Uncommon Sense
The Podcast of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, where we talk about everything under the sun with a Chestertonian perspective, as well as the writings and legacy of G.K. Chesterton himself. The podcast is hosted by Grettelyn Darkey and Joe Grabowski. Want to give us feedback? Email podcast@chesterton.org.

FROM THE ARCHIVES: (Originally aired 12-10-2024)

Grettelyn and Joe speak about some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding Christmas, and how we can respond to them (with Chesterton's help)!

To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent

Check out our whole Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1

OTHER LINKS:

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Direct download: UC_25.50.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Stacey Bowman, VP Advancement for the Society of G.K. Chesterton, with a special message for Giving Tuesday 2025. Donate today at https://give.chesterton.org/EOY2025.

Direct download: Stacey_GT_Vid_2025-4.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:18pm EST

[RE-AIRING]

It’s a Chestertonian Christmas Carol! Joe Grabowski joins the show to lead us down the path of G.K. Chesterton’s take on Charles Dickens and his love of Christmas. It’s a very, merry episode with no Scrooges allowed. Tune in to this episode! https://chesterton.org/uncommonsense #chesterton #gkchesterton #christmas #charlesdickens #achristmascarol #jesus #spirit #carol #dickens

Contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Join us for Advent at chesterton.org/advent.

Get your Chestertonian Christmas gifts at chesterton.org/store/

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Direct download: Chesterton_Dickens_Christmas.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

In this episode, Joe and Jen talk about the upcoming Advent reflection series from the Society of G.K. Chesterton, "Gifts of Gratitude." #advent #christmas #chesterton #gkchesterton #gratitude

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Sign up for "Gifts of Gratitude" and download our free resources at https://chesterton.org/advent.

 The "Snapdragon" episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH9sz7gDX94

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Direct download: 25.48_Edited_Auphonic.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn interviews Emily Stimpson Chapman about faith, hospitality, community and the Catholic worldview. #theologyofhome #theologyofplace #chesterton #gkchesterton #community #hospitality

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Learn more about Emily Stimpson Chapman: https://www.emilystimpsonchapman.com/

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Direct download: 25.47_EDITED_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

[RE-UPLOAD] No new upload this week, but enjoy this re-airing from last year, appropriate for the season: Belloc and the Four Men!

In this episode, Joe talks with Deacon Nathan Allen, who annotated ACS Books' version of Hilaire Belloc's delightful novelette, "The Four Men."

#belloc #gkchesterton #hilairebelloc #chesterton #thefourmen

To buy ACS Book's "The Four Men" visit https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/four-men/

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Direct download: 24.41_Re-airing_Final_AUDIO_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

In this episode, Joe talks about the newest Doctor of the Church, Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman, and some of the connections between his thought and G.K. Chesterton's. #chesterton #gkchesterton #johnhenrynewman #cardinalnewman #saintjohnhenrynewman

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Mentioned in this episode:

Word on Fire Show: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/wordonfire-show/

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Direct download: 25.45_Final_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Can you tell it's Joe's favorite time of year? Join him and Grettelyn as they discuss All Hallows', funerals, the customs of the poor, and more! We did have a slight technical hiccup in the making of this episode when Joe's camera went away for a bit. If you spot it, leave us a comment with the timestamp and the appropriate emoji (you'll know which that is). This is where we find out who watches the whole episode and who's reading to the show notes! #chesterton #gkchesterton #daysofthedead #halloween #allsaints #skeletons

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Mentioned in this episode:

"The Hastiness of Modern Journalism" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/funerals-are-for-the-living-27276/

"A Defense of Skeletons" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/the-defendant-66905/#a-defence-of-skeletons

Last year's All Hallowstide Series:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to5eTF2gAyE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtppIqGMrOs

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Direct download: 25.44_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe talks about the hurry and haste of modern life, especially modern journalism, with some insights from G.K. Chesterton - and a couple cardiologists! What is "hurry sickness"? How can we resist the pressure to rush to judgment? What does it mean to be "Type A"? And why does Chesterton extol the benefits of sleeping in and being late to breakfast? Find out today! #chesterton #gkchesterton #journalism #hurry #hurrysickness

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Essays mentioned in this episode:

"The Hastiness of Modern Journalism" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/the-hastiness-of-modern-journalism-68950/

"Type A behavior pattern: some of its pathophysiological components" by Meyer Friedman, MD: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1807381/

"Rendering to God" by Dr. Jacob Imam: https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2025/09/rendering-god-jacob-imam.html

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Direct download: 25.43_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn talk about finding "the heart in history," and how Chesterton can help us get excited to learn even about obscure things of the past — like the Battle of Hastings! Today is the anniversary of that great battle in 1066, which shaped the whole Western world. What does it mean for us? Why should we care? Listen in and read along! #chesterton #history #gkchesterton #battleofhastings #normaninvasion #williamtheconqueror

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Essays mentioned in today's episode:

 "Three Ways of Reading History": https://library.chesterton.org/three-ways-of-writing-history-27303/
"Introduction" to the Song of Roland: https://library.chesterton.org/introduction-18111/
"A View of William the Conqueror": https://library.chesterton.org/a-view-of-william-the-conqueror-86512/

Check out The Troubadours discussing "Belloc vs. Tolkien on 1066": https://www.youtube.com/live/fkjyAibwUlw?si=mdlr2c0tGrY-1pG1

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Direct download: 25.42_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

[RE-AIRING] Celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Joe and Grettelyn look at some of Chesterton's Marian poems celebrating the "Queen of Victory." #chesterton #blessedmother #mary #virginmary #rosary #lepanto

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Direct download: 25.41_-_Chestertons_Poetry_Episode_Re-Airing_Audio_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn talk about Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," on the eve of her feast day, and the many things she and Chesterton have in common. Learn about the similarities in their spiritualities, their common virtues, and more! #littleflower #thelittleflower #thereseoflisieux #chesterton

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Direct download: 25.40_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Grettelyn is back! In this episode, she and Joe talk about the passing of seasons in life, the messages God and nature are trying to communicate, and how to pay attention to the important daily graces we receive without becoming distracting by an overwhelming news cycle. Also, pumpkin spice. #autumn #fall #pumpkinspice #pumpkinspiceseason #pumpkinspiceeverything

The essays mentioned in this episode are:

https://library.chesterton.org/the-silly-season-and-serious-discussion-92853/
https://library.chesterton.org/serious-things-in-holiday-time-london-82147/

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Direct download: 25.39_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe interviews Dale about his brand new book, I Also Had My Hour: An Alternative Autobiography of G. K. Chesterton.

Buy a copy today! https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/i-also-had-my-hour/

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

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Direct download: 25.38_AUDIO_MAUAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

No new episode this week, owing to the Labor Day holiday. Instead, since this week is also the beginning of football season, we re-present this special episode on Chesterton's great Marian poem about (American) Football! 

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Direct download: Chesterton_and_Football__Reading__The_Arena_.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Back to school! Joe and Lee talk about "back to school" season, the opportunities for reflection it affords, and reminisce about some special classes and teachers in their own lives.

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

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Direct download: 25.37_AUDIO__FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

"The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar."
"Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten."
"Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out."

Joe and Lee look at some quotations commonly attributed to G. K. Chesterton and answer the question: did Chesterton really say that? They also rank the quotations investigated on a tier chart of plausibility. This is a fun one - don't miss it! #chesterton #fakequotes 

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:30 - Topic Intro
03:25 - Introducing our Ranking Chart
04:33 - "Just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car."
07:45 - "If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God."
10:33 - "When Man ceases to worship God he does not worship nothing but worships everything."
15:42 - "The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar."
19:45 - "In Catholicism, the Pint, the Pipe and the Cross can all fit together." 
23:20 - "A man knocking on the door of a brothel is knocking for God."
27:43 - "When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow."
29:55 - "I've searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees."
32:37 - "A woman uses her intelligence to find reasons to support her intuition."
36:34 - "Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions."
39:47 - (Lee is sad.) "Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten."
44:16 - "Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out."
48:50 - The Complete Chart and Summing Up

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Direct download: 25.36_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee chat about sundry summery things: the Chesterton conference, summer reading, and what's coming up in the Fall.

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

MOMENTS IN THIS VIDEO:

01:59 - Conference Recap - Overall Impressions 
07:05 - Reconnecting with New and Old Friends
08:20 - New Orleans Fondly Remembered
10:36 - Marc Barnes on Jazz
18:03 - ACS Books Evangeline
22:04 - Father Brown Card Game Preview
25:26 - Joe and Lee's Summer Reading
42:03 - Society Check-in - Chesterton Schools Network
47:09 - The Knights of the Apostolate
52:21 - Wrapping Up

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Direct download: 25.35_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Dale Ahlquist explores the Chestertonian way of the Church Militant, marching hopefully to our heavenly reward.

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Joe and Lee continue last week's conversation on the new revolution in technology and economics, so-called "Artificial Intelligence," and decide that we do, in fact, probably need a new Rerum novarum.

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

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Direct download: 25.33_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

We're down in the Big Easy for the 44th Annual Chesterton Conference!

While that means there's no new episode this week, it doesn't mean you need to go a full week without Chesterton in your life! Go to chesterton.org/conference today and sign up for a virtual registration for the conference. Watch all the talks live, participate in the Q&A, and meet friends old and new in the forum! 

See you next week!

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Direct download: 20250721_152515.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee look at the new revolution in technology and economics, so-called "Artificial Intelligence," and consider the question: "Do we need a new Rerum novarum?" 

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Episode artwork credit: "Ameca humanoid - robot generation 1", Willy Jackson, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.

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Direct download: 25.32_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee do a quick review and recap of the fundamental themes and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, as a bridge between their in-depth study of the work of Pope Leo XIII and future discussion about what the new Pope Leo might have to say on these topics...

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Read the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church here: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

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Direct download: 25.31_Audio__Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee finish up their close reading of Rerum Novarum! Read along, and send us your questions. And stay tuned! We may be done with the encyclical, but we're far from done with the subject!

You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

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Direct download: 25.30_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee dive into part two of their close reading of Rerum Novarum! Read along, and send us your questions! You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org.

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

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Direct download: 25.29_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Join us next week as we continue our deep dive into Rerum Novarum.

In the meantime, check out the Chesterton Schools Network: https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org/

Please consider supporting our work; visit https://www.chesterton.org/give/

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LEARN

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Direct download: Libsyn_Version.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

Joe and Lee continue their series of episodes on Catholic Social Teaching, with the first of a two-part deep dive into Rerum Novarum!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

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Direct download: 25.28__Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:00am EST

[RE-UPLOAD - Audio quality improved]

Joe and Lee kick off a series of episodes that will focus on Catholic Social Teaching, this time looking closely at Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Video of Pope Leo XIII is in the public domain, taken from Wikimedia Commons.

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Direct download: 25.27_Audio_File_Reup.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

This week, UncommonSense presents a re-airing of the May 2025 Summit of the Troubadours, focusing on the present Pope and great Popes past.

Come and see the Troubadours LIVE and in-person in New Orleans this summer at our conference! Register today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

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Direct download: MAy_2025.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Lee speak with Julian Ahlquist about his experimentation with A. I. image generation, making pictures of the saints. He'll be speaking about this topic at this summer's Chesterton conference in New Orleans, and it's sure to be one of the more debated and controversial topics. Luckily, Chestertonians know how to disagree agreeably! 

Register for the conference today to join the conversation: Visit https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

See examples of Julian's images here: https://www.reddit.com/user/nrsht/submitted/

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Direct download: 25.25_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Lee speak with Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers about Walker Percy and G.K. Chesterton!

Register for the conference today to hear Cy's talks: Visit https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Visit Catholic Answers at https://catholic.com/

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Direct download: 25.24_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Theresa Martin about "untamed children," the topic of her talk for the annual Chesterton conference!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Learn more about Theresa and WCI: https://jp2rule.com/

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Direct download: 25.23_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Lee speak with Don Flanagan, a retire English professor and co-leader of the St. Paul Chesterton Society, about his talk for the annual Chesterton conference on G.K. Chesterton and Sir Walter Scott! 

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

University Faculty for Life: https://www.uffl.org/ 

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Direct download: 25.22_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe speaks with Christopher Check, president of Catholic Answers, about his upcoming talk for the annual Chesterton conference on the history of the Acadian people and their expulsion. 

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Visit Catholic Answers at http://catholic.com/

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Direct download: 25.21_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe speaks with Professor David Deavel of the University of St. Thomas, Houston, about Chesterton and the Saints, the theme of this summer's Chesterton conference, and the topic of David's talk! Join us July 24-26 in New Orleans to learn more about this fascinating and edifying subject!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

David's writings at The Imaginative Conservative: https://theimaginativeconservative.org/author/david-deavel

David's writings at Catholic World Report: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/author/deavel-david/

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Direct download: 25.20_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe interview Nikola Bolsec from the Chesterton Society in Croatia and a speaker at this summer's conference. He discusses how he and other Croatians have experienced Chesterton, and a bit about his Father Brown Card game.

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

More about Croatian Chesterton Society: https://www.chesterton.hr/

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Direct download: 25.19_Audio_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe interview Ted Janiszewski from Saint Irenaeus Ministries, a speaker who will be joining us this summer, July 24-26 in New Orleans! Hear a little of what Ted will have to say about Chesterton and Nietzsche. 

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Saint Irenaeus Ministries: https://siministries.org/

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Direct download: 25.18_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe interview Joseph Pearce, a popular conference speaker, who will be joining us this summer, July 24-26 in New Orleans! Hear a little of what Joseph will be speaking about regarding Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem, Evangeline.

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Find Joseph online at https://jpearce.co/

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Direct download: 25.17_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn speak with Society Chaplain, Father Spencer Howe, about some opportunities for pilgrimage that the Society is offering, but also about the spirituality and theology of pilgrimage, especially in the season of Lent. 

If you're interested in joining the Society pilgrimage to Merrie Englands, visit our partner at ProRomeTours: https://prorometours.com/chesterton-society/

If you're interested in joining the Knights of the Apostolate and taking part in our summer pilgrimages in New Orleans, visit https://www.chesterton.org/knights/

To sign up for the summer conference, visit https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Finally, if you haven't already done so, it's not too late to sign up to receive our daily Lenten reflections series delivered directly to your email inbox! Visit https://www.chesterton.org/lent-and-eastertide-2025/ to sign up today/

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Direct download: 25.16_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe is joined by colleague Lee Sondeno to geek out about F. Scott Fitzgerald, the jazz age, The Great Gatsby, Chesterton and more! Join this fun conversation, and join the reprise in New Orleans this summer!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

Music credit: Composition: traditional; Performance: United States Air Force Band of the West, Gateway Brass; Recording: United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Direct download: 25.15_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Dale joins the show to talk about this summer's Chesterton conference, July 24-26 in New Orleans! It's a veritable Mardi Gras party for the podcast. Be sure to stick around until the end of the episode for a fun game, and test your knowledge of cajun cuisine!

Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/

 Music credit: Composition: traditional; Performance: United States Air Force Band of the West, Gateway Brass; Recording: United States Air Force, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Direct download: 25.14_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn is joined by Jen Finke to talk about this year's daily Lenten reflection series on the theme of the virtues. Learn more or sign up at https://www.chesterton.org/lent-and-eastertide-2025/

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Direct download: 25.13_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe reflects on Chesterton's poem, "The Arena" as an object lesson in reading Chesterton and taking a Chestertonian view of the world (including things like the Super Bowl).

To read Joe's annotations of the poem, visit https://www.joegrabowski.com/arena.html.

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Direct download: 25.12_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe speaks with Dr. Ben Reinhard, author of a new book, "The High Hallow: Tolkien's Liturgical Imagination," from Emmaus Road Publishing. Learn more about #Chesterton and #Tolkien and what #Lewis called "the mythical radiance resting on our theology."

To buy the book, https://stpaulcenter.com/product/the-high-hallow-tolkiens-liturgical-imagination/

Find out more about Emmaus Road on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/stpaulcenter
https://www.instagram.com/emmausroadpublishing
https://www.instagram.com/emmausroadpublishing

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Direct download: 25.11_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe geeks out with colleague, Jen Finke, about G.K. Chesterton and Saint Thomas Aquinas!

To buy the book, visit https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/st-thomas-aquinas/
Read a chapter online here: https://www.chesterton.org/approach-to-thomism/
Learn more from Dale Ahlquist, here: https://www.chesterton.org/lecture-67/

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Direct download: 25.10_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn speak with Deacon Chris Roberts, co-founder and President of Martin Saints Classical High School, a Chesterton Academy about the experience of founding a school, the difference of the Chesterton curriculum, and more!

Learn more:
https://www.martinsaintsclassical.org/
https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org/

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Direct download: 25.09_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn speak about the medieval "Festum Asinorum," the "Feast of Asses," which was celebrated on January 14th, and they discuss its very Chestertonian qualities. They also read Chesterton's great poem, "The Donkey," in honor of the Feast!

To read the Catholic Encyclopedia article cited in the episode, visit https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01798b.htm

Check out our whole Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1

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Direct download: 25.08_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn speak with Karin Öberg about her conversion experience, the influence of C. S. Lewis and G. K. Chesterton, the relation of faith and reason in science, and get an astronomer's views on the Star of Bethlehem!

Check out our whole Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1

Music used in this episode is in the public domain.

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Direct download: 25.07_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe celebrate the coming New Year with their colleague, Tyler Blanski, chatting about paradox, resolutions, hope, fear, and the pronunciation of words!

Make a special year-end gift to the Society: https://give.chesterton.org/campaign/hope-for-the-year-ahead/c650439

Check out our whole Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1

All music used is in the public domain. Closing track credit: We Wish you a Merry Christmas Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/; adapted for use.

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Direct download: 25.06_AUDIO_EPISODE_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak about ... Christmas! And how the Chestertons celebrated it. They also share some of their favorite Chestertonian Christmas poetry.

Hear Mark Nowakowski's Chesterton Carol:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1USODh49NU

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Direct download: 25.05_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak with Kendra Tierney Norton of Catholic All Year ( @KendraTierneyCAY ) about keeping Advent and Christmas well and some of the traditions and customs you can try in your own home!

Kendra's website: https://catholicallyear.com/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrx2W0qQhrHCYY4NNMn1Ltg

 To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent

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Direct download: 25.4_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:01am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak about some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding Christmas, and how we can respond to them (with Chesterton's help)!

To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent

OTHER LINKS:

G.K. Chesterton, "The History of Christmas":
PART 1: https://library.chesterton.org/the-history-of-christmas-55156/
PART 2: https://library.chesterton.org/the-history-of-christmas-cont-35676/

Who Were The Magi? (Dave Armstrong) - https://www.ncregister.com/blog/who-were-the-magi
The Dating of Christmas (Jimmy Akin) - https://jimmyakin.com/2014/11/the-dating-of-christmas.html
Christmas is Pagan REBUTTED (Joe Heschmeyer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KBFfWe1KcQ
Christmas and Pagan Roots (U.S. Catholic) - https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/glad-you-asked-does-christmas-have-pagan-roots/
Christmas, Pagan Romans and Frodo Baggins (Father Dwight Longenecker) - https://dwightlongenecker.com/christmas-pagan-romans-and-frodo-baggins/

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Direct download: 25.03_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak with their colleague, Tyler Blanski, about Saint Nicholas, why Father Christmas shows up in Narnia, what Jupiter has to do with it, and more!

To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent

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Direct download: 25.02_AUDIO_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak with Father Spencer Howe, Chaplain and Vice-Chair of the Society of G.K. Chesterton, about how to prepare for Advent and Christmas!

To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent

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Direct download: 25.1_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Laurie Walsh about service, motherhood, Chesterton, and the Theology of the Body!

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Direct download: 24.45_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn is joined by Society photographer, Jen Finke, who talks about seeing Chesterton conferences through her unique lens and shares some of her favorite Chesterton poems!

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Direct download: 24.44_Final_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In light of US Election Day, there is no new episode of Uncommon Sense this week.

Tune in next week for a new episode, and in the meantime feel free to check out the archive at chesterton.org/uncommonsense!

Direct download: Skip_Episode_Notice_11-5-2024.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn and Joe continue their conversation on the Church season of All Hallows' Tide, looking at Prayers for the Dead and the Church's discipline of Indulgences. Then, they wrap up with a brief chat about Halloween and how Christians can celebrate it, even some of the "spooky" bits like skeletons!

For the document Joe references in the episode, see https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_01011967_indulgentiarum-doctrina.html

For Chesterton's "A Defense of Skeletons" see https://library.chesterton.org/the-defendant-66905/#a-defence-of-skeletons

 

Direct download: 24.43_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

With the approach of All Souls' Day (November 2nd), Joe and Grettelyn chat about the Catholic doctrine of Purgatory, sharing a bit about Chesterton's views and trying to explain this very misunderstood and oft-maligned teaching to those unfamiliar.

For the document Joe references in the episode, see https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_01011967_indulgentiarum-doctrina.html

 

Direct download: 24.42_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe talks with Deacon Nathan Allen, who annotated ACS Books' version of Hilaire Belloc's delightful novelette, "The Four Men."

Learn more about Belloc, his poetry, and the Four Men Feast!

To buy ACS Book's "The Four Men" visit https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/four-men/

To learn more about The Four Men Feast, visit https://www.fourmenfeast.com/

Direct download: 24.41_Final_AUDIO_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Celebrating yesterday's memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Joe and Grettelyn look at some of Chesterton's Marian poems celebrating the "Queen of Victory."

To join the Knights of the Apostolate, visit https://chesterton.org/knights.

Direct download: 24.40_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe chats with Kerry McDonald ( @liberatedpodcast ) about the wave of interest in alternative options for education, including the Chesterton Schools Network (https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org) and the current state of school choice throughout the country.

For more about Kerry: 
https://fee.org/people/kerry-mcdonald/ 
https://twitter.com/kerry_edu

To join the Knights of the Apostolate of Common Sense:
https://chesterton.org/knights

Direct download: 24.39_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn chats with Ben Hatke about his books and illustrations, his connection to Chesterton, and his circumnavigation of the globe!

To learn more about Ben and his work, visit his website: https://benhatke.com/

Direct download: 24.38_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Greg Pyne joins Grettelyn and Joe to talk about enjoying Chesterton's writings and passing that joy on to students.

Direct download: 24.37_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Ryan Whitaker, filmmaker and author. 

For more about Ryan, visit his website: https://www.ryanwhitakerfilm.com/

For his books:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/ryan-whitaker-smith/3539

https://www.moodypublishers.com/winter-fire/

Direct download: 24.36_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn talk to Mike Creavey of The Gracious Guest about appreciation for creation and how to bring Chesterton into students' lives.

For more from Mike, visit https://www.thegraciousguest.org/

Direct download: 24.35_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak to Father Michael Rennier about his work, writing, and the importance of beauty.

Links:

https://www.dappledthings.org/

https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-forgotten-language/

 

Direct download: 24.34_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn talk with Dr. Alex Plato of Franciscan University about Chesterton and Belloc's socio-economic thought and how it is more relevant today than ever before.

To learn more about Alex, visit https://spt.franciscan.edu/faculty/plato-alex/.

To learn more about New Polity, visit https://newpolity.com/

Direct download: 24.33_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn and Joe speak with Mark Adderley, author of the McCracken adventure series of books.

To learn more about Mark, visit https://mark-adderley.com

 

Direct download: 24.32_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Lee and Valiree Sondeno about their conversion influenced by the reading of G.K. Chesterton and by the Apostolate of Common Sense!

Help support our work bringing people closer to Christ and His Church. Visit https://chesterton.org/give to give today.

Direct download: 24.31_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

We just wrapped up a very successful 43rd Annual Chesterton Conference! We will be back with a new episode next week.

Direct download: Special_Message_Video.mp4
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Fabiola Garza, author of Princesses of Heaven from Word on Fire books (https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/princesses-of-heaven).

To see Fabiola, join us at the 43rd Annual Chesterton Conference! Visit https://www.chesterton.org/43rd-annual-chesterton-conference/ today.

 

Direct download: Garza_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn speaks with Dan Kerr, President of Saint Martin's Academy and one of the Troubadours. Come see Dan at the Chesterton Conference!

Saint Martin's: https://saintmartinsacademy.org/

Tuesdays with the Troubadours: https://saintmartinsacademy.org/troubadours/

43rd Annual Chesterton Conference: https://www.chesterton.org/43rd-annual-chesterton-conference/

 

Direct download: 24.29_Final_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe speaks to Jason Craig of Fraternus (https://fraternus.net) and Sword and Spade magazine(https://swordandspade.mykajabi.com/).

Jason is also author of Leaving Boyhood Behind (https://www.osvcatholicbookstore.com/product/leaving-boyhood-behind-reclaiming-catholic-brotherhood) from OSV and a contributor to the new volume on Localism from Sophia Press co-edited by Dale Ahlquist (https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/localism-coming-home-to-catholic-social-teaching/)

Come see Jason and other speakers at the Chesterton Conference! https://www.chesterton.org/43rd-annual-chesterton-conference/ 

Direct download: 24.28_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

This is a special presentation of a recent bonus episode from our Everlasting Man Online Book Club!

To sign up for the Book Club and see future live streams, visit https://chesterton.org/everlastingman

To buy Nancy's book, visit https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/frances-chesterton/

 

Direct download: Audio_FINAL.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn speaks with Brady Stiller, author of "Your Life is a Story" from Word on Fire publishing, and a speaker at this summer's Chesterton conference!

For Brady's book, visit https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/your-life-is-a-story 

For the Chesterton conference visit https://www.chesterton.org/43rd-annual-chesterton-conference/

Direct download: Stiller_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn speaks with Carrie Gress, author and fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

To learn more about Carrie, visit her website: https://www.carriegress.com/

For the Chesterton conference this summer, visit https://www.chesterton.org/conference

Direct download: Gress_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Chris Check of Catholic Answers (https://catholic.com) joins Joe and Grettelyn to talk about his talk at this summer's Chesterton Conference (https://chesterton.org/conference) about Saint Gregory the Great and his tremendous influence on the history of Christianity.

Direct download: 24.24_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Popular Catholic YouTuber and speaker Brian Holdsworth joins Grettelyn and Joe to talk about evangelizing online, good literature and culture, and more!

To learn more about Brian, visit his website: https://brianholdsworth.ca/

To register for this summer's Chesterton conference, visit https://www.chesterton.org/conference.

 

Direct download: 24.23_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe Grabowski chats with Joseph Pearce about the dynamic friendship between G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc, which will be the topic of Joseph's talk at this summer's Chesterton Conference!

To learn more about Joseph, visit jpearce.co.

To register for this summer's Chesterton Conference, visit chesterton.org/conference.

Direct download: 24.22_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this special episode, Joe and Grettelyn talk about the Society of G.K. Chesterton's ambitious goal of recruiting 150 new members to the Knights and Ladies of the Apostolate of Common Sense, a special group of supporters who by their prayers and financial support help us bring Chesterton's wit and wisdom to a world direly in need of his joyful witness to the Gospel.

To learn more visit https://chesterton.org/knights.

To sign up for this year's Chesterton conference, visit https://www.chesterton.org/conference.

To join our Everlasting Man Online Book Club visit https://www.chesterton.org/everlastingman.

Thank you for your support, and may God bless you!

Direct download: 20.21_Episode_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Dale Ahlquist joins Grettelyn and Joe to remember the great Chestertonian, Aidan Mackey, who passed away on May 4th at the age of 101. Please join the Society in praying for the happy repose of Aidan's soul, and the comfort of his loved ones and friends.

We also chat about the upcoming 43rd Annual Chesterton Conference and preview some of the great talks you'll hear if you join us, either in-person or online! To learn more, visit chesterton.org/conference.

Direct download: 24.20_Final_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

For this week's episode, we have a special re-presentation of the kickoff meeting of our Everlasting Man Online Book Club! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to tackle one of Chesterton's greatest works with friends old and new!

To sign up and join us for future weeks' live events, visit https://www.chesterton.org/everlastingman/ today!

Direct download: 24.18_Final_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe and Grettelyn get a preview of one of the upcoming talks at this year's Chesterton conference from speaker Joe Walsh, who will be looking at commonalities between G. K. Chesterton and Whittaker Chambers!

To register for the conference, visit https://www.chesterton.org/43rd-annual-chesterton-conference/ today!

Direct download: Walsh_Audio_Episode_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe speak with Amber Knorr, a sacred and fine artist whose portraiture work includes a painting of G. K. Chesterton. To learn more about Amber or to see or buy prints of her work, visit her website: amberknorrart.com/

Direct download: 24.17_-_Knorr_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe and Grettelyn chat briefly about some news from the Society and an exciting new online Book Club that YOU can join.

To learn more or to sign up, visit chesterton.org/everlastingman.

 

Direct download: 24.16_Final_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe talks with James Matthew Wilson - poet, author and scholar - about G.K. Chesterton, T.S. Eliot, modern poetry, and more. Plus, James shares some of his own work from his upcoming publication, "Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds." Don't miss it!

To get James's book or to learn more, visit jamesmatthewwilson.com.

To sign up for this year's Chesterton conference, visit chesterton.org/conference.

Direct download: Wilson_Episode_Audio_Edit.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:15am EST

In this episode, Joe and Grettelyn speak with Noelle Mering about her book, "Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology," as well as the "Theology of Home" initiative.

To buy the book or learn more, visit https://theologyofhome.com/.

IN THIS VIDEO:

0:00 Introduction

1:39 What is Wokeism?

3:25 The Mechanisms of Manipulation

6:31 Chesterton and the Breakdown of Society

10:15 Confusion and Compassion

12:38 "The Capture of the Institutions"

15:55 Needing a "Manalive" Moment

17:46 Chesterton a Helpful Antidote

19:48 The Absence of Teleology & The Problem of Progress

23:19 A Movement of Destruction

27:43 The Curse of Babel

29:28 The Theology of Home

36:58 The Importance of Reconciliation 45:40 Wrapping Up

Direct download: Mering_Episode_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Joe and Grettelyn speak with Chris Stefanick about spreading the love of Christ, helping people live holier lives and marriages, and more!

Chris is the founder and president of Real Life Catholic. Real Life Catholic is an organization that shares the love of Jesus and helps others do the same. Go check out their life-changing courses today coaching.reallifecatholic.com.

For the new marriage course mentioned in the video, visit reallifecatholic.com/marriage.

For Dale Ahlquist's book, The Story of the Family, visit chesterton.org/store/product/the-story-of-the-family.

For the Annual Chesterton Conference, visit chesterton.org/conference.

For the Chesterton Schools Network: chestertonschoolsnetwork.org.

# # # # #

IN THIS EPISODE:

0:00 Introduction
1:20 Focusing on the local
3:09 What is Real Life Catholic?
4:09 Back to basics
6:38 The transforming love of Christ
8:25 Quoting Chesterton!
10:57 Chris's experience of the Chesterton Schools Network
12:29 The mystery of the Incarnation (and no heresy)
14:25 Renewed: Real Life Catholic's new marriage initiative
17:36 The gift of marriage
19:09 The importance of renewing marriage commitments
21:37 How God forms us in marriage
25:20 Signing off

Direct download: Stefanick_Episode_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this first "Conference Preview" episode of the season, Grettelyn and Joe discuss this summer's event, and in particular Joe's talk about the changing state of friendship. Don't miss it!

\To register today visit chesterton.org/conference.

Direct download: Joe_Conference_Prevoew_Episode_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode Grettelyn and Joe speak with Father Ryan, a former Chesterton Schools Network headmaster and a Chesterton enthusiast, about how Chesterton's insights and spirituality can impact anyone, at any stage of life!

Direct download: Father_Ryan_Episode_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn and Joe interview Katie (a.k.a. "Mrs. Ruvi"), the founder of The Good Egg Fund. Learn about this fascinating and inspiring initiative, and chip in if you want to help. Visit goodeggfund.org today.

Direct download: Mrs_Ruvi_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn interviews Thomas Banks of the Literary Life podcast about Chesterton and Dickens.

https://www.theliterary.life/

Direct download: Banks_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe and Grettelyn talk about this year's Lenten reflections (chesterton.org/lent) and how Chesterton's appreciation for paradox can assist in a more meaningful approach to the season.

Direct download: Chesterton_on_Lent.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

In today's episode, Grettelyn speaks with Jeanette Flood, a freelance writer who worked as an editor for Ignatius Press on several of the volumes of the Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton!

Jeanette's book: https://ignatius.com/eight-ways-of-loving-god-ewlgp/

Direct download: Flood_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:45am EST

In this episode, Grettelyn speaks with Thomas Finke, a Latin teacher for Chesterton Academy of the Twin Cities and the Latin curriculum author for the Chesterton Schools Network.

Direct download: Finke_Audio.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Grettelyn talks to Susan Sucher, the Local Societies Coordinator for the Society of G.K. Chesterton, about the great gift of our local societies and how she's helping people form and sustain ones of their own. 

To learn more, to find a local society near you, or to inquire into getting one started in your area, visit https://www.chesterton.org/local-societies/.

To learn about the Frances Chesterton Rosary League, visit https://www.chesterton.org/frances-chesterton-rosary-league/.

For the essay discussed in today's episode, visit https://library.chesterton.org/the-extension-of-the-family-33027/

Direct download: Susan_Episode_Audio_Final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

This week on Uncommon Sense, we are proud to present a recording of a talk given last year to the Chesterton School's Network conference by our president, Dale Ahlquist, entitled "Why G. K. Chesterton is Classical... and Why Classical Education is Chestertonian."

Direct download: Dales_CSN_Talk.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

Joe talks with Dr. Robert L. Jackson, an expert in classical education and the new Senior Fellow for the Chesterton Schools Network (CSN). Hear about the new renaissance in classical education, the origins of the movement, and the difference that Chesterton makes.

Links:

https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org/careers

https://chesterton.org/give

IN THIS VIDEO:

  • 0:00 Introduction
  • 1:17 Rob's background
  • 3:57 Joining the CSN
  • 4:52 What is a classical education?
  • 5:46 The liberal arts
  • 8:30 What we mean by classical
  • 10:12 G.K. Chesterton's education
  • 11:50 What changed in education?
  • 12:35 The rise of Pragmatism
  • 17:27 The recovery of classical
  • 22:20 Rob's work with CSN
  • 30:36 Importance of this work
  • 33:42 The CSN is hiring!
  • 38:21 We need your help
  • 41:13 The Chesterton difference
  • 47:20 Closing thoughts
Direct download: Rob_Jackson_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST

This week, we are proud to air an encore presentation of a Virtual Open House for the Chesterton Schools Network hosted by Dale Ahlquist and featuring Andrew Youngblood, author of the new book from Word on Fire "Know Thyself." We hope you enjoy!

Direct download: Know_Thyself_Encore.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am EST