Ross Garner, Michael Conklin, Michael Bacon, Cruz Martinez, Pedro Tafoya, and Shalya Phillips discuss what great books, discussions, and mentors had the greatest impact on them while they were scholars at John Adams Academy, and why they chose to come back to the after graduation to teach. They talk about the learning environment at the Academy as one where the mentors are as engaged in the learning process as the scholars and are all working to improve themselves and increase their knowledge and abilities.

The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.

The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner, Karin Anderson, Mark Bixler and Victoria and Constance Smith discuss Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Mark begins by providing a short synopsis of the book after which Constances poses a question regarding the hypocrtical religious views of Marie St. Claire in the book. They discuss the nature of religion and the way it can ironically be twisted to justify immorality. They also discuss the effect of slavery on the human soul and how Uncle Tom attained a freedom of his soul in spite of his bonds.

The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.

The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner and Josh Christensen discuss William Wordsworth's sonnet "The World Is Too Much With Us." They begin by reading the peom aloud and then consider its meaning. They discuss why we as humans waste our powers in merely getting and spending money, and how we can live more in tune with Nature and harmonize our lives with others.

The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.

The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner, Cali Wassom, Ruth Boatwright, Marco Lordge, and Lillian Braatz discuss Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Ruth begins by providing a short synopsis of the book after which Lillian poses a question regarding Elizabeth Bennet's ability to fairly judge the character of others. They discuss the nature of pride and prejudice as vices and why we as humans like to dislike others.

The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.

The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner, Michael Conklin, Maya Wright and Austin Edlow discuss William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet. After a brief summary of the plot by Mr. Conklin, the group discusses the grief of Hamlet at the loss of his father and the hasty marriage of his mother and uncle. They consider whether the preciousness of life is directly connected to its mortal and finite nature. They also discuss Hamlet's famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy and whether Hamlet's attitude towards death and improper valuing of his own life is the cause of the whole tragedy.

The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.
The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner, Michael Conklin, Madylin Webster and Cooper McDaniel discuss Leo Tolstoy's short story The Death of Ivan Ilyich. To begin, Madylin offers a summary of the book to provide context for the listener. Cooper then starts the discussion by drawing the group's attention to the inappropriate premise with which Ivan Ilyich begins his marriage. Throughout the conversation, they explore the danger inherent in avoiding the unpleasant aspects of life and the importance of not settling for superficial relationships.
The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.
The music used in this episode is adapted and used with proper permission and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ross Garner and Michael Conklin introduce The Statesman, a classical education podcast affiliated with John Adams Academy. They explain that the purpose of the podcast is not to create an ivory tower book club, but to have down-to-earth discussions of great books for the benefit of average Americans. They share experiences from the classroom and their personal lives of the impact classical education has had on them and how they came to love and appreciate great books.
The views expressed by individuals in this podcast are their own and do not represent John Adams Academy.
The music accompanying this podcast is adapted and used with proper permision and licensing (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons).