The Classical Mind (Jared Henderson & Wesley Walker)

Jared and Wesley discuss Beowulf, and Jared is eventually converted.Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.com

You can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack.

In this episode, we discuss Macbeth, a work of Shakespeare’s that Jared had never read. Topic include: political propaganda, the problem of evil characters, Wicked and Darth Vader, the Great Conversation, and the Book of Job.

Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood is…something. A Catholic novel, a debut novel, a difficult and strange novel. Wesley and Jared discuss Wise Blood, the difficulty in reading about difficult characters, religion in O’Connor’s works, and much more.

‘Hazel Motes Is Not Black’: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26671329'Uncommon Grace: https://www.pbs.org/video/uncommon-grace-the-life-of-flannery-oconnor-yv87qa/

Today, we’re discussing Utilitarianism by J.S. Mill. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which emphasizes the maximizing of pleasure and the minimizing of pain.

End Notes:The Dark KnightEnder’s GameRailton: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2265273

In today's episode, Fr. Wesley Walker sits down to discuss Robinson Crusoe with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior.

Dr. Prior's forthcoming book is The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis. It comes out on August 8. You can find more of her work at her website: https://karenswallowprior.com.

Today we discuss The Iliad by Homer.

End Notes:

-Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days

-Statius, Thebaid

-The Blues of Achilles by Joe Goodkin

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!

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

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 understanding of these literary masterpieces. Subscribe now and embark on a journey through the classical mind.

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

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 fascinating character whose work influenced generations of thinkers after him.

Endnotes: Wesley and Junius co-offer this lecture by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, “Faith on Modern Areopagus” in which he discusses some of the positive connections between liberalism and Christianity:

Tell us what you think below. What are your impressions of Rousseau? What do you think of his reconstruction of the state of nature? Do you think his articulation of the Social Contract, especially the way the general will and individual wills interact, is persuasive? Is his account of religion in civil society helpful, harmful, or neutral?

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 episodes.

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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!

“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 character? How should we think about the actions of Brutus and his co-conspirators? What lessons about friendship can we learn from this work? What is the relationship between rhetoric and crowds? These are just some of the questions that get covered in the episode.

End Notes:

* Junius: Dear Brutus by J.M. Barrie

* Heidi: Caesar Must Die (2012)

* Wesley: The Ides of March (2011)

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 Teaching in Classical Education through the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University where she wrote her thesis on Dante’s Divine Comedy. She is also the founder of the Triangle Classical Forum.

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 literature's most profound works!

End Notes:

-Bedazzled (2000)

-Beethoven's Last Night by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

-A Dialogue Between the Soul and Reason by Hugh of Saint Victor-Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved? by Hans Urs Von Balthasar

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 a thought-provoking discussion that offers fresh insights into Austen's enduring classic. Whether you're a devoted Austen aficionado or a newcomer to her world, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of Emma in a way that resonates with both heart and intellect. Tune in now and embark on a journey through the pages of one of literature's most cherished works.

Endnotes:

* Junius: Howard’s End by EM Forester

* Wesley: Emma (2020)

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, and anyone captivated by the allure of folklore and legend.

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:

* “Something More (Augustine’s Confession)” by Switchfoot

* “The Apostle Paul and the Introspective Conscience of the West” by Krister Stendahl

* Bonus: Lady Bird (2017)

Thank you for listening to The Classical Mind. Please consider subscribing, rating, and reviewing the show wherever you get your podcasts. you can support our work financially at Substack.

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, free will, and moral responsibility. Whether you're a seasoned philosopher or simply curious about the nature of human intention, this episode offers a rich and enlightening discussion. Tune in to the Classical Mind podcast and expand your understanding of this pivotal philosophical work.

End notes:

* Junius: Vantage Point

* Wesley:

* Wittgenstein's Tractatus

* Dr. Jennifer Frey on Anscombe

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 their insights and passion for classical literature.

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 and an opportunity for humanity?

* The Übermensch: Who is it, and how do we become one? What are the qualities and virtues that define this higher state of being?

* Eternal Recurrence: This profound concept suggests that our lives will repeat endlessly. How can we embrace this idea and live each moment to the fullest?

* The Will to Power: Nietzsche saw this as the fundamental driving force in the universe. How does it manifest in human behavior, and how can we harness it for self-overcoming?

Endnotes:

Junius: The Watchmen

Wesley: Prometheus and Alien: Covenant

This is the scene Fr. Wesley alludes to:

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 justice. Dr. Prather shares her expertise on how Baldwin’s narrative and characters offer timeless lessons, bridging classical and modern literature. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in literature, theology, and cultural dialogue, providing new perspectives on Baldwin's work through a classical lens.

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Endnotes:

* The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

* Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin

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 unwavering belief in the soul's existence.

* The philosophical underpinnings of the soul's immortality and its journey after death.

* The nature of true knowledge and its connection to the soul's liberation.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on one of the most influential works in Western philosophy.

Dr. John Mark Reynolds, the president of The Saint Constantine School as well as a faculty member at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a Fellow of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute. Previously, he served as the provost of Houston Christian University and the founder and director of the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Appropriate for today’s conversation, he has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Rochester where he wrote his dissertation analyzing cosmology and psychology in Plato’s Timaeus.

Endnotes:

* Dr. Reynolds:

* When Athens Met Jerusalem

* The Passion of Joan of Arc

* Junius: Meet Joe Black

* Wesley: Hymn #299 from the 1940 Hymnal

* Bonus (not mentioned in the episode): “Learning How to Die” by Jon Foreman

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 the manifesto’s vision for a classless society. Whether you're a seasoned reader or new to Marxist thought, this episode offers insightful analysis of one of the most influential political documents in history. Perfect for enthusiasts of philosophy, politics, and economics!

End Notes

* Junius: The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

* Wesley:

* “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” by Walter Benjamin

* Why Marx Was Right by Terry Eagleton

* The Catholic Social Teaching Collection by Word on Fire

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 shape the Gothic genre? And why does this strange, haunting story still resonate today?

Discover the lasting impact of Walpole’s work, the moral consequences of unchecked ambition, and its fascinating connections to later Gothic masterpieces. Stay tuned to the end for a special recommendation to further explore the world of Gothic literature.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

“Helena” by My Chemical Romance

A picture of Horace Walpole’s home, Strawberry Hill

Endnotes

-Junius: The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott-Wesley:

* “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

* The Witch (2015)

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 unpack Percy’s biting critique of American politics, his unique handling of race and social divisions, and the novel’s darkly comedic vision of a society unraveling at the seams.

We also explore Love in the Ruins as a work that straddles multiple genres—dystopian fiction, theological novel, political satire—and discuss its protagonist, Dr. Thomas More, whose Lapsometer attempts to diagnose the spiritual and ideological malaise of modern man. How does Percy contrast faith with scientific materialism? Is his portrayal of America’s decline eerily prophetic? And what lessons does Love in the Ruins hold for us today?

Our next book is The Journey of the Mind to God by St. Bonaventure

Endnotes:

-Junius: “Mr. Roboto” by Styx

-Jesse: The Hidden Wound by Wendell Berry

-Wesley: “The Fiction Writer and His Country” and “Some Aspects of the Grotesque in Southern Fiction” by Flannery O’Connor

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 deeply sacramental, drawing from both Scripture and the broader Catholic tradition. Join us as we discuss the structure of Bonaventure’s journey, the influence of St. Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, and how this medieval classic speaks to modern Christians seeking a deeper, more mystical encounter with God. Whether you're new to Bonaventure or a longtime admirer, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see creation, reason, and revelation as pathways to divine illumination.

If you want to join us on this journey, find us on Substack (theclassicalmind.com) or wherever you get podcasts.Season 1 Reading List

Twitter: @mindclassical

→ Support us on Substack

For $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com

→ Read along with us!

We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to read these great books.

→ End Notes

Every month, we each recommend a book or other piece of media.

Wesley: Rescuing Socrates by Roosevelt Montas

Jared: Savage Gods by Paul Kingsnorth

→ Contact and Social Media

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TikTok: @theclassicalmindpodcast

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Plato is one of the towering figures in the world of philosophy. Alfred North Whitehead infamously called all of Western philosophy a series of footnotes to Plato. In this episode, we discuss Plato’s Apology. This dialogue is a great introduction to reading Plato. For one, it is much shorter than texts like Republic. It is also dialectically straightforward — since most of the text is a monologue from Socrates, it can be easier to grasp the structure of the arguments. And finally, it is emotionally engaging in a way that some of Plato’s other dialogues are not.

→ Support us on Substack

For $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com

→ Read along with us!

We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to read these great books. Check out our reading list.

→ End Notes

Every month, we each recommend a book or other piece of media.

Wesley: ‘Gorgias’ by Plato and Plato’s Philosophers by Catherine Zuckert

Jared: ‘Timaeus’ by Plato and Anathem by Neil Stephenson

→ Contact and Social Media

Twitter: @mindclassical

TikTok: @theclassicalmindpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Kyj04yISmHr1V-UlJz4eg

Email: theclassicalmind@substack.com

How can you be an intellectual? What are the habits and virtues you would need to cultivate? What's the point of intellectual activity? Do you need to be in the academy? These are the sorts of questions that A.G. Sertillanges tries to answer in his book 'The Intellectual Life.' Join us for our discussion.

Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.com

You can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack.

End Notes

Kyle: 'The Sociological Imagination’ by C. Wright Mills

Wesley: '16 Precepts for Acquiring Knowledge' by Thomas Aquinas

Jared: 'Plain Style' by Christopher Lasch

This month, Wesley is joined by Dr. Anika Prather to discuss the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. They discuss the relevance of the classics to Douglass and to other Black Americans, the ways in which evil dehumanizes both victim and victimizer, and more.

More about Anika Prather: https://drprather.com/

→ Support us on Substack For $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com

→ Read along with us! We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to read these great books. Check out our reading list: https://www.theclassicalmind.com/p/season-1-reading-list.

→ Contact and Social Media

Twitter: @mindclassical

TikTok: @theclassicalmindpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Kyj04yISmHr1V-UlJz4eg

Email: theclassicalmind@substack.com

In this episode, Wesley and Jared discuss Boethius’ ‘Consolation of Philosophy.’ Topics include parallels between this work and the Book of Job, the nature of Fortune and happiness, and the importance of remembering who you are.