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.

Host Adrian Ahlquist talks with Richard Vigilante, Board Chairman of Teach for Christ. Richard and Adrian discuss developing a Mission Culture. Teach for Christ’s mission is to support struggling Catholic schools in socio-economically challenged areas.

Direct download: episode_44_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:09am EDT

Dale Ahlquist reads a lovely Christmas poem by G.K. Chesterton called "The Wise Men"

Direct download: episode_43_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:16am EDT

The moment all Catholic economists have been waiting for. We finally have a new name to replace Distributism. Learn what this social economic theory is, how it’s tied to Chesterton, and what the new name is.

Direct download: episode_42_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:05am EDT

Dale and Adrian Ahlquist read their favorite Chesterton quotes about Advent and Christmas and discuss the practical wisdom he had to share.

Direct download: episode_41_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:22pm EDT

Jason Adkins, the executive director for the Minnesota Catholic Conference, gives his inside take on how our government operates, what’s wrong with it, and what we can as individuals can do to fix it.

Direct download: episode_40_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

We are wish you a very blessed Thanksgiving! Tune into this week’s episode with our very own Dale Ahlquist as he explains the significance of Thanksgiving and why it’s more than just an American holiday. Please consider supporting the Society in its mission to promote education, evangelization, and Catholic Social Teaching by donating at www.chesterton.org/donate

Direct download: episode_39_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:35pm EDT

Clark Durant is a board member of the Society of GK Chesterton with a background in politics. Clark uses his political experience to weigh in on the ongoing election. Join us in this episode of Uncommon Sense as we discuss what the United States is missing, but also the hope we have for our country’s future. Clark's story is also featured in My Name is Lazarus, which is a collection of conversion stories influenced by G.K. Chesterton. Go to chesterton.org/shop/my-name-is-lazarus/ to pick up a copy.

Direct download: episode_38_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:36pm EDT

Adrian and Dale Ahlquist discuss the 2020 election, and more importantly, what's next for our world.

Direct download: episode_37_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:11pm EDT

Dale Ahlquist explains why Chesterton is a saint, responds to the objections, and gives an update on the status of his cause for sainthood.

Direct download: episode_36_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:09pm EDT

Carl Olson, editor of the Catholic World Report, explains The Da Vinci Hoax, his book that exposes the Da Vinci Code as an erroneous and deceitful piece of anti-Catholic literature. We also have an in depth conversation about jazz!

Direct download: episode_35_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:03pm EDT

Tod Worner gives fascinating insights into the world of medicine and where morality fits in. Tod is the managing editor of Bishop Barron’s Evangelization & Culture, the Journal of the Word on Fire Institute. He is also an Internal Medicine Physician & Teaching Faculty of the Abbott Northwestern Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Direct download: episode_34_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:31pm EDT

Noel Culbertson is the graphic designer and social media director for our Society. She is the one in charge of every single Chesterton quote that appears on Facebook and Instagram. Her conversion story is also featured in My Name is Lazarus.

Direct download: Episode_33_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

In honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto, Christopher Check, the president of Catholic Answers, describes in beautiful detail the significance of the battle and Chesterton's glorious poem.

Direct download: Episode_32_Audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:37pm EDT

This week we discuss the connection between theater and the Catholic faith with Kevin O'Brien. Kevin is a brilliant actor, writer, and Chestertonian. He is also a Catholic convert whose story is featured in My Name is Lazarus, available on our website.

Direct download: episode_31_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:29pm EDT

In this episode we get into what is needed to implement Ditributism and combat Globalism. Joseph Grabowski is the head of of the Southeast Pennsylvania Chesterton Society and also a prominent voice on the topic of Distributism.

Direct download: Episode_30_audio_final.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Brother Titus, a Chesterton alumni and good friend of Adrian Ahlquist, is visiting us from St. Michael's Abbey in Orange County, California. In this episode, he describes what it is like to be a Norbertine.

Direct download: A_Day_in_the_Life_of_a_Norbertine_-_Brother_Titus.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:50pm EDT

Scott Hambrick and Karl Schudt are the hosts of The Online Great Books Podcast. Listen to our conversation about the problems with our political and economic systems and how to fix them.

Direct download: What_Is_Wrong_with_Our_Politics_-_Scott_Hambrick_and_Karl_Schudt.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:16pm EDT

Amy Hunt is the Director of Formation for our Chesterton Schools Network. Amy served in the US Navy for over 24 years. She has directed military planning and operational training for the Navy SEALs, and has even served as the Commanding Officer of a Navy and Marine Corps Reserve installation. Listen to why she decided to retire from the Navy and help us deliver a classical education to our Society.


Stuart Kolner explains how he went from being a scientistic atheist, who swore he would never become Catholic, to being a devout Catholic. Just like Brandon Vogt and Brent Forrest, Stuart is both a board member for the Society of GKC and a convert whose story is featured in My Name is Lazarus.

Direct download: From_Scientism_to_Catholicism.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:15pm EDT

Actor/singer/songwriter Jeromy Darling shares how the deeply Catholic art of theater has impacted his life and faith.

Direct download: Catholicism_and_Theater_-_Jeromy_Darling.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:58pm EDT

Jeromy Darling is an amazing actor/singer/songwriter. Listen to his moving story about his life and his conversion to Catholicism.

Direct download: The_Actor_and_the_Convert_-_Jeromy_Darling.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:30pm EDT

Brent Forrest is a former professional magician, and has performed thousands at thousands of shows. One time he even drove a car blindfolded. In this episode, he reveals the magic that led to his conversion.

Direct download: Brent_Forrest_Professional_Magician.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

Brandon Vogt is back to discuss how young people in our culture can connect with G.K. Chesterton.

Direct download: How_Millenials_and_Gen_Z_Can_Relate_to_Chesterton.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:20pm EDT

Our special guest, Brandon Vogt, lends his expertise on how to talk about the Catholic Faith in our modern culture. Next week, Brandon will be back to discuss how millennials and gen z can relate to G.K. Chesterton.

Direct download: How_to_Defend_Our_Faith_in_Todays_World.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:58am EDT

Adrian grills Dale Ahlquist with tough questions about Chesterton.

Send in your questions to podcast@chesterton.org

Don't miss next week's interview with Brandon Vogt!

Direct download: Grilling_Dr._Ahlquist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:26pm EDT

Dale and Adrian discuss what Chesterton had to say about fathers, fatherhood and the role of the father in society.

Direct download: Chesterton_on_Fatherhood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:53pm EDT

Dale discusses the value of hope during our desperate times.

Direct download: Hoping_When_Things_are_Hopeless.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:51pm EDT

Matt Martinusen interviews our new Director of Evangelization, Adrian Ahlquist.

Direct download: Passing_the_Torch.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:59pm EDT

A conversation with Dale Ahlquist and his son, Adrian, about Chesterton's wisdom for our times.

Read Dale's article, The Solution, which was published in The Catholic World Report.


This is a rebroadcast of a talk from Nancy Brown from the 2014 Chesterton Conference.

Join us at our 2020 Chesterton Conference!

Become a member of the Chesterton Society and support the Apostolate's work!

Get Nancy's book! 

 

Direct download: Marriage_-_Nancy.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Nancy Brown joins to talk about what the Chestertons might be doing in a quarantine pandemic and things that we can be doing with our time!

Support the podcast and the Society!

Books Nancy mentions: 

The Woman Who Was Chesterton  by Nancy Brown

G.K. Chesterton: A Biography by Ian Ker

Direct download: Nancy_Pandemic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Dale recites poetry by Chesterton and it the poetry is amazing.

Get (out of print!) books of collected Chesterton poetry at the Chesterton store here.

Become a member to support our Apostolate!

The poem's read in the podcast:

Elegy in a Country Churchyard
By G.K. Chesterton

The men that worked for England
They have their graves at home;
And bees and birds of England
About the cross can roam.

By they that fought for England,
Following a falling star,
Alas, alas for England
They have their graves afar.

And they that rule in England,
In stately conclave met,
Alas, alas for England
They have no graves as yet.

 

The Happy Man
By G.K. Chesterton

To teach the grey earth like a child,
To bid the heavens repent,
I only ask from Fate the gift
Of one man well content.

Him will I find: though when in vain
I search the feast and mart,
The fading flowers of liberty,
The painted masks of art,

I only find him at the last,
On one old hill where nod
Golgotha's ghastly trinity –
Three persons and one god.

 

A Chord Of Colour
By G.K. Chesterton

My Lady clad herself in grey,
That caught and clung about her throat;
Then all the long grey winter day
On me a living splendour smote;
And why grey palmers holy are,
And why grey minsters great in story,
And grey skies ring the morning star,
And grey hairs are a crown of glory.

My Lady clad herself in green,
Like meadows where the wind-waves pass;
Then round my spirit spread, I ween,
A splendour of forgotten grass.
Then all that dropped of stem or sod,
Hoarded as emeralds might be,
I bowed to every bush, and trod
Amid the live grass fearfully.

My Lady clad herself in blue,
Then on me, like the seer long gone,
The likeness of a sapphire grew,
The throne of him that sat thereon.
Then knew I why the Fashioner
Splashed reckless blue on sky and sea;
And ere 'twas good enough for her,
He tried it on Eternity.

Beneath the gnarled old Knowledge-tree
Sat, like an owl, the evil sage:
'The World's a bubble,' solemnly
He read, and turned a second page.
'A bubble, then, old crow,' I cried,
'God keep you in your weary wit!
'A bubble - Have you ever spied
The colours I have seen on it ?'

 

Fantasia
By G.K. Chesterton

The happy men that lose their heads
They find their heads in heaven
As cherub heads with cherub wings,
And cherub haloes even:
Out of the infinite evening lands
Along the sunset sea,
Leaving the purple fields behind,
The cherub wings beat down the wind
Back to the groping body and blind
As the bird back to the tree.

Whether the plumes be passion-red
For him that truly dies
By headsman's blade or battle-axe,
Or blue like butterflies,
For him that lost it in a lane
In April's fits and starts,
His folly is forgiven then:
But higher, and far beyond our ken,
Is the healing of the unhappy men,
The men that lost their hearts.

Is there not pardon for the brave
And broad release above,
Who lost their heads for liberty
Or lost their hearts for love?
Or is the wise man wise indeed
Whom larger thoughts keep whole?
Who sees life equal like a chart,
Made strong to play the saner part,
And keep his head and keep his heart,
And only lose his soul.

Direct download: Poetry.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Dale and Matt discuss an article: Common Sense Apostle & Cigar Smoking Mystic

Watch the Chesterton Minute video series on YouTube.

Become a member and support the podcast and other work we do! Join now

Direct download: Faith_and_Family_.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Dale and Matt go back and forth with more Great, Knowledgable Chesterton quotes.

Read more Chesterton! Here are some essential quotes to start with.

Support the Apostolate and become a Member of the Society: Join Now

Donate to the Society to support our efforts to bring Chesterton to the world's mind. Donate Now

Direct download: Another_Quote_Episode.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Dale Ahlquist talks about what GK Chesterton wrote about Easter and the Resurrection  of Christ. 

Join the Chesterton Society!

Watch the Chesterton Minute video series.

Direct download: Easter_2.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Brandon Vogt gives a talk from the 2018 Chesterton Conference on 5 things Chesterton would have loved about the internet, and 5 things he would have despised about the internet.

Tell us your favorite part about this episode! Send us an email at live@chesterton.org or comment on our post on Instagram @chestertonsociety. 

Buy the Apostle of Common Sense book

Learn about the 2020 Chesterton Conference

Become a Member of the Society of GKC

Direct download: Chesterton_and_the_Internet.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton presents: Uncommon Sense

In this episode, Dale Ahlquist and Matt Martinusen discuss the many, many, many prophecies the Chesterton wrote about and that came true!

Read more Chesterton! And you can do that here: chesterton.org

Become a Member of the Chesterton Society and support the apostolate: chesterton.org/membership

Direct download: Episode_4_-_Prophecies_of_Chesterton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Read more Chesterton!

Learn more about the man: https://www.chesterton.org/

Become a member of the Society: https://www.chesterton.org/membership/

Direct download: Chestertonian_Evil.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Sign up for the Lent & Easter emails here: https://www.chesterton.org/

Get the Gilbert! magazines by becoming a member and supporting our Apostolate: https://www.chesterton.org/membership/

Subscribe on YouTube! 

Like us on Facebook!

Follow us on Instagram!

Direct download: GKC_and_Lent.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Read more Chesterton! 

Find more at https://www.chesterton.org

Become a member of the Society: https://www.chesterton.org/membership/

Direct download: Plague_.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Learn more about Chesterton at chesterton.org

Direct download: Happy_St._Patricks_Day.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:03pm EDT

The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton presents: Uncommon Sense

In this episode, Dale Ahlquist and Matt Martinusen talk about some of Chesterton's most famous quotes and some of their own favorite quotes. 

We also debunk quotes that are attributed to GK...but he never said them!

Check out more quotes of Chesterton: chesterton.org/quotations

Read more Chesterton! You can do that here: chesterton.org

Become a Member of the Chesterton Society and support the apostolate: chesterton.org/membership

Direct download: Episode_3_-_Quotes_of_Chesterton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton presents: Uncommon Sense

In this episode, Dale Ahlquist and Matt Martinusen discuss why anyone should read Chesterton.

Dale's article on "Who is Chesterton?" referenced in the episode. Click here!

Introductory books to Chesterton by Dale:

Read more Chesterton! And you can do that here: chesterton.org

Become a Member of the Chesterton Society and support the apostolate: chesterton.org/membership

Direct download: Episode_2_-_Why_Should_We_Read_Chesterton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

The Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton presents: Uncommon Sense

In this episode, Dale Ahlquist and Matt Martinusen give a brief, and a bit odd introduction to the new format of the podcast. 

Read more Chesterton! And you can do that here: chesterton.org

Become a Member of the Chesterton Society and support the apostolate: chesterton.org/membership

Direct download: Episode_1_-_An_Introduction.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EDT

Rebroadcast of a conversation with Dale Ahlquist.

A great conversation which is fun to listen to.

Originally located here: https://magnusinstitute.org/ep-014-the-scandal-of-the-uneducated-college-graduate-with-dale-ahlquist/

You are invited to eavesdrop on a conversation over the tasting of fine wine with renowned author, television host, and President of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Dale Ahlquist. Here we discuss the scandal of the uneducated college graduate, the problem with modern education – and the solutions.What Chesterton called the “commodification of the student” meets its unhappy death at the Albertus Magnus Institute and the Magnus Fellowship.

Apply today at MagnusInstitute.org/Fellowship. It is completely free.

And you can be too. No catch.And for the kids, learn more about the Chesterton Academy here. https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org/

Direct download: Albertus_Mangus_-_2_12_20_7.34_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:28pm EDT

Dale Ahlquist introduces the listener to Chesterton's early work, published in 1905, which established Chesterton as a controversialist. Written before his great work Orthodoxy (which will be published in 1908) and really it was because of this book that Orthodoxy was written, so it is important.

chesterton.org

https://www.chesterton.org/shop/heretics/

Direct download: Dale_Heretics_-_2_11_20_9.26_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:31am EDT

Dale Ahlquist, Chesterton scholar and world expert, gives us a brief introductory talk on the British Author G.K. Chesterton. This talk is for beginners or for those more familiar with Chesterton.

An excellent way to familiarize or re-familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of Chesterton's life.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Dale_Intro_GKC_New_Format_-_2_11_20_9.13_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:23am EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_9_-_1_9_20_6.45_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_8_-_1_9_20_6.37_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_7_-_1_9_20_6.30_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_6_-_1_9_20_6.21_PM.m4a
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_5_-_1_9_20_6.15_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_4_-_1_9_20_6.00_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_3_-_1_9_20_5.53_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_2_-_1_9_20_5.42_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00pm EDT

Spend five minutes a day in prayer, contemplating the goodness of Gilbert Chesterton and his devoted wife Frances. This couple is a model of love, and demonstrate the fruitfulness of Christian marriage. Pray with us that if it be God's will, this holy couple's sanctity will be recognized.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Novena_Day_1_-_1_9_20_5.36_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22am EDT

The Frances Chesterton Rosary League invites you to pray along with Nancy Brown, Dale Ahlquist, Vicki Darkey and the many others around the world, and join your intentions with ours as we pray together.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Glorious_Mysteries_-_1_9_20_1.26_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:31pm EDT

The Frances Chesterton Rosary League invites you to pray along with Nancy Brown, Dale Ahlquist and the many others around the world, and join your intentions with ours as we pray together.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Sorrowful_Mysteries_-_1_8_20_7.56_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:01pm EDT

A rebroadcast with Carl Olson

Ignition: A Podcast of the New Evangelization

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: G.K. Chesterton

Dr. Chris Burgwald of the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

cburgwald@sfcatholic.org

Carl Olson of Ignatius Press and Catholic World Report

Dr. Chris talks with Carl Olson about the early twentieth century British author, writer and convert GK Chesterton, and what he means for us today.

Hugh Kenner Paradox in Chesterton January 1948

Aidan Nichols G.K. Chesterton, Theologian 2009

David Fagerberg The Size of Chesterton’s Catholicism 2017

Episode 382 from December 8, 2019

http://feeds.feedburner.com/sfcgp

Chesterton.org

Direct download: Ignition_Carl_Olson_-_1_6_20_7.05_PM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:01pm EDT

The Frances Chesterton Rosary League invites you to pray along with Nancy Brown, Dale Ahlquist and the many others around the world, and join your intentions with ours as we pray together.

chesterton.org

Direct download: Luminous_Mysteries_-_12_29_19_9.44_AM.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:04pm EDT