Welcome to Ascend! We are a weekly Great Books podcast hosted by Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan. What are the Great Books? The Great Books are the most impactful texts that have shaped Western civilization. They include ancients like Homer, Plato, St. Augustine, Dante, and St. Thomas Aquinas, and also moderns like Machiavelli, Locke, and Nietzsche. We will explore the Great Books with the light of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Why should we read the Great Books? Everyone is ...
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"Fore Play" is a weekly podcast by common golfers, for common golfers. Trent, Riggs, Frankie, Dan Rapaport, and their wide variety of guests talk about everything golf like normal folks sitting at a bar watching coverage, venting about the game's difficulties, and weighing in on pro gossip. Your classic golf addicts, the "Fore Play" crew brings a young, unique voice to the rapidly-evolving game, discussing freely and openly everything golf. There is nothing like it. You can find every episod ...
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Madness and Piety: A Discussion on The Bacchae Part II
1:51:06
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1:51:06Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, we plunge into the second part of Euripides’ The Bacchae—a harrowing yet gripping Greek tragedy that leads us deeper into the mystery of Dionysian eros. We’ll observe the tragic descent of King Pentheus, the Bacchae as a parasite upon society, and the haunting themes of eros, justice, and the question of pi…
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Ryder Cup History Looming & Heartbreak at the Travelers
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2:01:47It's just Frankie and Trent on today's show with Riggs hosting the entire day at the Barstool Classic in Scottsdale. We get into an incredible weekend of golf at the Travelers Championship where the People's Golfer, Keegan Bradley has strongly inserted himself into the conversation of being the first playing captain of a Ryder Cup team since 1963. …
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JJ Spaun & Breaking Down A New PGA Tour Leader
1:46:11
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1:46:11JJ Spaun joins the show (10:47) fresh off his U.S. Open win and he’s got receipts. Plus Dylan Dethier & James Colgan from Golf.com (http://Golf.com) join to breakdown the PGA Tour announcing new CEO Brian Rolapp taking over for “sunsetting” Jay Monahan. We get into Rolapp’s NFL history negotiating & leading massive media deals, his golf “experience…
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Madness and Piety: A Discussion on The Bacchae Part I
2:26:55
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2:26:55Madness, piety, gore, and reason! Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, host Dcn. Harrison Garlick and the always insightful Dr. Frank Grabowski delve into the first part of Euripides’ The Bacchae—a chilling yet captivating Greek tragedy that explores piety, eros, the nature of the divine, and the fragility of societal order. The guys explore D…
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JJ Spaun wins the 125th U.S. Open in style. We discuss the wild finish, Oakmont’s performance, the Sam Burns water ruling, Rory’s peculiar week and ongoing mindset, Wyndham Clark allegedly destroying lockers, Scottie searching, player frustration and much more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Mem…
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It’s the OG crew today and we unpack our expectations looking ahead to the US Open… carnage! We talk about our guy Alistair making his major debut, Rory, Scottie, our own video at Oakmont, take a voicemail from the gallery and of course all the Haters waiting in the wings to play Riggs. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spo…
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Cursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part Two
1:49:26
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1:49:26Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Dcn. Garlick and Mr. Eli Stone discuss the second and final part of Oedipus at Colonus—wherein Sophocles brings the horrific tale of Oedipus to a beautiful, redemptive end. Deacon and Eli discuss the dramatic zenith of Oedipus’ life, the theme of redemptive suffering, the binding power of love, and all the …
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Full Oakmont U.S. Open Preview with Ben Griffin
1:57:18
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1:57:18Ben Griffin joins the show. He’s fresh off playing Oakmont and fresh off his first two Tour wins. We discuss what to expect at this week’s U.S. Open, strategies that might work, playing with Scottie in The Memorial’s final round and much more. Before Ben, the crew is in Pittsburgh debating whether Open carnage is good or bad for viewing, picks, Ror…
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Our GUY qualified for the US OPEN!!
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2:01:21It's a Riggs and Frankie show today and we are joined by number 44 in the world, Tom Hoge, who is surprisingly not a huge sandwich guy. Then we are joined by OUR guy, fresh off qualifying for the US OPEN, Alistair Docherty! We dig into his qualifying 36 holes, what it means to be playing at Oakmont, and so much more. We also dig into Scotties domin…
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Cursed by the Gods: Oedipus at Colonus Part One
2:05:45
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2:05:45In this episode of Ascend the Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and returning guest Eli Stone dive into the first half of Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus, the third play in the Theban cycle by publication order but the second in narrative chronology. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule. Check out Patreon page for wr…
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The Hater Series returns this week with Season Two, and the $25K grudge match has been scheduled at the venerable Pasatiempo Golf Club. We discuss the hate Riggs gets, YouTube Golf, Scottie Scheffler’s dominance at The Memorial and over the last three years, Jack’s pointed comments, Rory’s bizarre stretch since The Masters, the U.S. Women’s Open at…
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How Many Birdies Do You Make In A Year?
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1:52:07It’s the Trent and Frankie show, so naturally things go off the rails pretty quickly. The guys react to Riggs’ drinking performance in the chiclets match, discuss the new TOUR Championship format, take listener voicemails and much more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free o…
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Know Thyself: A Discussion on Oedipus the King by Sophocles
2:28:58
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2:28:58Aristotle said Oedipus the King was the best tragedy. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Eli Stone and our friend Josiah to discuss Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex) by Sophocles - the second play in the Oedipus cycle or Theban plays. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule and more! Check out our Patreon for our written…
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Who Will Complete The Career Grand Slam Next?
1:44:32
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1:44:32A thankful discussion honoring our armed forces. Ben Griffin’s great story and emotional win at Colonial. Who should the current favorite be to join the career grand slam club? Should baby Frankie be lefty or righty? Plus: Voicemails, the journey of Golfer Trent, Willy Z’s poor fortune, Angel Cabrera wins back to back senior majors after getting ou…
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Frankie’s back to discuss everything about becoming a father. Plus we delve into Bryson needing a golf ball that flies straighter, talk Fore Play vs Chiclets, consider if Scottie unbeatable this week, and much more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For m…
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The Dark Sign of the Gods: Antigone by Sophocles Part II
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2:08:13Does Antigone hold strong until the end? Is Antigone the hero? Today, Dcn. Garlick is joined again by David Niles and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the second part of Sophocles' Antigone. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our Patreon page! We appreciate all our supporters. From our guide: 15. How does Haemon’s …
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Scottie Is Inevitable — PGA Championship Recap
1:36:33
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1:36:33Scottie Scheffler wins at Quail Hollow. Rahm and Bryson contend. Michael Block delivers an all-time comment. Rory has an interesting week, from reports of a non-conforming driver to declining media all 4 tournament days. Some notable names missed the cut. We discuss it all in the knee-jerk reaction show from the 107th PGA Championship. You can find…
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Colt Knost, Max Homa, & Wyndham Clark
1:20:12
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1:20:12Max & Wyndham drop by to talk winning at Quail Hollow, preparation during a rainy week, and expected course changes come tournament time. Colt Knost joins the crew for the meat of the show, telling stories from covering the Masters, pranking Bryson, and getting chirped on social media for live TV calls. Plus we talk everything PGA Championship 2025…
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The Dark Sign of the Gods: Antigone by Sophocles Part I
2:10:19
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2:10:19Antigone is the "dark sign from the gods." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. David Niles of the Catholic Man Show and Dr. Frank Grabowski to discuss the Greek tragedy "Antigone" by Sophocles. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! Check out our Patreon for our guide on Antigone! From the guide: This guide, like the…
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Where does the PGA rank among golf’s biggest events? Should regular Tour venues double as major venues or should more places like Philly Cricket be utilized? Beef, our resident PGA Professional, weighs in on the importance of this week. Plus we talk: the new Borrelli, the American Pope, Rory, Scottie, JT, Spieth (and others), and Quail Hollow picks…
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Riggs has accepted a $25K grudge match from a Twitter user. We discuss our full day at Oakmont. Frankie gives yet another baby update. Byron Nelson ratings were surprising. Alistair is back on the Tour in Myrtle. Bieber posting golf clips. Billy Ho will be missed as he prepares for surgery. And a voicemail from Liverpool! You can find every episode…
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Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus with Dr. Jared Zimmerer
1:48:54
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1:48:54How would you respond to the will of a tyrant? Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jared Zimmerer of Benedictine College to discuss Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound - the first play in an otherwise lost triad. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for our reading schedule! WHY SHOULD YOU READ PROMETHEUS BOUND? From the guide: Prometheus Bound is …
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Live from Oakmont for U.S. Open media day, we discuss the newly announced Internet Invitational, the Blues devastating loss, Scottie dominating in Dallas, Elton John reaching out to Rory, baby update and much more. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For mo…
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Joe Greiner grabs Collin Morikawa’s bag after winning with JT and parting with Max Homa. The LPGA’s major championship had a controversial finishing hole that delivered a shocking flubbed chip. Wesley Bryan is suspended by the PGA Tour after participating in LIV’s creator event; we weigh in. Plus: Travel series rolls on, Trent attended our coworker…
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How to Read the Bible like St. Thomas Aquinas and Dante
1:29:35
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1:29:35"Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Thomas Lackey and Mr. Adam Minihan to discuss how to read the Bible like Jesus, St. Paul, the Early Church Fathers, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Dante! There are four senses: literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical. The guys explain Divine Authorship, Dant…
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Cal Clutterbuck, one of our favorite guests, returns to talk Rory’s prospects going forward, Andrew Novak on fire, the toll it takes competing at the highest level for a long time, stopping Ovi on the PK, NHL playoffs, raising children and much more. We also take voicemails and see a stunning golf course IG post. You can find every episode of this …
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JT’s win delivers huge ratings. We discuss how, really, with all these players, we’re just big fans. The McLemore Travel Series, Episode 1 has hit the internet streets. Plus: a LASIK update; some fun cord issues; golf movies, TV shows, and actor portrayal discussions; are woolly mammoths coming back; LPGA major time; who in history has hit the sing…
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Lying as Contraceptive Speech: Lessons from Dante's Inferno
2:16:27
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2:16:27Lying is a sterile act that impedes the purpose of the intellect. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Sean Berube and Shannon of Catholic Frequency to discuss "Lying as Contraceptive Speech." Dcn. Garlick gives several short talks pulling from Dante's Inferno, the Gospel of St. John, and liberalism with responses from Sean and Shannon from a …
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Frankie had LASIK surgery on Friday. JT wins for the first time in 3 years; who will emerge from the latest “pack” of golf stars? Should Xander be giving JT putting tips? Pinehurst announces course No. 11, Joel suffers heartbreak in Punta Cana, Alistair comes up short with a 7th place, RIP Pope Francis, and we get a voicemail update from Germany. Y…
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Bryson says Rory wouldn’t talk to him. Rory reveals how nervous he was. The world reacts to perhaps the most historic golf tournament of our lives. We debate Bryson’s reinvention, the perception of Rory’s final round performance, and what is yet to come this year. Plus: Trent’s at Harbour Town, we’re trying the new TaylorMade R7 Mini Driver, golf f…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 7: Cantos 32-34 with Evan Amato
1:43:53
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1:43:53The frozen heart of hell. Today, Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Mr. Evan Amato to discuss the frozen wastes of the 9th Circle of Hell - the damned guilty of treachery (or complex fraud). Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books to read! A few questions from our guide to Dante's Inferno: 78. What happens in the ninth circle of he…
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Rory Wins 2025 Masters In Wild Fashion
2:18:41
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2:18:41An unforgettable Sunday at the 89th Masters Tournament as Rory McIlroy prevails over Justin Rose in a playoff to secure his fifth major championship and to complete the career grand slam. We discuss the entire rollercoaster ride, from disastrous double bogeys to heroic eagles, good breaks, and a winning birdie. We also react to a pee in Rae’s Creek…
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Brian Harman, The LaCavas, Kirk Minihane, & A Day At Augusta
1:55:29
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1:55:29Kirk Minihane joins us for Masters history, who we’re hot or cold on this week, some good ole stories, and to talk attending the Masters. Then we’ve got, live in Augusta, Brian Harman fresh off his 4th Tour win and Joe LaCava, plus his son, telling stories of winning the Masters with Tiger in 2019 and Fred Couples in 1992. You can find every episod…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 6: Cantos 26-31 with Dr. Donald Prudlo
1:56:37
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1:56:37We finish the 8th Circle of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo of the University of Tulsa discuss pits 8-10 of the 8th Circle of Dante's Inferno (Cantos 26-31). Dr. Prudlo is an incredibly talented Catholic scholar! You'll want to hear what he has to say - especially about Odysseus, Troy, and the Garden of Eden. Visit thegreatbookspo…
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Deep Masters Preview with Brandel Chamblee
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1:49:30Live from Augusta we’re joined by Brandel for the full show. Brandel tells incredible stories from his playing days, details what specific TV language they’re asked to use during Masters week, and breaks down the most iconic golf broadcasters’ calls. And, of course, he goes through specific players and styles of play that should be suitable at Augu…
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Frankie has an argument with Grok AI, and he wins. A $77M bid for a new Dallas TGL franchise has reportedly been raised. The Masters is fast approaching. Houston Open delivered strong ratings. We played the Chiclets crew and lived to talk about it. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can list…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 5: Cantos 18-25 with Noah and Gabriel of CLT
2:17:55
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2:17:55Seducers, Flatterers, Sorcerers, and more! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Noah Tyler, CFO of the Classic Learning Test, and Gabriel Blanchard, a staff writer for CLT, to discuss the first part of the 8th Circle: Simple Fraud (Cantos 18-25). Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Check out our written GUIDE to Dante's Inferno: …
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Cookin’ Into Augusta & Our Big Week
1:45:11
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1:45:11Min Woo Lee breaks through in Houston. Gary Woodland continues one of the best stories in golf. Scottie & Rory looking sharp. This week we’ve got the Chiclets matches, travel series at McLemore, Frankie transforming the house to the baby’s liking, Augusta luring away our money from afar, Jim Nantz’ retirement “announcement,” torpedo bats and more. …
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Pyramid findings. TGL finals. Frankie goes Lasik. Our beloved Jonesy straps the pads at UBS Arena. A trip to Houston for the pro-am. And Closest To makes its return. You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/foreplaypod…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 4: Cantos 12-17 with Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist.
1:42:51
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1:42:51We enter the circle of violence. This week Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Fr. Thomas Esposito, O. Cist., a Cistercian priest who teaches at the University of Dallas, to discuss the seventh circle of Dante's Inferno: (1) violence against neighbor (2) violence against self and (3) violence against God & nature. Check out our website for more info…
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We’re conflicted between exercising privacy and discussing the biggest sports news of the weekend after a monumental Tiger Woods post. Viktor Hovland wins the Valspar amid some complicated beliefs on his own game. Justin Thomas continues his very strong play. Frankie and Dave are depicted on Family Guy. The Masters field of contenders has us very e…
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J.J. Spaun joins the show (01:13:11) and we play the original clip that set off the Frankie vs JJ rivalry. From “JJ can’t hold the door for Tiger” to “pizza boy” and beyond, we get an unfiltered and candid JJ discussing the history with our show, trying to close out The PLAYERS, the 17th hole playoff, conversations with Rory, big moment nerves, and…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 3: Cantos 6-11 with Dr. Jason Baxter
1:54:22
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1:54:22Today, we finish lower hell. Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jason Baxter of Benedictine College to discuss cantos 6-11 of Dante's Inferno. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com for other great books! Check out our Patreon for our 80+ Question & Answer guide to the Inferno. From our guide: 27. The Third Circle of Hell – Gluttony (Canto 6) Musa …
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Rory wins a phenomenal and thrilling week at TPC Sawgrass. We discuss Rory’s clutch 72nd hole putt, JJ’s water ball on 17, JT’s course record tying Friday, Trent’s performance vs the actual field’s worst scores, and Morikawa’s rift with the media. We also delve into the 6th hole’s new tree, Akshay Bhatia and Bud Cauley’s weeks, Spieth’s star power,…
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Live at Sawgrass with Gary Woodland & Adam Hadwin
1:45:47
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1:45:47Big week, big show. We’re in front of the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse with interviews from Gary Woodland (40:05) & Adam Hadwin (1:07:36). Johnson Wagner swings by. We talk Netflix, the Tiger news, a meeting with Monahan, the state of the union, Creator Classic featuring Trent Ryan, and a PLAYERS preview. You can find every episode of this show on Apple …
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 2: Cantos 2-5 with Dr. Jennifer Frey and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson
1:39:53
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1:39:53Dante approaches the gates of hell! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jennifer Frey, the Dean of the new Honors College at the University of Tulsa, and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, to discuss cantos 2-5 of Dante's Inferno. Check out thegreatbookspodcast.com. Check out OUR GUIDE to…
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A certain Fore Play member is preparing to play Sawgrass Wednesday in front of thousands. The Arnold Palmer Invitational had a phenomenal finish, and the TV coverage dropped the ball. Sergio wins on LIV and Phil is playing well. We preview PLAYERS week, break down our own games, and take several voicemails on near-death on-course experiences and mo…
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Golf’s Even Playing Field, Feat. Cal Clutterbuck
1:38:01
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1:38:01Cal Clutterbuck joins Frankie & Trent as they discuss Cal’s 17 years in the NHL, his golf obsession, the Trade Deadline & growing up with Biz. They also dive into golf topics, including: meaningful weekend golf, Tiger’s comments on his 2025 schedule, Phil Mickelson’s shot at Fred Couples & more. The show closes with a few voicemails From The Galler…
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Dante's Inferno Ep. 1: Intro and Canto 1 with Dr. Jeremy Holmes
2:01:16
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2:01:16We are reading the Inferno together! Dcn. Harrison Garlick is joined by Dr. Jeremy Holmes of Wyoming Catholic College to give an introduction to Dante's Inferno and discuss the first canto. Visit thegreatbookspodcast.com for more information. Reading Schedule for Lent 2025: Introduction & the Dark Woods 1. Intro & Canto 1 (3.4.25) with Dr. Jeremy H…
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A Frankie & Trent show. The boys recap their weekend at Pebble; including terrific golf from Riggs. Jake Knapp’s disappointing finish & Joe Highsmith’s victory at the Cognizant. Rickie Fowler’s clap back at a fan. The loaded Seminole Pro-Member. And… will Tiger will play at the Players Championship? We also take a few voicemails for a new edition o…
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