What happens when every craving gets treated like a command?

According to Aquinas, that’s not freedom—it’s imprisonment.

This episode explores chastity not as prudish rule-following, but as the struggle to keep reason in the driver’s seat when desire wants control. And it pushes even further:

The things you attach yourself to shape who you become.

Which means chastity isn’t only about sex.It’s about whether your life is ordered toward something higher—or scattered across drives, desires and distractions.

Sharp, uncomfortable, and surprisingly relevant.

Read the relevant articles of the Summa here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 151. Article 1: Whether chastity is a virtue.

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 151. Article 2: Whether chastity is a general virtue.

Because in reality, most outcomes are set in motion long before the moment things fall apart.

This episode unpacks a hard truth: even if your awareness fades later, your earlier decisions still count. And they don’t just count—they carry forward into everything that follows.

You’re not judged only by what you did in the moment.You’re judged by what you chose knowing full well where it could lead.

Read the relevant articles of the Summa here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 150. Article 4: Whether drunkenness excuses from sin?

This episode explores why drunkenness can be seriously sinful without being the gravest evil, and why some sins strike deeper than self-destruction. Along the way: intention, the hierarchy of goods, the devil’s “path of least resistance,” and a moral puzzle involving an assassin over drinks.

Read the relevant articles of the Summa here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 150. Article 2: Whether duunkenness is a mortal sin?

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 150. Article 3: Whether drunkenness is the gravest of sins?

Drawing on Thomas Aquinas, this episode draws a hard line between what happens to you and what you choose to do.

Because the real issue isn’t the state of being drunk—it’s the decision that got you there.

We get into edge cases most people ignore: accidental intoxication, social pressure, responsibility for others, and why “I didn’t mean to” doesn’t always hold up.

If you’ve only ever heard surface-level takes on this topic, this will sharpen your thinking fast.

Read the relevant articles of the Summa here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 150. Article 1: Is Drunkenness A Sin?

Drawing from Thomas Aquinas, this episode cuts through the noise: alcohol isn’t inherently wrong—but losing control is.

When reason gets pushed aside, everything else follows—bad decisions, damaged relationships, and avoidable regret.

But here’s where it gets uncomfortable: sobriety isn’t equally easy for everyone. Age, temperament, even your situation in life—all of it matters.

So where’s the line between freedom and self-sabotage?

This episode doesn’t moralize. It clarifies.

Read the relevant articles of the Summa here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2. Question 149: Sobriety

According to Thomas Aquinas, it leaves behind six lasting effects—what he calls the “daughters” of gluttony. And they show up where you least expect: in your thoughts, your words, and your behavior.

Why do people talk too much after indulging?Why does clarity disappear?Why do large family gatherings spiral into conflict?

This episode connects the dots—revealing how one “harmless” habit can quietly shape everything else.Read The Relevant Articles of the Summa Theologica Here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 5. Whether gluttony is a capital vice?

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 6. Whether six daughters are fittingly assigned to gluttony?

Aquinas disagrees.

In this episode, we break open a far sharper insight:gluttony has five distinct forms — and most of them have nothing to do with quantity.

You might not overeat…and still be deeply caught in it.

Eating too early.Obsessing over “perfect” food.Needing it expensive.Eating fast, mindlessly, constantly.

Suddenly, gluttony doesn’t look rare.It looks… normal.

We also tackle a bigger question:Is gluttony actually the worst sin?

And the answer reveals something unsettling —it may not be the greatest… but it quietly opens the door to many others.

This episode will change the way you look at food, discipline, and desire.

Because what feels small… is shaping everything.

Read The Relevant Articles of the Summa Theologica Here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 3. Whether gluttony is the greatest of sins?

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 4. Whether the species of gluttony are fittingly distinguished?

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You’ve been told gluttony is about eating too much.

It isn’t.

It’s about why you eat.

Gluttony, as the Summa defines it, isn’t about the amount on your plate. It’s about whether your desire for food is ordered — governed by reason — or whether it has slipped its leash and started running the show. The diet industry counts calories. Aquinas counts something harder to measure: whether your hunger is in its proper place.

In this episode, we dig into Article 1 of Question 148 — whether gluttony is even a sin, and what separates a legitimate desire for food from a disordered one. The answer cuts deeper than abstinence and excess. It’s about a desire that bypasses reason — one that turns eating from a human act into something closer to compulsion. And the implications go well beyond the dinner table.

If you thought this vice was just about seconds at the buffet, this episode will change your frame entirely.

Read The Relevant Articles of the Summa Theologica Here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 1. Whether gluttony is a sin?

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 148. Article 2. Whether the species of gluttony are fittingly described?

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You followed every rule. One meal. No seconds. And according to Aquinas, it still counted for nothing.

In this episode, we unpack why Lent falls before Easter — not after — and why that order matters more than most people think. Then Aquinas goes further: what kind of fasting actually works, and what kind quietly fails.

There’s a “fast of joy” that has nothing to do with penance. Fasting on a Sunday of Lent isn’t holy — it’s sinful. And the one-meal rule isn’t a loophole. Eat immoderately at that single meal, and the entire merit of the fast evaporates. Aquinas cares about intention. He always has.

The problem was never the rule. It was the person keeping it.

Read The Relevant Articles of the Summa Theologica Here:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 147. Article 5. Whether the times for the church’s fast are fittingly appointed.

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 147. Article 6. Whether it is requisite for fasting that one eat but once.

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Modern culture tells us to “listen to your inner child.” To “Just do it!” and to “Obey your thirst!”

Aquinas would say that’s exactly the problem.

In this episode, we explore one of the most unexpected claims in the Summa: intemperance is childish. Not because children enjoy pleasure — but because both children and unchecked desires refuse to listen to reason.

Left alone, a child becomes headstrong.Left alone, desire becomes a tyrant.

Through this lens, Aquinas reveals something surprisingly practical: why discipline matters, why habits harden into necessities, and why self-control works the same way good parenting does — you train what would otherwise take over.

If you’ve ever felt like your impulses were running the show, this episode explains why.

Read Along Here:Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 142. Article 2. Whether intemperance is a childish sin?

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We’ve heard a thousand sermons about excess.

Almost none about deficiency.

In this episode, we dive into the vice of insensibility — the strange and nearly forgotten sin of refusing legitimate pleasure. Can denying wine, sex, or even simple joy actually be contrary to reason? When does abstinence become pride? When does “discipline” become disdain for God’s design?

Through Aristotle and Aquinas, we unpack why virtue is qualitative, not mathematical — and why the body is not your enemy. To reject pleasure without right reason isn’t holiness. It’s a failure to understand human nature itself.

If you’ve ever confused seriousness with sanctity, this one’s going to hit.

Read Along Here:Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 142. Article 1. Whether insensibility is a vice?

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You don’t have a discipline problem. You have a dictator problem.

In this episode, we unpack why abstinence and fasting aren’t medieval leftovers but weapons against the quiet tyranny of desire. Drawing from Aquinas, we break down the difference between a habit and an act of virtue, why virtue isn’t about “moderation” in a shallow sense, and how unchecked desire slowly takes over like a ruler who never leaves office.

Fasting does three radical things: it lowers the volume of lust, frees the mind for God, and scrubs the stains sin leaves behind—even after confession. Lent isn’t about diet culture. It’s about regime change in the soul.

Read The Relevant Articles of the Summa Theologica Here:Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 146. Abstinence

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 147. Article 1. Whether fasting is an act of virtue?

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Some pleasures don’t just tempt you—they hijack you. In this episode, we unpack why temperance isn’t about being boring or repressed, but about protecting your freedom, your integrity, and your sanity. Aquinas shows how unchecked desire corrupts judgment, shatters tranquility, and stains reputations beyond repair. From addiction to inner turmoil to public disgrace, we explore why temperance is the quiet virtue that keeps your soul ordered, peaceful, and beautiful.Read Along Here:Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 141. Article 2. Whether temperance is a special virtue?

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Does more pleasure mean more happiness? Or does lived experience say otherwise? Drawing from Aquinas, this episode shows why excess quietly sabotages enjoyment, and how the virtue of temperance doesn’t suppress desire but trains it. From food and drink to deeper human pleasures, reason sets the limits that make enjoyment last. Lose moderation, and pleasure turns on you. Master it, and pleasure finally does what it’s supposed to do.

Notes:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 141. Article 1. Whether temperance is a virtue?

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Perseverance is more than willpower — it’s a virtue that keeps you holding on to good goals when things get hard. In this episode, we explore two vices that oppose perseverance: effeminacy (softness, indulgence, avoiding hardship) and pertinacity (stubbornness, headstrong rigidity). We also unpack practical ways to remove the obstacles in your soul — voluntary deprivation, penance, and mortification — so that perseverance can take root and flourish.

Notes:

Notes:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 138. Article 1. Whether effeminacy is opposed to perseverance?

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 138. Article 2. Whether pertinacity is opposed to perseverance?

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Starting is easy. Lasting is not. In this episode, we break down what perseverance really is — not as raw willpower, but as a virtue that shows up in two very different ways: the perseverance you need to get through ordinary days, and the perseverance required to finish well at the very end of life. Along the way, we touch on constancy, why it’s so rare, and what physical training can teach us about patience, endurance, and staying the course when quitting feels reasonable. If you’ve ever wondered why momentum fades, discipline collapses, or good intentions don’t survive time, this episode gets to the root of it.

Notes:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 137. Article 1: Whether Perseverance Is A Virtue?

Article 4: Whether Perseverance Needs The Help Of Grace

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Patience gets talked about constantly, yet not many can actually define it. In this episode, we strip away the soft, modern version of patience and get precise: patience is the virtue that helps us bear the sorrow other people cause us — without breaking, exploding, or quietly hardening. We look at why this virtue has become so rare, what happens when it disappears, and why its absence leads to consequences far more serious than we like to admit. The episode closes with practical ways to grow in patience, not as passive tolerance, but as a strength that makes living with others possible.

Notes:

Summa Theologica. Part 2 of 2, Question 136. Article 1: Whether Patience Is A Virtue?

Summa Theologica. Part 1 of 2, Question 38: The Remedies of Sorrow

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Magnificence is the virtue concerned with spending large sums on great undertakings — which is exactly why most people assume it has nothing to do with them. In this episode, we confront that assumption head-on. We unpack what magnificence actually means within the virtues, how it belongs alongside fortitude, and why its heart is interior strength rather than external wealth. Yes, it deals with big money and big initiatives — but the deeper truth is that anyone can live this virtue, regardless of their bank balance. If you’ve ever dismissed magnificence as a virtue “for other people,” this episode makes the case that you’ve been missing the point.

Notes:

Part 2 of 2, Question 134. Magnificence

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We all know what it feels like to step back from something we could — and probably should — take on. That shrinking, that discouragement, that fear of failing again after past failures… that’s exactly what this episode tackles. And the tradition has a name for it: pusillanimity.

This episode runs longer than usual because we walk through two articles on the topic — what this “small-soul” mindset actually is, where it comes from, and why old disappointments make us hesitant to try again. We also look at a couple of solid remedies for rebuilding heart and confidence so you can finally step toward the good you keep avoiding.

Part 2 of 2, Question 133, Articles 1 & 2. Pusillanimity

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Vainglory isn’t just about wanting attention — it’s one of the seven deadly sins that quietly poisons everyday life. In this episode, we dig into the messy fallout it creates: discord, obstinacy, the need to be “different” just to stand out, even hypocrisy. These aren’t abstract ideas; they’re the habits that make living with each other harder than it needs to be. If you’ve ever wondered why small conflicts spiral, why apologies never come, or why tension lingers in the air, this episode shows how vainglory sits at the root of it all.Notes:

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 132, Article 4. Whether vainglory is a capital vice.

Part 2 of 2, Question 132, Article 5. Whether the daughters of vainglory are suitably reckoned to be disobedience, boastfulness, hypocrisy, contention, obstinacy, discord, and love of novelties?

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Glory isn’t the problem — empty glory is. In this episode, we break down the vice of vainglory and why it’s everywhere today, especially online. You’ll hear what makes the desire for glory praiseworthy, what makes it hollow, and how to think about recognition in a way that doesn’t backfire. If you want a practical guide to avoiding empty applause while still aiming at real excellence, this one’s for you.Notes:

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 132, Article 1. Whether the desire of glory is a sin.

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Most people assume ambition is harmless — even admirable. But once you pin down what ambition actually is, the picture changes fast. In this episode, we break open a definition that reveals why ambition can cross the line into sin, and why the hunger for honour is far trickier than it looks. We also dig into the surprising way prestige can be used for someone else’s good, not your own. If you’ve ever wondered whether honour can be handled responsibly, this one is worth your time.

Notes

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 131, Article 1. Whether ambition is a sin.

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We talk about “respecting nature” all the time — the oceans, the forests, the planet. But what about human nature? In this episode, we take a hard look at the sin of presumption — the temptation to push past our limits and manipulate what’s meant to be received, not redesigned. It’s the arrogance of trying to be more than human, and the cost is always the same: we lose touch with what makes us human at all. Along the way, we debunk the myth of “my body, my choice”, explore why the pursuit of virtue isn’t a solo sport, and why having a moral “coach” matters as much for the soul as it does in the gym.

Notes

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 130, Article 1. Whether presumption is a sin.

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Magnanimity might sound lofty, but it’s meant to be lived. In this episode, we dig into the hidden practical wisdom of Aquinas’s Summa —the kind that’s tucked between the objections and replies. Step by step, we uncover some of the practical elements of this virtuous desire for honour. But this isn’t a passive listen: to really get it, you’ll need to read along, wrestle with the text yourself, and catch the insights I can only gesture toward in the episode. The links are in the show notes below —bring your curiosity and your courage.

Notes:

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 129, Article 3. Whether magnanimity is a virtue.

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We all want to be respected, admired, even celebrated—but that craving can easily twist into vanity. In this episode, we go straight to the heart of the tension between ambition and humility and uncover the forgotten virtue that helps us balance the two: magnanimity. It’s the greatness of soul that aims high without losing humility—the art of desiring honor for the right reasons, and in the right measure. We explore why honor alone can never make a person happy, what true recognition actually looks like, and how magnanimity transforms our hunger for esteem into the pursuit of genuine excellence.

Read the relevant Articles from the Summa Theologica here:

The first article we discuss:

Part 1 of 2, Question 2, Article 2. Whether man’s happiness consists in honours.

The second article we discuss:

Part 2 of 2, Question 129, Article 1. Whether magnanimity is about honours.

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We love to talk about resilience or fortitude —but most of us have no idea what it really looks like. It isn’t just grit. It isn’t just endurance. And it definitely isn’t pretending you’re fine when you’re not. In this episode, we unpack the many faces of resilience—from patience and perseverance to the forgotten virtues of magnificence and magnanimity. Each reveals a different way of holding your ground when life hits hard. Knowing the difference isn’t academic—it’s practical power. Because once you see the shape your resilience takes, you can stop confusing passivity for patience, or stubbornness for strength—and start using the right kind of toughness when it actually matters.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 128, Article 1. Whether the parts of fortitude are suitably assigned?

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Fear is supposed to protect us—but what if it’s the very thing that’s killing our courage?

In this episode, we pull fear apart and find two very different forces at work: one that keeps us alive, and one that keeps us from living. The first warns us of danger. The second whispers excuses. It silences voices, weakens conviction, and turns leaders into bystanders. We explore how fear—when left unchecked—becomes more than hesitation; it becomes moral failure.

If you’ve ever found yourself holding back because of what others might think, this episode will make you question whether that fear is just natural… or something much darker.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 125, Article 1. Whether fear is a sin?

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When we hear the word martyrdom, we often imagine distant lands and people caught in the grip of extremists. But martyrdom isn’t only a story that happens “somewhere else.” In this episode, we uncover the unexpected faces of martyrdom in our own communities, exploring how sacrifice, suffering, and the pursuit of meaning even unto death manifest much closer to home.

Prepare to challenge assumptions, widen perspectives, and see how the concept of martyrdom is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 124, Article 5. Whether faith alone is the cause of martyrdom?

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WRONG!

Let's be honest. Doing good doesn't always give us a warm fuzzy feeling. In fact, it often down-right sucks. But why is that the case? Find out in this episode of "Summa Made Simple", where we discuss why doing the right thing isn't usually pleasant and delightful.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 123, Article 8. Whether the brave man delights in his act?

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Find out in this Episode of "Summa Made Simple", where we explore the usefulness of emotions and the good role they can play in our lives.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 123, Article 10. Whether the brave man makes use of anger in his action?

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The answer may surprise you. Find out in Episode 2 of Summa Made Simple, where we dive into the relationship between fortitude and endurance.

Read the relevant Article from the Summa Theologica here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 123, Article 6. Whether endurance is the chief act of fortitude?

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A bleak and miserable existence!

Welcome to Episode 1 of Summa Made Simple. In this Episode we will discuss the rationale of the show, then jump straight into the question whether fortitude is a virtue or not.

I know the intro jingle is corny. That's by design. The Summa Theologica, written by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 1200s, is a such a deep and heavy text. That's why this podcast exists: to make it accessible to the man on the street today. And that's why the intro jingle is corny: to ligthen things up a bit.

Read the Article from the Summa Theologica that we're looking at, here:

Part 2 of 2, Question 123, Article 1: Whether Fortitude Is A Virtue?

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