Classical Et Cetera

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we tackle a common question: should students read abridged classics? Are they helpful, or do they take away from the original work? From children’s retellings to difficult texts, we explore when abridged books can serve a purpose and when they should be set aside. The answer isn’t simple, but one principle remains: the original always matters. What We're Reading from This Episode: "Momo" Michael Ende (Martin) "The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya) "He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "The Christian Idea, Volume 1" W. Brian Welter (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we take on a risky topic: the worst books we’ve ever read. From beloved classics to modern favorites, we ask what truly makes a book bad. Is it poor writing, or something deeper? Can a beautifully written book still lead readers astray? Along the way, we discuss children’s literature, modern novels, and the importance of discernment in reading. Not every popular book is worth your time, and some may be worth avoiding altogether. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "The Black Wolf" Louise Penny (Tanya) "He Leadeth Me" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "Mo Mo" Michael Ende (Martin) "Remarkably Bright Creatures" Shelby Van Pelt (Jessica)

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we begin a new series on the best books of each era by turning to ancient Greece! From Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey to the tragedies and philosophers, we explore the foundational works that shaped Western thought. Whether you’re new to the Greeks or looking to revisit them, this conversation offers guidance on what to read and why it matters. Join us as we consider the essential authors, enduring ideas, and lasting influence of ancient Greek literature—and where to begin your reading Reading List for Ancient Greece Homer — Iliad, Odyssey Tragedy — Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides Philosophy — Plato (Apology), Aristotle History — Herodotus, Thucydides *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Tanya) "With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "Be Frank With Me" Julia Claiborne Johnson (Jessica) "The Ministry of Fear" Graham Greene (Paul) Various Hesiod writings (Alex)

How should parents and teachers respond when children learn differently? Should the curriculum change for each child, or should the child be formed by the curriculum? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we discuss teaching children with different personalities and temperaments, and why the modern idea of “learning styles” may not be the right place to begin. We explore the difference between temperament and aptitude, how to maintain consistent academic standards, and practical ways parents can help very different children succeed within the same curriculum. Along the way, we offer encouragement for homeschool families navigating daily challenges while keeping the long view of education in mind.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we turn from fiction to Christian nonfiction books that have shaped our faith. From _Mere Christianity_ and Augustine’s _Confessions_ to biographies, letters, and works on prayer and discernment, we share the books that have strengthened, challenged, and sustained us. This isn’t a canon, but rather an honest conversation about the titles we return to and why they matter for classical Christian readers. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Leigh & Tanya) "Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya) "With God in Russia" Walter Ciszek (Tanya) "A Tale of Two Cities" Charles Dickens (Tanya) "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall (Paul) "A Confederacy of Dunces" John Kennedy Toole (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about home libraries—what they are, how they grow, and why they matter. From organizing (or not organizing) shelves to collecting meaningful editions, this conversation explores how the books in our homes reflect the life of the mind. We discuss lending versus hoarding, building a collection that is actually used, and why a home library is more than bookshelves—it’s a culture of reading lived out in the home. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Christianity & Culture" T.S. Eliot (Martin) "Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austin (Tanya) "The Digital Delusion" Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath (Tanya) "Galahad and the Grail" Malcom Guite (Tanya) "Olav Audunssøn" Sigrid Undset (Kathy) "Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Paul) "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall (Paul) "Climbing Parnassus" Tracy Lee Simmons (Paul)

In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore the idea of "poetic knowledge"—a way of knowing that begins with experience and imagination before moving to analysis. Has modern education become too abstract, too quickly? We discuss the role of wonder in learning, the proper order of education, and why children need to encounter reality as a whole before breaking it into parts. From literature and discussion to classroom practice, this conversation considers what it means to begin learning well. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Paradise Lost" John Milton (Ian) "The Big Sleep" Raymond Chandler (Martin) "Climbing Parnassus" Tracy Lee Simmons (Paul) "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall Smith (Paul)

What happens when screens replace books and classroom technology replaces thinking? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we examine research showing how screens, scrolling text, and digital note-taking undermine attention, memory, and deep learning. Drawing on neuroscience and classroom experience, we discuss why scrolling isn’t reading, why speed and engagement aren’t the same as understanding, and why technology-heavy classrooms often produce less learning, not more. The Digital Delusion by Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath is the book that inspired this episode's conversation. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Tanya & Paul) "What Happened to You?" Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey (Paul) "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" Alexander McCall Smith (Martin)

In this mailbag episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we respond to listener questions on a range of parenting and homeschooling topics. We talk about limiting video games, responding to boredom in children, and how much attention homeschool parents should give to modern pop culture versus older stories, books, and models. Drawing on principles of classical education, we explore how attention, imagination, and formation shape a child’s learning. Join the conversation as we think through these questions together! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: Stoner" John Williams (Paul) Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Tanya) North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) Marce Catlett" Wendell Berry (Tanya) Sense and Sensibility" Jane Austen (Tanya) By Her Own Design" Piper Huguley (Jessica)

How should adults think about reading goals for the coming year—and how do you read more books without letting reading become a burden? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we talk about reading goals for 2026 and what it takes to build a reading life that lasts. Whether you’re an avid reader, returning after a long break, or feeling overwhelmed by unfinished books, this conversation explores better ways to read with intention and balance. We discuss fiction and nonfiction, reading for work versus pleasure, and why shared reading and conversation matter so much. Comment your reading list for 2026! Book recommendations are always welcome. *Tanya's Stack of Books* Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating — Elisabeth Tova Bailey Absent in the Spring — Agatha Christie The Door — Magda Szabo Mystery and Manners — Flannery O'Connor The Headmaster — John McPhee Marce Catlett — Wendell Berry *Martin's Stack of Books* The Giver — Lois Lowry Booth Tarkington Biography Wonderworks — Angus Fletcher The Master and His Emissary — Iain McGilchrist Primal Intelligence — Angus Fletcher The Digital Delusion — Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath The Last of the Mohicans — James Fenimore Cooper Quo Vadis — Henryk Sienkiewicz Sense and Sensibility — Jane Austen The Jungle Book — Rudyard Kipling *Paul's Stack of Books* The Greek Way — Edith Hamilton The Biological Farmer — Gary F. Zimmer The Liturgy of the Land — Thomas D. Van Horn & Jason M. Craig Against the Machine — Paul Kingsnorth The Wild Orchid — Sigrid Undset The Southern Tradition at Bay — Richard M. Weaver The Ministry of Fear — Graham Greene *Jessica's Stack of Books* I Beheld the Mountains — Joseph Payne The Modern Proper — Holly Erickson & Natalie Mortimer Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt Little Women — Louisa May Alcott By Her Own Design — Piper Huguley

There is no shortage of advice about how Latin _should_ be taught—immersion, conversation, grammar-first, or a blending of methods. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we step back and ask a more fundamental question: what should be the real _goal_ of learning Latin, and how should that goal shape the way we teach it? We discuss grammar versus immersion, reading and speaking, and why different methods produce very different results—especially for children. Join us as we clarify common misconceptions and answer several listener questions! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Hamnet" Maggie O'Farrell (Tanya) "Hamlet" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "North and South" Elizabeth Gaskell (Tanya) "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Mythology" Edith Hamilton (Martin) "Plutarch's Lives" Plutarch (Martin) "Practical Theology" Peter Kreeft (Martin) "The Portrait of a Lady" Henry James (Martin)

Is a classical education practical in today’s world of trades, technology, and rapidly changing careers? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore that question through the real-life experiences of two classically educated graduates—one studying computer science, the other pursuing a trade. Together, we discuss how classical education prepares students not for a single job, but for many possible paths. From plumbing to programming, we examine transferable skills, lifelong learning, and the formation that equips students for real work and real life. Due to technical difficulties this episode is audio-only. Thanks for bearing with us, and we'll see you next week! *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Trust" Hernan Diaz (Paul) "Every Thing You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven" Peter Kreeft (Danny) "Oathbringer" Brandon Sanderson (August)

What do we really mean when we talk about the liberal arts? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we walk through the introduction to Sister Miriam Joseph’s _The Trivium_ and explore the classical understanding of education. Rather than focusing on methods or grade levels, we talk about what education *is* — how grammar, logic, and rhetoric function as tools of the mind, and why education is more than just the accumulation of information. Read the sample from Sister Miriam Joseph's book that we use for this episode: https://www.memoriapress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/The-Trivium-The-Liberal-Arts-of-Logic-Gramm…/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202 And watch part one of this conversation right here! https://youtu.be/by_fbsFjStk?si=SzS6jf_bV91-j_40/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=202 *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "The Roy Grace Series" Peter James (Tanya) "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "A Christmas Memory" Truman Capote (Martin) "Holistic Management" Allan Savory (Paul)

In this Christmas episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we trade our usual “What are you reading?” segment for a festive book exchange! The Core Four each brings a book to give, sparking conversation about classic stories, meaningful reading, and the traditions that shape the season. We recommend beloved Christmas books for children and adults, reflect on why great Christmas stories endure, and offer ideas for reading together as a family. Christmas Book Exchange 2025 list: The Mythmakers —John Hendrix (From Paul, To Martin) West with the Night —Beryl Markham (From Martin, To Jessica) The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes —Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (From Tanya, To Paul) Hamnet —Maggie O'Farrell (From Jessica, To Tanya)

Is Memoria Press Catholic or Protestant—and what does “ecumenical” really mean in Christian education? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explain how _Mere Christianity_ guides our Christian Studies program and how we focus on the core beliefs shared by historic Christianity. We discuss the differences between "teaching" doctrine and "teaching about" doctrine, the role of the creeds, and how classical education approaches Scripture, church history, and doctrine at different stages of a student’s formation. This conversation offers clarity for parents and teachers seeking a thoughtful, faithful, and intellectually honest approach to Christian education—one that emphasizes unity without avoiding depth. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Against the Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Martin) "The Snow Walker" Farley Mowat (Martin) "Tolstoy or Dostoevsky" George Steiner (Martin) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) Frederick Douglas Biography (Dustin)

What is a house system, and why do our classical schools use them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore how the house system works at Highlands Latin School—where it came from, what it accomplishes, and why students love it. From leadership and service to school culture and community, we look at how houses shape students in meaningful, lasting ways. Whether you're part of a classical school, a homeschool community, or simply curious about this tradition, join the conversation and see why the house system has become such an important part of our classical education. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Guardians of Tradition" Ruth Miller Elson (Martin) "Without Precedent" Joel Richard Paul (Shawn) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Daniel)

We’re back with another Mailbag episode! Did classical education actually cause the Enlightenment? How does one become a classical educator? When is the best time to start logic at home? We’re also diving into co-ops, composition choices for younger students, art and music recommendations, and more! Whether you're homeschooling, teaching in a classical school, or simply curious about classical education, join us as we work through these thoughtful questions—and send us more at [email protected]. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Galahad and the Grail" Malcolm Guite (Martin) "Christian Paideia" Brian Welter (Martin) "Unnatural Death" Dorothy Sayers (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Paul)

Fairy tales are far more than simple children’s stories. In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ we explore why these tales endure, what they offer the moral imagination, and how they help both children and adults see the world with clarity and wonder. From questions about when to begin reading fairy tales to the connections they share with Scripture, we discuss why "demythologizing" (whether fairy tale or sacred text) risks losing the very truth they carry. Join us for a thoughtful classical and Christian look at stories that shape our soul. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Ian) "Everything Sad Is Untrue" Daniel Nayeri (Ian) "Housekeeping" Marilynne Robinson (Ian) "The Wind in the Willows" Kenneth Grahame (Leigh) "Understanding the Hillbilly Thomist" Damian Ference (Leigh) "Beauty and Imitation" Daniel Mclnerny (Vigen) "Into the Light: Classical Education and Orthodox Christianity" David Hicks and Anthony Gilbert (Vigen) "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul)

What are the best Christian novels to read? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera we share a new list of books we think are especially worthwhile for Christian readers. These stories that have stayed with us, shaped our thinking, and resonated with our Christian beliefs. Whether you’ve read through our original list or you're simply looking for your next great book, this episode offers practical recommendations and helpful discussion! *Read the original article from Martin Cothran—"Twelve Great Christian Novels"* https://www.memoriapress.com/articles/twelve-great-christian-novels/?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196 *Watch our previous episode on "12 Great Christian Books You Should Read"* https://youtu.be/j9vLO8-dfbc?si=gh9P0LSVzsFVIdAd?utm_source=PodBean&utm_medium=CETC&utm_campaign=196 *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Twenty Years After" Alexandre Dumas (Paul) "Green Dolphin Street" Elizabeth Goudge (Tanya) "King Lear" William Shakespeare (Tanya) "Northwest Angle" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "Merlin's Isle" Malcom Guite (Martin) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Martin) *And here are titles that we talked about, this episode, adding on to the original "Twelve Great Christian Novels"* "A Lesson Before Dying" Ernest J. Gaines "East of Eden" John Steinbeck "Fidelity" Wendell Berry "Hannah Coulter "Wendell Berry "I Heard the Owl Call My Name" Margaret Craven "Jane Eyre" Charlotte Brontë "Silence" Shūsaku Endō "The Gathering" Anne Enright "The Princess and the Goblin" George MacDonald "The Scarlet Letter" Nathaniel Hawthorne "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" Anne Brontë "To Kill a Mockingbird" Harper Lee

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their child—especially when that child seems ahead of the curve. But in a classical education, growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about steady formation and broad mastery. In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the panel discusses when a gifted child should skip a grade and why every stage of learning matters. They explore how to challenge bright students without rushing the basics, how maturity shapes readiness, and why true education values depth over speed. This is a thoughtful conversation for parents seeking wisdom, not hurry, in their child’s learning journey. What We're Reading from This Episode: "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Christian Paideia (Vol. I)" Brian Welter (Martin) "Frankenstein" Wollstonecraft Shelley (Marcie) "Anne of Green Gables" L.M. Montgomery (Marcie) "The Good, the bad, and the Beautiful" Joseph Pearce (Marcie)

This week on Classical Et Cetera. it’s another Mailbag episode! We’re answering all your homeschool and classical education questions. Should you teach with drawings, if you can’t draw? How do you start a book club that actually works? How does Berean Builders fit with Memoria Press science programs? Can Classical Conversations and Memoria Press work together? Join us as we dig into these questions and more, and ask us more questions by emailing us at [email protected]. *What We're Reading* from This Episode: "Against The Machine" Paul Kingsnorth (Paul) "Truth Matters" Robert P. George & Cornel West (Tanya) "The Hound of the Baskervilles" Arthur Conan Doyle (Tanya) "The Ghost Keeper" Natalie Morrill (Tanya) "Cork O'Connor series" William Kent Krueger (Martin) "The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion" Beth Brower (Jessica)