BaseCamp Live

Welcome to this summer flashback episode of BaseCamp Live! In today’s conversation, host Davies Owens revisits a powerful interview with Andrew Pudewa, founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing.In an age of shrinking vocabularies, short attention spans, and over-reliance on screens, Andrew shares why writing and speaking well are more critical than ever. He explains that students cannot think complex thoughts without the words to express them, and highlights how classical education – with its focus on grammar, logic, and rhetoric – equips students to become articulate, thoughtful communicators who can engage the world with truth and clarity.Andrew unpacks the decline he’s witnessed over three decades in students’ vocabulary and attention spans, and why reading aloud, memorizing beautiful language, and teaching students to write and speak persuasively are not just academic exercises but essential skills for life and faithfulness. He challenges parents and educators to see education not merely as preparation for wealth and comfort, but as formation for mission in the world.With practical encouragement, humorous reflections, and deep conviction, Andrew calls us back to raising students who can read, think, write, and speak well for God’s glory and the good of others.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why reading aloud and memorizing are vital for language developmentHow writing well prepares students for any vocationThe role of rhetoric in equipping students to stand firm in today’s cultureEncouragement for parents and teachers to stay the course in cultivating eloquenceSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife Architects Coaching Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In a world ruled by FOMO—the fear of missing out—what if the real antidote isn’t more digital connection, but less? In this encouraging episode, Davies Owens sits down with author and digital wellbeing advocate Christina Crook to explore the power of JOMO - the Joy of Missing Out.Christina shares her story of stepping away from technology, launching a global movement, and helping parents and schools reclaim space for what matters most: real connection, creativity, and Christ-centered joy. From setting tech boundaries to building intentional family habits, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents, educators, and school leaders navigating the challenges of raising kids in a hyperconnected world.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why “shame-based” digital parenting doesn’t workHow schools and parents can build healthy tech boundaries togetherHow to create joyful alternatives to screen timeWhat JOMO really means—and how to live it outSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife Architects Coaching Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What happens when we teach science and math not just as technical subjects—but as opportunities for wonder, worship, and wisdom?In this summer flashback episode, Davies Owens is joined by renowned classical educator Ravi Jain, co-author of The Liberal Arts Tradition and a leading voice in the recovery of classical science education. Too often, classical schools are seen as focused on the humanities, while math and science remain untouched by the classical tradition. But Ravi makes a compelling case for why recovering natural philosophy—the pursuit of truth in the created world—is vital to forming whole human beings.From sketchbooks and pendulums to Pascal, Newton, and Galileo, this conversation explores how students can rediscover the beauty and order of God’s creation—and how science class can become a place of discovery, not just memorization.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why observation and wonder must be central to classical scienceHow integrated courses reveal the unity of knowledgeWhat it means to raise students who seek wisdom over utilityWhether you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader, this episode will reshape how you think about math, science, and the pursuit of knowledge.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyLife Architects Coaching Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Summer Flashback: Virtue in Action with Tim DernlanHow do we move virtue from a vague school value to a transformative life habit? In this special Summer Flashback episode, we revisit one of our most impactful conversations with Dr. Tim Dernlan, joined by two of his high school students. Recorded five years ago but more relevant than ever, this episode explores how one classical Christian school brought virtue to life through intentional student formation—and yes, even lunchtime conversations at Five Guys.From Aristotle’s golden mean to Biblical foundations, this isn’t just a theoretical discussion. You’ll hear how weekly student groups, guided reflections, and peer accountability made virtue tangible, relational, and long-lasting. If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between what students know and how they live, this episode is for you.🎧 Listen in and discover:Why character education isn’t enough without virtue formationHow to define virtues—and their corresponding vices—with clarityReal stories from students on how these lessons shaped their friendships and faithSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Do sports build character—or just fill the calendar? In this Live Sturdy conversation, Christian counselor Keith McCurdy joins host Davies Owens to explore the role of athletics in the lives of students and families. From travel teams and over-scheduled lives to the hidden virtue of humility after a tough loss, Keith brings decades of experience as a counselor, coach, and classical school board member to help us navigate the tension between healthy competition and unhealthy obsession.What are the true benefits of team sports? How do you know when your child (or family!) is overcommitted? And what should classical Christian schools consider when expanding their athletic programs? Whether you’re raising a future Olympian or a kid who prefers chess to cross country, this episode will help you keep perspective—and put sports in their proper place.🎧 Tune in to learn:Why the generalist often beats the early specialistHow sports can help train emotional regulation and resilienceWhat wise athletic involvement looks like at home and at schoolSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by educator and apologist Elizabeth Urbanowicz, founder of Foundation Worldview, to tackle a challenge every Christian parent and teacher faces: raising kids to think clearly and biblically in a culture driven by feelings, relativism, and confusion.Elizabeth shares her journey from classroom teacher to worldview coach and offers simple, practical ways to train even young children to recognize truth, evaluate cultural messages, and respond with both discernment and grace. From defining truth in kid-friendly language to handling conversations about identity and judgment, this episode is full of timely tools you can use at home or in school—starting today.🎧 Tune in to explore:Why “follow your heart” is a dangerous message—and what to say insteadHow to help kids distinguish facts from feelingsWhat judging rightly really means (and doesn’t mean)A practical game to teach kids the difference between truth and opinionSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Curious about ZipCast? In this special bonus episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens sits down with his daughter Hannah to answer the most common questions schools ask about ZipCast—what it is, how it works, and why it’s become a game-changing communication tool for classical Christian communities.Together, they pull back the curtain on ZipCast’s purpose, features, and new 2.0 platform—from weekly parent engagement and custom segments to content quality, affordability, and how schools are using it to build stronger communities. You’ll also hear real stories from the field and practical tips on launching ZipCast at your school.Whether you’re a current ZipCast school or just exploring new ways to connect with families, this episode is packed with helpful info (and a little father-daughter fun too).🎧 Tune in to discover:What problem ZipCast really solvesHow it fits into your existing communication strategyWays to personalize it for your school communityHow schools are using it—plus creative content ideasWhat’s new with ZipCast 2.0Visit ZipCast.media for more info and demos!🎧 Listen now to learn why so many schools have already made ZipCast their go-to weekly connection with families.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Building Lifelong Readers: How Families and Schools Can Instill the Joy of ReadingReading is not a natural ability—it must be intentionally taught, cultivated, and modeled. In this episode, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and reading specialist Dorrie McKoy—who also happens to be his sister—to explore why so many children struggle with reading today and how classical Christian schools and families can work together to reverse this trend.Dorrie unpacks the science behind how children learn to read, discusses the “reading wars” between phonics-based and whole-language methods, and shares practical tips for parents at any stage—from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s how to evaluate your school’s curriculum, how to build a home library filled with true, good, and beautiful books, or how to avoid the pitfalls of graphic novels and screen-based reading, this episode offers timeless strategies to raise strong, thoughtful, and joyful readers.🎧 Tune in to discover:Why phonemic awareness and phonics still matterHow classical schools can avoid “sawdust” reading without lowering standardsWhat parents can do—starting today—to cultivate a culture of reading at homeSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

What Do Strong Families Actually Do Each Day?Your family's culture is shaped by the little things—how you say goodbye in the morning, whether you pray together, how often you share a meal. In this insightful conversation, Jim Mhoon, counselor and longtime Focus on the Family leader, joins Davies Owens to talk about the daily rhythms and rituals that set thriving families apart.With practical examples and decades of experience, Jim shares:Why the way you say “hello” and “goodbye” matters more than you thinkHow a one-minute family prayer can reset the tone of your homeWhy dinner around the table is about far more than just foodWhat’s driving our overscheduled culture—and how to resist itThe critical role of community in raising healthy kidsThis episode is full of simple, actionable ideas you can implement immediately—no parenting book required.🎧 Tune in and be encouraged: it’s never too late to start building new habits that lead to deeper connection.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education isn’t just for a privileged few—it’s a banquet meant for everyone. In this inspiring episode, Davies Owens is joined by Russ Gregg, founder of Hope Academy in Minneapolis and the Spreading Hope Network. Russ shares how his journey began 25 years ago with a simple but powerful question: How do we love our neighbors as ourselves, especially when it comes to education?From navigating the real challenges of urban communities to pioneering a sponsorship-based financial model, Russ explains why "the education that’s best for the best is best for all." Together, they explore the crucial need for high expectations, high accountability, and high support in raising up the next generation.Plus, Russ discusses the exciting movement of school choice sweeping the nation, the importance of family habits like mealtime reading, and why true joy comes from making room at the banquet table for those who have historically been left out. If you’ve ever wondered how you can be part of the classical education renewal—whether as a parent, a founder, or a supporter—this episode is your invitation.🎧 Listen now and discover the joy of spreading hope!Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCastWilson Hill AcademyClassic Learning TestClassical Academic PressLife Architects CoachingLight Phone Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.