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 ...
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Adam Minihan Podcasts
Promoting the virtuous life. Adam and David have been best friends for 30 years and love being Catholic, husbands, and fathers. They enjoy whisky, beer, bacon, flamethrowers, St. Thomas Aquinas, virtue, true leisure, and authentic friendship. The show is typically broken down into 3 segments - A drink, a gear, and a topic. We are on the Lord's team. The winning side. So raise your glass. #CheerstoJesus You can support our show by going to www.patreon.com/thecatholicmanshow
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Becoming a Happier Catholic Man: Presence, Porn, and Penance w/ Matthew Christoff
54:44
54:44
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54:44In this episode, Adam and David welcome back longtime friend and mentor Matthew Christoff of EveryCatholicMan.com to talk about what it really means to become a happier Catholic man. Matthew shares the story behind his new devotional, “Becoming a Happier Catholic Man 2026,” and why he believes every man can be happier by drawing closer to Jesus, em…
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Grace and the Grotesque: The Lame Shall Enter First by Flannery O'Connor with Dr. Brian Kemple
2:21:14
2:21:14
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2:21:14In this episode of Ascend, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Brian Kemple discuss the violent, grotesque southern tale "The Lame Shall Enter First" by Flannery O'Connor. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our LIBRARY of written guides to the great books. Check out the Lyceum Institute. They explore O'Connor's life, her…
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St. Charbel, Marian Devotion, and the Rise of Young Catholic Men with Fr. Charbel (Franciscans of the Immaculate)
1:12:39
1:12:39
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1:12:39This episode is packed — saints, miracles, Marian devotion, vocations, fatherhood, fasting, silence, and the rise of a new generation of men hungry for God. Fr. Charbel, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate, joins Adam and David in Tulsa along with first-class relics of St. Maximilian Kolbe and St. Charbel, sharing powerful stories of faith, missio…
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Spiritual Blindness, Busyness, and Becoming Better Men
1:05:21
1:05:21
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1:05:21This episode starts with an apology and an update. It’s been a wild stretch—hospital visits, birthday mishaps, broken teeth, truck trouble, cows and pigs headed to the processor—but also a lot of grace and gratitude. Adam shares about Lady Haylee's recent medical scare during pregnancy, the prayers from patrons, and what it’s like to walk through r…
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Law of Nature: Part Three of Plato's Gorgias with Dr. Gregory McBrayer
1:21:25
1:21:25
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1:21:25In the incredible final act of Plato’s Gorgias (481–527), Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Greg McBrayer (Ashland University, New Thinkery podcast) tackle the longest and most brutal confrontation: Socrates versus Callicles, the most shameless, most ambitious, and—as Greg insists—nastiest character in all of Plato. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for o…
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Tyranny v Philosophy: Part Two of Plato's Gorgias with Dr. Matthew Bianco
2:27:33
2:27:33
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2:27:33Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Matthew Bianco of the Circe Institute discuss the second part of Plato's Gorgias--the dialogue between Socrates and Polus—Gorgias’ spirited, “colt-like” student who bursts in at 461b accusing his own teacher of being “too ashamed” to admit rhetoric needs no justice, only the po…
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Rhetoric and Philosophy: Part One of the Gorgias with Athenian Stranger and Johnathan Bi
2:03:11
2:03:11
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2:03:11"In war and battle, this is the way to do your part." Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by the Athenian Stranger and Johnathan Bi to introduce the Gorgias and discuss the first part: the dialogue of Gorgias and Socrates. What begins as a polite inquiry into the nature of rhetoric erupts into a war for the sou…
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Obedience and Martyrs: What Strength Really Looks Like
1:01:27
1:01:27
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1:01:27Opening: Setting the Record Straight No, The Catholic Man Show isn’t joining The Daily Wire. A sincere congrats to Matt Fradd on taking Pints With Aquinas to a bigger platform—and a case for celebrating a brother’s success without the cynicism. Why Moves Like This Matter Media realities, families to provide for, and why “selling out” is usually jus…
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Plato's Meno and Education with Dr. Daniel Wagner
1:41:01
1:41:01
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1:41:01Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Daniel Wagner dive into Plato’s Meno as a masterclass in education, contrasting Meno’s stagnant, power-seeking sophistry with his slave boy’s humble, rapid learning during the famous geometry demonstration. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. See our COLLEC…
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Holding a Moment of Mass: Eucharistic Adoration
57:12
57:12
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57:12Recording on the move along the Adriatic, the guys sit down in Italy with their spiritual guide and friend Fr. Stuart Crevecour to talk about Eucharistic adoration—what it is, why it matters, and how to begin. From stories of Eucharistic miracles in Cascia and Orvieto to practical advice for dads bringing kids to the chapel, this episode explores h…
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Halloween Short Story: The Chief Mourner of Marne by GK Chesterton
1:29:04
1:29:04
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1:29:04HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! In this episode, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Joseph Boyne explore G.K. Chesterton's short story 'The Chief Mourner of Marne,' discussing its themes, characters, and moral implications. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our COLLECTION OF GUIDES TO THE GREAT BOOKS. They delve into the significan…
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Plato's Phaedo Explained with Dr. Christopher Frey Part II
1:25:48
1:25:48
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1:25:48The Phaedo is a beautiful dialogue! Join Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Christopher Frey, McFarland Professor of Philosophy at the University of Tulsa, as they conclude their exploration of Plato’s Phaedo, a profound dialogue capturing Socrates’ final hours and his arguments for the soul’s immortality. Reading schedule and more! Collection of guid…
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Cultivating Saints: The Father's Guide to Building a Holy Home from Assisi
58:18
58:18
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58:18Adam and Dave are broadcasting from the heart of Assisi, Italy—knee-deep in pilgrimage vibes with St. Francis, St. Clare, and the whole crew. They break down the "establish" pillar of fatherhood (you know, the third leg of protect-provide-establish) and get talk about turning your home into fertile soil where your family's faith thrives. Recorded r…
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Plato's Phaedo Explained with Dr. Christopher Frey Part I
1:25:28
1:25:28
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1:25:28Today on Ascend: the Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Plato's Phaedo, or in ancient times, it had the subtitle of On the Soul. It tells of the death of Socrates and his various arguments for the immortality of the soul. The Phaedo is a complicated dialogue. It's a long dialogue, but it's very beautiful and very much worth the effort. So it me…
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On the Death of Socrates: Introducing Plato's Phaedo
2:06:34
2:06:34
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2:06:34
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Clear Creek Monk's Advice for Men: Fight Demons, Fast, and Protect Your Family
55:24
55:24
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55:24In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Morey, the prior at Clear Creek Abbey, to discuss the vital role of fathers in passing down faith and tradition. Fr. Morey shares insights from his life as a Benedictine monk, including the importance of spiritual protection for families, the power of fasting as a group, and how manual labor connects men to rea…
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The Crito by Plato with Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos
1:46:52
1:46:52
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1:46:52In this episode, Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos dive into Plato’s Crito, a dialogue set in Socrates’ prison cell as he awaits execution. They explore Socrates’ refusal to escape, his debt of gratitude to Athens, and the tension between philosophy and the polis’s poetic traditions. Through engaging analysis, they unpack the dialog…
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Coaching with Courage, Marian Devotion, and Campout Hype
1:01:35
1:01:35
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1:01:35Overview Adam shares a sideline story from coaching I-9 flag football—including a bold moment of public prayer—and the guys dive into practical Marian devotion for men. Plus: the legendary Catholic Man Show Campout, a hilarious kiddo/arcade saga, and this week’s whiskey. In This Episode Coaching & Courage: How an I-9 format works for big families, …
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Plato's Apology Part II with Fr. Justin Brophy, OP
1:54:35
1:54:35
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1:54:35In this episode of the Ascend the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Father Justin Brophy, OP, delve into the second part of Plato's Apology, exploring Socrates' defense during his trial. They discuss the significance of Socrates' thoughts on death, virtue, and the role of philosophy in life. The conversation also touches on the influ…
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Teaching Kids the Mass and the Role of Liturgy with Chris Carstens
1:06:42
1:06:42
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1:06:42This week on The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome Chris Carstens—Director of the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, teacher, author, and liturgical scholar. Together, they dive deep into the heart of Catholic worship and explore: How fathers can introduce young children to the beauty of the Mass—even when it feels like …
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Fr. Gregory Pine, Fr. Patrick Briscoe, & Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress on the Power of the Rosary + Q&A
1:14:43
1:14:43
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1:14:43Why does the Rosary matter? How do you pray it well when distractions hit? And what about devotion to Mary — is it too much, or exactly what we need? In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome three Dominican priests: • Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. • Fr. Patrick Briscoe, O.P. • Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P. They dive into: ✅ The hi…
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Plato's Apology Part I with Fr. Justin Brophy, OP
1:58:35
1:58:35
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1:58:35In this episode of Ascend, The Great Books Podcast, host Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Fr. Justin Brophy, a Dominican friar and Assistant Professor of Political Science at Providence College, to dive into the first half of Plato’s Apology. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Check out our collection of guides on the …
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The Art of Husbandry: Tradition, Meat, and Manhood with Brandon Sheard
1:08:24
1:08:24
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1:08:24On this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David welcome Brandon Sheard — homesteader, butcher, and teacher — to talk about the lost art of traditional husbandry and meat preservation. Brandon shares why skills like butchering, curing, and cooking matter for men, families, and Catholic culture. From the cultural and spiritual meaning of fea…
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Aquinas and the Euthyphro Dilemma with Dr. Donald Prudlo
1:27:31
1:27:31
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1:27:31How would a Christian answer the Euthyphro dilemma? Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Donald Prudlo, the Warren Professor of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa, to discuss Aquinas and the Euthyphro dilemma. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more! Need a guide to a gre…
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Kirk Cameron on Fatherhood, Faith & Fighting for Your Family | Adam Minihan Interview
9:21
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9:21What does it mean to be a Christian man, husband, and father in today’s secular culture? Actor and Christian leader Kirk Cameron joins Adam Minihan for a powerful conversation about reclaiming fatherhood, cultivating virtue, and leading your family toward heaven. Kirk shares practical wisdom on: Why dads must be the primary educators of their child…
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The Rule of Life: Ordering Time and Conquering Chaos
1:20:35
1:20:35
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1:20:35Every man needs a rule of life—a clear, concrete framework that keeps prayer, family, work, and virtue in order. Without it, we risk wasting time, neglecting our duties, and drifting through life. With it, we gain clarity, perseverance, and a spiritual roadmap toward sanctity. In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, we explore: Natural benefits o…
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The Euthyphro by Plato Part II with Dr. Joey Spencer and Friends
1:36:36
1:36:36
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1:36:36In this episode of the Ascend the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guests delve into the complexities of Plato's Euthyphro, exploring themes of piety, morality, and the divine - including the famous "Euthyphro Dilemma." The podcast welcomes back Dr. Joey Spencer, who serves as a tutor of theology, an archivist, and an expert in ange…
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The Euthyphro by Plato Part I with Dr. Joey Spencer and Friends
1:47:12
1:47:12
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1:47:12Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are joined by Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Frank Grabowski, Thomas Lackey, and Dr. Joey Spencer to discuss the first part of Plato’s Euthyphro—a dialogue on piety. Dr. Spencer is the diocesan Archivist for the Diocese of Tulsa, a tutor in Theology, and an expert in the theology of angels and demons. We discuss the …
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Just Do It: Fulton Sheen and the Mystery of Love
1:18:33
1:18:33
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1:18:33In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam and David wrestle with advice, masculinity, and the struggle for holiness. Drawing from the wisdom of Venerable Fulton Sheen, they explore the three causes of love, the mystery of prayer, and why real men must go beyond “average” to pursue heroic virtue. Along the way, they share stories of fraternity,…
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Restraining the Instinct: Purifying Memory and Guarding the Heart
59:18
59:18
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59:18In this episode, Adam and Dave start with a lighthearted story about a suspicious liquor store and end up diving into one of the most serious struggles facing men today: restraining our instincts. They reflect on: The challenges of summer routines, distractions, and drifting prayer lives The importance of order and rhythm in family and spiritual li…
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Teaching Plato's First Alcibiades with Dr. Daniel Shields
58:58
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58:58In this episode of the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Daniel Shields discuss the significance of Plato's First Alcibiades, particularly in the context of its use at Wyoming Catholic College. They explore the themes of self-knowledge, the relationship between philosophy and politics, and the importance of mentorship in educatio…
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First Alcibiades by Plato Part Two with Alec Bianco and Athenian Stranger
1:07:25
1:07:25
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1:07:25KNOW THYSELF. Today, we have the second part of the excellent conversation on First Alcibiades with Dcn. Garlick, Alec Bianco, and Athenian Stranger. The conversation starts at 124(b)! First Alcibiades is one of the BEST PLACES you could start with Plato. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more! Check out our WRITTEN GU…
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The Power of Virtue, Memory, and a Free BBQ Sandwich
1:12:41
1:12:41
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1:12:41In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam shares a powerful story about his son, a food truck, and an unexpected act of virtue that left a lasting impact — not only on his son, but on him as a father. It’s not a flex… but it kind of is. What does it mean to live virtuously in public? How can one small act of kindness or virtue build up a commu…
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First Alcibiades by Plato Part One with Alec Bianco and Athenian Stranger
1:58:10
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1:58:10PLATO IS PHILOSOPHY - and there is no better place to start with Plato than First Alcibiades. Today, we are discussing First Alcibiades with Alec Bianco of the Circe Institute and with the Athenian Stranger. Go check out their X accounts. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Check out our PATREON for written guides on the great …
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