The Athenaeum Book Club is a podcast for curious minds who love history, big ideas, and the stories that shaped our world. Hosted by Jeremy Ryan Slate, the show features engaging conversations with historians, authors, and thinkers about classic books and pivotal moments—from ancient epics and medieval chronicles to the rise and fall of civilizations. Each episode brings timeless ideas to life, connecting the past to the present through storytelling, clear explanation, and lively discussion. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just starting to explore history’s greatest works.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Dr. Joshua Phillips for a thoughtful exploration of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea . Together they examine Hemingway’s timeless story of Santiago, an aging fisherman whose struggle with a great marlin becomes a profound meditation on perseverance, dignity, and the meaning of true success. Dr. Phillips unpacks Hemingway’s understated prose, rich symbolism, and enduring philosophy, revealing why this Pulitzer Prize-winning novella continues to inspire readers around the world. A compelling conversation on resilience, purpose, and the quiet strength of the human spirit.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson for a deep discussion of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov , one of the greatest novels ever written. Together they explore the book’s profound questions about faith, doubt, freedom, suffering, and the search for truth. From the unforgettable parable of the Grand Inquisitor to the complex relationships between the Karamazov brothers, Dr. Wilson reveals why Dostoevsky’s masterpiece remains as relevant today as when it was first published. A rich conversation on morality, human nature, and the enduring struggle between belief and skepticism.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate sits down with author Johann Kurtz to discuss his book, Leaving a Legacy . Together they explore what it means to build a life that matters, examining themes of purpose, responsibility, family, leadership, and the impact we leave on future generations. Kurtz shares the experiences and ideas that inspired the book, offering practical wisdom on living with intention in an age often focused on short-term success and personal achievement. This conversation challenges listeners to think beyond accomplishment and consider the deeper question: what kind of legacy are we creating every day?
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Liza Libes for a deep exploration of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment . Together they examine the psychological, philosophical, and spiritual dimensions of one of literature’s greatest novels, following the tortured journey of Rodion Raskolnikov as he wrestles with guilt, morality, and redemption. Libes unpacks Dostoevsky’s critique of radical individualism and his profound understanding of the human soul, revealing why the novel remains as relevant today as when it was first published. A compelling conversation on conscience, suffering, justice, and what it truly means to be human.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Fr. Calvin Robinson for a deep exploration of The Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis. Together they examine the trilogy’s powerful themes of morality, spiritual warfare, technology, and the struggle between the sacred and the modern world. From Out of the Silent Planet to That Hideous Strength , Lewis uses science fiction to confront timeless questions about human nature, power, and truth. Fr. Robinson offers insight into why the trilogy remains strikingly relevant today—and what modern readers can learn from Lewis’ cosmic vision of good and evil.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club, host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Jeremy Tate for a reflective discussion on Willa Cather’s Death Comes for the Archbishop. Together they explore the novel’s quiet power, following Bishop Latour’s mission in the American Southwest and the deeper themes of faith, friendship, and vocation that shape his journey. Tate offers insight into Cather’s restrained style and her vision of spiritual life lived through daily devotion rather than dramatic events. This conversation reveals why this understated classic continues to resonate, offering timeless lessons on purpose, leadership, and building something that endures.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Dr. Joshua Phillips of Penn State University for a deep exploration of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace —one of the greatest novels ever written. Together they unpack the sweeping story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia, while examining Tolstoy’s deeper questions about history, fate, leadership, and the search for meaning. Dr. Phillips brings clarity to the novel’s vast cast of characters and philosophical depth, revealing why War and Peace remains as relevant today as ever. A rich conversation on power, human nature, and the forces that shape our lives.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate sits down with scholar Andrew N. Snyder to explore J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings —one of the most beloved works of modern literature. Together they discuss the world Tolkien built in Middle-earth, the themes of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of power that run through the story, and why the trilogy continues to resonate with readers across generations. Snyder offers insight into Tolkien’s imagination, his intellectual influences, and the deeper meaning behind the epic journey of Frodo and the Fellowship. A thoughtful conversation on myth, morality, and enduring storytelling.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by historian and bestselling author Dan Jones to discuss his book The Wars of the Roses . Together they explore the brutal dynastic conflict that tore England apart in the fifteenth century, examining the ambitions, betrayals, and shifting loyalties that defined the struggle between the houses of Lancaster and York. Jones brings clarity to a chaotic period, revealing how personal rivalries, weak kingship, and political violence reshaped the English monarchy—and set the stage for the rise of the Tudors. A gripping conversation on power, legitimacy, and civil war.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Memory Medieval (x.com/MemoryMedieval) for a deep dive into Dueling Stories of the Sixteenth Century . Together, they explore how competing narratives, propaganda, and personal rivalries shaped the way the early modern world understood war, religion, and power. The conversation examines how history was written in real time—by chroniclers with agendas, loyalties, and fears—and how those dueling accounts still influence our understanding of the sixteenth century today. A sharp discussion on memory, mythmaking, and the battle over historical truth.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Will Tanner for a historical examination of Rhodesia and the events that led to the mass emigration of its white population. The conversation explores the political, economic, and social forces surrounding decolonization, the Rhodesian Bush War, and the transition to Zimbabwe. Tanner provides context often missing from mainstream narratives, examining how ideology, power shifts, and violence reshaped the country’s future. This episode is a sober, historically grounded discussion of a controversial chapter in modern history and its lasting consequences.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Wade Stotts for an insightful discussion on G.K. Chesterton’s Orthodoxy —a work that continues to challenge modern skepticism with wit, paradox, and faith. Together, they explore Chesterton’s journey from doubt to belief, his defense of wonder and reason, and his vision of Christianity as the key to understanding the world’s mystery. Wade unpacks the humor and brilliance behind Chesterton’s arguments, showing how Orthodoxy remains a joyful antidote to cynicism and confusion in the modern age.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate welcomes Dr. Matthew Knotts for a profound exploration of St. Augustine’s Confessions —one of the most influential works in Christian and philosophical history. Together they trace Augustine’s journey from restless seeker to saint, examining his struggles with desire, truth, and divine grace. Dr. Knotts illuminates the timeless relevance of Augustine’s introspection, revealing how his search for meaning still speaks to the modern soul. This conversation delves into faith, philosophy, and the human condition through the eyes of one of history’s greatest minds.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate sits down with historian and author Raymond Ibrahim to discuss his book Defenders of the West: The Christian Heroes Who Stood Against Islam . Ibrahim explores the lives of legendary figures such as Richard the Lionheart, El Cid, and John Hunyadi—warriors who shaped the clash between civilizations. Together, they examine how these men balanced faith, honor, and duty in the face of overwhelming odds, and what their stories reveal about courage and cultural identity today. A powerful conversation on history, heroism, and the defense of Western civilization.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate welcomes Dr. Shaun Rieley of Hillsdale College for a thought-provoking discussion on St. Thomas More’s Utopia . Together they explore More’s vision of the ideal society—its paradoxes, political commentary, and enduring questions about human nature and governance. Dr. Rieley unpacks the historical context of Utopia , revealing how More used fiction to challenge both Renaissance realism and modern ideology. This conversation bridges philosophy, politics, and faith, offering listeners timeless insight into the tension between moral order and the pursuit of a perfect world.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate is joined by Dr. Sean E. Lake for an in-depth exploration of Homer’s Iliad —the timeless epic of honor, wrath, and fate. Together, they unpack the poem’s enduring power: the heroism of Achilles, the tragedy of Hector, and the moral vision that shaped Western thought. Dr. Lake brings fresh insight into Homer’s language, cultural context, and the human questions that still resonate today. This conversation dives deep into the heart of ancient Greece, where poetry, war, and the pursuit of glory converge.
In this episode of The Athenaeum Book Club , host Jeremy Ryan Slate welcomes Dr. Alex Petkas , classical scholar and host of The Cost of Glory podcast, for an engaging discussion on Plutarch’s Life of Pericles . Together they explore how Pericles became the embodiment of Athenian greatness—his vision for democracy, his leadership during the city’s Golden Age, and the moral lessons Plutarch offers for modern readers. This conversation bridges ancient biography and timeless wisdom, revealing how Pericles’ life still challenges our understanding of power, virtue, and civic duty.
