The Classical Mind
The Classical Mind is a podcast featuring conversations on the Great Books. Each episode explores timeless works of literature, philosophy, and thought. New episodes are released on the first Tuesday of every month. The show is hosted by Junius Johnson and Wesley Walker.
Episodes
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
In this season finale of The Classical Mind, Father Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson bring their epic journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy to a close with The Return of the King. Picking up from the alternating structural threads of the narrative, Junius and Wesley delve into why Book Five stands out as a high-water mark for epic storytelling. They unpack Tolkien’s ma
Bonus Episode: The Fall of Arthur with Malcolm Guite
Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker are joined by poet-priest-scholar Malcolm Guite for a deep dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s unfinished alliterative poem, The Fall of Arthur — and make the case that it deserves to be read as seriously as anything else in Tolkien’s body of work.Recommended Reading* Malcolm: The Inklings and King Arthur, ed. Sørina Higgins * Junius: Marie Borroff’s translation of
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
The middle book of a trilogy is always the dark one, and The Two Towers is no exception. Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson return to Middle-earth for the second leg of The Lord of the Rings, and this time things really are on the edge of the knife.Gollum, Hugh of Saint Victor, Ents and the Entmoot, Gimli, Sarumon and Gandalf, and Boromir and Faramir. It’s all there!Endnotes* Junius: Tolkien
The Classical Mind Goes to the Movies: Christopher Nolan's Odyssey
Warning: this episode discusses the film in full, spoilers included. If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch it first and come back. Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson head to the theater for another Classical Mind Goes to the Movies episode, this time tackling Christopher Nolan’s big-screen adaptation of The Odyssey. Have you seen Nolan's The Odyssey? Let us know what you thought in the commen
Bonus Episode: The Forge of Friendship
Everyone knows The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. Fewer people know the full story of the friendship that helped make both of them possible. In this special bonus episode, Dr. Junius Johnson sits down with Kirk Manton of Eastgate Creative to talk about The Forge of Friendship, a five-part documentary series, ten years in the making, telling the story of the relationship between J.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings didn’t just launch a genre — it set the standard every fantasy writer since has been measured against. This month, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson begin their journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece with The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of the trilogy that turned Middle-earth into the mythology of the modern imagination.In this episode, Wesley and Ju
Bonus Episode: Season 5
Discover the official Season 5 reading schedule for The Classical Mind podcast! Join Junius and Wesley as they lay out the next 12-month literary journey through the Western canon. Here is the list: * October 2026: Theogony by Hesiod* December 2026: The Life of Moses by Gregory of Nyssa * January: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson* February 2027: Around the Worl
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare with Heidi White
In this summer episode of The Classical Mind, hosts Dr. Junius Johnson and Father Wesley Walker welcome back three-time guest Heidi White, co-host of the Close Reads podcast and author of The Divided Soul. Together, the trio dives deep into William Shakespeare’s beloved masterpiece, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, analyzing its intricate narrative layers through the compelling lens of duty versus desi
The Importance of Being Earnest with Dr. Grace Hamman
Welcome to another episode of The Classical Mind, the podcast where we explore the great books of the Western tradition! In this episode, hosts Father Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson are thrilled to welcome a special guest, Dr. Grace Hamman. Dr. Hamman holds a PhD from Duke University, focuses on late medieval poetry and contemplative writing, and hosts the Old Books with Grace podcast. Toget
Paradiso with Dr. Jonathan Juilfs
In this concluding chapter of our journey through Dante’s Commedia, Dr. Junius Johnson and Fr. Wesley Walker are joined by Dr. Jonathan Juilfs to explore the radiant heights of Paradiso. The conversation centers on the idea that the third canticle is not a boring landscape of static perfection, but rather the very “point” of the entire project grounded in the medieval understanding of capacity and
Purgatorio with Heidi White
In this episode of The Classical Mind, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson welcome back Heidi White to explore the middle canticle of Dante’s Divine Comedy, the Purgatorio. Is Purgatory “cosmic extra innings” or a “cosmic decontamination chamber” for the saved? How do Inferno and Purgatorio differ? Give a listen as Heidi, Junius, and Wesley discuss the moral and structural architecture of Mou
"The Tapestry": A Conversation about a New CiRCE Language Arts/Grammar Curriculum with Buck Holler
In this episode of The Classical Mind, Dr. Junius Johnson sits down with Buck Holler from the CiRCE Institute to discuss "Tapestry," a new writing and grammar curriculum designed to bridge the gap between early elementary studies and the advanced persuasive essays found in The Lost Tools of Writing. Holler explains that for twenty-five centuries, the study of grammar and literature were considered
The Inaugural Classical Mind Battle of the Books
Round 1: Voting will be open from Monday (3/16) until Monday (3/23) ***Vote Now!***Round 2: Voting will be open from Monday (3/23) until Saturday (3/30)Round 3: The first semi-final round will be Monday (3/30) until Wednesday (4/1); the second semi-final round will be Thursday (4/2) until Saturday (4/4)Round 4 (the final): Voting will be open from Monday (4/6) until Monday (4/13)In this special bo
Inferno
In this episode, Father Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson are joined by Dante scholar Catherine Illingworth to navigate the harrowing depths of Dante’s Inferno. The conversation centers on the profound medieval understanding of sin not merely as a broken rule, but as a fundamental distortion of love and human nature. The hosts and their guest explore how the damned souls, such as Francesca and
BONUS EPISODE: An Introduction to The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
This bonus episode of The Classical Mind serves as “front matter” to prepare listeners for a three-month reading marathon of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Join Wesley and Junius as they explain that the work is a “comedy” not because of humor, but because of its trajectory: it begins in the darkness of Inferno and ends with the “blessed life” and vision of God in Paradiso. The discussion explor
Lilith
In this episode of The Classical Mind, Fr. Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson explore George MacDonald’s 1895 fantasy novel, Lilith. The discussion navigates the tension between MacDonald’s occasionally “fumbling” literary style and the profound, “mythopoeic” power of his spiritual vision. The episode also touches on MacDonald’s universalist leanings and his belief that even “evil that is good f
Medieval Exegesis
In this episode of The Classical Mind, hosts Father Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson dive deep into the fascinating, complex topic of Medieval Exegesis—”specifically how the medievals read the scriptures.”Moving beyond single book analysis, this discussion traces the history of Christian exegesis from the Patristic era (Paul, Origen) to the evolution of the foundational Four Senses of Scriptur
Our Top Reads of 2025
In this special year-end bonus episode, hosts Father Wesley Walker and Dr. Junius Johnson take a break from their usual Great Books discussion to share their personal Top 5 favorite books read this year—works that fell (mostly) outside of the main Classical Mind reading list.The Classical Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or
Billy Budd, Sailor
In this episode of The Classical Mind, Junius and Wesley dive deep into Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Sailor — a haunting naval novella exploring innocence, evil, law, mutiny, and biblical symbolism aboard a British warship during the Napoleonic era.Melville’s final, posthumously published work blends gripping maritime drama with profound moral and theological questions. We unpack what Makes Billy
The Classical Mind Goes to the Movies: Frankenstein (2025)
In this episode, Junius and Wesley take on the latest film adaptation of Frankenstein, asking what makes a great adaptation of a classic work — and whether this one succeeds. From Mary Shelley’s 19th-century vision of creation and responsibility to modern cinematic retellings, they explore how filmmakers interpret, distort, and occasionally deepen the original novel’s moral and theological questio
The Proslogion by St. Anselm
In this episode, Father Wesley and Dr. Junius dive deep into St. Anselm’s Proslogion, the short yet monumental work that introduced one of the most enduring and debated arguments in the history of philosophy and theology: the ontological argument for God’s existence.The hosts explore Anselm’s background as monk, abbot, and Archbishop of Canterbury, highlighting his tumultuous life amid royal and p
The Taming of the Shrew
In this episode of The Classical Mind, we take on Shakespeare’s most provocative comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. Junius and Wesley dig into the play’s strange structure—from the unclosed frame of Christopher Sly to the unsettling symmetry between performance and identity. What does it mean that the “prologue” is itself a play? And how does that affect the way we read Katherina’s transformation—or
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Let’s go back to the 19th century and talk about one of the scariest novels we’ve ever read on the Classical Mind (but maybe not for the reasons you might think) with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. On this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss the different editions of this book before getting into some of its underlying philosophy like the responsibilities a creator has to their creatures and vice-ver
Bonus Episode: Season 4 and a Life Well Read
The Classical Mind has officially reached 2,000 subscribers! To celebrate, Junius and Wesley unveil the Season 4 reading list! The method of selection is a little different this year to accommodate Wesley’s upcoming PhD studies. Stick around after the reading list is unveiled for a discussion about the purpose of literature, how reading helps us grow, a discussion on the dilemma of re-reading vs.
The Aeneid by Virgil
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
Peter Pan
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, analyz
The Federalist Papers
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 A
The Journey of the Mind to God by Bonaventure (A Crossover Episode with the Sacramentalists Podcast)
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
Love in the Ruins by Walker Percy with Jesse Hake
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
The Castle of Otranto
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 t
The Communist Manifesto
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
Phaedo with Dr. John Mark Reynolds
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 unwaver
Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather
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 justic
Thus Spake Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
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 a
The Classical Mind Season 3 Draft
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
Intention by G.E.M. Anscombe
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
Confessions by Saint Augustine
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: * “Som
The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott
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
Emma by Jane Austen
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
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
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
Monsters in Literature with Kristen Rudd
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.comKristen 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
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
“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 char
The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
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
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
The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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 fasc
Euthyphro
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 ot
Oedipus Rex and Poetics
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
The Brothers Karamazov
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
Season 2 Draft
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
The Iliad
Today we discuss The Iliad by Homer. End Notes: -Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days-Statius, Thebaid-The Blues of Achilles by Joe Goodkin 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
Robinson Crusoe with Dr. Karen Swallow Prior
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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other
Utilitarianism by J.S. Mill
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 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
Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor
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-yv8
Macbeth
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. 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
Beowulf
Jared and Wesley discuss Beowulf, and Jared is eventually converted.Check out the podcast and newsletter: theclassicalmind.comYou can also check out our reading list for the coming year. Just look for our reading list on Substack. 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
The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
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. 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
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass with Dr. Anika Prather
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
'The Intellectual Life' by A.G. Sertillanges
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
The Apology by Plato
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
What is the Canon?
→ Support us on SubstackFor $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 NotesEvery month, we each recommend a book or other piece of media. Wesley: Rescuing Socrates by Roosevelt Montas
Introducing The Classical Mind
If you want to join us on this journey, find us on Substack (theclassicalmind.com) or wherever you get podcasts.Season 1 Reading ListTwitter: @mindclassical 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
