Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

Visit "The Canary Project" website: https://www.thecanaryproject.org/

Most of us are unknowingly living in an attention economy that’s shaping our minds, emotional health, and relationships — often without our consent. 

Terry Gromes, founder of the Canary Project, reveals how technology is rewiring childhood development and what parents and educators can do to regain control before it’s too late.

In this eye-opening conversation, Terry shares the surprising origins of the Canary Project and how it acts as a “canary in the coal mine,” warning us about the unseen dangers of digital addiction and algorithm-driven distraction. 

He discusses the groundbreaking research linking social media use to anxiety, declining social skills, and attention issues — especially for children with underdeveloped prefrontal cortexes. 

Terry offers practical, science-backed strategies to reset your family’s tech habits, including the power of simple experiments, digital detoxes, and virtue-based boundaries.

You’ll discover: how early signs of digital addiction manifest in everyday habits, why a “healthy tech diet” is essential for mental health, and the role schools can play in creating intentional policies. Terry also breaks down how a 60-day challenge on his app leads to measurable drops in anxiety and rekindles face-to-face relationships. 

This episode is essential listening for parents, teachers, and anyone committed to reclaiming human attention in a world dominated by screens.

If you’re serious about protecting your children’s future, restoring attention, and building resilient relationships, this conversation will inspire immediate change — because technology should serve the human person, not the other way around.

Terry Gromes is the founder of the Canary Project, an initiative dedicated to helping families and schools build healthier relationships with technology, backed by over a decade of experience at the intersection of innovation, product development, and human well-being.

Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the digital age, this episode offers clear, actionable steps to foster discipline, presence, and virtue in a screen-saturated world. Don’t wait for a crisis — become the canary in your own family’s coal mine today.

0:23 - Introduction: Welcome and introduction to the Anchored Podcast.
1:42 - Guest Introduction: Meet Terry Gromes, founder of the Canary Project.
3:14 - Early Education: Terry discusses his unique educational background.
5:29 - Technology in Childhood: The role of technology in Terry's upbringing.
7:20 - The Ordered Soul: Challenges of maintaining focus in the digital age.
10:37 - The Canary Project: Origins and mission of the Canary Project.
14:01 - Digital Habits: Recognizing and addressing digital addiction.
19:32 - Parenting in the Digital Age: Strategies for parents to manage tech use.
25:08 - The Canary Challenge: A 60-day program to reset tech habits.
31:28 - Schools and Technology: Implementing tech policies in education.
37:57 - A Healthy Tech Diet: Creating a balanced approach to technology use.
42:28 - Conclusion: Final thoughts and resources.

#TechBalance
#DigitalWellbeing
#CanaryProject
#ScreenTime
#ParentingTips
#EducationReform
#MentalHealth
#DigitalDetox
#TechAwareness
#HealthyHabits

Unlock the secret to transforming education by blending faith, leadership, and practical strategies—discover how a spirit-filled approach shapes tomorrow’s teachers.

Dr. Kim Boyd, Dean of the College of Education at Oral Roberts University, shares her remarkable journey from a public school student in Pennsylvania to a transformative leader who’s reimagining Christian education. She reveals how her own childhood struggles, including teachers’ harsh words that once held her back, fueled her lifelong passion for empowering teachers and students alike. Learn how her faith-infused philosophy integrates biblical principles into teaching, creating environments where healing and inspiration flourish.

In this episode, you'll discover:

-Why the Spirit-led classroom can revolutionize student outcomes and teacher confidence

-How Christian educators can navigate the complex landscape of public, private, and homeschool settings while maintaining a biblical worldview

-The critical role community and safety play in fostering diversity and inclusion on faith-based campuses

-The unique ways ORU’s spirit-empowered training produces teachers who make a difference beyond secular methods

-Why less government interference could be the key to an educational renaissance rooted in biblical values

Perfect for educators, parents, faith leaders, and students considering their next step, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the transformative power of a biblically grounded approach to education.

Dr. Kim Boyd is a seasoned professor, speaker, and leader whose work has spanned continents, emphasizing that Christian education isn’t just about academics—it’s about cultivating spirit-empowered leaders eager to serve with integrity and compassion. Her insights will inspire you to see education as a divine calling—one that can heal, uplift, and transform communities.

Tune in and discover why faith-based educators are essential to shaping a more hopeful, just, and spiritually grounded future.

Most students leave high school without ever experiencing the depth and joy of a truly classical Catholic education. But what if there’s a better way—one that transforms students into well-rounded leaders rooted in faith and virtue?

In this episode, Dr. Eric DeMeuse, headmaster of Chesterton Academy of Milwaukee, shares how a uniquely integrated, high-school-only model is redefining what education can be. He reveals how his own journey—from growing up in Wisconsin, discovering classical texts at Hillsdale, to shaping a school community based on relationship, beauty, and excellence—can inspire your approach to education and family life.

You’ll discover why the Chesterton model emphasizes four key pillars: authentic relationship-building, rigorous arts and sciences, sacramental life, and rightly ordered virtues. Dr. DeMeuse explains how cultivating trust and individual excellence creates students who love learning—and who excel not just on standardized tests, but in life.

He shares powerful stories of transformation, the importance of developing authentic community from the ground up, and how this model prepares students to thrive in the modern college landscape, often going on to attend Catholic and Christian colleges that align with their values.

This isn’t just a school story—it's a call to rethink everything about education, from curriculum design to character formation, and to see the profound impact of a faith-infused, classical approach. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone committed to forming whole persons in love and truth.

Join us to explore how a small school in Milwaukee is making a big impact—and how this model offers hope for a culture longing for truth, beauty, and goodness.

Timestamps: 

• 0:00 Introduction to the Anchored Podcast
• 1:00 Eric's Educational Journey
• 2:03 Discovering Classical Education
• 6:36 History of the Chesterton School Network
• 8:40 Distinctive Features of Chesterton Academies
• 14:38 Building School Culture
• 18:17 Transformative Student Stories
• 24:15 Navigating Standardized Testing
• 27:25 College Choices for Chesterton Graduates
• 33:53 Impactful Texts and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Tate sits down with Stuart Williams to discuss the launch of the Classic Learning Foundation.

The Foundation is being established to come alongside students and assist with the funding of both secondary and collegiate education. With a focus on merit-based and need-based scholarships, the goal is to support students pursuing a classically based, liberal arts education.

Drawing a parallel to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, Stuart explains how the Classic Learning Foundation aims to create recognition and prestige around strong pre-college preparation—particularly for students in the 10th and 11th grades—and to help carry that recognition into the college experience.

The conversation also explores broader questions about education:

•  Has the purpose of college shifted toward return on investment? 
•  What is lost when education is reduced to job training? 
•  Why do reading, writing, and clear thinking still matter? 

Reflecting on his own experience—from a career at IBM to studying at St. John's College—Stuart shares how a liberal arts education shaped his thinking and why he believes it remains essential today.

00:00 Introduction
 01:00 Stuart Williams’ background
 08:00 Returning to school at St. John’s College
 15:40 What is the Classic Learning Foundation?
 18:20 National Merit and education incentives
 21:49 The purpose of education
 24:27 Education, work, and the future

Watch more from the Anchored Podcast and explore the ideas shaping the future of education.

#ClassicLearningFoundation, #ClassicalEducation, #LiberalArts, #CLT, #AnchoredPodcast, #JeremyTate, #StuartWilliams, #EducationReform, #scholarships

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Anchored Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of an "enchanted intellect" with Andrew Morton, a senior fellow at Worldview Academy. Discover how reading full novels and engaging with classics like Narnia and Lord of the Rings can shape a vibrant, resilient faith in students.

Join us as Andrew shares how Worldview Academy’s summer camps forge hearts and minds through interactive experiences, igniting a love for truth, goodness, and beauty. Learn how this approach challenges the modern tendency to compartmentalize faith and reason, fostering a worldview rooted in awe and wonder.

If you're a parent, educator, or student longing for education that feeds the soul as much as the mind, this episode is your catalyst. Discover the revolutionary potential of seeing God's glory in the ordinary and learn how to cultivate an enchanted worldview that lasts beyond the classroom.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to The Anchored Podcast for more inspiring content. Your support helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions and transformative ideas.
Thank you for listening and stay anchored in truth!

To learn more about Worldview Academy, visit their website at:

https://worldview.org/

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and guest Andrew Morton’s background
[01:10] Andrew’s educational journey from homeschooling to Grove City College
[02:44] The role of classical education unknowingly received by Andrew
[03:52] The influence of books and literature on his worldview formation
[04:36] The value of Grove City College as a cost-effective, faith-aligned institution
[05:47] The importance of the classical Christian renewal and its hidden impact
[06:25] How Andrew’s familiarity with the term 'classical education' evolved
[07:21] The impact of reading Lewis, Tolkien, and George MacDonald on imagination
[08:17] Worldview Academy’s classical experience and its formative role
[09:15] The cultural significance of The Lord of the Rings release
[09:42] The decline of reading full novels and its impact on imagination
[10:01] The connection of fiction to the formation of moral imagination
[11:19] The misconception about fantasy and the reinforcing of reality through fiction
[12:04] How Andrew and his family first engaged with Worldview Academy
[12:30] Overview of Worldview Academy’s mission and camp experience
[14:26] How camp simulates an internship in a life committed to Christ
[15:25] The integration of heart, mind, and will in formation at camp
[16:23] The importance of love for truth and personal devotion
[17:41] Evangelism training and real-world application during camp trips
[19:04] The transformative impact of shared faith experiences and evangelism
[20:22] Target demographics and demographic diversity at camps
[21:00] Locations and frequency of camps across the country
[22:30] The flexibility of student backgrounds and their growth
[23:44] The role of being 'enchanted' in teaching and educational impact
[24:19] Andrew’s reflections on GK Chesterton’s The Ethics of Elfland
[26:50] The significance of beauty, wonder, and the enchanted worldview
[30:12] The challenge of modern mechanistic explanations versus biblical wonder
[33:26] Encapsulating wonder: wonder at the magic, gratitude to the magician
[34:23] Chesterton’s imagery of enchantment and the everyday wonder of God’s creation
[36:37] The diverse profiles of students and how the camp impacts different backgrounds
[39:22] The encouraging statistic of student retention and enthusiasm for camp
[40:22] The alignment of CLT’s humanized assessment with the camp’s formative goals
[40:57] Andrew’s recommended reading: The Weight of Glory and Mere Christianity
[43:04] Closing thoughts and encouragement to explore classical education and worldview

Join Andrew Zwerneman, Head of Cana Academy, on the Anchored Podcast as he dives into the History250 Project, a groundbreaking initiative transforming the way American history is taught. Discover how this project brings history to life with 250 high-quality videos, classroom resources, and original documents—covering the story of America from its founding to the modern day.

Zwerneman discusses:

The importance of teaching American history warts-and-all, highlighting both challenges and triumphs.

How leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Harry Truman, and Cesar Chavez drew on history and moral principles to shape our nation.

Ways teachers, students, and lifelong learners can use History250 for classical, engaging, and meaningful education.

Why the story of America belongs to everyone who lives here, and how understanding it inspires citizenship, courage, and critical thinking.

Watch the full interview to see how History250 is empowering educators and students to explore America’s past in new and engaging ways.

Like, share, and subscribe for more insights into classical education, American history, and educational innovation!

Learn more & access free History250 resources: www.history250.org

#History250 #AmericanHistory #ClassicalEducation #EducationInnovation #TeachingHistory #CanaAcademy #AnchoredPodcast #HistoryEducation #FoundingFathers #CivicEducation

In this episode of the Anchored Podcast, Dr. P. Jesse Rine discusses his journey in Christian higher education, the evolution of Christian colleges, and the mission of the Center for Academic Faithfulness and Flourishing. He highlights the importance of maintaining distinct Christian identities in higher education, the positive trends in enrollment for faithful institutions, and the challenges posed by demographic shifts and technological advancements. Dr. Rine also introduces the CAFF College Guide, a resource aimed at helping students and parents navigate the landscape of Christian colleges.

In this episode, Alex Julian discusses his journey into classical education, his teaching philosophy, and the insights he gained from his time at Arcadia. The conversation delves into the Classical Baccalaureate program, its significance in addressing gaps in the current educational landscape, and the demand for such an initiative among educators and parents. Alex outlines the foundational principles of the program and shares the timeline for its implementation, emphasizing the importance of creating a high-quality educational offering that resonates with both students and colleges.

https://www.cltexam.com/classicalbaccalaureate/

Takeaways

Alex Julian's background includes Montessori education and Catholic schooling.
Many classical educators share a common experience of lacking classical education in their youth.
Teaching is fulfilling due to the enthusiasm and insight of students.
The classical education movement is growing rapidly, attracting dedicated individuals.
There are significant gaps in training for those starting classical schools.
Classical Baccalaureate aims to provide an alternative to AP and IB programs.
The program seeks to validate the rigor of classical education in college admissions.
Parents desire a curriculum that prepares their children for citizenship in a democratic republic.
The program will incorporate deep seminar work and senior thesis projects.
Implementation will be gradual, focusing on quality and selectivity in pilot schools.
titles

Reviving Classical Education with Alex Julian
The Journey to Classical Baccalaureate

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Classical Education and Alex Julian
01:42
Personal Journey into Classical Education
05:02
Teaching Philosophy and Experiences
06:49
Insights from Arcadia and the Growth of Classical Education
08:25
The Concept of Classical Baccalaureate
14:01
Demand for Classical Baccalaureate and Its Importance
17:20
Defining Classical Baccalaureate
22:55
Foundational Principles of Classical Baccalaureate
26:38
Implementation Timeline and Future Plans

Are you seeking an education that goes beyond the "factory" model of modern schooling?

Join us for a deep dive into the transformative power of classical education with Jessica Lopez and Ali Cause-Nance from Classical Charter Schools of America. In an era where many feel students have become "commodities" of the test/college prep industry, this episode explores a proven alternative that integrates rigorous academics with the cultivation of timeless virtues.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Foundation of Latin: Why ancient languages are the key to mastering modern thought.

Character vs. Curriculum: How fostering virtue is just as critical as academic mastery.

True Assessment: Why the CLT exam provides a more meaningful reflection of achievement than traditional standardized tests.

School Choice in Action: How parents and leaders are successfully reclaiming educational excellence.

This conversation is essential for any parent, educator, or leader ready to move past "dishonest and soulless" modern standards toward a future rooted in truth and character.

What kind of education is required to sustain a free society?

On this episode of The Anchored Podcast, Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), sits down with Jeffrey S. Trimbath, President of the Maryland Family Institute, to examine the deep connection between classical education, family formation, and self-government.

Jeffrey draws on his experience in public policy, education, and family advocacy to argue that a democratic republic depends on citizens who can govern themselves—and that kind of formation does not happen by accident. From the decline of grammar schools to modern education experiments, this conversation explores how cultural and educational shifts shape freedom itself.

If we cannot govern ourselves, someone else will.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

Why self-government depends on moral and intellectual formation

The role of classical education in preserving a democratic republic

How modern schooling departed from the grammar school tradition

Family, virtue, and the Western intellectual inheritance

Education policy, parental rights, the issue of euthanasia, and cultural formation

About Our Guest

Jeffrey S. Trimbath is President of the Maryland Family Institute, an organization dedicated to strengthening families through public policy, education, and cultural engagement. Learn more at:

https://marylandfamily.org

About the Host

Jeremy Wayne Tate is the founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT) and host of The Anchored Podcast, where education, culture, and the Western tradition meet.

About The Anchored Podcast

The Anchored Podcast is the official podcast of the Classic Learning Test, featuring conversations on classical education, culture, and the ideas that shape human flourishing.