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Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Auteur(s): Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
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À propos de cet audio

 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.Copyright 2026 Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan Art Développement personnel Monde Réussite
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  • Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West

    Purgatorio: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31) with Dr. Michael West
    Mar 24 2026

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Michael West discuss the top of Mount Purgatory: The Earthly Paradise (Cantos 28-31).

    Check out our WRITTEN GUIDE to the Purgatorio.

    Check Ascend out on X, Facebook, Youtube, and More!

    They explore the serene, uncultivated garden where Dante encounters the mysterious Matilda picking flowers, the two rivers (Lethe, which erases the memory of sin, and Eunoe, which restores the memory of good deeds), and the elaborate apocalyptic procession featuring candelabras, elders, symbolic creatures, the griffin-drawn chariot of the Church, and dancers representing the theological and cardinal virtues. The discussion highlights Dante’s use of erotic imagery, classical allusions (Proserpina, Venus, Hero and Leander), and the communal themes running through the Commedia, while noting how Purgatorio depicts the gradual strengthening of the will through spiritual “exercise,” much like physical training.

    The conversation then turns to the dramatic appearance of Beatrice in Canto 30, her stern rebuke of Dante for pursuing “shadows of false goods” after her death, and the emotional departure of Virgil, whose guidance ends as Beatrice assumes the role of divine wisdom.

    They interpret Canto 31 as a sacramental confession scene in which Dante acknowledges his sins, experiences contrition while gazing at Beatrice’s eyes reflecting the dual-natured griffin (Christ), and is immersed in the River Lethe by Matilda. The hosts reflect on the limits of human reason and mentorship (Virgil), the incarnational role of beauty in leading the soul to God, the necessity of properly ordered eros, and the deeper Christian vision that Eden is not the final destination but a way station toward the beatific vision. The episode ends with anticipation for the conclusion of Purgatorio in the next installment.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Ascend and the Great Books

    02:19 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Canto 28-31

    04:03 Scholarship and Themes in Dante

    06:52 The Role of Community in Dante's Works

    09:43 Personal Reflections on Purgatorio

    12:20 The Earthly Paradise and Its Significance

    14:48 Matilda: A Symbol of Beauty and Desire

    17:44 The Rivers of Lethe and Eunoë

    20:25 The Dichotomy of Memory in Dante's Vision

    33:04 The Nature of Confession and Memory

    34:32 Exploring Apocalyptic Imagery

    38:08 The Role of Virtues in Spiritual Life

    45:58 The Significance of the Procession

    52:43 The Transition from Virgil to Beatrice

    01:04:09 Virgil's Journey and Final Gift

    01:05:25 The Role of Mentorship and Growth

    01:07:24 The Pain of Separation from Mentors

    01:08:58 Understanding Virgil's Absence

    01:10:52 Beatrice's Introduction and New Guidance

    01:12:22 Beatrice's Sarcasm and Wisdom

    01:14:07 The Complexity of Virgil's Guidance

    01:15:11 The Nature of True Goodness

    01:17:04 The Pursuit of Apparent Goods

    01:19:47 Beatrice as an Icon of Divine Beauty

    01:21:41 The Role of Pity in Relationships

    01:25:56 The Sacrament of Confession

    01:27:43 The Importance of Tears and Remorse

    01:33:41 The Vision of the Griffin and Christ

    Good work reading the great books! Next week, we are joined by Joshua Charles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to end our journey!
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    1 h et 38 min
  • Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP

    Purgatorio: Gluttony and Lust (Cantos 23-27) with Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP
    Mar 17 2026
    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Fr. Patrick Biscoe, OP, discuss gluttony and lust in Dante's Purgatorio, Cantos 23-27.Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information.Check out our LIBRARY OF WRITTEN GUIDES for the great books.Check out the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers.Check out Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, at Godsplaining Podcast.In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dominican friar Fr. Patrick Briscoe, OP, currently serving in Rome as the Order’s General Promoter for Social Communication. The conversation opens with Fr. Patrick explaining Dominican life, the charism of preaching rooted in study and contemplation, the historical significance of Santa Sabina, and the Order’s ongoing vitality—especially through institutions like the Angelicum. The bulk of the episode then offers a close, theologically rich reading of the Purgatorio.The hosts explore how Dante structures these sins as forms of excessive or misdirected love, placing them high on the mountain because they are less grave than pride, envy, or wrath, yet still require deep purification. Key themes include the contrapasso of emaciated souls on the gluttony terrace, the “OMO DEI” face motif symbolizing refashioning in God’s image, the role of intercessory prayer (especially Nella’s for Forese Donati), the two instructive trees, medieval embryology and hylomorphism (how airy shades appear gaunt), and the wall of flame on the lust terrace.They highlight Dante’s nuanced treatment of lust—treating both heterosexual excess (Pasiphaë/bestiality) and sodomy as incontinence—while emphasizing the praise of chaste marriage and the enduring good of ordered eros. The episode closes powerfully with Virgil’s farewell in Canto 27, crowning Dante “lord of himself” once his will is aligned with the good, symbolizing true Christian freedom.Throughout, the discussion weaves literary analysis with practical spiritual application—especially apt for Lent—showing Purgatorio as a map for self-mastery, image perfection, and liberation from disordered desire. Fr. Patrick and Dcn. Garlick underscore Beatrice as an icon of divine beauty and grace, whose memory motivates Dante through the flames rather than being purged away. The episode ends with an invitation to reread the text, follow the Dominicans’ work, and prepare for the Earthly Paradise cantos in the next installment.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio07:37 The Role of Communication in the Dominican Order13:24 Contrapasso and the Nature of Sin18:19 The Importance of Free Will in Purgatory24:03 The Interconnectedness of Souls29:49 Family Dynamics in the Afterlife35:59 Exploring Purgatory's Dynamics39:49 Consequences of Disordered Love43:43 Desires and Reason in Purgatory48:39 Understanding Gluttony and Vigilance52:13 Beatitudes and Spiritual Hunger57:07 Gradations of the Soul58:53 The Relationship Between Body and Soul01:02:02 The Finality of Body and Soul Reunion01:06:51 The Transition to Lust in Purgatory01:08:02 Contrasting Spirits on the Mountain01:08:30 Marian and Pagan Examples of Purity01:09:25 The Nature of Purification in Purgatory01:10:55 The Healing Power of Praise01:11:41 Understanding Sexuality and Love01:12:53 Dante's Quasi-Liturgical Procession01:14:02 The Psychology of Lust in Purgatory01:16:03 The Nature of Sin and Its Consequences01:17:48 The Unnaturalness of Lust01:19:33 The Direction of Souls in Purgatory01:20:55 The Role of Intercessory Prayer01:21:48 Dante's Final Challenge01:23:11 The Role of Beatrice in Dante's Journey01:25:38 Purification Through Love01:27:55 The Symbolism of Eyes and Intellect01:30:37 Virgil's Final Guidance to Dante01:34:13 The Aim of Lent and Self-MasteryFollowing us on X, Facebook, and More!
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    1 h et 36 min
  • Purgatorio: Acedia and Avarice (Cantos 18-22) with Dr. Sarah Berry

    Purgatorio: Acedia and Avarice (Cantos 18-22) with Dr. Sarah Berry
    Mar 10 2026

    Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Sarah Berry of the University of Dallas discuss Acedia, Avarice, and part of Gluttony in Cantos 18-22 of the Purgatorio.

    Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information!

    Check out our GUIDE to the Purgatorio!

    Dr. Sarah Berry joins Deacon Harrison Garlick to explore Cantos 18–22, covering the terrace of sloth (acedia) and the transition into avarice and prodigality. In Canto 18, Virgil delivers a pivotal discourse on love as the root of all human action, explaining that love can be misdirected (pride, envy, wrath), deficient (sloth), or excessive (avarice, gluttony, lust). Berry emphasizes the terrace’s brevity and lack of a formal prayer: “their prayers are their action... the penitents too... are doing the thing as a way of offering up some kind of prayer to God” (Dr. Sarah Berry), with running souls and examples of zeal (Mary’s haste to Elizabeth, Caesar’s swift march) countering sloth’s cooling of love.

    The dream of the siren in Canto 19 warns against deceptive earthly goods, while the face-down penance on the avarice terrace forces fixation on the earth once loved excessively: “these are those who had a disordered love of money... goods that can’t be shared” (Dr. Sarah Berry).

    Cantos 20–22 deepen the exploration of avarice’s societal and personal consequences. Hugh Capet’s lament in Canto 20 indicts the French dynasty’s greed and sacrilege, including the capture of Boniface VIII. Berry highlights the terrace’s broadened scope: “Dante is really broadening... our awareness of this constellation of problems” beyond mere hoarding or spending. In Canto 21, Statius is released with an earthquake and song, explaining his long purgation on sloth and avarice before moving freely upward. Canto 22 poignantly contrasts Statius (saved through Virgil’s influence and grace) with Virgil himself, who lacks faith despite his virtues. Berry notes the tragedy: “Dante is inviting us... hoping that there is some special providence for Virgil at the end of his journey through purgatory” (Dr. Sarah Berry). The cantos reveal Purgatorio’s hopeful, dynamic nature: purgation reorders love through grace, habituation, and contemplation, moving from deficient to excessive attachments, preparing the soul for divine union.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Ascend and Dante's Purgatorio

    02:29 Exploring Dante's Purgatorio: Themes and Structure

    04:30 The Importance of Purgatorio in Spiritual Growth

    08:32 Understanding Love and Culpability in Purgatorio

    12:00 Diving into Canto 18: The Lesson on Love

    13:26 Virgil's Discourse on Love and Free Will

    17:40 The Nature of Love: Ascent and Culpability

    20:31 The Role of Reason in Human Actions

    26:01 The Formation of Intellect and Will

    33:12 Contrapasso: The Penance of Slothfulness

    40:19 Examples of Zeal: Mary and Caesar

    42:17 Understanding Zeal and Sloth

    47:04 The Subtlety of Sin and Human Effort

    52:31 Dreams and Allegory in Purgatory

    01:00:27 The Nature of Prayer and Action

    01:01:58 Exploring Avarice and Its Consequences

    01:20:15 Exploring Dante's Inferno: Sin and Intellect

    01:23:03 Wrath and Sloth: Roots of Sin in Purgatorio

    01:25:23 Positive Examples: Virtue Against Avarice

    01:29:30 Dante's Critique of French Dynasties

    01:35:56 The Role of Statius: A New Perspective

    01:50:30 Virgil's Tragic Journey: Hope for Salvation?

    Keywords

    Dante's Purgatorio, Sloth, Love, Virtue, Spiritual Growth, Theology, Literature, Dante, Purgatory, Christian Virtues Dante, Purgatorio, allegory, sin, virtue, divine justice, theology, Mount Purgatory, purgation, salvation
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    1 h et 56 min
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