The Classical Mind

In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take on Virgil’s Aeneid. We explore Aeneas’ journey as both refugee and empire-builder, tracing his flight from Troy, his doomed romance with Dido, his descent into the underworld, and the brutal war that led to the founding of Rome. Along the way, we wrestle with the epic’s central tensions: fate and providence, duty (pietas) and rage (furor), divine will...

In this episode of The Classical Mind , we take a deep dive into J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan . We explore how Peter Pan has been portrayed in various adaptations, and how these adaptations differ from the novel. We discuss J.M. Barrie’s fascinating and complicated biography, offering insight into the personal experiences that influenced his writing. We also unpack the rich symbolism of Neverland, anal...

In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into a curated selection of The Federalist Papers , the seminal series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to argue for the Constitution. Rather than tackling all 85 essays, we focus on a thematic collection (#s 1, 9-10, 15, 30, 39, 51, 62-63, 68, and 78) that highlights the philosophical and structural pillars of the...

In this special crossover episode of The Sacramentalists Podcast and The Classical Mind Podcast, we dive deep into St. Bonaventure’s The Journey of the Mind to God—a spiritual and philosophical masterpiece that maps the soul’s ascent to divine union. Together, we explore Bonaventure’s vision of contemplation, the role of intellect and love in knowing God, and the ways in which his thought is deepl...

In this episode of The Classical Mind, we dive into Walker Percy’s Love in the Ruins, a satirical yet deeply philosophical novel that explores the fragmentation of American culture, the tension between faith and modernity, and the collapse of both personal and national identity. Joining us for this discussion is Jesse Hake, Director of ClassicalU.com at Classical Academic Press. Together, we unpac...

In this episode of The Classical Mind , Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson dive into Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto , the first Gothic novel and a cornerstone of literary history. They examine its groundbreaking blend of medieval romance, supernatural terror, and family drama, asking questions like: Is this a Christianized version of Oedipus Rex ? How does the novel's atmosphere shap...

Join hosts Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson in this engaging episode of The Classical Mind as they dive into Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' contraversial work, The Communist Manifesto . Discover the historical context of the 1848 publication, the philosophy of historical materialism, and Marx’s critique of capitalism. Explore key themes like class struggle, the proletarian revolution, and...

Join the Classical Mind podcast for a captivating exploration of Plato's Phaedo, featuring insightful commentary from Dr. John Mark Reynolds. This episode delves into the profound dialogue where Socrates, facing his own mortality, engages in a compelling argument for the immortality of the soul. Dr. Reynolds illuminates the text with his expertise, unraveling: * Socrates' final hours and his unwav...

In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather , the Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Coordinator at the Catholic University of America. Together, they explore Baldwin’s reflections on faith, identity, and the African American experience, analyzing the novel's profound insights into spirituality and social justi...

Join us for the newest episode of the Classical Mind on Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical novel Thus Spake Zarathustra and find out why this is Fr. Wesley’s least favorite work. In this episode, we'll explore the key themes and ideas of Thus Spake Zarathustra , including: * The Death of God: What does Nietzsche mean by this provocative statement? How does he see this "death" create both a crisis...

Join Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Classical Mind as they draft the reading list for Season 3! In this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the themes they plan to explore, debate the merits of various texts, and reveal the final selections that will shape the next season of the podcast. Get a sneak peek into the minds of your hosts as they share the...

Join us on the Classical Mind podcast as we embark on an intellectual journey into the heart of G.E.M. Anscombe's groundbreaking work, "Intention." Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker engage in a stimulating conversation, unraveling the complexities of Anscombe's philosophical insights. In this episode, they delve into the essence of intentionality, exploring its implications for human action...

Delve into the depths of Saint Augustine's Confessions on the Classical Mind podcast. Explore themes of sin, redemption,and the journey towards spiritual enlightenment in this timeless autobiography. Discover how Augustine's personal struggles and philosophical inquiries continue to resonate with modern audiences. Endnotes: * Junius: Tractates on the Gospel of John by Saint Augustine * Wesley: * “...

Delve into the enchanting world of Sir Walter Scott's "The Lady of the Lake" on the Classical Mind podcast. Explore the epic poem's historical context, its influence on Romanticism, and the enduring appeal of its characters and themes. Join us as we analyze the timeless story of love, rivalry, and magic set amidst the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Perfect for literature lovers, history buffs, a...

Explore the timeless charm of Jane Austen's beloved comedy of manners Emma (1815) in this episode of the Classical Mind podcast. Delve into the intricate web of social dynamics, witty dialogue, and romantic entanglements as our hosts dissect the nuances of this literary masterpiece. From Emma Woodhouse's matchmaking escapades to the complexities of love and society in Regency England, join us for...

Dive into the depths of ambition and despair with Classical Mind Podcast as hosts Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker unravel the timeless tale of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Explore the haunting pact Faustus makes with the devil, as we delve into the intricate web of ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of forbidden desires. Don't miss this captivating journey through one of literatur...

On this special bonus episode, Fr. Wesley sits down with Kristen Rudd to discuss monsters in literature. Kristen will be teaching a class this summer for adults on the topic. You can find out more at her website: https://kristenrudd.com Kristen is a writer and literature teacher who teaches her own classes online, and serves as an adjunct professor for Thales College. She holds a Master of Arts in...

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar.” On this episode, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker sit down with Heidi White to talk about Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar . Why does Caesar appear so little in a play in which he is the titular ch...

Join Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker as they discuss Artistotle's famous treatise on virtue: The Nicomachean Ethics. How can we be happy? What is virtue and how do we acquire it? Why do friends matter? Listen to find out! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

Troilus and Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer is the tale of love gained and love lost. Heavily impacted by the chivalric codes, is this a story about a frivolous affair or is something else going on? Dive into this work with Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker on this episode of The Classical Mind! FYI: there are a few places where the audio might sound a tad choppy. This will be fixed in future...

What are human beings like outside of the constraints of social conventions? How do we work out the tension between state sovereignty and individual freedom? What place does religion have in society? , Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker discuss these questions and more as they delve into Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s monumental work of political philosophy, The Social Contract . Rousseau was a fas...

In this episode, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker explore the philosophical questions surrounding the nature of piety, ethics, and the divine. Join us for an enlightening discussion that delves deep into this timeless work of ancient philosophy. End Notes: * God Matters by Herbert McCabe * St. Anselm * “With or Without You” by U2 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with...

On today's episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the timeless world of Greek tragedy! They explore the profound themes and dramatic elements of Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Aristotle's Poetics. Gain insights into the complexities of fate, tragedy, and catharsis in these classical works. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or a student of ancient philosophy, this discussion promises to deepen your...

On this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s novel Brothers Karamazov . Endnotes * Junius: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky * Wesley: Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theclassicalmind.com/subscribe

On today’s special episode, Junius and Wesley select the books that will make up our reading list in season 2. One of the reasons to support us for $5 is that you can access the video of the draft which came out a few weeks ago. Thank you to all of you who support us, financially or otherwise. We appreciate you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...