BaseCamp Live

Modern education often promises clarity, efficiency, and measurable results. But what if those very strengths are quietly reshaping what we believe education is for? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Joshua Pauling to explore the subtle but powerful influence of what he calls the “tyranny of technique.” When systems, metrics, and methods take center stage, students can easily become outputs to manage rather than persons to form. Josh brings a thoughtful perspective shaped by years in public education, classical education, and his work launching a new hybrid classical school. Together, they reflect on how common educational practices can unintentionally erode relationships, diminish wonder, and narrow our vision of formation. But this conversation is not merely critical - it is deeply constructive. In this episode, you’ll hear: What Joshua Pauling means by the “tyranny of technique” and how it shows up in modern education How efficiency, grading systems, and metrics can subtly redefine what success looks like Why relationships, trust, and contemplation are essential to true learning The role of narration, oral assessment, and embodied practices in forming students What it looks like to resist a purely mechanistic model of schooling How Josh’s hybrid classical school is pursuing a more humane and restful vision of education Practical encouragement for parents and educators seeking to prioritize formation over performance This episode is an invitation to step back and reconsider our assumptions. For parents, educators, and school leaders alike, it offers a compelling reminder: education is not primarily about producing results, but about raising human beings. Show Notes: All Saints Classical Academy Are We All Cyborgs Now? Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine Writing Portfolio Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Where do classical Christian schools find their teachers, and how are they trained? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Rob Jackson to explore one of the biggest challenges facing classical education today, building a strong pipeline of teachers. As more schools launch and grow, many are realizing that traditional certification programs do not prepare teachers for the classical classroom. Instead, schools are looking for educators with a love of their subject, a commitment to wisdom, and a willingness to be formed through mentorship and experience. Dr. Jackson shares where schools are finding teachers today, including recent graduates, second-career professionals, homeschool parents, and experienced educators searching for a better model. The conversation also highlights the role of apprenticeship, mentorship, and ongoing training in helping teachers grow in both skill and confidence. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why traditional teacher certification often falls short Where classical schools are finding teachers today How mentorship and apprenticeship shape strong educators What schools are really looking for in a teacher Join us as we explore how schools are raising up the next generation of teachers and strengthening the future of classical Christian education. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this next episode in the BaseCamp Live series exploring classical Christian education, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Michael Adkins for a thoughtful conversation about what classical Christian education really is and why that question matters so much for families, schools, and the future of society. Dr. Adkins brings both historical depth and practical insight as he explains that classical Christian education is not primarily about training students to do more, but about forming them to become a certain kind of person. In contrast to modern models that often focus on utility, credentials, and workforce preparation, this conversation highlights an older and richer vision of education, one centered on truth, goodness, beauty, wisdom, and virtue. As part of this ongoing series, the episode helps listeners see that classical Christian education is not a trendy alternative or niche experiment. It is part of a much larger tradition that has shaped the West for centuries. Davies and Dr. Adkins trace the historical shift from a largely biblical and classical model of education to the progressive philosophy that reshaped modern schooling, showing how those changes affected not only academics, but also the way students understand freedom, authority, responsibility, and the purpose of life itself. This episode is both a defense of classical Christian education and an invitation to better understand its roots, its goals, and its lasting relevance in a modern world that often feels confused and disordered. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information How this episode fits into the larger BaseCamp Live series on classical Christian education Why modern education shifted from cultivating virtue to emphasizing utility How understanding the history of education helps families make wiser choices today What thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois, Joseph Pieper, and others contribute to this conversation How classical Christian education helps students gain the clarity and cultural literacy needed to navigate today’s world If you have ever wondered whether classical Christian education is simply a trend, a niche alternative, or something much bigger, this episode offers a compelling answer. It is a reminder that education is never neutral, and that recovering a richer vision of learning may be one of the most important tasks before us. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens continues the alumni series with Neeya Toleman, a graduate of Coram Deo Academy in Texas who now works as an engineer helping develop major power transmission lines across the United States. Neeya shares how her classical Christian education shaped her ability to think deeply, communicate clearly, and tackle complex problems. From memorizing Scripture and presenting senior author projects to navigating small class communities and rigorous coursework, her experience formed habits that still guide her today in the demanding world of engineering and energy infrastructure. Along the way, Neeya reflects on the unique strengths of classical Christian education. She discusses the value of learning how to learn, the importance of strong relationships between teachers and students, and how schools, homes, and churches work together to shape faith and character. Her story offers an encouraging reminder that classical Christian education prepares students not only for the humanities but also for careers in fields like engineering, science, and technology. 🎧 Tune in to hear: • How a classical Christian education prepared Neeya for a career in engineering • Why learning how to think and learn matters more than specialized early training • The impact of close relationships with teachers and mentors in small school communities • How faith formation happened naturally across classes and conversations • Practical reflections for school leaders and parents investing in the next generation Whether you are a parent, educator, or school leader, Neeya’s story is a powerful example of what long-term formation can produce, Listen now and be encouraged by what happens when classical Christian education shapes a life. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens sits down with Paul Laywell, founder of Eureka Science Education, to tackle a lingering stereotype - classical Christian schools love great books, but struggle to do science with the same depth and rigor. Paul shares his journey from public school teaching to becoming a “one man science department” in a classical Christian school, and why he became convinced that science is one of the most integratable disciplines. Not by forcing a Bible verse onto every lesson, and not by stripping science down to formulas and memorization, but by teaching science as a story, with real people, real ideas, and real consequences. You will hear why Paul jettisoned most textbooks, how he uses history and philosophy to strengthen scientific understanding, and why families do not need to fear that a classical approach will “hurt” students headed for medicine, engineering, or other STEM-adjacent careers. In fact, Paul argues that what universities and employers need most are students who can think, reason, and ask good questions. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why “Bible verse on the board” integration can be a disservice to both Scripture and science How telling the history of science helps students remember, and understand, what they are learning A classroom example that starts atomic theory as a philosophical idea before it becomes a scientific construct Why you cannot “cover it all,” and why depth beats speed and volume in a science classroom Paul’s pushback on the myth that you need a STEM-school model to thrive in college science and engineering How schools can build a science program that holds together rigor, wonder, curiosity, and theological imagination A science classroom can be more than jam, cram, and forget. It can form students who love truth, pursue discovery with humility, and recognize God’s fingerprints in a world worth exploring. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Good conversations with our children do not just happen. They require intentionality, attention, and the courage to ask questions that may take more than a few seconds to answer. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens welcomes back Mandi Gerth to explore how the questions we ask shape not only daily conversation, but the long-term relationship we hope to have with our children as adults. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and parent, Mandi explains that a good question opens what she calls an “expectant vacancy.” The challenge is that we must be ready for what fills that space. Together, they unpack three kinds of questions parents can practice: Questions that check for understanding and invite narration, not just yes-or-no answers Follow-up questions that build intellectual habits, encouraging evidence, comparison, and thoughtful reasoning Big-idea questions that help children contemplate virtue, faith, and moral responsibility at every age Mandi also offers a wise reminder for parents of teens. Do not be shocked by what they say. Create a home where doubts and hard questions can be voiced safely. Ask follow-ups. Stay present. Keep pointing them toward truth. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why “How was your day?” rarely leads to meaningful connection How follow-up questions quietly form habits of wisdom Why big conversations are not just for upper school students How intentional dialogue today builds relationships that last for decades This episode is a practical and hopeful reminder that asking better questions is not about performance. It is about love, formation, and walking closely with our children as they grow. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Students today need to be deeply formed to love what is true and beautiful, and they also need practical skills and confidence that comes from real life experiences they can carry into college, career, and beyond.In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Mitchell Slater, founder and CEO of Slater Strategies, to talk about entrepreneurship, risk, and why many students are not being prepared for real life as well as they could be.Mitchell shares his story of growing up homeschooled in Alaska, learning hard work through real responsibilities, and starting his first business at 17 because his parents gave him room to try and learn. Together, they unpack why failure is such a powerful teacher, why our culture fears it, and how schools can create safe environments for students to practice real-world problem solving.They also dive into Mitchell’s SMT program, which trains a small team of students to help tell their school’s story through marketing, communication, and community engagement, without handing students unrestricted tech or social media access.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why students need life prep, not just college prepHow parents can encourage kids to take healthy risks and learn from failureWhat “marketing” includes beyond social media, including storytelling, writing, newsletters, and campus experienceHow SMT works and why it can feel like a modern, dynamic version of the yearbook teamA simple shift in language that helps kids think like problem-solvers: “What problem do you want to solve?”You will leave with practical encouragement for how to help students become real world ready, with confidence rooted in faith, responsibility, and meaningful work.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

“What is classical Christian education?” sounds like an easy question, until you try to answer it.In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Dr. David Diener, professor of education at Hillsdale College and executive director of the Alcuin Fellowship, to offer a clear, grounded explanation of what classical Christian education is and what it is not. They explore why this approach begins with the purpose of education, not just the methods, and how it aims to form students into a certain kind of human being, equipped to live well in this life and the next.You will also hear how classical Christian schools differ from many modern models that treat education primarily as a transaction for career readiness, and why “integration” matters more than adding spiritual elements onto an otherwise secular framework.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why the goals of education shape everything else, curriculum, culture, and classroom lifeHow classical Christian education connects belief and practice so formation is not an afterthoughtWhy “you have to see it” is often the best explanation, and what to look for when you visit a schoolHow this approach prepares students for a rapidly changing world, including AI, by prioritizing thinking, communication, and wisdomWhat distinguishes a truly classical and truly Christian school beyond slogans and aestheticsIf you have ever struggled to explain classical Christian education to a neighbor, a grandparent, or even yourself, this conversation gives language for what many families sense: this is not nostalgia, it is a living tradition that forms students for faithfulness, clarity, and courage.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Healthy habits are one of the greatest gifts we can give our children because habits quietly shape what they love and who they become. In this episode, Davies Owens is joined by Jeff Hendricks, headmaster at Providence Christian School of Texas, for a practical conversation about how formation happens through repeated, everyday actions.Jeff defines a habit as a repeated action that becomes instinctive. It begins with conscious effort, but over time it becomes automatic, like driving a car. That matters because the virtues we hope to see in adulthood, generosity, courage, hospitality, do not appear overnight. They are built through small faithful practices.A key theme throughout the conversation is that there is no neutral setting. Every child is learning habits of one kind or another, intentionally or passively. Jeff also addresses a common misconception: habit formation can sound harsh or overly strict, but discipline on the front end leads to freedom later. Like musicians and athletes, children gain joyful confidence when foundational skills become second nature.Jeff shares several “best of” habits Providence emphasizes with families:Prayer and reading God’s Word: not necessarily formal or elaborate, sometimes simply reading Scripture together and praying. The point is consistency and priority.Attention: children cannot learn without it. Jeff offers practical ways to train attention at home, including multi-step instructions, narration, picture study, and observation exercises.Obedience: responding right away and all the way, with the understanding that respectful questions can happen at the right time. This trains children to relate rightly to God-given authority.Neatness and orderliness: restoring order to a space and to routines, even when it takes more time than doing it yourself.Serving others: training children to defer preferences and practice small acts of service that slowly reorient the heart away from self.Working hard and doing your best: building a “work before play” rhythm, teaching excellence without overwork, and helping children grow into wise self-management.In closing, Jeff encourages educators to keep habits simple and intentional, and he encourages parents that it is never too late to begin. Start where you are, choose one habit, and keep it steady. Often the best change is the one you quietly begin and faithfully continue.Resources Mentioned:Practical Tips for Teaching Habits to Your Children (pdf) Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Augustine argued that many of our biggest problems come not from loving bad things, but from loving good things in the wrong order. In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with counselor and Live Sturdy president Keith McCurdy to talk about the “ordering of loves” and why it impacts everything from marriage health to family culture to kids who flourish.Keith walks through a common modern pattern: world, kids, family, marriage, God, and why that order quietly drains families. Then he offers a clear, biblical alternative and a few simple practices that can create real change without turning your life upside down.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why family stress often traces back to a foundation problem, not a scheduling problemThe difference between work life balance and work life harmonyWhy “date night” can fail, and what works better for exhausted parentsThree small rhythms that rebuild connection fast: weekly calendar syncs, daytime dates, and a tech free last hourWhy healthy families learn to say no to good things to protect what is bestIf you feel like you are doing a lot of good things but still not cultivating a truly connected home, this episode will help you reset the order and start rebuilding with hope, clarity, and simple steps you can try this week.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Many listeners have been asking for more alumni interviews, and this episode delivers. Davies Owens sits down with Ashton Lawrence, an Ambrose School graduate who joined the classical Christian world in fifth grade and stayed through graduation. Ashton reflects on the early challenges of adjusting to a more rigorous environment, the slow-burning value of logic and Latin, and the way great teachers helped the pieces “click” over time.As the conversation unfolds, Ashton connects the classroom to real life, from learning to spot fallacies in everyday arguments to building the kind of clear communication and steady conviction that helps a young adult navigate college, friendships, and vocational decisions with maturity. Along the way, he shares how family conversations, meaningful friendships, and hands-on experiences shaped him into someone who can read deeply, think carefully, and also solve real problems in the shop.Tune in to hear:Why Ashton’s “late entry” into classical Christian education in fifth grade became a formative turning pointHow Tolkien, Shakespeare, and the great books helped shape his imagination, loves, and view of virtueWhat logic training changed for him immediately, especially in how he listened, argued, and communicatedWhy students sometimes struggle to understand the “why” behind classical education, and what schools can do betterHow a classical foundation helped him thrive socially and spiritually at a large Christian universityWhy the liberal arts and the common arts belong together, and how hands-on problem solving reveals real wisdomAshton’s encouragement to parents and school leaders is simple and hopeful: stay the course. Even when students resist or do not fully appreciate the rigor in the moment, the fruit often shows up later, with gratitude, clarity, and strength for the road ahead.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In a world filled with distraction, content overload, and cultural confusion, raising children who are wise, discerning, and grounded can feel daunting. In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, to explore how families can recover wisdom in America through small, faithful practices at home rather than sweeping overhauls.Marissa challenges parents to reclaim confidence as their children’s primary educators and encourages them to start with “micro, atomic habits” that build courage and clarity over time. Together, they discuss why young people are surrounded by information yet starving for meaning, and how virtue, responsibility, and service shape true maturity.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why wisdom and discernment matter more than information aloneHow small, consistent habits can shape children over timeA balanced approach to technology that emphasizes discernment over fearWhy story, enjoyment, and edutainment can open doors to deeper learningHow household rituals reinforce gratitude, responsibility, and meaningFormation happens in the ordinary. A few intentional habits, practiced faithfully, can anchor children in truth, cultivate wisdom, and give families hope for the next generation.Resources Mentioned:Check out Wilson Hill Academy's Free GuideSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this episode, Davies Owens briefly steps into the archives to revisit a valuable conversation with Dr. Louis Markos on how the ancient world understood virtue, education, and human flourishing, and why those insights remain essential today.Dr. Markos explains how the Greeks and Romans, though lacking Christian revelation, asked the right questions about human nature, moral formation, and the purpose of education. Figures such as Socrates and Plato modeled humility, rational discourse, and civic responsibility, forming a vision of education aimed not merely at usefulness, but at virtue.Together, Davies and Dr. Markos explore why classical Christian education continues to draw from this ancient inheritance. Far from being outdated, a liberal arts education grounded in timeless truths prepares students to engage a modern, technology-driven world with wisdom, clarity, and courage.🎧 Tune in to hear:Why modern culture undervalues what is oldHow ancient thinkers approached virtue and human purposeWhy education must aim beyond skills and utilityHow classical learning prepares students for real-world workWhy civilization must be cultivated in order to endureJoin us as we revisit this conversation and rediscover why the ancients still shape virtuous people today.Resources Mentioned:Check out Wilson Hill Academy's Free GuideSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how work gets done across nearly every industry. As automation accelerates and technology reshapes careers, parents and educators are asking pressing questions. What kinds of jobs will still exist? How should students prepare for an uncertain future? And what kinds of skills will truly endure?In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens is joined by Tami Peterson, founder and CEO of Life Architects Coaching. Together, they explore how AI is transforming college admissions, career pathways, and workforce expectations, and why human formation matters more than ever.Davies and Tami discuss how colleges are already responding to AI’s influence, particularly in admissions. With AI-generated essays becoming commonplace, many schools are rethinking how they evaluate applicants and are placing renewed emphasis on in-person writing, oral exams, classroom engagement, and mentorship-driven learning environments. These shifts highlight a growing desire to see how students actually think, reason, and communicate.The conversation then turns to the workforce and what lies ahead for today’s students. While some technical roles may decline or evolve, employers increasingly value qualities that technology cannot replicate.🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:How AI is reshaping college admissions and evaluationWhy character, work ethic, and critical thinking are becoming more valuable than narrow technical skillsThe growing importance of human-centered abilities like leadership, creativity, and discernmentWhy trades and hands-on work are being rediscovered as meaningful, stable career pathsHow helping students understand who they are prepares them for any future job marketThroughout the discussion, one theme remains clear. Technology will continue to change, but students who know how they are uniquely made and what problems they are called to solve will be best equipped to adapt. Rather than chasing job titles or trends, this episode encourages families and schools to focus on forming resilient, thoughtful, and grounded young people who are ready for whatever the future holds. Resources Mentioned:Check out Wilson Hill Academy's Free GuideSpecial Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:The Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson 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 [email protected]'t forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.