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Thomas Aquinas

Mentioned in 34 analyzed podcast episodes across 10 shows

A medieval theologian and philosopher whose ideas on natural law, virtue, metaphysics, and Christian theology continue to inform contemporary Catholic apologetics and spiritual formation. His foundational arguments for God's existence (the Five Ways), teachings on love and virtue, and scriptural interpretations are frequently cited across Catholic media, intellectual discourse, and apologetic discussions. He serves as a central intellectual authority for understanding classical Christian theology and remains particularly influential as a model for integrating reason with faith.

Episode Appearances

Intelligent Design the Future

Intelligent Design the Future · May 13, 2026

How to Restore Sanity to Scientific Debates

“Referenced for arguments about the soul as form of the body and rational immortality”

Intelligent Design vs. Darwinian EvolutionObjectivity vs. Neutrality in Science and AcademiaMaterialism and Metaphysics
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Unashamed with the Robertson Family

Unashamed with the Robertson Family · May 8, 2026

Ep 1329 | The Robertsons Warn What Happens When God Is Removed from Human Rights

“Father of natural law philosophy; cited by Martin Luther King Jr. in civil rights arguments”

Natural Law Philosophy and Human RightsColonial American History (1607-1733)Religious Liberty and Establishment Clause
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Live Free with Josh Howerton

Live Free with Josh Howerton · May 6, 2026

Father Mike's Bible Claim FALLS APART | Live Free with Josh Howerton

“Cited from Catholic Encyclopedia as example of medieval Catholic uncertainty about apocrypha's canonical status”

Biblical Canon Formation and AuthorityApocrypha vs. Deuterocanonical Books ClassificationEarly Church Father Perspectives on Scripture
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The Michael Knowles Show

The Michael Knowles Show · May 4, 2026

Ep. 1966 - BILLIONS STOLEN: Foreigners In Ohio EXPOSED In Welfare Fraud Scam

“Referenced for classical understanding of sloth and spiritual fulfillment in Summa Theologiae”

Medicaid Fraud and Welfare AbuseForeign National Exploitation of US Social ProgramsAI Consciousness and Machine Learning Limitations
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Philosophize This!

Philosophize This! · Apr 26, 2026

Episode #246 ... The Myth of the Self-Made Person - Alasdair Macintyre

“Medieval philosopher whose concept of mercy (Misericordia) and Summa Theologiae are central to MacIntyre's virtue framework”

Virtue Ethics and Moral FormationDependency and Human VulnerabilityCritique of Enlightenment Liberalism
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Philosophize This!

Philosophize This! · Apr 12, 2026

Episode #245 ... The Rival Moral Approaches of the Modern World - Alasdair Macintyre

“Referenced as part of Aristotelian-Thomistic tradition MacIntyre advocates for”

Alasdair MacIntyre's moral philosophyThree rival versions of moral inquiryEncyclopedic moral viewpoint and liberalism
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Boring History for Sleep

Boring History for Sleep · Apr 12, 2026

The Complete History of Hell — 5,000 Years of Demons, Punishment, and the Afterlife 🔥 | Boring History for Sleep

“Refined medieval theology of hell with distinction between punishment of sense and punishment of loss”

Hell theology and doctrine across religionsOriginal sin and unbaptized infant damnationEternal versus temporary punishment debate
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O'Connor & Company

O'Connor & Company · Apr 3, 2026

Dr. Ryan Hanning, Father Paul Scalia, Latest on Artemis II

“Church Father whose intellectual work attracts Reformed Baptist converts to Catholicism”

Catholic Church Growth and Conversion TrendsReligious Resurgence Among Young AdultsDigital Evangelization and Faith Podcasts
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O'Connor & Company

O'Connor & Company · Apr 3, 2026

Dr. Ryan Hanning on the Record Surge in Catholic Converts

“Referenced as intellectual anchor drawing educated converts to Catholicism through study of theological tradition”

Catholic conversion trends and statisticsYoung adult religious engagement and Gen Z spiritualityCatholic apologetics and intellectual theology
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The Jefferson Fisher Podcast

The Jefferson Fisher Podcast · Mar 31, 2026

Harvard Professor: 4 Secrets to a Happy Marriage (Backed by Neuroscience)

“Referenced for definition of love as 'willing the good of the other' rather than sentiment”

Neuroscience of bonding: oxytocin, vasopressin, and eye contact in relationshipsFour secrets to marriage happiness: eye contact, physical touch, fun prioritization, shared prayerTechnology addiction and dopamine pathways: doom loops in social media and internet use
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The Swiftie and The Scholar

The Swiftie and The Scholar · Mar 26, 2026

The Feminist Critique of Mad Woman

“Referenced for medieval theological views on women's nature in Summa Theologia”

Feminist Literary Criticism and The Madwoman in the AtticPathologization of Women's Anger in Medical and Cultural HistoryWandering Uterus Theory and Medieval Misogyny
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Catholic Bible Study

Catholic Bible Study · Feb 28, 2026

Anchored Bible Conference: Questions & Answers

“Medieval theologian cited for insights on Psalms as dialogue between God and humanity, and Jesus fulfilling the Sabbath”

Essential Old Testament Books for Catholic StudyDead Sea Scrolls Textual Discoveries and ValidationMary's Participation in Christ's Suffering and Redemption
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Pints With Aquinas

Pints With Aquinas · Feb 27, 2026

What I Wish I Knew When I Converted | Ft. Dr. Scott Hahn

“Referenced for Five Ways arguments for God's existence discussed in conversion apologetics”

Catholic conversion from agnosticismSpiritual direction for new convertsEvangelization strategies and family dynamics
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Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons - Catholic Preaching and Homilies

Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons - Catholic Preaching and Homilies · Feb 26, 2026

The Adventure of Salvation

“Medieval theologian cited for explanation of transfiguration's purpose in revealing glory to come.”

Spiritual adventure and risk-taking in faithAugustine's theology of sin as self-centerednessAbraham as father of faith and model of obedience
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Pints With Aquinas

Pints With Aquinas · Feb 23, 2026

Why Mormonism Denies God's Existence (Joe Heschmeyer) | Ep. 567

“Medieval theologian whose contingency argument disproves both atheism and LDS theology”

LDS Theology and AtheismCreation Ex Nihilo vs. Material EternalismAdam-God Doctrine and Prophetic Authority
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Feb 23, 2026

The Science Behind Being Good at Leisure

“Medieval philosopher referenced for understanding of leisure and virtue; his Summa Theologia cited as leisure reading”

Leisure as foundational skill and cultural indicatorPleasure vs. enjoyment neuroscience and prefrontal cortex engagementAcedia (spiritual and mental sloth) in modern life
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Live Free with Josh Howerton

Live Free with Josh Howerton · Feb 11, 2026

Megachurch Pastor Reacts to James Talarico's INSANE Claims on ABORTION!? | Live Free with Josh Howerton

“Medieval theologian cited for teaching that destroying life in the womb incurs guilt of murder”

Biblical Hermeneutics and Argument from SilenceEarly Church History on Abortion (Didache, Church Fathers)Jesus's Teaching on Marriage and Sexual Ethics
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SOLVED with Mark Manson

SOLVED with Mark Manson · Feb 11, 2026

Solved Highlight: The Real Reason You Procrastinate

“Medieval philosopher mentioned in historical context of procrastination theory development”

Emotion Regulation and Procrastination PsychologyEnvironmental Design for Behavior ChangeMinimum Viable Action Framework
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Feb 9, 2026

How to Find Love in 2026

“Medieval theologian cited for defining love as 'to will the good of the other'”

Neurobiology of romantic love and pair bondingFour-stage neurochemical cascade of falling in loveMarriage and cohabitation decline statistics
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The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture · Feb 9, 2026

WOF 528: The Early Days w/ Bishop Barron & Fr. Steve (pt. 2)

“Medieval theologian and primary patron saint of Word on Fire; inspired Barron's priestly vocation and intellectual approach”

Thomas Aquinas and medieval Catholic intellectual traditionSt. Thérèse of Lisieux and intercessory spiritualityPost-Vatican II Catholic cultural shifts and identity
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The Dr. Josh Axe Show

The Dr. Josh Axe Show · Feb 5, 2026

Kirk Cameron Speaks Out on Hell, Demons & the Dark Side of Hollywood

“Medieval theologian young people studying for intellectual integrity and scriptural grounding of theology”

Parenting and Child DevelopmentChristian Faith and TheologyHell and Afterlife Theology
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The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture · Feb 2, 2026

WOF 527: Reason and Authority (12 of 12)

“Young theologian (age 25) cited as example of how junior figures drive theological innovation and understanding.”

John Henry Newman's theological philosophyChurch authority and infallibilitySensus fidelium (sense of the faithful)
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The BEMA Podcast

The BEMA Podcast · Jan 29, 2026

494: Vice & Virtue — Love

“Medieval theologian quoted on love as the mother and root of all virtue, foundational to wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance.”

1 Corinthians 13 and biblical theology of loveVirtue ethics and the hierarchy of virtuesRomantic love and long-term marriage dynamics
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Jan 19, 2026

How to Set the Right Goals in Life

“Medieval philosopher whose framework of four idols (money, power, pleasure, fame) used to distinguish things from people-focused goals”

Goal-setting frameworks and proxy goalsIntrinsic vs. extrinsic motivationPurpose and meaning in life
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The Saints

The Saints · Jan 19, 2026

Francis De Sales: Episode One

“Medieval theologian whose writings are cited by Calvin to support predestination doctrine”

Calvinist theology and predestination doctrineCatholic-Protestant religious conflict in Savoie regionTheological education at the Sorbonne in Paris
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Live Free with Josh Howerton

Live Free with Josh Howerton · Jan 12, 2026

ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: How Should Christians Respond!? | Live Free with Josh Howerton

“Catholic theologian cited as example of direct encounter with God late in life, abandoning his theological system”

Water Baptism Theology and PracticeInfant Baptism vs. Believer Baptism DebateBaptism of the Holy Spirit and Spirit-Filling
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The Peter Attia Drive

The Peter Attia Drive · Dec 22, 2025

#377 ‒ Special episode: Understanding true happiness and the tools to cultivate a meaningful life—insights from past interviews with Arthur Brooks

“Medieval philosopher cited for defining love as willing the good of the other as other”

Happiness Science and NeuroscienceHedonic Treadmill and AdaptationEnjoyment vs. Pleasure Distinction
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Dec 15, 2025

3 Ways to Want Less and Be Happier

“Medieval philosopher and Dominican monk cited as example of choosing sage path (poverty) over prince path (prestige).”

Dopamine neuroscience and hedonic adaptationSatisfaction as a component of happinessDelayed gratification and struggle as value drivers
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Making Sense with Sam Harris

Making Sense with Sam Harris · Dec 8, 2025

#448 — The Philosophy of Good and Evil

“Medieval philosopher credited with originating the doctrine of double effect, distinguishing intent from foresight in moral acts”

Consequentialist Ethics and Moral PhilosophyTrolley Problem Variants and Moral IntuitionsDoctrine of Double Effect (Intent vs. Foresight)
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Sleepy History

Sleepy History · Dec 7, 2025

Marzipan

“13th century theologian who reassured clergy that marzipan consumption does not break the Lenten fast”

Marzipan history and originsMedieval Islamic Golden Age medicine and foodProtected geographical indication (PGI) food standards
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Tin Foil Hat With Sam Tripoli

Tin Foil Hat With Sam Tripoli · Dec 6, 2025

#948: Defeating Death With Dr. Joseph P. Farrell

“Medieval theologian whose understanding of evil and natural law differs from modern interpretations”

Nazism vs Communism: Economic and ideological differencesCentral banking and monetary system manipulationDispensationalism and evangelical theology corruption
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Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

Office Hours with Arthur Brooks · Nov 3, 2025

Four Practical Ways to Live Like a Stoic with Ryan Holiday

“Integrated Stoic and Aristotelian philosophy; identified four idols (money, power, pleasure, honor) that govern human behavior.”

Stoic Philosophy and Modern ApplicationEmotional Self-Management and MetacognitionDevice Addiction and Technology Boundaries
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The Minimalists

The Minimalists · Oct 20, 2025

510 | Say Less

“Referenced as historical thinker who recognized insufficiency of words to capture transcendence”

Verbal Minimalism and CommunicationSilence and Interior QuietOversharing and Vulnerability Hangovers
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Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas · Jun 23, 2025

319 | Bryan Van Norden on Philosophy From the Rest of the World

“Medieval philosopher who faced resistance introducing Aristotle to European universities; example of canon evolution”

Non-Western Philosophy Curriculum IntegrationChinese Philosophy and ConfucianismIndian Philosophy and Buddhism
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