Episodes

  • The Poetic Genius of G.K. Chesterton's "The Donkey"
    Mar 24 2026

    In this episode, Joe talks about one of Chesterton's most famous, but still too little studied, poems, "The Donkey." Learn a bit more about the poem through a New Critical based reading, consider just some of the allusions that may have shaped the poem in Chesterton's mind, and - perhaps - discover anew a great source for Lenten meditation!

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    44 mins
  • "The Ireland That We Dreamed Of"
    Mar 17 2026

    Happy Saint Patrick's day! In this episode, Joe talks about some of Chesterton's insights upon and sympathies with the Irish, particularly their faith and culture.

    Mentioned in this video:

    "Irish Politics and Irish Religion" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/irish-politics-and-irish-religion-33426/

    On Chesterton and Michael Collins: https://www.catholicarena.com/latest/chestertoncollins220822

    On the "Turning the Tide" report: https://theway.ie/new-report-shows-shifting-religious-trends-and-signs-of-renewal-among-young-adults-in-ireland/

    Archbishop Eomon Martin's introduction of the report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LO_7U2ME-k

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    40 mins
  • A Thing Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly?
    Mar 10 2026

    In this episode, Joe talks about a (in)famous Chesterton quotation, often misunderstood, sometimes misapplied. He digs into its origins and context(s) and shares some interesting facts about it you may not know!

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    32 mins
  • Preparing for a Patriotic Year, with G.K. Chesterton
    Feb 24 2026

    In this episode, Joe talks about how Chesterton can help us mark the year of America's semiquincentennial and previews some future chats about the subject that we'll be hosting on the channel.

    Mentioned in this video:

    Our Groundhog Day episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n30P-YGf9FM

    "On Neighbors and Nations" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/on-neighbors-and-nations-11054/

    ACS Books new edition of Chesterton's "What I Saw in America": https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/what-i-saw-in-america-special-semiquincentennial-edition/

    SPECIAL NOTE

    Join us for Lent - still time if you haven't signed up! Visit https://www.chesterton.org/lent today!

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    24 mins
  • A Special Invitation for Lent!
    Feb 17 2026

    Happy Mardi Gras! In this episode, Joe extends a special invitation to join the Society this Lent to approach the paradox of suffering in the Christian life through the lens of Our Lady of Sorrows and with help from G.K. Chesterton.

    Learn more about our offerings this Lent, about our proposed practice of lectio divina, and hear from Saint John Paul II on Mary's example of participatory suffering.

    To sign up, visit: https://www.chesterton.org/lent

    Mentioned in this video:

    Our most recent Advent campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFCXtUx17VA

    Pope St. John Paul II's "Salvifici Doloris": https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1984/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_11021984_salvifici-doloris.html

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    27 mins
  • Of Groundhogs and Grace
    Feb 3 2026

    Recorded February 2, in this episode Joe reflects on the day's special occasion. Yes, that one. Which is to say both. Or, all three. Hear his musings on the Presentation (and the Purification), Simeon's prophecy, the "missing years" of Jesus' life, and... a certain famous Pennsylvania rodent.

    Want to see Punxsutawney Phil's prediction? Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiHIkoPHdrc

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    34 mins
  • The Snow and the Silence
    Jan 27 2026

    Have you ever noticed how quiet it is after a snowstorm? The silence reminds us of the noise we so easily tune out the rest of the time. But what about the other sources of noise in our life, the ones we deliberately tune into? Joe reflects on the snow and silence and why tuning out of the noise is sometimes a very necessary thing.

    In this episode: Gerard Manley Hopkins' "The Habit of Perfection" - read online here: https://gerardmanleyhopkins.com/uncategorized/the-habit-of-perfection/

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    17 mins
  • Chesterton on the Meaning of a New Year
    Jan 13 2026

    Joe reads a brief essay from G.K. Chesterton about the meaning of a New Year.

    Happy New Year!

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    8 mins