Ascend - The Great Books Podcast
Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
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 a disciple of someone. A person may have never read Locke or Nietzsche, but he or she thinks like them. Reading the Great Books allows us to reclaim our intellect and understand the origin of the ideas that shape our world. We enter a "great conversation" amongst the most learned, intelligent humans in history and benefit from their insights.
Is this for first-time readers?
YES. Our goal is to host meaningful conversations on the Great Books by working through the texts in chronological order in a slow, attentive manner. Our host Adam Minihan is a first-time reader of Homer. We will start shallow and go deep. All are invited to join.
Will any resources be available?
YES. We are providing a free 115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad written by Deacon Harrison Garlick in addition to our weekly conversations. It will be available on the website (launching next week).
Go pick up a copy of the Iliad!
We look forward to reading Homer with you in 2024.
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 a disciple of someone. A person may have never read Locke or Nietzsche, but he or she thinks like them. Reading the Great Books allows us to reclaim our intellect and understand the origin of the ideas that shape our world. We enter a "great conversation" amongst the most learned, intelligent humans in history and benefit from their insights.
Is this for first-time readers?
YES. Our goal is to host meaningful conversations on the Great Books by working through the texts in chronological order in a slow, attentive manner. Our host Adam Minihan is a first-time reader of Homer. We will start shallow and go deep. All are invited to join.
Will any resources be available?
YES. We are providing a free 115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad written by Deacon Harrison Garlick in addition to our weekly conversations. It will be available on the website (launching next week).
Go pick up a copy of the Iliad!
We look forward to reading Homer with you in 2024.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 1h 54min
Iliad: Book 5 | Diomedes Fights the Gods
Grayson Quay, a writer and News and Opinion Editor for the Daily Caller, dives into the electrifying chaos of Homer's Iliad. He discusses how Diomedes, empowered by Athena, takes on both mortal enemies and deities, showcasing the intersection of divine influence and fate. The conversation also highlights themes of heroism, familial legacy, and the psychological complexities of rage and restraint. Listeners will be intrigued by the tensions between individualism and collective values in warfare, adding depth to this timeless epic.
Jan 23, 2024 • 41min
Iliad: Book 4 | The Truce Erupts in War
Iliad expert Bernard Knox discusses Book 4, where Zeus instigates conflict by manipulating Athena to break the truce. The podcast explores divine influences, personal narratives in warfare, and the gods' capricious nature. It delves into Athena's manipulation of Pandarus, Hector's absence, and Agamemnon's troop marshaling. The chapter ends with a foreshadowing of Troy needing to reverse the tide of the battle in Book 5.
32 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 1h 55min
Iliad: Book 3 | Helen Reviews the Champions
Dr. Karl Schudt, an expert on the Iliad, discusses Book 3 with Deacon Harrison Garlick. They explore themes of honor, love, and war in the duel between Menelaus and Paris. Topics include guest friendship, Helen's agency, divine will, Helen's beauty, and the clash of values between Achilles and Paris.
Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 7min
Iliad: Book 2 | The Great Gathering of Armies
A prophetic dream from Zeus sets Agamemnon on a path to rally his troops for war against Troy. The discussion humorously navigates the challenges of reading the Iliad, including the character of Nestor and the dynamics of leadership. Special attention is given to the themes of deception among the gods and kings, showcasing the interesting interplay of power. Their light-hearted analysis reveals the importance of camaraderie and context in appreciating classic literature while unpacking the intricate relationships that drive the epic narrative.
13 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 1h 25min
Iliad: Book 1 | The Rage of Achilles
Explore the explosive theme of Achilles' rage in the opening of the Iliad. Tensions escalate when Agamemnon refuses to return Chryseis, leading to divine wrath from Apollo. The fierce conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon sets a tragic stage marked by power struggles and complex characterizations. Athena’s intervention highlights the balance of wisdom and rage, as Achilles grapples with his emotions. The discussion dives into the intricacies of virtue and the role of divine influence on human actions, showcasing the epic’s timeless themes.
Jan 1, 2024 • 43min
Introduction to Homer
The discussion dives into the enigma of Homer, exploring if he was a real person and his connection to ancient events like the fall of Troy. It highlights the artistry of his oral poetry and the significance of epic tales in Greek culture. The power of epithets in his writing is examined, showcasing their role in developing characters and themes. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes choosing the right translations of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' while enhancing the understanding of classical literature and mythology.
33 snips
Dec 31, 2023 • 1h 30min
How to Read the Great Books Well
Dr. Richard Meloche, a Great Books expert, joins Dr. Aaron Henderson, a scholar on cultural engagement, Dcn. Harrison Garlick, a deacon focused on effective reading strategies, and commentator Adam Minihan. They delve into the significance of the Great Books, discussing their role in shaping personal values and cultural identity. Key topics include reconnecting with foundational texts, the interplay of philosophy and faith, and the importance of holistic education. They emphasize reading with intent, humility, and imagination to foster deeper understanding.
Dec 26, 2023 • 24min
Introduction to Ascend: The Great Books Podcast
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. *This is why we read the great books.*We read to know the origin of ideas and to take ownership of our own intellect.To not be unknowing slaves.Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan introduce themselves and explain why they are starting this project.
