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
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
…
continue reading
Steve and Becky Greene, the Cradle and the Convert, help Catholics faithfully live their vocation by providing Church teaching, navigating moral challenges and exploring current issues facing the faith in our culture. Thank you for subscribing and for telling your family and friends!
…
continue reading

1
Kirk Cameron on Fatherhood, Faith & Fighting for Your Family | Adam Minihan Interview
9:21
9:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
The Crito by Plato with Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos
1:46:52
1:46:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
9/26/25 - Joseph Pearce on the Value of Good Books
1:01:21
1:01:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:21Joseph Pearce joins Steve and Becky to challenge all of us to disconnect from technology and pick up good books. His new book is Great Books for Good Men: Reflections on Literature and Manhood.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
Coaching with Courage, Marian Devotion, and Campout Hype
1:01:35
1:01:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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, …
…
continue reading

1
Plato's Apology Part II with Fr. Justin Brophy, OP
1:54:35
1:54:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
Teaching Kids the Mass and the Role of Liturgy with Chris Carstens
1:06:42
1:06:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading

1
9/19/25 - Jason Jones on Defending the Vulnerable
55:13
55:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:13Jason Jones joins Steve and Becky to share his powerful story and is passion for defending the vulnerable. His book is Dispatches from the Great Campaign: Defending Life on the Front Lines.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
Fr. Gregory Pine, Fr. Patrick Briscoe, & Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress on the Power of the Rosary + Q&A
1:14:43
1:14:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
Plato's Apology Part I with Fr. Justin Brophy, OP
1:58:35
1:58:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading

1
The Art of Husbandry: Tradition, Meat, and Manhood with Brandon Sheard
1:08:24
1:08:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
9/12/25 - Joe Sullivan on Surviving the Wilderness
1:15:07
1:15:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:15:07Joe Sullivan spent three days lost in the Arizona wilderness after being separated from a group on a hike. He joins Steve and Becky to share his miraculous story.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
Aquinas and the Euthyphro Dilemma with Dr. Donald Prudlo
1:27:31
1:27:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
9/5/25 - Dr. Michael Pakaluk on the Beauty in the Ordinary
58:11
58:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:11Dr. Michael Pakaluk joins Steve and Becky discusses the beauty in ordinary life and his book, a collection of essays called The Shock of Holiness: Finding the Romance of Everyday Life.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
The Rule of Life: Ordering Time and Conquering Chaos
1:20:35
1:20:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
The Euthyphro by Plato Part II with Dr. Joey Spencer and Friends
1:36:36
1:36:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
8/29/25 - Fr. Charlie Goraieb on Screens, Anxiety and Family Life
1:01:51
1:01:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:51Fr. Charlie Goraieb joins Steve and Becky to explore the ways screen use affects children, young people and families and what to do about it.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
The Euthyphro by Plato Part I with Dr. Joey Spencer and Friends
1:47:12
1:47:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading

1
Just Do It: Fulton Sheen and the Mystery of Love
1:18:33
1:18:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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,…
…
continue reading

1
8/22/25 - Nathanael Blake on Brokenness and Healing in Our Culture
1:03:16
1:03:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:16Dr. Nathanael Blake joins Steve and Becky to discuss brokenness in our culture and ways to remedy it. His book is Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts Us All.
…
continue reading

1
Restraining the Instinct: Purifying Memory and Guarding the Heart
59:18
59:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
Teaching Plato's First Alcibiades with Dr. Daniel Shields
58:58
58:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
8/15/25 - Adam Minihan on St. Michael's Lent
1:00:32
1:00:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:32Adam Minihan joins Steve and Becky to encourage the faithful to try St. Michael's Lent, a time of renewal practiced by St. Francis of Assisi that goes from August 15th through the Feast of the Archangels on September 29th.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
First Alcibiades by Plato Part Two with Alec Bianco and Athenian Stranger
1:07:25
1:07:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
The Power of Virtue, Memory, and a Free BBQ Sandwich
1:12:41
1:12:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
…
continue reading

1
8/8/25 - Anthony DeStefano on Asking for Miracles
1:06:59
1:06:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:59Can we ask for miracles? Does God answer those prayers? Anthony DeStefano joins Steve and Becky to talk about prayer and miracles. His book is The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking for the Impossible.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
First Alcibiades by Plato Part One with Alec Bianco and Athenian Stranger
1:58:10
1:58:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
…
continue reading

1
8/1/25 - Fr. Wayne Sattler, Getting Personal with Jesus
58:53
58:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:53Fr. Wayne Sattler joins Steve and Becky to help us deepen our prayer life and our relationship with Jesus. His book is Remain in Me and I in You: Relating to God as a Person and Not an Idea.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
Harrison & Isabelle Butker on Marriage, Motherhood, and Raising Saints
4:45
4:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:45Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker and his wife Isabelle discuss marriage, fatherhood, motherhood, and raising virtuous children in a chaotic world. Isabelle opens up about the often unseen strength of motherhood, the beauty of sacrifice, and what young women should look for in a husband. Harrison shares what he admires most about his wife, how th…
…
continue reading

1
The Life of Alcibiades by Plutarch with Alex from Cost of Glory
1:45:49
1:45:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:45:49Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are continuing our study of Plato by diving into the Life of Alcibiades by Plutarch with Alex from the Cost of Glory podcast. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more resources! Visit our PATREON page for written guides and to chat with others! Alex is fantastic. Alex and Dcn. Garlick discuss a few prelim…
…
continue reading

1
7/25/25 - Chatting with Friends Mike and Sharon Phelan
1:01:27
1:01:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:27Friends of the show and friends of the hosts, Mike and Sharon Phelan join Steven and Becky to talk about life Knights of Columbus evangelization, homeschooling and more.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading
Matt Walsh on Rest, Leisure, and Why Men Need to Get Off Their Phones In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, Adam Minihan and David Niles sit down with Matt Walsh — Catholic commentator, author, and host of The Matt Walsh Show — for a conversation on leisure, manhood, and how technology is reshaping our minds. Matt shares his perspective on the …
…
continue reading

1
Plato 101: An Introduction with Friends
1:34:30
1:34:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:34:30WE ARE STARTING PLATO! Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast we are launching into our studies on Plato. We are kicking off with a roundtable of friends—a lawyer, two Phds, and an independent scholar—discussing the preliminary questions on Plato. Questions: Who was Plato? Why should we read Plato? Why should Christians read Plato? How should we …
…
continue reading

1
Focus in Prayer: Insights from Aquinas and Faber
1:11:11
1:11:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:11In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles share personal anecdotes and deep spiritual insights, focusing on the challenge of distractions in prayer. From road trip stories to household mishaps, the hosts set the stage with relatable humor before diving into a discussion inspired by St. Thomas Aquinas and Father Fr…
…
continue reading

1
7/18/25 - Dr. Peter Kreeft on Conversion and Joy
1:02:34
1:02:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:34Dr. Peter Kreeft joins Steve and Becky to share his personal conversion story and dive into how we can find joy. His books are From Calvinist to Catholic and The Mystery of Joy.By Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix
…
continue reading

1
Discovering True Friendship with Christ: Insights from John 15
58:53
58:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:53Episode Overview: In this episode of The Catholic Man Show, hosts Adam Minihan and David Niles dive into a lighthearted yet profound discussion about the phrase "killing two birds with one stone," the joys and challenges of high school reunions, and a deep exploration of friendship—both human and divine. The episode centers on John 15:14-15, where …
…
continue reading

1
NEW BOOK: The Transhumanist Temptation with Grayson Quay
1:06:22
1:06:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:22In this episode of the Ascend to the Great Books podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick welcomes back Grayson Quay to discuss his new book, 'The Transhumanist Temptation.' The conversation delves into the ideological roots of transhumanism, its implications for humanity, and the historical context that has led to its rise. Quay emphasizes the importance …
…
continue reading

1
Homer and the Greek Plays: A Roundtable with Friends
2:25:40
2:25:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:25:40Today on Ascend the Greek Books Podcast, we wrap up our exploration of the Greek plays with a lively roundtable discussion. Our panel of friends delves into the key themes of the tragic plays, including divinity, eros, fate, justice, the cosmos, virtue, and suffering. We explore plays such as the Oresteia, Prometheus Bound, the Theban plays, and th…
…
continue reading