Dcn. Garlick flies solo to explore the depths of BOOK TEN of the Odyssey: The Bewitching Queen of Aeaea. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. From the guide: 53. What happens in book ten? Odysseus and his men come to the floating island of King Aeolus [1] who Zeus had made the “master of all the winds” (10.24). After hosting them for a month, King Aeolus stuffed all the winds into a bag, except a favorable west wind, and gave it to Odysseus (10.29). Leaving the island, they sai...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Dcn. Garlick and Adam Minihan discuss BOOK NINE of the Odyssey: Odysseus and the Cyclops. Odysseus finally gives his name and starts to tell his story. Book Nine is one of the most important books in the Odyssey. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. From the guide: 48. What happens in book nine? The guest of good King Alcinous finally declares, “I am Odysseus” (9.21), and he begins to tell his story (9.33). After Troy, Odysseus and the ships under his command raided a city on...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 20 min
This week Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone, formerly of the TU Great Books Honors College and now teaching at a classical school, discuss Book VIII of the Odyssey: A Day for Songs and Contests. We have a 50+ page guide to the Odyssey. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. From the guide: 42. What happens in book eight? King Alcinous and Odysseus go to the meeting grounds, as Athena whips up the curiosity of the islanders to come and see the stranger who “looks like a deathles...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 34 min
This week Dcn. Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone discuss Book Seven of the Odyssey: Phaeacia’s Halls and Gardens. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources. FROM THE GUIDE: 36. What happens in book seven? Athena hides Odysseus in a mist and leads him, in the guise of a child, toward the palace (7.17). She reiterates the advice of Nausicaa by telling Odysseus to go to Queen Arete (7.61). Odysseus enters the magnificent palace and throws his arms around the queen’s knees, as Athena withdraws h...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 21 min
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 Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous, to go with her handmaids to the river and wash clothes (6.20). Her father grants her permission, and she takes a wa...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 25 min
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’s pleading, agrees to two proposals: first, Odysseus may leave the captivity of Calypso; and second, Athena may help Telemachus escape the trap set by...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 45 min
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 marrying the son of Achilles, and Menelaus’ son is marrying a girl from Sparta (4.04). Telemachus and Nestor’s son, Pisistratus, are received warmly (4.68)....
Jul 30, 2024•52 min
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 suffer the wrath of Athena? Check out Dcn. Garlick's 50+ page guide to the Odyssey. What happens in book three? Telemachus arrives in Pylos to find King...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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, Telemachus addresses the assembly of Ithaca (2.25) and condemns the suitors and invokes the gods against them (2.70). In response, Antinous, a suitor, blames...
Jul 16, 2024•55 min
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 we read the Odyssey as part of our Year of Homer!...
Jul 09, 2024•44 min
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 Muses? What should be made of Zeus’ comment on fate? What happened to Agamemnon? What should be made of Telemachus? What major themes and narratives hel...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 38 min
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 thought, American political thought, liberalism, conservatism, and constitutionalism. Dr. Chad Pecknold , Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at t...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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. The following questions, while tracking the fates of specific individuals, tell the narrative that occurs between the Iliad and the Odyssey . One may m...
Jun 18, 2024•42 min
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, drags Hector’s body behind his chariot around Patroclus’ tomb (24.19). Twelve days after the death of Hector, Apollo pleads with the gods to save t...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 48 min
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? Now back at the Achaean camp, Achilles leads his Myrmidons in mourning around the body of Patroclus (23.13). That night, as Achilles lay by the shore...
Jun 04, 2024•49 min
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,” while Hector remains outside the walls (22.05). Apollo, who had taken the form of a Trojan soldier to make Achilles chase him, reveals his trickery to Ac...
May 28, 2024•54 min
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. Achilles drives half the Trojan army back toward Troy over the plains, but the other half is driven into the Xanthus river (21.09). Achilles, who leap...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 1 min
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 exist to help people study the great books and explore timeless truths. Check out our website and account on X for more information.
May 16, 2024•1 hr 29 min
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 twenty? Zeus calls the gods to council and tells them that they may now aide whatever side they wish—the strict decree to not intervene is over (20....
May 14, 2024•52 min
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 slaughter and blood and the choking groans of men!” Achilles (19.254). 85. What happens in book nineteen? Thetis returns to Achilles with new armor craf...
May 07, 2024•43 min
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 shield of Achilles? The shield of Achilles presents a commentary on the cosmos. It is a testament to the Greek belief that the world is ordered and i...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 26 min
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 happens in books seventeen? The body of Patroclus still lays on the plains outside of Troy. Menelaus, the Spartan king, slays Euphorbus, the Trojan w...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min
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 Achilles to send him out to fight in Achilles’ armor (16.43). Homer writes: “So [Patroclus] pleaded, lost in his own great innocence, condemned to b...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 16 min
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 project What is Eternal Christendom and what is the vision St. Augustine and true religion Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. You c...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 44 min
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 Hooten Wilson on X at @HootenWilson Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. 67. What happens in book fifteen? Zeus, the father of gods an...
Apr 09, 2024•52 min
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 in book fourteen? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. Book Fourteen Hera Outflanks Zeus And so, deep in peace, the Father slept on...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 4 min
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 in book thirteen? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. Zeus, Father Zeus, they say you excel all others… all men and gods, in wis...
Mar 26, 2024•46 min
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 disregarding the bird-sign? What else should be observed in book 12? Want our whole guide to The Iliad? Download it for free. Bird-signs! Fight for your countr...
Mar 19, 2024•1 hr 45 min
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 it for free. Achilles will listen to you—for his own good. So the old man told you. You’ve forgotten. - Nestor to Patroclus (11.943) 55. What happens ...
Mar 12, 2024•50 min
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? Agamemnon cannot sleep (9.04). He is tormented by the thousand fires of the Trojans camped around his black ships (10.14), and he tears “his hair ou...
Mar 05, 2024•46 min
