Uncommon Sense

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.

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

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 here

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.

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!

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.

In this episode, Grettelyn interviews Thomas Banks of the Literary Life podcast about Chesterton and Dickens. https://www.theliterary.life/

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.

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/

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.

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/. 

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."

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

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!

In this episode, Grettelyn speaks with Ted Janiszewski of St. Irenaeus Ministries about Saint Irenaeus Ministries and about how to winsomely present Catholic truth in its full historical and joyful dimensions. https://siministries.org/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzV2YYCue4QaJNhm7uoYnZg

This Christmas, the Society of G.K. Chesterton celebrates "The Gift of Chesterton." Join us for this special episode, as a few members of our community reflect upon the difference Chesterton has made in their own lives and how he has helped lead them closer to Christ. Thank you for letting us share the gift of Chesterton with you. God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Dale Ahlquist joins Joe and Grettelyn to look at some of the highlights for the Society of GK Chesterton in the coming year! Please support our work! Visit chesterton.org/give today.

Grettelyn and Joe interview Dr. Mark Nowakowski about being a Catholic composer and making a beautiful piece of a simple Chesterton Christmas poem.

Grettelyn and Joe speak to Holly Ordway, author of a brand new spiritual biography of the beloved author, J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Word on Fire. To buy Holly's books, visit https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/pages/holly-ordway.

Grettelyn and Joe speak to John Sharp, co-founding director and publisher with IHS Press, which seeks to bring back classic works on economic, political, and social thought by Chesterton and his contemporaries.