Classical Et Cetera

The Memoria Press Podcast Network
undefined
Jun 11, 2025 • 44min

What Classical Education REALLY Means — Traditional, Progressive, Neoclassical & More

What do people _really_ mean when they say "classical," "traditional," or "progressive" education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we break down the most common terms in the world of classical education. From classical and neoclassical to traditional, vocational, and progressive models, we explore where these ideas come from, how they’re used today, and why definitions matter.   Whether you’re new to classical education or trying to explain it to others, this episode will help you clarify your terms, understand key differences, and see why classical education is more than just a label.   Get _A Defence of Classical Education_ from our website: https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/mp/a-defence-of-classical-education/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=173   Read an article from Martin about the definition of Classical Education: https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/what-classical-education-1/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=173   "Definitions"  *What We're Reading* from This Episode:  _Independent People_—Halldor Laxness— (Paul)   _You Are What You Love_—James K.A. Smith (Tanya)   _Mystery Novel_—Georgette Heyer (Tanya)  _Passing the Torch_—Louis Marcus (Martin) _The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis_—Jason M. Baxter (Martin) 
undefined
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.
undefined
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)
undefined
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.
undefined
12 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.
undefined
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) 
undefined
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) 
undefined
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)
undefined
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
undefined
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

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app