
Classical Et Cetera
Join the educators, authors, publishers, and visionaries at Memoria Press to unpack and understand the world of classical education.
Latest episodes

Jun 4, 2025 • 40min
Why Characters Like Jane Eyre and Frodo Still Inspire Us
Delve into the virtue of fortitude through iconic characters like Jane Eyre and Frodo Baggins. The discussion uncovers how courage and moral resolve shape their legacies. Explore the depths of mythology and its relevance to human nature, alongside personal reading insights that bring classic and modern tales to life. The podcast also examines complex moral dilemmas faced by literary figures and how these narratives foster empathy and imagination, enhancing our understanding of strength and character.

May 28, 2025 • 44min
How to Teach Classical Education: Socratic Teaching, Coaching, and Beyond!
How should we teach classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into the real work of teaching—exploring what it means to guide students through knowledge, skills, and the deeper understanding of ideas and values. Drawing on insights from Mortimer Adler and others, we examine the Socratic method, the role of coaching in skill development, and why no single approach is enough. From didactic instruction to Socratic dialogue, we share a practical and philosophical framework for teaching that meets students where they are—and takes them further. Join the conversation about how classical teaching really works!
Read Martin's article _How to Teach_ right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/how-to-teach-mortimer-adlers-three-pillars-revised/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=171
And shop our complete line of Classical Christian Curriculum! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=171
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Paul)
_No Country for Old Men_—Cormac McCarthy (Paul)
_The Island of Sea Women_—Lisa See (Jessica)
_Bloomsbury Girls_—Natalie Jenner (Tanya)
_Hamlet_—William Shakespeare (Martin)

May 21, 2025 • 31min
Tradition, Ceremony, and Graduation: Why They Still Matter for Your School
Kathy Becker, who leads the school's division at Memoria Press and helps schools thrive, discusses the vital role of traditions and ceremonies in education. She emphasizes how formal rituals, from graduations to recitations, create meaning and build community. The conversation highlights cherished practices that instill values and celebrate academic achievements, advocating for a serious approach to education. Listeners will also enjoy insights on the importance of literature in shaping school culture and fostering a sense of identity among students.

11 snips
May 14, 2025 • 41min
Classical Education for Adults: Book List & Reading Recommendations
Explore the world of classical education for adults with engaging book recommendations! Discover how to begin your journey with classics, balancing entertainment and enrichment. Dive into the challenges and joys of reading, while examining character development in literature. Get insights on curating essential reads for lifelong learning and the importance of group discussions. Embrace the great conversation around classic works and the benefits of shared literary experiences to deepen understanding and appreciation of timeless texts.

May 7, 2025 • 40min
Antigone to Aslan: Literary Analysis of the Lost Virtue that Still Moves Us
What is the meaning of piety and how does it resonate with us today? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team dives into the ancient and timeless concept of piety, exploring its role in classical literature. From the loyalty of Antigone to the sacrificial love of Aslan, we examine how this forgotten virtue shapes heroes and stories.
Shop Memoria Press Literature right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/literature-poetry/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=168
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_The Portrait of a Lady_—Henry James (Martin)
_The Flaming Forrest_—James Oliver Curwood (Paul)
_Wind and Truth_—Brandon Sanderson (Ian)
_Basic Economics_—Thomas Sowell (Ian)

Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
Teaching Logic and Language in Classical Education | Memoria Press Logic Explained
Logic — how does its study shape language, learning, and classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team explores the role of logic in a homeschool curriculum and why it's essential for teaching clear thinking, sound reasoning, and effective communication. From formal fallacies to material logic, we break down how students can learn to think well and speak well. Discover why logic isn’t just an abstract subject but a vital tool for life—and why Memoria Press places it at the heart of its classical teaching. Logic and language belong together—for students and teachers alike.
Shop the original thinking skill right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/logic-rhetoric/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=167
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_The Flaming Forest_—James Oliver Curwood (Paul)
_The Name of the Rose_—Umberto Eco (Paul)
_Slow Horses_—Mick Herron (Tanya)
_Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education_—Louis Markos (Martin)

Apr 23, 2025 • 52min
What does Classical Education Look Like in High School? | Memoria Press Curriculum Overview
Homeschool Curriculum in High School? Let's talk about it! This week's Classical Et Cetera breaks down how our Upper School education works—subject by subject. We talk about overall objectives, as well as tips, so you can provide the best possible education for your student.
Shop the Memoria Press Classical Core Curriculum! https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166
*Show Notes:*
- Martins Essential Boys Book List
https://www.memoriapress.com/martins-essential-boys-books-list/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166
- Essential Girls Book List
https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Essential-Girls-Books-List_ProofedByEllen.pdf?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=166
*What We're Reading* from This Episode:
_Hillbilly Elegy_—J.D. Vance (Tanya)
_Gods, Graves and Scholars_—C.W. Ceram (Martin)
_Orthodoxy_—G.K. Chesterton (Paul)
_Anna Karenina_—Leo Tolstoy (Jeremy)
_The Ballad of the White Horse_—G.K. Chesterton (Jeremy)

Apr 16, 2025 • 36min
Let's Debunk the Myth of Chronological History
Most history programs follow a strict chronological timeline—but is that really the best way to teach history? This episode of Classical Et Cetera instead explores the power of teaching history through a moral, narrative framework—where the meaning of events matters more than the order. We make the case for starting with Rome, not Greece, and explain how the ancients themselves approached the past. It's important for all of us to learn how history can shape students’ souls, why timelines aren’t the whole story, and what it really means to understand the past.
Learn more about our Classical Studies Curriculum - memoriapress.com/classical-studies/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=165
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Babette's Feast —Isak Dinesen (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jlWtbO
Anges Grey —Anne Brontë (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jCZ40L
Till We Have Faces —C.S. Lewis (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jp37hG
Independent People —Halldor Laxness (Paul) | https://amzn.to/3GfSSNS

Apr 9, 2025 • 41min
What's the Meaning of Sacrifice in Literature Curriculum?
In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore the theme of sacrifice across classic stories—from Charlotte’s Web to Anna Karenina—and how these examples shape students’ moral imagination. Discover how a well-crafted literature curriculum can help children understand true love, loss, and virtue. Whether you’re designing a literature curriculum homeschool program or teaching in a classroom, this episode will inspire you to see great books not just as stories, but as moral formation.
Shop Memoria Press Literature Curriculum! memoriapress.com/literature-poetry/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=163
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Bring Up the Bodies — Hilary Mantel (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/3YBnDTy
Anges Grey — Anne Brontë (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jCZ40L
Independent People — Halldor Laxness (Paul) | https://amzn.to/3GfSSNS
Basic Economics — Thomas Sowell (Ian) | https://amzn.to/430B3Kz
The Name of the Rose — Umberto Eco (Ian) | https://amzn.to/4lAXGxq

Apr 2, 2025 • 38min
Christian Homeschool Curriculum: How to Teach the Bible & Church History!
In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore the foundations of teaching the Bible through a classical Christian education. The team discusses how Memoria Press’ classical Christian curriculum ensures students gain a deep Bible education, moving beyond stories to understanding Scripture’s historical and spiritual significance.
From Bible memorization in the early years to teaching the Bible to youth with structured study and church history, this approach integrates Scripture with literature, geography, and apologetics. Whether you're a Christian homeschool parent or a brick-and-mortar educator, this episode will help you see how a classical approach strengthens faith and knowledge.
Shop our Christian Studies curriculum right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/christian-studies/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=163
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture —Werner Jaeger (Martin) | https://amzn.to/44Ba5eI
Till We Have Faces —C.S. Lewis (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/4jIXsCu
Bring Up the Bodies —Hilary Mantel (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/3ELNktU
Outlive —Peter Attia (Paul) | https://amzn.to/4cHTVlK
Orthodoxy —G. K. Chesterton (Paul) | Orthodoxy | Memoria Press: Classical Education