Kolbecast
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Kolbecast episodes

  • 296 Tips for Testing Success

    AMDG. Standardized testing is a minefield for parents and students, but it does not have to be. Kolbe alum Colin and current Kolbe senior Tobias join the Kolbecast to share their firsthand experiences taking the ACT, SAT, CLT, and PSAT. The duo explains the differences between the tests, breaks down how scoring works, and shares the study strategies that helped them succeed. Whether you are a parent guiding your child through the testing process or a student preparing for your first exam, this episode is a must-listen.  

    Links mentioned & relevant: 

    • Taking the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a Kolbe student 
      • College Entrance & AP Exams article in Kolbe Academy Help Center 
        • Career Guidance & Discernment section of Kolbe Academy Help Center (including college planning) 
          • College Planning Timeline 
            • College Planning section of Kolbe Academy website 
            • Related Kolbecast episodes: 

              • 265 Chosen to Be a Saint, Commencement 2025 speeches including from Colin Lengyel and Brendan Murphy 
                • 163 Postcards from France 
                  • 193 STEM, State Schools, and Sibling Dynamics  
                    • 38 Substance Matters with Classic Learning Test founder Jeremy Tate 
                    • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                      We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                      The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                      52 min
                    • 295 Office Hours with Clara Davison of Holy Heroes

                      AMDG. Kolbe Alumna and Holy Heroes brand manager Clara Davidson joins the Kolbecast to share how homeschooling served her both personally and professionally, her experience working in a family business, how to talk to children about complex topics, and what is next for Holy Heroes. Don’t miss this insider’s look into a beloved Catholic company!  

                      Links mentioned & relevant: 

                      • Holy Heroes 
                        • St. Kateri Tekakwitha Glory Story with Clara’s interview of Jake Finkbonner 
                          • Very Young Catholic series 
                            • Kolbecast episode 63 The Saints Speak for Themselves with Ken and Kerri Davison, the Holy Heroes parents 
                            • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                              We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                              The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                              52 min
                            • 294 Physics and the Formed Mind

                              AMDG. Steven and Bonnie are joined by Kolbe’s Megan Lengyel and Leslie Spencer to discuss physics. Physics can be a course that many find intimidating in the high school years, yet it provides an amazing look into the modern natural sciences while exploring the theories behind everything from motion to electricity and light. In this episode, we discuss the place of physics in a classical curriculum, the challenges to including physics in a homeschooling program, and the benefits of undertaking the challenge.  

                              Links mentioned & relevant: 

                              • Kolbe Academy Graduation Requirements and Awards 
                                • College Planning information from Kolbe Academy 
                                  • Academics & Advising section of Help Center 
                                  • Related Kolbecast episodes: 

                                    • 237 Unearthing a Broader Worldview with Mrs. Leslie Spencer 
                                      • 114 Kolbe Past, Present, and Future with Kolbe Academy executive director Mary Rowles 
                                        •  263 Exploring God’s Cosmos: Astronomy for Everyday People 
                                          • 278 Daniel Kuebler on the Compatibility of Catholicism and Evolution 
                                            • 290 There Is No Neutral with Brett Salkeld 
                                            • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                              We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                              The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                              47 min
                                            • 293 Joan Watson on the Pilgrimage of Daily Living

                                              AMDG. Today, following this Jubilee Year of Hope, we welcome Joan Watson back to the Kolbecast. We’ve talked about pilgrimages in the past, but with the release of her new book Making a Pilgrimage, a Companion for Catholics, we’re able to focus a bit more on approaching life as a pilgrim. We also take the opportunity to live vicariously through Joan’s experiences on pilgrimages throughout the years.

                                              Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                              • Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics 
                                                • Follow @stpaulcenter @emmausroadpublishing and @joan.m.watson on Instagram 
                                                  • Opening the Holy Door 
                                                    • Joan’s website 
                                                      • Pilgrimage to Poland and Lithuania with Joan Watson October 2026 
                                                      • Related Kolbecast episodes: 

                                                        • 235 The Disposition of Pilgrimage and 251 A Year of the Lord’s Favor with Joan Watson 
                                                          • 183 Gratuitous Gifts: Charisms with Sherry Weddell 
                                                          • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                            We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                            The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                            59 min
                                                          • 292 Dale Ahlquist on G.K. Chesterton, the Complete Thinker

                                                            Many people know Dale Ahlquist through his television show, his many writings, or through his work as the president of the Society of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Today Steven, Bonnie, and Kolbe Academy marketing director Josh Beckman get to hear more about G.K. Chesterton, both as a man and about his writings. So whether you’re a longtime Chesterton fan or new to his work, you’re sure to enjoy this conversation about the Apostle of Common Sense.  

                                                            Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                                            • I Also Had My Hour: An Alternative Autobiography of G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist 
                                                              • Books about G.K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist in the Chesterton Society online store 
                                                                • The Chestertons and the Golden Key by Nancy Brown 
                                                                • Related Kolbecast episodes 

                                                                  • 252 The Timeliness of Fulton Sheen with Cheryl Hughes 
                                                                    • 49 Revealed through Story and 253 Classical Literature Appetizers with Joseph Pearce 
                                                                    •  

                                                                      Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                      We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                      The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                      44 min
                                                                    • 291 Good Saint Joseph - Mystery Keeper with Fr. Serafino Lanzetta

                                                                      AMDG. Any time is a good time to meditate on the life of St. Joseph.  Fr. Lanzetta gives us many insights into the life of this extremely important saint and how, through a devotion to St. Joseph, this wonderful saint will lead us to the Blessed Mother and Our Lord.  

                                                                      Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                                                      • The Silent Witness of Nazareth by Serafino Lanzetta 
                                                                        • Radio Immaculata 
                                                                          • Marian Franciscans 
                                                                            • Kolbecast episode 280 St. Maximilian Kolbe and Marian Consecration with Dave VanVickle 
                                                                            • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                              We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                              The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                              54 min
                                                                            • 290 There Is No Neutral with Brett Salkeld

                                                                              AMDG. Theologian, podcaster, and author Dr. Brett Salkeld wants to make every class Catholic. Brett contends that faith and science are complementary. Though the two fields answer two fundamentally different questions, their conclusions are inseparably intertwined.  

                                                                              In this lively episode, Brett discusses his experience as a homeschooling parent, his background as a diocesan theologian, and how he approaches complex topics with his own children. 

                                                                              Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                                                              • Making Every Class Catholic has links to Dr. Salkeld’s various online offerings 
                                                                                • Thinking Faith podcast 
                                                                                  • Dr. Salkeld’s Substack 
                                                                                    • Educating for Eternity: A Teacher’s Companion for Making Every Class Catholic 
                                                                                      • Dr. Daniel Kuebler on the Thinking Faith Podcast 
                                                                                      • Related Kolbecast episodes 

                                                                                        • 222 Something No One Has Understood Before and 278 On Compatibility of Evolution and Catholicism with Dr. Daniel Kuebler 
                                                                                          • 52 Through a Catholic Lens with Kim Crawford 
                                                                                          • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                                            We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                                            The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                                            57 min
                                                                                          • 289 The Homeschool Compass Part 2

                                                                                            AMDG. Homeschooling parents often feel the pressure to do it all. But sometimes what they need most is a lighter load. In this continuation of our conversation with Curriculum Project Manager Erica Treat, we explore the range of additional support available to parents. Whether you want access to supplemental lectures from our skilled teaching staff or want to have a teacher on call for grading support and questions, Kolbe has something for you.  

                                                                                            Related Kolbecast episodes: 

                                                                                            • 288 The Homeschool Compass Part 1 
                                                                                              • 281 Beauty through Words: Classical Reflections on Poetry 
                                                                                                • 285 Joy, Light, Sorrow, and Glory – The Way of the Rosary with Shannon Wendt 
                                                                                                  • 260 Flow & Connection through Learning and 261 Make It about Relationship with Lisa Popcak 
                                                                                                  • Visit kolbe.org/podcast and click the “liturgical living” tab for more episodes featuring discussion on liturgical living 

                                                                                                    Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                                                    We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                                                    The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                                                    46 min
                                                                                                  • 288 The Homeschool Compass Part 1

                                                                                                    AMDG. Curriculum Project Manager Erica Treat joins the Kolbecast to walk parents through the many resources available in Kolbe's course plans and how to implement them for a successful homeschooling year. Not only has Erica helped Kolbe create and refine these course plans, but she has also used them in her own home with her children. Erica discusses how the course plans are modified to meet your family's unique needs and offers strategies for balancing the demands of parenting and teaching. Whether you have used Kolbe's course plans for years or are new homeschooling, this episode is sure to provide you with a wealth of inspiration for your journey. 

                                                                                                    Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                                                                                    • Information about Parent Partnership Meetings 
                                                                                                      • The Kolbe Academy Blog 
                                                                                                        • The Academics & Advising section of the Kolbe Academy Help Center  
                                                                                                          • Blog post corresponding to this topic coming soon! 
                                                                                                          • Related Kolbecast episodes: 

                                                                                                            • 281 Beauty through Words: Classical Reflections on Poetry 
                                                                                                              • 156 Mission Intent: Formed to Serve with Erica and her husband Kevin as well as other Kolbe military families 
                                                                                                                • 29 The February Staredown 
                                                                                                                  • 243 Drawing Distinctions: Classical Education, Liberal Arts, and Liberal Education 
                                                                                                                  • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                                                                    We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                                                                    The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                                                                    54 min
                                                                                                                  • 287 Emily Stimpson Chapman Sees the World with Catholic Eyes

                                                                                                                    AMDG. Best-selling Catholic author Emily Stimpson Chapman returns to the Kolbecast to discuss the launch of her three newest books: Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends, The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics, and Sacred Wine: The Holy History and Heritage of Catholic Vintners.  

                                                                                                                    Around the Catholic Table began as an e-book fundraiser to raise money for Emily's second adoption. From there, it grew into an all-in-one guide to hosting, providing recommendations for everything from cleaning to decorating to cooking for guests with food allergies. Emily's 20-year experience as a Catholic writer prepared her for her second project, a story bible for Catholic readers of all ages. Her final book-- Sacred Wine -- tells the story of Catholic winemakers. "Catholicism is like honey," Emily comments, "It gets all over everything." 

                                                                                                                    Links mentioned & relevant: 

                                                                                                                    • Kolbecast episode 130 The Gifts We Have, Emily’s Kolbecast debut 
                                                                                                                      • Around the Catholic Table  
                                                                                                                        • The Story of All Stories 
                                                                                                                          • Sacred Wine 
                                                                                                                            • The Visitation Sessions podcast 
                                                                                                                              • Study with Emily Stimpson Chapman in Austria May 2026  
                                                                                                                                • St. Paul Center 
                                                                                                                                • Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to [email protected] and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  

                                                                                                                                  We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 

                                                                                                                                  The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

                                                                                                                                  50 min

                                                                                                                                About Kolbecast

                                                                                                                                From the publisher's feed

                                                                                                                                The official podcast of Kolbe Academy with lively discussions on home & distance education, Kolbe Academy, and our Catholic community.