Uncommon Sense

One hundred years ago, Frances Chesterton quietly entered the Catholic Church on All Saints Day—the feast she chose for herself. In this episode, Grettelyn and Joe sit down with Nancy Carpentier Brown, author of The Woman Who Was Chesterton, to explore Frances's spiritual journey ahead of Nancy's talk at the 2026 Chesterton Conference.  In This Episode: How Frances Blogg became a devout Anglican through the Clewer Sisters at St. Stephen's College—and why that formation made her path to Rome harder, not easier The branch theory, and why Frances's emotional attachment to Anglicanism was every bit as powerful as G.K.'s intellectual arguments for Catholicism Gilbert's extraordinary patience: four years of waiting, never pressuring Frances—and how the Chestertons' story mirrors that of Scott and Kimberly Hahn The pivotal moments behind G.K.'s 1922 conversion: his near-death illness, Frances's anguished letter to Father O'Connor, and the death of his father Frances's reception into the Church on All Saints Day, 1926—quiet, discreet, in High Wycombe with Father Walker—and the New York Times headline that followed a week later Chapters: 00:00: Introduction & Welcome 01:00: Why 2026? The Year of Frances and St. Francis 03:24: G.K.'s Spiritual Formation Before They Met 06:29: Frances's Faith Journey and the Clewer Sisters 09:08: What Held Frances Back: Branch Theory and the Heart 13:22: G.K.'s Illness and Frances's Letter to Father O'Connor 16:27: G.K.'s Father, Cecil, and the Decision to Convert 20:09: Mutual Spiritual Freedom: Neither Held the Other Back 24:42: All Saints Day, 1926: Frances Enters the Church 30:00: Conference Preview and Closing Thoughts Resources Mentioned: The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown 2026 Chesterton Conference Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn FOLLOW US: Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT: Donate Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

In honor of May, Our Lady's Month, Joe and Gretalyn each bring a favorite Marian poem by G.K. Chesterton to share with the other—without any advance coordination. Gretalyn reads "Images," a meditation on six titles from the Litany of Loreto drawn from Chesterton's 1926 collection Queen of the Seven Swords, while Joe shares "Crooked," a lesser-known 1933 poem from GK's Weekly that captures a more introspective, mature side of his Marian devotion. Together they explore what these poems reveal about Chesterton's lifelong love for Our Lady, the apologetics of Marian devotion, and the paradox at the heart of his faith: that the world only looks right when you learn to see it through her. In This Episode: How Chesterton's "Images" weaves six titles from the Litany of Loreto—Mirror of Justice, Tower of David, House of Gold, Tower of Ivory, Ark of the Covenant, and Seat of Wisdom—into richly layered verse Why 1926, the year Frances Chesterton entered the Church, gives "Images" a deeper biographical resonance What it means when Marian devotion troubles someone, and why Joe and Gretalyn suggest that reaction is worth examining carefully Chesterton's Marian apologetics in Lepanto—and the single line that cuts to the heart of the controversy What "Crooked" reveals about a quieter, more subdued Chesterton in 1933, writing in the shadow of a world beginning to come apart Chapters: 00:00: Introduction & May as Our Lady's Month 02:36: Gretalyn Reads "Images" 07:06: Unpacking the Litany of Loreto 11:03: Chesterton's Lifelong Marian Devotion 14:38: Mary as a Touchpoint for Converts 21:16: Mary in Scripture: Luke and the Magnificat 23:59: Lepanto and the Defense of Mary 27:51: Joe Reads "Crooked" 28:17: Discussion of "Crooked" 33:16: Chesterton's Mature Mariology Resources Mentioned: I Also Had My Hour: An Alternative Autobiography of G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist Gilbert Magazine FOLLOW US Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT Consider making a donation Visit our Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Gretelyn Darkey and Joe Grabowski invite listeners to join them this June at the 2026 Chesterton Society Conference in Ave Maria, Florida. This year's conference celebrates three remarkable centenaries: the publication of The Outline of Sanity, The Queen of Seven Swords, and Frances Chesterton's conversion to the Catholic Church. With speakers including Dale Ahlquist and Nancy Brown, the conference promises talks on distributism, sanity in an insane world, and Frances's journey to Rome. In This Episode: The 2026 conference returns to a university campus setting with dorm-style lodging at Ave Maria, recapturing the old-school Chesterton conference atmosphere Three major centenaries: The Outline of Sanity (1926), The Queen of Seven Swords (1926), and Frances Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism (1926) Dale Ahlquist will explore what Chesterton meant by sanity and how the modern world alters humans to fit conditions rather than shaping the world to fit the human soul Nancy Brown will speak on Frances Chesterton's four-year journey to Rome after Gilbert's conversion, offering hope for those navigating similar family situations Ave Maria's Catholic town center, built around a striking church, embodies Chestertonian localism and provides the perfect setting for this year's theme Chapters: 00:00: Welcome and Conference Announcement 00:24: Ave Maria, Florida—Location and Registration 01:09: Return to University Campus Format 03:27: First Theme: The Outline of Sanity 100th Anniversary 06:40: Speakers on Distributism and Localism 16:09: Second Theme: The Queen of Seven Swords 19:59: Third Theme: Frances Chesterton's Conversion 25:19: Nancy Brown on Frances's Journey to Rome 28:05: Afterglow and Conference Experience 34:20: Closing Invitation Resources Mentioned: Conference Registration The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown Gilbert Magazine FOLLOW US Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT Consider making a donation Visit our Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

GK Chesterton was many things—journalist, philosopher, poet, and debater—but what does his life look like through the eyes of a young reader? In this episode, Joe sits down with Holly Gyger Lee, author of the new young reader's biography The Man Who Carried a Swordstick and a Pen, to explore what drew her to Chesterton, what surprised her in the research, and why a boy who didn't fit the classroom mold became one of the most prolific writers in the English language. From Charlotte Mason's "living books" philosophy to Chesterton's theology of play, this conversation is a delight for readers of all ages. In This Episode: How Holly discovered GK Chesterton through C.S. Lewis—and why The Man Who Was Thursday wasn't the right entry point The Charlotte Mason "living books" philosophy that inspired Holly to write a biography for young readers What surprised Holly most in her research: Chesterton the unconventional student, and the headmaster's famous remark—"He is six feet of genius" The swordstick, the cloak, and how Frances shaped the image of a man who was a walking anachronism—out of time, and for all times Chesterton's theology of play and leisure, from the Toy Theater essay to his belief that the heavy work is the play Chapters: 00:00: Welcome and Introduction 00:54: Holly's Background, Homeschooling, and Life in North Carolina 04:01: Discovering Chesterton Through C.S. Lewis 09:11: Charlotte Mason, Living Books, and the Inspiration Behind the Biography 13:39: The Swordstick, the Cloak, and Chesterton's Persona 16:18: Chesterton on Leisure, Play, and the Toy Theater 19:14: Taking Children Seriously—Chesterton, Tolkien, Lewis, and MacDonald 24:32: Research Surprises: The Unconventional Student 28:43: The Junior Debating Club, Frances, and a Life of Hospitality 33:37: Holly's Current Projects and Where to Find Her Resources Mentioned: Get the Book Holly's Website Holly's YouTube Gilbert Magazine American Chesterton Society Shop FOLLOW US: Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT: Consider making a donation Visit our Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

What does it mean to be inconvenienced? Chesterton has a paradoxical answer. Joe Grabowski and Grettelyn Darkey unpack one of Chesterton's most beloved aphorisms — "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered; an inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered" — tracing it from its original context in a real 1906 London flood, through the essay "On Running After One's Hat," and all the way to Boethius, St. Lawrence, and the Christian vocation to embrace the cross. In This Episode: The original context of the quote in Chesterton's essay "On Running After One's Hat" from All Things Considered, prompted by the great London flood of June 1906 What running after a windblown hat has to do with Innocent Smith in Manalive—and why the sport of hat-hunting haunted Chesterton's imagination for years The difference between a sunny attitude and a genuinely Chestertonian embrace of inconvenience, and why it matters on a spiritual level Boethius, St. Lawrence, and St. Peter hanging upside down—what the saints reveal about the adventure of embracing the cross The thread running through all of Chesterton: how a single paradox in a flood-inspired newspaper column illuminates his entire worldview Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 01:52: Parsing the Quote 04:50: Bilbo Baggins and Engaging with Life 07:49: The 1906 London Flood 20:23: Running After One's Hat 23:05: Innocent Smith in Manalive 28:41: The Thread of Chesterton's Philosophy 35:00: Daily Inconveniences 37:06: The Spiritual Dimension Resources Mentioned: All Things Considered by G.K. Chesterton (includes "On Running After One's Hat") Manalive by G.K. Chesterton The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius FOLLOW US Instagram Facebook X SUPPORT Consider making a donation Visit our Shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

In this episode, Grettelyn Darkey and Joe Grabowski walk through three newly unearthed Chesterton essays from the latest issue of Gilbert Magazine—exploring almsgiving, portraiture, and a delightful transatlantic linguistic puzzle—and invite you to discover why the magazine is one of the best-kept secrets in Chesterton studies. In This Episode: Why Chesterton's "promiscuous charity" upends our instinct to vet the needy before giving—and what that reveals about the giver's own soul The overlooked personal dimension of almsgiving versus institutional philanthropy, and how Chesterton draws on virtue ethics to expose the difference A debate as old as the daguerreotype: does a photograph capture truth, or does a painted portrait go deeper—and what does Chesterton mean when he says truth is a "moral state"? Chesterton's fondness for paradox applied to art, literature, and the limits of realism How a single American phrase, "rare steak," sent Chesterton on a linguistic rabbit trail through Irish immigration and transatlantic idiom in 1934 Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 00:24: Welcome & the Gilbert Read-Along Format 02:12: The Significance of Almsgiving 04:07: "On Giving Money to Beggars"—Chesterton's Humor and Opening 10:03: Prudence, Charity, and Getting the Monkey Off Your Back 14:40: Personal Giving vs. Institutional Philanthropy 20:49: Transitioning to "Portraits" 22:00: Photography vs. Portrait Painting in 1901 26:29: Truth in Art and Chesterton's Paradox 36:28: "A Query for Philologists"—Why Americans Call It "Rare" Resources Mentioned: Gilbert Magazine What I Saw in America by G.K. Chesterton FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop: https://www.chesterton.org/shop/ Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

Joe Grabowski sits down with Nick Bash, a Biola University alum who studied filmmaking alongside the Rhetoric Honors Great Books Program, to discuss his senior thesis short film The Last Bonaparte—a loose adaptation of Chesterton's The Napoleon of Notting Hill. In This Episode: How film, as a relatively young art form, is still learning to match the depth and immersion of literature What Chesterton's Orthodoxy revealed to Nick about joy, and how that discovery drove the making of The Last Bonaparte The communal nature of filmmaking and how the process of telling a story begins to mirror its themes How setting the film in 2084 draws on Orwellian themes to sharpen Chesterton's critique of standardization and bureaucracy Why Tolkien's philosophical writings on creativity convinced Nick that faithful Christian storytelling means crafting a story, not a sermon Chapters: 00:00: Introduction 00:36: Nick's Background: Biola, Great Books, and Chesterton 03:06: Film as a Young Art Form 05:50: Drama, Embodiment, and the Communal Art of Filmmaking 09:39: Film as Synthesis of the Arts 14:02: Reclaiming Joy in a Machine-Oriented World 18:52: Chesterton, Orwell, and the Year 1984 25:34: Tolkien on Adventure and Sub-Creation 28:42: Story vs. Allegory Resources Mentioned: The Last Bonaparte FOLLOW US Instagram | Facebook | X SUPPORT Consider making a donation: chesterton.org/give Visit our Shop: chesterton.org/shop Produced by Saint Kolbe Studios

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! ##### FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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 ##### FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Join the Knights of the Apostolate: https://www.chesterton.org/knights Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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! ##### FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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! FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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 FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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 FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

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/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe reads a brief essay from G.K. Chesterton about the meaning of a New Year.  Happy New Year! FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

No new episode this week, but please see this special Christmas message from Joe Grabowski. Visit https://give.chesterton.org/EOY2025 to make a Christmas gift to the Society today! FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Grettelyn speak about nostalgia, what it means, why Christmas is an occasion for feeling it, and what Chesterton says that might shed some light on it! Please consider a year-end gift to the Society. Visit https://give.chesterton.org/EOY2025 to donate today! Merry Christmas! FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

FROM THE ARCHIVES: (Originally aired 12-3-2024) Grettelyn and Joe speak with their colleague, Tyler Blanski, about Saint Nicholas, why Father Christmas shows up in Narnia, what Jupiter has to do with it, and more! To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent Check out our whole [2024] Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1 FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

FROM THE ARCHIVES: (Originally aired 12-10-2024) Grettelyn and Joe speak about some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding Christmas, and how we can respond to them (with Chesterton's help)! To sign up for the Society's daily Advent quotations from Chesterton, along with reflections and Scriptures on which to meditate, visit https://www.chesterton.org/advent Check out our whole Advent & Christmastide series playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm8wkRUR11ar3uer8l1EJ0S9hgAR1Ddz1 OTHER LINKS: G.K. Chesterton, "The History of Christmas": PART 1: https://library.chesterton.org/the-history-of-christmas-55156/ PART 2: https://library.chesterton.org/the-history-of-christmas-cont-35676/  Who Were The Magi? (Dave Armstrong) - https://www.ncregister.com/blog/who-were-the-magi The Dating of Christmas (Jimmy Akin) - https://jimmyakin.com/2014/11/the-dating-of-christmas.html  Christmas is Pagan REBUTTED (Joe Heschmeyer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KBFfWe1KcQ  Christmas and Pagan Roots (U.S. Catholic) - https://uscatholic.org/articles/202312/glad-you-asked-does-christmas-have-pagan-roots/  Christmas, Pagan Romans and Frodo Baggins (Father Dwight Longenecker) - https://dwightlongenecker.com/christmas-pagan-romans-and-frodo-baggins/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/  

Stacey Bowman, VP Advancement for the Society of G.K. Chesterton, with a special message for Giving Tuesday 2025. Donate today at https://give.chesterton.org/EOY2025.

[RE-AIRING] It's a Chestertonian Christmas Carol! Joe Grabowski joins the show to lead us down the path of G.K. Chesterton's take on Charles Dickens and his love of Christmas. It's a very, merry episode with no Scrooges allowed. Tune in to this episode! https://chesterton.org/uncommonsense #chesterton #gkchesterton #christmas #charlesdickens #achristmascarol #jesus #spirit #carol #dickens Contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Join us for Advent at chesterton.org/advent. Get your Chestertonian Christmas gifts at chesterton.org/store/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/

In this episode, Joe and Jen talk about the upcoming Advent reflection series from the Society of G.K. Chesterton, "Gifts of Gratitude." #advent #christmas #chesterton #gkchesterton #gratitude You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Sign up for "Gifts of Gratitude" and download our free resources at https://chesterton.org/advent.  The "Snapdragon" episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH9sz7gDX94 FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/  

In this episode, Grettelyn interviews Emily Stimpson Chapman about faith, hospitality, community and the Catholic worldview. #theologyofhome #theologyofplace #chesterton #gkchesterton #community #hospitality You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Learn more about Emily Stimpson Chapman: https://www.emilystimpsonchapman.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

[RE-UPLOAD] No new upload this week, but enjoy this re-airing from last year, appropriate for the season: Belloc and the Four Men! In this episode, Joe talks with Deacon Nathan Allen, who annotated ACS Books' version of Hilaire Belloc's delightful novelette, "The Four Men." #belloc #gkchesterton #hilairebelloc #chesterton #thefourmen To buy ACS Book's "The Four Men" visit https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/four-men/ You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

In this episode, Joe talks about the newest Doctor of the Church, Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman, and some of the connections between his thought and G.K. Chesterton's. #chesterton #gkchesterton #johnhenrynewman #cardinalnewman #saintjohnhenrynewman You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Mentioned in this episode: Word on Fire Show: https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/wordonfire-show/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Can you tell it's Joe's favorite time of year? Join him and Grettelyn as they discuss All Hallows', funerals, the customs of the poor, and more! We did have a slight technical hiccup in the making of this episode when Joe's camera went away for a bit. If you spot it, leave us a comment with the timestamp and the appropriate emoji (you'll know which that is). This is where we find out who watches the whole episode and who's reading to the show notes! #chesterton #gkchesterton #daysofthedead #halloween #allsaints #skeletons You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Mentioned in this episode: "The Hastiness of Modern Journalism" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/funerals-are-for-the-living-27276/ "A Defense of Skeletons" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/the-defendant-66905/#a-defence-of-skeletons Last year's All Hallowstide Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to5eTF2gAyE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtppIqGMrOs FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Joe talks about the hurry and haste of modern life, especially modern journalism, with some insights from G.K. Chesterton - and a couple cardiologists! What is "hurry sickness"? How can we resist the pressure to rush to judgment? What does it mean to be "Type A"? And why does Chesterton extol the benefits of sleeping in and being late to breakfast? Find out today! #chesterton #gkchesterton #journalism #hurry #hurrysickness You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Essays mentioned in this episode: "The Hastiness of Modern Journalism" by G.K. Chesterton: https://library.chesterton.org/the-hastiness-of-modern-journalism-68950/ "Type A behavior pattern: some of its pathophysiological components" by Meyer Friedman, MD: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1807381/ "Rendering to God" by Dr. Jacob Imam: https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2025/09/rendering-god-jacob-imam.html FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Joe and Grettelyn talk about finding "the heart in history," and how Chesterton can help us get excited to learn even about obscure things of the past — like the Battle of Hastings! Today is the anniversary of that great battle in 1066, which shaped the whole Western world. What does it mean for us? Why should we care? Listen in and read along! #chesterton #history #gkchesterton #battleofhastings #normaninvasion #williamtheconqueror You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Essays mentioned in today's episode:  "Three Ways of Reading History": https://library.chesterton.org/three-ways-of-writing-history-27303/ "Introduction" to the Song of Roland: https://library.chesterton.org/introduction-18111/ "A View of William the Conqueror": https://library.chesterton.org/a-view-of-william-the-conqueror-86512/ Check out The Troubadours discussing "Belloc vs. Tolkien on 1066": https://www.youtube.com/live/fkjyAibwUlw?si=mdlr2c0tGrY-1pG1 FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

[RE-AIRING] Celebrating the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary, Joe and Grettelyn look at some of Chesterton's Marian poems celebrating the "Queen of Victory." #chesterton #blessedmother #mary #virginmary #rosary #lepanto You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Joe and Grettelyn talk about Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," on the eve of her feast day, and the many things she and Chesterton have in common. Learn about the similarities in their spiritualities, their common virtues, and more! #littleflower #thelittleflower #thereseoflisieux #chesterton You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Grettelyn is back! In this episode, she and Joe talk about the passing of seasons in life, the messages God and nature are trying to communicate, and how to pay attention to the important daily graces we receive without becoming distracting by an overwhelming news cycle. Also, pumpkin spice. #autumn #fall #pumpkinspice #pumpkinspiceseason #pumpkinspiceeverything The essays mentioned in this episode are: https://library.chesterton.org/the-silly-season-and-serious-discussion-92853/ https://library.chesterton.org/serious-things-in-holiday-time-london-82147/ You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Joe interviews Dale about his brand new book, I Also Had My Hour: An Alternative Autobiography of G. K. Chesterton. Buy a copy today! https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/i-also-had-my-hour/ You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

No new episode this week, owing to the Labor Day holiday. Instead, since this week is also the beginning of football season, we re-present this special episode on Chesterton's great Marian poem about (American) Football!  You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Back to school! Joe and Lee talk about "back to school" season, the opportunities for reflection it affords, and reminisce about some special classes and teachers in their own lives. You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/  

"The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar." "Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten." "Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out." Joe and Lee look at some quotations commonly attributed to G. K. Chesterton and answer the question: did Chesterton really say that? They also rank the quotations investigated on a tier chart of plausibility. This is a fun one - don't miss it! #chesterton #fakequotes  You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. IN THIS EPISODE: 00:30 - Topic Intro 03:25 - Introducing our Ranking Chart 04:33 - "Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car." 07:45 - "If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God." 10:33 - "When Man ceases to worship God he does not worship nothing but worships everything." 15:42 - "The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar." 19:45 - "In Catholicism, the Pint, the Pipe and the Cross can all fit together."  23:20 - "A man knocking on the door of a brothel is knocking for God." 27:43 - "When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." 29:55 - "I've searched all the parks in all the cities and found no statues of committees." 32:37 - "A woman uses her intelligence to find reasons to support her intuition." 36:34 - "Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions." 39:47 - (Lee is sad.) "Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten." 44:16 - "Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out." 48:50 - The Complete Chart and Summing Up FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT US DONATE TO THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ SHOP IN OUR STORE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/

Joe and Lee chat about sundry summery things: the Chesterton conference, summer reading, and what's coming up in the Fall. You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. MOMENTS IN THIS VIDEO: 01:59 - Conference Recap - Overall Impressions  07:05 - Reconnecting with New and Old Friends 08:20 - New Orleans Fondly Remembered 10:36 - Marc Barnes on Jazz 18:03 - ACS Books Evangeline 22:04 - Father Brown Card Game Preview 25:26 - Joe and Lee's Summer Reading 42:03 - Society Check-in - Chesterton Schools Network 47:09 - The Knights of the Apostolate 52:21 - Wrapping Up SUPPORT THE SOCIETY: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ BECOME A KNIGHT: https://www.chesterton.org/knights/ BUY EVANGELINE: https://www.chesterton.org/store/product/evangeline-a-tale-of-acadie/  FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc

Dale Ahlquist explores the Chestertonian way of the Church Militant, marching hopefully to our heavenly reward. You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/  Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee continue last week's conversation on the new revolution in technology and economics, so-called "Artificial Intelligence," and decide that we do, in fact, probably need a new Rerum novarum. You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

We're down in the Big Easy for the 44th Annual Chesterton Conference! While that means there's no new episode this week, it doesn't mean you need to go a full week without Chesterton in your life! Go to chesterton.org/conference today and sign up for a virtual registration for the conference. Watch all the talks live, participate in the Q&A, and meet friends old and new in the forum!  See you next week! FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee look at the new revolution in technology and economics, so-called "Artificial Intelligence," and consider the question: "Do we need a new Rerum novarum?"  You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ Episode artwork credit: "Ameca humanoid - robot generation 1", Willy Jackson, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee do a quick review and recap of the fundamental themes and principles of Catholic Social Teaching, as a bridge between their in-depth study of the work of Pope Leo XIII and future discussion about what the new Pope Leo might have to say on these topics... You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Read the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church here: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee finish up their close reading of Rerum Novarum! Read along, and send us your questions. And stay tuned! We may be done with the encyclical, but we're far from done with the subject! You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee dive into part two of their close reading of Rerum Novarum! Read along, and send us your questions! You can contact us at podcast@chesterton.org. Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Join us next week as we continue our deep dive into Rerum Novarum. In the meantime, check out the Chesterton Schools Network: https://chestertonschoolsnetwork.org/ Please consider supporting our work; visit https://www.chesterton.org/give/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc LEARN Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/  

Joe and Lee continue their series of episodes on Catholic Social Teaching, with the first of a two-part deep dive into Rerum Novarum! Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

[RE-UPLOAD - Audio quality improved] Joe and Lee kick off a series of episodes that will focus on Catholic Social Teaching, this time looking closely at Pope Leo XIII and Rerum Novarum! Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ Video of Pope Leo XIII is in the public domain, taken from Wikimedia Commons. FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

This week, UncommonSense presents a re-airing of the May 2025 Summit of the Troubadours, focusing on the present Pope and great Popes past. Come and see the Troubadours LIVE and in-person in New Orleans this summer at our conference! Register today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee speak with Julian Ahlquist about his experimentation with A. I. image generation, making pictures of the saints. He'll be speaking about this topic at this summer's Chesterton conference in New Orleans, and it's sure to be one of the more debated and controversial topics. Luckily, Chestertonians know how to disagree agreeably!  Register for the conference today to join the conversation: Visit https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ See examples of Julian's images here: https://www.reddit.com/user/nrsht/submitted/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee speak with Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers about Walker Percy and G.K. Chesterton! Register for the conference today to hear Cy's talks: Visit https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ Visit Catholic Answers at https://catholic.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Grettelyn speaks with Theresa Martin about "untamed children," the topic of her talk for the annual Chesterton conference! Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ Learn more about Theresa and WCI: https://jp2rule.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/

Joe and Lee speak with Don Flanagan, a retire English professor and co-leader of the St. Paul Chesterton Society, about his talk for the annual Chesterton conference on G.K. Chesterton and Sir Walter Scott!  Register for the conference today at https://www.chesterton.org/44th-annual-chesterton-conference/ University Faculty for Life: https://www.uffl.org/  FOLLOW US Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestertonsociety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanChestertonSociety X: https://twitter.com/chestertonsoc SUPPORT Consider making a donation: https://www.chesterton.org/give/ Visit our Shop at https://www.chesterton.org/shop/