

Magnus Podcast: Conversations from the Catacombs of Liberal Education
Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc.
Like the early philosophers and theologians before us, we are seeking to nourish our souls, discover the truth, and live in the world, but not of it.
Welcome to the Magnus Podcast where John Johnson and Larissa Bianco hope to connect contemporary thinkers to conversations from the catacombs in the classical, Christian tradition before us.
The Magnus Podcast is a production of the Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc. Dedicated to the promotion of another sort of learning, the Albertus Magnus Institute seeks to invite all into the truth, ”Omnes ad Veritatem.”
Welcome to the Magnus Podcast where John Johnson and Larissa Bianco hope to connect contemporary thinkers to conversations from the catacombs in the classical, Christian tradition before us.
The Magnus Podcast is a production of the Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc. Dedicated to the promotion of another sort of learning, the Albertus Magnus Institute seeks to invite all into the truth, ”Omnes ad Veritatem.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 24, 2025 • 1h 30min
Ep. 108 - AI and the Free Mind Part I
Ryan Khurana, AI technologist, strategist, and thought leader, joins John Johnson to discuss AI and the digital world. They compare the personhood, creativity, and relationships gifted to man to the counterfeit personhood of AI. They begin to tackle the difficult question, “How should Catholic Christians and liberal artists rightly respond to the instrument that is AI?”
Stay tuned for Part II of the AI conversation with another special guest.
Join the Fellowship today!
magnusinstitute.org/fellowship

May 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Ep. 107 - A Community of Learning for Liberal Education
“Of all the forms of education, there is one that is best and most perfected and that education has come to be known as liberal education.” - Dr. David Arias
The Magnus Podcast season 5 has arrived! We open with the recording of our recent webinar where we discussed our Cohort Program and the value of liberal education with Dr. Joseph Hattrup, Dr. David Arias, and AMI's Larissa Bianco.
Magnusinstitute.org/institute to learn more!

Dec 20, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 106 - What is Knowing?
Dive into the philosophical depths of knowing and existence through Plato's divided line. The conversation touches on the contrast between contingent and non-contingent realities, highlighting the significance of truth in both spiritual and natural contexts. Explore the manipulation of music and culture and how they shape societal values, while dissecting individual satisfaction versus cultural fear. The paradox of individualism against community engagement emerges, asking vital questions about personal and collective good. Sacramental concepts also push against ancient philosophies, seeking deeper understanding.

Dec 17, 2024 • 41min
Ep. 105 - Consecration of Self: Understanding the Order of Techne and Technology
Are digital tools inherently bad? How should we respond to the problem of tech? How do we know if what we are building is good?
Don't be a tool...just use one. Join John Johnson and Austin Klise, the founder of Klise Consulting as they discuss techne and technology and the implications therein.
You can find Austin @ kliseconsulting.com
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!
Learn more about Father Owen Carroll

Nov 25, 2024 • 59min
Ep. 104 - The Dignity of a Liberal Artist
Join John Johnson and Angel Adams Parham as they have a discussion about race befitting the dignity of a liberal artist.
Angel Adams Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology, senior fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, and Associate Director for the major in Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia. Through her research in historical sociology, she engages in inquiry that examines the past in order to better understand how to live well in the present and envision wisely for the future.
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!
Learn more about Father Owen Carroll

Nov 14, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 103 - Relationship Without Remainder
Dr. Ryan Messmore of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education joins John to talk about the foundation of the Catholic Faith, the nature of God, and the doctrine of the Trinity. Listen and hear about the good work of ICLE, the pillars of the Catholic Faith, and Christ's relationship with His creation.
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!
Learn more about Father Owen Carroll
Read Dr. Messmore's book

Sep 20, 2024 • 57min
Ep. 102 - From Tragedies to Comedies: The Journey of a Hero
Dr. Tiffany Schubert of Wyoming Catholic College joins Larissa to discuss the idea of the hero. From Virgil’s company of heroes and heroines to Jane Austen’s many female heroines, Dr. Schubert guides us to understand them in light of tragedies and comedies, fate and providence, and epics and novels.
Join the Magnus Fellowship today!
Check out Dr. Schubert's book Jane Austen's Romantic Medievalism: Courtly Love and Happy Endings

Aug 22, 2024 • 52min
Ep. 101 - Refining the Renewal
Alex Lessard of Adeodatus joins John Johnson to talk about the ongoing Classical education renewal. Join them in this lively conversation where they discuss issues facing the movement and explore unique solutions and ideas to refine the renewal even more.
Learn more about Adeodatus here!
Learn more about the Magnus Fellowship today!

Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 30min
Ep. 100 - The Nous and the Polis
Grab a beer and celebrate our 100th episode with us! John Johnson discusses the soul, the city, and the citizen in this Three Beers Episode with Senior Fellow Palvos Papadopoulos and special guest Ryan Hammill of the Ancient Language Institute.
Albertus Magnus Institute: https://magnusinstitute.org/
The Ancient Language Institute: https://ancientlanguage.com/
Wyoming Catholic College: https://wyomingcatholic.edu/

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep. 099 - To Build and Behold: Recovering from Architectural Suicide
Who is man, what is he building, and why does this matter?
Alan Cornett of Cultural Debris joins John Johnson to discuss mans relationship with architecture and both the worldly and eternal implications therein. Listen as they explore the architecture behind majestic Italian Cathedrals, bold American Art Deco and oppressive modern urbanism.
Follow Alan @ @culturaldebris or @alancornett
Learn more about Cultural Debris Excursions!
Learn more about the Albertus Magnus Institute!


