Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

In this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by David Rancourt, provost and VP of enrollment at the New College of Florida. They discuss David’s journey from playing football under Bobby Bowden to advocating for classical education. They dive into the history of New College of Florida and the campus’ culture of civil discourse that allows people to hold and discuss a wide range of opinions and beliefs. They also talk about the media coverage of New College of Florida and David’s experience navigating the press. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and an affiliate of AEI’s James Q. Wilson Program in K-12 Education Studies. Robert challenges the notion that education aims to teach people how to think rather than what to think. They discuss the importance of literacy and equipping students with the basic background knowledge and vocabulary to be able to decode the texts they encounter, and how classical education does this well. They conclude by talking about the telos of education, in which students learn what it means to be human, not just how to get a job. A previous Anchored episode featuring Robert Pondiscio is mentioned in this episode. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Rob Reynolds, founder, president, and executive producer of Christian media company Cross Boss Media. The two discuss his journey going from teaching in New York public schools to founding a real estate company to launching Cross Boss. They examine why Christian media matters and the importance of safeguarding your children when it comes to giving them access to phones. They also talk about the success of Studio 3:16, Cross Boss’ educational comedy program based on Gospel passages. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty. Tiffany talks about her journey joining her local school board and how the challenges of COVID created an unexpected opportunity—what she calls “COVID lemonade”—for parents to see the indoctrination happening in public schools. They discuss the importance of local and state-level education reform. They also dive into the gender ideology issues that have circumvented parental influence and infiltrated public schools. 

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Jon Peede, president of Ashland University. They discuss his over a decade’s worth of work in the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities and his experience learning from differing viewpoints as a conservative working in the arts. They discuss the possibility of a modern renaissance in art and how educational institutions can aid in that flourishing. They also dive into how Ashland’s accent on the individual makes it a unique, classical educational experience. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Texas State Representative Brad Buckley, who discusses his educational journey, the importance of classical education, and recent reforms in Texas public education. Buckley emphasizes the need for rigorous instructional materials, the role of testing, and the significance of school choice and educational savings accounts. He also shares insights on the impact of literature in his life and the importance of parental involvement in education.

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Hans Zeiger, president of the Jack Miller Center, a nationwide, nonpartisan educational venture that is dedicated to America’s founding principles and civic education at every level. They discuss Hans’ journey from public policy to the Jack Miller Center, and the crisis in civic education that sparked his interest. They explore the importance of knowledge for self-governing citizens and for the survival of the country. They also discuss specific areas where the educational system has failed, and some of the university programs that provide beacons of hope. 

This week’s episode of Anchored features a speech delivered by Jeremy Tate, CEO of the Classic Learning Test, at the National Summit on Civics in Catholic Education at Benedictine College. Jeremy talks about the story of Catholic education in America. Jeremy highlights the challenges faced by Catholic schools today, including declining enrollment and the influence of secular educational standards, while also presenting a hopeful vision for revitalization through distinct Catholic identity and practices.

On this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Rachel Campos-Duffy, host of FOX & Friends Weekend and the From the Kitchen Table podcast. Rachel shares her personal educational journey, the importance of authentic Catholic schooling, and her family's commitment to classical education. She discusses the challenges faced by Catholic schools, the revival of interest in Catholic education post-COVID, and the transformative experience her daughter had at the University of Dallas. She emphasizes the need for parents to be proactive in their children's education and the integration of faith and values at home. Click here for “Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation” by Pete Hegseth and David Goodwin. 

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Lynda Sloneker, President of StoaUSA, a Christian homeschool speech and debate league. They are also joined by Lynda’s daughter, Alyssa. They discuss Stoa’s history and mission and how it has personally impacted Alyssa’s journey as a college student. They talk about debating with kindness and charity and the benefits of debating that extend beyond future career options. They conclude by discussing how debate has changed in light of the current political climate and how Stoa is working to fix what has been broken.