Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Episódios

• The Odyssey Books 11-12 with Luke Heintschel and Dr. Grabowski 02.06.2026 1h 49min

  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.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.
• The Odyssey Books 9-10 with Dr. Gregory McBrayer 26.05.2026 2h 3min

  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!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.
• The Odyssey Books 6-8 with Dr. Frank Grabowski 19.05.2026 1h 48min

  Today 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.
• The Odyssey Book 5 with Dr. Glenn Arbery and Dr. Frank Grabowski 12.05.2026 1h 48min

  Odysseus 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!
• The Odyssey Books 2-4 with Dr. Frank Grabowski 05.05.2026 1h 53min

  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.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.
• The Odyssey Book 1 with Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Grabowski 28.04.2026 1h 33min

  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.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
• Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen and Dr. Chad Pecknold (2024) 21.04.2026 1h 6min

  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 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!
• The Spiritual Harm of Lying 14.04.2026 35min

  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 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.
• Discover the Hidden Meaning of Narnia's Endless Winter 07.04.2026 42min

  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-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.
• Purgatorio: Beatrice (Cantos 32-33) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski 31.03.2026 1h 29min

  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.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.
• Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West 24.03.2026 1h 38min

  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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books02:19 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Canto 28-3104:03 Scholarship and Themes in Dante06:52 The Role of Community in Dante's Works09:43 Personal Reflections on Purgatorio12:20 The Earthly Paradise and Its Significance14:48 Matilda: A Symbol of Beauty and Desire17:44 The Rivers of Lethe and Eunoë20:25 The Dichotomy of Memory in Dante's Vision33:04 The Nature of Confession and Memory34:32 Exploring Apocalyptic Imagery38:08 The Role of Virtues in Spiritual Life45:58 The Significance of the Procession52:43 The Transition from Virgil to Beatrice01:04:09 Virgil's Journey and Final Gift01:05:25 The Role of Mentorship and Growth01:07:24 The Pain of Separation from Mentors01:08:58 Understanding Virgil's Absence01:10:52 Beatrice's Introduction and New Guidance01:12:22 Beatrice's Sarcasm and Wisdom01:14:07 The Complexity of Virgil's Guidance01:15:11 The Nature of True Goodness01:17:04 The Pursuit of Apparent Goods01:19:47 Beatrice as an Icon of Divine Beauty01:21:41 The Role of Pity in Relationships01:25:56 The Sacrament of Confession01:27:43 The Importance of Tears and Remorse01:33:41 The Vision of the Griffin and ChristGood work reading the great books! Next week, we are joined by Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to end our journey!
• Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP 17.03.2026 1h 35min

  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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger57:07 Gradations of the Soul58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey01:25:38 Purification Through Love01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-MasteryFollowing us on X, Facebook, and More!
• Purgatorio: Acedia and Avarice (Cantos 18-22) with Dr. Sarah Berry 10.03.2026 1h 56min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Sarah Berry of the University of Dallas discuss Acedia, Avarice, and part of Gluttony in Cantos 18-22 of the Purgatorio.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information!Check out our GUIDE to the Purgatorio!Dr. Sarah Berry joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to explore Cantos 18–22, covering the terrace of sloth (acedia) and the transition into avarice and prodigality. In Canto 18, Virgil delivers a pivotal discourse on love as the root of all human action, explaining that love can be misdirected (pride, envy, wrath), deficient (sloth), or excessive (avarice, gluttony, lust). Berry emphasizes the terrace’s brevity and lack of a formal prayer: “their prayers are their action... the penitents too... are doing the thing as a way of offering up some kind of prayer to God” (Dr. Sarah Berry), with running souls and examples of zeal (Mary’s haste to Elizabeth, Caesar’s swift march) countering sloth’s cooling of love. The dream of the siren in Canto 19 warns against deceptive earthly goods, while the face-down penance on the avarice terrace forces fixation on the earth once loved excessively: “these are those who had a disordered love of money... goods that can’t be shared” (Dr. Sarah Berry).Cantos 20–22 deepen the exploration of avarice’s societal and personal consequences. Hugh Capet’s lament in Canto 20 indicts the French dynasty’s greed and sacrilege, including the capture of Boniface VIII. Berry highlights the terrace’s broadened scope: “Dante is really broadening... our awareness of this constellation of problems” beyond mere hoarding or spending. In Canto 21, Statius is released with an earthquake and song, explaining his long purgation on sloth and avarice before moving freely upward. Canto 22 poignantly contrasts Statius (saved through Virgil’s influence and grace) with Virgil himself, who lacks faith despite his virtues. Berry notes the tragedy: “Dante is inviting us... hoping that there is some special providence for Virgil at the end of his journey through purgatory” (Dr. Sarah Berry). The cantos reveal Purgatorio’s hopeful, dynamic nature: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from deficient to excessive attachments, preparing the soul for divine union.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio02:29 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Themes and Structure04:30 The Importance of Purgatorio in Spiritual Growth08:32 Understanding Love and Culpability in Purgatorio12:00 Diving into Canto 18: The Lesson on Love13:26 Virgil's Discourse on Love and Free Will17:40 The Nature of Love: Ascent and Culpability20:31 The Role of Reason in Human Actions26:01 The Formation of Intellect and Will33:12 Contrapasso: The Penance of Slothfulness40:19 Examples of Zeal: Mary and Caesar42:17 Understanding Zeal and Sloth47:04 The Subtlety of Sin and Human Effort52:31 Dreams and Allegory in Purgatory01:00:27 The Nature of Prayer and Action01:01:58 Exploring Avarice and Its Consequences01:20:15 Exploring Dante's Inferno: Sin and Intellect01:23:03 Wrath and Sloth: Roots of Sin in Purgatorio01:25:23 Positive Examples: Virtue Against Avarice01:29:30 Dante's Critique of French Dynasties01:35:56 The Role of Statius: A New Perspective01:50:30 Virgil's Tragic Journey: Hope for Salvation?KeywordsDante's Purgatorio, Sloth, Love, Virtue, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Literature, Dante, Purgatory, Christian Virtues Dante, Purgatorio, allegory, sin, virtue, divine justice, theology, Mount Purgatory, purgation, salvation
• Purgatorio: Envy and Wrath (Cantos 13-17) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson 03.03.2026 1h 32min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson of Pepperdine University discuss cantos 13-17 of Dante's Purgatorio--the purging of envy and wrath. Check out our 51 question and answer guide (35 pages!) to the Purgatorio. Check out our YOUTUBE page which has our episodes in playlists!Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to discuss Cantos 13–17, covering the terraces of envy (Canto 13) and wrath (Cantos 14–17), with a strong focus on the central discourses in the middle of the Comedy. In Canto 13, the envious have their eyelids sewn shut with iron wire, a contrapasso that forces them to rely on others and recognize interdependence. Wilson explains: “envy is to look cross-eyed on another's blessings... to look askance,” and the disembodied voices proclaim examples of generosity (Cana, “I am Orestes,” “Love them from whom you’ve suffered evil”), teaching a mindset of abundance over scarcity (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). Sapia humbly confesses her envy and malice, contrasting with the divisive souls in Inferno.Cantos 14–15 transition to wrath, with visions of meekness (Mary and Joseph seeking Jesus, a tyrant sparing a youth, Stephen forgiving his stoners) and Virgil’s discourse on goods: exhaustible earthly goods versus inexhaustible spiritual ones. Wilson notes: “envy stems from a mindset of scarcity versus Mary’s mindset of abundance... able to supply where it looks like there’s not enough in the world” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). The pivotal Canto 16 (the exact midpoint of the Comedy) features Marco Lombardo’s sermon on free will: “If the present world has gone astray, the cause is in you, look at yourselves” (Marco via transcript). Wilson calls it “the clearest sermon that Dante has about what’s wrong with the world,” emphasizing that sin arises from misused free will, not fate or stars, and critiques the separation of temporal and spiritual powers.Canto 17 concludes the wrath terrace with Virgil’s discourse on love as the root of all action (“Neither Creator nor creature was ever without love... natural or of the mind” – Virgil via transcript), which can be misdirected, deficient, or excessive. Wilson highlights the shift from reason to grace: “reason can’t do it alone... you need this other kind of intervention” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson). The cantos underscore Purgatorio’s hopeful pedagogy: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from misdirected to deficient love in preparation for the excessive attachments above. Wilson stresses the urgency: “the Purgatorio shows humanity in motion, dynamic humanity... it has the immediacy... that is an urgency to it” (Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson).Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast04:06 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio07:20 The Great Books Program at Pepperdine University10:18 The Significance of Purgatorio13:27 Understanding Envy in Purgatorio16:17 Contrary Virtues: Generosity and Kindness19:22 The Role of Sight and Blindness in Envy22:15 Dante's Moral Lessons on Envy25:14 Comparative Analysis with Inferno30:33 Dante's Poetic Structure and Contrapasso32:15 Comparative Analysis of Characters in Inferno and Purgatorio33:54 The Role of Good and Bad Examples in Moral Education34:14 The Shift from Temporal to Eternal Mindsets34:20 Understanding Canto 14: The Importance of Examples39:35 Canto 15: The Inquiry into Goods and Wrath49:58 Canto 16: The Purging of Wrath and Examples of Virtue51:35 Ecstatic Visions and Penitent Souls52:19 The Tyrant's Moment of Virtue53:28 Humanity in Purgatorio54:38 The Role of Mary in Purgatory56:02 Saint Stephen's Example of Forgiveness57:12 Virgil's Limitations as a Guide59:12 The Nature of Freedom in Purgatory01:03:07 The Importance of Canto 1601:04:37 Understanding Freedom in Dante's Context01:07:32 The Role of Law and Governance01:14:39 Self-Reflection and the State of the World01:23:48 Exploring Wrath in Purgatory01:30:57 Understanding the Structure of PurgatoryKeywords: Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 13-17, spiritual growth, virtues and vices, education, great books, Dante analysis Dante's Divine Comedy, Purgatory, Virtues and Vices, Free Will, Theology, Morality, Literature, Catholic Teaching, Spiritual Journey
• Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory and the Terrace on Pride (Cantos 6-12) with Mr. Luke Heintschel 24.02.2026 2h 28min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Garlick and Mr. Luke Heintschel, headmaster of Coeur du Christ Academy, discuss the rest of ante-purgatory and then the first terrace--the purging of pride.Check out our GUIDE: 51 QUESTIONS ON THE PURGATORIO.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.The conversation explores the transition from Ante-Purgatory into the proper mountain of Purgatory and the first terrace dedicated to purging the sin of pride. Garlick describes this section as one of his favorites in the entire Purgatorio, praising Dante’s ability to provide a rich “liturgy” and spiritual library of resources for reshaping the soul into the beautiful image of Christ. The episode emphasizes Purgatorio as a positive map for sanctification and theosis, contrasting sharply with the Inferno’s exposure of sin’s ugliness.Guest Introduction and Classical Education InsightsLuke Heintschel shares his personal journey from evangelization and biblical theology into classical education, explaining how he came to see the liberal arts tradition—long cultivated by the Church—as the most effective means of making Catholicism relevant to contemporary young people. He describes his school’s mission of forming saints, scholars, and servants through the historic Catholic educational model. Deacon and Heintschel discuss the harmony of faith and reason, noting how reading great books alongside Scripture and theology reveals that the God who grants intellect is the same God who died on the cross. They highlight the value of using Dante’s Purgatorio in moral theology classes, where it serves not as a list of rules but as a vivid portrayal of transforming the heart’s disordered loves toward their divine end.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio09:02 Understanding Purgatorio: A Map for Spiritual Growth15:17 Dante's Intercessory Prayer and Its Significance24:13 The Role of Beatrice and the Nature of Beauty34:53 Dante's Political Critique and the State of Italy43:05 The Call to Higher Patriotism53:44 Understanding Virtue: Natural vs. Theological59:35 The Valley of the Kings: Political Failures and Redemption01:15:02 Dante's Heroism and Divine Grace01:19:41 The Three Steps to Purification01:28:10 The Role of Humility in Purgatory01:51:27 The Purpose of Purification01:59:24 Contrappasso: The Nature of Punishment in Purgatory02:04:44 Examples of Pride: Lessons from the Past02:16:26 The Beatitudes and the Path to Humility02:23:47 Eagerness to Ascend: The Transformation of the SoulMoral Theology and the Purpose of PurgatorioThe hosts stress that moral theology is not merely about avoiding sin but about becoming beautiful like Christ through active configuration to His image. Purgatorio offers a lifelong guide for this ascent, presenting prayers, hymns, scriptural examples, and artistic visions tailored to remedy each vice. They critique modern reductions of ethics to a “negative list” of prohibitions, arguing that Dante invites readers to pursue positive virtue and interior change.In Canto 6, the souls in Ante-Purgatory eagerly seek Dante’s prayers, illustrating the Catholic doctrine of intercession for the dead as a participation in Christ’s merits. Virgil explains that purgation is possible through the resurrection, and the episode includes a brief catechesis on the communion of saints across the Church Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant. Beatrice is presented as an icon of divine beauty and grace, with the pilgrim’s desire for her serving as a ladder of ascent from earthly eros to divine charity. Dante’s political lament critiques Italy’s fractured state and absent emperor, yearning for the proper balance of temporal and spiritual powers (duo sunt).Canto 7 introduces the Valley of the Princes—failed rulers delayed for neglecting their Christian vocation—while the night rule underscores that ascent requires God’s grace (symbolized by the sun). The princes sing Salve Regina, submitting to the true Queen, Mary.Cantos 8–9: Nighttime Vigil, Dream, and Entry into PurgatoryCanto 8 features angels driving off the serpent of temptation in a repeated catechetical drama, while the souls sing Te lucis ante terminum to entrust the night to God.In Canto 9, St. Lucy (meaning “light”) carries the sleeping Dante upward, emphasizing that grace, not human effort, enables ascent. The three steps to the Gate of Purgatory symbolize self-knowledge (polished white marble), contrition (cracked dark stone), and penance (fiery red porphyry). An angel inscribes seven P’s (peccata, sins) on Dante’s forehead and uses the keys of Peter—commanded to err on the side of mercy—to open the gate, accompanied by the Te Deum.Cantos 10–12: The First Terrace – Purging PrideThe first terrace features marble reliefs of humility: the Annunciation (Mary’s fiat), David dancing before the Ark, and Emperor Trajan aiding a widow. These Christian and pagan examples of the contrary virtue counter pride. The proud souls carry massive boulders that force them to bow low, habituating humility through a purifying contrapasso. The ground displays carved examples of pride’s fall—Lucifer, the Tower of Babel, Niobe, Saul, Arachne, Rehoboam, and others—often alternating biblical and classical stories to show pride’s universal danger. The souls recite an expanded Our Father, praying intercessorily for those on earth, and the Beatitude “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is sung sweetly. As pride is purged, an angel removes one P, the soul grows eager and light-footed, and Virgil laughs—a rare moment of joy signaling progress in the ascent.Closing and Next StepsDeacon thanks Heintschel for his insights and reminds listeners that Purgatorio functions as both literary masterpiece and practical spiritual guide.The next episode will cover Cantos 13–17 (envy and wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson of Pepperdine University.KeywordsDante's Purgatorio, Christian Virtues, Intercessory Prayer, Classical Education, Theology, Morality, Politics, Dante's Guide, Beatrice, Virgil Dante's Purgatorio, humility, pride, spiritual journey, classical analogies, biblical themes, liturgical imagery, virtue, contrapasso, purgation
• Purgatorio: Ante-Purgatory Cantos 1-5 with Dr. Donald Prudlo 17.02.2026 2h 9min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo, the Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, discuss the Ante-Purgatory, the foot of Mount Purgatory (Cantos 1-5).Check out our guide on Dante's Purgatorio (out soon!)Visit Dr. Jason Baxter's website and use "Ascend" in the promo code for 20% off his Purgatorio audiobook.Thanks for the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College for their support!The conversation with Dr. Prudlo and Deacon Garlick on Cantos 1–5 of Purgatorio opens with the dramatic shift from the despair of Inferno to the hope and refreshment of Purgatory.In Canto 1, Dante and Virgil emerge from Hell onto the shores of Mount Purgatory at Easter dawn, where Dante humbly invokes Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry, signaling his project as “the Christian epic” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). They meet Cato the Younger, a pagan suicide saved by special grace, who embodies the four cardinal virtues and serves as Purgatory’s guardian. Prudlo emphasizes the shock: “Cato the pagan, the suicide is going to heaven. And we have got to confront that or we're going to miss so much of what Dante has to tell us here” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). The ritual of washing with dew and girding with the humble reed contrasts the broken plants of the suicides in Hell and symbolizes the beginning of true humility and ascent.Cantos 2–5 introduce the late-repentant souls and the mountain’s structure. In Canto 2, an angelic boat ferries souls singing “In exitu Israel de Aegypto,” a psalm of liberation that Prudlo calls “a multifaceted song” evoking Exodus, baptism, and community (Dr. Donald Prudlo). Casella’s song of Dante’s own poetry enchants the group until Cato rebukes their idleness.Cantos 3–5 explore excommunicated sinners like Manfred (“even under a curse like mine, no one's ever so lost that eternal love cannot come back, as long as hope has any sprouts of green” – Manfred via transcript) and the slothful Belacqua, who banters with Dante like old friends. Prudlo highlights the power of last-minute mercy and intercession: “Mary is the last refuge of sinners” (Dr. Donald Prudlo). The cantos teach that Purgatory is a place of communal hope, where grace reaches even the unlikely, and purification begins with humility, prayer, and rightly ordered love—setting the stage for the active ascent through the terraces.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dante's Purgatorio04:42 The Importance of Reading Purgatorio08:02 Themes of Emancipation and Freedom10:57 The Role of Cato in Purgatorio13:49 Cato's Significance and Political Implications17:00 Cato as a Precursor to Christ19:51 Dante's Literary Techniques and Inspirations22:56 Contrasting Ulysses and Dante25:36 Cato's Death and Its Symbolism28:52 The Nature of Purgatory and Salvation31:51 Cato's Virtues and Their Relevance34:49 The Relationship Between Cato and Christ37:48 Conclusion and Reflections on Purgatorio50:03 Understanding Cato's Role in Purgatorio52:43 The Heartbreaking Choice of Cato54:39 Rituals and Purification in Purgatory01:00:18 The Arrival at Purgatory01:06:34 The Significance of Water in Salvation01:12:09 Virgil's Role and the Nature of Guidance01:24:57 Manfred: A Case of Late Repentance01:29:38 The Role of Intercessory Prayer in Purgatory01:34:00 Understanding Mount Purgatory and Its Significance01:40:15 The Character of Belacqua and Themes of Friendship01:45:22 Late Repentance and the Nature of Mercy01:54:16 Mary as Intercessor and the Nature of Salvation02:00:25 The Concept of Divine Justice and Mercy02:07:53 Final Reflections on Dante's PurgatorioKeywords: Dante, Purgatorio, spiritual growth, Cato the Younger, community, freedom, liberty, friendship, baptism, Easter, Dante, Purgatory, Virgil, Divine Comedy, late repentance, intercessory prayer, Mary, salvation, medieval theology, mercy.
• Introduction to Dante's Purgatorio with Dr. Jason Baxter 10.02.2026 1h 3min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dr. Jason Baxter and Dcn. Harrison Garlick come together to introduce Dante's Purgatorio and Dr. Baxter's new translation!We are reading Dante's Purgatorio for Lent. Join us!Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the great books!DISCOUNT: Check out Dr. Jason Baxter's website and enter "Ascend" to receive **20%** off the Purgatorio audiobook read by Dr. Baxter!Check out Dr. Baxter's Substack article on his new translation.And thank you to the Center of Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College for promoting this reading of the Purgatorio!Dr. Baxter first describes the Center for Beauty and Culture at Benedictine College as a fellowship program (Angelico Fellows) that immerses students in beauty across the arts, music, literature, and theology—through concerts, museums, and pilgrimages—to foster interiority and the conviction that “beauty can save the world.”The conversation then contrasts Purgatorio with the Inferno: while the latter is dark, lurid, and focused on judgment, Purgatorio is a place of hope, mercy, transformation, and “eternal New Year’s resolutions,” where repentant souls engage in spiritual exercises to purify their tarnished mirrors, learn authentic love and prayer, and prepare for Paradise. Baxter likens the shift to moving from heavy metal to Schubert, emphasizing greenness, brightness, and unexpected mercy.Baxter explains that his translation began as a personal quest for mastery—going word-by-word to internalize Dante like memorizing a piano piece—but evolved into a philosophy capturing Dante’s “fugue” of style: ascending, prolix syntax with lofty classical allusions layered over humble, earthy words that reflect Franciscan humility and incarnational Christian poetics. Examples include goats ruminating on the “foco d’amore” (fire of love) amid elevated star imagery, or Statius calling Virgil’s Aeneid “una mamma” (translated “mommy”).He describes Purgatorio as spiritual surgery—painfully removing the soul’s “carcinogenic” elements through grace-filled cooperation—and a map for configuring to Christ beyond mere sin avoidance. Baxter advises first-time readers to pause at puzzling images or word choices, ask “why would Dante do that here?,” trust their instincts, and consider his audiobook for the text’s soundscape, while Deacon Garlick stresses the canticle’s role as a spiritual guide that mirrors one’s own maturation toward God.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio03:43 The Center for Beauty and Culture05:40 Understanding Dante's Purgatorio07:54 The Nature of Purgatorio14:54 Dante the Pilgrim vs. Dante the Poet19:32 The Spirituality of Translation20:14 The Philosophy of Translation30:02 Dante's Christian Poetics34:22 Exploring Dante's Poetic Style36:51 Juxtaposition in Dante's Imagery41:42 The Concept of Spiritual Surgery44:49 The Journey of Holiness48:13 The Role of Love in Dante's Theology52:00 Eros and the Ascent to Divine Beauty55:29 Engaging with Dante: Tips for First-Time ReadersJoin us next week as we start Dante's Purgatorio for Lent!SCHEDULE:2.10.26: Introduction with Dr. Jason Baxter, Benedictine College2.17.26: Cantos 1-5 (Ante-Purgatory) with Dr. Donald Prudlo, University of Tulsa2.24.26: Cantos 6-12 (Ante-Purgatory, Gate, First Terrace) with Luke Heintschel, Headmaster, Coeur du Christ Academy3.3.26: Cantos 13-17 (Envy and Wrath) with Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Pepperdine University3.10.26: Cantos 18-22 (Avarice and Prodigality) with Dr. Sarah Berry, University of Dallas3.17.26: Cantos 23-27 (Gluttony and Lust) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP3.24.26: Cantos 28-31 (Earthly Paradise) with Dr. Michael West, University of Dallas.3.31.26: Cantos 32-33 (Beatrice) with Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski, Holy Family Classical SchoolDISCOUNT: Check out Dr. Jason Baxter's website and enter "Ascend" to receive **20%** off the Purgatorio audiobook read by Dr. Baxter!PS - Like the icon in the background? Check out Joey Bremer's incredible hand painted icons!
• Q&A on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight with Dr. Justin Jackson 03.02.2026 1h 41min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Justin Jackson host a Q&A on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. They explore major themes such as the role of femininity, the moral dilemmas faced by Gawain, and the significance of the girdle. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule!Check out our episodes on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and our study guide!Visit Professor Jackson's awesome SUBSTACK.The conversation highlights Gawain's character development, the tension between chivalric ideals and Christian morality, and the Green Knight's role as a tempter. Through a detailed analysis, they uncover the layers of meaning within the poem, emphasizing the intentional tension crafted by the poet.Join our Patreon page to be able to submit questions in the future!Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests03:13 Teaching 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'06:34 The Role of Women in the Poem12:27 The Tension Between Pagan and Christian Elements21:57 Gawain's Moral Dilemmas and Compartmentalization28:05 The Confession Scene and Its Implications37:02 Confession and Contrition40:56 The Green Knight's Dual Role51:58 Chivalry, Cowardice, and the Girdle01:02:50 Symbolism of Colors in Gawain01:07:31 The Intensity of the Green Knight01:08:36 Gawain's Confrontation and Internal Conflict01:11:29 The Symbolism of the Green Girdle01:17:24 The Ending: Bliss and Blunder01:26:19 Final Thoughts on Gawain's JourneyKeywordsSir Gawain, Green Knight, themes, femininity, chivalry, morality, confession, literature, medieval, analysis, Sir Gawain, Green Knight, chivalry, medieval literature, symbolism, courtly love, Morgan Le Fay, color symbolism, moral lessons, literary analysis, great books, philosophy, Catholic, CatholicismTakeawaysThe tension in the poem is intentional and significant.Gawain's character is complex, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses.The role of femininity is prominent and influential in the narrative.The girdle symbolizes Gawain's internal conflict and moral struggles.Gawain's confession scene raises important questions about sincerity and contrition.The Green Knight serves as a tempter, challenging Gawain's virtues.The poem explores the interplay between pagan and Christian ideals.Gawain's journey reflects a maturation of character and understanding.The hunting scenes parallel Gawain's temptations and moral choices.The poet's use of language invites readers to engage deeply with the text. The nick on the neck symbolizes Gawain's failure in chivalry and Christianity.The poet uses precise language to draw parallels between Gawain's actions and the Green Knight's.The kisses exchanged in the poem have both courtly and liturgical significance.Morgan Le Fay's role raises questions about manipulation and temptation in the narrative.Color symbolism in the poem serves multiple interpretations, particularly with green and red.Gawain's cowardice is a central theme, reflecting on self-preservation and honor.The green girdle represents both shame and a form of glory for Gawain.The ending of the poem invites reflection on the nature of mirth and mockery in chivalric culture.The final motto suggests a moral principle about projecting one's faults onto others.The cyclical nature of bliss and blunder is a key takeaway from the poem's conclusion.We start the Purgatorio next week! Join us!
• Platonic Thought in St. Thomas Aquinas with Dr. Donald Prudlo 27.01.2026 1h 35min

  Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo explore the intricate relationship between Plato and St. Thomas Aquinas, examining how Aquinas's thought is influenced by Platonic philosophy while also being rooted in Aristotle. We are reading the PURGATORIO for Lent!Check out our LIBRARY OF GUIDES TO THE GREAT BOOKS.See Dr. Prudlo's books on St. Thomas, administration, and more!They discuss the nuances of Aquinas' understanding of universals, the nature of evil, and the significance of the body in Christian anthropology, highlighting the complexities of Aquinas's intellectual context and the historical development of these philosophical ideas. They discuss how Aquinas synthesized various philosophical traditions, particularly in his understanding of existence and essence, the role of beauty, and the moral implications of his metaphysics. The dialogue also touches on the early church's reception (or rejection) of Aristotle, the influence of Islamic philosophy, and the evolution of Aquinas' thought throughout his life. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the richness of Aquinas' philosophy and its relevance to contemporary discussions on faith and reason.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast03:11 Experiencing the Papal Conclave06:34 Plato and Aquinas: A Complex Relationship12:43 Aquinas' Intellectual Evolution17:02 The Importance of Reading the Great Books24:25 Platonic Thought in Aquinas' Philosophy34:48 The Quest for Certitude in Philosophy37:20 Realism and the Nature of Universals40:56 Mind-Body Dualism and the Significance of the Body47:36 The Reception of Aristotle in Early Christianity54:09 The Distinction Between Essence and Existence01:04:53 The Role of Beauty in Aquinas' Philosophy01:06:38 Exploring Beauty in Philosophy01:11:23 The Role of Beauty in St. Thomas Aquinas01:13:44 The Ladder of Love and Its Implications01:19:18 Essence and Existence in Thomistic Thought01:21:41 The Hierarchy of Being and Divine Wisdom01:25:22 The Evolution of Aquinas' Thought01:27:35 Understanding Aquinas Through His Influences01:30:17 Final Thoughts on Faith and ReasonTakeawaysAquinas is often mischaracterized as purely Aristotelian.The relationship between Plato and Aristotle is more complex (and harmonious) than often portrayed.Aquinas' thought is enriched by both Platonic and Aristotelian influences.Evil is understood as a privation of the good in Aquinas's philosophy.Aquinas' understanding of universals differs from both Plato and Aristotle.The concept of exitus and reditus is a key Neoplatonic idea in Aquinas.The mind-body dualism presents challenges for Christian thought.Aquinas retained Platonic emphasis on the immortality of the soul.The early church viewed Aristotle as a lesser philosopher compared to Plato.Islamic philosophy significantly influenced medieval scholasticism.Aquinas' distinction between existence and essence is revolutionary.God's essence is existence itself, making Him unique.Beauty is integral to understanding truth and goodness in Aquinas' thought.Grace perfects nature, allowing for a fuller realization of being.The hierarchy of being reflects God's wisdom in creation.Aquinas' later works show a deeper engagement with Neoplatonism.The dialogue between faith and reason is central to Aquinas' philosophy.KeywordsPlato, St. Thomas Aquinas, philosophy, Neoplatonism, Aristotle, universals, particulars, evil, mind-body dualism, Christian thought, Aquinas, Aristotle, Plato, medieval philosophy, essence, existence, beauty, Islamic philosophy, hierarchy of being, Thomism, great books
• Plato's Influence on St. Boethius with Dr. Thomas Ward 20.01.2026 54min

  In this episode of the Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Thomas Ward from Baylor University about Plato's influence on St. Boethius. The conversation begins with an exploration of Boethius's life, particularly his role as a Roman statesman and philosopher during a tumultuous time in history. Dr. Ward highlights St. Boethius's seminal work, "The Consolation of Philosophy," written while he awaited execution, and discusses its impact on medieval thought and the liberal arts tradition. The dialogue emphasizes St. Boethius's unique position as a bridge between Roman and medieval philosophy, often referred to as the last of the Romans and the first of the medievals.Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule.Want to know more about Plato? Start here with our Plato playlist.And check out Dr. Thomas Ward's website!As the conversation unfolds, the discussion shifts to the Platonic influences on St. Boethius's writings. Dr. Ward explains how Boethius synthesized Platonic and Aristotelian thought, particularly in his understanding of the good and the nature of happiness. The episode delves into the themes of evil as privation, the nature of true happiness, and the philosophical journey from despair to enlightenment that St. Boethius undergoes in his work. The dialogue is rich with references to other philosophical texts, including the works of Plato, and draws parallels between Boethius's ideas and those found in the writings of later thinkers like Dante and Aquinas. Overall, the episode serves as a compelling introduction to Boethius's thought and its enduring relevance in the study of philosophy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast02:24 Exploring Boethius and His Influence04:16 Who Was Boethius?07:49 Boethius: The Last Roman and First Scholastic10:18 The Liberal Arts and Boethius' Legacy11:36 Teaching Boethius: A Personal Journey14:07 Plato's Influence on Boethius18:50 The Consolation of Philosophy: Setting the Stage24:31 Lady Philosophy: Deconstruction and Reconstruction29:58 The Quest for Self-Knowledge30:51 Fortune and Its Dual Nature31:53 The Good: Bridging Plato and Christianity36:19 Happiness and the Divine Connection40:00 The Paradox of Good and Evil45:11 The Poetic and Philosophical Fusion48:44 Evil as Privation: A Platonic Insight52:08 Boethius: A Synthesis of Philosophical TraditionsTakeawaysBoethius is often called the last of the Romans and the first of the Medievals.His work, "The Consolation of Philosophy," was written while he awaited execution.Boethius synthesized Platonic and Aristotelian thought in his writings.Evil is understood as a privation of good, not a substance in itself.The journey from despair to enlightenment is central to Boethius's philosophy.KeywordsBoethius, Plato, Consolation of Philosophy, medieval philosophy, Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Thomas Ward, liberal arts, happiness, evil as privation, philosophy, Deacon Harrison Garlick, great books