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 ...
…
continue reading
"Fore Play" is a weekly podcast by common golfers, for common golfers. Trent, Riggs, Frankie, Dan Rapaport, and their wide variety of guests talk about everything golf like normal folks sitting at a bar watching coverage, venting about the game's difficulties, and weighing in on pro gossip. Your classic golf addicts, the "Fore Play" crew brings a young, unique voice to the rapidly-evolving game, discussing freely and openly everything golf. There is nothing like it. You can find every episod ...
…
continue reading
JT’s win delivers huge ratings. We discuss how, really, with all these players, we’re just big fans. The McLemore Travel Series, Episode 1 has hit the internet streets. Plus: a LASIK update; some fun cord issues; golf movies, TV shows, and actor portrayal discussions; are woolly mammoths coming back; LPGA major time; who in history has hit the sing…
…
continue reading

1
Lying as Contraceptive Speech: Lessons from Dante's Inferno
2:16:27
2:16:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:16:27Lying is a sterile act that impedes the purpose of the intellect. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Sean Berube and Shannon of Catholic Frequency to discuss "Lying as Contraceptive Speech." Dcn. Garlick gives several short talks pulling from Dante's Inferno, the Gospel of St. John, and liberalism with responses from Sean and Shannon from a …
…
continue reading
Frankie had LASIK surgery on Friday. JT wins for the first time in 3 years; who will emerge from the latest “pack” of golf stars? Should Xander be giving JT putting tips? Pinehurst announces course No. 11, Joel suffers heartbreak in Punta Cana, Alistair comes up short with a 7th place, RIP Pope Francis, and we get a voicemail update from Germany. Y…
…
continue reading
Bryson says Rory wouldn’t talk to him. Rory reveals how nervous he was. The world reacts to perhaps the most historic golf tournament of our lives. We debate Bryson’s reinvention, the perception of Rory’s final round performance, and what is yet to come this year. Plus: Trent’s at Harbour Town, we’re trying the new TaylorMade R7 Mini Driver, golf f…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 7: Cantos 32-34 with Evan Amato
1:43:53
1:43:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:43:53The frozen heart of hell. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Evan Amato to discuss the frozen wastes of the 9th Circle of Hell - the damned guilty of treachery (or complex fraud). Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books to read! A few questions from our guide to Dante's Inferno: 78. What happens in the ninth circle of he…
…
continue reading

1
Rory Wins 2025 Masters In Wild Fashion
2:18:41
2:18:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:18:41An unforgettable Sunday at the 89th Masters Tournament as Rory McIlroy prevails over Justin Rose in a playoff to secure his fifth major championship and to complete the career grand slam. We discuss the entire rollercoaster ride, from disastrous double bogeys to heroic eagles, good breaks, and a winning birdie. We also react to a pee in Rae’s Creek…
…
continue reading

1
Brian Harman, The LaCavas, Kirk Minihane, & A Day At Augusta
1:55:29
1:55:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:55:29Kirk Minihane joins us for Masters history, who we’re hot or cold on this week, some good ole stories, and to talk attending the Masters. Then we’ve got, live in Augusta, Brian Harman fresh off his 4th Tour win and Joe LaCava, plus his son, telling stories of winning the Masters with Tiger in 2019 and Fred Couples in 1992. You can find every episod…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 6: Cantos 26-31 with Dr. Donald Prudlo
1:56:37
1:56:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:56:37We finish the 8th Circle of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo of the University of Tulsa discuss pits 8-10 of the 8th Circle of Dante's Inferno (Cantos 26-31). Dr. Prudlo is an incredibly talented Catholic scholar! You'll want to hear what he has to say - especially about Odysseus, Troy, and the Garden of Eden. Visit thegreatbookspo…
…
continue reading

1
Deep Masters Preview with Brandel Chamblee
1:49:30
1:49:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:49:30Live from Augusta we’re joined by Brandel for the full show. Brandel tells incredible stories from his playing days, details what specific TV language they’re asked to use during Masters week, and breaks down the most iconic golf broadcasters’ calls. And, of course, he goes through specific players and styles of play that should be suitable at Augu…
…
continue reading
Frankie has an argument with Grok AI, and he wins. A $77M bid for a new Dallas TGL franchise has reportedly been raised. The Masters is fast approaching. Houston Open delivered strong ratings. We played the Chiclets crew and lived to talk about it. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can list…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 5: Cantos 18-25 with Noah and Gabriel of CLT
2:17:55
2:17:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:17:55Seducers, Flatterers, Sorcerers, and more! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Noah Tyler, CFO of the Classic Learning Test, and Gabriel Blanchard, a staff writer for CLT, to discuss the first part of the 8th Circle: Simple Fraud (Cantos 18-25). Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Check out our written GUIDE to Dante's Inferno: …
…
continue reading

1
Cookin’ Into Augusta & Our Big Week
1:45:11
1:45:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:11Min Woo Lee breaks through in Houston. Gary Woodland continues one of the best stories in golf. Scottie & Rory looking sharp. This week we’ve got the Chiclets matches, travel series at McLemore, Frankie transforming the house to the baby’s liking, Augusta luring away our money from afar, Jim Nantz’ retirement “announcement,” torpedo bats and more. …
…
continue reading
Pyramid findings. TGL finals. Frankie goes Lasik. Our beloved Jonesy straps the pads at UBS Arena. A trip to Houston for the pro-am. And Closest To makes its return. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/foreplaypod…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 4: Cantos 12-17 with Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist.
1:42:51
1:42:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:42:51We enter the circle of violence. This week Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist., a Cistercian priest who teaches at the University of Dallas, to discuss the seventh circle of Dante's Inferno: (1) violence against neighbor (2) violence against self and (3) violence against God & nature. Check out our website for more info…
…
continue reading
We’re conflicted between exercising privacy and discussing the biggest sports news of the weekend after a monumental Tiger Woods post. Viktor Hovland wins the Valspar amid some complicated beliefs on his own game. Justin Thomas continues his very strong play. Frankie and Dave are depicted on Family Guy. The Masters field of contenders has us very e…
…
continue reading
J.J. Spaun joins the show (01:13:11) and we play the original clip that set off the Frankie vs JJ rivalry. From “JJ can’t hold the door for Tiger” to “pizza boy” and beyond, we get an unfiltered and candid JJ discussing the history with our show, trying to close out The PLAYERS, the 17th hole playoff, conversations with Rory, big moment nerves, and…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 3: Cantos 6-11 with Dr. Jason Baxter
1:54:22
1:54:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:54:22Today, we finish lower hell. Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jason Baxter of Benedictine College to discuss cantos 6-11 of Dante's Inferno. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books! Check out our Patreon for our 80+ Question & Answer guide to the Inferno. From our guide: 27. The Third Circle of Hell – Gluttony (Canto 6) Musa …
…
continue reading
Rory wins a phenomenal and thrilling week at TPC Sawgrass. We discuss Rory’s clutch 72nd hole putt, JJ’s water ball on 17, JT’s course record tying Friday, Trent’s performance vs the actual field’s worst scores, and Morikawa’s rift with the media. We also delve into the 6th hole’s new tree, Akshay Bhatia and Bud Cauley’s weeks, Spieth’s star power,…
…
continue reading

1
Live at Sawgrass with Gary Woodland & Adam Hadwin
1:45:47
1:45:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:47Big week, big show. We’re in front of the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse with interviews from Gary Woodland (40:05) & Adam Hadwin (1:07:36). Johnson Wagner swings by. We talk Netflix, the Tiger news, a meeting with Monahan, the state of the union, Creator Classic featuring Trent Ryan, and a PLAYERS preview. You can find every episode of this show on Apple …
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 2: Cantos 2-5 with Dr. Jennifer Frey and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson
1:39:53
1:39:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:39:53Dante approaches the gates of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jennifer Frey, the Dean of the new Honors College at the University of Tulsa, and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, to discuss cantos 2-5 of Dante's Inferno. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com. Check out OUR GUIDE to…
…
continue reading
A certain Fore Play member is preparing to play Sawgrass Wednesday in front of thousands. The Arnold Palmer Invitational had a phenomenal finish, and the TV coverage dropped the ball. Sergio wins on LIV and Phil is playing well. We preview PLAYERS week, break down our own games, and take several voicemails on near-death on-course experiences and mo…
…
continue reading

1
Golf’s Even Playing Field, Feat. Cal Clutterbuck
1:38:01
1:38:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:38:01Cal Clutterbuck joins Frankie & Trent as they discuss Cal’s 17 years in the NHL, his golf obsession, the Trade Deadline & growing up with Biz. They also dive into golf topics, including: meaningful weekend golf, Tiger’s comments on his 2025 schedule, Phil Mickelson’s shot at Fred Couples & more. The show closes with a few voicemails From The Galler…
…
continue reading

1
Dante's Inferno Ep. 1: Intro and Canto 1 with Dr. Jeremy Holmes
2:01:16
2:01:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:01:16We are reading the Inferno together! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jeremy Holmes of Wyoming Catholic College to give an introduction to Dante's Inferno and discuss the first canto. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Reading Schedule for Lent 2025: Introduction & the Dark Woods 1. Intro & Canto 1 (3.4.25) with Dr. Jeremy H…
…
continue reading
A Frankie & Trent show. The boys recap their weekend at Pebble; including terrific golf from Riggs. Jake Knapp’s disappointing finish & Joe Highsmith’s victory at the Cognizant. Rickie Fowler’s clap back at a fan. The loaded Seminole Pro-Member. And… will Tiger will play at the Players Championship? We also take a few voicemails for a new edition o…
…
continue reading
A new video with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. The Dadbod Classic at Pebble on the horizon. TGL delivered a Kiz shank, some hammer strategy debates, and a new signing. ‘Full Swing’ is back with a spine-tingling Keegan speech. The Florida Swing has us feeling like the golf calendar is revving up. Plus we play Closest To and take a few voicemails. Y…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: The Eumenides Explained Part Two
1:45:31
1:45:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:31Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss the end of the Oresteia, the second part of the Eumenides. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com. Check out our guide to the Oresteia. The first half of the Eumenides demonstrates Aeschylus’ ability to dramatize philosophical questions. The old system of justice, b…
…
continue reading
Brian Campbell capitalizes on an all-time good bounce to win the Mexico Open and cap off a great feel-good story. LIV, the Tour, and Trump (and Adam Scott) met at the White House. Trent provides a sneeze count update. It’s Dadbod Classic week. And we take voicemails on back-to-back aces and poisonous grapes. You can find every episode of this show …
…
continue reading
Frankie returns from London & takes us through a long weekend at one of the world’s most iconic cities. TGL delivers 4 matches in two days. USA vs. Canada promises to be an epic game. Goat Hill Park “Goat’ed” us. Trent gives a sneezing update. The crew chats Severance. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. P…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: The Eumenides Explained Part One
1:27:16
1:27:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:27:16Dcn. Harrison Garlick is once again joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Thomas Lackey to discuss the first part of the Eumenides, the third play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Check out our written guide to the Oresteia. The final play of Aeschylus’ Oresteia, The Eumenides, sets forth the transfor…
…
continue reading
Ludvig keeps the hype train rolling with an emphatic finish at the Genesis Invitational. Tiger Woods makes a booth appearance. Trent loved USA vs. Canada hockey and wants Riggs to tell him all about it. Rory and others weigh in on the latest LIV & PGA Tour deal talks. Reed makes an ace on LIV Golf Adelaide’s Watering Hole. Plus SNL 50, TV show recs…
…
continue reading
Kiz joins the show (21:36). We talk playing TGL inside the arena, broadcasting at majors, & pace of play narrative rights & wrongs. After Kiz, we talk superstitions, aim point, Max Homa, Beef’s golf debut, & do Closest To & From The Gallery. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-f…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: Libation Bearers Explained Part Two
1:02:15
1:02:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:15Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Mr. Thomas Lackey, and the Adam Minihan come together to discuss the second part of the Libation Bearers, the second play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for guides and more information. Support us on Patreon and get access to guides! The second half of the Libation Bearers moves decisively toward the c…
…
continue reading
Beef emerges as the classiest guy in town. Tiger commits to Genesis then WDs. We recap the always electric WMPO week, debate golf carts in pro golf, chirp Gravy’s Super Bowl take and give ours on the halftime show. We also take several voicemails in the new From The Gallery. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouT…
…
continue reading
It’s go time in Scottsdale. We are joined by Ben Griffin (1:20:19) & the Bob Does Sports crew (1:39:06) to kick off the WM Phoenix Open. Before that, we discuss the sad passing of Tiger Woods’ Mother, Kultida, the “letter” sent by Charley Hoffman to Tour players, technology mishaps in the TGL, and we finish with two segments: a new voicemail versio…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: Libation Bearers Explained Part One
1:32:09
1:32:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:32:09This week Dcn. Garlick is joined by Mr. Thomas Lackey and the Adam Minihan to discuss part one of the Libation Bearers, the second play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Check out thegreatbooksdpodcast.com for more resources. Check out our Patreon for a written GUIDE to the whole Oresteia. From our guide: The Libation Bearers presents Orestes as both the her…
…
continue reading
Beef, Frankie, Trent, Riggs all live from Scottsdale after the WMPO Pro-Am. We discuss being at the game’s loudest event, Rory’s place in the game after winning at Pebble, Lowry’s insane hole-in-one holes, Jason Day’s outfits, LIV playing under the lights and more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime…
…
continue reading
A Lord Of The Majors update. A chaotic Barstool Classic Registration day. TGL delivered its best product with Tiger vs Rory. Rory delivers interesting comments on the state of golf entertainment. Plus we play Closest To, discuss sleeping tips, & chat our Nelly Korda video. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTub…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: Agamemnon Explained Part Two
1:20:40
1:20:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:40We are reading Aeschylus' Oresteia. This week Dcn. Garlick, Adam Minihan, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Frank Grabowski discuss part two of Aeschylus' Agamemnon, the second part of the first play of the Oresteia. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more sources. Check out our written guide to the Oresteia. I. Clytemnestra and Agamemnon: Murder, Manipul…
…
continue reading
Barstool Classic registration is upon us. We go through this year’s phenomenal venues. We also discuss the Bills heartbreaking loss, wind delays at pro golf tournaments, a hardcore Jack Nicklaus Stan account coming after us, the incomprehensible timeline of prehistoric animals on earth, TGL’s latest viewership numbers, outfits at Torrey, The Open r…
…
continue reading
Jersey Jerry, Beef & Francis join the usuals live from TaylorMade HQ in Carlsbad. We discuss the crew becoming 6, JT’s letter to Tour players, the experience of getting fit at The Kingdom, club specifics, golf games, Billy Ho’s TGL, Beef’s ace, Pebble Beach, and much more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTub…
…
continue reading

1
Aeschylus' Oresteia: Agamemnon Explained Part One
1:49:37
1:49:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:49:37Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Thomas Lackey are reunited to discuss the first part of Agamemnon, the first play in Aeschylus' Oresteia. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. From our written guide available to our supporters: The first play of the Oresteia tells of the homecoming of Agamemnon and is predominately animate…
…
continue reading
Congratulations are in order for the Joneses. A shot clock is imminently needed in pro golf. We had our first Creator Council meeting. Plus we discuss Justin Thomas’ strong week, the 2025 Barstool Classic schedule, the Surviving Barstool finale, this week’s San Diego trip, Tyrrell Hatton’s emotions, & more. You can find every episode of this show o…
…
continue reading
TGL Night 2 with Tiger, Kiz, Sahith & all kinds of talkings points has come & gone. We debate the technology, the golf holes, the path to TGL’s long-term success & we reminisce on Kiz’s high (low) lights, Tiger’s start, & Sahith’s fire. We also discuss the release of our newest video of Tiger caddying us through a full hole, Trent not wearing glass…
…
continue reading

1
An Introduction to Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy
38:51
38:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:51Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are reunited to intro Aeschylus, the Father of Greek Tragedy. Aeschylus (b. 525 BC) was a warrior, statesman, and the father of Greek tragedy. Born into nobility, he grew up in Athens during its pivotal transition from tyranny to democracy. Furthermore, he famously fought in the Battle of Marathon (490 BC), de…
…
continue reading
Tiger Woods Fore Play video number 2 is here this week. Tiger also makes his TGL debut. It’s a big week for the show from Tiger’s team with Kiz and Homa, to Nick Taylor’s dramatic wins, to boxing talk, movies, the TikTok ban, U.S. Presidents interacting, LA fire heartbreak, handiness, and an upcoming San Diego group trip. You can find every episode…
…
continue reading

1
TGL Takes, Riggs Golf Therapy, & Resolutions
1:56:45
1:56:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:56:45TGL has begun & we deliver ALL our takes. A therapy session over Riggs’ swing & driving ability occurs. We discuss our 2025 resolutions, Immelman being announced as the next OWGR Chairman, the Palisades fires, cooking, painting, Puma suing Sun Day Red, & begin Season 2 of Closest To The Pin. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts…
…
continue reading
Dcn. Harrison Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, and Mr. Thomas Lackey come together to discuss Hesiod's Theogony - a poem about the origin of the gods and the cosmos. Key conversations: The role of the Muses The four primordial gods - especially Chaos Eros as the generative and binding force of the cosmos Zeus as a bringer of civilization The Prometheu…
…
continue reading
A new year and we’re ready. Well, after a slow start we are. We discuss academic experiences that led us to where we are, Hideki posting 35-under, Tiger winning the PIP (and Scottie somehow not), TGL beginning, the Tour considering a bracket style Tour Championship (after our recommendations), and much more. You can find every episode of this show …
…
continue reading

1
Why You Should Read the Greek Plays with Ascend
35:37
35:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:37You can read the Greek plays with Ascend! Dcn. Harrison Garlick flies solo this week as he explains why you should read the Greek plays. He discusses how the plays are an intellectual bridge between Plato and Homer and explains some of the major themes you can expect in their writings: justice, eros, fate, divinity, etc. He'll then introduce each G…
…
continue reading

1
The Tower of the Elephant by Robert E. Howard with Alberto Fernandez
1:15:06
1:15:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:06This week Dcn. Garlick is joined by Alberto Fernandez, a former U.S. diplomat and Vice President of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) in Washington, D.C., to discuss "The Tower of the Elephant," one of the best Conan the Barbarian stories by Robert E. Howard. Deacon and Alberto discuss the life and philosophy of Robert E. Howard alon…
…
continue reading