

In the Trenches
Joshua Gibbs
In the Trenches is The Classical Teaching Institute's pedagogy podcast for educators and parents who prefer experience and common sense to theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 9, 2026 • 28min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 3: Part II
Ivan shops at TJ Maxx.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 9, 2026 • 33min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 3: Part I
Characters in Ivan Ilyich may be closer than he appears.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 30, 2025 • 41min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 2: Part II
Revenge of the agreeable life. Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 27min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 2: Part I
The discussion delves into the complex opening line of a classic tale, questioning the perspectives of narrator and character. The concept of free indirect style is unpacked, shedding light on the narrative's depth. Insights are shared about Ivan Ilyich’s family background, revealing how his upbringing shaped his life path. The portrayal of Ivan as an agreeable, socially adept individual obsessed with a pleasant existence is analyzed, along with his early moral compromises in pursuit of a respectable career.

Dec 10, 2025 • 34min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 1: Part II
Death will always be a stranger.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 3, 2025 • 35min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Chapter 1: Part I
Upon learning of Ivan's death, his friends get practical. Is that so wrong?Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 2025 • 25min
The Death of Ivan Ilyich (Introduction)
For all those who wanted to attend the Fall Literature Retreat but couldn't, here's your chance.Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 25min
Talking to Parents, Talking to Teachers
Parent-teacher conferences can often feel dull, but a little preparation can transform them into meaningful discussions. By avoiding vague questions and using targeted prompts in pre-conference emails, parents and teachers can engage more deeply. Incorporating student questionnaires offers invaluable insights into student attitudes and behaviors. This unique approach helps bridge gaps between home and school perspectives, fostering a richer dialogue about education. Tune in for tips on turning routine meetings into impactful conversations.

12 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 24min
Should Protestant Schools Hire Catholic Teachers?
The discussion centers around whether Protestant schools should hire Catholic teachers. Pragmatic reasons highlight the quality and availability of Catholic educators. Concerns about student conversions are tackled directly, stressing that influence comes more from relatable behavior than secret proselytizing. Joshua shares personal experiences with Orthodox children in Protestant schools, arguing that competent teachers of any faith enhance students' religious commitment. Ultimately, the focus is on hiring the best educators, regardless of denomination, to foster a meaningful faith experience.

Sep 26, 2025 • 29min
A History/English Teacher Talks to Math/Science Teachers
The distinction between "History/English people" and "Math/Science people" is overplayed. What do we do about it?Visit The Classical Teaching Institute Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


