Welcome to Ascend! We are a weekly Great Books podcast hosted by Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan. What are the Great Books? The Great Books are the most impactful texts that have shaped Western civilization. They include ancients like Homer, Plato, St. Augustine, Dante, and St. Thomas Aquinas, and also moderns like Machiavelli, Locke, and Nietzsche. We will explore the Great Books with the light of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Why should we read the Great Books? Everyone is ...
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The Odyssey Book Six: The Princess and the Stranger
1:25:14
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Eli Stone, formerly of the TU Great Books Honors College and now with Holy Family Classical School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss BOOK SIX of the Odyssey: The Princess and the Stranger. Check us out at thegreatbookspodcast.com. From the guide: 32. What happens in book six? Athena inspires Nausica…
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The Odyssey Book Five: Calypso's Island with Rewire the West
1:45:28
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Evan Amato of Rewire the West to discuss Book Five of Odyssey: Odysseus escapes Calypso's Island. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for a written guide to the Odyssey. A couple questions from the guide: 28. What happens in book five? King Odysseus is trapped on Calypso’s island. Zeus, at Athena’…
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The Odyssey Book Four: The King & Queen of Sparta
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This week Adam Minihan returns to discuss Book Four of the Odyssey with Father Bonaventure, OP - a Dominican Friar of the Province of St. Joseph. The out our website for a 50+ page guide to the Odyssey. 23. What happens in book four? Telemachus arrives in Sparta to find King Menelaus hosting a “double-wedding feast;” as Menelaus’ daughter is marryi…
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The Odyssey Book Three: King Nestor Remembers
1:07:01
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey discuss Book Three of the Odyssey: KING NESTOR REMEMBERS. The lovable old man from the Iliad returns to help set Telemachus on his way. More on Telemachus' coming of age story What power comes to rest on Telemachus? How did Great Ajax die?! (ignobly...) What caused the Achaeans to su…
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The Odyssey Book Two: Telemachus Sets Sail
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Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey come together to discuss Book Two of the Odyssey: Telemachus sets sail. Summary of the book Discussion on key themes Aristotle's Metaphysics John Wayne references And more! Check out our website for 60+ page reader's guide to the Odyssey. What happens in book two? Inspired by Athena, Telemach…
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Fatherhood in the Odyssey with Jason Craig
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Jason Craig of Sword and Spade magazine to discuss the theme of fatherhood in the Odyssey. The fatherhood of Odysseus The problem of fatherlessness in Ithaca The coming of age story of Telemachus And more! Check out Sword and Spade magazine. Check out our 60+ page guide to the Odyssey. Join us as…
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The Odyssey Book One: Athena Inspires the Prince
1:37:59
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WE ARE STARTING THE ODYSSEY! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss Book One of the Odyssey. Check out our website - thegreatbookspodcast.com - for a written guide to the Odyssey and other resources. Questions discussed: What happens in book one? What should be observed about the invocation to the Mu…
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Intro to the Odyssey with Dr. Patrick Deneen
1:06:18
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Patrick Deneen, Dr. Chad Pecknold, and Dr. Richard Meloche to introduce Homer's Odyssey. Dr. Patrick Deneen is a Professor of Political Science at Notre Dame. He is the author of many books and articles including Why Liberalism Failed (2018). His teaching and writing interests focus on the history of political tho…
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After-Hours: The Story Between the Iliad and the Odyssey
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss the events BETWEEN the Iliad and the Odyssey. There is a notable gap between the Iliad and the Odyssey. As the Odyssey picks up after the fall of Troy, tradition turns to authors such as the Greek poet Sophocles, the Greek poet Euripides, and the Roman poet Virgil to tell the story of how Troy fell. Th…
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Iliad: Book 24 | Achilles and Priam
1:47:44
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss the FINAL book of the Iliad: Book 24 - Achilles and Priam. Check out our 65-page guide to the Iliad! I have put to my lips the hands of the man who killed my son. Priam to Achilles (24.591) 103. What happens in book twenty-four? The funeral games have ended, and Achilles, who still mourns for Patroclus…
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Iliad: Book 23 | The Funeral Games for Patroclus
48:58
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 23 of the Iliad: The Funeral Games. Check out this section of our guide to the Iliad! Sleeping, Achilles? You’ve forgotten me, my friend. You never neglected me in life, only now in death. Bury me, quickly—let me pass the Gates of Hades. Patroclus (23.81) 100. What happened in book twenty-three? N…
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 22 on the Death of Hector. “There are no binding oaths between men and lions—wolves and lambs can enjoy no meeting of the minds—they are all bent on hating each other to death.” Achilles (22.310). 97. What happens in book twenty-two? The Trojans scurry back into the city like “panicked fawns,” whi…
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Iliad: Book 21 | Achilles Fights the River
1:01:11
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discussed BOOK 21 of the Iliad: Achilles Fights the River. “Come friend, you too must die. Why moan about it so? […] Even for me, I tell you, death and strong force of fate are waiting.” Achilles (21.119). CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE ILIAD. 93. What happens in book twenty-one? The Trojans are in full retreat. A…
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick interviews George of the Chivalry Guild on topics such as CS Lewis, virtue, magnanimity, meekness, and the importance of strength and prowess. Deacon and George will also discuss his new book - "Chivalry: An Ideal Whose Time Has Come Again" - and explore the concept of noblesse oblige. Thank you for checking out Ascend! We exi…
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Iliad: Book 20 | The Olympian Gods in Arms
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 20 of the Iliad: The Olympian Gods in Arms Summary of the narrative What is Aeneas special? Some details others often overlook Check out our GUIDE TO THE ILIAD. “Aeneas will rule the men of Troy in power—his son’s sons and the sons born in future years.” Poseidon (20.355). 90. What happens in book…
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Iliad: Book 19 | The Champion Arms for Battle
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 19 of the Iliad: The Champion Arms for Battle! Achilles prepares to enter the war! Summary of Book 19 How does Odysseus try to broker peace? What should we make of Briseis weeping over Patroclus? Who is Ate, the goddess of ruin? “You talk of food? I have no taste for food—what I really crave is sl…
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Iliad: Book 18 | The Shield of Achilles
1:26:07
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 18 of the Iliad: The Shield of Achilles. Arguably the MOST philosophically dense book in the entire Iliad. Summary of the Narrative What lesson does the "heart" of Achilles teach? How do we interpret the shield of Achilles? Check out our 115 QUESTION GUIDE to the Iliad. How should we interpret the…
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Iliad: Book 17 | Menelaus’ Finest Hour
1:08:53
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 17 of the Iliad: Menelaus' Finest Hour. Summary of Book 17 What is the "dark heart" of Hector? Can human agency affect fate? What about the horses of Achilles? Check out our 115 Question & Answer Guide on the Iliad. But grief bore down on Hector, packing his dark heart. Homer (17.92) 75. What happ…
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Iliad: Book 16 | Patroclus Fights and Dies
1:15:43
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Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 16 of the Iliad: Patroclus Fights and Dies. Summary of Book 16 What is the difference between Zeus and Fate? What is the relation of Fate to the free will of men? Did Patroclus deserve his fate? Check our GUIDE ON THE ILIAD. 70. What happens in books sixteen? Patroclus returns to Achilles and begs…
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Eternal Christendom with Joshua Charles
1:44:25
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Today we welcome Joshua Charles in the studio to talk about his new project Eternal Christendom, a preservation and revival of the Great Tradition for future generations. In this episode we will discuss: Wisdom from the Early Church Fathers Who is Joshua Charles and hear his conversion story His political journey and how that has shaped his new pro…
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Iliad: Book 15 | The Achaean Armies at Bay
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Deacon Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson to the podcast to discuss Book 15 of The Iliad, The Achaean Armies at Bay. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book fifteen? What is the relationship between men and the will of the gods in book fifteen? What else should be noted in book fifteen? You can follow Dr. Jessica Hoot…
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Iliad: Book 14 | Hera Outflanks Zeus
1:03:32
1:03:32
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey back to the podcast to discuss Book 14 of The Iliad, Hera Outflanks Zeus In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book fourteen? What are we to make of Love and Sleep conquering Zeus? Why is this one of the funniest books thus far (according to Adam)? What else should be noted i…
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey back to the podcast to discuss Book 13 of The Iliad, Battling for the Ships In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book thirteen? How does the story of Asius end? Why Adam is frustrated with this book and why it's Dcn. Garlick's least favorite so far. What else should be noted…
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Iliad: Book 12 | The Trojans Storm the Rampart
1:45:28
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan welcome Thomas Lackey and David Niles to discuss Book 12 of The Iliad, The Trojans Storm the Rampart. In this episode we will discuss: Our Sunday Great Books group. What is the issue with the gods and the wall of the Achaeans? What should we make of the story of Asius? What should we make of Hector disregard…
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Iliad: Book 11 | Agamemnon's Day of Glory
49:41
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Book 11 of the Iliad, Agamemnon's Day of Glory. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in Book 11? What should be noted about Patroclus? What should be noted about Peleus' command to Patroclus? What else should be observed in book 11? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download …
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Iliad: Book 10 | Marauding Through the Night
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Book 10 of the Iliad, Marauding Through the Night. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in Book 10? Hector calls for a spy. Diomedes goes on a rampage What else should be observed in book 10? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. 53. What happens in book ten…
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Iliad: Book 9 | The Embassy to Achilles
1:05:31
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the embassy to Achilles in Book 9. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book nine? Who is Phoenix? What is the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus? What effect does the embassy have on Achilles? What else should be noted in the embassy to Achilles? Want our whole gu…
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the tide of battle turns in Book 8. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book eight? Do the Achaeans actually need Achillies? What is the relationship between Athena and Zeus? What else should be observed in book eight? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for fre…
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about the duel between Ajax and Hector in Book 7. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book 7? What does Nestor, the old Achaean war chief, say to Hector? The duel between Ajax and Hector. How the end of book seven introduces the reader to the importance of burying the dead. What…
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Iliad: Book 6 | Hector Returns to Troy
1:28:38
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan sit down to talk about Hector returning to Troy. In this episode we will discuss: What happens in book six? What should be noted in the duel between Glaucus and Diomedes? What may be noted in Helen's lament to Prince Hector? What lesson does Homer provide by Hector returning to Troy? Is Homer presenting Hect…
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Iliad: Book 5 | Diomedes Fights the Gods
1:53:49
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are joined by Grayson Quay. Grayson Quay Grayson Quay is a writer and News and Opinion Editor for the Daily Caller. He earned his M.A. from Georgetown University in 2019. Book Five Diomedes Fights the Gods Now take heart, Diomedes, fight it out with the Trojans! Deep in your chest I’ve put your father’s stre…
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss Book 4 of the Iliad - The Truce Erupts in War Book Four The Truce Erupts in War The Iliad is a poem that lives and moves and has its being in war. Bernard Knox 26. What happens in the fourth book of the Iliad? Zeus taunts Hera with possibly supporting the truce and ending the war (4.17). Amongst the …
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Iliad: Book 3 | Helen Reviews the Champions
1:55:10
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Deacon Harrison Garlick welcomes Dr. Karl Schudt to Ascend to discuss Book 3 of the Iliad - Helen Reviews the Champions In this episode Dcn. Garlick and Dr. Karl Schudt will discuss: What happens in the third book of the Iliad? What is the story of Helen and Paris? What are Trojan politics concerning Helen and Paris? What is guest-friendship? What …
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Iliad: Book 2 | The Great Gathering of Armies
1:06:37
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan take a slow read of Book 2 of The Iliad. Adam is not sure about this book, but by the end of the discussion, Deacon Garlick has talked Adam off the ledge. Book Two The Great Gathering of Armies The rage of kings is strong—they’re nursed by the gods, their honor comes from Zeus—they’re dear to Zeus, the god w…
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Iliad: Book 1 | The Rage of Achilles
1:24:53
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan jump into The Iliad Book 1. Commentary on the text Book One The Rage of Achilles[1] Rage—Goddess, sing of Peleus’ son Achilles. Iliad (1.1) 6. What happens in the first half of book one? The rage of Achilles is both the theme of book one and of the Iliad as a whole. Achilles is the son of Peleus, King of Pht…
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Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan answer the question, "Who is Homer?" We announce a year with Homer! Who is Homer? Was he a real person? Did he write the Iliad and the Odyssey? 1. Who was Homer? The city of Troy is said to have fallen in 1184 B.C.[1] Such a date would place it just prior to ancient Israel’s foray into a monarchy under King …
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Dr. Richard Meloche, Dr. Aaron Henderson, Dcn. Harrison Garlick, and Adam Minihan ask the question, "Why read the Great Books and how do you read them well?" In this episode, they discuss: What are the Great Books? Why should we read the Great Books? How reading the Great Books helps form the person. How reading the Great Books will help form the c…
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Introduction to Ascend: The Great Books Podcast
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23:51
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Who are we and why did we start this podcast? In this episode Adam and Deacon Garlick discuss: Who is Adam Minihan and Deacon Harrison Garlick? Why did we start this project? What should the listener expect? Announcing a YEAR WITH HOMER! We are all disciples of someone. Many are disciples of Nietzsche or of Locke without ever having read them. *Thi…
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