Classical Skills for the Modern World | Todd Bates

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Todd Bates, the founding President and Professor of Humanities at Christ College, a new classical Christian college located in Satellite Beach, Florida. They discuss the vision behind establishing Christ College, which unites the classical humanities with a focus on entrepreneurship. Dr. Bates also highlights how the Christian intellectual tradition offers guidance in today’s changing educational landscape.

Bringing Liberal Arts Education To Prison | Jennifer Berkshire

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jennifer Berkshire, journalist and host of the education policy podcast Have You Heard? She discusses her experience bringing liberal arts education into prisons with the Boston College Prison Education Program. They explore how reading the Great Books allows inmates to grapple with sincere questions about guilt, innocence, and responsibility, and how serving a life sentence can shape a student’s educational telos. 

Embodying the Classical Tradition | Mandi Gerth

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Mandi Gerth, Administrative Director of the Cowan Center at the University of Dallas and author of Thoroughness and Charm. They discuss her book, the meaning behind its title, and her vision for teachers as guardians and keepers. She shares her advice for teachers who are simultaneously excited and daunted by the richness of the tradition they get to teach. They explore how teachers embody the classical tradition by cultivating a love for the material and transmitting it to their students, even when the content isn’t their personal favorite.

Reintroducing Classical Higher Education in Europe | Cornelis J. Schilt

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Cornelis J. Schilt, Professor of History and Philosophy of Knowledge at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, and Founder and President of Lux Mundi, a new Catholic university in Belgium. Dr. Schilt shares his unique educational journey from a small town in the Netherlands to prestigious institutions like Oxford. He discusses the challenges he has faced in academia in Europe, and his vision for Lux Mundi as a transformative educational institution that emphasizes character development and the pursuit of truth.

Guiding Students Toward Goodness | Jeff Brown

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jeff Brown, Headmaster of Hunter Classical Christian School in Richmond, Virginia. They discuss Jeff’s journey to discovering classical education, and Hunter Classical’s commitment to cultivating character before transcripts. They examine the CLT as a valuable standard for what an ideal student should aspire to learn and an exemplary school should aspire to teach. They conclude by talking about the future of Hunter Classical, including their first class of ninth graders starting this fall. 

A Revolutionary Return to Education | Jovia Godfrey

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jovia Godfrey, Admissions Officer at Saint Constantine College and a seventh-grade writing tutorial teacher at the Saint Constantine School in Houston, Texas. They talk about Jovia’s journey to discovering Saint Constantine for her kids, and the school’s resolve to cultivate an environment that is risky but not hazardous. They dive into Saint Constantine’s K-16 educational approach and their revolutionary return to learning well. 

Were Christians Wrong About Harry Potter? | Brandon Vogt

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Brandon Vogt, author, Founder of ClaritasU, Senior Publishing Director for Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire, and Founder and Chairman of Chesterton Academy of Orlando. They discuss his journey in founding a Chesterton school in Orlando and what inspired him to choose its curriculum for his children. They explore Brandon’s defense of the Harry Potter series as rich in Christian virtue and having the power to re-enchant reality. 

Read Brandon Vogt on Catholics and Harry Potter: https://brandonvogt.com/potter/

How Faith Strengthens Academic Freedom | Jim Gash

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jim Gash, President of Pepperdine University. They unpack his recent viral U.S. News & World Report article titled “Can Belief in God Strengthen Academic Freedom?” They also explore the value of a traditional brick-and-mortar school in the age of unlimited information access, and conclude by discussing why students from the classical renewal movement are well-suited for a Pepperdine education.

Florida’s Path to Educational Excellence | Vince Verges

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s Chief Strategy Officer Noah Tyler is joined by Vince Verges, who recently retired from the Florida Department of Education after 31 years in Florida public schools. They discuss how Florida emerged as a national leader in classical education. Vince shares his journey from classroom teacher to serving as the head of Accountability and Assessment at the Florida Department of Education, including his choice to steer away from Common Core standardized testing. They explore the role of virtue in education, particularly in connection to the rise of AI. 

Fired for Success: Dr. Jennifer Frey Breaks Her Silence

On this episode of Anchored, Dr. Jennifer Frey shares the story behind her recently published New York Times op-ed, "This is Who's Really Driving the Decline in Interest in Liberal Arts Education." Frey reflects on her abrupt dismissal as Dean of the Honors College at the University of Tulsa—despite building a demonstrably successful program. She reflects on the tension between student's intellectual needs and college administrators' own view of "success." Dr. Frey emphasizes the need for reform in higher education and the importance of authentic liberal education for a thriving democracy.

The Purpose of Education | Tucker Carlson

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tucker Carlson, host of Tucker on X and The Tucker Carlson Show. They discuss the ultimate purpose of education as arriving at wisdom, rather than merely accumulating knowledge. They dive into the connection between ugly architecture and the pursuit of evil. Tucker also talks about his regrets surrounding his children’s education. 

The Cultural Return to Orthodoxy | Ann Brodeur

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Ann Brodeur, the Chair of Education and Liberal Arts at Catholic International University. They explore the relationship between Ann’s love for medieval history and her background growing up on a ranch in Montana. They dive into how a view of education as formational, rather than mere informational, helps mitigate the threat posed by AI. They discuss Catholic International University’s founding mission to educate the laity along with today’s cultural revival of Catholic education and orthodoxy. They conclude by highlighting key texts that shaped medieval culture for an illiterate audience. 

CLT Scores State Policy Victories Nationwide | Michael Torres

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by CLT Director of Legislative Strategy Michael Torres. The two discuss the recent policy victories for CLT and the classical renewal movement in states such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. They unpack the surprising and predictable responses from politicians and SAT and ACT lobbyists. Finally, they dive into the characteristics of states that are excited about adopting the CLT into their college admissions processes. 

The Great Books Behind PragerU’s America-First Education | Marissa Streit

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU and host of Real Talk. They discuss Marissa’s educational experiences growing up in Israel and attending college in America, exploring how her travels deepened her appreciation for American freedoms. They dive into the founding of PragerU and PragerU's breakthrough moment. They also discuss how PragerU embraces the classical education movement and how homeschoolers and traditional school communities alike utilize its resources.

Reclaiming Identity Through Classical Education | Michael Adkins

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Michael Adkins, Dean of Academics and Director of the Lower School of Saint Agnes School in St. Paul, Minnesota. They discuss the secret to keeping Catholic education faithfully Catholic. They dive into misconceptions about the word “classical” and how its popular conception has changed over time. They also explore the identity crisis driving people to reconnect with the cultural heritage of classical education. 

Exciting New Initiative Grants Auto-Admit for CLT Score | Andrew Ellison and Amber Dyer

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Ellison, Vice President of Enrollment at the University of Dallas, and Amber Dyer, Head of School at Great Hearts Irving. Andrew introduces the exciting new University of Dallas–CLT Auto Admit Initiative, which grants automatic admission to students who score 88 or higher on the Classic Learning Test. The three also share insights on how to choose a college that values and cultivates a classical education. Finally, they reflect on the enduring legacy of former UD professor Louise Cowan, under whom Amber studied. 

Bringing Hope to Urban Communities | Josh Dyson

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Josh Dyson, the Executive Director of the C5 Urban School Initiative, launching Hope Academy Wichita this coming fall. They discuss the founding of C5, the meaning behind its name, and its mission in serving inner-city communities. They conclude by exploring literacy as a core educational value and the importance of creating a safe, joyful learning environment.

Reigniting the Life of the Christian Mind | Austin Stevenson

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Austin Stevenson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Palm Beach Atlantic University and former Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. Austin reflects on his experience at Oxford and his transformation from initially seeing academia as a barrier to finding fulfillment and enjoyment in it. They explore why Christians have withdrawn from academic institutions in the past, and the current shift as more Christians begin to reengage with higher education. They conclude by discussing his book, Consciousness of the Historical Jesus: Historiography, Theology, and Metaphysics, and Austin's venture to bridge the work of theology with biblical scholarship. 

Returning to the First Principles of American Education | Jason Bedrick

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jason Bedrick, Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Center for Education Policy. The two discuss the Phoenix Declaration, a document espousing an American vision for education. Together, they explore the outlined principles of the document, including the role of parents as primary educators, the reality of objective truth, and the vital importance of passing on cultural heritage. 

Teaching Struggling Learners How to Read | Sara Osborne

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Sara Osborne, the author of Reading for the Long Run: Leading Struggling Students into the Reading Life and Assistant Professor of English and Director of Classical Education at College of the Ozarks in Missouri. They examine the claims that classical education is elitist and explore how classical schools can position themselves to challenge that perception. Sara shares her journey teaching her children how to read and some of the challenges that come with meeting different students’ needs. They dive into anecdotes and insights from her book, including the importance of viewing literacy as an individual journey. 

Merit-First Admissions at the University of Austin | Loren Rotner and David Puelz

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Loren Rotner, Associate Provost, and David Puelz, Assistant Professor of Statistics and Data Science at the University of Austin. They discuss what makes UATX distinct, including its heterodox faculty, emphasis on tech education, and full tuition scholarships for all admitted students. They talk about the decision to grant automatic admission to any student who scores a 105 or higher on the CLT, with encouragement and guidance for all looking to apply.

How Rhetorical Excellence Shapes Students for College, Career, and the Common Good | Aryanna Highfill and Kate Creecy

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s Brand Marketing Manager Taryn Boyes is joined by Aryanna Highfill and Kate Creecy to discuss their experience participating in the National Homeschool Speech and Debate League, Stoa. They discuss the array of skills Stoa helped them develop, dive into how it shaped their high school experience, and share how it prepared them for their college years and beyond. They also discuss how to approach the competitive aspect of speech and debate.

Classical Education and Music in Harmony | James Cowart

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by James Cowart, head of Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, Florida. They discuss why music is a key part of education at Trinitas. They dive into the nuances of school choice and the strings that often come attached to government money. James concludes by discussing his advice for those looking to start a new classical, Christian school.

A Charlotte Mason Approach to Education | Leslie Voorhees

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Leslie Voorhees, director of member schools at Ambleside Schools International, an organization that offers a Charlotte Mason educational approach to schools around the world. They discuss Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy and the way it translates into principles at the Ambleside schools. They explore the benefits of an education that centers and values the potential of every child. They conclude by discussing the differences and similarities between Charlotte Mason and classical education. 

Friendship and Fruitful Disagreement | Cornel West and Robert George

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and special guest co-host, CLT Chief of Staff  Katie Prefontaine, are joined by Cornel West and Robert George. Cornel serves as a professor of philosophy in Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary and is an emeritus professor of African-American Studies at Princeton University. Robert is a professor of Jurisprudence and the director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. The two discuss their deep bond of friendship, built on the basis of pursuing truth and fostering intellectual humility, explored in their recent book Truth Matters. They discuss how to cultivate these relationships and bring people to the table for these conversations. They conclude by examining the importance of studying both the progressive and conservative traditions for the flourishing of the individual and society as a whole.

A Resurgence in Classical Education Across the Pond | Jamie Burns and Hin-Tai Ting

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jamie Burns and Hin-Tai Ting, co-founders of the Fellowship for Classical Learning and educators setting up classical schools across the UK. They discuss the current state of education in the UK and the troublesome separation of value-conversations from classroom-conversations. They dive into their own journeys to believing in the importance of a classical Christian education from both an intellectual and personal perspective. They conclude by talking about some of the roadblocks to classical education in the UK and why they are motivated to overcome them. 

St. Anselm’s, School co-founded by Jamie Burns: https://www.stanselmscardiff.co.uk/ 

The Fountain Christian School, of which Hin Tai Ting is the founding headmaster: https://www.thefountainschool.london/ 

Technology as a Work of Common Grace | Brian Dellinger

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Brian Dellinger, professor of computer science at Grove City College. They discuss the definition and history of artificial intelligence, and Brian illustrates how biases can influence AI programs. They delve into both the ontological confusion and differentiation that AI provokes. They explore the importance of approaching technology as a gift from God and how his upcoming book, tentatively titled God and AI, aims to make AI more accessible and less overwhelming from a Christian perspective.

AI as an Educational Threat and Opportunity | Robert Garrow

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Robert Garrow, founding principal of Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado. They discuss the push back Golden View has faced for teaching The Bible in a literary and historical context as a classical charter school, and the state of school choice in Colorado. They also talk about the challenges of recruiting, training, and retaining teachers who have a classical orientation and technical proficiency, as well as some of the strategies they’ve used to succeed in these areas. They conclude by discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the growth of AI.  

A Critical Financial Opportunity for Schools | Christopher Loesser and Andrew King

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Christopher Loesser and Andrew King from Hundredfold Consulting. They discuss how schools could potentially claim hundreds of thousands of dollars in Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds as compensation for the COVID-19 restrictions they had to accommodate. They outline qualifications and the consulting and filing processes schools must complete before the April 15 deadline. They also talk about how the money can be used, and the ERC success stories they’ve already seen. 

Listeners can book a free meeting with Chris here: https://calendly.com/meetwithchrisloesser 

Or they can email him at [email protected] to learn more.

The CLT Alternative to Teach for America | John Snyder

On the episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Florida State Representative and founder of Employment Simplified Inc., John Snyder. They discuss Florida’s efforts to support school choice and classical education. They also cover ESI’s partnership with CLT, which helps assign teachers to schools through the CLT Classical Teaching Corps. They also dive into what happens once an applicant is accepted into the Corps and share good news for those who may still want to apply.

Apply for the CLT Classical Teaching Corps: https://www.cltexam.com/classical-teaching-corps/

Visit https://www.esiworks.com/contact/ to walk through the application process with one of their recruiters and explore next steps.

Forming the Hearts and Minds of Young Men | Jimmy Mitchell

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jimmy Mitchell, director of campus ministry at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida and founder of Love Good. The two discuss the way music and architecture can soften the spirit and elicit noble desires. They dive into the culture of Jesuit Tampa and how sports, curriculum, and campus culture interact and create young men interested in faith and leadership. They also discuss the benefits of single sex education in combatting the cultural understanding of what it means to be a man. 

Debunking the Teacher-Scarcity Myth | Erik Twist and Ben Lindquist

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Soren are joined by Erik Twist and Ben Lindquist, two of the founders of Arcadia Education. The four discuss the cultural gap in operational guidance for schools and faith-based organizations that brought about the need for Arcadia. They dive into the importance of valuing operations on par with missional drive. They also discuss the myth that there is a shortage of talented teachers in the classical education world and how Arcadia illuminates the opportunities for good schools to attract good teachers. 

The Quiet Erosion of Educational Standards | Allen Mendenhall

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Allen Mendenhall, the associate dean and Grady Rosier professor for the Sorell College of Business at Troy University, where he also directs the Manuel H. Johnson Center for Political Economy. Mendenhall recently published an article in 1819 News entitled “Alabama Needs the Classic Learning Test.” The two discuss the problems with American education today, highlighting how educational vandalism and social engineering confuse the moral aims and core objectives of schooling. They dive into the College Board’s contribution to eroding educational standards. They conclude by talking about some of the hopeful changes and initiatives that they are seeing on the academic landscape.

Rekindling Civil Discourse Through Education | David Rancourt

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by David Rancourt, provost and VP of enrollment at the New College of Florida. They discuss David’s journey from playing football under Bobby Bowden to advocating for classical education. They dive into the history of New College of Florida and the campus’ culture of civil discourse that allows people to hold and discuss a wide range of opinions and beliefs. They also talk about the media coverage of New College of Florida and David’s experience navigating the press. 

The Deeper Purpose of Learning | Robert Pondiscio

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an affiliate of AEI’s James Q. Wilson Program in K-12 Education Studies. Robert challenges the notion that education aims to teach people how to think rather than what to think. They discuss the importance of literacy and equipping students with the basic background knowledge and vocabulary to be able to decode the texts they encounter, and how classical education does this well. They conclude by talking about the telos of education, in which students learn what it means to be human, not just how to get a job. 

A previous Anchored episode featuring Robert Pondiscio is mentioned in this episode. 

Why Christian Media Matters | Rob Reynolds

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Rob Reynolds, founder, president, and executive producer of Christian media company Cross Boss Media. The two discuss his journey going from teaching in New York public schools to founding a real estate company to launching Cross Boss. They examine why Christian media matters and the importance of safeguarding your children when it comes to giving them access to phones. They also talk about the success of Studio 3:16, Cross Boss’ educational comedy program based on Gospel passages. 

Empowering Parents to Reform American Education | Tiffany Justice

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty. Tiffany talks about her journey joining her local school board and how the challenges of COVID created an unexpected opportunity—what she calls “COVID lemonade”—for parents to see the indoctrination happening in public schools. They discuss the importance of local and state-level education reform. They also dive into the gender ideology issues that have circumvented parental influence and infiltrated public schools. 

The Transformative Power of Mentorship | Jon Peede

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jon Peede, president of Ashland University. They discuss his over a decade’s worth of work in the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities and his experience learning from differing viewpoints as a conservative working in the arts. They discuss the possibility of a modern renaissance in art and how educational institutions can aid in that flourishing. They also dive into how Ashland’s accent on the individual makes it a unique, classical educational experience. 

The Future of School Choice in Texas | Rep. Brad Buckley

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Texas State Representative Brad Buckley, who discusses his educational journey, the importance of classical education, and recent reforms in Texas public education. Buckley emphasizes the need for rigorous instructional materials, the role of testing, and the significance of school choice and educational savings accounts. He also shares insights on the impact of literature in his life and the importance of parental involvement in education.

Responding to the Crisis in Civic Education | Hans Zeiger

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Hans Zeiger, president of the Jack Miller Center, a nationwide, nonpartisan educational venture that is dedicated to America’s founding principles and civic education at every level. They discuss Hans’ journey from public policy to the Jack Miller Center, and the crisis in civic education that sparked his interest. They explore the importance of knowledge for self-governing citizens and for the survival of the country. They also discuss specific areas where the educational system has failed, and some of the university programs that provide beacons of hope. 

The Renaissance of Tradition in America | Jeremy Tate

This week’s episode of Anchored features a speech delivered by Jeremy Tate, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, at the National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education at Benedictine College. Jeremy talks about the story of Catholic education in America. Jeremy highlights the challenges faced by Catholic schools today, including declining enrollment and the influence of secular educational standards, while also presenting a hopeful vision for revitalization through distinct Catholic identity and practices.

The Importance of Authentic Catholic Education | Rachel Campos-Duffy

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Rachel Campos-Duffy, host of FOX & Friends Weekend and the From the Kitchen Table podcast. Rachel shares her personal educational journey, the importance of authentic Catholic schooling, and her family's commitment to classical education. She discusses the challenges faced by Catholic schools, the revival of interest in Catholic education post-COVID, and the transformative experience her daughter had at the University of Dallas. She emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in their children's education and the integration of faith and values at home. 

Click here for “Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation” by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin. 

Building Leaders Through Speech And Debate | Lynda and Alyssa Sloneker

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Lynda Sloneker, President of StoaUSA, a Christian homeschool speech and debate league. They are also joined by Lynda’s daughter, Alyssa. They discuss Stoa’s history and mission and how it has personally impacted Alyssa’s journey as a college student. They talk about debating with kindness and charity and the benefits of debating that extend beyond future career options. They conclude by discussing how debate has changed in light of the current political climate and how Stoa is working to fix what has been broken. 

Using the Past to Study the Good | Kathleen O’Toole

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kathleen O’Toole, the assistant provost for K-12 Education at Hillsdale College. In this conversation, Dr. Kathleen O'Toole discusses her journey in education, the impact of classical education on K-12 schooling, and the role of Hillsdale in shaping educational practices across the country. She emphasizes the importance of a solid foundational education rooted in the liberal arts and the mission of classical schools to cultivate good citizens. The discussion also touches on the political implications of education, the future of classical education, and resources for educators.

Fighting Self-Censorship on College Campuses | Gerard Alexander

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Gerard Alexander, a politics professor at the University of Virginia and the founder of The Blue Ridge Center. They discuss the strengths and shortcomings of UVA as an institution. They dive into the rampant self-censorship on college campuses and its effect on campus culture. Finally, they talk about The Blue Ridge Center as a program that allows college students to grapple with underrepresented topics and viewpoints. 

CLT Launches Elite Classical Teaching Corps | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On this special episode of Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren announce the launch of the CLT Classical Teaching Corps. Tune in to hear about how CLT is responding to the movement’s biggest obstacle — finding well-vetted teachers — with the new CLT Classical Teaching Corps for college seniors. They also dive into the application, which opens today, and the guaranteed job security that comes with being chosen for the initiative. 

Apply for the CLT Classical Teaching Corps: https://www.cltexam.com/classical-teaching-corps/

How the Incarnation Ties Disciplines Together | John Boyle

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Boyle, professor of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. They discuss the influence of St. Thomas Aquinas and John’s newest book, Aquinas on Scripture: A Primer. John also talks about St. Thomas’ curriculum and how the incarnation holds everything together. They also discuss their Catholic Studies program, including its structure, benefits, and presence at a larger, private university. 

Countering The Decline of Civic Knowledge | Justin Dyer

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Justin Dyer, Dean of the School of Civic Leadership and professor of government at the University of Texas at Austin. They discuss some of the benefits and resources that come with big, public universities like UT. They dive into the development and purpose of UT’s new civic honors major and School of Civic Leadership. They conclude by discussing the decline of general civic knowledge and some of the educational reasons for it. 

A Renaissance in Catholic Education | Archbishop Cordileone

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy speaks with Salvatore Cordileone, the Archbishop of San Francisco. They delve into Cordileone’s path to the priesthood and his personal experiences with Pope John Paul II. They also discuss the evolution of Catholic education from its peak in the 1960s to the present day, and discuss potential signs of a renaissance in Catholic education. They conclude by examining why Catholic schools are inherently classical and how Catholicism enriches the teaching of the Western tradition.

The Transformative Power of Classical Texts | Todd Krulak and Taylore Miller

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Todd Krulak, professor and Director of the University Fellows and the Micah Fellows Honors College programs at Samford University. They are also joined by Taylore Miller, the new Director of College Partnerships at CLT and a Samford graduate. Miller discusses her experience at Samford and Krulak dives into their honors college programs: The University Fellows program distinguished by academic excellence and the Micah Fellows distinguished by service. They also discuss the inviting yet unapologetically Christian environment of Samford, and what kinds of students are a good fit for the university.

Can Education Be Values-Neutral? | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about how the College Board recently removed a practice question linking female empowerment to low birth rates and how that correlates to the conversation around values-neutral education. A new National Review article by Daniel Buck pinpoints the virtue of classical schooling and the areas in which it is different from public education. They conclude by discussing a new College Board statistic revealing a decline in the rigor of the SAT math section, and why that may be in the College Board’s best interest. 

What Happened to Beautiful Architecture? | Nic Charbonneau

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Nic Charbonneau, a principal classical architect at Harrison Design, a classical architecture firm. The two discuss how classical philosophy was manifest through the period's architecture and what this says about the modern worldview. Nic dives into what happened to the beautiful architecture of the past and predicts the future of architecture in light of the growing classical education renewal movement. They also discuss why classical schools should take place in buildings that reflect their purposes and values. 

Reinvigorating Public Universities with Classical Education | Will Inboden

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Will Inboden, a professor and Director of the Alexander Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. The two discuss the Center’s importance to the classical ed movement, its future, and the five majors it offers. They also discuss his book The Peacemaker: Ronald Reagan, the Cold War, and the World on the Brink and the connection between statesmanship and Western civilization. Inboden concludes by advocating for classical education in higher education, even for the student who has already done years of classical schooling.

Behind the Scenes of CLT | 2024 CLT Interns

On this episode of Anchored, Soren welcomes five of CLT’s summer interns: Ammon Corpron, Charlotte Crowell, Grace Ann Roth, Blake Schaper, and Gracey Washa to talk about their experiences interning for CLT this summer. Join the group as they discuss the skills they acquired and the projects they worked on the college partnerships, homeschool partnerships, policy and finance, customer service, and test development departments. The interns talk about some of the highlights and successes as well as a few stories about what goes on behind the scenes. 

Understanding Music as a Liberal Art | Preston Atwood

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Preston Atwood, Head of School at Westminster Academy in Memphis, Tennessee and author of Cantate Domino: A Liturgical Songbook for Classical Christian Schools. They discuss the difficulty and the necessity of figuring out how to flourish as a human being while serving as an administrator. Preston explains music as a liberal art and his belief that education without music is no education at all. They close by discussing his book, Cantate Domino as the classical education movement’s songbook, as well as the value of repetition and liturgical music for educational formation. 

How the Bible Urges Us Toward Classical Education | John Tweeddale

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by John Tweeddale, Vice President of Academics and professor of theology at Reformation Bible College. The two discuss how the Old and New Testaments and the Christian tradition point to classical education as the way to raise children. They dive into one of the educational legacies of the Protestant Reformation, and how the Enlightenment changed our cultural view of religion.

The Secret to Saving a School in Decline | David A. Armstrong

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by David A. Armstrong, president of St. Thomas Univeristy in Miami, Florida. The two talk about the university’s origins in communist Cuba, and Armstrong’s own story that led to his commitment to Catholic education. They discuss how, amid an era of colleges closing, St. Thomas has seen record-high enrollment levels, and the secret to turnaround for schools facing decline. They close by talking about the effect of wokeism on the collegiate landscape and the future of St. Thomas as it is committed to maintaining a diverse, Catholic campus. 

Are Standardized Tests Being Compromised? | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about how the SAT and ACT are making efforts to “evolve” and “adapt” with the times, leading to watered-down assessments that are more focused on convenience rather than achievement. Jason Bedrick, a friend of CLT, published an article outlining how classical education offers hope for civic renewal in America. Plus, we get to hear the inspiring story of a family that dropped everything and uprooted themselves to get their kids a classical education.

Why Education Can Never Be Value-Neutral | Michael Bryant

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Michael Bryant from Charleston Southern University. The two discuss why a biblical worldview and the pursuit of knowledge go so well together. They talk about the effect of educational faith integration on the preservation of the liberal arts, and explain why education is never neutral when it comes to values. They also explore the culture’s current issues with biblical illiteracy, and some of the work being done to remedy that. 

Coaching Students Through Career and Calling | Krista Autrey

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Krista Autrey, director of the Center for Career and Calling at Geneva College. The two discuss the role faith played in Krista's life when she discovered the career and calling that married her passions for campus ministry and the international church. They dive into how to improve the conversation surrounding the value of a college degree. They also discuss how Krista uses the idea of deciding what is next, not what is forever, to alleviate pressure when discerning the future. 

Challenging the Algorithm | Mario Vasilescu

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Mario Vasilescu, co-founder of Readocracy, a technology that allows people to track their knowledge in the form of data and share it with others. He explains the benefits of the technology as a way to discredit the culture of division and noise and award those who are mindful of what they put into their minds. They also discuss the origins of the company and the pitfalls of the current education system that leaves brilliant thinkers behind.

The University as a Microcosm of the Universe | Marshall King

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Marshall King, assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Carson-Neuman University in Tennessee. They discuss Marshall’s interest in languages and his view of exercise as a metaphor for language learning. Marshall dives into understanding the university as a microcosm of the universe and archaeology as a similarly omnibus field. They conclude by exploring the roots and definition of digital humanities, and why Christians ought to explore this area of study as a part of their heritage. 

Acknowledging Giants to Stand on Their Shoulders | Tracy Lee Simmons

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Tracy Lee Simmons, journalist and author of books such as Climbing Parnassus and his most recent release On Being Civilized. The two discuss the popularity of and inspiration behind Climbing Parnassus as well as how it would be received had it been released today. They also discuss the importance of intellectual humility in approaching the humanities and the merits of starting with facts, names, and dates as stepping stones to understanding how a mind works. Finally, the two talk about his recent video with Memoria Press in connection to the difficulties of defining classical education. 

Why a Homeschool Dad Serves on a Public School Board | Tom McFadden

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tom McFadden, Vice President of Enrollment at Christendom College. The two discuss Tom’s journey in finding Christendom College as an international student. They talk about Christendom’s new president, Dr. George Harne, and the difficulty of adhering to a school’s mission amid a culture of compromise. The two also dive into Tom’s unique situation as a father of eleven homeschooled kids who serves on a public school board and his reason for why public schools shouldn’t be abandoned altogether.  

The International Influence of the Classics | Anya Leonard

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Anya Leonard, founder and director of Classical Wisdom, a site dedicated to bringing ancient wisdom to modern minds. Anya discusses her experience as a well-traveled individual and unpacks her experience in her current home, Buenos Aires, as a culture steeped in culture. She discusses international interest in the classics but highlights differences in the American renewal movement. The two also talk about the founding and purpose of Classical Wisdom and how to cultivate a love of learning in children.

The Priceless Impact of Generosity in Higher Ed | Nicole Dunteman

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Nicole Dunteman, program director of Hope Forward at Hope College. The two discuss the difficulty of capturing virtue and character development in the form of quantitative data. They unpack the Hope Forward program, a cohort of students whose tuition is fully funded by Hope College alumni, and the importance of cyclical generosity and gratitude. They also talk about the program as a solution to the problem of accessibility in classical education and its applicability to a range of other models and aims. 

An Apology for the Philosophy Major | Travis Dickinson

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Travis Dickinson, professor of philosophy at Dallas Baptist University and author of several books including most recently Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions. They discuss philosophy as not only a useful subject but an unavoidable one in respect to philosophical commitments and the consequences of ideas. They explore the best ways to cultivate curiosity and sharpen a student’s critical thinking skills. Dickinson also presents his apology for the philosophy major.

Serving the Needs of the Homeschool Community | Keith Ramsdell and Rich Policz

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by two Ashland University faculty members—Keith Ramsdell, the vice president for enrollment and Rich Policz, the associate director of student programs at the Ashbrook Center. They discuss the new Ashbrook Center program for homeschooled students, serving their needs with free tutoring, workshops, and dual enrollment support. They also talk about the homeschooled students from a professor’s point of view as a more conversational, more patriotic kind of student. They conclude by exploring the university’s new classical learning minor and the future of the Ashbrook Center. 

Are Research Universities Necessary for STEM Careers? | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about the correlation between classical higher education institutions and their comparative lack of riots. Soren and Jeremy also discuss the richness and success of classical school STEM programs and why liberal arts students do not need to fear the future of AI. 

The Posture of Curiosity | Michael Wildschut

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Michael Wildschut, Director of The January Series put on annually by Calvin University. The two discuss the value of both a gap year and a geography major, despite our modern culture’s tendency to disparage both. They also dive into The January Series itself along with the breadth of subjects and questions the lectures and lecturers examine. They explore the possibility of cultivating curiosity and its role in preserving a unified culture where learning is valued.

Equipping Schools for the Modern Student | Davies Owens

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Davies Owens, host of the BaseCamp Live podcast. They discuss classical education’s relevant work for modern students and their families. They dive into the new kinds of kids entering schools and how techno-influences have undermined attention spans. Davies also talks about the story behind the name, mission, and work of BaseCamp Live. 

Confronting the Future of Technology with Biblical Truth | Bill and Alexis Haughey

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Bill and Alexis Haughey, the founders of the Catholic Institute of Technology, an American, Catholic technical university opening in Italy this fall. The three discuss the university’s inception, courses, purpose, and future goals. They also unpack the importance of training up religious students to participate in the work the Vatican is already doing in confronting a technology-driven future.

The Classical School Ecosystem | Timothy Dernlan

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Timothy Dernlan, Vice President of Advancements and Consulting for the Association of Classical Christian Schools. The two talk about Timothy’s transition from coaching college sports to the world of classical, Christian education. They also discuss his journey from his first discovery of ACCS to his role now as Vice President. They conclude by exploring Timothy’s vision for a supportive classical school ecosystem and the encouraging trends in the classical school movement. 

The Great Educational Disconnect | John Burtka

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Burtka, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. They discuss Burtka’s new book: Gateway to Statesmanship, and they explore the persisting relevance of the first principles of the classical tradition. They also talk about the dangers of the vast educational disconnect between the Founders and our current leaders, and how ISI is working to fix that. 

Is Classical Education conservative or Conservative? | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about the recent article published by The New Yorker on classical education and an exciting announcement from Christendom College. Jeremy and Soren conclude by talking about their strategies for learning other languages and the importance of being familiar with a diverse linguistic tradition. 

How To Transform American Culture | Krystyn Schmerbeck

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Krystyn Schmerbeck, the Director of Graduate Studies in Classical Education at Benedictine College. The two talk about how Krystyn’s experience in the religious community has informed her educational philosophy. They dive into her advice for Catholic schools trying to remain faithfully Catholic, and the power of a classical education master’s program to transform American culture. With the application deadline coming up soon, they also talk about Benedictine’s ideal candidate for their master’s program. 

This year, Benedictine is hosting the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE), National Conference. Click here to learn more or register for their waitlist.

Integrating Economics Into a Classical Education | Clara Piano

On this episode of Anchored, Noah Tyler is joined by Clara Piano, Assistant Professor of Economics at Austin Peay State University. The two explore an understanding of economics that focuses on human relationships, not money. They parse out the good, the true, and the beautiful of economic practice, and how it could be integrated into a classical education. Piano also illustrates a brief history of economic thought and speculates on how widespread economic literacy could change our society for the better. 

Click here for Clara Piano’s article, “The Place of Economics in a Classical Education.”

Click here for Friedrich Hayek’s article, “The Use of Knowledge in Society.”

Athletics as Virtue in Action | Joe Patterson

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Joe Patterson, Vice President of Enrollment and Director of Athletics at Ave Maria University. The two discuss the proper relationship between higher education and sports, as well as the importance of keeping a school’s mission in focus even where athletic programming is concerned. 

Could There Be Hope for the Ivy Leagues? | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about the alarming illiteracy rate in Illinois schools and a “woke kindergarten program” in San Francisco. A Catholic liberal arts college in New York is eliminating several majors and minors, including philosophy and religious studies. However, the surprising news that Dartmouth and Yale are reintroducing mandatory standardized testing for college admissions brings a glimmer of hope for the Ivy Leagues.

Why the Classics Are for Everyone | Faith Moore

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Faith Moore, freelance writer, editor, and mom. The two talk about her new book, Christmas Karol, a modern retelling of Dickens' classic that follows a workaholic mom who rediscovers the joy of being with her kids. They also discuss her new podcast, Storytime for Grownups, which she hopes will help adults fall in love with classic works. 

The Four Levers of the Educational Apocalypse | Steven Jonathan Rummelsburg

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Steven Jonathan Rummelsburg, mentor teacher at John Adams Academy and founder of City of Truth.  After 33 years in the classical school movement, Steven shares advice for young teachers and discusses the four levers that control education in America. They also address the challenge of finding qualified teachers in a secular humanism era.

Transcendent Themes That Confront Temporal Pain | Winston Brady

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Winston Brady, Director of Curriculum and Thales Press at Thales Academy, and author of The Inferno: A Novel. They discuss the growth of Thales Academy, its unique logic curriculum, and Winston’s new book inspired by Dante, Tolkien, Bunyan, and his own mental health journey.

Get 20% off your copy of The Inferno: A Novel with code CLASSIC20 here: http://bit.ly/3TwW7VA

The Lost Art of Disagreeing Agreeably | James Fishback

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Kimberly are joined by James Fishback, founder of Incubate Debate. The three discuss how debate programs in American public schools have devolved in recent years by stifling free and honest speech. They explore the merits of debate as a way to assess the long-term consequences of immediate ideas. They also lament the lost art of disagreeing civilly but point to Incubate Debate and other Christian debate leagues as necessary, encouraging solutions. 

Education as Community Service | Sarah Scudder and Angel Parham

On this episode of Anchored, Kimberly is joined by Sarah Scudder and Angel Parham, co-founders of the Nyansa Classical Community. The three explore the need for classical education in communities where it does not typically exist. They also talk about success stories in which children found joy and support in their after-school and homeschool programs. Finally, they look at the ministry side of their outreach that equips parents, college students, and churches to serve their community through education. 

Thinking Prudently About Picking a College | Michael Williams

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Michael Williams, president of Harding University. The two dive into Harding’s commitment to excellence and commitment to faith, and how those two are intrinsically linked. They also talk about the importance of thinking prudently about the college decision-making process. They wrap up by talking about Harding University graduates and the college’s mission of cultivating their God-given horsepower to run toward the brokenness of humanity. 

Cultivating an "Unplugged" College Culture | Kyle Washut

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College. The two discuss how the college helps students plug into the classical tradition by creating an "unplugged," present culture. They talk about the 21-Day Wilderness immersion exploration that every freshman goes on in order to fully engage with the created world. Kyle also explains the founding, goals, and structure of the school. 

Chronic Absenteeism, Classical Ed. Master's Degrees, and the Misleading SAT Debate | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, a new segment of the Anchored podcast, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement.

Tune in to hear how: public schools are struggling to keep their students in school; Benedictine College is offering two new classical education master's degrees; and a New York Times article advocates for standardized testing as an equalizer in the face of GPA inflation, but somehow fails to mention CLT.

A Testament to Traditional Education | CLT10 National Award Winners

On this special episode of Anchored, Soren welcomes three of the 2023 CLT10 National Award winners: Jack Ferrell, William Adkison, and Maylivia Barrett. The National Award winners are among the very top-performing sophomores on the CLT10. Tune in to hear the students discuss their test-taking experiences, share their future plans, and examine the unique challenges of the CLT10. They also explore the value of removing the pressure of test prep materials for a standardized test. 

The new Honors College at the University of Tulsa has announced it will be offering a full tuition scholarship for all CLT10 National Award winners! To learn more, visit utulsa.edu/honors

Latin and the Art of Slowing Down | Karen Moore

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Karen Moore and her student assistant, Naomi Noble from Grace Academy of Georgetown. Karen is the Classical Languages Chair at Grace Academy and the author of several books. The guests talk about how they first encountered the classics and how the study has allowed them to slow down and appreciate a wider world of language and history. They also discuss their current project: the inaugural Tournament of Laurels, taking place June 25-29 at Houston Christian University. Classical language students nationwide are invited to attend and participate in academic, oral, and fine arts competitions and events. 

Thinking Classically and Theologically About the Social Sciences | Robert Woods

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Robert Woods, author, headmaster of Veritas Christian Academy, and a founder of the Great Books Honors program at Faulkner University. The two discuss the paideia approach to classical education that focuses on academic coaching and Socratic seminars over just lectures. Robert talks about the formation and design of the Great Books Honors program at Faulkner University. They also talk about his book, currently in the process of being published, “Neither Angel Nor Beast,” as a way to think classically and theologically about the social sciences.  

The Explanatory Power of History | James LaGrand

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by James LaGrand, the director of the Messiah University Honors Program. The two discuss James’ love for the explanatory power of history. James describes the lost sense of wonder and discovery that accompanies the educational shift from teaching history to teaching social studies. They also talk about the honors program at Messiah University and how the Great Books have helped create community among the honors students. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

An Intervention in Higher Education | Stephen Blackwood

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Stephen Blackwood, president of Ralston College in Savannah, Georgia. For his return to the podcast, Stephen provides a one-year update on Ralston College’s first round of graduates. The two dive into the kinds of students that they have been accepted and encouragement for those looking to apply. They also discuss Ralston’s overall goal of intervening in higher education to create a college that is worthy of the tradition it seeks to transmit. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Replicating Successful, Mission-Focused Pedagogy | Daniel Baillargeon

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Daniel Baillargeon, founder and CEO of Mission Driven Catholic, a Catholic school resource that ​​provides leaders with the resources, spiritual support, and tools necessary to make mission-driven decisions. The two talk about Daniel’s journey into Catholic education through his time as a teacher, superintendent, and consultant. They also highlight examples of Catholic schools that have fully lived out their mission and the replicable pedagogy that helped them do it. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Woke English Teachers, The Explosive Homeschool Movement, and Classical Ed in Miami Dade | Office Hours with Jeremy Tate

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, a new segment of the Anchored podcast, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about how The National Council of Teachers of English hosted a conference with sessions titled Lil Wayne in the Classroom and Books to Inspire Activism. On a brighter note, The Washington Post released an article highlighting homeschooling as the fastest-growing form of education in America. And finally, a public school in Florida is considering implementing a classical education curriculum in the next school year.

How Seminar-Style Classes Produce Thoughtful, Adaptive Students | Paul O’Reilly

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Paul O’Reilly, president of Thomas Aquinas College (TAC). The two discuss Paul’s background growing up in Ireland during a time of high tensions between Protestants and Catholics. They explore how the campus has changed since Paul attended in the 1980s, including a recent expansion into New England. And finally, they talk about the merits of seminar-style classes to produce thoughtful, adaptive graduates. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

The Hopeful Future of Catholic Education | Chris Weir

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Chris Weir, the executive director of the Camino Schools in California. Chris explains his journey to getting involved with the Camino Schools and the redundancy of using the label “classical” when referring to Catholic liberal arts schools. The two also explore the reasons to be hopeful about the future of Catholic education and the importance of making it more accessible. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

The Case for Cursive | Jake Weidmann

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jake Weidmann, one of nine master penmen in the world. Join them to hear about Jake’s journey to becoming a master penman and the history of beautiful penmanship. Jake also unpacks his case for cursive as a critical connection between the brain and the page and shares his best advice for instilling a love of art in students today.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

How to Train Students for Long-Term Success | Carrie Eben

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Carrie Eben, owner of Classical Eben, a classical consulting firm. Tune in to hear Soren and Carrie talk about the difficulties of starting a classical school and maintaining teacher motivation. They dive into how to train students for long-term success by beginning with the end in mind. Soren and Carrie conclude by discussing what a proper philosophy of assessment looks like. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Art as a Vessel of Theology | Rachelle Kearns

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by artist Rachelle Kearns. Soren and Rachelle explore how her perception of God as a creator informs her art and how her curiosity with mercy formed her artistic voice. They explore the benefits of teaching art in K-12 education as a way to help children understand the love and character of God. Finally, Rachelle gives advice for aspiring artists.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Heather Lloyd on How to Prevent Missional Drift in Classical Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Heather Lloyd, CEO of Concordis Education Partners. Soren and Heather explore how classical people founding classical schools can prevent missional drift. They stress the importance of keeping these schools small to increase mastery and discipleship. Finally, they discuss the unique and joyful environment that results from a classical school that prioritizes discovery and engagement over rigor and workload.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Darrell Jones on Resisting the Cultural Changes of Public Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Darrell Jones, president of the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation. The two discuss how public school culture has changed over the past few years by becoming more resistant to faith. They also explore the work of the Herzog Foundation in enlightening parents, strengthening school culture, and training future Christian school leaders. They conclude by unpacking the foundation’s SchoolBox Initiative, and the purpose, goals, and recent successes that accompany it.  

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Kimberly Begg on The Saints That Inspired Other Saints

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kimberly Begg, author, Director of Programs and General Counsel of the Ortner Family Foundation, and Project Advisor for Run with Saints. The two discuss the inspiration for her new book, Unbreakable: Saints Who Inspired Saints to Moral Courage, and the stories of the three saints that the book focuses on. To close, Kimberly and Jeremy consider how the ordinary person can live a life of heroic, saintly virtue. 

Listen to Kimberly’s previous Anchored episode.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Liberal Arts in the Secular, Catholic, and Muslim Tradition | College President Panel at the 2023 Higher Ed Summit

This week’s episode of Anchored brings to you a panel discussion from the 2023 Higher Ed Summit, featuring three liberal arts college presidents: Jonathan Sanford, president of the University of Dallas; Nora Demleitner, president of St. John’s College; and Hamza Yusuf, president of Zaytuna College. Jennifer Frey, dean of the Honors College at the University of Tulsa, moderates the discussion as the presidents compare the liberal arts curriculum at their secular, Catholic, and Muslim colleges. 

Applications are open for the University of Tulsa. Apply now at https://www.utulsa-info.org/web/.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Abby Wahl on Ordering Loves by Cultivating Habits

On this episode of Anchored, Kimberly is joined by Abby Wahl, director of the online community, Sistership, and one of the members of the Scholé Sisters’ blog. They unpack the term “big hospitality” and dive into the difficulties of teaching her four dyslexic children how to read. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating good habits over forcing the love of reading. As the episode concludes, Abby explains the benefits and beauty of her drama-free, online community for homeschooling moms to ask and answer meaningful questions. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Is Diversity Good, True, and Beautiful? | Aaron Howard at the 2023 Higher Ed Summit

This week’s episode of Anchored features a speech delivered by Aaron Howard, an ethics professor at Lipscomb University and the founder and CEO of As One Diversity, at the Higher Ed Summit in Annapolis. Howard talks about the difference between the postmodern conception of diversity and the biblical view of diversity mandated by God. He dives into his firsthand experience with the oppressor/oppressed ideology he encountered at the Vanderbilt University Divinity School that pushed skepticism of objective truth and demonized all values associated with the West. Howard encourages his audience not to overreact to this misrepresentation of diversity, as we may miss the call to embrace another kind of God-ordained diversity illustrated in the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

Joe Higgins on Connecting Curriculum and Dinner Table Conversations

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Joe Higgins, former CEO and founder of Leman Academy of Excellence. Higgins shares how he used his entrepreneurial experience to help start six classical charter schools. Jeremy and Joe dive into the disconnect between pro-school choice state legislators and the anti-school choice bureaucracy, and the two also discuss Higgins’ Ethos Logos Partners Classical Curriculum and how it provides a way to connect history and dinner table conversations. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Office Hours with Jeremy Tate | Banning Books, The Remedy to America’s Loneliness, and The Breaking News in Florida

On Office Hours with Jeremy Tate, a new segment of the Anchored podcast, Jeremy and Soren dive into the most recent, need-to-know news surrounding the education renewal movement. Tune in to hear about: a school in Canada that was caught removing every library book published before 2008 in the name of inclusivity and equity; an article published by the Heritage Foundation suggesting that classical education could be a remedy to the loneliness epidemic in America; and the Florida Board of Governor's vote to approve the CLT as an accepted admissions test at all state public universities.

Greg Miller on The Benefits of Intertwining Faith and Learning

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Greg Miller, the president of Malone University. Join the two as they discuss the benefits of intertwining faith and learning, integrating athletics into academics, and aiding students in falling in love with Scripture. Miller also talks about his unique experiences finishing his dissertation in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and taking on the daunting task of refining Malone’s core curriculum.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Dean Forman on Maintaining a Countercultural School Environment

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dean Forman, founder of John Adams Academy and author of John Adams Academy Leading a Revolution in Education. Forman shares how meeting his wife and reading a high school newspaper inspired him to establish a classical charter school in California. He explores the significance of creating new institutions instead of repairing existing ones and shares how he has maintained a countercultural school environment by proactively educating families about John Adams Academy's mission and carefully selecting faculty.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Mystie Winckler on the Secrets to a Convivial Education

On this episode of Anchored, Kimberly is joined by Mystie Winckler, writer of the Simply Convivial blog and podcast, cohost of the Scholé Sisters’ blog, and author of “The Convivial Homeschool.” Mystie takes Kimberly through her journey to deciding on a homeschool education with a classical emphasis. The two discuss the pressures on homeschool moms to assert expertise in all areas before taking on the role of a teacher and the importance of these moms being encouraged to learn alongside their children. In the midst of this learning, the two also consider the value of struggle in demonstrating repentance, maturity, and sanctification to their children and the profound festivity that can be present in a convivial homeschool. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

The CLT Summer Interns on Going from Test-Takers to Test-Makers

On this episode of Anchored, Soren welcomes four of the CLT summer interns: Laurali Breeden, Braeden Farley, Faith Walessa, and Faustina Wodzinski to talk about their experiences jumping from the seats of the test-takers to the office of the test-makers. Join the group as they discuss their roles and responsibilities as interns in the operations, marketing, and sales departments. The interns explain their educational backgrounds, goals, and passions alongside how they used those unique qualities to contribute to the mission and work of CLT throughout the summer. 

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Jess Hall on Changing the Culture Through Wholesome Entertainment

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jess Hall, founder of Sherwood Entertainment - a platform that offers wholesome media. Currently, Sherwood is collaborating with CLT to provide a limited-time offer of $100 off on lifetime membership by using the code "CLT100." The discussion kicks off by examining the immorality prevalent in most of the mainstream media's current stories and its association with Hollywood's echo chamber of liberal ideology. Hall presents his solution in creating Sherwood Entertainment - a secure platform for children and a potential outlet for creatives who share Judeo-Christian beliefs. Both Jeremy and Jess emphasize the significance of low-stimulation entertainment and Sherwood's commitment to it by providing visual read-alouds of classic children's stories.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

John Singleton on The Heroic Adventure Spurred by Catholic Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Singleton, a board member of the Liberal Arts College at Mount St. Mary’s University. Their discussion explores the founder of Mount St. Mary's, John Dubois, and his influence on American education. The conversation then delves into the present state and future promise of Catholic, classical education in America. They emphasize the ability of Catholic mythology to inspire students in their pursuit of a heroic adventure. Furthermore, the conversation highlights the growing enrollment trend in Catholic higher education and the rich history and merits of Mount St. Mary’s, which make it a compelling choice for prospective Catholic families.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Erika J. Ahern on The Need for Truth in Media and Journalism

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Erika J. Ahern, associate editor for CatholicVote’s The LOOP. The two discuss Ahern’s switch from years pursuing higher education in philosophy to a career in media and journalism. They discuss the trajectory of journalism toward big politics and what really lies behind this seemingly recent trend. Ahern also advocates for the importance of smaller, independent news outlets and predicts the future of legacy media. They conclude the episode with tips on how to approach the college admissions process.

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT

Aaron Howard on The Supreme Court’s Strike Down of Affirmative Action

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Aaron Howard, an ethics professor at Lipscomb University and the founder and CEO of As One Diversity. Together, they delve into Howard's personal journey of preserving his orthodox Christian beliefs while attending secular institutions and fighting against progressive ideology. The duo dissects the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, providing insights on both the concurring and dissenting opinions. Additionally, they discuss the redefinition of racism, the cultural obligations of various ethnic groups in striving for success, and the significance of open dialogues on race and diversity, free from the fear of being labeled "racist" or "woke."

Today’s episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America’s Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

John Lepine on Navigating Race and Education Amid Turbulent Times

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Lepine, founding principal of Crossover Preparatory Academy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two discuss Lepine’s journey working with Teach for America as a public high school teacher in Tulsa before beginning his work with Crossover. They talk about the value of single-sex education, Crossover’s commitment to making Christ-centered education accessible to people of all financial positions, and the different ways classical education has influenced the school, despite not following a strictly classical model. They also dive into the controversy behind school choice and the difficulty of navigating the COVID-19 and George Floyd debates of 2020 as a school primarily made up of minority students. 

Today's episode of Anchored is brought to you with support from America's Christian Credit Union. Find out how ACCU can be the banking partner to your school or family by visiting americaschristiancu.com/CLT.

Phillip Donnelly on the Practical Purposes of Learning Latin

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Phillip Donnelly, professor at the Baylor University Honors College and author of The Lost Seeds of Learning: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric as Life-Giving Arts. The two discuss the relationship between words and reality, and the implications of a culture that rapidly disregards grammar as an important art. They also defend the teaching of Latin in schools as a necessary way to reflect on one’s own language and dive deep into disciplines with Latin roots. Donnelly also explains why he views language as a seed, not a tool, and the unique work of the Baylor University Honors College. 

Clark Durant and Anika Prather on Bringing Classical Education to Inner-City Detroit - Part 2

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is again joined by Clark Durant and welcomes Anika Prather, author of The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature and founder of The Living Water School and Center. The three discuss the influence of canon philosophers and thought on Civil Rights Movement leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. Durant and Prather also talk about their unlikely partnership and shared passion for the great conversation of common humanity, serviced best by classical education. Durant explains the thought process and steps behind transitioning Cornerstone schools to a classical education model and gives a message to aspiring classical school teachers and leaders. Prather talks about her new role as Director of High-Quality Curriculum Instruction at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and its role in improving schools' curricula through research. 

Clark Durant on Bringing Classical Education to Inner-City Detroit - Part 1

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Clark Durant, cofounder and former CEO of the Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. The two discuss how Durant’s work as a lawyer led to his founding of the Cornerstone Schools, and the transition of those schools to a classical educational model. Durant expands on the school’s mission to build a broad and beloved community of friends to deliver an excellent charter school education that is rooted in the gospel. Durant also explains the meaning behind the names of the schools and discusses the inspirational power of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s urging to “save Western civilization in her darkest hour.” 

Father Jordan Zajac on Shakespeare’s Connections to Catholicism

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Father Jordan Zajac, Dominican priest and assistant professor at Providence College (PC). The two discuss the role of Dominican priests in establishing PC in 1917 and maintaining its enduring Catholic identity. They defend the universal nature of Shakespeare’s works to show what is real and the nuanced discussion surrounding his religious affiliation. They also discuss the importance of college students observing the joy and sustaining power of a life fully surrendered to Christ.

Daniel Buck on What Is Wrong With Our Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Daniel Buck, teacher, senior visiting fellow at the Fordham Institute, and author of What Is Wrong With Our Schools? The two discuss the importance of maintaining certain traditional practices despite changing technology. They explore the impact of John Dewey and other educational theorists’ varied views of human nature on the philosophy of the current public school system, advocating for a student’s education to focus on content rather than acquiring skills. The two also talk about the necessary balance between student-directed techniques and models as well as boundaries that are crucial for student growth and accountability. 

Chuck Fuller on the Clarity of Christian Schools Amid a Culture of Confusion

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Chuck Fuller, associate professor of Christian Studies and director of the Honors Program at Anderson University. The two discuss the AU Honors Program, modeled after the Ph.D. seminar-style classroom environment and in pursuit of answering Tertullian’s famous question: “what has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” They also theorize the possible reasons for why Christian universities are thriving amid population and COVID-related problems – particularly the increasing difficulty of navigating secularism. In addition to enrollment benefits, the two expand on the merits of a curriculum that acknowledges hard questions about faith, death, and transcendence at the heart of learning rather than pushing those central human questions to the periphery. 

Margarita Mooney Clayton on the Power of Great Books to Heal and Unify

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Margarita Mooney Clayton, speaker, author, and associate professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Clayton talks about her educational journey as a bilingual, achievement-oriented, Ivy League graduate. The two also discuss her books, The Love of Learning and The Wounds of Beauty. They explore the unifying nature of Great Books to reach people of all racial and socioeconomic experiences and address the inherent questions of all human beings. She also explains the dangers of unmasking the powers of oppression without presenting the good, the true, and the beautiful as powerful, unifying forces in themselves. 

Andrew Ellison on University of Dallas’ Unwavering Commitment in a Changing Educational Landscape

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Ellison, director of the Saint Ambrose Center and Senior Advisor for Enrollment and Classical Education at University of Dallas (UD). The two discuss Ellison’s own classical education and early involvement with the movement. Ellison explains the beginnings of UD and its commitment to upholding a liberal arts core curriculum as well as an ecumenical environment. The two make predictions about the future of college education, and Ellison expounds upon his future in education as a newly hired UD staff member. 

A previous Anchored episode featuring Andrew Zwerneman is mentioned in this episode. 

Paul Spears and Fred Sanders on Unsettling Settled Beliefs in Education

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Paul Spears and Fred Sanders, both of whom are authors, speakers, and faculty members of Torrey Honors College at Biola University. The three discuss the unique features of the Torrey Honors College and the integrated academic engagement that equips students to move beyond an unhealthy focus on scholastic performance and sink their teeth into meaningful learning. They explore the dangers of the catchphrase “critical thinking” and rethink the label of “gen ed” classes. Spears and Sanders also share wisdom about the power of leaving classes “on a comma”: unresolved, unsettled, and inviting further inquiry. 

Jef and Starrla Fowler on Founding Veritas Academy

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jef and Starrla Fowler, cofounders of Veritas Academy in Austin, Texas. The three discuss how the Fowlers’ failures led to their pioneering of a collaborative educational model while learning the importance of business savvy in the process. The Fowlers explain how Veritas holds a unique position as a resource school, equipping parents to steward their roles as teachers of their children and other classical academies to follow their example. The couple also provides wisdom to those who feel called to start a classical school.

Reverend Jennifer Ryden on Grounding Vocational Work in the Liberal Arts

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Reverend Jennifer Ryden, senior chaplain at Hope College. The two discuss the changing educational and cultural landscape and its effect on the relationship between identity and belonging. Ryden also talks about the intersection of her English major and her work in ministry and Hope’s unique way of grounding vocational work in the liberal arts. She walks Soren through a day in the life of a college chaplain and some of the best and most challenging parts of her job. 

Robert Ingram and Stephen Nichols on The Importance of Critical Thinking in a World with AI

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Reverend Robert Ingram, a founding member of the Geneva School, and Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, President of Reformation Bible College (RBC). The three discuss the beginnings and mission of the Geneva School and of RBC and how the Christian, classical education movement has changed over time. They also explain the dangers of failing to follow up a classical K-12 education with a classical college education. Ingram and Nichols expound upon the need for leadership in classical education, and the importance of character formation and critical thinking in a world with artificial intelligence. Nichols shares how Ingram has played a large role in supporting the growth of the new Reformed Classical Education minor at RBC.

Sarah Mackenzie on Setting Educational Fires

Erin Valdez on Why Plumbers Should Read Dostoevsky

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Erin Valdez, Policy Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and member of the CLT Board of Academic Advisors. The two discuss Valdez’s experience growing up as a homeschooled student in the eighties and how educational policy affected her experience. She also cites Albert Cheng’s research, as explored in last week’s episode, and the reality of declining literacy despite a proliferation of new reading strategies. Valdez also warns about the dangers of young men disengaging from education and the workforce, looking at the ways a balanced education reinforces the virtue of work. She leaves listeners with tips on picking the right college and a reformed philosophy on “useless” majors. 

Albert Cheng on Research Proving the Demand for Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Albert Cheng, professor at the Department of Education Reform in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. The two discuss Cheng’s recently published research study that captures and evaluates the growth in charter school enrollment and how it is even greater in classical charter schools. They also explore additional results from surveying parents on educational values and education. Cheng also predicts future policy implementation that could arise from these findings. 

David Alexander on What Makes the Liberal Arts Truly Liberating

On this episode of Anchored, our Vice President of Partnerships Soren Schwab is joined by Dr. David Alexander, Vice President of Academic Affairs and a professor of philosophy at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. The two discuss Dr. Alexander's educational and spiritual journey and how it revealed to him the necessity and value of the liberal arts. They also explore what makes the liberal arts truly “liberating” and the subsequent danger of a hyper-focused, fragmented education geared toward merely acquiring skills. 

Matthew Bianco on Things That Matter Because They Don’t Matter

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Matthew Bianco, the Chief Operations Officer for the CiRCE Institute and a head mentor in the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program. He is also the author of Letters to My Sons: A Humane Vision for Human Relationships. He discusses how he discovered classical education after attending public school and serving in the U.S. Air Force. He also shares information on the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program and details his perspective on the importance of sports to navigating life and “things that matter because they don’t matter.”

Joseph Pearce on Unlocking the Craft of Writing

On this episode of Anchored, Noah is joined by Joseph Pearce, the author of several books including literary biographies on figures such as Tolkien and Chesterton, and anthologies of great poetry including Poems Every Catholic Should Know and Poems Every Child Should Know. He discusses his educational background and shares tips for becoming a good writer. He also discusses favorite works of literature from throughout history.

Hannah Frankman on Education as an Act of Rebellion

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Hannah Frankman, founder of the rebelEducator blog which shares ideas on how to improve your child’s education. She shares about her background in homeschooling and her perspective on effective school choice policy. She also discusses changes in American society that have made homeschooling more accessible and demand reforms to public education. You can find Hannah on Twitter @rebelEducator or on her personal page @HannahFrankman.

Verónica Gutiérrez on Connecting With Your Heritage Through the Classics

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Veronica Gutierrez, director of the Great Books Program en Español at the Angelicum Academy and a Faculty Fellow in History at Hildegard College in Costa Mesa, CA. She discusses her educational journey and how studying the Great Books helped her to embrace her Mexican American heritage.

Joshua Gibbs and A Short Introduction to Classical Christian Education

On this special episode of Anchored, we are joined by Joshua Gibbs, who reads a version of his pamphlet “A Short Introduction to Classical Christian Education.” Joshua Gibbs is a teacher, lecturer, expert on pedagogy, and author of several books including the upcoming Love What Lasts: How to Save Your Soul from Mediocrity. He is also an Alcuin Fellow and member of the Templeton Honors College advisory board, as well a frequent speaker for the Circe Institute and the Society for Classical Learning. He also teaches online courses for ClassicalU and on his website GibbsClassical.com.

Maddie and Kimberly Farley on How Homeschoolers Can Tackle College Admissions

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kimberly Farley, CLT’s Director of Homeschool Partnerships, as well as her daughter Maddie, a junior studying Communications at Union University in Jackson, TN. They discuss their experiences as a homeschooling family and share lessons that they learned along the way. They also share tips for choosing a college for homeschool families. You can hear more from Kimberly on previous episodes on Anchored, including her previous staff interview and our recent episode on college admissions with Matthew Bullington.

Katharine Savage on Finding Your Home in Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Katharine Savage, founder and head of school at Philadelphia Classical School in Philadelphia, PA. They are also joined by Katharine’s daughter Lily who is an incoming freshman at Grove City College. They discuss the founding and growth of Philadelphia Classical School, navigating the college selection process, and formative books and stories for readers of all ages.

Matthew Bullington on Cracking the Code to College Admissions

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and CLT’s Director of Homeschool Partnerships Kimberly Farley are joined by Matthew Bullington, a college admissions consultant and the president & CEO of UniversityReady. He discusses how college admissions’ attitudes towards homeschool students have shifted over the years, going from unfamiliar and disinterested to seeking out students who were educated at home. He also shares strategies for homeschool students to maximize their college admissions experience and provides advice for students of all educational backgrounds as they prepare for college.

Tom St. Antoine on the Frederick M. Supper Honors Program at Palm Beach Atlantic University

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Tom St. Antoine, director of the honors program at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. He discusses how Palm Beach Atlantic University is one of the many CLT partner colleges that are thriving in the midst of national enrollment declines. He also shares about his own educational background and provides information for students interested in Palm Beach Atlantic University and the honors program.

University of Mary President Monsignor Shea on Christendom and the Apostolic Mission

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Monsignor James Patrick Shea, president of the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. He is also the author of From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age. He discusses the unique challenges of evangelization in the modern age and provides resources for the apostolic mission. He also shares information for students interested in attending the University of Mary.

Jonathan Brush on Building a Better College Alternative

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jonathan Brush, president and CEO of Unbound, a college alternative focusing on project-based education, Christian leadership development, and hands-on experience in the real world. He discusses the history and mission of Unbound and the strong and lasting connections that Unbound students develop. He also describes the unique approach to education that Unbound takes and shares information for interested students.

Eric Wearne on the Hybrid School Revolution

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Eric Wearne, Associate Professor in the Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University and Director of the Hybrid Schools Project. He is also the author of Defining Hybrid Homeschools in America: Little Platoons. He describes the explosive growth of hybrid schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and explains the unique position that hybrid schools hold between homeschooling and traditional private schools.

Christendom College President Dr. Timothy O'Donnell on the Joyful Life of Faith

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Timothy O’Donnell, president of Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. He discusses his upbringing in the Catholic faith, recounts stories from his time studying and living in Rome, and shares insight into the life of a college president. He also shares details for students interested in attending Christendom College.

Randan Steinhauser on Supporting School Choice Across the Aisle

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Randan Steinhauser, founding partner of Steinhauser Strategies and an advocate for school choice who also worked on education reform policy for former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. They discuss the rapid growth of the school choice movement and explain why more and more families are choosing classical education. They also urge voters to support school choice regardless of political affiliation.

Trevor Wright and Arooba Asim on the Atomization of American Life

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Trevor Wright and Arooba Asim. Trevor is the founder of Two Story Books in Statesboro, GA. Arooba is a social media influencer and former co-host and producer of the Anchored podcast. They discuss the need for interpersonal socialization, the lack of public gathering spaces in our built environments, and ways that Gen Z is pushing back against negative aspects of modern society.

New Saint Andrews College President Ben Merkle on Finding Meaning in Vocation

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Ben Merkle, president of New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, ID. He discusses his educational background, his journey to higher education administration, and New Saint Andrews College’s commitment to teaching the liberal arts from a reformed theological perspective.

Brad Layland on the Hidden Art of Fundraising

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Brad Layland, CEO of the FOCUS Group and author of Turning Donors into Partners: Principles of Fundraising You’ll Actually Enjoy. He is also the founder of Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine, FL. He shares advice for classical school founders to cultivate meaningful relationships, raise capital funds, and prepare their school for success.

Dr. Nicholas Ellis on Reclaiming the Stewardship of Souls

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by the founder of Christian Halls International, Dr. Nicholas Ellis. Dr. Ellis shares about his unique life experiences, including growing up in the Brazilian Amazon and studying at Oxford University. He also discusses Christian Halls International’s mission to return the responsibility of educational and personal formation of students to local communities across the globe.

Jamie Buckland on Defending Educational Rights

On this episode of Anchored, Noah is joined by Jamie Buckland, a homeschooling mother of 16 years and the founder of West Virginia Families United for Education, a grassroots organization that supports school choice for all families. She is also the founder of Appalachian Classical Academy, a hybrid school based in Flat Top, WV. They discuss Jamie’s work to defend educational rights, the rapid expansion of school choice in WV, and how parents can make informed decisions about their children’s education. 

Kathy Rabideau and Sara Peterson on Homeschooling for Catholic Families

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Kathy Rabideau and Sara Peterson. Kathy is the Founder of Catholic Schoolhouse, a classical homeschool curriculum and co-op network for Catholic homeschooling families. Sara is the Upper Level Coordinator for Catholic Schoolhouse and Director of the Harford County, MD chapter. They discuss the founding and growth of Catholic Schoolhouse and provide tips for parents interested in home education.

Montreat College President Paul Maurer on Christ-Centered College Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and CLT’s Director of Homeschool Partnerships Kimberly Farley are joined by Dr. Paul Maurer, President of Montreat College in Montreat, NC. They discuss President Maurer’s academic interests, the mission of Montreat College, and his work to strengthen the institution’s Christ-centered identity. They also discuss Montreat’s COMPASS Summer Program for high school students interested in various fields of study at Montreat.

Pete Peterson on Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Pete Peterson, Dean of the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University in Mailbu, CA. He shares the story behind his calling to work in public policy, which led him to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy at Pepperdine. He also discusses the unique Christian, liberal arts identity of Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy, as well as the power of the Great Books to mediate between different perspectives.

Calvin University Provost Noah Toly and Alumna Katie Prefontaine on Education as a Gift to the World

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Calvin University Provost Dr. Noah Toly, as well as CLT’s own Katie Prefontaine, who is an alumna of Calvin. They discuss the mission and history of Calvin University, campus traditions and culture, and the university’s commitment to the liberal arts.

Spencer Klavan on How to Save the West

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Spencer Klavan, host of the Young Heretics podcast and author of the new book How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for 5 Modern Crises. He discusses the roots of the Western intellectual tradition stemming from Athens and Jerusalem and the need to preserve this tradition for future generations.

Josh Herring on Forming Integrity and Intellectual Curiosity

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Josh Herring, Dean of Classical Education at Thales Academy in Apex, NC. He discusses the mission of Thales Academy to provide affordable classical education to students of all backgrounds. He also discusses his perspective on the shortcomings of mainstream education and shares habits for forming a robust intellectual life.

Brett Harris and Kara Swanson on Pursuing a Career as a Writer

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Brett Harris and Kara Swanson, published authors and co-founders of The Author Conservatory, a college alternative that develops professional and creative writing skills. Brett and Kara discuss their unique educational backgrounds and careers as published authors, and share tips for young writers to nurture their talents while pursuing meaningful employment. You can find out more in Brett’s article, Yes, You Can Make A Living As A Writer: Here’s How.

Marvin Berkowitz on Building a More Moral Society

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, the Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is the author of PRIMED for Character Education: Six Design Principles for School Improvement. He discusses the need for character education during formative years, the relationship between developmental psychology and moral growth, and the long-term moral progress achieved by society.

Jonathan Randle on the Liberal Arts and Success in Postgraduate Education

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Jonathan Randle, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. He shares about his experiences as a student abroad at the University of Cambridge, where he earned his PhD at Emmanuel College. He also discusses how his liberal arts education at Mississippi College background prepared him for success in his graduate studies and beyond.

Francis Su on Why Mathematics Are Key to Human Flourishing

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Francis Su, Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. He is also the author of the Euler Award-winning book, Mathematics for Human Flourishing, which explores the relationship between mathematics and the virtues essential to human flourishing. He discusses the beauty and wonder inherent in mathematics and the importance of developing an appreciation of it.

Gordon College President Michael Hammond on Preparing Students for the World

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Michael Hammond, President of Gordon College in Wenham, MA. They discuss Gordon College’s approach to preparing Christian students for the modern world, and share details about Gordon’s new Graduate Program in Classical School Leadership. They also discuss President Hammond’s academic interests and journey to academia.

Katie Wiens on Academic Excellence with a Christian Ethos

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Katie Wiens, Executive Director of CESA - the Council on Educational Standards & Accountability. They discuss her journey from working in an organic chemistry lab to founding a Christian school in urban Boston. They also discuss her work with CESA and how they serve the needs of Christian schools across the country.

Anthony Turner on Enrollment Trends and the Value of Higher Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Anthony Turner, Vice President of Enrollment at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC. Anthony tells of his journey to working in higher education after initially seeking a career in elementary education, including his unique experience of growing up with deaf parents. He also discusses reasons for declines in college enrollment and the lasting value of higher education.

Dave Arnott on Biblical Economics and the Free Market

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s CFO Noah Tyler is joined by Dr. Dave Arnott, professor of Management and Economics at Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Arnott is the author of several books covering the intersection of Christianity and economics and is host of The Christian Economist podcast. The two discuss the liberating power of the free market, the relationship between economic principles and scripture, and the importance of choice in the marketplace of education. They also discuss how a Christian worldview empowers individuals to make morally-sound decisions in a market economy. 

Jeremy Tate and Catholic Leaders at the University of Navarra

On this special episode of Anchored, Jeremy visits the University of Navarra with prominent leaders in the Catholic educational renewal movement. Sean Maltbie, Headmaster of Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Rapids, MI; Oscar Ortiz, Principal of Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth, TX; Brinton Smith, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Fort Worth; Elias Moo, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Denver; and Chris Weir, President of Servite High School in Anaheim, CA, engage in a lively discussion covering the faithful Catholic identity of the University of Navarra, the importance of fostering Christian culture through education, and steps that school leaders can take to nurture the faith life of students.

Andrew Pudewa on the Fruits of Homeschooling

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Pudewa, Founder and Director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. He recounts his unique educational and life journey that ultimately led him to found IEW and convert to the Christian faith. The two discuss many of the problems facing mainstream education and explain how homeschooling provides a fruitful alternative to public schooling.

Paul List and Ali Ghaffari on Tolkien, Technology, and the Modern Age

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Paul List and Ali Ghaffari, co-authors of the new book Mount Doom: The Prophecy of Tolkien Revealed. The three examine the mythology of Tolkien’s works, examining many of the psychological, spiritual, and philosophical themes and allegories present throughout. This supports their argument that Tolkien foresaw an over-reliance on technology and artificial intelligence that afflicts society in the current age. They also discuss Tolkien’s Catholic faith and the influence it had on his life and writings.

Eric Cook and Keith Nix on Effective Leadership in Classical Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Keith Nix, head of the Veritas School in Richmond, VA, and Eric Cook, President of the Society for Classical Learning. The two are co-directors of Gordon College’s new graduate program in Classical School Leadership. They discuss some of the challenges faced by the classical renewal movement, providing insight as to how Gordon’s new graduate program prepares classical educators for effective leadership at their schools. They also share tips for choosing a college that will enrich a student’s faith life.

Faulkner University's Dr. Jason Jewell and Dr. Andrew Jacobs on Great Books and Human Flourishing

On this episode of Anchored, CLT’s Adam Roate is joined by Dr. Jason Jewell and Dr. Andrew Jacobs of Faulkner University’s Center for Great Books and Human Flourishing. The two share about their educational journey and how Faulkner University fostered their love for classical education. They discuss the importance of faith in the academy, the value of overcoming challenges in education, and share details about graduate and undergraduate degree programs at Faulkner University. They also hear from admissions counselor Megan Lee, who shares information for interested prospective students. 

Ginny Gentles on the Harmful Effects of Radical Ideology

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Ginny Gentles, Director of the Education Freedom Center of the Independent Women’s Forum. They discuss Ginny’s background, which includes serving as a senior political advisor for the George W. Bush Administration, as well as championing school choice at the Florida Department of Education. They also discuss the harmful effects that radical ideology can have on individuals and society.

David Diener on Hillsdale College’s New Master of Arts in Classical Education Program

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. David Diener, Professor of Education at Hillsdale College. David shares how his educational journey led him to teach at a Christian school in Bogota, Colombia, before moving back to the US to pursue a passion in classical education. He emphasizes the need for good leadership in the classical renewal movement, and highlights the new Master of Arts in Classical Education program at Hillsdale College. He also discusses how classical education transcends geographic and ideological boundaries in pursuit of human flourishing for all.

Ave Maria University and Domino's Pizza Founder Tom Monaghan on Motivating a Meaningful Life

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza and Ave Maria University, as well as Adam Kinnick, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at Ave Maria University. Tom recounts growing up in foster homes and Catholic orphanages across Michigan, working multiple jobs to pay for classes and textbooks as a young adult, and eventually founding Domino’s Pizza with his brother while a student at the University of Michigan. He highlights the important role his Catholic faith plays in his daily life, and how it ultimately motivated him to found Ave Maria University. He and Adam discuss Ave Maria’s faithfully Catholic identity and share tips for students interested in attending.

Cassidy Syftestad on the Urgent Need for School Choice

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Cassidy Syftestad, a Hillsdale College graduate and current third-year PhD student at the University of Arkansas studying Education Policy. Cassidy discusses how her family benefited from school choice while navigating the public school system and responds to common criticisms of school choice, emphasizing the need for freedom in education. She also shares memories from her time in the American Studies program at Hillsdale, including interviewing Annette Kirk and studying in Washington, D.C.

Jordan Almanzar on Nurturing Family Relationships in a Disconnected World

Dr. Christopher Perrin, Anika Prather, and Doug Wilson on How the Gospel Fosters Racial Healing

On this special episode of Anchored, guests Anika Prather and Doug Wilson continue their conversation on race relations in the United States. They engage in a lively discussion on topics including the value of classical education, the power of the gospel in creating racial healing, and the importance of listening to and understanding other perspectives. Join us for this special two-hour episode hosted by Dr. Christopher Perrin of Classical Academic Press.

Erika Bachiochi and Jay Boren on the Success of St. Benedict Classical Academy

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by two leaders of St. Benedict Classical Academy in South Natick, MA: Headmaster Jay Boren and Co-Founder Erika Bachiochi. Erika shares about her academic path to becoming a legal scholar and subsequently helping found St. Benedict. Jay shares about his experience as a novice Benedictine monk before becoming a classical Catholic educator for twelve years. Under his leadership, St. Benedict’s enrollment has blossomed from 25 to 233 students. Erika and Jay share advice for new classical schools, examine the relationship between classical and authentically Catholic education, and discuss the need for good school leaders. 

Becky Priest on Classical Education and College Admissions

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Becky Priest, College Counselor at The Cambridge School in San Diego, CA. She discusses how her childhood interest in education led her to Washington University in St. Louis, where she discovered a passion for helping others. She eventually joined the University’s financial aid department, before leveraging her skills to help start The Cambridge School. She shares advice for new college counselors, recommends strategies for developing a robust faith life in college, and discusses the value of classical education in preparing students for undergraduate studies.

Justin Smith on Pedagogy and School Leadership

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Justin Smith, Head of the Upper School at Little Rock Christian Academy in Little Rock, AR. Justin shares about his educational and professional background, including his studies at the University of San Diego, Sam Houston State University, and the University of Oxford. He recounts how an encounter with the Harkness Method of Pedagogy at the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire changed the course of his career. He also discusses the significance of education as a formative experience for students, emphasizing the importance of good school leadership in cultivating virtue and genuine learning.

Tsh Oxenreider on the Value of Cross-Cultural Experiences

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tsh Oxenreider, who is an author of books, a long-time podcast host, and creator of The Common Place newsletter. Tsh recounts her time spent abroad in Turkey, emphasizing the value of cross-cultural experiences. She explains why living abroad led her to homeschool her children and take a year-long educational journey with her entire family after moving back to the U.S. She shares about the educational group trips that she leads for students and adults of all ages, connecting history and literature to lived experience. She also discusses her journey with the Christian faith and her eventual conversion to Catholicism.

Anika Prather and Doug Wilson on The Black Intellectual Tradition

On this special episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by two leaders in the classical renewal movement. Dr. Anika Prather is the founder of The Living Water School and Professor of Classics and English at Howard University. Douglas Wilson is a Senior Fellow at New St. Andrews College, founder of the Logos School, and Senior Minister at Christ Church in Moscow, ID. Together, they discuss Dr. Prather’s book The Black Intellectual Tradition, the legacy of Anna Julia Cooper, the importance of classical education, and the lived experiences of black and white Americans throughout history.

Andrew Brummett on the Power of Micro Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Andrew Brummett, Founder of The Wayside School and of Wayside Educational, an educational services company serving a network of micro high schools. Andrew shares about his journey through public and private education, which included graduate studies in military history and theology that ultimately led him to become a classical educator. He discusses the importance of making classical education accessible, explaining how micro schools provide an affordable alternative to traditional private schools. He also shares about his interest in the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne and H.W. Longfellow, discussing their influence on his educational philosophy.

Joshua Hochschild on the Connectedness of the Social Sciences

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Joshua Hochschild, Director of the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. Dr. Hochschild shares about his educational journey, including his introduction to the Great Books as part of an undergraduate honors program at Yale. He details the interdisciplinary Philosophy, Politics, and Economics major offered at the Mount, emphasizing the extent that these fields influence and rely on one another. He also discusses his walk with the Christian faith and his eventual conversion to Catholicism.

Professor John Boyle and Student Lucia Rosales on Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. John Boyle, Chair of the Catholic Studies Department at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, as well as current student Lucia Rosales. Lucia shares about her experience as a Catholic Studies student at St. Thomas, including her opportunity to study in Rome. Dr. Boyle describes the interdisciplinary nature of the Catholic Studies program, helping students understand the impact of the Incarnation on human thought and culture. He and Lucia further discuss student life at St. Thomas, the importance of intentional community, and formative books from their educational journeys.

David Nokes on Equipping Schools Through Technology

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by David Nokes, CEO of Classreach: a new school management software platform designed to better meet the needs of private and independent schools. He shares about the decision to enroll his children at a private classical school and how this experience made him recognize the need for better school management software. He explains how his career developing crisis response software for fire departments prepared him to join Classreach, and details many of the features that make Classreach a better option for parents, teachers, and students.

Daniel Coupland on the Formative Power of Children's Literature

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Daniel Coupland, Dean of Hillsdale College’s new Graduate School of Classical Education. Dr. Coupland shares about his own unique journey through education, during which he spent time at public schools, private schools, and homeschool programs. He discusses his upcoming book, Tried and True: a Primer on Sound Pedagogy, and how he hopes it will serve as a valuable resource for new classical educators, akin to Strunk and White’s resource for new writers, The Elements of Style. He also discusses the important role that children’s literature plays in forming concepts of good and evil, preparing children to navigate a morally confusing world.

Covenant College President Derek Halvorson on the Liberal Arts and the Reformed Tradition

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Derek Halvorson, President of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. President Halvorson shares about his educational journey, including his motivations for attending Covenant College as an undergraduate despite receiving lucrative scholarship offers to study elsewhere. He discusses the Reformed Christian identity that is central to Covenant College, detailing the ways this identity influences the College’s view of the liberal arts and its core curriculum. He also discusses the Summer Institute at Covenant College, a one-week, residential program for motivated high school students.

John Cuddeback on the Epidemic of Loneliness

On this episode of Anchored, Katie is joined by Dr. John Cuddeback, Professor of Philosophy at Christendom College in Front Royal, VA. Dr. Cuddeback is also the founder of Life-Craft.org, a website where he shares practical philosophy and other wisdom for building good habits and crafting well-formed lives. Dr. Cuddeback shares his perspective on what he calls the “Epidemic of Loneliness”: the widespread absence of higher-order friendships in contemporary everyday life. He further emphasizes the important role that classical liberal education plays in forming and preserving a well-ordered society, highlighting many of the ways that Christendom College prepares their students for the world.

Brian Polk on the Role of Science in Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Brian Polk, Associate Professor of Science at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. Dr. Polk discusses how his encounter with the liberal arts at the University of Southern Mississippi Honors College changed the course of his education, going from a pre-medical program as an undergraduate to specializing in chemistry and classical pedagogy as a doctoral student. He shares about his experiences as a classical educator, including his contributions to FASTly - a resource for teachers to provide quality science education within the context of Christian faithfulness. He also shares his perspective on the important role that science and natural philosophy play among the humanities in classical education.

Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis on Faithful Catholic Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Stephen Minnis, President of Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. President Minnis shares his perspective on the state of Catholic higher education, emphasizing the importance of faithful Catholic education that cultivates both faith and intellect. He discusses many of the changes that Benedictine College has seen under his leadership, including the establishment of the College’s Center for Beauty and Culture and the expansion of the College’s core curriculum. He further details the unique and devoted relationship that exists between the College and the Benedictine Order, highlighting the important role that the Order plays in developing student faith life and furthering the mission of the College.

Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon on the Power of Satire

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Seth Dillon, CEO of The Babylon Bee. Seth describes his journey to starting The Babylon Bee after almost being suspended from college for a satirical email he sent to his entire school. Seth discusses why satire is so effective in communicating the truth, and highlights the difference between a comedian and a propagandist. Seth also shares what he believes to be an increasing danger in modern society: people's inability to distinguish between satire and reality. 

Jerome Foss on Infusing Higher Education with Benedictine Monasticism

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Jerome Foss, Associate Professor of Political Science at Saint Vincent College and Director of the Saint Vincent Center for Catholic Thought and Culture. Dr. Foss discusses the pitfalls many high school students encounter when preparing for college. He shares Saint Vincent College's radically different approach to education which roots itself in the heritage of Benedictine monasticism. Dr. Foss states that the goal of this approach is to create an environment where students can trust one another and engage together in challenging, meaningful conversation.

Geneva College President Calvin Troup on Education and the Imago Dei

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Calvin Troup, president of Geneva College. Dr. Troup shares about his undergrad experience at Geneva from 1979-1983, discussing the importance of Geneva's integrated humanities program and Christian core curriculum. Dr. Troup emphasizes that this kind of education is essential to developing practical wisdom and enabling students to interact with those around them as human beings made in the image of God. Dr. Troup also discusses his scholarly interest in St. Augustine, sharing how Augustine's City of God provides a wonderful explanation of the hope of the Gospel in a dying world.

John Sablan on Finding Transformation After Trauma

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Sablan, co-founder and president of World Ablaze. John shares his story of transformation after undergoing abuse at the hands of a family member and his alcoholic father. Returning to the Catholic church in his adulthood, John experienced a "prodigal son" moment that broke the bonds of trauma and abuse in his life. John describes how his children ended up at Franciscan University after being accepted to UC Davis and Berkeley and how World Ablaze helps bring families from hurting, to healing, to holiness.

Phil Cook on Nurturing Faith in Higher Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Phil Cook, Executive Director of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP). Phil discusses his time serving as Vice President of Enrollment at Lee University, where he and the college administration sought to foster Christ-centered and academically excellent education. Phil shares the importance of nurturing faith in higher education and why parents should make the investment in private Christian colleges for their children. He discusses NACCAP's work to advance enrollment in Christian higher education through Christian University & College Fairs.

Andrew Zwerneman on Enduring Loves That Shape History

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Andrew Zwerneman, founder and president of Cana Academy. Cana Academy is a nonprofit providing classical education resources and seminars for teachers. Andrew discusses the importance of how we teach history, highlighting the dangers of a fragmentary view which redefines the past by specific egregious failures. Andrew points out the corroded connections in modern academia between philosophy and revelation, faith and reason, and tradition and our present experience. He shares how Christianity and Western culture have fostered an extremely diverse American culture, and emphasizes the importance of focusing our history on enduring loves. 

Michael Millerman on the Importance of Studying Controversial Thoughts

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Michael Millerman, a scholar of political philosophy and author of two books: Inside "Putin's Brain" and Beginning with Heidegger.  Michael shares how he became interested in the "deep inner life of man" from a young age. Introduced to Straussian pedagogy through a professor, Michael paired his interest in mysticism with philosophy and delved into research on the Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin. This research later led him to get blacklisted from a career in higher academia, but inspired Michael to create The Millerman School, where Michael teaches online courses on Plato, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and more. Michael shares the importance of a genuine study of controversial thoughts and shares why a universal yearning for the Great Books is inevitable.

Greg Wilbur and Carolyn Weber on Music and the Liberal Arts

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Greg Wilbur, president and founder of New College Franklin, and Carolyn Weber, professor at New College Franklin and author of Surprised by Oxford.  Greg shares how he began a career in higher education after realizing the brokenness of the status quo, with colleges that focused more on job training than educating the whole person. Greg and Carolyn discuss why New College Franklin only offers one major in the Liberal Arts and why this kind of education bears fruit in students regardless of their vocation. The two discuss the importance of music in education, as well as maintaining a sense of wonder.

Doug Wilson on Pioneering the Classical Education Renewal Movement

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Doug Wilson, founder of the Logos School. Doug shares how he first learned about classical education during his service in the Navy after reading Dorothy Sayers' The Lost Tools of Learning. Doug describes the vision and mission for the Logos School as "not just another prep school" but one embedded in contextualized history of America and the church. Doug discusses the impact of secular curricula in modern schools, the importance of open conversations with people of differing beliefs, and some of the controversies that have surrounded him.

Karen Elliott on the Universal Appeal of Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Karen Elliott, Executive Director of the Rafiki Foundation. Karen shares how she went from working as a commercial banker to serving in Africa and describes how the foundation is supporting Africans spiritually and materially. Now in 10 African countries, the Rafiki Foundation partners with 23 African church denominations and 20,000 schools to provide care and a classical Christian education to children in need. Karen emphasizes that a classical education is for everyone, but must speak to a people's particular culture and history and draw on whatever is true, good and beautiful around the world.

Jennifer Pepito on Cultivating Joy and Wonder in Children

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jennifer Pepito, a homeschool parent, founder of The Peaceful Press, and author of Mothering By the Book. Jennifer shares how she began her homeschooling journey while seeking to provide the best education possible for her children, including one daughter with special needs. Concerned that today's kids are over-schooled and over-scheduled, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of developing fine motor skills in early education as well as cultivating joy and wonder. She shares how she has established meaningful practices in her family, like morning time, physical work, and reading aloud, to foster a love for learning and for God.

Tamara Long and Grace Tate on Abilene Christian University's Summer Program in England

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by his daughter, Grace Tate, and Tamara Long, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Abilene Christian University. Tamara and Grace discuss Abilene's summer program in England, sharing their perspectives on the trip and what they learned about English history and culture. Tamara emphasizes that Abilene Christian University's goal is to maintain a strong Christian identity that pervades and fuels its rigorous academics.

Kellye Britton on the Record-Breaking Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Kellye Britton, Executive Director of the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, a pipeline program that works to enroll black youth into an international summer debate residency at Harvard College. Kellye describes how she went from being a retail accountant to Executive Director of the record-breaking program. She also discusses the goal of the project: to breed thinkers for strong leadership from generation to generation.

Mount St. Mary's University President Timothy Trainor on Maintaining True Catholic Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Timothy Trainor, President of Mount St. Mary's University. Timothy shares that while he never saw himself becoming the president of the second oldest Catholic university in America, his 33 years of Army service equipped him for this role. Timothy discusses the history of Mount St. Mary's, its renowned National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and how the university maintains its Catholic identity.

Daniel Foucachon on Empowering Homeschool Families and Liberating Teachers

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Daniel Foucachon, founder of Roman Roads Press and Kepler Education, and a member of the Board of Academic Advisors at CLT. Daniel discusses his childhood in France, where he and his siblings were the only homeschoolers in a city of two million. He shares that he started Roman Roads Press and Kepler Education to give parents the agency and tools to provide a classical Christian education to their children. He also discusses the meaning of classical education in relation to Western culture, the importance of the six Chinese arts, and why understanding The Aeneid is key to understanding the American story.

John Snyder on Remedying the National Teacher Shortage

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by John Snyder, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and a Marine Corps veteran. Mr. Snyder discusses his educational experience growing up, his thoughts on the national teacher shortage, and his goals for Florida’s education system. As a member of the Florida State Legislature, he provides insight on his recent bill which opens up opportunities for veterans to become teachers. He also discusses his staffing company, ESI, which helps schools recruit skilled and passionate educators.

David Williams on The Impact of School Culture

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by David Williams, President of Valor Education, the Valor Institute, and John Paul II Academy of San Diego. David discusses his love for teaching, his time teaching at Union High School, a public school in NJ, and how teaching at public school informed the rest of his career. He also shares how he learned about classical education, eventually becoming the headmaster at Glendale Preparatory Academy and then Executive Director at Great Hearts. David explains his vision behind founding the Valor Institute and Valor education, stating his desire to cultivate good school culture as the driving force.

The New College of Saint Joseph the Worker

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jacob Imam, founder of the College of St. Joseph the Worker. Jacob shares his concerns about the lack of students learning practical skills in schools. He explains the importance of manual labor in early Christianity and the modern world, stating that human labor cannot be replaced by something artificial. He shares the vision of the College of St. Joseph and the programs it offers, stating that his goal is to teach students the most stable and lucrative trades to graduate net-positive.

Jason Bedrick on The Success of School Choice

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Jason Bedrick, a Research Fellow in the Center for Education Policy at the Heritage Foundation and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom. Jason talks about how he became interested in public policy and his experience studying public policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He explains what school choice is and why 2021 was declared a breakthrough year for school choice. He discusses the skepticism surrounding school choice and how school choice benefits low-income and minority students. 

Anderson University President John S. Pistole on Technology Divorced From Moral Formation

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John S. Pistole, President of Anderson University. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Pistole was placed in charge of the FBI’s counterterrorism program, eventually becoming the FBI’s Executive Assistant Director for National Security. In 2004, Pistole was named Deputy Director of the FBI. He discusses his experience serving as Deputy Director at a crucial time in American history and recalls the tragedy that occurred on 9/11. He explains how his role as Deputy Director prepared him to be President at Anderson. 

Caroline Andrews on Discovering Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Caroline Andrews, a rising sophomore at The Master’s University. Caroline discusses attending public school for 13 years until discovering classical education through a CLT practice test. She explains the difference between the SAT and the CLT, and how the CLT taught her that education is formative. Caroline states that the mission of public education is to teach students to excel in worldly things, while classical education teaches you how to be a responsible person.

Dr. Krom and Dr. Jividen on The Future of Brick and Mortar Colleges

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr.  Michael P. Krom and Dr.  Jason Jividen of St. Vincent College. They discuss the presence of Benedictines on campus, and how that impacts student life and campus culture. They also talk about the future of brick and mortar colleges, and why virtual schools will not replace physical buildings. Dr. Krom and Dr. Jividen state that a physical campus is important in helping students build relationships and communities. 

Alexandra Hudson on Her Experience Working at the US Department of Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Alexandra Hudson, curator of Civic Renaissance. She discusses her early education, which consisted of homeschool, public school, and charter school. She also shares her experience working in the US Department of Education and the disillusionment it caused. She states that although she was excited to make a change in education through her role, the Department of Education seemed to have other priorities. It was much more bureaucratic, and had little regard for the human aspect of education. Alexandra also talks about her newsletter Civic Renaissance, politics, and her books. 

University of Dallas President, Jonathan Sanford, on The Lost Art of Arguing Without Quarreling

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jonathan J. Sanford, President of the University of Dallas. President Sanford discusses characteristics that make UD special, such as its vibrant student life culture and its core curriculum. He explains that at UD students are taught to think and write well by engaging in conversation with others. President Sanford thinks that modern society has lost the art of arguing without quarreling, and that the classical tradition is one of conflict. He states that students must know others' opinions and thoughts well in order to argue against them. 

Mr. Kris Bex on Preserving the Past for the Future

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Rachel are joined by Mr. Kris Bex, President of The Remnant Trust. The Remnant Trust is an public educational foundation that shares an actively growing  collection of manuscripts, first edition and early works dealing with the topics of individual liberty and human dignity with some pieces dating as early as 2500 B.C.  
Mr. Bex discusses the importance of touching original documents, the growing hostility towards the Classics, and how the Classics bridge the divide between different political beliefs. He also shares his thoughts on the long-term implications of students not reading old texts. 

Dan Scoggin from Great Hearts on Teaching Students Ordered Joy

On this episode of Anchored, Tracy is joined by Dan Scoggin, Co-Founder of Great Hearts Academies. Dr. Scoggin discusses founding Great Hearts, its mission, and its foundation of teaching students ordered joy. He also discusses the six loves of Great Heart Academies, the core values that drive the entire organization. Dr. Scoggin states that a classical education at Great Hearts seeks to unifiy intellectual excellence and moral excellence, and that one cannot exist without the other.

Adam Mangana on Launching the World's First Virtual Reality Charter School

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Adam Mangana, Executive Director of  Optima Domi and co-founder of Optima Classical Academy (OCA), the world’s first-ever virtual reality charter school. Mangana discusses his reasoning behind launching a school that is virtual, stating that many students do not have access to classical education through attending a physical school and that virtual reality will make education more accessible. He also states that he recognizes the dangers of VR technology, and that classical education will serve as a moral guide as more people start to use it. 

Pat Wesolowski's Homeschooling Journey

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Pat Wesolowski, a homeschool specialist at Bryan College. Mrs. Wesolowski discusses her experience of homeschooling her children at a time when homeschooling was illegal, and the positive impact it had on them. She also shares advice for new homeschooling parents, and things she wishes she had done differently. Mrs. Wesolowski also explains the benefits of the CLT for homeschooling families and issues with the SAT and ACT.

Inga Cotton on Advocating for School Choice

On this episode of Anchored, Tracy is joined by Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms, a nonprofit organization that helps parents learn about different kinds of schools. Inga discusses the motivation behind founding the organization, and the importance of parents being able to choose the school that best fits their child's needs. She also discusses how parents can advocate for school choice within their states, and gives advice to parents on finding out their school choice options. 

Albert Cheng on The Effects of Classical Education on Character Formation

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Albert Cheng, Assistant Professor at the Department of Education Reform in the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Cheng discusses his work and interest in assessing school choice policy, and its impact on character and virtue formation. Eventually, he also became interested in classical education and its benefits in teaching students civic knowledge. Dr. Cheng has published research on the effects of poetry on learning as well. 

Ron Jung on Teaching Children Truth and Virtue

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Ron Jung, Headmaster at Providence Academy. He discusses the contrast in public school education between when he was a child and now, and how the removal of God and truth from education compelled him to homeschool his children. He states that every parent must ask themselves what their obligation is to God in raising their children, and how that plays out in the education their children are receiving. Ron states that the goal of Providence Academy is to teach students reality as it is. 

Roosevelt Montás on Rescuing Socrates

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Roosevelt Montás, Author of  Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation. Roosevelt discusses immigrating to the United States, studying at public schools, and attending Columbia University. He states that although he was academically driven and successful, as a teacher he has realized that public schools fail by design. Roosevelt explains that the inspiration behind his book was the work of the various thinkers he read during his lifetime that addressed him as a human being. 

Ignat Solzhenitsyn on The Gulag Archipelago

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Ignat Solzhenitsyn, a critically acclaimed conductor and son of Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Ignat discusses his father's life in the Russian gulag system, how it inspired his father to write The Gulag Archipelago, and the role poetry played in his father's survival. He critiques the American education system, claiming that it does not educate students about the gulags, but rather instills a superficial appeal of certain Communist notions. Ignat states that his father Aleksandr also thought that American society was not living up to its own promises made in the founding documents. He discusses his father's journey from Marxism to Orthodox Christianity. 

The Consequences of Political Polarization with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, a parent at the Saint Constantine School in Houston. Morénike explains the definition of the word "woke" in the black community, and how it has been misconstrued in mainstream politics as a consequence of creating labels to define political opinions. She discusses the polarization of political thought and states that most people are more nuanced than they are given credit for. Morénike also shares her thoughts on demonizing one group of people, and the inability of many individuals to view life from a non-political lens. 

Is Classical Education Only for the Elite?

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. David Withun, the founding Head of School at Jacksonville Classical Academy and a W.E.B DuBois scholar. He discusses his journey to discovering the Classics, studying W.E.B DuBois, and becoming head of school. Dr. Withun states that it was his desire to help every student have access to a quality classical education that compelled him to take on a leadership position. He also answers questions about the diversity of classical education and military families attending classical schools. 

Dr. Dan Peterson on Preparing Students for Eternal Life at the Regents School of Austin

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Dan Peterson, Head of School at Regents School of Austin. Dr. Peterson explains that his mission is to not just prepare students to receive higher education, rather it is to prepare them for life. He also discusses the fracturing of what education was really designed for, the importance of a test like CLT, and helping students take ownership of their education. He emphasizes that students should have the freedom to fail because the best way to learn is by failing. 

Alex Petkas on the Divorce of the Classics and the Christian Tradition

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Alex Petkas, Princeton graduate and host of the podcast Cost of Glory. He discusses his journey to discovering Christianity and the Classics, ultimately studying at Princeton University and receiving his PhD. Alex states that he noticed a split between the Classics and the Christian tradition in relation to how it was taught in the classroom, and It wasn't until he began his own ancient Greek language program that he became disillusioned with Academia.

Why the Classics Must Be Taught With Matthew Ryan

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Matthew Ryan, Host of #CanonChat: a Twitter-based book club for lovers of great literature. He shares his journey to becoming a Catholic school teacher, and explains the difference in teaching at a public school vs. a Catholic school. He also discusses movements that want to cancel the Classics, the universality of the Great Books, and his Twitter book club. 

Martin Cothran on The Definition of Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Martin Cothran, Author of Memoria Press' Traditional Logic, Material Logic, and Classical Rhetoric programs. Martin discusses the education reforms that took place at the turn of the 20th century, and how they shifted emphasis from moral formation to vocation and progressive impulse. He also talks about the importance of classical children's literature, and the definition of classical education. 

Dr. C. Bradley Thompson on the Crisis in Government Schools

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. C. Bradley Thomson,  Professor in the Department of Political Science and Executive Director of the Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism.  He discusses his views on education reform, stating that he does not believe that Public Schools can be reformed and that they must be abolished completely. Dr. Thompson also states that education is the single most important thing human beings do, yet it is being controlled and corrupted by the government. He claims that similar to the separation between church and state, there must be a separation between school and state. 

Allie Beth Stuckey on Spirituality vs. Scripture

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by Allie Beth Stuckey, host of the podcast Relatable. Allie shares her journey to becoming a podcast host, a published author, and an important voice in the Christian conservative world. She explains the difference between being a Republican and a Christian conservative, citing the main difference as the relevance of scripture in political viewpoints. She also talks about her book You're Not Enough (& That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love and discusses how harmful the ideology of narcissistic self-love is for young women. She also discusses why spirituality has replaced scripture. 

The Life and Work of Averroes: Journey Through the Author Bank with Sheikh Hamza Yusuf

In this Journey Through the Author Bank seminar, we're joined by Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, President of Zaytuna College and one of the most influential Muslim scholars in the world.  He is a proponent of classical learning in Islam and has promoted Islamic sciences and classical teaching methodologies throughout the world. Sheikh Yusuf delves into the life, work, and impact of the medieval Muslim philosopher, Averroes.

President Demleitner on Training Students for Democracy

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by President Demleitner, the 25th president of St. John's College in Annapolis. She discusses her journey to becoming President, the beauty of St. John's college, and the establishment of the Great Books program. She explains how St. John's has been able to attract students across the political spectrum while still remaining an intellectually open campus. President Nora states that classical education is an education that trains students for democracy. 

The Moral Case for Free Market with Dr. Murray Bessette

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Tracy are joined by Dr. Murray Bessette, Vice President of Education at Common Sense Society. He discusses growing up in Canada, and the current political climate of the country. He also shares his journey of leaving academia due to his moral objection to the financial exploitation of very vulnerable students. Dr. Bessette also explains what a free market is, and the moral case for its existence in society. 

The Battle for the American Mind with Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Tracy are joined by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin, authors of the book Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation. They discuss the origins of classical education, how Christianity transformed the paideia of the west, and the coordinated takeover of education by progressives.  They explain the stages of this takeover, starting with the replacement of the Christian faith with patriotism, and the removal of God from classrooms. Pete and David emphasize the return to Christian classical education as the solution to this takeover. 

Robert Bortins on Founding Classical Conversations

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations. Robert shares the story of how Classical Conversation began and developed into serving over 45,000 families now enrolled in its programs spread over 50 countries globally. Robert also discusses his views on the state of mainstream education, the importance of classical education, and the need for Christians to be at the forefront of technology and innovation. 

Amber O'Neal Johnston on Merging Tradition, Culture, and Homeschooling

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Amber O'Neal Johnston: an author, speaker, mom of 4, and a home educator. Amber shares her experience attending public school, how she encountered homeschooling, and why she chose to teach her children using Charlotte Mason's method of education. She states that reading about homeschooling felt like something was being articulated that Amber had felt in her heart her whole life. Amber also explains the role homeschooling plays in driving curiosity and keeping wonder alive, and why it is important to infuse culture into the homeschooling experience for children. 

How Dual Enrollment Is Competing With College Board AP Programs

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tom Sherf, Vice President of Enrollment at Cairn University. Tom discusses his early education, his love for surfing, and his experience attending seminary. He also discusses Cairn university's curriculum and its dual enrollment program. Tom explains what dual enrollment is, and why it's more beneficial for classically educated students compared to AP classes provided by the College Board. 

Integrating a Christian Worldview with President Thomas of OBU

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Heath A. Thomas, 16th President of Oklahoma Baptist University. President Thomas states that OBU's mission is to equip the whole student by teaching them to live all of life, all for Jesus. He explains that knowledge is not just a commodity, but a tool to develop people who have the right kinds of dispositions, virtues, and values. Dr. Thomas also discusses the importance of tradition, stating that we must retreat to the past to project a better future. 

Augustine’s Vision of Education: Refining and Reshaping the Soul With Dr. Joseph Clair

On this episode of Anchored, Katie is joined by Dr. Joseph Clair, the Executive Dean of the Cultural Enterprise at George Fox University. Dr. Clair discusses how he discovered the deep connection between the Christian faith and a liberal arts college, which stitched his love for learning with his love for God. He also explains Augustine's vision, specifically his idea that human beings are inherently affectionate. He states that we must ask ourselves whether the western model of education is perpetuating education focused on materialistic gains instead of wisdom. 

Tolkien: Journey Through the Author Bank with Dr. Mac Sandlin

Join Dr. Mac Sandlin for his lecture on J.R.R in Week 2 of CLT's Journey Through the Author Bank seminar series. Guided by renowned professors from colleges and universities, the series will investigate the men and women who have shaped our intellectual heritage and explore a new thinker each week from CLT's Author Bank. 

Dr. Mac Sandlin is an assistant professor of theology and ethics at Harding University in Searcy, AR. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harding School of Theology in Memphis, TN and a Ph.D in theology from the University of Dayton. His primary areas of academic interest are virtue ethics, the Holy Spirit, ethics of war and peace, literature and theology, and theology & culture. He teaches in the College of Bible and Ministry and the Honors College at Harding and serves as education director for the Beebe Church of Christ.

The Legal Argument for School Choice With Allan Parker

On this episode of Anchored, Tracy Gardner is joined by Allan Parker, President of The Justice Foundation. Mr. Parker discusses his work at the Justice Foundation and its mission of supporting parental rights in relation to educating their children. He explains how entering the field of education law shed light on the structural issues within public schools. Mr. Parker also discusses why school choice is a constitutional right, and what the government's role is in creating and regulating public schools. 

Dante: Journey Through the Author Bank with Dr. Brian Williams

Join Dr. Brian Williams for his lecture on Dante in Week 1 of CLT's Journey Through the Author Bank seminar series. Guided by renowned professors from colleges and universities, the series will investigate the men and women who have shaped our intellectual heritage and explore a new thinker each week from CLT's Author Bank. 

Dr. Brian A. Williams teaches at Eastern University (Philadelphia), where he is Dean of the Templeton Honors College; Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities; and Co-Director of the MA in Classical Teaching (MAT) program. He is the General Editor of Principia: A Journal of Classical Education, a national Alcuin Fellow, a Research Fellow with the Institute of Classical Education, and a member of the Academic Advisory Board for the Classic Learning Test.

Dr. Adam C. Wright on Teaching Students How to Think Well

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Tracy are joined by Dr. Adam C. Wright, the sixth president of Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Wright states that the University's campus is a place where students can grow spiritually, and that it is a place that points to the ultimate truth and beauty. He also discusses indoctrination on college campuses, and how Dallas Baptist University teaches students how to think. Dr. Wright shares information on programs and the experience of attending DBU. 

American Students Share Their Experience at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain

On this episode of Anchored, Katie Prefontaine, the Director of College Partnerships at CLT, is joined by two American students studying abroad at the University of Navarra. They share their personal experience of studying abroad and challenges such as getting accustomed to the language barrier. They also talk about the difference in learning, education culture, the difference in faith and how it is embodied, and what makes their experience at Navarra enjoyable. 

The Philosophy of Classical Education With Leslie Moeller

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Leslie Moeller, Chairman of the Board of Society for Classical Learning (SCL). Leslie discusses discovering classical education as a parent, and the desire to teach her children to think well. She also talks about the goals of SCL in helping classical schools, their relationship with Gordon College, and the cohesiveness of classical education. 

Dr. Tim Collins on The Crisis of Conviction

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Tim Collins, the seventh President of Walsh University. In this role, Dr. Collins oversees all activities furthering the mission of developing leaders in service to others with a value-based education in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Jeremy and Dr. Collins discuss integrating STEM with moral formation and Catholic identity to make science a more humane field of study. They also discuss faith, objective reality, and navigating culturally sensitive issues as the president of a university. 

Classical Schools Designed to Serve Military Families With Chris Wright

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Chris Wright, Executive Director of Morae Classical Schools, a corporation of private classical schools designed to serve military families. Chris served our country for 20 years and retired as Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. His experience in the military, in education, and as a father has led him to found schools that better serve our military families. Soren and Chris also discuss the importance of leadership, and what Chris's experience in service of our nation has taught him about being a good school leader.

Salome Palmer on Pursuing Human Flourishing

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Salome Palmer, Director of Gordon College's Heritage Program. Salome discusses her experience attending a classical school, and what drew her to attend Gordon College. She also shares that the mission behind founding the Heritage Program was to encourage students to learn to use their head, heart, and hands. Salome states that it isn't enough to teach students to think well, they must also be taught how to live well. 

New College Launches with Latin Mass at the Center

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Edward Schaefer, President of Collegium Sanctorum Angelorum.  President Schaefer discusses the tradition of music in the Catholic Church and  Collegium's commitment to recovering its beauty. He also shares the story of founding the college, naming it, and what freshmen can expect from the curriculum. President Schaefer emphasizes Collegium's commitment to traditional Latin mass, and the duty of higher education in recovering Catholic tradition. 

President Ryken and Silvio Vazquez on Helping Students See The World in Fullness

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by President Ryken and Silvio Vazquez, Chief Enrollment Management Officer at Wheaton College. They discuss the future of the 4-year college experience, how it changed throughout the pandemic, and how it will continue to change. They also discuss the historical legacy of Wheaton College. President Ryken discusses wokeism, racial issues in America, and what the Gospel says about bringing unity within different groups of people. 

Unchanging Truth in a Changing World With Belmont Abbey Provost Travis Feezell

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Provost Feezell of Belmond Abbey College. Dr. Feezell discusses his early education, which was a mix of books and sports. He also explains the difference between medieval and postmodern man's thinking, the best of the old world. and the commoditization of higher education. Dr. Feezell talks about Belmont Abbey's curriculum, architecture, and the connection between learning, beauty, and formation. 

So Your Parents Are Thinking of Sending You to a Classical Christian School

This episode of Anchored is an audio recording of Joshua Gibbs' pamphlet "So Your Parents Are Thinking of Sending You to a Classical Christian School." Joshua Gibbs wrote this pamphlet in his effort to inform high-school students on the beliefs, habits, and goals of a classical Christian school 

John Johnson on Liberating the Liberal Arts

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by John Johnson, Executive Director at Albertus Magnus Institute. John explains what the Magnus institute is, its goal to take on mainstream college education, and its vision to liberate the Liberal Arts. He also discusses faults in the college education system, and the alternative form of education the Magnus Institute offers. John explains that the Magnus Institute is dedicated to going back to the first principles of education.

Mark Hemingway on The Failures of Public Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Mark Hemingway, Senior Writer for The Weekly Standard.  Mark discusses his early education and his unfamiliarity with classical education until 2004, stating how unusual the concept of classical education was in the early years of the renewal. Mark also explains why classical education cannot be accepted by progressives, and how that makes it inconvenient to find great teachers to teach at classical schools. He also addresses the failures of public education, and the mission drift of Catholic classical colleges. 

Alvaro De Vicente on The Search for Truth

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Alvaro de Vicente, Headmaster of The Heights School in Potomac, Maryland. Alvaro discusses the mission of the Heights, and their belief that education is a parental responsibility. He also discusses other topics, such as the relationship between classical education and Catholic education, their mutual search for truth, and the advantages of single-sex education. 

Emily Eaton on The Christian Identity of Palm Beach Atlantic University

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Emily Eaton, Assistant Director for Freshman Admission at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Emily reflects on her experience as a homeschooled student and the value Palm Beach Atlantic University places on students who were homeschooled growing up. She shares the journey of how she ended up at PBA, the benefits of attending, and advice on choosing a college to attend. She also discusses the university's curriculum and its Christian identity. 

Joshua Gibbs on Helping Students Understand Classical Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Joshua Gibbs, a teacher at Veritas School of Richmond. Joshua states that for many students, classical education has never been fully explained. He discusses the pamphlet he wrote for teenagers who are enrolling in a classical school but don't know what a classical education entails. Joshua also discusses whether a friendship between a teacher and student is possible, and how important it is for teachers to place themselves within a student's mindset.

Angel Adams Parham on The Black Intellectual Tradition

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Angel Adams Parham, the new President of CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. Angel discusses her background as a Yale graduate and researcher in different countries around the world, and how that gave her greater insight into the classical tradition.  She cites her diverse background as the reason she studied sociology and claims it taught her the virtue of listening well. Angel also discusses her work with Dr. Anika Prather on their new book "The Black Intellectual Tradition and the Great Conversation: Black Writers as Essential to an Education in Truth, Goodness, and Beauty” in collaboration with Classical Academic Press.

New College Launches in Response to Parent’s Demands

On this episode of Anchored Jeremy is joined by Dr. Mathew Smith, founding president of Hildegard College, a new college equipping young people in Knowledge, Conviction, and Action. Dr. Smith discusses why he became a college professor and the inspiration behind creating Hildegard. He explains that the vision for the college was born out of a demand for a return to tradition. He discusses the various programs offered at the college, the curriculum, and the cost to attend. Dr. Smith states that the goal of Hildegard is to provide an affordable education that results in communion with God. 

Staff Interview: Taryn Murphy

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Taryn Murphy, CLT's Digital Marketing Manager. Taryn discusses her homeschool education, her studies at Hillsdale College, and the process of applying to scholarships to graduate debt-free. She shares her journey to being chosen as Hillsdale's 2021 Outstanding Senior Woman, and reflects that attending Hillsdale helped her in the "process of becoming." She explains that graduating from Hillsdale was the start of her education, not the end, and that her goal of life-long learning was the reason she chose to work at CLT.

James Kennerley on Why Music Is an Essential Liberal Art

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by James Kennerley, a multi-faceted musician and Director of Music for St. Paul's Parish and Choir School. James shares how his love for music led him to study at the University of Cambridge and discusses the history of music as a liberal art. James also reflects on the universality of music across space and time, and the timeless emotions it invokes in people of all religions and backgrounds. He explains how St. Paul's Choir School unites a classical academic and musical curriculum with the Catholic moral tradition. 

A Conversation with Robert P. George

To celebrate the Anchored podcast reaching 100,000 downloads since its conception, we are re-releasing our very first episode with influential scholar and Princeton University professor Robert P. George. In this episode, Dr. George discusses the consequences of society’s abandonment of liberal arts education, the deeper streams of thought that informed the American Founding, and what that means for building unity. He also provides an inside look at his famous friendship with Cornel West and how conversations on texts important to their intellectual journeys led to an enduring relationship that models civil discourse.

King Randall, I. on How to Make Men

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by King Randall, I. a 22-year-old native of Albany, GA. Seeing a need to help enhance the lives of young men in his community, he took action to combat the high poverty and crime rates by founding the "X" for Boys organization, where the motto is, "Let US Make Man." He discusses what the organization does, such as hosting a variety of workshops teaching life skills and trades such as automotive repair and home improvement. The organization also hosts a weekly book club for boys to improve literacy. He explains the devastating circumstances that young boys in Albany face, and how teaching them skills can not only help them escape those circumstances but make them better men. 

Dr. Brad Hadaway, Dr. Lynn Robson and Students on The Oxford Honors Program

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Brad Hadaway and Dr. Lynn Robson to discuss the Oxford Honors Program and the various other programs at Oxford University colleges. They are joined by two students enrolled in the Oxford Honors Program who discuss how they ended up in the program, and what they enjoy about it. Dr. Hadaway and Dr. Robson discuss the tutorial method of teaching at the colleges and how it benefits students. They also explain the structure of the colleges connected to Oxford University and what makes the system unique compared to other colleges. 

Staff Interview: Kimberly Farley

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Kimberly Farley, a CLT all-star. She is involved in managing customer service, the Accommodations department, and involved in many elements of the student's experience. Kimberly discusses why she made the decision to homeschool her kids and the issues within the public education system that led to that decision. She also explains how she incorporated discipleship into her homeschooling curriculum to instill faith in her children. Kimberly discusses her journey of how she started working at CLT and what she loves most about working with students and families. 

Going Godward on The Crackdown on Free Speech

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by Going Godward, the scheduling editor of Chalkboard Review. Recently, Chalkboard Review - a site of education commentary that features a diverse range of voices on all things education, had their Twitter account suspended without explanation. Shortly after, most of their team's accounts, including Going Godward's, were also suspended without explanation. Going Godward discusses the attack launched against Chalkboard review by the NEA for discussing CRT in public school curriculum. She also discusses her personal experience as a social worker with issues that threaten a child's education in public schools. She explains that the Department of Education is working hard to censor individuals that speak out against these issues because it does not want to accept responsibility for failing to provide a good education system for children. 

Dr. Mark Newcomb on Christ Centered Education

On our final episode for National Catholic Schools week, Chelsea is joined by Dr. Mark Newcomb, Headmaster at Holy Rosary Academy. Dr. Newcomb shares his childhood education, growing up on a farm, and how it helped him in his leadership role at Holy Rosary. He explains that the hardest part about leading an institution is moving away from being simply inspirational to incarnating. He discusses the importance of personal attention at Holy Rosary, and elevating students in areas that they excel in. Dr. Newcomb states that the key for Catholic schools to thrive is to ask, "what is our fundamental relationship to Jesus Christ." 

Sean Maltbie and Father Sirico on The Mission of Sacred Heart Academy

On this episode of Anchored, Chelsea is joined by Sean Maltbie, the Headmaster of Sacred Hearts Academy, as well as Father Robert Alan Sirico, the retired pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They share their personal stories of Sacred Heart, and how they built a community of teachers who are faithful to the academy's mission. They also discuss cultivating unity between teachers, parents, administrators, and pastors to make the academy work. Father Sirico explains that the goal of Sacred Heart is simple compared to other Catholic schools, stating that they are all about "getting people to heaven." 

Kimberly Begg on Catholic Education in a Post-Truth World

On this episode of Anchored, Chelsea is joined by Kimberly Begg, Director of Programs and General Counsel of the Ortner Family Foundation. She discusses the foundation's latest project, the Catholic School Playbook. Catholic School Playbook is an online resource designed to help anyone interested in strengthening their Catholic school, including school leaders, pastors, superintendents, teachers, and parents. She explains that Catholic education is in crisis because it has adopted too many traits of modern education and that the best Catholic schools are faithfully Catholic. She states that we need to return to the way the Catholic church taught for 2,000 years in order to nurture the curious nature of children. 

Andrew Seeley and Elisabeth Sullivan on Reclaiming Catholic Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Chelsea are joined by Andrew Seely, Co-Founder of Institute for Catholic Liberal Education, and Elisabeth Sullivan who is the Executive Director of Institute for Catholic Liberal Education. They discuss the issues that dominate much of Catholic education and schooling in the modern world. They also explain the difference between true Catholic education and classical education, stating that classical education provides the origins whereas Catholic education provides the end. They share how important it is for teachers to be able to express their Catholic faith in Catholic schools, adding that the world is a different place through the eyes of faith. 

Chelsea Niemiec on Viewing Education As Nutrition For The Soul

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Chelsea Niemiec, CLT's Director of Catholic School Partnerships. Chelsea discusses how CLT plans to honor National Catholic Schools Week through our podcast, Anchored. She shares her childhood education experience, and how public school stiffled her sense of wonder. Chelsea also shares her journey from studying nutrition at Texas A&M University to becoming a substitute teacher, finding her love for classical education, and then teaching at a catholic classical school. She explains how she incorporated her education in nutrition to teaching, stating that teaching is about looking at the whole picture. 

Mr. Jason Caros and Shrita Bhat on Cultivating Wise and Virtuous Students

On this episode of Anchored, Soren and Arooba are joined by Mr. Jason Caros, the headmaster at Founders Classical Academy in Lewisville, Texas, and Shrita Bhat, a high school junior at Founders. Mr. Caros shares how his interest in classical education began and what led him to become a headmaster at Founders Classical Academy. He explains that a public charter school like Founders delivers a classical education by rooting itself in the true, the good, and the beautiful. 

Shrita Baht discusses a speech she wrote on tyranny, government, and the Constitution. She explains how the founding fathers envisioned America and what we can do to unify the nation.

You can read Shrita's full speech on our blog: https://t.co/ouT8Xm0E8k

Dr. Krom and Dr. Jividen on The Beauty of Saint Vincent College

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Michael P. Krom and Dr. Jason Jividen of Saint Vincent College. Dr. Jividen is Associate Professor of Politics in the McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government while Dr. Krom serves as chair of the Philosophy department, director of Benedictine Leadership Studies, and director of the Faith and Reason Summer Program. They discuss Saint Vincent College's curriculum and what makes the college unique, such as the presence of monks on campus.  They also discuss the difference between online and on-campus learning, and how studying in person allows students to form cultural relationships. 

Tamara Long Introducing a One Week Opportunity for High School Juniors To Visit Oxford

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tamara Long, the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Abilene Christian University. Tamara discusses a new opportunity for high school juniors to visit Oxford as part of Abilene Christian University's study abroad program. She explains the importance of studying abroad for students, how it can benefit them in finding their calling, and the planning that went into making this program possible. She also explains how Abilene's study abroad program differs from those of other colleges and universities by maintaining its commitment to the university's Christian mission. 

Dr. Brian A. Williams on Reforming The Grading System

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Brian A. Williams, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Dean of the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University. Dr. Williams discusses his love for books and mythology as a child. He shares his academic journey: initially wanting to become a lawyer, and even briefly opening his own cafe, but then uncovering his interest in the classical tradition and attending Oxford University. He shares how teaching at Oxford transformed his mindset about grading and assessments, and helped him realize that teaching without grading felt more like coaching. Dr. Williams explains in detail how placing more importance on grades can take away a child's love for learning. 

Bethany Mandel on The Censorship of Conservative Views

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Bethany Mandel, a conservative American columnist and political and cultural commentator. Bethany shares the extreme hardships she faced growing up. Losing her mom at the age of 16, and then her dad to suicide, Bethany often battled with poverty. She explains that what she had to overcome as a young university student shaped much of her conservative views as an adult. She discusses the importance of her current project, Heroes of Liberty, a new children’s biographical book series on great Americans throughout history, and Facebook's attempt to shut down her ad account due to "disruptive content." 

Christy Shipe on The Importance of Teaching Students to Debate Well

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Christy Shipe,  Chairman of the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) Board. Christy shares her own homeschool story - which began in 1982. Her father was the founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association. When Christy was in her junior year of college, she was hired by HSLDA to start a debate league for homeschool students. She explains that students who are educated classically have a natural understanding of logic, analysis, and communication which lays the groundwork for knowing how to debate well. She states the mission of the NCFCA is to challenge and equip Christian students to communicate truth with integrity and grace.

Nicole Solas on The Lack of Transparency Within The Public Education System

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Nicole Solas, a stay-at-home mom who was sued by the teacher's union for requesting public school curriculum records.  Nicole highlights that schools are incorporating gender theory, and other racially-charged topics into the curriculum while simultaneously removing the input of parents on what their children are being taught. She discusses the importance of schools having full transparency in terms of the school's curriculum so that parents can make decisions accordingly. She also explains that parents should be alarmed that they are not allowed to inquire about what their kids are being taught and that they should be taking initiative without being afraid to be "inconvenienced."

Staff Interview: Arooba Asim

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Arooba Asim, the co-host and podcast producer of Anchored. She is also the CLT social media manager. Arooba discusses her upbringing in rural Pakistan, her early education, and the foundation her family created for her rooted in traditional and religious values that are lost in the modern world. She explains the stark contrast in the lifestyle she experienced when her family moved to Canada, and how growing up in two very different cultures gave her a better understanding of other ways of living. She shares her views on the toxicity of social media, and modern values that have removed people from being able to appreciate the true, the good, and the beautiful.

Dr. O. Alan Noble on The Good Life

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. O. Alan Noble, associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University. Dr. Noble discusses his interest in studying culture as a young student, but how challenging it was to learn to do it in a way that honors God. He talks about the existential dread that many students face in response to cultural pressure to perform in a specific way. Dr. Noble also shares the importance of developing a Godly perspective, knowing our limits, and recognizing that some things aren't good for our souls. He explains that the purpose of higher education is to make students ask the question of, "what is the Good life?"

Deanna Slamans on Overcoming Trauma Through Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Deanna Slamans, an educator and author. Deanna discusses her early childhood of living in poverty, the hardships she faced and overcame in relation to her family's circumstances, the trauma she suffered, and how receiving an education turned her life around. She shares the opportunities attending a school provided for her, and how it helped her strive for more than she had been given. She talks about her book Faith's Pursuit: Understanding God's Faithfulness in Suffering,  and how her relationship with God changed as she overcame these hardships, and how it helped her become a better human being, and a better mother.  

Dr. Carl Trueman, Megan Basham, and Lee Wishing on Christian Education Going Woke

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Carl Trueman and Lee Wishing from Grove City along with Megan Basham, an entertainment reporter at the Daily Wire. They discuss the recent debate around progressive ideology entering Christian higher education, and specifically on recent incidents surrounding this topic at Grove City College. They discuss the dangers of unchecked racism, anti-racism, and the risks of addressing these issues without alienating individuals on both sides of the debate. They also speak on how universities can prevent leftist ideologies on white guilt from entering classrooms and curriculums while at the same time, speak about racism from a Christian perspective. 

Introducing Matthew Tolbert, The First Ever Student to Earn a Perfect CLT Score!

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Dr. Tracy Gardner are joined by Matthew Tolbert, the first-ever student to earn a perfect CLT score. They are also joined by Matthew's parents, Phil and Susan Tolbert. Matthew's parents share their story as a homeschooling family, how they made the decision to homeschool, what they love most about it, and how it molded their children. They describe their homeschooling philosophy as "a tool to explore the natural curiosity that God has instilled in children." Matthew also shares what he loved most about being homeschooled, and why he enjoyed taking the CLT exam. He shares the list of colleges he hopes to apply to, and the traits that are important for him when choosing which college to attend. Matthew's parents end the podcast by offering words of advice and encouragement to families who are new to homeschooling, or who would like to homeschool their children. 

Jonathan Moo on Reconciling Science and Faith

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. Jonathan Moo, Professor at Whitworth University. Dr. Moo discusses his journey to obtaining his unique combination of graduate degrees in theology and wildlife ecology. He explains why humans have become so far removed from God's creation, and how studying theology helped him identify the values required to appreciate the world God has created, and how to act in order to preserve it. He also discusses modern-day technology and its effects on students.  

Robert Luddy on Creating Leaders

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Robert L. Luddy, a business and educational entrepreneur. Robert discusses his journey to becoming an entrepreneur, founding a charter school, a network of classical private schools, and a new classical college. He speaks on topics such as the rising cost of college tuition, the importance of being efficient while running a business, and the connection between a liberal arts education and business as a career. 

Dan Koch on Being Open Minded

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and special co-host Katie are joined by Dan Koch, the host of the You Have Permission podcast. Dan discusses the reasons behind why it has become increasingly difficult for people to be open-minded, and how Catholicism helped him begin to operate from a viewpoint in which his own thinking could be challenged. The central theme of this episode surrounds having the ability to check our own thinking so that we can engage in open dialogue with people of various backgrounds, and political views. Dan and Jeremy also discuss how Catholicism has shaped their worldview, whether universities are compromised, and the redefinition of  liberalism. 

Staff Interview: Soren Schwab

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by VP of Sales and Marketing, Soren Schwab. Born and raised in Germany, and then moving to the United States to attend Hillsdale, Soren discusses the radical difference between the education system in both countries. He explains the transactional nature of schooling he received in Germany, and how shocked he was to discover that Hillsdale offered a completely different experience. He discusses the importance of being taught by professors who genuinely enjoy the work they do, and who keep their own politics out of the classroom. He shares his own journey from being a teacher at Vanguard to becoming an employee at CLT, and why he was willing to take that risk. 

President Tim Gibson on The Four Commitments of King's College

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by president Tim Gibson of King's College. President Gibson discusses his time in the U.S Air Force, and his journey to becoming the seventh president of King's College. He explains the four commitments of King's College and the Christian worldview that the college has adopted. He also discusses the unique opportunities that King's College provides to students of all backgrounds, and what he hopes to accomplish as president. 

Dr. John Mark Reynolds on Bridging the Gap Between Science and Religion

On this episode for Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. John Mark Reynolds, the president of The Saint Constantine School in Houston, Texas, and a fellow of the Center For Science and Culture at The Discovery Institute. Dr. Reynolds discusses his family history, his dad becoming the first in his family to go to high school, and then deciding to take Dr. Reynolds and his brother out of public school to attend the Christian school he founded. Dr. Reynolds explains how his exposure to classical education led him to acknowledge that we needed a more profound revolution in education, prompting him to open a school that connected K-12 education and undergraduate studies. He also discusses his interest in bridging the gap between science and religion, and how science without God becomes simplistic and reductionist. 

Dr. Robert L. Jackson on Reviving the Great American Tradition of Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy Tate and Tracy Gardner are joined by Dr. Robert L. Jackson, the Chief Academic Officer for a growing network of classical charter schools known as Great Hearts Academies. Dr. Jackson the journey of how Great Hearts began and what makes it different from public education. He explains that Great Hearts is picking up a great American tradition of education that has been displaced in the last century, and he explains what makes an education classical. Dr. Tracy Gardner, the Chief Operating Officer of CLT, also shares her story of enrolling her children in the Great Hearts Academies. Dr. Jackson discusses the role apprenticeship plays in a child's education, and the importance of doing alongside learning. 

Dr. Sweeting on Character Through Christ

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Don Sweeting, president of Colorado Christian University. Dr. Sweeting discusses his journey to finding Christ in late high school, and the radical change in motivation and purpose it instilled in him. He explains the disorientation of confidence, and loss of values that many universities face due to cultural backlash. He states that universities that do not have a center rooted in Christ can't define character, and therefore feel pressured to give it up. 

David Arndt on the Crisis in Liberal Education

On this episode of Anchored, Arooba is joined by David Arndt, a tutor in the integral program of Liberal Arts at Saint Mary's College. David talks about his experience attending public school, and how at a very early age he knew that there was something fundamentally wrong with the way students were taught. He discusses his mother's interest in classical books, and how it sparked his own journey into the world of Liberal Arts. David expresses the timelessness of classical books and says that it is important for students to understand how good books can change their life. He also shares his thoughts on what Liberal Education has lost over time. 

Spencer Klavan at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit

This episode features Spencer Klavan's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit. Spencer Klavan is the assistant editor of The Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind at the Claremont Institute. He has a Ph.D. in Classics and is also the host of the Young Heretics podcast. 

Jessica Hooten Wilson at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit

This episode features Jessica Wilson's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit.  Jessica Wilson is a professor, author, and speaker. She is also a Louise Cowan Scholar in Residence at the University of Dallas in the Classical Education and Humanities Graduate Program.

Robert P. George at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit

This episode features Robert George's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit. Robert Peter George is an American legal scholar, political philosopher, and public intellectual who serves as the sixth McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. He lectures on constitutional interpretation, civil liberties, philosophy of law, and political philosophy. A Catholic, George is considered one of the country's leading conservative intellectuals.

Elias Moo at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit

This episode features Elias Moo's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit about his transformation from a typical modern educator to an educator who is "discovering the rich educational patrimony of the west". Elias Moo is the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Denver. He holds a bachelor's degree in theology and sociology and master's degrees in education and educational leadership from the University of Notre Dame.

Anika Prather at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit

This episode of Anchored features Dr. Anika Prather's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit on what the Classics mean to her.  Dr. Prather's research focus is on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the Canon.  She has served as a teacher, supervisor for student teachers, director of education, and Head of School.  Currently, she teaches in the Classics department at Howard University. 

Staff Interview: Tracy Gardner

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tracy Gardner, CLT's Chief Operating Officer.  Tracy discusses her love for tests from a young age, her journey to becoming a psychometrician, and how it ultimately led her to CLT. She also shares her relationship with religion, her conversion to Catholicism at the age of 24, and her experience as a Catholic student at the University of Pittsburgh.  She discusses her dilemma of creating tests for public schools, and how doing that went against the kind of education she wanted to provide her children. She explains that discovering and working with CLT allowed her to combine her love for testing and classical education. 

Hamza Yusuf On The Secret Sauce Of Western Civilization

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Hamza Yusuf, president of the first accredited Muslim undergraduate college in the United States. Growing up with parents who loved truth and knowledge, Hamza Yusuf describes his childhood as multifaceted. He explains that much of his education occurred outside of school with his father, who studied the humanities and worked as a college professor. When Hamza was 17 years old, a head-on collision prompted him to investigate life after death, ultimately leading to his conversion from Irish Catholicism to Islam. Hamza discusses the relationship between the liberal arts and Islam, the troubles of modern ideologies influencing Islamic education, and the decline of western civilization caused by forgetting its secret sauce…classical education. 

Oscar Ortiz on Teaching Children Truth Through Beauty

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Oscar Ortiz Duarte, CEO, and Superintendent of Heritage Classical Academy. Oscar discusses his early life growing up in Honduras and describes how different education and schooling was for lower-class individuals. He explains his first encounter with beauty through reading at a young age and how it opened the gateway for truth and knowledge for him. Oscar’s belief if that classical education is for everyone, and this belief fuels his mission to open a free, classical charter school for children of lower-income families. He hopes that he will be able to show others that classical education equips lower-income families with the tools to thrive in the world. 

Dale Ahlquist on Teaching Students Happiness

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dale Ahlquist, President of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Dale discusses becoming a fan of Chesterton through other writers such as C.S Lewis, and how Chesterton’s artistic way of weaving different subject matters made him unique. He also discusses his journey of co-founding the original Chesterton Academy, which ultimately became a network of more than 60 schools and counting, drawing on the Chesterton Academy curriculum and approach. Dale explains that his vision for Chesterton Academy was to give students the kind of education that he wishes he had. Dale emphasizes the importance of creating complete thinkers through classical education, adding that, “Classical teaching is teaching happiness.”

Staff Interview: Noah Tyler

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Noah Tyler, CLT’s Chief Financial Officer. Noah discusses his experience being homeschooled at a young age, and how it set him apart from his peers. He explains the process of choosing a university that aligns with your values, especially if you were once homeschooled. Noah also discusses his career as a test-prep tutor, his love for teaching, and what compelled him to join CLT. Jeremy and Noah reminisce on some of CLT’s earliest memories -- from test-preparation to pitching to colleges like Hillsdale. They also discuss how they came up with CLT’s core values: Passionate, Anchored, Accurate.

Dave Rubin On The Failures Of Liberalism

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dave Rubin, a political commentator and Youtube Personality.  They discuss free speech on university campuses, politically charged curricula, and what society can learn from events that have occurred throughout history. Dave also explains how the labels around political identities have changed, and the difference between an old-school liberal vs a progressive. They discuss public schooling, and the different options available to parents who would like to take back control of what their children are learning. 

The Cultural Contributions of Catholicism With Benedictine College

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by three guests from Benedictine College – Dr. Kim Shankman, Dr. Eddie Mulholland, and Dr. Denis McNamara. They discuss the role Catholic faith has played in creating some of the world’s best architecture. They also have profound conversations surrounding education and modernity, such as maintaining tradition without repeating other’s work, the importance of a true liberal arts education, and the shift of architecture from beauty to brutalism. Our guests explain the consciousness required to keep Benedictine College true to its mission of providing students with an environment where faith finds them. 

Jeff Sikkenga on The Importance of Historical Perspective

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jeff Sikkenga, Executive Director of the Ashbrook Program and Professor of Political Science at Ashland University. As a professor of undergraduate and graduate courses in political thought and American history, Professor Sikkenga discusses how the decline in history majors has affected society. He explains that historical perspective aids us in understanding and facing current issues, and that all great American leaders were profound students of history. He shares that the importance of history is to have a conversation with the past, and that without this conversation, we forget the “why” of America. Professor Sikkenga also highlights the consequences of misinterpreting the Constitution in relation to current events.

Host: Jeremy Tate
Guest: Jeff Sikkenga

Dr. Karen Swallow Prior on The Importance of Literary Fiction

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Dr. Karen Swallow Prior, a Research Professor of English and Christianity and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Prior discusses her love for 18th century British literature, the earliest beginnings of fiction, and the role fiction played in the 18th century. She highlights the difference between novel writing and literary fiction, explaining that literary fiction recreates an experience through words, and offers an understanding of our own lives. Dr. Prior also discusses how the decline in novel writing can be attributed to the disbelief in originality and individualism.

Guest: Karen Swallow Prior 

Dr. Naughton on The Loss of Spiritual Conviction

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. Michael Naughton, director of the Center for Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Naughton discusses his expertise in Catholic Social Thought in relation to work, business, and organizational life. He explains how reading John Paul II’s letter on human work helped him understand the theology of work in all areas of life, and bridge the gap between Catholicism and Business. He discusses that universities have become too focused on their external good rather than their internal good and how Catholic Studies can reform the nature of universities. He highlights that although it is important for students to find worthwhile careers, they must also grow intellectually through their love for education in order to understand the inherent goodness of those careers.

Guest: Dr. Michael Naughton

President Oliver on Maintaining Faith Through Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by President Dub Oliver, the 16th President of Union University. President Oliver talks about Union and the unique education it provides its students. He explains that College years are the most formative years of a young adult's life and the importance of structuring that growth around faith and virtue. He also discusses why many students walk away from their faith during their college years, and he shares advice for students who are attending college in an era that is increasingly hostile to faith.

Guest: President Oliver

Ryan Kelly Clark on The Price Tag of Education

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Ryan Kelly Clark. Ryan is the founder of Scholarship Navigator, a company dedicated to teaching students and families how to strategically find, apply for, and win college scholarships. Ryan discusses why she founded Scholarship Navigator, how applying for scholarships gave her the financial stability to attend college, and how it ultimately helped her graduate debt-free. She discusses how difficult it has become for students to go to college with rising tuition fees and how student loans can hinder a student’s ability to enjoy his or her learning experience. Ryan also shares tips for homeschool students to help them find a college that aligns with their values, start applying early for scholarships, and graduate debt-free.

Guest: Ryan Kelly Clark

Dr. Joseph Wysocki on The Connection Between Beauty and Learning

On the latest episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. Joseph Wysocki, Dean of the Honors College at Belmont Abbey College. Dr. Wysocki discusses how taking a class on Plato’s Republic ignited his love for politics, and how it reopened questions that he thought were already answered. He explains that modern education has moved to promote activism because activism suggests that you already have answers to all the questions. Dr. Wysocki also discusses the Schola program, a summer program for high school students at the Honors College. He speaks on the connection between beautiful architecture and learning, and how our surroundings help to elevate us to God. Finally, he discusses that the purpose of a liberal education is to learn how to reason well. 

Staff Interview: Rachel Greb

In this new series of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba sit down with Rachel Greb, the Director of Secondary Partnerships at CLT. Rachel discusses her early education in classical and Christian studies and how it influenced the rest of her education as well as her career. Rachel gives insight into what "classical" means to her and why classical education is the best way to educate children. Rachel also discusses the journey of starting her own school, Oakdale Academy, and how difficult it is for young private schools to establish legitimacy. She advises students pursuing higher education to view their education as their own responsibility, striving to learn as much as possible about the world around them.

Matt Scogin on The Zero Tuition Model

In this episode, Jeremy and Arooba sit down with Matt Scogin, the 14th president of Hope College. President Scogin grew up in a family with a deep appreciation for higher education, and despite spending much of his early years in government and business, President Scogin eventually felt called by God to apply for presidency at Hope College. 

He discusses his very ambitious plan to make Hope College tuition-free in order to move away from transactional relationships with students. President Scogin explains that the fear of graduating with debt skews students' views of education, causing them to see university as an investment rather than a place to learn and grow.

Host: Jeremy Tate, Arooba Asim
Guest: Matt Scogin

Robert Pondiscio on Making Teaching "Teachable"

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former inner-city public school teacher. Robert begins by discussing his blue-collar upbringing, and his relatively normal experience attending public school as a child. He explains that his relatable experience makes him the perfect candidate to connect with and aid students. Mr. Pondiscio received his Bachelor in English from State University of New York at the age of 40 and became a teacher at one of the lowest performing schools in the South Bronx. It was then that he became skeptical of school curriculum and the training teachers were receiving. Mr. Pondiscio explains that he became a school choice advocate because he saw no other way to give students the education they deserved. He emphasizes the role school choice plays in leveling the playing field for low-income families. 

Host: Jeremy Tate, Arooba Asim
Guest: Robert Pondiscio 

Jay Greene on The Radical Deviation of Mainstream Education

In this episode of Anchored, Jay P. Greene, a senior research fellow for education policy at The Heritage Foundation, sits down with Jeremy to discuss his current areas of research in school choice and the effect of schools on non-cognitive and civic values. Greene highlights the decline in history majors due to a shift to vocational institutes and students' desires to get job-specific degrees in modern education. He also points out the shortcomings of the Department of Education, and why the federal government should not handle education policy. Greene explains that the increase in support for school choice is backed by parents who believe that the values taught in schools matter, and that education is an extension of child-rearing.

Dr. Aaron Howard on Diversity Through Radical and Humble Love

On the latest episode of Anchored, Jeremy and Arooba are joined by Dr. Aaron Howard, the CEO at As One Christian Diversity, an organization devoted to helping Christian schools, universities and organizations hire and retain a diverse staff rooted in biblical integrity. Dr. Howard talks about his time studying at Vanderbilt University, and his natural progression to studying ethics and society due to his love of Jesus and the church. He emphasizes his passion for diversity and inclusion using scriptural principles, with his main influence being Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Howard also discusses how applying scriptural principles in our day-to-day lives can bridge the gap between different races and ethnicities. 

 Host: Jeremy Tate, Arooba Asim
Guest: Dr. Aaron Howard

Michael Ortner on Bridging the Gap Between Philosophy and Business

Note: This is part 2 of our conversation with Michael Ortner. In the second part of our conversation, Michael Ortner discusses what initially attracted him to the CLT mission and the role standardized testing plays in shaping school curricula. He also discusses his other initiatives such as B. school, a Bootcamp specially designed to help humanities graduates enter the business world. Michael explains that the business world is in dire need of philosophy students and that B. school helps bridge the gap between them. He also discusses his work with Run with Saints - a project that helps practicing Catholics, especially students, connect with thriving Catholic communities and institutions. 

Top Entrepreneur Michael Ortner on The Value of Classically Educated Students

Note: This is part 1 of our conversation with Michael Ortner. Acclaimed entrepreneur, CEO, investor, and philanthropist Michael Ortner joins Jeremy and Arooba to discuss his journey with Capterra, one of the largest business-to-business websites of all time and winner of numerous awards. He discusses how reading classic books helped him regain his sense of wonder, which led him to pursue a degree in philosophy at the University of London, and how homeschooling his children with the classics revolutionized the way they learned. Michael also discusses his current role on the board of Cana Academy, an educational non-profit that trains teachers to run Socratic seminars.

Host: Jeremy Tate,  Arooba Asim
Guest: Michael Ortner 

Linsey Knerl's Homeschooling Hacks

On the latest episode of Anchored, our CEO Jeremy Tate and special Co-Host Arooba Asim sit down with Linsey Knerl, a freelance digital marketer, a homeschooling mom of six, and author of the book “Homeschooling Hacks, How to Give Your Kids a Great Education Without Losing Your Job  (or Your Mind)”. Throughout the episode, Linsey shares the tips and tricks she learned throughout her homeschooling experience. She explains that what attracted her to homeschooling was not the bureaucracy or the politics, but the desire to help her children reach their full potential by maximizing their talents. She also discusses the role classical education played in reaching that potential. Linsey ends off by discussing the various resources the internet can provide homeschooling families to further aid them on their journey.

Host: Jeremy Tate
Co-Host: Arooba Asim
Guest: Linsey Knerl

Abby Roth on the State of Education

On the latest episode of Anchored, Jeremy Tate is joined by Abby Roth - also known as Classically Abby, a social media influencer and YouTuber. Abby starts off by sharing her experience attending Jewish day school as a child, and later studying Oprah at the University of Southern California. Abby and Jeremy discuss the state of public schooling, and whether homeschooling is a better option for educating children. Abby talks about the different options that are available for parents who cannot afford to homeschool their children or send them to private schools.


Host: Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest: Abby Roth @ClassicallyAbby 

Paul E. Peterson on the Importance of School Choice

On the latest episode of Anchored, our CEO Jeremy Tate is joined by Paul E. Peterson, the Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Government and Director of the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University. They discuss the importance of school choice and the gaps in public education that prevent teachers from exploring a student’s full potential. Dr. Peterson is also the author of Saving Schools: From Horace Mann to Virtual Learning. The book traces the story of the rise, decline, and potential resurrection of American public schools. Dr. Peterson highlights countries where school choice is implemented, such as the Netherlands, and how it benefits people of different religions and cultures. 

Dr. Jose Torralba and Alec Ebersole on Classical Education in Spain

On the latest episode of Anchored, Our CEO Jeremy Tate sits down with Dr. Jose Torralba and student Alec Ebersole, both from the University of Navarra, which is located in Pamplona, Spain. The founder of Navarra described his ideals for the university as “[wanting] learned men to be formed here, with a Christian understanding of life; we want this environment, suitable for quiet reflection, to cultivate science rooted in its most solid principles so that this light might shine over all the roads of knowledge.” Jeremy discusses the great books program with Dr. Torralba, which focuses on a return to the western Liberal Arts tradition in education. The University of Navarra is currently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in five areas of the international QS ranking

Host: Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest: Dr. Jose Torralba and Alec Ebersole 

Zuby on Progressive Academia and the Accessibility of Education

On this special edition of Anchored, Zuby–a rising public figure and influential rapper–joins Jeremy and Arooba to share his insights into how education has changed in the United States and the accessibility of education in the modern world. He discusses his time at Oxford, how the history and beauty of a student’s environment can inspire them, how the quality of university education has changed, and some of the political biases that may be rooted in academia. The three of them go on to discuss the value of education, in an age where there is more information instantly available on our cell phones than there is in the Harvard Library. Regardless of whether someone attends college, Zuby argues, they must be able to use their knowledge in the real world.

Host: Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest: Zuby @Zubymusic

Larry Taylor On Christian Education

Dr. Larry Taylor is the president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The organization, "exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.  Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education." In this episode, Dr. Taylor discusses his own academic journey, how the revitalization of Christian education is unfolding, and expounds on the significance of the growing classical renewal movement.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Larry Taylor @ACSIPresident

Rosemary Vander Weele On Authentic Catholic Education

Rosemary Vander Weele is the principal of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Classical School in Denver, CO. On this episode, she joins Jeremy to discuss her personal academic journey which led her to question the modern educational approach and instead focus on leading in service to human formation through an authentically Catholic education. She also discusses the challenges and rewards of growing enrollment at a Catholic school focused on reinstating faith's central role in education.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Rosemary Vander Weele 

Mark Bauerlein On The State of the Modern University

Dr. Mark Bauerlein is Senior Editor at First Things and Professor of English at Emory University. He joins Jeremy to discuss the trends that have overcome many universities’ humanities programs, particularly in English departments; a focus on hyper-specialization, as well as an overemphasis on theory,  has meant that modern English departments do little to engage with the big ideas of truth and humanity found in great literature. Mark also discusses the importance of aesthetic independence in evaluating art, especially during a time in which the political and historical considerations of artists' backgrounds have become the primary focus of the academy.  Additionally, he considers the degradation of the humanities in respect to university administrations' increasing concern with business elements of the higher ed model, and examines why education conservatism has found a new audience.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Mark Bauerlein @mark_bauerlein

CLT10 Award Winners On Pursuing a True Education

On this special episode of the Anchored podcast, Jeremy is joined by six CLT10 Award Winners from prior years (this distinction is offered to students with the highest scores on the CLT10). Jeremy and the students dive deep into questions and topics concerning what makes a good education, how speech and debate informs a deeper understanding of various worldviews, the ways in which the classical renewal movement may grow over the next several years, and the social and cultural implications of social media usage among today’s school-aged population.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guests CLT10 Award Winners

Michael Farris On Homeschooling in America

Michael Farris is the founder of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), the founder of Patrick Henry College, and the current president and CEO of the Alliance Defending Freedom. On this episode, he discusses the cultural environment of the early 1980s which acted as the impetus for HSLDA’s founding—every state Attorney General considered homeschooling unlawful. He also discusses the creation of Patrick Henry College, which boasts exceptional outcomes in pre-law education to include twelve national moot court championships, one international moot court championship, and average LSAT scores which rival Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Additionally, Michael discusses important cases in his career, to include People v. DeJonge, in which the requirement for homeschooling parents to hold professional teaching certifications was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of Michigan.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Michael Farris
Home School Legal Defense Association

Joe Rigney On Education In Serious Joy

Dr. Joe Rigney is the second president of Bethlehem College & Seminary (Took office June 1, 2021). On this episode, he discusses tenets of C.S. Lewis' The Abolition of Man, to include commentary on the destructive nature of modern turns toward subjectivism in philosophy and education generally. Dr. Rigney also discusses Lewis' use of the term "Tao" to demonstrate the concept of objective morality and truth as transcending cultures and illustrating a universal human reality. He also discusses his vision as Bethlehem's new president, to include a discussion on the college's decision to turn down federal funding—this fact has allowed the school to maintain its principals and academic virtues in the face of growing hot-button cultural issues.  Dr. Rigney also discuss a core mission of the university in helping students graduate debt-free.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Joe Rigney @joe_rigney
Bethlehem College & Seminary

Glenn Loury On The Barbarians at the Gate

Dr. Glenn Loury is the Merton P. Stoltz Professor of Social Sciences and Professor of Economics at Brown University. In this episode, Dr. Loury discusses his response to a letter written by Brown University President Christina Paxson, in which she noted that structures of power and histories of oppression and prejudice define American society. Of the letter he wrote: "it asserted controversial and arguable positions as though they were axiomatic certainties." He also talks with Jeremy about his new course at Brown centered on freedom of expression, which includes works from such minds as Plato, Socrates, Milton, John Stuart Mill, and George Orwell. Additionally, he references Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind  and reflects on his teaching career and the shifting nature of higher education.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Glenn Loury @GlennLoury
I Must Object: A rebuttal to Brown University’s letter on racism in the United States

Jack Schneider & Jennifer Berkshire On A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door

Education historian Jack Schneider and journalist Jennifer Berkshire join Jeremy to discuss their book, The Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School  in which they describe policies and political undertakings such as school vouchers, attacks on teachers’ unions, tax credit scholarships, virtual schools, etc., as part of a larger organized effort to undo U.S. public education. The authors discuss competing visions in modern education, and the conflict between a lost history of educational practice and an anxiety about the future direction of education—they also discuss the  dangers of treating school as a means of advancing a modern economy, while also recognizing the importance of addressing inclusivity and economic disadvantage in discussions involving educational practice and philosophy.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guests Jack Schneider @Edu_Historian and Jennifer Berkshire @BisforBerkshire
A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door
Have You Heard? podcast

Stephen Blackwood On Seeking the Truth with Courage

Dr. Stephen Blackwood has held fellowships at Harvard, Cambridge, and the University of Toronto, and is the founding president of Ralston College in Savannah, GA. In this episode, he discusses his childhood growing up on on Prince Edward Island and the ways in which his formative years taught him that human life does not exist in the abstract, but rather in the particulars—places, times, landscapes, and cultural moments all inform humanity. He also discusses his friendship with Jordan Peterson and the notion that Dr. Peterson's positive vision of human potential has served as an antidote to the alienation and crisis of meaning felt by many in the current social moment. Dr. Blackwood also discusses his vision for Ralston College; its vision entails the promotion of free inquiry in pursuit of truth and human flourishing, especially at a time when these directives have left many modern universities.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Stephen Blackwood @stephenblackwd
Ralston College

Faith Moore On Snow White and Cancel Culture

Faith Moore is a freelance writer, editor, and a stay-at-home mom. She has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Daily News, The Daily Wire, and more. She joins Jeremy to discuss her recent Federalist article, "Instead of Canceling Snow White, Learn to Read Fairy Tales." In this episode, she discusses her response to the authors of an SFGate article in which they describe Disneyland's depiction of the famous kiss scene from Snow White as problematic. She further discusses the ways in which the current cultural zeitgeist is assigning literal meanings to fairy tales whose generational relevance continues because of their symbolism and moral depictions. She shines light on important aspects of Grimm's Fairy Tales, and the universality of fairy tale themes when considering the similarity of story themes across cultures.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Faith Moore @FaithKMoore
"Instead of Canceling Snow White, Learn to Read Fairy Tales"
Saving Cinderella: What Feminists Get Wrong About Disney Princesses And How To Set It Right

Heather Mac Donald On The Bias Fallacy

Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a New York Times bestselling author. In this week's episode, Heather discusses her time as a graduate student in comparative literature at Yale and the events that led her to uncover the faults in deconstruction and other postmodernist theories. She illustrates how current trends in higher education have impeded a manner of education which philosopher Michael Oakeshott referred to as the "transmission of an inheritance from one generation to the next."  She also discusses her article, "The Bias Fallacy"— she outlines why efforts to remove objective measures of accomplishment in the name of equity is nihilistic, as well as efforts to vilify Western civilization.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Heather Mac Donald
"The Bias Fallacy" in City Journal

Brent Everett Dickinson On The "Chaosmos" In Culture

Brent Everett Dickinson is a multi-disciplinary conceptual artist and associate professor of art at Azusa Pacific University in California.  In 2017, Dickinson founded the MMHTT (Marcel Maus Hermeneutical Think Tank), a multimedia web project driven by philosophical concepts such as power, authorship, immanence, performativity, and deterritorialization. In this week's discussion, Dickinson delves into the interplay between philosophy and art, as well as conceptions of beauty, stirring the debate as to whether beauty is truly objective. Dickinson also discusses "Chaosmos" (a term coined by James Joyce) in relation to the production and sustainment of culture—he notes that Western culture is one that perpetually produces the new, and thus conservatism and progressivism act in accord to some degree.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Brent Everett Dickinson 

Erika Donalds On The Power of School Choice

Erika Donalds is the founder and CEO of the Optima Foundation—its goal is the successful launch of Hillsdale College Barney Charter School Initiative classical academies and other schools of excellence across the state of Florida. She also served on the Advisory Committee on Education and Workforce Development for Florida governor Ron DeSantis. In this episode, she joins Jeremy to discuss the events that led her to question the Common Core State Standards and other top-down approaches to education, and she illustrates the benefit of classical education in her son's life, and how this revelation led her down the path to becoming a school choice advocate and facilitator.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Erika Donalds @ErikaDonalds
Optima Foundation

Peter Wood On "Corrupting the College Board"

Dr. Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars (NAS), joins Jeremy to discuss the recent NAS report, "Corrupting the College Board: Confucius Institutes and K-12 education." He discusses the connection between the College Board and Hanban, the Beijing-based headquarters of the Confucius Institutes—an organization that provides Chinese government-funded language and cultural education within both U.S. colleges and K-12 schools. In recent years, the Confucius Institutes have received criticism from professors due to their role in Chinese government influence on academic freedom, overt censorship of academic materials, and surveillance of classroom activities. Dr. Wood delves into the growing relationship between the College Board and Hanban at a time when  American scholars were growing increasingly alarmed by the pernicious influence of the Chinese state-funded academic initiatives on U.S. campuses. He also sheds light on the implications of these developments for academic integrity within U.S. K-12 schools.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Peter Wood
Corrupting the College Board: Confucius Institutes and K-12 Education

Register now for the CLT10 on April 28th!

Sean-Michael Pigeon On "Don't Blame The Tests"

Sean-Michael Pigeon, Young Voices Contributor and Yale University student, joins Jeremy to discuss his recent USA Today op-ed, "Don't Blame the Tests: Getting Rid of Standardized Testing Means Punishing the Poor." He discusses studies over the past decade which examined score disparities in relation to socio-economic status and led to public questions concerning higher education access—ultimately, the current social moment deems standardized tests as a driver of systemic unfairness. Sean-Michael discusses this movement as promoting equity by attacking "academic sorting." He notes that school districts across the country are eliminating advanced learning classes and traditional A-F grading systems in an effort to reduce unequal outcomes, but are in effect eliminating opportunities for marginalized communities to showcase their talent. He argues that this approach will only exacerbate the ability of the wealthy and well-connected to dominate academic systems.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Sean-Michael Pigeon @pigeon_sean
USA Today: Don't Blame The Tests

April 13th Remotely Proctored CLT: Register Here

Elias Moo On Tradition Lost and Regained in Catholic Education

Elias Moo, one of the youngest Catholic school superintendents in the country (Archdiocese of Denver), joins Jeremy  to discuss a trend of recent years in which Catholic schools attempt to replicate a utilitarian public school model, one which increasingly dehumanizes students in its attempt to make education production-focused.  Elias makes the case that Catholic schools should be committed to the liberal arts and poses the important question to all educators: "What is the true nature and purpose of education?" He also cites Pope Pius XI's Divini Illius Magistri —"Education must prepare man for what he must be and what he must do here below in order to obtain the sublime end for which he was created," a radically different sentiment than derived from the education we see in modern American society.

Host Jeremy Tate
Guest Elias Moo @ArchDenSuper

CLT10 coming up on April 28th! Click here for more details.

Eric Cook On Classical Education For All

Eric Cook is the Head of School at Covenant Classical School and President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL). He joins Jeremy to discuss classical education in the 21st century and the ways in which teaching in a public school led him to the classical education movement. He also examines the holistic nature of classical education, which has informed his endeavors as SCL president to make classical education accessible to all backgrounds. Jeremy and Eric also discuss the importance of finding good teachers at classical schools, as well as having strong thought leadership throughout the classical renewal movement in education.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Eric Cook

Kevin Clark and Ravi Jain On The Liberal Arts Tradition

Kevin Clark (founder of the Ecclesial Schools Initiative) and Ravi Jain (calculus and physics teacher at the Geneva School) join Jeremy to discuss their book The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education, as well as the classical education renewal movement in modern society. They begin by briefly discussing the history of 20th century education, to include the exportation of the American progressive education model across the world. They also discuss the reasons they began their book by discussing gymnastics, the critical role of culture to a school's success, and the deeper meaning behind musical education. Mathematics education is also examined thoroughly, to include the misguided notion that a math education must always be presented to students in terms of its practical application—that is, its value in study can lead students to much more meaningful questions about the connection of the physical world to the world of ideas, as well as a greater understanding of truth.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guests Kevin Clark and Ravi Jain
The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education

Anika Prather & Howard University Students On The Meaning of the Classics

Dr. Anika Prather joins Jeremy with a group of her humanities students from Howard University—Nia Anderson, Joseph Andrew Jordan, and Joshua Hughes. The students discuss the meaning of classical education within the African-American intellectual tradition, to include such important figures as Phillis Wheatley, Anna Julia Cooper, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Prather and her students also discuss the #DisruptTexts movement and what it means for the future of education—the removal of books from curricula may be the product of good intentions, but will likely have harmful educational outcomes. 

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Anika Prather @AnikaFreeindeed

Douglas Henry On The Union of Faith And Reason

Dr. Douglas Henry, Dean of the Honors College at Baylor University, joins Jeremy to discuss the impact of great works of literature, politics, and philosophy on both his own academic formation and in the larger life of the Honors College.  Dean Henry discusses the college's commitment to the integration of faith and learning and how this has led the college to become not only favored by Baptist students, but Catholic students as well.  Dr. Henry further expounds on the Great Books as a foundation for public discourse, what this has meant for his time in the classroom, the importance of engaging with great ideas to become a lifelong learner, and why the institution of higher learning will lose its soul if it neglects its commitment to educating students in this manner.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Douglas Henry

 Humanities Teachers- Deadline Approaching! Apply to Baylor's NEH Summer Seminar 2021: Disputatio and the Pursuit of Wisdom in the Humanities! ($2,200 stipend)

Jon Balsbaugh On Education Over Schooling

Jon Balsbaugh, President of Trinity Schools, joins Jeremy to discuss the important distinction that separates schooling from an education striving for "human awakening." Jeremy and Jon also discuss C.S. Lewis' vision of education, his understanding of the troubling trajectory of education, and the importance of the training of affections. Jon further illustrates the relevancy of the Great Books by underscoring their ability to pose timeless questions to today's students, and he shares insight into the Classical renewal movement.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Jon Balsbaugh

Pano Kanelos On Global Eagerness For The Liberal Arts

Frank Bruni of The New York Times once dubbed St. John's College the "most contrarian college in America." On this episode, St. John's College President Pano Kanelos joins Jeremy to discuss the history of the school (one of the oldest colleges in the U.S.) and the academic reorientation that took place there in the early 20th century, one inspired by the Great Books movement facilitated by Mortimer Adler and others. He also discusses the issues of cost in higher education and highlights the "Freeing Minds" campaign and other efforts that St. John's took to lower tuition and improve access by rolling back over a decade of tuition increases. Dr. Kanelos also discusses a 2018 trip to South Korea (as well as other countries in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East) and the conversations that showcased an eagerness for liberal arts education across the globe. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest President Pano Kanelos

Keith Nix On Conviction And Courage In Education

Keith Nix, Head of School at Veritas in Richmond, VA, joins Jeremy with Sam Davis, a Veritas student. On this episode, Keith discusses the history of Veritas School, the beginnings of its historic campus in Richmond, and its mission in classical education. The conversation moves to architecture and its relation to learning—how does physical space impact imagination and academic outcomes? Keith also examines the current momentum of classical education and what this means for the future. Additionally, Jeremy talks with Sam on the ways in which classical education has informed his school community and ultimately his perspective on education's role in personal formation.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guests Keith Nix and Sam Davis

Humanities Teachers—Apply to Baylor's NEH Summer Seminar 2021: Disputatio and the Pursuit of Wisdom in the Humanities! ($2,200 stipend)

Cornel West On The Quest For Truth, Beauty and Goodness

Note: This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. West. Cornel West begins this episode by responding to a question from the producer: has the advancement of technology created a culture in which the desire for wisdom is supplanted by the demand for instant access to information? He also discusses modern conceptions of identity and the way in which these conceptions have become detached from larger questions and ideals, the elements of education and life that lead to personal fortification, and the dialectical interplay between one's familial "roots" and the routes that a person takes in life. Dr. West also discusses curricula, the notions of excellence in texts, and the ways in which this excellence builds upon itself and reveals that truth is bigger than all of us.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Cornel West @CornelWest 

Cornel West On Learning How To Die

Note: This is Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. West. Renowned public philosopher Dr. Cornel West joins Jeremy to share his insight into the current cultural moment and efforts to remove the Classics from school curricula. He discusses his famous friendship with Princeton's Robert P. George and highlights the troubles that arise when friendships hinge only on ideological agreement, and how society is fractured by conversations halted due to cancel culture. He also shares his views on the #DisruptTexts movement by exploring the distinctions that separate an education rooted in deep intellectual and moral formation from modern-day "schooling," and examines why texts rich in terms of generating conversation are being lost to polarization. Dr. West also discusses his time studying with Hans-Georg Gadamer, and shines light on conceptions of tradition and the Greek idea of paedeia, and reflects on Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy in terms of love, justice, and courage. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Cornel West @CornelWest 

Meghan Cox Gurdon On "Even Homer Gets Mobbed"

Note: This is Part 2 of an episode co-release detailing responses to the #DisruptTexts movement which caught national attention. Meghan Cox Gurdon is an author and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, where she writes on children's books. Her recent op-ed in the WSJ, entitled "Even Homer Gets Mobbed," outlined efforts by the group #DisruptTexts to have works of the Western Canon removed from school curricula (the movement's official statement: #DisruptTexts is a crowdsourced, grass roots effort by teachers for teachers to challenge the traditional canon in order to create a more inclusive, representative, and equitable language arts curriculum that our students deserve. It is part of our mission to aid and develop teachers committed to anti-racist/anti-bias teaching pedagogy and practices). In this episode, Meghan joins Jeremy to discuss not only the impetus for writing this article, but also the overwhelming response that she received in response, as well as the larger movement of critical theory within our institutions. While discussing the laudable efforts toward more representative literature for children, she describes the results of misguided efforts to declare texts not reflective of modern sensibilities as "dangerous" and "harmful." She also discusses her book The Enchanted Hour, which examines the social, mental, and physiological benefits of reading aloud. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Meghan Cox Gurdon
Even Homer Gets Mobbed
#DisruptTexts
The Enchanted Hour

Thomas Carroll On Reopening and Revitalizing Education

Note: This is Part 1 of an episode co-release detailing responses to the #DisruptTexts movement which caught national attention. As Superintendent of Schools for the Boston Archdiocese, Thomas Carroll joins Jeremy to discuss the challenges that he faced in his new role during a global pandemic.  Amid public statements by Massachusetts' three largest teachers unions indicating that schools would continue remote-learning indefinitely, Mr. Carroll weighed the evidence and sought to re-open Catholic schools in Boston. His decision—while initially receiving backlash—produced outcomes lauded by Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker, and the reopenings were featured in several national newspapers. Mr. Carroll discusses these events, as well as his larger goals and work toward revitalizing Catholic education by moving the schools away from secularization and re-focusing on religious formation. Tom also discusses his response to the #DisruptTexts movement which caught national attention on Twitter as members of the coalition congratulated their work in having Homer's Odyssey removed from a Mass. school curriculum.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Thomas Carroll @BostonCathSupt
How Boston Catholic Schools Opened for In-Person Learning Amid the Pandemic
Covid and the Catholic Schools—WSJ

Greg Thompson On The Return Of The Cold Warrior

Dr. Greg Thompson is the Executive Director of Voices Underground, an initiative to build a national memorial to the Underground Railroad,  and he is a Research Fellow in African American Cultural Heritage at Lincoln University. He joins Jeremy to discuss his recent response to Rod Dreher's new book Live Not By Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents, to include the notion that it imports a fear-based worldview into the Benedictine Tradition. Other issues he touches on include reparations, why many criticisms of critical theory (as well as popular conceptions of "wokeness" in the current culture and academia) are misguided, the ways in which some elements of current social movements are leaning toward illiberalism, and how the writings of W.E.B. DuBois and Martin Luther King Jr. still echo today. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate
Guest Greg Thompson
The Return of the Cold Warrior: Reflections on Rod Dreher's Live Not By Lies
Woke Preacher: Live Not by Lies is 'Dangerous'
Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair

Ali Ghaffari On Leadership And Classical Education

LCDR Ali Ghaffari is an F/A-18 pilot, Associate Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, and the founder of Divine Mercy Academy, a classical liberal arts school formed in the Catholic tradition. He joins Jeremy to discuss his academic journey and the educational experiences that led him to not only discover and favor classical education for its formative nature, but also to found a classical school. He also discusses the ways in which the classics can enrich and inform leadership development.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest LCDR Ali Ghaffari
Divine Mercy Academy

Yuval Levin On A Time To Build

An examination of the current moment demonstrates that the United States is mired in a social crisis which is intensifying political polarization. What role do institutions play in staving off further discord? Yuval Levin is the founding editor of National Affairs and the Director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.  He joins Jeremy to discuss his book A Time to Build and delves into a conversation on the role of institutions in shaping people and common goals. Yuval touches on the ways in which institutional failures are engendering social difficulties, paying particular attention to the shifting role of higher education. While the cultural debate concerning free speech on campus seems to have captured the attention of the American public, Yuval notes that renewed discussion on the purpose of higher education—one that focuses on the pursuit of truth through teaching and learning—may hold promise not only for the formative experience of college itself, but may also provide answers to the growing enrollment quandary in the U.S. today. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Yuval Levin
A Time to Build: From Family and Community to Congress and the Campus, How Recommitting to Our Institutions Can Revive the American Dream
National Affairs

Spencer Klavan On The Wisdom Of The West

Spencer Klavan is associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind.  As host of the increasingly popular Young Heretics podcast, he engages his audience with the wealth of wisdom found in the great works of  Western culture, albeit with one caveat—identity politics are checked at the door. Spencer joins Jeremy to discuss cancel culture on campus and the consequences of universities surrendering their role in soulcraft. Spencer further touches on the concept of Damnatio memoriae and its relation to recent events, and how citizens' realization that their power in society extends beyond mere voting may positively impact civil society. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Spencer Klavan @SpencerKlavan
Young Heretics podcast
Honor in a World Gone Mad

Angel Adams Parham On Putting The Past Into Conversation With The Present

Dr. Angel Adams Parham is the Rev. Joseph H. Fichter Distinguished Professor of Social Science and Associate Professor of Sociology at Loyola University-New Orleans, where her work focuses on the comparative and historical sociology of race. In this episode, she talks with Jeremy about her dual role as a college professor and a Classical homeschooling parent. She also discusses the recent efforts by the group Decolonization at Brown to take down the statues of Marcus Aurelius and Caesar Augustus at the Ivy League university. She notes the importance of an approach to these types of events which puts the past into conversation with the present. To illustrate this point, she discusses the Stoic philosopher Epictetus and his connection to Toussaint Louverture, the leader of the Haitian Revolution. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Angel Adams Parham
The Statues Must Go: Brown Should Not Celebrate Colonialism

Alessandra Bocchi On "Ancient History Isn't Colonialism"

Why do students at Brown University want to tear down statues of Marcus Aurelius and Caesar Augustus? Italian journalist Alessandra Bocchi has reported from Hong Kong, Libya, and across Europe, and she is currently the Joseph Rago Memorial Fellow at The Wall Street Journal. She joins Jeremy to discuss her recent WSJ op-ed, "Ancient History Isn't Colonialism," in which she argues that the efforts of the group Decolonization at Brown miss the mark when it comes to the Western Tradition. She also discusses differences between the Italian and U.S. secondary school systems, and Jeremy reflects on CLT's mission to reinvigorate study of the Classics in U.S. schools. Send comments or questions to [email protected]

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Alessandra Bocchi @alessabocchi
Ancient History Isn't Colonialism
The Statues Must Go: Brown Should Not Celebrate Colonialism

Daniel Buck On Voices In Education

Is there sufficient viewpoint diversity in K-12 education today? Daniel Buck is a teacher and freelance author who has written for such publications as National Review, City Journal, The American Mind, Quillette, and others. He joins Jeremy to discuss the questions that he began asking as a school teacher which led him to not only change his personal views on education, but also to advocate for a renewed national conversation concerning the proper aims of education. He further discusses the conversations that were facilitated when he began publicly addressing the "echo chamber" of education, and how this led to the founding of The Chalkboard Review, an online journal of educational commentary that features a diverse range of voices on all things education—left, right, and center. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Daniel Buck @MrDanielBuck
The Chalkboard Review
True Education is Beautiful—The American Mind, Claremont Institute

Anthony Bradley On Mass Incarceration

Dr. Anthony Bradley, professor of religious studies and director of the Center for the Study of Human Flourishing at The King’s College NYC, joins Jeremy to discuss the problem with overcriminalization and why criminal justice reforms have often proven difficult—he discusses the ways in which civic institutions can avert people's continued entry into the criminal justice system while also reducing recidivism rates. Additionally, Anthony explores the role of fatherhood and the research he has conducted that illustrates its role not only in positive social outcomes and academic development, but also within other categories that are not immediately apparent. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Anthony Bradley @drantbradley
Ending Overcriminalization and Mass Incarceration: Hope from Civil Society

James Hankins On Virtue Politics

Machiavelli and the merciless use of power is oftentimes used to illustrate Renaissance political philosophy.  Dr. James Hankins, professor of history at Harvard University and one of the foremost authorities on Renaissance political thought, joins Jeremy to discuss how his book Virtue Politics challenges the common portrayal of Machiavelli as the exemplary thinker of the Renaissance. Dr. Hankins discusses the humanists' revival of the ancient view that politics are not sound unless individuals of the polity are morally sound, as well as the ways in which humanist thought indicated that the long-term resilience of institutions fundamentally relies on the virtuous character of those inhabiting the institutions. Dr. Hankins also shares his thoughts on classical education today, and shines light on the important teaching distinctions within the modern university. Send questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. James Hankins
Virtue Politics: Soulcraft and Statecraft in Renaissance Italy

Sigal Ben-Porath On Campus Free Speech

The issue of free speech on campus has become an increasingly visible debate for higher education. Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath (University of Pennsylvania professor, fellow at Harvard's Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics, and former chair of Penn's Committee on Open Expression) joins Jeremy to discuss what she has found to be the most common misconceptions concerning student views on free expression. While discussing the vital nature of free speech to colleges' mission, she outlines ways in which colleges can articulate a dual commitment to free speech and inclusivity, which may serve to ease campus tensions. The conversation also moves to the importance of returning to well-rounded civic education in the United States, as well as the ways in which the historical precedent of school choice—which pre-dates America's Founding—should reframe the discussion on this critical issue. Send any questions or comments to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Sigal Ben-Porath
Free Speech on Campus
Making Up Our Mind: What School Choice is Really About

Louis Markos On The Myth Made Fact

Dr. Louis Markos, an authority on C. S. Lewis and a professor in English at Houston Baptist University, joins Jeremy Tate to discuss his new book The Myth Made Fact: Reading Greek and Roman Mythology through Christian Eyes. Dr. Markos discusses how a famous conversation between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis inspired him to write a book which seeks to connect the wisdom of Greco-Roman mythology to Christian faith, thus informing a "ministry of myth." He also discusses the academy's current crisis of over-specialization in the humanities which has worn away at its heritage and inhibited the development of more public intellectuals.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Louis Markos
The Myth Made Fact: Reading Greek and Roman Mythology through Christian Eyes

Andrew Zwerneman On Thinking Historically

Andrew Zwerneman, president of Cana Academy, joins Jeremy Tate to discuss his new book History Forgotten and Remembered.  Andrew discusses the reasons why society has grown out of the habit of thinking historically. He also touches on why thinking historically should involve the concept of living between "two great acts of giving"—that of being given the culture we inhabit, and the act of conveying what we cultivate today to future generations. He also discusses why a fragmentary approach to  history (which retells history by viewing only egregious events in our past) is harmful to the study of history and ultimately to society.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Andrew Zwerneman
Cana Academy
History Forgotten and Remembered

A Conversation With Jennifer Frey

What does it mean to be happy? Is modern society only concerned with the superficial trappings of happiness? Dr. Jennifer Frey, professor of philosophy at the University of South Carolina and former collegiate professor in Humanities at the University of Chicago, joins Jeremy in a discussion on why the social sciences' attempts at quantifying happiness misses the mark, and the ways in which Plato and Aristotle's conceptions of human flourishing have much to offer the modern world.  Dr. Frey also discusses the opportunities that are lost when education sidelines the fundamental questions of human existence in favor of strict skills development. She also touches on philosophy's role within a higher education system increasingly focused on vocational training.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Jennifer Frey @jennfrey
Virtue, Happiness, and the Meaning of Life
Podcast: Sacred and Profane Love

A Conversation With Katharine Birbalsingh

As the daughter of immigrants and herself an Oxford student, Katharine Birbalsingh entered a program in which she encouraged inner-city students onto a path toward Oxford themselves. In that role, she found her love for teaching and was eventually asked to speak at the Conservative Party conference (where her speech gained more views than the UK's prime minister at the time). Her ideas on education received backlash, and she was forced to exit her teaching position. Today, she is the founder and headmistress of the Michaela Community School in London, an exceptionally successful free school (similar to a U.S. charter school) which is used as a model for schools around the world. In this episode, she discusses with Jeremy Tate why she stood up to promote academic values that run counter to identity politics in education.  Ms. Birbalsingh was recently made Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen for her services to education.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Katharine Birbalsingh @Miss_Snuffy
Michaela Community School
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Teachers: The Michaela Way
The Power of Culture: The Michaela Way
E.D. Hirsch: The Schools We Need And Why We Don't Have Them

A Conversation With Michael Poliakoff

What underpins a worthwhile college education? This is the question that the What Will They Learn? College Rankings, published by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), seeks to answer. Dr. Michael Poliakoff, president of ACTA, joins Jeremy in a discussion on why a new college guide was needed: the failure of many colleges to provide a rigorous core curriculum, as well as the intellectual diversity needed for the free exchange of ideas. He also discusses the the ways in which campus speech regulation and self-censorship stand to harm liberal democracy. Send questions and comments to [email protected]

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Michael Poliakoff @PoliakoffACTA
ACTA's What Will They Learn? college rankings
Philadelphia Statement on Civil Discourse and Strengthening of Liberal Democracy

A Conversation With Anika Prather

Anika Prather, professor in the Classics department at Howard University and founder of The Living Water School, joins Jeremy to discuss the journey that led her to become an advocate of classical education. Dr. Prather details her time at St. John's College and how that experience led her to shift her educational research focus to the history of classical education within the African-American community. She also describes the academic pushback which followed that decision and recounts the inspiration she gained from such seminal minds as W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass. Send questions or comments to [email protected]

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Anika Prather @AnikaFreeindeed
Classic Learning in Black History Essay Series
Living in the Constellation of the Canon: The Lived Experiences of African-American Students Reading Great Books Literature
The Living Water School

New CLT Partner Colleges
Grove City College CLT Administration

A Conversation With Corey DeAngelis

Corey DeAngelis, Director of School Choice at the Reason Foundation, joins Jeremy to discuss the key issues at stake in the growing school choice movement. He provides insight into the pandemic's significance for the expansion of educational options while elaborating on the benefit of education dollars funding students over systems. He also discusses the incentive system at play in the current political debate on school choice. You won't want to miss his discussion on the School Choice Hypocrisy Map! Send questions or comments to [email protected]

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Dr. Corey DeAngelis @DeAngelisCorey
School Choice Myths: Setting the Record Straight on Education Freedom
Pennsylvania Must Fund Students, Not School Districts—Corey's Most Recent Op-Ed
EFI's School Choice Hypocrisy Map

A Conversation With Jessica Hooten Wilson

Jessica Hooten Wilson, Louise Cowan Scholar in Residence at the University of Dallas, joins Jeremy to discuss cancel culture's impact on the influential author Flannery O'Connor (as well as on literature in general) and elaborates on her work in preparing O’Connor’s unfinished novel Why Do the Heathen Rage? for publication. Additionally, Prof. Hooten Wilson discusses challenges faced in the classroom, to include confronting students' "idol of use." Make sure to catch her personal book recommendations too! Send comments or questions about this episode to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Jessica Hooten Wilson @HootenWilson
How Flannery O'Connor Fought Racism in First Things—Hooten Wilson's response to The New Yorker article How Racist Was Flannery O'Connor?
Why Do the Heathen Rage?

A Conversation With Thomas Hibbs

Recently, The Princeton Review ranked the University of Dallas (UD) highly in its index of student happiness. President Thomas Hibbs joins Jeremy to discuss why UD students are among America’s happiest college students—and it has nothing to do with gourmet cafeterias or rock climbing walls. Dr. Hibbs also explores the implications of eroding trust in America’s institutions during a time of continued civil unrest and discusses the things colleges can do to counter continued social alienation, to include a renewed focus on the act of teaching. Send comments or questions about this episode to [email protected].

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest President Thomas Hibbs  @UofDallas
Princeton Review Rankings: Happiest Students
Princeton Review Rankings: Professors Get High Marks
Dr. Hibbs' Dallas Morning News Op-Ed: Isolated Angry, and Destructive—The America We Can't Have When We Emerge
Fun Fact! University of Dallas has its own Italian winery: Due Santi Wines

A Conversation With Robert P. George

Influential scholar and Princeton University professor Robert P. George joins Jeremy for a discussion on the consequences of society’s abandonment of liberal arts education, the deeper streams of thought that informed the American Founding and what that means for building unity (to include discussion of the upcoming E Pluribus Unum lecture series jointly sponsored by AEI and the University of Dallas). He also provides an inside look at his famous friendship with Cornel West and how conversations on texts important to their intellectual journeys led to an enduring relationship that models civil discourse today.

Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41
Guest Prof. Robert P. George @McCormickProf
E Pluribus Unum Lecture Series (AEI and University of Dallas)