Only G.K. Chesterton could write a detective novel about undercover poet cops bravely battling anarchists as a way of explaining the problem of evil and the revelation of God in nature. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unpack all the twists and turns in The Man Who Was Thursday—a book that is equal parts profound, existential, exhilarating, and perplexing.

Only G.K. Chesterton could write a detective novel about undercover poet cops bravely battling anarchists as a way of explaining the problem of evil and the revelation of God in nature. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unpack all the twists and turns in The Man Who Was Thursday—a book that is equal parts profound, existential, exhilarating, and perplexing.

The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton

Corey Olsen

Today's culture favors convenience and speed. Even finding the time to slow down and read a physical book feels impossible. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Dr. Corey Olsen, the Founder and President of Signum University, to discuss his long-running podcast on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically his close reading of The Lord of the Rings. What can we learn about Tolkien, his writing, and our favorite characters by intentionally slowing down to analyze the words which Tolkien himself so carefully selected and knit together into the fantasy masterpiece we all know and love?

Today's culture favors convenience and speed. Even finding the time to slow down and read a physical book feels impossible. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Dr. Corey Olsen, the Founder and President of Signum University, to discuss his <a href="https://tolkienprof.fireside.fm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">long-running podcast</a> on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically his close reading of The Lord of the Rings. What can we learn about Tolkien, his writing, and our favorite characters by intentionally slowing down to analyze the words which Tolkien himself so carefully selected and knit together into the fantasy masterpiece we all know and love?

A Close Reading of "The Lord of the Rings" w/ Dr. Corey Olsen

How should we read, interpret, and apply history? How can historical misconceptions doom us to repeat the mistakes of the past? Is everything always getting better, or is it possible for new inventions and new ideas to be retrogressive--to take us a step backward? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss C.S. Lewis's inaugural lecture at Cambridge University for The Chair of Mediaeval and Renaissance, Literature entitled, "De Descriptione Temporum" or "A Description of the Times." They discuss how, in typical fashion, Lewis didn't waste this opportunity to simply say "thank you" for the promotion. Instead, he laid out his vision of history: how to read ancient literature, how to interpret history, and how the the avoidance of studying dead periods can actually enslave us to the past.

How should we read, interpret, and apply history? How can historical misconceptions doom us to repeat the mistakes of the past? Is everything always getting better, or is it possible for new inventions and new ideas to be retrogressive--to take us a step backward? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss C.S. Lewis's inaugural lecture at Cambridge University for The Chair of Mediaeval and Renaissance, Literature entitled, "De Descriptione Temporum" or "A Description of the Times." They discuss how, in typical fashion, Lewis didn't waste this opportunity to simply say "thank you" for the promotion. Instead, he laid out his vision of history: how to read ancient literature, how to interpret history, and how the the avoidance of studying dead periods can actually enslave us to the past.

How to Read History or "De Descriptione Temporum" by C.S. Lewis

These days everyone is a critic. The internet is filled with—some might say "fueled" by—criticism of movies, books, art, society, everything. Over six decades ago, C.S. Lewis recognized and warned us that the wrong kind of critical posture can turn us not only into cynics but into cultural and ideological puritans. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's book on this very topic titled, An Experiment in Criticism (1961). How does Lewis define good criticism? What makes differentiates a good reader from a bad one? And how can we apply the principle of receptivity to not just literature but life?

These days everyone is a critic. The internet is filled with—some might say "fueled" by—criticism of movies, books, art, society, everything. Over six decades ago, C.S. Lewis recognized and warned us that the wrong kind of critical posture can turn us not only into cynics but into cultural and ideological puritans. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's book on this very topic titled, An Experiment in Criticism (1961). How does Lewis define good criticism? What makes differentiates a good reader from a bad one? And how can we apply the principle of receptivity to not just literature but life?

"An Experiment in Criticism" by C.S. Lewis

Marjorie Mead

Long before the internet was invented people wrote letters to C.S. Lewis and he wrote back, sending them meaningful, insightful, and compassionate letters. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Marjorie Mead, Co-Director of the Wade Center to discuss a book of Letters to Children (1985). Marjorie reveals how the book was conceived, how some of the letters were found, and how Lewis's letters to children can still minister to us today--especially if we've grow up too much like Peter and Susan in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Long before the internet was invented people wrote letters to C.S. Lewis and he wrote back, sending them meaningful, insightful, and compassionate letters. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Marjorie Mead, Co-Director of the Wade Center to discuss a book of Letters to Children (1985). Marjorie reveals how the book was conceived, how some of the letters were found, and how Lewis's letters to children can still minister to us today--especially if we've grow up too much like Peter and Susan in The Chronicles of Narnia.

"Letters to Children" w/ Marjorie Mead

The works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are filled with magical lands, walking trees, and talking animals. They elicit wonder in our hearts not just for fictional places but for the real world around us. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to interview Dr. Kristen Page about her recent book The Wonder of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth (2023). Stay tuned until the end to learn how you can get a discounted (and signed) copy of Dr. Page's book.

The works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are filled with magical lands, walking trees, and talking animals. They elicit wonder in our hearts not just for fictional places but for the real world around us. In this week's episode Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to interview Dr. Kristen Page about her recent book The Wonder of Creation: Learning Stewardship from Narnia and Middle-Earth (2023). Stay tuned until the end to learn how you can get a discounted (and signed) copy of Dr. Page's book.

The Wonders of Creation w/ Dr. Kristen Page

Even though he constantly reminded readers that he wasn't a theologian or a biblical scholar, C.S. Lewis wrote an entire book on how to read and reflect on the Psalms. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's often overlooked and under-read book, Reflections on the Psalms (1958). Lewis deftly covers many of the problems that faithful Christians throughout the ages encounter in the Psalter. Why are so many Psalms violent and vindictive? Why does God expect to be constantly praised? If so much of the NT contrasts Jesus's teaching with the letter of Law, how is it "sweeter than honey?"

Even though he constantly reminded readers that he wasn't a theologian or a biblical scholar, C.S. Lewis wrote an entire book on how to read and reflect on the Psalms. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to discuss Lewis's often overlooked and under-read book, Reflections on the Psalms (1958). Lewis deftly covers many of the problems that faithful Christians throughout the ages encounter in the Psalter. Why are so many Psalms violent and vindictive? Why does God expect to be constantly praised? If so much of the NT contrasts Jesus's teaching with the letter of Law, how is it "sweeter than honey?"

Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis

In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to finish unwrapping the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the final chapters of Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. Additionally, this is both our final episode of 2022 and the final episode of our bi-weekly format. In 2023, we will shift to a monthly release schedule with episodes going live on the final Friday of the month. Make sure to check out videos with Crystal and David through our forthcoming Wonders of the Wade series over on our YouTube channel.

In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to finish unwrapping the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the final chapters of Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton. Additionally, this is both our final episode of 2022 and the final episode of our bi-weekly format. In 2023, we will shift to a monthly release schedule with episodes going live on the final Friday of the month. Make sure to check out videos with Crystal and David through our forthcoming Wonders of the Wade series over on our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@WadeCenter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>.

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, Part 2

Over the last century many Christian apologists have made a name for themselves. At the root of this apologetic tree lies the genius and charm of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and Orthodoxy. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unwrap the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the first four chapters of this rather dully-named yet incredibly encouraging book which influenced many Christian apologists and communicators such as C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Over the last century many Christian apologists have made a name for themselves. At the root of this apologetic tree lies the genius and charm of Gilbert Keith Chesterton and Orthodoxy. In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down with Producer Aaron Hill to unwrap the many memorable witticisms, penetrating insights, and enchanting metaphors contained within the first four chapters of this rather dully-named yet incredibly encouraging book which influenced many Christian apologists and communicators such as C.S. Lewis and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, Part 1

Did you know that the archaic language in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight colored J.R.R. Tolkien's prose in The Lord of the Rings? Or that the characters in this medieval, fourteenth century, fairy tale for adults informed and inspired characters and themes in both The Chronicles of Narnia and the Ransom trilogy by C.S. Lewis? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to discuss the meaning, symbolism, and application of this tale of fell strokes, of courtly love gone awry, and of Bertilak and Gawain, King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and Camelot.

Did you know that the archaic language in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight colored J.R.R. Tolkien's prose in The Lord of the Rings? Or that the characters in this medieval, fourteenth century, fairy tale for adults informed and inspired characters and themes in both The Chronicles of Narnia and the Ransom trilogy by C.S. Lewis? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing sit down to discuss the meaning, symbolism, and application of this tale of fell strokes, of courtly love gone awry, and of Bertilak and Gawain, King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and Camelot.

Tolkien and the Green Knight

The Wade Center Podcast features interviews and discussions with scholars and figures related to Wade Center and our authors: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy L. Sayers, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, Owen Barfield, and Charles Williams.

I studied literature and theology at Wheaton, so naturally I love Lewis, Tolkien, Chesterton, Sayers, etc! This podcast has been a great way to get back into the fascinating conversations surrounding these authors. I started out by listening to a couple episodes that got my interest, but now I am just binging my way through every single one on my runs through the woods. Thankful for David, Crystal, and Aaron for these excellent resources, and looking forward to making my way back to the Wade Center soon!

I’m hooked!

A must-listen for Lewis, Tolkien, and MacDonald fans.

Scratch Your Inklings Itch (and other great authors)

Wade Center

Patti Callahan

New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan stops by the Wade Center to discuss her newly-released book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Patti discusses with Drs. Crystal and David Downing the inspiration behind her work of historical fiction that depicts the love story between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. Patti also discusses the process of writing her book, insights she gleaned about Joy and Jack, and the research that went into bringing her book to life. This episode of the podcast will appeal to authors, fans of Lewis and Joy’s love story, and especially fans of Joy Davidman Lewis.

New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan stops by the Wade Center to discuss her newly-released book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Patti discusses with Drs. Crystal and David Downing the inspiration behind her work of historical fiction that depicts the love story between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. Patti also discusses the process of writing her book, insights she gleaned about Joy and Jack, and the research that went into bringing her book to life. This episode of the podcast will appeal to authors, fans of Lewis and Joy’s love story, and especially fans of Joy Davidman Lewis.

Patti Callahan, “Becoming Mrs. Lewis”

What would happen if people could leave Hell and visit Heaven? In this week’s episode, Dr. David Downing sits down with Dr. Jerry Root to discuss C.S. Lewis’s spiritual fantasy about inhabitants of hell who visit take a bus ride to the outskirts of heaven, The Great Divorce. Where did Lewis get the idea(s) for the book? What was Lewis trying to say about who ends up in heaven and hell? Learn more about the special ballet performance of “The Space In Between,” based on The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and buy tickets to the November 1 event here.

What would happen if people could leave Hell and visit Heaven? In this week’s episode, Dr. David Downing sits down with Dr. Jerry Root to discuss C.S. Lewis’s spiritual fantasy about inhabitants of hell who visit take a bus ride to the outskirts of heaven, The Great Divorce. Where did Lewis get the idea(s) for the book? What was Lewis trying to say about who ends up in heaven and hell? <a href="https://www.wheaton.edu/life-at-wheaton/arts/artist-series/performances/ballet-58/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Learn more about the special ballet performance of “The Space In Between,” based on The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis and buy tickets to the November 1 event here.</a>

A Holiday to Heaven: A Discussion of ‘The Great Divorce’ by C.S. Lewis

Douglas Gresham

In the final excerpt from our interview with Douglas Gresham, things get rather personal. Doug discusses his reaction upon first discovering that the Wade Center was collecting the Lewis family papers. He also opens up about his and his wife’s conversion stories as well as his family. 

In the final excerpt from our interview with Douglas Gresham, things get rather personal. Doug discusses his reaction upon first discovering that the Wade Center was collecting the Lewis family papers. He also opens up about his and his wife’s conversion stories as well as his family.

Douglas Gresham Interview – Part 3

Matt Milliner

How can G.K. Chesterton’s Everlasting Man help us interpret ancient cave paintings in North America through a Christian lens? In this episode, Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Matt Milliner sits down with Crystal and David to offer a preview of his upcoming Hansen Lecture on October 3, 2019. In an effort to ‘do what Chesterton did,’ Dr. Milliner offers a Christ-centered reading of recently uncovered, ancient cave paintings in North America.

How can G.K. Chesterton’s Everlasting Man help us interpret ancient cave paintings in North America through a Christian lens? In this episode, Associate Professor of Art History, Dr. Matt Milliner sits down with Crystal and David to offer a preview of his upcoming Hansen Lecture on October 3, 2019. In an effort to ‘do what Chesterton did,’ Dr. Milliner offers a Christ-centered reading of recently uncovered, ancient cave paintings in North America.

Chesterton and 'The Plight of the Indians' w/ Dr. Matt Milliner

Julianna Slager

How do you adapt a book like The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis into a ballet? Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director for Ballet 5:8, sits down with Crystal and David to discuss her company’s upcoming performance of The Great Divorce for the Wheaton College Artist Series on November 1st, 2019. Julianna and the Downings explore the themes and characters from Lewis’s supernatural tale about heaven and hell that still resonate with audiences today as well as how to translate them for the stage. Tickets are available for the November 1st performance at http://wheaton.edu/artist-series.

How do you adapt a book like The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis into a ballet? Julianna Rubio Slager, Artistic Director for Ballet 5:8, sits down with Crystal and David to discuss her company’s upcoming performance of The Great Divorce for the Wheaton College Artist Series on November 1st, 2019. Julianna and the Downings explore the themes and characters from Lewis’s supernatural tale about heaven and hell that still resonate with audiences today as well as how to translate them for the stage. Tickets are available for the November 1st performance at <a href="http://wheaton.edu/artist-series" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://wheaton.edu/artist-series</a>.

Dancing with the Devil w/ Julianna Slager and Ballet 5:8

In this special bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. David Downing about the grief of C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Lewis, as well as its impact on Lewis's future writing, and ultimately, his faith. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 14, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018.

In this special bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. David Downing about the grief of C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife, Joy Davidman Lewis, as well as its impact on Lewis's future writing, and ultimately, his faith. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 14, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-scenes-of-becoming-mrs-lewis/id1479210933" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis</a>, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patti-callahan-becoming-mrs-lewis/id1445951501?i=1000425979555" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018</a>.

BONUS: Did Lewis lose his faith after Joy's death?

Malcolm Guite

This week’s episode features an inspiring and insightful interview with Reverend Dr. Malcolm Guite about the intersection of theology, literature, and the arts. Drs. Crystal and David Downing also discuss Guite’s conversion encounter as well as the impact of Romantic poets like Shelley, Coleridge, Blake, and C.S Lewis on his spiritual journey and worldview. Malcolm is the Chaplain and a Bye-Fellow at Girton College, Cambridge. He is the author of five books of poetry, several books on Christianity and theology, and regularly performs as a singer and guitarist with the rock band “Mystery Train.”

This week’s episode features an inspiring and insightful interview with Reverend Dr. Malcolm Guite about the intersection of theology, literature, and the arts. Drs. Crystal and David Downing also discuss Guite’s conversion encounter as well as the impact of Romantic poets like Shelley, Coleridge, Blake, and C.S Lewis on his spiritual journey and worldview. Malcolm is the Chaplain and a Bye-Fellow at Girton College, Cambridge. He is the author of five books of poetry, several books on Christianity and theology, and regularly performs as a singer and guitarist with the rock band “Mystery Train.”

The Romantic C.S. Lewis w/ Dr. Malcolm Guite

Joy Davidman

In our second bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. Crystal Downing about why C.S. Lewis chose Joy and how Dorothy L. Sayers helped Lewis appreciate brilliant, fiery women bristled against cultural gender expectations. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 21, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018.

In our second bonus episode, Patti Callahan Henry, author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis, interviews Dr. Crystal Downing about why C.S. Lewis chose Joy and how Dorothy L. Sayers helped Lewis appreciate brilliant, fiery women bristled against cultural gender expectations. This episode originally aired on Patti's new podcast on October 21, 2019. Check out her 7-part series, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-scenes-of-becoming-mrs-lewis/id1479210933" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis</a>, and listen to other episodes of her podcast, as Patti explores in-depth the improbable and beautiful love story between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patti-callahan-becoming-mrs-lewis/id1445951501?i=1000425979555" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Listen to our interview with Patti back in December 2018</a>.

BONUS: Why did Lewis choose Joy Davidman?

Holly Ordway

Laura Schmidt

The recently released “Tolkien” movie, starring Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins and directed by Dome Karukoski, is shining a light on J.R.R. Tolkien’s early life but does it offer an accurate picture? Dr. Holly Ordway and Laura Schmidt sit down with Crystal and David to offer their expert opinions on the film and discuss several missed opportunities. Their conclusion: Sometimes the truth about Tolkien’s life is more cinematic than the biopic.

The recently released “Tolkien” movie, starring Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins and directed by Dome Karukoski, is shining a light on J.R.R. Tolkien’s early life but does it offer an accurate picture? Dr. Holly Ordway and Laura Schmidt sit down with Crystal and David to offer their expert opinions on the film and discuss several missed opportunities. Their conclusion: Sometimes the truth about Tolkien’s life is more cinematic than the biopic.

Reviewing "Tolkien," w/ Dr. Holly Ordway and Laura Schmidt

Philip Ryken

President of Wheaton College, Dr. Philip Ryken sits down with Crystal and David this week to discuss his 2017 book The Messiah Comes to Middle-earth. Dr. Ryken addresses the inspiration for his book, based on his 2015-2016 Hansen lectures. He also discusses the difference between allegory and "applicability" in Tolkien, as the creator of The Lord of the Rings was famously averse to one-on-one correspondences in storytelling.

President of Wheaton College, Dr. Philip Ryken sits down with Crystal and David this week to discuss his 2017 book The Messiah Comes to Middle-earth. Dr. Ryken addresses the inspiration for his book, based on his 2015-2016 Hansen lectures. He also discusses the difference between allegory and "applicability" in Tolkien, as the creator of The Lord of the Rings was famously averse to one-on-one correspondences in storytelling.

"The Messiah Comes to Middle-earth" w/ President Philip Ryken

Christine A. Colón

What can detective novels teach us about community? Dorothy L. Sayers expert, Dr. Christine Colón (Professor of English at Wheaton College) returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, Choosing Community: Action, Faith, and Joy in the Works of Dorothy L. Sayers, based on her 2017-2018 Hansen lectures. Also joining this week's discussion on the theme of community in the work of Sayers is one of the contributors to the book, Dr. Tiffany Eberle Kriner, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College. What can we learn about community from Sayers's works and what does it mean to be called to live in community together? Listen to  Ep. 17: The Importance of Being Vulgar w/ Dr. Christine Colón

What can detective novels teach us about community? Dorothy L. Sayers expert, Dr. Christine Colón (Professor of English at Wheaton College) returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, <a href="https://www.ivpress.com/choosing-community" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Choosing Community: Action, Faith, and Joy in the Works of Dorothy L. Sayers</a>, based on her 2017-2018 Hansen lectures. Also joining this week's discussion on the theme of community in the work of Sayers is one of the contributors to the book, Dr. Tiffany Eberle Kriner, Associate Professor of English at Wheaton College. What can we learn about community from Sayers's works and what does it mean to be called to live in community together? Listen to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-importance-of-being-vulgar-w-dr-christine-col%C3%B3n/id1445951501?i=1000444331332" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Ep. 17: The Importance of Being Vulgar w/ Dr. Christine Colón</a>

"Choosing Community" w/ Dr. Christine A. Colón

George Macdonald

Timothy Larsen

Scholars are fond of calling the Victorian era "the age of doubt" and skepticism. In this week's episode, Crystal and David discuss with Dr. Timothy Larsen the topic of his recent book, "George MacDonald in the Age of Miracles," a product of the Hansen Lectureship Series at the Wade Center. Dr. Larsen discusses the ways in which MacDonald sought to counteract skepticism and reclaim a belief in the miraculous. They also discuss MacDonald's place in Victorian literature and the impact of his fairy tales on the religious imagination.

Scholars are fond of calling the Victorian era "the age of doubt" and skepticism. In this week's episode, Crystal and David discuss with Dr. Timothy Larsen the topic of his recent book, "George MacDonald in the Age of Miracles," a product of the Hansen Lectureship Series at the Wade Center. Dr. Larsen discusses the ways in which MacDonald sought to counteract skepticism and reclaim a belief in the miraculous. They also discuss MacDonald's place in Victorian literature and the impact of his fairy tales on the religious imagination.

Doubting George MacDonald w/ Dr. Timothy Larsen

Michael Ward

Dr. Michael Ward, award-winning author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and The Narnia Code: C.S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens, discusses his best-selling books and thesis about the secret theme that lies behind and which knits together all of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia. Dr. Ward also discusses with Drs. Crystal and David Downing his role and the story behind the memorial for C.S. Lewis placed in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey on the 50th anniversary of Lewis’s death.

Dr. Michael Ward, award-winning author of Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis and The Narnia Code: C.S. Lewis and the Secret of the Seven Heavens, discusses his best-selling books and thesis about the secret theme that lies behind and which knits together all of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia. Dr. Ward also discusses with Drs. Crystal and David Downing his role and the story behind the memorial for C.S. Lewis placed in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey on the 50th anniversary of Lewis’s death.

"Planet Narnia" and "The Narnia Code" w/ Dr. Michael Ward

Christine Colón

Dorothy L. Sayers produced not just detective novels but stage and radio plays as well as vernacular translations of Dante's Divine Comedy, all for the masses. She aimed her work squarely at the non-elite or the "vulgar" masses. But why? This week, Dr. Christine Colón, Professor of English at Wheaton College, sits down with Crystal Downing and Marjorie Mead to discuss her new book, Writing for the Masses: Dorothy L. Sayers and the Literary Tradition.

Dorothy L. Sayers produced not just detective novels but stage and radio plays as well as vernacular translations of Dante's Divine Comedy, all for the masses. She aimed her work squarely at the non-elite or the "vulgar" masses. But why? This week, Dr. Christine Colón, Professor of English at Wheaton College, sits down with Crystal Downing and Marjorie Mead to discuss her new book, Writing for the Masses: Dorothy L. Sayers and the Literary Tradition.

The Importance of Being Vulgar w/ Dr. Christine Colón

Charles Williams

Sørina Higgins

J.R.R. Tolkien called him a witch doctor; C.S. Lewis called him a saint. Who was Charles Williams, the oddest Inkling? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss Charles Williams, editor at Oxford University Press and practitioner of occult magic, with Sørina Higgins (Sørina is a Ph.D. candidate at Baylor University, faculty member at Signum University, and editor of the Williams blog, "The Oddest Inkling"). Who was Williams? What did Lewis, Tolkien, and the other Inklings think of him and his work? And why is he so odd and controversial?

J.R.R. Tolkien called him a witch doctor; C.S. Lewis called him a saint. Who was Charles Williams, the oddest Inkling? In this week's episode, Drs. Crystal and David C. Downing discuss Charles Williams, editor at Oxford University Press and practitioner of occult magic, with Sørina Higgins (Sørina is a Ph.D. candidate at Baylor University, faculty member at Signum University, and editor of the Williams blog, "<a href="https://theoddestinkling.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Oddest Inkling</a>"). Who was Williams? What did Lewis, Tolkien, and the other Inklings think of him and his work? And why is he so odd and controversial?

The Discarded Mage: Charles Williams w/ Sørina Higgins

When is a dragon more than a dragon? In this week's episode Dr. David C. Downing (Co-Director of the Marion E. Wade Center and co-host of our podcast) sits down with Crystal and Producer Aaron Hill to discuss his inaugural lecture which compared the imaginary worlds created by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in their respective novels. Does the way that Lewis and Tolkien use dragons reveal something more fundamental about the way they approached world-building and the realm of imagination?

When is a dragon more than a dragon? In this week's episode Dr. David C. Downing (Co-Director of the Marion E. Wade Center and co-host of our podcast) sits down with Crystal and Producer Aaron Hill to discuss his inaugural lecture which compared the imaginary worlds created by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien in their respective novels. Does the way that Lewis and Tolkien use dragons reveal something more fundamental about the way they approached world-building and the realm of imagination?

Dragons & Angels: World-Making in Lewis and Tolkien w/ Dr. David C. Downing

Why would anyone forge C.S. Lewis's signature? It turns out, there is a thriving market for used and rare books by Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the other Inklings. Indeed, collectors pay thousands of dollars for a signed copy! Crystal and David sit down with Stan E. Shelley, of Shelley and Son Books, to learn about forged signatures and the fascinating world of rare books. Stay tuned until the end to hear an excerpt from an unpublished letter by Joy Davidman about falling in love with C.S. Lewis.

Why would anyone forge C.S. Lewis's signature? It turns out, there is a thriving market for used and rare books by Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the other Inklings. Indeed, collectors pay thousands of dollars for a signed copy! Crystal and David sit down with Stan E. Shelley, of Shelley and Son Books, to learn about forged signatures and the fascinating world of rare books. Stay tuned until the end to hear an excerpt from an unpublished letter by Joy Davidman about falling in love with C.S. Lewis.

Buying and Selling the Inklings

What or who inspired J.R.R. Tolkien as he created The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? Most scholarship focuses on sources from the Middle Ages that inspired Tolkien's timeless tales. However, in this week's episode Dr. Holly Ordway sits down with Dr. David Downing and Laura Schmidt (Wade Archivist) to discuss the overlooked modern sources and authors who influenced Tolkien, based on her forthcoming book, Tolkien's Modern Sources: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages. If you are a Tolkien fan, you do not want to miss this episode.

What or who inspired J.R.R. Tolkien as he created The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? Most scholarship focuses on sources from the Middle Ages that inspired Tolkien's timeless tales. However, in this week's episode Dr. Holly Ordway sits down with Dr. David Downing and Laura Schmidt (Wade Archivist) to discuss the overlooked modern sources and authors who influenced Tolkien, based on her forthcoming book, Tolkien's Modern Sources: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages. If you are a Tolkien fan, you do not want to miss this episode.

Tolkien's Modern Sources w/ Dr. Holly Ordway

Instead of reading novels, more and more people are watching movies and epic TV shows. With Oscar season upon us, we are focusing on movies this January with two special episodes. This week Dr. David C. Downing and Producer Aaron Hill sit down with our very own Co-director, Dr. Crystal Downing to discuss her recent inaugural lecture on Dorothy L. Sayers and cinema as well as her work on how Christians can communicate unchanging truths through ever-changing mediums like movies. Join us on January 23rd for a special episode about the movie adaptations of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Instead of reading novels, more and more people are watching movies and epic TV shows. With Oscar season upon us, we are focusing on movies this January with two special episodes. This week Dr. David C. Downing and Producer Aaron Hill sit down with our very own Co-director, Dr. Crystal Downing to discuss her recent inaugural lecture on Dorothy L. Sayers and cinema as well as her work on how Christians can communicate unchanging truths through ever-changing mediums like movies. Join us on January 23rd for a special episode about the movie adaptations of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

"Salvation from Cinema" w/ Dr. Crystal Downing

Brian Daigle

Since his death in 1936, the voluminous work and razor sharp wit of G.K. Chesterton have impacted generations of Christians, especially Catholics. Brian Daigle, Headmaster of Sequitur Classical Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sits down with David and Crystal to discuss Chesterton's ongoing legacy and impact, not only as a journalist and novelist but as a theologian and Christian thinker.

Since his death in 1936, the voluminous work and razor sharp wit of G.K. Chesterton have impacted generations of Christians, especially Catholics. Brian Daigle, Headmaster of Sequitur Classical Academy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sits down with David and Crystal to discuss Chesterton's ongoing legacy and impact, not only as a journalist and novelist but as a theologian and Christian thinker.

Saint Gilbert: The Question of Chesterton's Legacy w/ Brian Daigle

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Practical Philosophy & How To Live

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!