - The Teacher as a Guide and Instruction Giver 35:35 - The Medical Analogy: Doctors, Patients, and Nature 42:25 - Learning as a Recipient of a Gift 46:40 - Article 4: Is Teaching a Contemplative or Active Work? 51:50 - Article 3: Can Angels Teach Humans? 56:10 - How Angels Interact with Human Imagination and Light 1:00:30 - Closing Thoughts

  7. Jul 9

    The Hidden Genius of Shakespeare's Greatest Sonnets | Ep 21 The TAC Podcast

    Shakespeare's sonnets have captivated readers for more than 400 years. But what makes them some of the greatest poems ever written? In this episode of The TAC Podcast, John Finley and Chris Decaen take a close look at two of Shakespeare's most celebrated sonnets, Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?") and Sonnet 29 ("When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes"), uncovering the remarkable artistry hidden within every line. Together, they explore how Shakespeare uses rhyme, meter, structure, metaphor, and the famous "turn" of the sonnet to reveal profound truths about love, beauty, envy, memory, mortality, and the power of poetry itself. Along the way, they ask why the sonnet became one of history's most enduring literary forms and what these poems continue to teach us about the human person. Whether you're reading Shakespeare for the first time or returning to him after many years, this conversation offers a fresh appreciation for the extraordinary depth packed into just fourteen lines. In this episode we explore Sonnet 18 and the promise of "eternal summer" Sonnet 29 on envy, love, and gratitude How rhyme, meter, and poetic form create meaning The surprising relationship between art, beauty, and immortality. Learn more about Thomas Aquinas College at https://www.thomasaquinas.edu ________________________________________________ 00:00 - Introduction to Shakespeare's Sonnets and Literary Genre 00:40 - The Structure and Form of a Sonnet (14 Lines, Rhyme Scheme, Iambic Pentameter) 00:53 - Modernity and the Context of Shakespeare's Work 03:05 - Key Elements of Meaning: Meter, Rhyme, and the "Turn" 04:02 - The Challenge of Formal Constraints in Poetry 05:04 - Contrast with Modern Poetry (e.g., T.S. Eliot's "The Waste Land") 05:44 - Analysis of Sonnet 29: "When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes" 08:06 - The "Turn" and Imagery of the Lark in Sonnet 29 10:19 - Deep Dive into the Language and Meter of Sonnet 29 20:50 - Themes of Memory and Redemption in Sonnet 29  24:48 - Comparing Inward vs. Outward Perspective in the Poem 28:03 - Analysis of Sonnet 18: "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" 30:21 - Contrast Between the Temporary Nature of Summer and Eternal Art 33:24 - The Role of the Poet in Preserving the Beloved 39:35 - Chance, Nature, and Human Agency in Sonnet 18 45:10 - The Personification of Death and the Artist's Triumph 54:11 - Defining "Temperate" and Consistency in the Beloved 57:56 - Why the Sonnet is a Unique Literary Genre 01:00:50 - Comparing Sonnets to Soliloquies and Universal Human Thought 01:04:54 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  8. Jul 2

    The Wisdom of Lincoln's Speeches | Ep 20 The TAC podcast

    Abraham Lincoln is remembered for some of the greatest speeches in American history. But what made them so powerful? In this episode of Th e TAC Podcast, John Finley and Chris Decaen explore Lincoln's greatest public addresses, including the Cooper Union Address, the Gettysburg Address, and the First and Second Inaugural Addresses, to uncover the principles that made him one of America's greatest statesmen. Rather than relying on empty rhetoric, Lincoln sought to persuade through reason, history, Scripture, and an appeal to the highest aspirations of the human person. His speeches reveal a remarkable combination of moral clarity, political prudence, and profound charity toward both allies and opponents. Together, our hosts discuss: • Why Lincoln remains one of history's greatest political speakers • The relationship between rhetoric, persuasion, and statesmanship • Lincoln's understanding of slavery, the Union, and the Declaration of Independence • The theological themes woven throughout the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural • What Lincoln's speeches can still teach us about leadership in times of national division Whether you're interested in American history, political philosophy, the Civil War, or the Great Books tradition, Lincoln's words continue to offer enduring lessons in truth, leadership, and the pursuit of the common good. Learn more about Thomas Aquinas College: https://www.thomasaquinas.edu #AbrahamLincoln #GettysburgAddress #CivilWar #AmericanHistory #GreatBooks #PoliticalPhilosophy #Statesmanship #thomasaquinascollege ___________________ 00:00 – Introduction: The Truthful Cause of the War Setting the stage for the Civil War discussion, focusing on the preservation of the Union and the non-negotiable issue of slavery. 00:38 – Overview: Lincoln's Great Civil War Speeches Introducing the key texts: The Cooper Union address, the first and second inaugurals, and the Gettysburg Address. 01:30 – The Genius of Lincoln's Compact Rhetoric Discussing how Lincoln addressed momentous issues like slavery and secession in a brief yet powerful manner to win hearts and minds. 03:40 – Rhetoric as the Art of Persuasion A look at how Lincoln used reason and pleading—rather than force—to engage the South and address their anxieties. 05:58 – The Cooper Union Address: A President in Waiting Analyzing the 1860 speech where Lincoln established himself as a national leader by appealing to the Founders' views on slavery. 07:58 – Biblical Appeals and Moral Authority How Lincoln used shared cultural and religious traditions to connect with his audience and argue against the morality of slavery. 09:53 – Addressing the South's Conscience Lincoln's nuanced approach: acknowledging the North's moral stance while promising not to "smother" the institution where it already existed. 12:13 – Prudence vs. Principle Exploring Lincoln's rare ability to combine high moral truth with a sound sense of practical feasibility and realism. 14:07 – The Stance Toward the Listener How Lincoln's "manly yet sympathetic" tone served to prick the conscience of his detractors. 16:50 – The Lawyerly Logic of Lincoln Breaking down Lincoln's close textual readings of founding documents to prove federal jurisdiction over slavery in the territories. 17:58 – The Highwayman Analogy A forceful illustration from the Cooper Union address regarding the South's threat of secession as a "holdup" of the Union. 19:48 – The Gettysburg Address: A Temporal Sweep Analyzing the three-paragraph masterpiece that connects the nation's past, present, and future in just over two minutes. 22:50 – A New Birth of Freedom Discussing the "American Experiment" and the world-historical significance of ensuring a government "for the people" does not perish. 24:42 – Honoring the Dead Through Continued Work The shift from grieving to rededication: how Lincoln framed the war as an "unfinished work" for the living to complete. 27:40 – Providential Justice in the Second Inaugural A deep dive into Lincoln's most theological speech, framing the war as a divine "scourge" for the offense of slavery. 32:14 – Malice Toward None, Charity for All The famous concluding vision for binding up the nation's wounds and achieving a lasting peace. 36:30 – The Commonality of North and South Reflecting on Lincoln's observation that both sides "read the same Bible and pray to the same God." 41:30 – The Logic Against Secession Lincoln's argument in the first inaugural that physical separation is impossible and secession sets a dangerous, fragmenting precedent. 47:24 – Conclusion: The Better Angels of Our Nature Reflecting on the famous closing of the first inaugural address and its enduring message of national friendship.

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Welcome to the official podcast of Thomas Aquinas College. Each week, senior members of the teaching faculty open a window into the intellectual life of the College through conversations rooted in the Great Books and the pursuit of first principles. Together, they explore the foundational questions that have shaped Western civilization. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the podcast invites listeners into the same kind of thoughtful, rigorous dialogue that defines the classroom experience. From ancient mathematics and astronomy to philosophy, theology, and modern science, each episode seeks to understand the truth of things by returning to first principles. Occasionally featuring guest scholars and educators, the show offers rich discussions on the Great Books, liberal education, and the enduring relevance of classical learning. New episodes air weekly.Subscribe and join the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Aquinas College
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The TAC Podcast

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