Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Hosts Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan are working their way through the western canon one book at a time, and they want you to come along for the ride. Ascend is built around long, conversational episodes where the two hosts unpack a single work, usually across multiple parts, so listeners who are reading along never feel rushed. They have covered Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, Dante's Divine Comedy, Augustine's Confessions, and more, with plans stretching years into the future. Harrison and Adam bring a distinctly Catholic and classical perspective to the material, but their approach is generous and curious rather than preachy, and they welcome listeners of any background. Expect careful attention to themes, characters, and historical context, along with plenty of jokes, tangents, and genuine excitement about what they are reading. Guest scholars often join to add expertise on particular authors or periods. The show functions almost like a distributed book club, with a community of listeners reading along through podcast guides, reading schedules, and an active discussion group. For anyone who has wanted to finally tackle the great books but felt intimidated going it alone, Ascend offers patient company and thoughtful conversation that turns intimidating tomes into rewarding adventures worth the time investment.