ClassicalU Podcast

Episode 38: Be Still and Know: Reclaiming Attention, Time, and Wonder in Christian Education

Jesse Hake — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, Jesse Hake speaks with Dr. Patrick R. Manning about his book Be Still and Know: Contemplative Practice for Christian Schools and Educators. Drawing from the deep wells of the Christian contemplative tradition—from the Desert Fathers and Mothers to Benedictine, Ignatian, and Dominican spirituality—Manning argues that contemplation is not foreign to Christian education but central to it. He explores how reframing time, cultivating attention, and building intentional rhythms of silence and prayer can transform classrooms into “attention sanctuaries” in an age dominated by distraction. The conversation addresses pressing concerns such as student mental health, shrinking attention spans, and the pressures of productivity culture, offering both theological grounding and practical strategies for school leaders and teachers.

In dialogue with themes familiar to classical educators—such as those explored in ClassicalU courses The Scholé Way and The Monastic Tradition of Education by Christopher Perrin, and John Amos Comenius: A Visionary Reformer of Schools by Dr. David I. Smith—the episode connects contemplative practice to a broader recovery of attention in Christian schooling. Manning engages contemporary voices such as James Lang in Distracted: Why Students Can’t Focus and What You Can Do About It, Matthew Crawford in The World Beyond Your Head, and James Williams in Stand Out of Our Light, while drawing on the spiritual wisdom of Simone Weil in Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a View to the Love of God, Wilfrid Stinissen in Eternity in the Midst of Time, and Sofia Cavalletti in The Development of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Through practices such as Lectio Divina and the Ignatian Examen, he calls Christian schools to reclaim their heritage—not by retreating from excellence, but by rediscovering how stillness strengthens attention, deepens community, and renews the soul of education.

Episode 37: Education as Soul Craft: Three Leaders in Conversation as Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican Classical Teachers

Jesse Hake — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, host Jesse Hake—joined by Scholé Academy Director Dr. Joylynn Blake—welcomes the leaders of Scholé Academy’s three Houses of Study: Monika Minehart, Fr. Nathan Dickinson, and Presb. Maria Koulianos. As representatives of three great Christian traditions, Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican, these classical educators engage in a rich conversation on soul craft, or spiritual formation that is both personal and communal. Drawing from spiritual practices found in the Book of Common Prayer and the Student Prayer Book, the Orthodox vision of theosis, and Catholic sacramental life, the guests reflect on how Christian education shapes the whole person. Informed by C. S. Lewis’s image of the Great Hall in Mere Christianity, the discussion explores how shared Christian foundations give way to distinct faith traditions where formation is lived out with depth and integrity.

Throughout, the educators describe how The Great Hall and Scholé Academy’s Houses— Aquinas House, Canterbury House, and St. Raphael School—cultivate theological clarity without dilution, honoring real differences while remaining united by the tenets of the Nicene Creed. The episode offers a compelling picture of classical Christian education as soul craft—patient, relational, and rooted in tradition—made tangible even within online classrooms. Explore courses at Scholé Academy where thoughtful attention has been given to the concept, courses, and the atmosphere that foster formative Christian education. ClassicalU courses closely related to this episode are School Culture Symposium: Top Presenters on Community and Virtue Formation and The Scholé Way.

Episode 36: Seeing with the Quadrivium: How Medieval Stories Reflect a Living Cosmos

Jesse Hake — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, Jesse Hake speaks with Dr. Shannon Valenzuela about her new course releasing this spring on medieval literature and the harmonics of story. Beginning with Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy and culminating in Dante’s Divine Comedy, Dr. Valenzuela shows how medieval authors understood stories as reflections of cosmic order, proportion, pattern, and harmony—a “story math” that structures their designs and animates their themes. Her approach integrates literature with the the quadrivium of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The conversation ranges across texts such as Beowulf, Cædmon’s Hymn, The Dream of the Rood, and Judith, revealing how Anglo-Saxon poetry unites heroic culture with Christian theology. Turning to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, including the General Prologue, Knight’s Tale, Wife of Bath’s Tale, and the comic Tale of Sir Thopas, the episode highlights medieval play, parody, and invention. Dr. Valenzuela also explores medieval drama through The Chester Play of Noah’s Flood and The Second Shepherds’ Play, alongside continental works like Christine de Pizan’s City of Ladies and Chrétien de Troyes’s Knight of the Cart. Throughout, the discussion contrasts harmony with disorder by examining monstrosity, transgression, and imbalance, engaging thinkers from Aristotle’s Poetics to Hildegard of Bingen. The episode invites educators to recover a vision of reading and learning in which literature, theology, mathematics, and music together disclose a world that is meaningful, ordered, and alive. Watch for Dr. Valenzuela’s forthcoming ClassicalU Course “The Harmonics of Medieval Storytelling” in the early spring of 2026.

Listeners may also be interested in other ClassicalU courses mentioned such as Junius Johnson’s “Teaching Medieval History: The Age of Light”and “Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition”.

Episode 35: Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, and the Cosmic Story of Christmas: A Conversation with Addison Hodges Hart

Jesse Hake — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this Christmas-season episode, Jesse Hake speaks with author, retired parish priest, and former university chaplain Addison Hodges Hart about Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, and the meaning of the Nativity, drawing on stories and poetry ranging from Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas, C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and "The Turn of the Tide", John Masefield’s The Box of Delights, to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Their conversation touches on the legends of St. Nicholas—his dowry gifts for the three daughters, the tale of the three murdered boys, and even the stories set beautifully to music in Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas Oratorio. Hart reflects on Mary through the lens of The Protoevangelium of James and the theological symbolism found in iconography, echoing themes explored in his own book Four Gospels: Four Hearts, One Lord: reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in Context.

The discussion explores the wisdom of keeping Advent through fasting and restraint, enriched by traditional carols such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and recordings from the Robert Shaw Chorale. The episode warmly recommends ghost-story traditions associated with Christmas—especially works by M. R. James, E. F. Benson, and Arthur Machen—alongside Hart’s own collection Patapsco Spirits: Eleven Ghost Stories. Hart shares how Norwegian customs, from the Jule Nisse to festive foods like lamb ribs and kohlrabi, shape the season where he lives. Throughout the conversation, the Incarnation emerges as a cosmic event—one that overturns the powers of darkness, fulfills ancient hopes, and invites Christians to keep both Advent and Christmas with depth, joy, and imagination. Listeners may enjoy further writings by Hart at the Pragmatic Mystic: An Orthodox Miscellany. Additionally, listeners may be interested in Bishop Eric Varden’s book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses and ClassicalU's course “Chastity as the Power to Love: A Discussion as Parents and Teachers on the Reconciliation of the Senses Toward the Fullness of Desire” that will release soon in our last newsletter before Christmas.

Episode 34: Teaching in Reality: D. C. Schindler on Classical Education and Metaphysics

Jesse Hake — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:25:52 -0500

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, philosopher D. C. Schindler joins Jesse Hake for a conversation on the metaphysical and theological foundations of classical education. Interview questions address epistemology, anthropology, the nature of true authority, and the dangers of mixing culture wars and Christian nationalism with classical education. Drawing from thinkers like Balthasar, Pieper, and John Paul II, Dr. Schindler challenges modern assumptions about knowledge and formation, proposing instead that education begins not with analysis but with awe—with a reverent participation in the givenness of being. He argues that classical education must recover a sacramental vision of reality, where truth is not merely grasped but received, contemplated, and lived.

The discussion explores the role of beauty, the distortions of technocratic modernity, and the importance of shaping educators who model metaphysical humility. Dr. Schindler also reflects on how wonder, leisure, and liturgy reorient both teaching and learning toward truth as a Person. Far from being abstract, the conversation is filled with practical implications for how we form students and communities, such as in the Postman Pledge, in the classical tradition. Listeners will come away with a renewed vision of education as a deeply human—and deeply divine—act of communion. Listeners may also be interested in these Classical U Courses: Essential Philosophy, Theology of Beauty and the Imagination: A Guide to Wonder, Teaching Modern Political Philosophy, and Boethius the Consolation of Philosophy. Listeners interested in exploring more of Dr. David Schindler’s work may enjoy these titles: Freedom from Reality, The Catholicity of Reason, The Politics of the Real, and God and the City.

Episode 33: Leadership in the Classical Tradition with Aristotle, Aurelius, and Christopher Perrin

Jesse Hake — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this conversation, Jesse Hake welcomes Dr. Christopher Perrin to explore leadership in the virtue and liberal arts tradition. Drawing from the ClassicalU courses Leadership and the Liberal Arts and Essential School Leadership, Dr. Perrin reflects on how classical and Christian traditions of virtue shape a truly human vision of leadership—one rooted not in dominance but in service, humility, and paradoxical wisdom. He explains how the liberal arts cultivate both the intellectual habits and moral character necessary for wise leadership, especially in classical Christian schools. The discussion also highlights the Educational Leadership for Classical Christian Schools masters program offered through Gordon College, in which Dr. Perrin co-teaches a course on Leadership and the Liberal Arts with Keith Nix. Students engage figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Augustine, Boethius, and Sertillanges, while learning to apply classical insights to the real challenges of school leadership. Listeners will come away with a renewed vision of leadership as a lifelong pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and community.

Episode 32: Revisiting the Classics for All: A Conversation with Angel Adams Parham

Jesse Hake — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this wide-ranging conversation, sociologist, educator and ClassicalU course presenter Angel Adams Parham joins Jesse Hake to explore the idea of an “American classical education.” Drawing, in part, upon her work on “The Black Intellectual Tradition” and Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition, Angel makes a compelling case for expanding our understanding of classical education to include voices like Olaudah Equiano, Phyllis Wheatley, Benjamin Banneker, and Martin Luther King Jr. She argues that these thinkers not only embraced the ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity but also challenged the American project to live up to them. The episode examines how figures often seen in opposition to the Western canon actually engage deeply with classical texts, bringing them to life in prophetic and transformative ways. Angel also shares success stories from her curriculum work in Nyansa Classical Community and offers hopeful signs of renewal in both K–12 and university contexts. Angel believes a true classical education must be capacious, critical, and living—one that welcomes students of all backgrounds into conversations about ancient truths with contemporary relevance. See also this episode with Dr. Kelisha B. Graves about her book on educator and civil rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs.

Episode 31: Walking with Dante: Louis Markos on the Poet's Cosmic Imagination

Jesse Hake — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, scholar Louis Markos joins host Jesse Hake to discuss his upcoming ClassicalU course, and forthcoming companion book on Dante’s Divine Comedy. Markos explores Dante’s visionary architecture of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, not merely as allegory, but as a deeply experiential and spiritually transformative journey. Sharing his creative process for writing in Dante’s voice, he reflects on the beauty of the medieval cosmological model and its resonance with Christian truths, classical education, and even contemporary longing for spiritual depth. The episode dives into topics such as hierarchy, theosis, pilgrimage, classical myth, and the enduring influence of Dante on C. S. Lewis and modern Christian imagination. Listeners will also hear practical encouragement for teaching Dante, including translation tips, thematic frameworks, and connections to Lewis’s Great Divorce and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Whether you're new to Dante or a seasoned reader, this episode offers a compelling invitation to walk with the poet through realms of sin, repentance, and divine glory. Other ClassicalU course mentioned is Myth Made Fact.

Episode 30: John Mays Shares about Moving from Lifeless Teaching to Holy Moments

Jesse Hake — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, host Jesse Hake interviews John Mays, the founder of the Novare Science curriculum. The discussion centers around Mays' new course, "Cultivating Wonder Throughout the School" as a help to educators integrating a sense of wonder and mystery into their teaching across various subjects. Mays shares his journey from focusing on wonder in the sciences to expanding his approach to encompass the entire school curriculum, including subjects like math, languages, history, and literature. He addresses the challenges posed by lifeless teaching and the modern withdrawal of children from nature, exacerbated by social media and safety concerns. Mays advocates for a teaching approach that highlights the mystery and awe inherent in subjects, using examples like DNA replication and historical anecdotes to engage students deeply. He emphasizes the importance of creating "holy moments" in the classroom, where students are profoundly moved and inspired. The episode concludes with practical examples of how teachers can cultivate wonder, such as integrating music, poetry, and visual imagery into lessons, and encouraging students to engage with nature and art.

Episode 29: From Chaos to Clarity: Practical Support for New Classical Educators

Jesse Hake — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Kim Warman, lower school dean and teacher at Coram Deo Academy in Carmel, Indiana, shares insights from her new ClassicalU course, Launching Your Classical Classroom, which provides practical support for new grammar school teachers. She reflects on her own educational journey, having experienced both non-classical and classical education before attending Hillsdale College and teaching at several classical schools. Kim emphasizes the importance of preparing a classroom environment that fosters peaceful, joyful learning and encourages teachers to build strong routines and relationships from the outset. She highlights the value of creative, hands-on projects for student engagement and mentorship and teacher collaboration for professional growth and classroom stability. Of great importance, Kim advocates for read-alouds, narration, and strategic scheduling to balance rigorous content with creativity and movement. She also underscores the critical role of proactive parent partnerships in fostering student success and community support. Above all, Kim encourages teachers to begin simply, focus on essentials, and then gradually add creative flourishes as they gain confidence.

Episode 28: Spreading the Feast of a Classical Education: A Conversation with Russ Gregg

Jesse Hake — Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jesse Hake speaks with ClassicalU presenter Russ Gregg who co-founded Hope Academy and the Spreading Hope Network. Drawing on decades of work bringing classical Christian education to under-resourced urban communities, Gregg reflects on his transition from leading a single school to enabling the launch of over twenty schools across the U.S., supported by both visionary founders and what he calls “gospel patrons.” He emphasizes the importance of viewing each student through the lens of the Imago Dei—offering not a “hot dog education” but a feast worthy of God’s children. The conversation highlights key principles of school success in difficult settings: high expectations, high accountability, and high support, all rooted in authentic relationships. Gregg also explores the spiritual and cultural enrichment that arises from diverse school communities and advocates for humility and forgiveness as the glue of gospel harmony. He closes by pointing to several organizations helping to sustain this growing movement: Society for Classical Learning and Classical Commons.

Episode 27: Teaching from Rest, Wonder and Wisdom with Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben

Jesse Hake — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this ClassicalU podcast episode, Jesse Hake speaks with Dr. Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben about their new book The Good Teacher, which expands into ten principles from ClassicalU’s original course titled “Eight Essential Principles of Classical Pedagogy.” The conversation traces the book's origins, how Carrie and Christopher collaborated, and the vision behind their claim that pedagogy is guided by principles and virtue. They share how classical teaching is rooted in universal principles that support freedom and wisdom in the classroom, with virtue as the central guiding thread. Their book is paired with a new ClassicalU course that includes stories from the authors’ diverse teaching backgrounds. The episode emphasizes the practical and philosophical value of this book and course for all educators, whether in classrooms or homeschool settings. Listeners may also be interested in this live online summer course on the book with coauthor Carrie Eben.

Episode 26: Teaching the Epic in Ordinary Life: Marilynne Robinson, Virtue, and Classical Education with Christine Perrin

Jesse Hake — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, we welcome back Christine Perrin to talk about the deeply Christian engagement with the epic tradition found in Marilynne Robinson’s novels. Christine has taught these novels over several years with profound blessings in the lives of students. The conversation explores the themes of homecoming (nostos) and glory (kleos) and how these novels illuminate the virtue tradition, drawing connections to Aristotle, Homer, and C.S. Lewis, while also addressing themes of co-suffering, the Beatitudes, and the tension between virtue and grace. Christine Perrin shares pedagogical strategies for guiding students through these texts. Whether you're a teacher, school leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers profound insights into how literature can show us virtue and shape us in it.

Episode 25: Ties that Bind, Scholé, and Classical Education with Dr. Joylynn Blake

Jesse Hake — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

The respective directors of Scholé Academy and ClassicalU, Joylynn Blake and Jesse Hake, mix work and pleasure in this unscripted conversation about the essence and inspiration of classical education. Jesse inquires about the personal history and stories that lie behind Joylynn's love for educational opportunity. Along the way, they chat about their work as colleagues at Classical Academic Press and some of the things that have inspired and moved them. In conversation, Joylynn mentioned books including Educating for Shalom by Nicholas Wolterstorff, A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, A Child's History of the World by V.M. Hillyer, Wonder by R.J. Palacio, The Scholé Way by Christopher Perrin, The Black Intellectual Tradition by Dr. Anika Prather and Dr. Angel Parham, and, most recently, the primary sources curated in the Humanitas series. The two also mention ClassicalU courses that have benefitted them and the teachers and families they support, including Wendell Berry’s Virtues of Renewal with Dr. Jeffrey Bilbro, The Black Intellectual Tradition and the Great Conversation with Dr. Anika Prather & Dr. Angel Parham, and Disability and Classical Education with Dr. Amy Gilbert Richards, and the David Bentley Hart commentary course. With laughs, a moment of tears, and a few beating drums, Joylynn and Jesse enjoy each other's company in the company of ideas.

Episode 24: Chatting About Reading, Raising Children, and More with New Team Member Rebecca Richard

Jesse Hake — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Get to know ClassicalU's new full time team member Rebecca Richard as she and director Jesse Hake talk about the love of learning, late blooming, Charlotte Mason, scholé, and life at sea. You will also hear about Rebecca's personal top picks among our courses: Common Arts Education by Chris Hall, Charlotte Mason: A Liberal Education for All by Jason Barney, and Disability and Classical Education by Dr. Amy Richards. Some of the many books that Rebecca mentions during the conversation include: Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry, The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer, Consider This by Karen Glass, The Scholé Way by Christopher Perrin, and Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf.

Episode 23: Considering Mary in Conversation with Professor Matthew Milliner (a Nativity Bonus Episode)

Jesse Hake — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

In this bonus Nativity episode, Jesse Hake chats with Wheaton College Professor of Art History, Matthew Milliner about Mary and his book Mother of the Lamb: The Story of a Global Icon. Among several connections made to the classical liberal arts, this conversation overlaps with much in Jesse's "Lecture 12: Mythic Cosmos" in ClassicalU's course on Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition. Start your journey with ClassicalU today and unlock insights that last a lifetime. Use code ClassicalChristmas2024 at checkout by 12/31 to enjoy 50% off your first two months!

Episode 22: Fr. Wesley Walker of "The Classical Mind" on Hugh of Saint Victor

Jesse Hake — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Jesse Hake interviews Fr. Wesley Walker on a wide range of topics related to classical Christian education, including the work and influence of Hugh of St. Victor, the importance of incorporating American literature and history into the classical curriculum, the connections between teaching and priestly vocations, and contemporary resources relevant to the classical Christian renewal. Topics covered include the "Common Arts Education" course with Chris Hall, Fr. Wesley's podcast and newsletter at The Classical Mind, and Nate Marshall's essay "Craft and Theology: The Renaissance" inspired, in part, by Hugh of St. Victor.

Episode 21: Sarah Flynn on Classical Education in Australia and Indigenous Approaches to Knowledge

Jesse Hake — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Jesse Hake chats with Sarah Flynn, a classical Christian education pioneer in Australia and founder of Logos Australis. Sarah is an educator with a background in ecology, environmental studies, and Aboriginal studies in addition to being instrumental in promoting classical education in Australia. Among other topics, Sarah and Jesse consider relationships between integrating indigenous approaches to knowledge and the principles of classical education. ClassicalU courses mentioned include The Liberal Arts Tradition and The Art of Poetry.

Episode 20: Liturgical Learning: A Conversation between Christine Perrin, Junius Johnson, and Chris Perrin

Jesse Hake — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Christopher Perrin engages with both Junius Johnson and Christine Perrin on the topics of contemplative, embodied, sacramental, and liturgical learning. Together they consider how these truths should inform our classroom practices in light of a sacramental sense of time, the church calendar, and the fact that humans are embodied creatures. Among others, this conversation relates to content in "Scholé (Restful) Learning" with Christopher Perrin, "Theology of Beauty and the Imagination: A Guide to Wonder" course with Junius Johnson and "The Art of Poetry" with Christine Perrin.

Episode 19: Interview with Jeffrey Bilbro about Wendell Berry's Virtues of Renewal within the Classroom

Jesse Hake — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Jesse Hake talks with author and Grove City College professor Jeffrey Bilbro about his forthcoming course on ClassicalU about how teachers can cultivate Wendell Berry's virtues of renewal within their classrooms. Bilbro's course is based on his book Virtues of Renewal: Wendell Berry’s Sustainable Forms and relates to material in existing ClassicalU courses including The Art of Poetry and Scholé (Restful) Learning. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to watch for our new course with Jeffrey Bilbro on ClassicalU in coming months.

Episode 18: Talking to Dr. Kelisha B. Graves about Nannie Helen Burroughs and the Broken "Factory Model" of Education

Jesse Hake — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Jesse Hake talks with author, professor, and executive leader Dr. Kelisha B. Graves about her book on educator and civil rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs (1879 to 1961) as well as about what is broken and how we should respond to today's predominant "factory model" of education. Our conversation also considered the educational legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and several other figures from "The Black Intellectual Tradition and the Great Conversation" course on ClassicalU.

Episode 17: David Hicks on Identity and an Education in Conscience and Style

Jesse Hake — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

While recording for his new ClassicalU course on teaching, school leadership, and the history of education, David Hicks sat down for a conversation. In this second of two parts, he answers a question about hiring Ron DeSantis as a school teacher and shares more on our American identity crisis, on the importance of gratitude, and on Marcus Aurelius and the goal of perfection. David ends by considering the key points in his 1981 book Norms and Nobility: A Treatise on Education which calls for educators to once again focus on developing conscience and style.

Episode 16: David Hicks on Christian Life and His Forthcoming Book

Jesse Hake — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

While recording for his new ClassicalU course on teaching, school leadership, and the history of education, David Hicks sat down for a conversation. In this first of two parts, he shares about the Christian life, classical architecture, monasticism, and his forthcoming book The Stones Cry Out (releasing fall of 2024 from Classical Academic Press). The first question in this episode references David's review of the book How to Be a Sinner by Peter Bouteneff.

Episode 15: Junius Johnson on Teaching Music

Jesse Hake — Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Jesse speaks with Dr. Junius Johnson about a forthcoming new course on ClassicalU about music education. Dr. Johnson's love and knowledge regarding classical music (including his professional experience playing the French horn) are inspiring.

Episode 14: Disability and Classical Education with Dr. Amy Richards

Jesse Hake — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Jesse speaks with Dr. Amy Richards about her all-new course entitled Disability and Classical Education: Student Formation in Keeping with Our Common Humanity and her forthcoming book with us on this topic.

Episode 13: Chatting with Junius Johnson about God and Time

Jesse Hake — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

As Junius Johnson was recording three forthcoming new courses for ClassicalU.com about Augustine, medieval history, and music, Jesse Hake recorded this conversation with him about God and time in theology and philosophy. (For more, see our course on Essential Philosophy with David Schenk as well as Junius Johnson's courses on Theology of Beauty and the Imagination and On Teaching Fairy Stories.)

Episode 12: Danielle Bennette Dukes and Teaching with a Golden Thread

Jesse Hake — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:31:59 -0500

Danielle Bennette Dukes reflects on her course "Teaching with a Golden Thread" and shares about ideas for a retreat in New Orleans with a small number of educators seeking to spend more time reflecting on the theme of place and its relation to our capacities as Christians to see goodness and beauty in our world and to develop this capacity in our students. If you are interested in a possible retreat with Danielle, please provide us with your name, contact info, and any feedback here or by email (support@classicalu.com).

Episode 11: Introducing our Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition course with Brian Williams

Jesse Hake — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Brian Williams (Dean of the Templeton Honors College as well as the College of Arts & Humanities at Eastern University, and General Editor of Principia: A Journal of Classical Education) talks with Jesse Hake about “Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition” which is the third graduate course available in partnership with Templeton Honors College's MAT. See also this episode with Joelle Hodge.

Episode 10: Introducing our Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition course with Joelle Hodge

Jesse Hake — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:40:51 -0500

Joelle Hodge (author and Classical Academic Press executive leader) shares with Jesse Hake about the forthcoming ClassicalU course "Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition" that will be available for graduate credit with the Templeton Honors College's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and that Joelle developed as part of her masters degree work in the MAT program. See also this episode with Dr. Brian Williams.

Episode 09: Recovering the Lost Tools of Leadership with David Seibel

Jesse Hake — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

David Seibel, the Head of School at Coram Deo Academy (in Carmel, Indiana), discusses his forthcoming book and ClassicalU course on Recovering the Lost Tools of Leadership.

Episode 08: Karen Moore on Latin Education & Her Education

Jesse Hake — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:50:02 -0400

In episode 8, Jesse talks with Latin educator Karen Moore about her experiences as a teacher, her recent graduate studies, and as she visits to record two new courses on ClassicalU: one on Virgil’s Aeneid and another on Teaching Latin with Art & Archaeology.

Episode 07: Karen Moore and the Tournament of Laurels Idea

Jesse Hake — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:28:52 -0400

In this episode, Jesse chats with Karen Moore about her work with the new Tournament of Laurels event for Latin students. Karen has a couple of new courses coming soon on ClassicalU.com, and don’t miss her existing course on Essential Latin. (Please note that this episode will be followed by another with Karen Moore focused on her own teaching experience and her new teacher training courses and that we recorded these in the reverse order so that our references to them in the recordings are backwards.)

Episode 06: Interview with Nate Antiel

Jesse Hake — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:51:11 -0400

In this episode, ClassicalU Director Jesse Hake speaks with Nate Antiel who is an editor with Classical Academic Press, currently working primarily on our new Humanitas line. He also supports the team of the classcial education journal Principia. Nate also has teaching experience in the Trinity Schools and holds three masters degrees related to literature, theology, and teaching. Mr. Hake and Mr. Antiel chat together in this episode about all of these things.

Episode 05: Interview with Bill Carey

Jesse Hake — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode ClassicalU Director Jesse Hake speaks with Bill Carey about computer programming and mathematics. A course named "Socratic Mathematics," led by William Carey, was recently just published to ClassicalU and several additional recorded conversations between Bill and Dr. Christopher Perrin are available to watch.

Episode 04: Interview with Junius Johnson

Jesse Hake — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

ClassicalU Director Jesse Hake speaks with Junius Johnson about imagination and fairy stories. Watch for two forthcoming courses on ClassicalU.com with Dr. Johnson about teaching fairy stories (also to release as a book!) and the theology of beauty and the imagination. ClassicalU will also have lectures from Dr. Johnson posting soon on how to teach Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, “The Ethics of Elfland” by Chesterton, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Cosmic Trilogy by C. S. Lewis, and Cur Deus Homo by Anselm.

Episode 03: Interview with Junius Johnson

Jesse Hake — Wed, 17 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

ClassicalU Director Jesse Hake speaks with Junius Johnson about the challenges that students and teachers are facing in the modern world and how the classical tradition approach can alleviate some of these problems. Watch for two forthcoming courses on ClassicalU with Dr. Johnson about teaching fairy stories (also to release as a digital book) and the theology of beauty and the imagination. We will also have lectures from Dr. Johnson on how to teach Beowulf, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, “The Ethics of Elfland” by Chesterton, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Cosmic Trilogy by C. S. Lewis, and Cur Deus Homo by Anselm.

Episode 02: Interview with Christine Perrin

Jesse Hake — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

ClassicalU Director Jesse Hake speaks with Christine Perrin about her most recent lecture and her research interests, which include participatory reading and other practices in the literature classroom as well as educating the poetic imagination and the nature and recovery of a musical education. Professor Perrin is currently recording a lecture for a forthcoming course with ClassicalU.com called "Women in the Tradition" and has an existing course called "The Art of Poetry".

Episode 01: Interview with Dr. Nicole Koopman

Jesse Hake — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

In this inaugural episode, Jesse Hake speaks with Dr. Nicole Koopman about the history of classical Christian education and her own experience with it. Dr. Koopman is a teacher at Cair Paravel Latin School, one of the three oldest classical Christian schools in America, and she is currently recording a new course with ClassicalU.com called "Women in the Tradition".