Queer Catholic Book Club

Dante is told the life of Francis of Assisi from the vantage of Thomas Aquinas. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante meets the dancing girls of the Heaven of the Sun. They are all academic men. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante encounters the great sluts of Paradise in the sphere of Venus. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

“If we all come from a single ancestor, why are we all so different?” Dante asks Charles Martel d’Anjou in the sphere of Venus. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

What’s the difference between Divine Wrath and Salvation? Beatrice explains to a doubtful Dante. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

A brief history of the Roman Empire according to Justinian in the sphere of Mercury. What does political conflict look like from heaven? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Before departing from the Moon, Beatrice satisfies Dante’s confusion about Divine Love. What can be offered to God in place of a broken vow? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Beatrice explains that what Dante is seeing isn’t the complete reality but instead God’s generous condescension so he can begin to perceive the true bliss of heaven. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Beatrice meet the souls of those who could not fulfill their vows on Earth. Nevertheless they enjoy the bliss of heaven!Thank you for excusing our irregular posting schedule during the Christmas season. We will resume regular posting after the 12th Day of Christmas. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Beatrice explains the order of Heaven and the spots on the moon. Dante warns - from here on out the poem will only get more difficult. Buckle up - we are in for a bumpy ride. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

In the final canto of Purgatorio Dante drinks from the spring of Eunoë and is fortified to ascend to the heavens. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Beatrice presents the history of the human race up to the time of Dante… no notes given. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante confesses his sins to Beatrice and is dragged through the River Lethe by Matelda. With his sins now forgotten he can now see Beatrice’s smile. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Virgil vanishes as Beatrice appears leaving Dante with a final reckoning in Purgatorio. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante beholds the Mystical Procession of Eden featuring Angels, Elders, Walking Candelabras, and a Chariot pulled by a Griffin. No explanations offered. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Atop Mt. Purgatorio Dante meets a maiden in a beautiful garden gathering flowers and singing. Is this an invitation to carnal bliss or something much bigger? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Egged on by the promise of Beatrice, Dante walks through the Fires of Chastity. After this final purgation, Virgil crowns and mitres Dante as an innocent soul free to follow his own pleasures. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante meets his idol Guido Guinizelli in the Terrace of the Lustful only to learn that the greatest modern poet wrote in Provençal not Italian! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

How does one suffer and how does one transform without a body? Approaching the Terrace of the Lustful Dante learns about the metaphysical mechanics of spiritual purgation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

At the close of the Terrace of Gluttony, Forese points out more repentant gluttons to Dante. Among them is Pope Martin IV who overindulged in eels and wine. The Poet Bonagiunta da Lucca is also there, who praises Dante’s poetry as surpassing his own. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

On the Terrace of the Gluttons Dante meets his old friend Forese among many repenting Gluttons. They make amends for the terrible things Dante has said about his wife. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil encounter an inverted tree that inspires hunger and thirst but don’t you dare touch its fruit or drink from its dew: The Terrace of the Gluttons. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil meet Statius who explains why Purgatory thunders. Statius is excited to meet his idol Virgil.Note that we have renamed our podcast Queer Catholic Book Club for better clarity and reach. Please review and share as you feel appropriate and let us know your thoughts! We would love to hear from you :) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Having seen the effects of greed on the papacy, Dante and Virgil meet Hugh Capet and learn how avarice has corrupted monarchs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

An ominous Siren visits Dante in dream before he meets Pope Adrian V in the fifth terrace. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Virgil’s explanation of how the soul misdirects its love still doesn’t satisfy Dante. But he doesn’t have time to dwell as they enter the Terrace of the Slothful. There they are rushed by racing souls making up for lost time they should have given to love. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Leaving the Terrace of the Wrathful is like ascending the misty Alps towards the sun. Dante has visions of people destroyed by their own anger. He is left wondering “Why do souls go astray?” Virgil tries to answer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Marco Lombardo tells us that we can’t blame the stars for human evil. He also says that the church and state must return to their rightful places. As Dante and Virgil continue on, Marco explains that he is not ready to escape the cloudy veil of the Terrace of Wrath. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil leave the terrace of the envious to enter the terrace of wrath where they are blinded by peculiar angles of light. An Angel of Mercy guides them on a more gentle path. En route they see visions of Mary and Jesus in the temple, Pisistratus’ angry wife, and St. Stephen getting stoned to death. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil meet Guido del Duca and Rinieri da Calboli talk the degeneracy of Tuscany and compare the Arno to Hell. The problem is simple - people are fixated on things they can’t share. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s coffee talk is a big long catch up about the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday which coincided with Michael’s surgery and Dexter’s birthday. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil meet the envious repenting. Envy is a sin of vision. Their eyes are sewn shut with wire to prevent further temptation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante continues the climb with Virgil. They trample on depictions of Pride punished in biblical and mythological contexts: The Fall of Lucifer, Arachne turned into a spider, The Death of Briareus.. and more! An angel removes the mark of Pride from the pilgrim’s forehead, freeing him to reach the next level. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

This coffee talk we ramble through our shared collective subconscious and discover the Importance of Oscar Wilde. One f-slur can change the course of history! Salome vs the Divine Comedy, the multi-dimensional existence of Geri Halliwell, keeping up with White Lotus and normies, avoiding nostalgia to embrace the lucid dream of a illogical world. If you get it you get it. If you don’t, get your chores done until you do. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

The Pilgrim learns a lesson about bowing to the greatness of others and not being taken by one’s own acclaim. He prays the Our Father with souls burdened by their own Pride in the form of boulders as they ascend Mount Purgatory. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

After praying the Our Father, the Pilgrims consider humility as portrayed in the art at Purgatory’s Gates.Canto 9 was published twice last week- our apologies! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante dreams of being Ganymede snatched by an eagle into the burning heavens, only to discover that he’s actually been carried like a sleeping infant to the Gates of Purgatory by Saint Lucy. What looks like violence is sometimes love. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil are among the resting at camp in Antepurgatorio. The Angels surround them in protection against the approaching serpent. The real spectacle for the souls being protected is Dante, the sole living being among them. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Virgil and Dante continue their conversation with the Mantuan Sordello from Canto 6. Unable to continue their ascent until the Sun rises, Dante, Virgil, and Sordello camp out. While at rest they observe the monarchs who have put down their arms to adore Mary.. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Coffee Talk is our podcast’s version of a church coffee hour. We catch up on each others lives and current events. Danish not included. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Sordello brings his hometown hero, Virgil, up to date on all the news from Mantua. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Coffee Talk is our podcast’s version of a church coffee hour. We catch up on each others lives and current events. Danish not included. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil meet souls who put off repenting to the last breath. They’re not yet in Heaven, but they’re surely not in Hell! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

In Canto 4 Virgil helps Dante get his bearings in Purgatory. They meet Belacqua, Dante’s lazy friend. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Canto 3 finds Dante and Virgil begin their climb of Mount Purgatory. Dante is surprised to meet Manfredi, the ex-communicated emperor, who has an urgent message for his daughter on Earth: pray for me! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Michael and Dexter reflect on the late David Lynch after reading Dante’s Inferno. Coffee Talk is our podcast’s version of a church coffee hour. We catch up on each others lives and current events. Danish not included. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Canto 2 finds Dante and Virgil on the shores of Mount Purgatory where they behold an Angel piloting a ship of souls from Ostia.Join Michael and Dexter as they read through and discuss Dante’s Divine Comedy on A Place For Us Pod wherever you listen to podcasts. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

Dante and Virgil emerge from Hell! They meet Cato who directs them to the shore where they can cleanse themself of infernal filth.Join Michael and Dexter as they read through and discuss Canto 1 of Dante’s Purgatorio on A Place For Us Pod wherever you listen to podcasts. Our first couple episodes were recorded on zoom with inadequate microphones - thank you for enduring imperfect sound quality! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

We conclude the Inferno with Cantos 32-34 where you will come to learn why the phrase “cold as hell” is appropriate. Here in the 9th Circle Dante and Virgil encounter souls frozen in ice, incestuous cannibalism, and ultimately Lucifer. This concludes season 1. We are excited to be back and better than ever in season 2 with Purgatory :) Spoiler alert - Dante and Virgil escape like bats out of Hell. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe

As we exit the 8th Circle, Dante and Virgil meet alchemists, giants, and perhaps the most treacherous, relatives with expectations. This episode was recorded over zoom, please excuse any hiccups in sound quality. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aplaceforuspod.substack.com/subscribe