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What happens after we realize that education is about far more than information transfer?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with David Goodwin, president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Battle for the American Mind. David's newest book, Forging the American Mind, serves as a practical guide for parents and educators who want to understand not only why classical Christian education matters, but how it actually works.
Tune in to hear:
Why Battle for the American Mind resonated with so many parents and educators What paideia is and why it shapes every child's understanding of truth, identity, and purpose Why the most important question in education is not "What do you know?" but "How do you know?" How Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis continue to influence the classical Christian education movement Practical examples of classical education in action, from great books and handwriting to Socratic discussion and dialectical learning How adults who feel they "missed out" on a classical education can begin pursuing one todayAlong the way, David offers a compelling vision for recovering the lost tools of learning and cultivating wisdom, virtue, and intellectual freedom in the next generation. Whether you're a parent, educator, school leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will help you think more deeply about what education is for and how it shapes both individuals and culture.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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How do we faithfully raise children in a culture that constantly fragments their attention?
In this episode of Base Camp Live, Davies Owens welcomes Suzanne Phillips of Beacon Parent for a thoughtful and deeply encouraging conversation about parenting in an age of distraction, anxiety, and cultural confusion. Rather than offering another parenting checklist, Suzanne shares a biblical framework for becoming the kind of parent your children can follow.
Together, they explore what Suzanne calls the seven facets of a “Beacon Parent,” including the supremacy of Christ, expressed honor, intentional legacy, transformative wisdom, humble courage, secure identity, and personal responsibility.
Along the way, they discuss:
• Why everything starts at home
• The difference between knowledge and wisdom
• How technology is reshaping childhood
• Why honor is disappearing from families
• The dangers of fear-based parenting
• Why children need gradual responsibility
• How parents can lead with clarity instead of anxietyThis conversation is both practical and hopeful for parents seeking to raise grounded, thoughtful, Christ-centered children in a rapidly changing world.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Friendship does not happen automatically anymore. In a world filled with distraction, busyness, and surface-level interaction, many adults and students are struggling to form meaningful relationships.
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dirk Bellamy to discuss the growing loneliness crisis and why friendship is becoming one of the greatest challenges of modern life. Drawing from his own experience of realizing he had virtually no close friendships, Dirk shares the practical and deeply personal journey that led him to write his book, Why We Ask.
Together, they explore:
Why proximity is not the same as connection The difference between acquaintances, friends, and close friendships How asking better questions transforms relationships Why intentionality matters in building community How parents can help children develop friendship skills The connection between friendship, meaning, and authentic belonging Why curiosity and humility are essential for healthy relationshipsThis conversation offers practical encouragement for parents, educators, and anyone longing for deeper connection in an increasingly disconnected culture.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why “How was your day?” is often the wrong question The four levels of conversation, from small talk to deep talk Why men and women often approach friendship differently How meaningful friendships are intentionally cultivated Why authentic belonging is essential for human flourishingWhether you are trying to deepen your own friendships or help the next generation learn how to connect well, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical next steps.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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What does classical Christian education actually mean? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens continues the ongoing series on classical Christian education with guest Lindsey Ralls, Upper School Head at Summit Christian Academy. Together, they explore a practical framework for understanding the heart behind classical Christian education, not simply as a method or curriculum model, but as a vision for forming flourishing human beings.
Lindsey shares how Summit Christian Academy developed a one-page framework to help parents, teachers, and students better understand the deeper purpose of classical Christian education. The conversation moves beyond the familiar language of the trivium and great books into topics like virtue, paideia, ordered affections, truth, goodness, beauty, and the intentional formation of students.
Davies and Lindsey also discuss how the classical movement has matured over the last 30 years, shifting from an emphasis on educational stages and methodology toward a richer focus on formation and discipleship. They unpack several key principles that shape Summit’s approach, including formation over information, imitation over innovation, the givenness of the universe, and helping students distinguish between truth and reality.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information How schools can intentionally cultivate virtue and ordered affections The difference between truth and reality in today’s culture Why imitation and apprenticeship still matter in education Practical ways parents and teachers can create meaningful conversationsThis episode offers practical encouragement for educators and parents alike, especially those seeking to cultivate thoughtful conversations, wise affections, and a deeper understanding of what it means to raise children to love what is true, good, and beautiful.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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How do we move students from simply talking about truth, goodness, and beauty to actually living those ideals out in everyday life?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Sharon Carlson for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to develop an “operational theology” , a faith that shapes not just beliefs, but daily decisions, relationships, failures, and future plans. Sharon draws from decades of experience in classical Christian education, student formation, counseling, and college advising to explore how schools and parents can help students connect theology to real life.
Together, they discuss:
Why students often struggle to apply Christian truth in practical decisions What “the good life” actually means from a biblical perspective How parents and schools can respond redemptively when students fail Why discipline moments can become discipleship opportunities The difference between knowing Christian virtues and becoming more like Christ How theology helps students navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and major life decisions Why “the best next step” matters more than fear of making the “wrong” decisionSharon also shares insights from mentoring students through college and career decisions, helping them understand that God’s will is ultimately about being conformed to the character of Christ, not simply finding the perfect school, job, or path.
🎧 Tune in for a rich conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and helping the next generation move beyond slogans into deeply lived faith.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Anxiety is everywhere today, but what if it doesn’t always tell us the truth? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens welcomes back Keith McCurdy for another conversation in the Live Sturdy series. Together, they unpack why anxiety has become so common in students and parents, how overcommitment and fear-based decision making fuel the problem, and what schools and families can do to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and hope in a fragile age.
Keith shares practical insight from years of counseling families, students, and school leaders. From sports overload to perfectionism to the pressure-filled culture surrounding today’s kids, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on helping children grow stronger instead of more fragile.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why anxiety often doesn’t tell us the truth The difference between helping and rescuing children How over-scheduled families unintentionally fuel stress Why students need encouragement, truth, and healthy boundaries Practical ways schools can respond to anxious students with wisdom and patience How parents can create more margin, harmony, and stability at homeJoin us as we discuss what it means to raise children who can live sturdy, even in an anxious world.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Gen Z is more connected than any generation in history, yet also more isolated, anxious, and uncertain about their identity and purpose.
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, senior fellow at the Barna Group and author of You on Purpose, to explore the findings from Barna’s latest research on Gen Z mental health.
While anxiety and depression are on the rise, this conversation goes deeper. What if the core issue is not just mental health, but a lack of purpose, connection, and grounded identity?
Drawing from extensive research and expert interviews, Stephanie shares six key themes that offer a path forward for families and schools:
Creating tech-free spaces to reduce anxiety and restore focus Supporting parents as a critical foundation for student wellbeing Rebuilding real, in-person relationships and community Helping students reframe struggles with resilience and hope Returning to faith practices that ground identity and purpose Cultivating a sense of responsibility and calling beyond self🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why Gen Z is called a “generation of paradox” The surprising connection between purpose and mental health How small changes at home can make a lasting impact Why church and community matter more than everThis episode is both eye-opening and deeply practical, offering simple but powerful ways to help the next generation flourish.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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In a world where attention is constantly pulled in a thousand directions, how do we help students focus on what truly matters?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Tami Peterson, founder of Life Architects Coaching, to explore the growing challenge of distraction and its impact on formation. From shrinking attention spans to the overwhelming number of inputs competing for our focus, the conversation highlights how what we pay attention to ultimately shapes who we become.
Tami brings deep insight into how attention functions not just cognitively, but spiritually and relationally. Together, they discuss how modern technology, media, and even educational systems are influencing habits and affections, often without us realizing it.
But this episode is not just about the problem. It is about reclaiming attention with purpose. From forming meaningful habits in the home to helping students develop discernment in decisions like college and vocation, this conversation offers practical ways to guide the next generation toward what is true, good, and beautiful.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why attention is one of our most valuable and contested resources How distraction is shaping habits, identity, and decision-making The role of parents and educators in forming attentiveness Practical ways to help students grow in focus, discernment, and purposeJoin us as we revisit this must-hear episode and rediscover how forming attention can shape a life of purpose and clarity.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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What happens when schools and homes truly align?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Sadie Elliott, Director of the Herzog Foundation Institute, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of Christian education: the partnership between parents and schools.
Sadie shares what she is seeing from her unique vantage point serving thousands of Christian school leaders across the country. Together, she and Davies explore why education can never be outsourced, why parents remain the primary disciplers of their children, and how healthy Christian schools are working to build stronger connections between school life and home life.
They also discuss the continued growth of Christian education, the dangers of drifting into a “me too” model of schooling, the impact of technology on family life, and simple ways parents can become more intentional without feeling overwhelmed.
Tune in to hear:
Why Christian education is about much more than academics What Sadie is seeing in the growth of Christian schools nationwide Why parent engagement matters so much for spiritual formation How schools and families can either reinforce each other or work against each other Why the dinner table still matters How technology can erode attention, formation, and family rhythms What the Herzog Foundation Institute is doing to equip Christian school leadersThis conversation is a timely encouragement for parents, teachers, and school leaders who want to see the next generation formed with wisdom, faith, and conviction.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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What is education actually for?
Is it mainly about helping students get into college and launch a career, or is it about forming the kind of person who can flourish in faith, wisdom, and vocation?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Ali Ghaffari, Executive Director of the St. John Henry Newman Institute and founder of Divine Mercy Academy, for a rich conversation about leadership, renewal, and the true purpose of education.
Ali shares his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood to flying F-18s in the Navy, teaching leadership at the Naval Academy, embracing the Catholic faith, and helping lead renewal in Catholic education. Along the way, he reflects on how mentors, failure, and God’s providence shaped his life and calling.
Together, Davies and Ali explore the growing renewal movement in Catholic schools, the leadership challenges many schools face, and why education must aim higher than test scores and college admissions. They discuss the need for schools to form students in wisdom, virtue, and vocation, while also encouraging parents to raise their expectations and stay actively engaged in their children’s education.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Ali’s powerful personal story Why leadership in schools is so difficult and so important What is fueling renewal in Catholic and classical education Why education must be about formation, not just information How parents can partner more intentionally in their children’s schoolingThis is an encouraging episode for school leaders, parents, and anyone asking the deeper question of what education is really for.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Many parents today feel that education has been reduced to information transfer and job preparation. But what if education is meant to be much more than that?
In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. Patrick Egan to explore the enduring insights of Charlotte Mason, a visionary educator who emphasized the formation of the whole person. Her approach focuses not only on knowledge, but on shaping habits, cultivating affections, and nurturing a deep love for truth, goodness, and beauty.
Together, they unpack how Mason’s philosophy complements classical Christian education and offers practical ways to bring learning to life in both classrooms and homes. From narration and habit training to the importance of student ownership and joyful discovery, this conversation highlights what it truly means to educate a child as a person.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why education must go beyond information and focus on formation How Charlotte Mason’s ideas align with classical Christian education What it means to train habits that shape lifelong character How to cultivate deeper attention and meaningful learning Practical ways parents and teachers can foster ownership and joy in learningThis episode offers a compelling vision for education that forms not just knowledgeable students, but wise and flourishing human beings.
🎧 Join us for this must-hear episode and rediscover what it means to truly educate the whole child.
Show Notes:
Hear Davies being interviewed by Patrick as well on the Educational Renaissance podcast… https://open.spotify.com/episode/5dGgITjCsYnSGSzC8CuhqQ?si=69deaacd06c34721
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Modern education often promises clarity, efficiency, and measurable results. But what if those very strengths are quietly reshaping what we believe education is for?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Joshua Pauling to explore the subtle but powerful influence of what he calls the “tyranny of technique.” When systems, metrics, and methods take center stage, students can easily become outputs to manage rather than persons to form.
Josh brings a thoughtful perspective shaped by years in public education, classical education, and his work launching a new hybrid classical school. Together, they reflect on how common educational practices can unintentionally erode relationships, diminish wonder, and narrow our vision of formation.
But this conversation is not merely critical - it is deeply constructive.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
What Joshua Pauling means by the “tyranny of technique” and how it shows up in modern education How efficiency, grading systems, and metrics can subtly redefine what success looks like Why relationships, trust, and contemplation are essential to true learning The role of narration, oral assessment, and embodied practices in forming students What it looks like to resist a purely mechanistic model of schooling How Josh’s hybrid classical school is pursuing a more humane and restful vision of education Practical encouragement for parents and educators seeking to prioritize formation over performanceThis episode is an invitation to step back and reconsider our assumptions. For parents, educators, and school leaders alike, it offers a compelling reminder: education is not primarily about producing results, but about raising human beings.
Show Notes:
All Saints Classical Academy Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine Writing PortfolioSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Where do classical Christian schools find their teachers, and how are they trained?
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Rob Jackson to explore one of the biggest challenges facing classical education today, building a strong pipeline of teachers.
As more schools launch and grow, many are realizing that traditional certification programs do not prepare teachers for the classical classroom. Instead, schools are looking for educators with a love of their subject, a commitment to wisdom, and a willingness to be formed through mentorship and experience.
Dr. Jackson shares where schools are finding teachers today, including recent graduates, second-career professionals, homeschool parents, and experienced educators searching for a better model.
The conversation also highlights the role of apprenticeship, mentorship, and ongoing training in helping teachers grow in both skill and confidence.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why traditional teacher certification often falls short Where classical schools are finding teachers today How mentorship and apprenticeship shape strong educators What schools are really looking for in a teacherJoin us as we explore how schools are raising up the next generation of teachers and strengthening the future of classical Christian education.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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In this next episode in the BaseCamp Live series exploring classical Christian education, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Michael Adkins for a thoughtful conversation about what classical Christian education really is and why that question matters so much for families, schools, and the future of society.
Dr. Adkins brings both historical depth and practical insight as he explains that classical Christian education is not primarily about training students to do more, but about forming them to become a certain kind of person. In contrast to modern models that often focus on utility, credentials, and workforce preparation, this conversation highlights an older and richer vision of education, one centered on truth, goodness, beauty, wisdom, and virtue.
As part of this ongoing series, the episode helps listeners see that classical Christian education is not a trendy alternative or niche experiment. It is part of a much larger tradition that has shaped the West for centuries. Davies and Dr. Adkins trace the historical shift from a largely biblical and classical model of education to the progressive philosophy that reshaped modern schooling, showing how those changes affected not only academics, but also the way students understand freedom, authority, responsibility, and the purpose of life itself.
This episode is both a defense of classical Christian education and an invitation to better understand its roots, its goals, and its lasting relevance in a modern world that often feels confused and disordered.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information How this episode fits into the larger BaseCamp Live series on classical Christian education Why modern education shifted from cultivating virtue to emphasizing utility How understanding the history of education helps families make wiser choices today What thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois, Joseph Pieper, and others contribute to this conversationHow classical Christian education helps students gain the clarity and cultural literacy needed to navigate today’s world
If you have ever wondered whether classical Christian education is simply a trend, a niche alternative, or something much bigger, this episode offers a compelling answer. It is a reminder that education is never neutral, and that recovering a richer vision of learning may be one of the most important tasks before us.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens continues the alumni series with Neeya Toleman, a graduate of Coram Deo Academy in Texas who now works as an engineer helping develop major power transmission lines across the United States.
Neeya shares how her classical Christian education shaped her ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and tackle complex problems. From memorizing Scripture and presenting senior author projects to navigating small class communities and rigorous coursework, her experience formed habits that still guide her today in the demanding world of engineering and energy infrastructure.
Along the way, Neeya reflects on the unique strengths of classical Christian education. She discusses the value of learning how to learn, the importance of strong relationships between teachers and students, and how schools, homes, and churches work together to shape faith and character.
Her story offers an encouraging reminder that classical Christian education prepares students not only for the humanities but also for careers in fields like engineering, science, and technology.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
• How a classical Christian education prepared Neeya for a career in engineering
• Why learning how to think and learn matters more than specialized early training
• The impact of close relationships with teachers and mentors in small school communities
• How faith formation happened naturally across classes and conversations
• Practical reflections for school leaders and parents investing in the next generationWhether you are a parent, educator, or school leader, Neeya’s story is a powerful example of what long-term formation can produce, Listen now and be encouraged by what happens when classical Christian education shapes a life.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens sits down with Paul Laywell, founder of Eureka Science Education, to tackle a lingering stereotype - classical Christian schools love great books, but struggle to do science with the same depth and rigor.
Paul shares his journey from public school teaching to becoming a “one man science department” in a classical Christian school, and why he became convinced that science is one of the most integratable disciplines. Not by forcing a Bible verse onto every lesson, and not by stripping science down to formulas and memorization, but by teaching science as a story, with real people, real ideas, and real consequences.
You will hear why Paul jettisoned most textbooks, how he uses history and philosophy to strengthen scientific understanding, and why families do not need to fear that a classical approach will “hurt” students headed for medicine, engineering, or other STEM-adjacent careers. In fact, Paul argues that what universities and employers need most are students who can think, reason, and ask good questions.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why “Bible verse on the board” integration can be a disservice to both Scripture and science How telling the history of science helps students remember, and understand, what they are learning A classroom example that starts atomic theory as a philosophical idea before it becomes a scientific construct Why you cannot “cover it all,” and why depth beats speed and volume in a science classroom Paul’s pushback on the myth that you need a STEM-school model to thrive in college science and engineering How schools can build a science program that holds together rigor, wonder, curiosity, and theological imaginationA science classroom can be more than jam, cram, and forget. It can form students who love truth, pursue discovery with humility, and recognize God’s fingerprints in a world worth exploring.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Good conversations with our children do not just happen. They require intentionality, attention, and the courage to ask questions that may take more than a few seconds to answer.
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens welcomes back Mandi Gerth to explore how the questions we ask shape not only daily conversation, but the long-term relationship we hope to have with our children as adults. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and parent, Mandi explains that a good question opens what she calls an “expectant vacancy.” The challenge is that we must be ready for what fills that space.
Together, they unpack three kinds of questions parents can practice:
Questions that check for understanding and invite narration, not just yes-or-no answers
Follow-up questions that build intellectual habits, encouraging evidence, comparison, and thoughtful reasoning
Big-idea questions that help children contemplate virtue, faith, and moral responsibility at every age
Mandi also offers a wise reminder for parents of teens. Do not be shocked by what they say. Create a home where doubts and hard questions can be voiced safely. Ask follow-ups. Stay present. Keep pointing them toward truth.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why “How was your day?” rarely leads to meaningful connection How follow-up questions quietly form habits of wisdom Why big conversations are not just for upper school students How intentional dialogue today builds relationships that last for decadesThis episode is a practical and hopeful reminder that asking better questions is not about performance. It is about love, formation, and walking closely with our children as they grow.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Students today need to be deeply formed to love what is true and beautiful, and they also need practical skills and confidence that comes from real life experiences they can carry into college, career, and beyond.
In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Mitchell Slater, founder and CEO of Slater Strategies, to talk about entrepreneurship, risk, and why many students are not being prepared for real life as well as they could be.
Mitchell shares his story of growing up homeschooled in Alaska, learning hard work through real responsibilities, and starting his first business at 17 because his parents gave him room to try and learn. Together, they unpack why failure is such a powerful teacher, why our culture fears it, and how schools can create safe environments for students to practice real-world problem solving.
They also dive into Mitchell’s SMT program, which trains a small team of students to help tell their school’s story through marketing, communication, and community engagement, without handing students unrestricted tech or social media access.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why students need life prep, not just college prepHow parents can encourage kids to take healthy risks and learn from failureWhat “marketing” includes beyond social media, including storytelling, writing, newsletters, and campus experienceHow SMT works and why it can feel like a modern, dynamic version of the yearbook teamA simple shift in language that helps kids think like problem-solvers: “What problem do you want to solve?”You will leave with practical encouragement for how to help students become real world ready, with confidence rooted in faith, responsibility, and meaningful work.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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“What is classical Christian education?” sounds like an easy question, until you try to answer it.
In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. David Diener, professor of education at Hillsdale College and executive director of the Alcuin Fellowship, to offer a clear, grounded explanation of what classical Christian education is and what it is not. They explore why this approach begins with the purpose of education, not just the methods, and how it aims to form students into a certain kind of human being, equipped to live well in this life and the next.
You will also hear how classical Christian schools differ from many modern models that treat education primarily as a transaction for career readiness, and why “integration” matters more than adding spiritual elements onto an otherwise secular framework.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why the goals of education shape everything else, curriculum, culture, and classroom lifeHow classical Christian education connects belief and practice so formation is not an afterthoughtWhy “you have to see it” is often the best explanation, and what to look for when you visit a schoolHow this approach prepares students for a rapidly changing world, including AI, by prioritizing thinking, communication, and wisdomWhat distinguishes a truly classical and truly Christian school beyond slogans and aestheticsIf you have ever struggled to explain classical Christian education to a neighbor, a grandparent, or even yourself, this conversation gives language for what many families sense: this is not nostalgia, it is a living tradition that forms students for faithfulness, clarity, and courage.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
The Herzog Foundation
The Champion Group
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Healthy habits are one of the greatest gifts we can give our children because habits quietly shape what they love and who they become. In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Jeff Hendricks, headmaster at Providence Christian School of Texas, for a practical conversation about how formation happens through repeated, everyday actions.
Jeff defines a habit as a repeated action that becomes instinctive. It begins with conscious effort, but over time it becomes automatic, like driving a car. That matters because the virtues we hope to see in adulthood, generosity, courage, hospitality, do not appear overnight. They are built through small faithful practices.
A key theme throughout the conversation is that there is no neutral setting. Every child is learning habits of one kind or another, intentionally or passively. Jeff also addresses a common misconception: habit formation can sound harsh or overly strict, but discipline on the front end leads to freedom later. Like musicians and athletes, children gain joyful confidence when foundational skills become second nature.
Jeff shares several “best of” habits Providence emphasizes with families:
Prayer and reading God’s Word: not necessarily formal or elaborate, sometimes simply reading Scripture together and praying. The point is consistency and priority.Attention: children cannot learn without it. Jeff offers practical ways to train attention at home, including multi-step instructions, narration, picture study, and observation exercises.Obedience: responding right away and all the way, with the understanding that respectful questions can happen at the right time. This trains children to relate rightly to God-given authority.Neatness and orderliness: restoring order to a space and to routines, even when it takes more time than doing it yourself.Serving others: training children to defer preferences and practice small acts of service that slowly reorient the heart away from self.Working hard and doing your best: building a “work before play” rhythm, teaching excellence without overwork, and helping children grow into wise self-management.In closing, Jeff encourages educators to keep habits simple and intentional, and he encourages parents that it is never too late to begin. Start where you are, choose one habit, and keep it steady. Often the best change is the one you quietly begin and faithfully continue.
Resources Mentioned:
Practical Tips for Teaching Habits to Your Children (pdf)Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
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The Champion Group
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill AcademyStay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at [email protected]
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
- Visa fler
