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.