Basecamp Live

One of the biggest decisions parents make is where their children go to school. With classrooms shaping faith, wisdom, and character, the stakes couldn’t be higher.In this episode of BaseCamp Live with Davies Owens, President of the Stanley M. Herzog Foundation Darrell Jones, shares how one man’s vision has grown into a nationwide movement for Christ-centered education. From his years as a pastor to leading one of the most influential organizations in the space, Darrell offers a front-row look at what’s changing in public education, why families and pastors are seeking new options, and how the Herzog Foundation is stepping in with practical support.Discover:Why the “yellow bus” may look the same but is headed to a very different destination than a generation agoHow the Herzog Foundation Institute is equipping schools with free training and resourcesThe role of parents, pastors, and schools in raising up salt-and-light disciplesWhy the rapid growth of Christian education is more than a trend - it’s a movement

What does it take to raise boys into men in today’s culture? Fr. Mark Perkins, chaplain and assistant headmaster at St. Dunstan’s Academy, joins Davies Owens to discuss the urgent challenges facing boys and the bold vision behind launching a farm, trades, and classics boys’ boarding school in the Anglican tradition. Drawing on personal experience as a teacher, minister, and father, Fr. Mark highlights why so many boys are disengaging from schools, church, and even family life - and what we can do about it. From the importance of rites of passage, to the value of single-sex education, to the power of farming and trades as apprenticeships into manhood, this conversation offers parents and school leaders practical insights for re-embodying learning and lengthening the runway into adulthood. You’ll also hear about The Joshua Program, a new vocational discernment gap-year track for young men ages 17–20.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens welcomes Chuck Evans - longtime leader in classical Christian education and co-author of Wisdom and Eloquence. Nearly 20 years after the book’s original release, Chuck reflects on why he and Robert Littlejohn rewrote the new parent edition, and why the balance between protecting and preparing children matters more than ever.Chuck challenges the tendency toward “escapist” schooling, reminding parents that while protection has its place, our ultimate goal is preparation - raising wise, eloquent, Christ-centered young people who can engage culture with courage, persuasion, and hope. From the dangers of over-censorship to the importance of modeling faith at home, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical advice for families and educators alike.Tune in to hear:Why rhetoric—not coercion—is the cultural tool our kids need mostThe danger of turning schools into “protectatories” rather than preparatoriesHow parents model either fear or faith in everyday

Does Latin Still Matter? Why Parents Should Care About This “Dead” LanguageLatin is often dismissed as outdated or impractical - especially in an age of Google Translate and global languages like Spanish or Mandarin. So why do classical Christian schools keep it at the center of their curriculum? In this episode, host Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Chad Kim - author, pastor, and long-time Latin teacher - to unpack the surprising relevance of Latin today.Together they explore:Why Latin is more than a “dead language” and remains the bedrock of Western civilizationHow learning Latin strengthens logic, attention, and critical thinkingThe way Latin opens doors to Scripture, church history, and the Great BooksWhy wrestling with Latin builds the discipline and fortitude our distracted culture desperately needsHow Dr. Kim’s new curriculum brings joy, depth, and even prayer into Latin study

Uniforms in schools often stir up debate—are they too rigid, or do they actually cultivate something deeper? In this conversation, host Davies Owens is joined by Joanna Haralson, founder of Uniformee, to explore the real impact of uniforms in classical Christian schools.Uniforms aren’t just about matching outfits. They shape daily habits, reduce distractions, and help students focus on what matters most - learning and growing in virtue. From the practical benefits to the deeper cultural and spiritual significance, this episode unpacks why what students wear really does matter.

Classical Christian education is a generational journey - and in this BaseCamp Live episode, we get a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of how a love for the true, good, and beautiful is passed from parent to child. Dr. Louis Markos, professor, author, and longtime advocate for the great books, is joined by his son Alex, now a humanities teacher, to share how formative family habits, road-trip literature, and a Christian worldview shaped Alex’s path from public school to a deep embrace of the classics.Together, they explore why Christians should read pagan literature, the difference between formation and information, and how ancient texts can lead students toward truth and scripture. With memorable stories - from Marcus Aurelius-inspired dance moves to processing grief through The Iliad - this conversation offers both encouragement and practical ideas for parents and educators seeking to form thoughtful, faithful young people.

What happens when the tests no longer reflect the education? In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with Sarah Novlan, Chief Academic Officer at Hill Country Christian School and a doctoral candidate studying the Harkness Seminar model, to explore why the once-revered AP program is falling short in today’s classical Christian schools. Together, they unpack the misalignment between AP coursework and the mission of classical education, the challenges of teaching to a test, and the dumbing down of rigor and content, especially in the humanities. Sarah shares her own journey from AP instructor to advocate for better assessments and introduces CLT’s new Enduring Courses, an emerging alternative that honors intellectual virtue, great books, and oral expression. If you’ve ever wondered whether AP or dual credit is still the right path - or what better options may be on the horizon - this conversation is a must.

How do we know if our students are truly being formed - not just informed? In this powerful episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and researcher Katherine Schultz to explore one of the most pressing questions in Christian education: how do we assess and support the formation of a child’s beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes?Katherine introduces her groundbreaking tool, the 3D Worldview Survey, which helps parents and schools evaluate students in all three dimensions - head, heart, and hands - to spark meaningful discipleship and spiritual growth. This isn’t a spiritual report card—it’s a catalyst for real conversation and next steps.

What if the key to raising thoughtful, balanced, and flourishing kids isn't found in big moments - but in the quiet rhythms of daily life?In this episode, Davies Owens welcomes back Joanna Hensley, head of lower school at Wilson Hill Academy, pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom of six. With wisdom rooted in classical Christian education and a deep love for Charlotte Mason’s philosophy, Joanna shares practical ways families can cultivate meaningful habits, routines, and wonder even in the unstructured days of summer.From math games and nature walks to reading “living books” and resisting digital distractions, this conversation is packed with creative ideas for shaping lifelong learners without turning your home into a classroom.Whether you're parenting preschoolers or teens, this episode offers realistic, life-giving rhythms that bring formation, not just information.

In this lively and thought-provoking Summer Flashback episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by AJ and Graeme - hosts of the Classical Stuff You Should Know podcast - for a conversation that’s anything but dry. With humor and deep insight, they explore the enduring value of the Great Books and why these ancient texts still matter in today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world.What do old works like Plato’s Republic, Lewis’s Abolition of Man, and the Epic of Gilgamesh have to do with raising wise, virtuous kids in 2025? More than you think. AJ and Graeme argue that these works don’t just fill students with facts - they shape souls, build moral reasoning, and connect readers with timeless questions of virtue, mortality, and purpose.Along the way, you’ll hear about:The danger of reducing education to "skills" aloneHow reading trains sentiments and cultivates characterWhy kids actually love Plato (yes, really!)And what a classical education offers that modern schooling can’tWhether you’re a parent wonderin

In this summer flashback episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens revisits an insightful conversation with Megan Atherton, founder of Common Sense Classical and program director at Golden View Classical Academy.Megan addresses a common concern: Is classical Christian education elitist? She explores why many prospective families feel intimidated by the uniforms, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on excellence – and how these schools can communicate their mission with humility, gratitude, and dignity.Key topics include:Why classical education is not just for the eliteHow schools can cultivate excellence without fostering arroganceThe difference between making judgments and being judgmentalWhy classical education is for every child whose family is on board with the missionPractical ways parents and educators can nurture confidence and humility in studentsMegan shares candid insights on how classical schools can better welcome families, build inclusive communities, and form students marked by wisdom, virtue, a

Welcome to this summer flashback episode of BaseCamp Live! In today’s conversation, host Davies Owens revisits a powerful interview with Andrew Pudewa, founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing.In an age of shrinking vocabularies, short attention spans, and over-reliance on screens, Andrew shares why writing and speaking well are more critical than ever. He explains that students cannot think complex thoughts without the words to express them, and highlights how classical education – with its focus on grammar, logic, and rhetoric – equips students to become articulate, thoughtful communicators who can engage the world with truth and clarity.Andrew unpacks the decline he’s witnessed over three decades in students’ vocabulary and attention spans, and why reading aloud, memorizing beautiful language, and teaching students to write and speak persuasively are not just academic exercises but essential skills for life and faithfulness. He challenges parents and educators to see education not me

In a world ruled by FOMO—the fear of missing out—what if the real antidote isn’t more digital connection, but less? In this encouraging episode, Davies Owens sits down with author and digital wellbeing advocate Christina Crook to explore the power of JOMO - the Joy of Missing Out.Christina shares her story of stepping away from technology, launching a global movement, and helping parents and schools reclaim space for what matters most: real connection, creativity, and Christ-centered joy. From setting tech boundaries to building intentional family habits, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents, educators, and school leaders navigating the challenges of raising kids in a hyperconnected world.

What happens when we teach science and math not just as technical subjects—but as opportunities for wonder, worship, and wisdom?In this summer flashback episode, Davies Owens is joined by renowned classical educator Ravi Jain, co-author of The Liberal Arts Tradition and a leading voice in the recovery of classical science education. Too often, classical schools are seen as focused on the humanities, while math and science remain untouched by the classical tradition. But Ravi makes a compelling case for why recovering natural philosophy—the pursuit of truth in the created world—is vital to forming whole human beings.From sketchbooks and pendulums to Pascal, Newton, and Galileo, this conversation explores how students can rediscover the beauty and order of God’s creation—and how science class can become a place of discovery, not just memorization.

Summer Flashback: Virtue in Action with Tim DernlanHow do we move virtue from a vague school value to a transformative life habit? In this special Summer Flashback episode, we revisit one of our most impactful conversations with Dr. Tim Dernlan, joined by two of his high school students. Recorded five years ago but more relevant than ever, this episode explores how one classical Christian school brought virtue to life through intentional student formation—and yes, even lunchtime conversations at Five Guys.From Aristotle’s golden mean to Biblical foundations, this isn’t just a theoretical discussion. You’ll hear how weekly student groups, guided reflections, and peer accountability made virtue tangible, relational, and long-lasting. If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between what students know and how they live, this episode is for you.

Do sports build character—or just fill the calendar? In this Live Sturdy conversation, Christian counselor Keith McCurdy joins host Davies Owens to explore the role of athletics in the lives of students and families. From travel teams and over-scheduled lives to the hidden virtue of humility after a tough loss, Keith brings decades of experience as a counselor, coach, and classical school board member to help us navigate the tension between healthy competition and unhealthy obsession.What are the true benefits of team sports? How do you know when your child (or family!) is overcommitted? And what should classical Christian schools consider when expanding their athletic programs? Whether you’re raising a future Olympian or a kid who prefers chess to cross country, this episode will help you keep perspective—and put sports in their proper place.

In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by educator and apologist Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to tackle a challenge every Christian parent and teacher faces: raising kids to think clearly and biblically in a culture driven by feelings, relativism, and confusion.Elizabeth shares her journey from classroom teacher to worldview coach and offers simple, practical ways to train even young children to recognize truth, evaluate cultural messages, and respond with both discernment and grace. From defining truth in kid-friendly language to handling conversations about identity and judgment, this episode is full of timely tools you can use at home or in school—starting today.

Curious about ZipCast? In this special bonus episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens sits down with his daughter Hannah to answer the most common questions schools ask about ZipCast—what it is, how it works, and why it’s become a game-changing communication tool for classical Christian communities.Together, they pull back the curtain on ZipCast’s purpose, features, and new 2.0 platform—from weekly parent engagement and custom segments to content quality, affordability, and how schools are using it to build stronger communities. You’ll also hear real stories from the field and practical tips on launching ZipCast at your school.Whether you’re a current ZipCast school or just exploring new ways to connect with families, this episode is packed with helpful info (and a little father-daughter fun too).

Building Lifelong Readers: How Families and Schools Can Instill the Joy of ReadingReading is not a natural ability—it must be intentionally taught, cultivated, and modeled. In this episode, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and reading specialist Dorrie McKoy—who also happens to be his sister—to explore why so many children struggle with reading today and how classical Christian schools and families can work together to reverse this trend.Dorrie unpacks the science behind how children learn to read, discusses the “reading wars” between phonics-based and whole-language methods, and shares practical tips for parents at any stage—from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s how to evaluate your school’s curriculum, how to build a home library filled with true, good, and beautiful books, or how to avoid the pitfalls of graphic novels and screen-based reading, this episode offers timeless strategies to raise strong, thoughtful, and joyful readers.

What Do Strong Families Actually Do Each Day?Your family's culture is shaped by the little things—how you say goodbye in the morning, whether you pray together, how often you share a meal. In this insightful conversation, Jim Mhoon, counselor and longtime Focus on the Family leader, joins Davies Owens to talk about the daily rhythms and rituals that set thriving families apart.With practical examples and decades of experience, Jim shares:Why the way you say “hello” and “goodbye” matters more than you thinkHow a one-minute family prayer can reset the tone of your homeWhy dinner around the table is about far more than just foodWhat’s driving our overscheduled culture—and how to resist itThe critical role of community in raising healthy kidsThis episode is full of simple, actionable ideas you can implement immediately—no parenting book required.