In this episode of An Examined Education, we sit down with Cambridge School Latin teacher Donny McNair to explore the Roman historian Livy and the power of narrative in shaping a civilization’s moral compass. Livy lived through the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Augustus' empire—a time of immense political and cultural upheaval. Through vivid, almost novelistic storytelling, Livy didn't just recount events; he sought to guide readers toward virtue and civic responsibility. Join us as we discuss how Livy's philosophical lens, his critique of Rome’s moral decline, and his belief in the transformative power of history remain strikingly relevant today.

What holds a society together when factions clash and partisanship rises? In this episode, Kelsey Bonilla, history and government teacher at The Cambridge School, unpacks the deep connections between law, government, and a flourishing civil society. We trace the founders’ inspirations from Rome to the Enlightenment, explore the responsibilities of citizenship, and ask how education can ground us in civic virtue today. Whether you’re a student of history or just wondering what keeps the American experiment alive, this conversation offers timeless insights and practical hope.

In this episode of An Examined Education, host Jeff Yoder sits down with Patrick Claytor, a Bible and Latin teacher at The Cambridge School, to explore how faith and community shape personal identity and societal flourishing. Drawing on the metaphor of a "cut flower society," they examine how secularization uproots individuals from traditional sources of meaning while people continue to seek community in alternative spaces. Claytor shares insights from his theological background on why church community offers unique benefits different from secular affiliations, discussing how Christian identity is grounded in Christ's work rather than personal achievement. The conversation explores the implications of rootedness versus individualism in modern society, offering practical guidance for families seeking to nurture faith and community connections in their children. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone interested in the intersection of faith, community, and identity formation, this episode provides valuable perspective on finding stability and meaning in an increasingly disconnected world. Join us as we continue to examine education that prepares students to think well, love rightly, and live wisely.

An Examined Education, presented by The Cambridge School in San Diego, explores the foundations of classical Christian education and its vital role in today's world. In this episode, Jean Kim, founder and head of school, delves into Os Guinness's compelling metaphor of "cut flower civilization" - the idea that Western society continues to display the beauty of Christian and classical influences while being increasingly disconnected from these vital roots.

Drawing from her decades of experience in education, Kim examines how classical Christian education can help reconnect students to enduring truths and traditions in an age of rootlessness. She discusses the challenges facing today's youth, from moral relativism to a crisis of meaning, and presents a hopeful vision for renewal through education that emphasizes wisdom, virtue, and purpose beyond individual achievement.

This thought-provoking conversation explores how schools can foster genuine human flourishing by connecting students to transcendent truth, cultivating meaningful relationships, and grounding them in the rich soil of classical and Christian traditions. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in cultural renewal, this episode offers valuable insights into creating an education that prepares students to think well, love rightly, and live wisely.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this podcast episode, DJ discusses the evolution of senior theses in classical schools. They explore how the tradition fosters critical thinking and reflection on enduring ideas, while adapting to technological advancements. DJ emphasizes the shift towards collaborative discussions and open-mindedness among students, aiming to cultivate wisdom and deeper engagement with the world.

Doug is welcomed back on the podcast to give us a reading guide on America’s epic: Moby Dick. If you have yet to listen to the full episode on Moby Dick, make sure to go back and give it a listen!

Join us as we welcome back Doug Jones, our Literature Chair, to delve into the depths of "Moby Dick" on this week’s episode. This enlightening discussion explores Melville's creative writing prowess and the profound questions he poses to readers. Embark on an educational journey at sea, as we uncover the masterpiece that has shaped the minds of readers and influenced renowned authors. Come explore these intriguing waters with us as we navigate "Moby Dick."

Amanda Sansonetti gives us some interesting insight into Gilgamesh as well as a few helpful tips for first-time readers.