Ascend - The Great Books Podcast

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we are discussing Books 20 & 21 with Mr. Thomas Lackey and Dr. Frank Grabowski.
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In this episode of Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and guests Dr. Frank Grabowski and Thomas Lackey dive into Books 20 and 21 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the stage is set for the long-awaited slaughter of the suitors. The portents multiply: Theoclymenus’s terrifying vision of the palace drenched in blood and gore, Athena’s divine orchestration, and Penelope’s masterful test with Odysseus’s legendary bow. Amid feasts for Apollo, disloyal servants, and growing frenzy, Odysseus the beggar masters his patience while Telemachus comes fully into his own—echoing the father-son reunion and the maturation arc that began in Book 2.
The conversation has rich insights on Homeric anthropology, the thumos (spirited), xenia’s sacred bonds, ritual symbolism, and the limits of repentance under divine justice.
Listeners will relish the similes, prophecies ignored at peril, subtle Christological resonances, and the masterful dramatic pause Homer builds before the violence erupts in Book 22. Whether you’re tracking Odysseus’s cunning, Telemachus’s growth, or the poem’s deeper moral and theological layers, this episode delivers fresh appreciation for why the Odyssey endures.
Don’t miss it—especially with Dr. Patrick Deneen joining soon to connect the epic to our own age.
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Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Frank Grabowski dive into Books 17–19 of Homer’s Odyssey, where the disguised king returns to Ithaca as a beggar.
Check out our WRITTEN Q&A GUIDE TO THE ODYSSEY.
Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack: The Porch and the Altar.
The conversation explores iconic moments like Odysseus’s heartbreaking reunion with his loyal dog Argos, the tense first dialogue with Penelope that raises fascinating questions about what she truly knows or suspects, and the escalating violations of xenia by the suitors. Listeners will appreciate the rich analysis of loyalty as the ultimate standard, Odysseus’s hard-won maturation in temperance and piety, and striking contrasts between faithful servants like Eumaeus and disloyal figures like Melanthius.
Homer emerges here as both poet and philosopher, using these scenes to probe justice, the nature of heroism, the city at peace, and the interplay of fate and human choice.
With Athena guiding events and the tension building toward the suitors’ doom, Deacon and Dr. Grabowski illuminate how Odysseus’ trials have prepared him not just for revenge, but for restoring order.
Whether you’re new to the epic or a longtime reader, this episode offers fresh insights that make the ancient story feel urgently relevant. Don’t miss it—subscribe and join the community as the Odyssey study continues toward its dramatic climax!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey Study
04:30 The Role of Penelope and Theoclymenus
07:14 Contrasting Characters: Eumaeus and Melanthius
10:28 Odysseus' Growth and Maturation
13:11 The Loyalty of Argos
16:26 The Test of Guest Friendship
19:10 The Fate of the Suitors
22:22 The Beggar Fight and Its Implications
24:43 Odysseus' Reflection on His Journey
27:21 The Irony of Antinous
30:45 Penelope's Anticipation and the Build-Up to Reunion
33:28 Odysseus' Moral Self-Awareness
36:37 Conclusion and Themes of Justice
42:10 The Philosopher Beggar and the Blindness of the Suitors
44:49 The Nature of Law and Lawlessness
47:33 Penelope's Cleverness and the Suitors' Downfall
52:09 Telemachus' Growth and the Stability of Society
57:19 The Reunion of Odysseus and Penelope
01:01:40 The Test of Loyalty and the Nature of Guest Friendship
01:06:23 The Subtlety of Odysseus and Penelope's Intuition
01:12:19 The Significance of Names and Identity
01:19:33 The Tension of Recognition and the Test of the Suitors
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Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by returning mentor Dr. Frank Grabowski—Third Order Franciscan, diaconate candidate, and Dean of Faculty at Holy Family Classical School—and Latin teacher Jack Drury for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 15 and 16.
Check out all our resources on the great books!
Check out Dr. Grabowski's new Substack on the great books.
The conversation explores Telemachus’s maturation and homecoming, the poignant father-son reunion in the swineherd’s hut, and the deepening bonds of loyalty with Eumaeus. Listeners will enjoy thoughtful reflections on xenia (guest-friendship), Theoclymenus the mysterious prophet, Helen’s prophetic insight, Menelaus’s gracious hospitality, and the growing threat of the suitors, all while tracking themes of thumos, divine guidance, and the slow unfolding of justice.
With warmth, humor, and insight, the trio unpacks Homer’s masterful storytelling—why Telemachus must become a threat, the nobility of the “lowly” swineherd, and the beautiful (and bittersweet) dynamics of recognition and reunion.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast
09:15 Telemachus' Journey: A Coming of Age Story
15:25 Menelaus: The Gracious Host
22:57 The Arrival of Theoclymenus: A Mysterious Prophet
30:36 Odysseus and Eumaeus: Testing Loyalty
31:05 The Swineherd's Loyalty and Laertes' Mystery
32:41 Odysseus' Questions and Eumaeus' Story
34:41 The Tragic Tale of Eumaeus
38:36 Social Status vs. Moral Character
41:47 The Unique Island and Divine Justice
43:43 Guest Friendship and Telemachus' Choices
46:25 The Reunion of Father and Son
50:29 Telemachus and Odysseus: A Complex Relationship
55:27 Testing Nobility and Virtue
01:00:25 Divine Disguises and Recognition
01:04:59 The Standard of Belief
01:11:37 The Plan Against the Suitors
01:18:58 The Nature of Justice and Retribution
Whether you’re reading the Odyssey for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, this episode illuminates how these ancient books continue to form souls and speak to fatherhood, virtue, and the return to order. Perfect listening for anyone journeying through the Great Books—don’t miss it!

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Frank Grabowski and Dr. Alex Petkas (host of the Cost of Glory) for a rich discussion of Odyssey Books 13 and 14.
Check out all our resources on the great books!
Check out the Cost of Glory!
Check our the Porch and Altar, Dr. Grabowski's Substack.
Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca—sleeping peacefully through the voyage as the Phaeacians carry him ashore—only to awaken uncertain and disguised by Athena as a beggar. The conversation explores his strategic plotting with the goddess, the symbolic Cave of the Nymphs (including a fascinating Neoplatonic reading from Porphyry), the poignant encounter with the loyal swineherd Eumaeus, and Odysseus’s layered “lies” that reveal deep truths about his character.
The guests delve into themes of homecoming, the restoration of patriarchal order, xenia (guest-friendship), internal moral growth, and the slowing narrative pace as Homer shifts focus from external adventures to the subtle work of reclaiming one’s house.
This episode offers fresh, layered insights perfect for both first-time readers and Odyssey veterans, blending literary analysis, philosophy, and practical wisdom on loyalty, cunning, and self-mastery.
Whether you’re drawn to the theological depth of the cave, the psychological realism of Odysseus’ deceptions, or the timeless lessons on rebuilding order amid chaos, Dcn. Garlick, Dr. Grabowski, and Dr. Petkas make these often-overlooked books come alive with warmth, humor, and profound appreciation. Tune in for an engaging, accessible conversation that will deepen your love for Homer and leave you eager for the next leg of the journey.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Odyssey and Guests
08:38 The Slow Pace of the Odyssey
13:15 Themes of Homecoming and Restoration
18:07 The Significance of Sleep and Rebirth
23:22 Divine Intervention and the Phaeacians
28:24 Odysseus' Identity and the Role of Athena
36:26 The Art of Deception: Odysseus and Athena's Intrigue
37:19 The Mist of Disguise: Odysseus' Identity Crisis
39:46 Inner Odyssey: The Journey of Self-Discovery
42:34 The Goddess of Trickery: Athena's Role in Odysseus' Return
44:39 The Cave of the Nymphs: Symbolism and Allegory
51:03 Depositing Treasures: Spiritual Growth and Cooperation with the Divine
59:13 The Loyal Swineherd: Eumaeus and the Theme of Hospitality
01:02:39 The Encounter with the Dogs
01:03:44 Loyalty and the Commoner's Perspective
01:05:11 The Swineherd's Knowledge and Loyalty
01:06:16 Odysseus's Tests and Coalition Building
01:07:59 Reflections on War and Leadership
01:11:35 Odysseus's Crafty Storytelling
01:14:58 The Nature of Lies and Truth
01:18:12 Piety and Character in the Odyssey
01:22:06 The Art of Storytelling and Requests
01:25:20 Final Thoughts and Future Encounters
Be sure to check out our website for more resources on the great books!

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Harrison Garlick discusses Books 11-12 of the Odyssey with Dr. Frank Grabowski and Mr. Luke Heintschel, the Academic Headmaster of Coeur du Christ Academy.
Check out Ascend's LIBRARY of written guides and SOCIAL MEDIA.
Check out Luke's Substack at CoCrucified and Dr. Grabowski's at Porch & Altar.
Summary
Listeners are taken on Odysseus’ harrowing katabasis into the underworld, where he confronts shades of the dead, including his mother, the tragic Agamemnon, and especially Achilles, whose devastating reflection on glory versus life delivers one of the most “blood on the floor” moments in Western literature. The conversation masterfully unpacks themes of piety, humanization, fate and free will, and the meaning of a well-lived life, while drawing illuminating connections to Plato, Dante, Boethius, and the Christian tradition.
The discussion continues into Book 12 with the irresistible Sirens, the terror of Scylla and Charybdis, and the fateful transgression with the Cattle of the Sun. Throughout, the guests offer sharp insight into Odysseus’s evolving character, the tensions between cunning and virtue, and why these ancient stories remain essential for forming minds today.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Homer or new to the Great Books, this episode delivers rich intellectual conversation, pedagogical wisdom, and profound reflections that will leave you eager to pick up the text—or re-read it with fresh eyes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast
06:01 Exploring the Odyssey: Books 11 and 12
12:54 The Theme of Descent into the Underworld
16:57 Elpenor's Ignoble Death and Its Significance
23:42 Tiresias and the Prophecies for Odysseus
31:43 Fate vs. Free Will in the Odyssey
38:29 The Role of Women in the Odyssey
43:24 The Significance of Penelope in the Odyssey
45:48 Odysseus' Emotional Journey and Family Dynamics
53:13 Agamemnon's Narrative and the Role of Women
58:32 Achilles' Regret and the Nature of Glory
01:09:41 Ajax's Silence and the Weight of Honor
01:17:53 Exploring the Underworld: Tantalus and Heracles
01:20:34 Odysseus's Descent: Fear and Fate in Hades
01:21:38 Homer's Philosophical Insights: Preparing for Christ
01:22:29 Homer as a Teacher and Philosopher
01:24:15 The Sirens: Temptation and Knowledge
01:33:46 Scylla and Charybdis: Leadership and Sacrifice
01:39:31 The Cattle of the Sun: Fate and Free Will
01:46:04 Odysseus's Reflection: Mortality and Leadership
Keywords
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