Classical Et Cetera

Is a classical education practical in today’s world of trades, technology, and rapidly changing careers? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore that question through the real-life experiences of two classically educated graduates—one studying computer science, the other pursuing a trade. Together, we discuss how classical education prepares students not for a single job, but for many possible paths. From plumbing to programming, we examine transferable skills, lifelong learning, and the formation that equips students for real work and real life.   Due to technical difficulties this episode is audio-only. Thanks for bearing with us, and we'll see you next week! *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Every Thing You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven" Peter Kreeft (Danny) "Oathbringer" Brandon Sanderson (August)  

What do we really mean when we talk about the liberal arts? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we walk through the introduction to Sister Miriam Joseph’s _The Trivium_ and explore the classical understanding of education. Rather than focusing on methods or grade levels, we talk about what education *is* — how grammar, logic, and rhetoric function as tools of the mind, and why education is more than just the accumulation of information.   Read the sample from Sister Miriam Joseph's book that we use for this episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Trivium-The-Liberal-Arts-of-Logic-Gramm…/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202   And watch part one of this conversation right here! https://youtu.be/by_fbsFjStk?si=SzS6jf_bV91-j_40/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "The Roy Grace Series" Peter James (Tanya) "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "A Christmas Memory" Truman Capote (Martin) "Holistic Management" Allan Savory (Paul)

Discover a festive book exchange among four passionate readers as they gift each other cherished titles. From the stunning artwork in "The Mythmakers" to Beryl Markham's captivating adventures in "West with the Night," there's a treasure for everyone. Enjoy heartwarming discussions about classic tales like "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and unique finds such as a board book on the historical St. Nicholas. Get inspired by Christmas reading traditions and reflections on timeless works like Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"!

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education?   In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student’s formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian education—one that emphasizes unity without avoiding depth.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "The Snow Walker" Farley Mowat (Martin) "Tolstoy or Dostoevsky" George Steiner (Martin) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) Frederick Douglas Biography (Dustin)

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningful, lasting ways. Whether you're part of a classical school, a homeschool community, or simply curious about this tradition, join the conversation and see why the house system has become such an important part of our classical education. *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Guardians of Tradition" Ruth Miller Elson (Martin) "Without Precedent" Joel Richard Paul (Shawn) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Daniel)

We’re back with another Mailbag episode! Did classical education actually cause the Enlightenment? How does one become a classical educator? When is the best time to start logic at home?   We’re also diving into co-ops, composition choices for younger students, art and music recommendations, and more! Whether you're homeschooling, teaching in a classical school, or simply curious about classical education, join us as we work through these thoughtful questions—and send us more at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Galahad and the Grail" Malcolm Guite (Martin) "Christian Paideia" Brian Welter (Martin) "Unnatural Death" Dorothy Sayers (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Paul)

Fairy tales are far more than simple children’s stories. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore why these tales endure, what they offer the moral imagination, and how they help both children and adults see the world with clarity and wonder. From questions about when to begin reading fairy tales to the connections they share with Scripture, we discuss why "demythologizing" (whether fairy tale or sacred text) risks losing the very truth they carry. Join us for a thoughtful classical and Christian look at stories that shape our soul.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Ian) "Everything Sad Is Untrue" Daniel Nayeri (Ian) "Housekeeping" Marilynne Robinson (Ian) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Leigh) "Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist" Damian Ference (Leigh) "Beauty and Imitation" Daniel Mclnerny (Vigen) "Into the Light: Classical Education and Orthodox Christianity" David Hicks and Anthony Gilbert (Vigen) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul)

Discover a treasure trove of must-read Christian novels that have profoundly impacted their readers. The hosts explore poetic prose versus modern writing, showcasing works like 'Green Dolphin Street' and discussing the Christian themes in classics such as 'East of Eden' and 'Jane Eyre.' They debate what truly defines a 'Great Christian Novel' and even delve into unexpected titles like 'Dracula' as a Christian allegory. Recommendations abound for both modern and lesser-known works to captivate readers of all ages!

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child—especially when that child seems ahead of the curve. But in a classical education, growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about steady formation and broad mastery. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the panel discusses when a gifted child should skip a grade and why every stage of learning matters. They explore how to challenge bright students without rushing the basics, how maturity shapes readiness, and why true education values depth over speed. This is a thoughtful conversation for parents seeking wisdom, not hurry, in their child’s learning journey.   What We're Reading from This Episode:  "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Christian Paideia (Vol. I)" Brian Welter (Martin) "Frankenstein" Wollstonecraft Shelley (Marcie) "Anne of Green Gables" L.M. Montgomery (Marcie) "The Good, the bad, and the Beautiful" Joseph Pearce (Marcie)

This week on Classical Et Cetera. it’s another Mailbag episode! We’re answering all your homeschool and classical education questions. Should you teach with drawings, if you can’t draw? How do you start a book club that actually works? How does Berean Builders fit with Memoria Press science programs? Can Classical Conversations and Memoria Press work together? Join us as we dig into these questions and more, and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com.   *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  "Against The Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Paul) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) "The Hound of the Baskervilles" Arthur Conan Doyle (Tanya) "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Cork O'Connor series" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion" Beth Brower (Jessica)