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

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

Mar 26, 2025 • 53min
How Memoria Press Teaches Classical Education to Grammar School Students
This week on Classical Et Cetera, we dive into our Grammar School Curriculum! Memoria Press Grades 3-6 builds a strong educational foundation, and our cast breaks down each subject. Join us for an inside look at Latin, Literature, Classical Studies, Christian Studies, Science, English Grammar, and more!
Shop our Classical Core Curriculum right here: memoriapress.com/curriculum/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=162
Links for book lists:
- The 1000 Good Books
https://seascs.net/documents/2017/10/John%20Senior%20The%20Thousand%20Good%20Books%20List.pdf
- Martin's Essential Books For Boys
https://www.memoriapress.com/martins-essential-boys-books-list/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=162
- Highlands Latin School Summer Reading
https://hls.org/summer-work/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=162
What We're Reading from This Episode:
The Green Mile —Stephen King (Martin)
I'll Take My Stand: The South and the Agrarian Tradition —Susan V. Donaldson (Paul)
Till We Have Faces —C.S. Lewis (Tanya)
The Great Gatsby —F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tanya)
Bring Up the Bodies —Hilary Mantel (Tanya)
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store —James McBride (Tanya)

Mar 19, 2025 • 43min
How the Greatest Public Speakers Shaped American History
The greatest public speakers in American history delivered speeches that shook the world and shaped the nation we know today. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore the famous American speeches that defined key moments in time, from political movements to cultural shifts. These influential words—some of the greatest speeches of all time—continue to inspire and challenge us. Join us as we uncover the power of rhetoric and the voices that changed America forever.
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Orthodoxy —G.K. Chesterton (Paul) | https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/orthodoxy/
Bring Up the Bodies —Hillary Mantel (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/3ExF3d6
Till We Have Faces—C.S. Lewis (Tanya) | https://amzn.to/3GefA8X
The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis —Jason M. Baxter (Allison) | https://amzn.to/3Errkof
Helena —Evelyn Waugh (Allison) | https://amzn.to/42rAVVm
Paideia: The Ideals of Greek Culture —Werner Jaeger (Martin) | https://amzn.to/42GjKxW

Mar 12, 2025 • 37min
Ancient Rome Explained ... With Flashcard Facts!
This week's Classical Et Cetera dives into Ancient Roman history with a fast-paced overview of key facts about Rome — all explained in a 101 flashcard-style format. Plus, we start out the episode with a listener question from Australia! Think you know your Roman emperors, battles, and quotes? Put your knowledge to the test with us.
Shop Famous Men of Rome on our website: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-rome
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Against Interpretation —Susan Sontag (Martin)
Till We Have Faces —C.S. Lewis (Tanya)
Outlive —Peter Attia (Paul)
We Solve Murders —Richard Osman (Paul)

Mar 5, 2025 • 50min
Debunking Common Myths About Learning Latin
This week's Classical Et Cetera tackles the common myths about learning Latin, shedding light on how a Memoria Press Classical Education makes Latin more accessible than you might think. From fluency fears to misconceptions about the grammar approach, we break down the real reasons Latin is a valuable language to learn.
Whether you're a homeschool parent or a classical educator, this episode will help you understand how to learn Latin and why it's an essential tool for unlocking the wisdom of Western civilization.
Learn more about our Latin sequence right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/latin/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=156
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Outlive —Peter Attia (Paul)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall —Anne Brontë (Tanya)
Agnes Grey —Anne Brontë (Tanya)
Kristin Lavransdatter —Sigrid Undset (Jon)
If It Had Happened Otherwise —J.C. Squire (Jon)

Feb 26, 2025 • 44min
How to Teach Writing: Classical Composition & Ancient Writing Explained
From homeschool education to classical classrooms, teaching writing skills has always been essential for shaping great thinkers. But what is the best writing course for students? In this week's Classical Et Cetera, we explore the classical composition techniques that have been used for centuries, tracing them back to the ancient writing systems that first laid the foundation for rhetorical excellence.
Through the lens in classical education, we examine the structure, style, and techniques that make classical composition such a powerful tool for teaching writing. Whether you're a homeschool parent, teacher, or student looking to strengthen your writing skills, this episode uncovers a timeless lesson that continues to produce great writers.
Learn more about _Classical Composition_ from Memoria Press right here! https://www.memoriapress.com/writing-english-grammar/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=156
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Die With Zero —Bill Perkins (Paul)
Robin Hood —Roger Lancelyn Green (Andrew)
King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table —Roger Lancelyn Green (Andrew)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall —Anne Brontë (Tanya)

Feb 19, 2025 • 39min
Farmer Boy to Wendell Berry: Exploring Nature in Classical Education
In this week’s Classical Et Cetera, we explore the value of simple living through an agrarian lens. Drawing inspiration from _Farmer Boy_ , Wendell Berry, and more classic novels and authors, we discuss how embracing agrarian principles can enrich our lives and education.
Join us as we reflect on the importance of connecting with nature and cultivating a deeper appreciation for the land. This episode highlights how classical education aligns with these values, fostering a sense of community and responsibility toward our environment.
Explore Memoria Press Literature right here: https://www.memoriapress.com/literature-poetry/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=155
What We're Reading from This Episode:
Maisie Dobbs — Jacqueline Winspear (Martin)
Independent People — Halldór Laxness (Paul)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall — Anne Brontë (Tanya)
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