

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

Sep 2, 2022 • 51min
Ep. 053 - The Sacramental Life
What does it mean to be an integrated human? How do we live well-ordered lives? How does this lead to peace and harmony in both the home and the soul?
Brian Fink is husband, father, farmer, and teacher creating an integrated life for himself and his family. In this discussion, he talks about farming goats, homeschooling kids, raising boys, and instilling virtue while demonstrating how can find peace in the ordinary and live a sacramental life.
Find Brian on Twitter @b_fink
Find Brian on Substack @ bfink.substack.com

Aug 26, 2022 • 58min
EP. 052 - There Bade Me Gaze.
Today's guest, Oscar Ortiz, is both a brilliant thinker and incredible achiever who has transformed crumbling schools into sanctuaries for students.
Listen as he tells John and Larissa how he plans to continue to bring wonder to students all over America.
Oscar has devoted his career to classical education and over the course of ten years has gone from the classroom, to head of school, to Superintendent. He is known for being a passionate advocate for various classical charter organizations, lending his assistance and expertise to all. With an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a master’s in the Liberal Arts. Oscar is well-versed in classical themes bringing his knowledge into every new endeavor. Originally from Honduras, Oscar’s vocation has always been creating access to classical education to diverse and disadvantaged populations believing that the true, the good, and the beautiful paves the way for all to lead flourishing lives.
To join courses live and become a Fellow today, visit MagnusInstitute.org .

Aug 19, 2022 • 1h 12min
Ep. 051 - THREE BEERS - Saving Our Democracy
Season 2 of the Magnus Podcast begins with this very special Three Beers episode with Pavlos Papadopoulos. Listen as John, Larissa, and Pavlos discuss Alexis De Tocqueville's great work, Democracy in America.
Pavlos Papadopoulos is Assistant Professor of Humanities at Wyoming Catholic College. He holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College, Annapolis, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Politics from the Institute of Philosophic Studies at the University of Dallas. At Wyoming Catholic, his teaching focuses on courses in the great works of literature, history, rhetoric, and political philosophy. He is currently teaching a course on Democracy in America in the Magnus Fellowship.
To join courses live and become a Fellow today, visit MagnusInstitute.org .

Mar 10, 2022 • 55min
Ep. 050 - THREE BEERS - The Sufferings and Glory of Christ
We made it to 50 episodes thanks to you and have some huge announcements to make. Join us for a special sit down over 3 Beers with AMI CFO Brian Long who breaks the news - taped on the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas no less!
MagnusInstitute.org/Press

Mar 5, 2022 • 1h 26min
Ep. 049 - Forged in the Fire of War: The Life of J.R.R. Tolkien with Dr. Helen Freeh
Times are tough? Good. Discover how a boy who lost both parents at a young age and fought the bloodiest war in history found a place in the canon of literary greatness. In this lecture for the Magnus Fellowship, Dr. Freeh tells the story of Tolkien that you have never heard.
To support AMI, visit https://magnusinstitute.org/give/. Your donation is liberating the liberal arts and ransoming the captive of a broken college system.

Feb 24, 2022 • 1h 5min
Ep. 048 - Metaphysics Q&A with Dr. David Arias
Peek in on the Fellowship at its best as Magnus Fellows engage Aristotle with the pedagogic wonder, Dr. David Arias.
Want to view the whole course? Fellows giving at least $25 / month receive unlimited access to all course video recordings. Plus, you support the noble cause of liberal learning. MagnusInstitute.org.

Feb 17, 2022 • 58min
Ep. 047 - Man: The Erotic, Birthing Person
No really! Just go read Plato's Symposium. And enjoy this labor inducing discussion led by AMI Senior Fellow, Dr. Matthew Walz.
You can become a Fellow today, and be a part of these life-changing courses. MagnusInstitute.org

Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 13min
Ep. 046 - Joseph Pearce introduces you to Homer’s Iliad
"Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilleus and its devastation,…” Enjoy this taste of the Magnus Fellowship with Senior Fellow Joseph Pearce and Magnus Fellows as they dive into the world of Homer and explore the first three books of his Iliad.
Give to AMI’s Great Campaign now to keep our work going strong. MagnusInstitute.org/give

Dec 13, 2021 • 52min
Ep. 045 - The Lord of the Rings: All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter
Join Dr. Hellen Freeh in her Magnus Fellowship course Friendship and Freedom in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings as she unpacks the meaning of language, love, and friendship.
Give to AMI’s Great Campaign now to keep our work going strong. MagnusInstitute.org/give

Nov 27, 2021 • 48min
Ep. 044 - The Great Turnaround: Metaphysics Week Continues
"The wise man has knowledge as far as possible of all things." - Aristotle
In this episode of the Magnus Podcast, Dr. David Arias explores Aristotle’s understanding of being-as-being and axioms and their connection to the study of Metaphysics.
The soul grows the body. So join the Fellowship today and become wiser and better looking.
MagnusInstitute.org