PODCAST · education
Avalon Mentors
by William J Lasseter
Providing outstanding learning opportunities for students in middle school, high school, and beyond."The righteous flourish like the palm tree,and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." - Psalm 91"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her."- Proverbs 4:7-8Helping educators through discussion, insight, reviews, and ideas.The Patreon Page:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
Episodes
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Republic Book 1, (part 1 of 6)
Having trouble understanding this tremendous work of Plato? Perhaps this will help. Part of a preparation for a return to Plato as a mythical work. Benjamin Jowett's translation HERE.
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Ep 008 The Serpent, The Eagle, and The Christ
Read the Oresteiaor see the play The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Now our charms are all overthrown
A quick analysis of the final speech in Shakespeare’s the Tempest. Visit the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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The Scholastic Collapse (part 2)
So what exactly was the debate between the Nominalists and the Realists? Who were the Nominalists and the Realists? What exactly happened in 1277? Why should you care? "Scholasticism" by Rickaby -...
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The Scholastic Collapse (part 1)
What happened in the 13th century philosophical world that radically changed the nature of Western European culture (hint we are still dealing with it today)? What did these people believe about the nature of mathematics (and why should you care)? Who was Joseph Pieper (and for that matter Romano...
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"Everything that rises must converge" by Flannery O'Connor (a reading)
Mary Flannery O'Connor (March 25, 1925 – August 3, 1964) was an American novelist, short story writer and essayist. She wrote two novels and 31 short stories, as well as a number of reviews and commentaries. Writing to a friend in the mid-1950s, O'Connor noted that we live in an age in which "the...
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Fathers and Sons - a reflection on Shakespeare's "Hamlet"
Read the play. Is it about nominalism vs. realism? Is it about fathers & sons? Is it Shakespeare's love letter to his own son, Hamnet? "Hament died when he was eleven years old, in August 1596, due to unknown causes., It’s thought that he possibly died from the bubonic plague that killed around...
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Macbeth Act I, scene 3 - Concerning witches
Much thanks to Neil Oliver for his recent youtube video on witches and the hunt for witches. This discussion is about the mania that swept through England in the 15th, 16th, and 17th century. How does collective madness occur? How does Shakespeare mollify that madness? Could Shakespeare be...
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Amazons “Rings of Power” vs Tolkien’s Legendarium
One guy’s insights and opinions about the ongoing debate of whether or not Amazon has done justice to Tolkien’s works. Visit the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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King Crimson & the artistic response
A quick reflection on the nature of art and its response to contemporary issues. Visit the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Christian Friendship
A talk I delivered to the young adults at Holy Family Parish. We discussed Filia vs. Agape, the role of Koinonia, and why it is important for Christians to befriend the downtrodden and miserable (b/c most of us are downtrodden and miserable). For more on friendship (and Christian Friendship) I...
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“Hate and Suffering” - Luke 14:26
Quick observation on the translation of “miseo” and possible implications of an alternate interpretation. Visit the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Brightburn and the problem of unlimited power
A review of the Movie "Brightburn" and an examination of the nature of power. The question of whether absolute power necessarily corrupts absolutely was addressed by Plato in his 4th century BC work "The Republic". Brightburn Mob Psycho 100 One Punch Man Chronicle Republic Book II General Zod...
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The crisis of the Chryses.
Maturity in the ancient world was depicted through the metamorphic cycle of the butterfly; pupa to chrysalis to adult butterfly. Each of us goes through such a series of changes. Hopefully we emerge as a sublime creature. Visit the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Thought Bites - Clovis and the Norse Heroic Ideal
In his essay "BEOWULF: THE MONSTERS AND THE CRITICS" (1936), J.R.R. TOLKIEN wrote that "In the epoch of Beowulf (produced between 975 and 1025) a Heroic Age more wild and primitive than that of Greece is brought into touch with Christendom, with the Sermon on the Mount, with Catholic theology and...
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Morimur (Bach's Partita in D minor for solo violin)
A commentary on the human artistic endeavor. Helga Thoene proposes in her essay that Johann Sebastian Bach embedded into the ciaccona (Partita in D minor for solo violin (BWV 1004) numerous mathematical and musical references making the work a memorial, or trombeau, to his deceased wife, Maria...
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Let's Do Lunch: Raymond Riethmeier
In this episode of Let’s Do Lunch I have a discussion with Mr Raymond Riethmeier. I had the pleasure of meeting Ray when I worked with his incomparably talented wife at a local parochial school in Minnesota. Ray is a man of many talents; he is on the board of the Sherlock Holmes Society “The...
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Let's Do Lunch: Dr. Cameron Thompson (round 3)
In this episode of Let’s Do Lunch I have a discussion w/Dr. Cameron Thompson. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Cameron when we taught together at a local classical school here in Minnesota. He is an anthropologist & teacher steeped in literature, philosophy, history & theology. We discuss · the...
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The Return of the King and the Eucatastrophe
This episode is a discussion of Tolkien's third book in the Lord of the Rings series, “The Return of the King.” The episode introduces Tolkien’s concept of The EUCATASTROPHE as an embracing of suffering. We also discuss the nature of kingship especially as it involves this embracing of suffering…
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The Two Towers: Tolkien, Duality, and the tendency toward deception
This is a recording of the fourth lecture in a five-part series on Tolkien. In this episode we discuss Tolkien's knowledge of Sacred Geometry, the crisis posed by Scholasticism, the treachery of images (with a nod to Magritte), and how our tendency to think in duality has the propensity to lead…
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The Fellowship of the Ring; Isolation, Community, and the path toward Humanity
This episode is a discussion of Tolkien's first book in the Lord of the Rings series. The episode gives a history of the text and introduces the literary concepts of The FOUR-FOLD METHOD OF EXEGESIS by Dante Alighieri & NATURAL & CONVENTIONAL SYMBOLISM. We also discuss further the nature of…
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The Hobbit: The Dragon, the Ring and the Confrontation with Nothingness
This is a recording of one of the sessions on Tolkien held this summer, 2021. Of the topics considered, the nature of dragons is paramount. What is a dragon? Tolkien said "I desired dragons with a profound desire. Of course, I in my timid body did not wish to have them in the neighborhood . . . ....
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The Silmarillion: Evil, Friendship, and the Power of Words
This episode is a recording of a talk I gave recently on JRR Tolkien's "Silmarillion". Begun even before the Great War, this work was considered by Tolkien to be the work the closest to his heart; his magnum opus. Yet the work wasn't even published until 1977, four years after Tolkien's death.…
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The Silmarillion (with Dr. Helen Freeh)
In this episode I discuss with my sister, Dr. Helen Freeh, the nature of the great epic The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. Dr. Freeh illustrates how, amidst the numerous depressing works of the 20th century, Tolkien stands as a literary beacon of hope and a prophet of the coming age of struggle…
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Revelation (Flannery O'Connor)
In this episode I read the short story "Revelation" by Flannery O'Connor which tells the tale of a self-satisfied woman who encounters a nasty shock forcing her to take stock of who she really is. "Revelation" was written during the last year of the author's life, a time she knew she was dying…
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Plato’s Republic book 1B
Discussion of Thrasymachus’ challenge to justice and Socrates answer. What is wrong with the idea that "might makes right"? How is the definition of Justice as "the advantage of the strong" a flawed definition? How, moreover, is it a spiritual poison that causes death to the soul? How could...
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Plato’s Republic book 1A
Discussing Plato’s Republic we get into the opening text discussing setting and character and how the conversation about justice commences. "How can you persuade us," says Polemarchus, "if we refuse to listen?" Indeed, how can anyone be persuaded if they block out the images and arguments…
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Plato’s Republic introduction
A general introduction to the Republic by Plato in which we look at historical setting character of Plato and the structure of the work. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Slavery and the proper feeding of the soul
Re-entering the world of podcasting with a new purpose. A brief discussion of one of the ideas from Hamlet and how slavery of the mind is the worst kind of slavery. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Blade runner and isolation
A brief discussion about that great classic movie blade runner from 1981 and its current relevance to our situation. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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The covid perspective
What legacy do we leave? Does history teach us anything about the unforeseen consequences of our fear? The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Let's Do Lunch - Cameron Thompson Round 2
So here we are again It's always such a pleasure The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Let's Do Lunch - Ben Blackhawk
Ben and I have been working together since 2001. We met at Patrick's and had a lively discussion about language, culture, mathematics, religion and the pathways that led us both to our understanding of our place in the universe. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Let's Do Lunch - Laura Leonard
I have known Laura for many years working first with her as a colleague at Providence Academy in Plymouth, MN. She attended Hillsdale College in Michigan where she was first exposed to the great books and classical thinking. Currently Laura is a middle school teacher at Saint Jerome Classical...
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Henry V & Imposter Syndrome
Discussing the strange sense that I am a fraud who will one day be exposed before my peers. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Let’s Do Lunch: Adam Schmalzbauer
Adam and I have known each other for many years. In this episode we met at Claddagh Irish pub in Maple Grove. The conversation ranged from Arthurian stories to modern literature to movies and culture. We both agreed the teaching although a risky and subversive profession is also the noblest. We...
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The Peaceful Messiah (with Margaret L)
Margaret and I discuss the paradox of the Incarnation as a peaceful Messiah. There doesn’t seem to be any precedent for this event in history. Nor is there any parallel in any other religion or culture. And like all paradoxes it raises more questions that it resolves. The Patreon Page:...
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Let's Do Lunch - Dr. Cameron Thompson
I first worked with Dr. Cameron Mikael Thompson, anthropologist and moral psychologist, at Chesterton Academy in Edina, MN. Cameron specializes in human formation (the applied science of personalistic psychology) and culture. His recent focus has been the restoration and revival of authentic...
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Stonehenge abides
Reflection on Stonehenge and other neolithic structures. How long they’ve lasted and what in our culture will last when we are long gone. https://www.foxnews.com/science/swedish-stonehenge-ancient-stone-structure-spurs-debate https://www.ancient.eu/Newgrange/...
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Ep 010 The Enlightenment & futuristic writing
Then it struck me why is there no futuristic writing before the 1800s? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Man http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18247/pg18247-images.html The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Ep 009 Twelfth Night (and the Scholastic Debate)
This is a novel way to read the play - through the lens of the Scholastic Debate of the 13th century. Inspired by the Shakespeare 2020 project initiated by Ian Doescher (of Shakespeare Star Wars fame) I invite you to see this great work as influenced by the struggle between Nominalism and…
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The Life You Save May Be Your Own (Flannery O'Connor)
A reading of this great short story by Flannery O'Connor. The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Ep007 The Life You Save
Reflections on Flannery O'Connor's great short story, "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Ep006 Apocalypse Number 2
More on the Book of Revelation The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Ep005 Apocalypse Number 1
Something something something Apocalypse! The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Ep004 The Three Animals
Each episode of SCRIBBLEBIBBLE attempts to bring to bear the great works of human culture from the past upon the dilemma of living in the present age. "Dorothy Sayers, in her excellent book, The Mind of the Maker, divides creative activity into three stages: the idea, the implementation, and the...
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Ep003 The Power of Words
Each episode of SCRIBBLEBIBBLE attempts to bring to bear the great works of human culture from the past upon the dilemma of living in the present age. William Carlos Williams "Red Wheelbarrow" Dorothy Sayers "The Mind of the Maker" Charles Williams The Patreon Page:...
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Dante: The Inferno - Canto 2
Canto 2 of Dante's Divine Comedy. Read along at this link: Digital Dante Music by Aitua; "The Grey Forest IV" The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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Dante: The Inferno - Canto I
The opening canto of Dante's Divine Comedy. Read along at this link: Digital Dante Music by Aitua; "The Grey Forest IV" The Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Providing outstanding learning opportunities for students in middle school, high school, and beyond."The righteous flourish like the palm tree,and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." - Psalm 91"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her."- Proverbs 4:7-8Helping educators through discussion, insight, reviews, and ideas.The Patreon Page:https://www.patreon.com/user?u=21129179
HOSTED BY
William J Lasseter
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How many episodes does Avalon Mentors have?
Avalon Mentors currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Avalon Mentors about?
Providing outstanding learning opportunities for students in middle school, high school, and beyond."The righteous flourish like the palm tree,and grow like a cedar in Lebanon." - Psalm 91"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.Exalt her, and...
How often does Avalon Mentors release new episodes?
Avalon Mentors has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Avalon Mentors on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Avalon Mentors?
Avalon Mentors is created and hosted by William J Lasseter.
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