We’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Hal Poe, an esteemed scholar who has delved deep into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis. The conversion of Lewis, a towering figure in the English-speaking world, serves as the centerpiece of our discussion today. We embark on an exploration of his spiritual journey, a voyage that saw him transition from agnosticism to belief, a transformation beautifully detailed in his seminal work ‘Mere Christianity’. Together, we also dissect his three-part biography, paying particular attention to the pivotal middle years where his faith truly took root.

Our discussion takes a turn down the lanes of Lewis’s childhood, where the seeds of his eventual conversion were sown. We argue that his early church-going habits, coupled with his deep-dive into Latin and classical literature, played a formidable role in his spiritual development. We also take a moment to reflect on the profound influence of his teacher Kirk Patrick, a staunch materialist, and the overwhelming grief he experienced with the loss of his mother at a tender age.

Closing our conversation, we marvel at the profound impact of literature on Lewis’s faith. His scholarship in courtly tradition, gallantry, and chivalry, as gleaned from the pages of classical literature, led him to perceive the Christian story in a fresh light, paving the way for his conversion. In a world increasingly convinced of the alleged conflict between faith and science, we analyze Lewis’s counter-argument using his essays and books, such as The Abolition of Man and That Hideous Strength. As we wrap up, we ponder on what Lewis might have to say about our modern era and how his voice continues to resonate with relevance today. Join us for this enlightening journey into the life and faith of C.S. Lewis.

Heather Lloyd, an education expert with over two decades of experience under her belt, graces us with her presence and in-depth knowledge in our latest conversation. We confront the controversial topic of grading in the realm of classical Christian education, questioning whether it truly measures academic mastery or if we should be focusing on instilling wisdom and virtue in our students.

Navigating the murky waters of grading, we discuss its historical context and its influence on education shaped by our culture. We attempt to dissect if an overemphasis on grades might be causing more harm than good and how parents and teachers should deal with them. As we delve further into the subject, Heather provides invaluable insights into the role of grades in education, helping us understand how they can be an effective tool in assessing not just academic growth, but also character development.

We also explore how the coaching philosophy can transform a classroom into a space for collaboration, discovery, and safety. This approach, often dubbed ‘soft grading’ allows students to learn and practice before being put under the scanner of test grades. Lastly, we touch upon the impact of grades on college admissions and discuss ways to translate the academic performance of students into a ‘resume’ that accurately reflects their mastery over the subject. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and anyone invested in the education of our future generations. Tune in to this compelling conversation – you won’t want to miss it!

We’re diving into the future of Artificial Intelligence with Josh McCroskey, the insightful Head of School at Ad Fontes Academy. McCroskey shares his extensive knowledge about the rise of AI, its potential impacts on our homes, schools, and its ethical implications.

From pattern recognition to usage in social media and digital technologies, the rise of AI is undeniable. But as we embrace this new technology, how do we uphold the values of classical Christian education? We explore this precarious intersection, discussing the challenges in distinguishing between AI-generated work and a student’s original effort. We stress the importance of open dialogue with students, helping them understand AI while ensuring they effectively express their knowledge.

In the concluding part of our conversation, we explore AI’s wide-ranging capabilities. We delve into its potential uses, from administrative tasks to generating creative content. We even touch upon AI’s potential to create a debt-free higher education system. As we keep AI on our radar, we invite you to join us as we navigate its potential impacts on our lives and education. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

In this episode, Davies Owens interviews Dr. Bill Miller about the significance of senior trips for classical Christian students, focusing on the value of bringing learning to life and experiencing different cultures. Dr. Miller emphasizes character and virtue development through the challenges faced during these trips, preparing students for the post-Christian world they are about to enter.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, host Davies Owens is joined by Savannah Kimberlin from the Barna Group to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges facing the church today. They explore the importance of collaboration between the church, school, and home in raising the next generation. They also delve into the role of classical Christian schools in supporting this partnership. Tune in to gain insights on how to be better collaborative partners in shaping the future.

Welcome to another episode of BaseCamp Live, where Davies Owens and Allison Buras dissect the labyrinth of interactions between parents and schools. This long-term partnership, they stress, plays a pivotal role in raising the next generation. A successful collaborative approach requires not just open communication, but also a healthy balance of expectation management and trust-building.

Discover compelling stories that highlight examples of effective collaboration in action. Whether it’s addressing misconduct through open dialogue or the innovative concept of a Parent Council, each story paints a vivid picture of the value of working collaboratively. The conversation also navigates through the importance of Parent-Teacher Conferences and tips to make the most out of these brief yet crucial interactions. All these elements combine to underline the key message: the journey of parenting and education, while complex, is a rewarding venture with countless opportunities for growth and learning.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, Davies interviews Wes Boyd, the Director of Athletics at Providence Christian School of Texas. Wes shares his unique insights into training young people to develop character and embody classical virtues in all aspects of life, including athletics. The episode explores the possibility of integrating faith and athletics, the prioritization of athletics in classical Christian schools, and the role of athletics in nurturing virtue in students and children. Wes Boyd and Davies Owens engage in a comprehensive discussion that addresses these questions and more, making this episode of BaseCamp Live a must-listen.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, host Davies Owens discusses the growing trend of Classical Christian schools. He interviews Brian Polk, director of school improvement at SCL, who introduces a new survey conducted by researchers that provides quantifiable information on the state of the movement. The episode explores areas where these schools are thriving and areas where more support and resources are needed. Listeners will be encouraged to hear about the impact of Classical Christian education in their neighborhoods and around the world.

In this episode, Kapic explores the theology behind seeing our human limitations as a gift rather than a deficiency. He lays out a path to holistic living with healthy self-understanding, life-giving relationships, and meaningful contributions to the world. He frees us from confusing our limitations with sin and instead invites us to rest in the joy and relief of knowing that God can use our limitations to foster freedom, joy, growth, and community.

In this episode of Basecamp Live, Keith McCurdy discusses the single biggest issue confronting children today and how parents and educators can address it wisely. Drawing from his experiences working with youth and families across the country, Keith provides unique observations and perspectives on this important issue. Join host Davies Owens as they explore ancient future education for raising the next generation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on positioning the next generation to truly flourish.