

Magnus Podcast: Conversations from the Catacombs of Liberal Education
Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc.
Like the early philosophers and theologians before us, we are seeking to nourish our souls, discover the truth, and live in the world, but not of it.
Welcome to the Magnus Podcast where John Johnson and Larissa Bianco hope to connect contemporary thinkers to conversations from the catacombs in the classical, Christian tradition before us.
The Magnus Podcast is a production of the Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc. Dedicated to the promotion of another sort of learning, the Albertus Magnus Institute seeks to invite all into the truth, ”Omnes ad Veritatem.”
Welcome to the Magnus Podcast where John Johnson and Larissa Bianco hope to connect contemporary thinkers to conversations from the catacombs in the classical, Christian tradition before us.
The Magnus Podcast is a production of the Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc. Dedicated to the promotion of another sort of learning, the Albertus Magnus Institute seeks to invite all into the truth, ”Omnes ad Veritatem.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 25, 2025 • 2h 3min
Ep. 113 - Introductory Seminar: The Iliad and the Odyssey
Please enjoy listening in on the first seminar of the first Magnus Cohort!
The 2027 Cohort began their three year journey with Dr. David Arias in September of 2024, and they will finish their third year in the summer of 2027!
The 2028 Cohort will begin this September. Do you want to be apart of something like this? Find out how you can join the 2028 Cohort this Fall!

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 53min
Ep. 112 - On A Midsummer Night's Dream
Dr. Travis Cooper recently facilitated this lively discussion on Shakespeares classic, A Midsummer Night's Dream.
If you weren't there live, here is your chance to listen!
At AMI, we believe in the power of great questions that lead to more questions, in an education that focuses on discernment and freedom.
Senior Fellow, Dr. Jospeh Hattrup sums it up beautifully,
"In our culture nowadays... there's just so much of a reality where you're being fed ideas. This is what you're supposed to think about the world. This is what you're supposed to think about all sorts of human issues- whatever they might be, political, moral, religious. There's so many questions.
And it really is a serious question... in developing yourself as a person in your education... Am I really developing myself into somebody who sees truth as independent of fashion, independent of fads, independent of current events? Can I see it... as timeless and everlasting, but as something that I can really possess with other people as a common good through the discipline of my own mind?
Do you want this form of education for yourself? See how the Magnus Fellowship can provide just such an education.

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep. 111 - Ad Fontes: Latin, Tradition & Faith
What is the value of Latin, really?
John Johnson joins Father Peter Hannah to discuss why all the cool people are studying Latin, as well as the Novus Ordo vs traditional Latin mass; Father Peter reminds us how latin is a time honored way to return our culture to the traditions we have discarded. They also discuss his experience in the Magnus Fellowship teaching the Latin course that broke the internet.
Watch the first of 8 classes from Introduction to Ecclesial Latin here:
Join the Fellowship today!

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 29min
Ep. 110 - History: The Liberal Art
Happy 4th of July!
Celebrate our country’s independence with this extra special discussion with Dr. Richard Ferrier, tutor at Thomas Aquinas College. John Johnson and Dr. Ferrier discuss the complex question of, “Is history a liberal art?” They discuss this question by looking closely at American rhetoric, creeds, conspiracies, great people and cornerstone events from our founding until now.
If you can’t listen in one go, break it up. You don’t want to miss the end.
Calvin Coolidge’s speech on the 150th anniversary of our country’s independence: https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/address-the-celebration-the-150th-anniversary-the-declaration-independence-philadelphia
You can find his book here:https://tanbooks.com/products/declaration-statesmanship-a-course-in-american-government-course-book/?gc_id=17487855346&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17496032570&gbraid=0AAAAADyykAyarNMii1oK9uRemCTQYR5cu&gclid=Cj0KCQjw953DBhCyARIsANhIZobmrCDpOj6t0IwqRpbk7LY4LYx4vlHvK_dEkkT6OSxge2TBhrqdo7gaAnT0EALw_wc
Join the Magnus Fellowship today!

Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 46min
Ep. 109 - AI and the Free Mind Part II
John is back to discuss AI and the digital world, this time with AI thought leader and entrepreneur, Drago Dimitrov. They discuss how binary AI fits into our symbolic world and continue to tackle the difficult question, “How should Catholic Christians and liberal artists respond to this instrumental end of AI?”
Follow Drago on X: @Dragodimitrov
holyhabits.app

May 24, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep. 108 - AI and the Free Mind Part I
Ryan Khurana, AI technologist, strategist, and thought leader, joins John Johnson to discuss AI and the digital world. They compare the personhood, creativity, and relationships gifted to man to the counterfeit personhood of AI. They begin to tackle the difficult question, “How should Catholic Christians and liberal artists rightly respond to the instrument that is AI?”
Stay tuned for Part II of the AI conversation with another special guest.
Join the Fellowship today!
magnusinstitute.org/fellowship

May 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep. 107 - A Community of Learning for Liberal Education
“Of all the forms of education, there is one that is best and most perfected and that education has come to be known as liberal education.” - Dr. David Arias
The Magnus Podcast season 5 has arrived! We open with the recording of our recent webinar where we discussed our Cohort Program and the value of liberal education with Dr. Joseph Hattrup, Dr. David Arias, and AMI's Larissa Bianco.
Magnusinstitute.org/institute to learn more!

Dec 20, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 106 - What is Knowing?
Dive into the philosophical depths of knowing and existence through Plato's divided line. The conversation touches on the contrast between contingent and non-contingent realities, highlighting the significance of truth in both spiritual and natural contexts. Explore the manipulation of music and culture and how they shape societal values, while dissecting individual satisfaction versus cultural fear. The paradox of individualism against community engagement emerges, asking vital questions about personal and collective good. Sacramental concepts also push against ancient philosophies, seeking deeper understanding.

Dec 17, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 105 - Consecration of Self: Understanding the Order of Techne and Technology
Are digital tools inherently bad? How should we respond to the problem of tech? How do we know if what we are building is good?
Don't be a tool...just use one. Join John Johnson and Austin Klise, the founder of Klise Consulting as they discuss techne and technology and the implications therein.
You can find Austin @ kliseconsulting.com
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!
Learn more about Father Owen Carroll

Nov 25, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 104 - The Dignity of a Liberal Artist
Join John Johnson and Angel Adams Parham as they have a discussion about race befitting the dignity of a liberal artist.
Angel Adams Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology, senior fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and Associate Director for the major in Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia. Through her research in historical sociology, she engages in inquiry that examines the past in order to better understand how to live well in the present and envision wisely for the future.
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!
Learn more about Father Owen Carroll