Australia’s Rapid Embrace of Classical Education and What It Means for You with Sarah Flynn

Classical Christian education is making waves across the world, and Australia is no exception. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Sarah Flynn, a mother of five and a scholar of human flourishing, shares her eye-opening journey into classical education—first as a skeptic, then as a passionate advocate. From questioning modern education’s limitations to witnessing the transformational power of classical learning, Sarah’s story highlights why this approach is more than just old books and nostalgia—it’s a blueprint for raising wise, whole, and flourishing humans. Whether you’re new to the movement or a long-time believer, Sarah’s insights from Australia’s classical education revival will inspire and challenge you.

Dr. David Diener’s dynamic talks combine intellectual substance with accessibility and practical applicability. The academic rigor of his training and research, along with with the practical insights he has acquired over more than a decade of work in the classroom and in administration, makes his consultations valuable assets for faculty training, parent and community engagement, and school leadership development.

Dr. Diener holds a BA in philosophy and ancient languages from Wheaton College, as well as an MA in philosophy, MS in history and philosophy of education, and dual PhD in philosophy and philosophy of education from Indiana University. He has published articles on Plato, Kierkegaard, and various aspects of education, and is the author of Plato: The Great Philosopher-Educator (Classical Academic Press, 2015).

He has worked in education for more than fifteen years, both as a teacher and professor and also as an administrator. His numerous speaking engagements have taken him throughout the United States, as well as to South America and Europe. He also has taught a wide spectrum of graduate, undergraduate, and upper-school courses in a variety of locations, including Bogotá, Colombia; Bloomington, Indiana; Stony Brook, New York; Fort Worth, Texas; and Hillsdale, Michigan.

Dr. Diener currently works at Hillsdale College, where he is an assistant professor of education. He and his wife have four children and are passionate about classical Christian education and the impact it can have on the church, our society, and the world.

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