Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

Looking to navigate the college admissions process as a homeschooler? Robert sits down with Blake and Sophie Sunny from Asbury University to demystify the journey from homeschool to higher education. Sophie, a former Classical Conversations student herself, shares her personal transition to college life, while Blake offers invaluable insights as Asbury's homeschool admissions counselor. With 20% of Asbury's student population coming from homeschool backgrounds, they discuss everything from crafting transcripts and preparing for campus visits to what makes homeschool students stand out in college.

https://www.asbury.edu/

How does a struggling Christian college transform into a thriving university while keeping tuition frozen for 16 years? Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller shares the remarkable story of GCU's innovative approach to affordable education, student-led spiritual growth, and community transformation. From serving immigrant neighborhoods to pioneering industry partnerships, discover how GCU is redefining Christian higher education while staying true to its biblical mission.

https://www.gcu.edu/

Can a college focused on ancient texts prepare students for modern challenges better than traditional universities? Dr. Charles Dewberry, Academic Dean of Gutenberg College, joins Robert to discuss their unique great books approach to higher education. Learn how this small liberal arts college uses tutoring and primary texts to teach students the art of living wisely and discover why their graduates are uniquely prepared to tackle complex problems in today's world.

https://gutenberg.edu/

Is our modern view of the family broken? Robert interviews Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams Ministry. Jeremy shares his journey from being uninterested in fatherhood to becoming a passionate advocate for multigenerational family teams after being inspired by Jewish and Arab family cultures during his time in Jerusalem. They discuss how modern Western family structures differ from biblical models, the importance of building family assets and businesses together, and practical ways to cultivate stronger family teams.

https://familyteams.com/

Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.

Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

Today we explore five essential tips for making classical thinking a lifestyle from some of our past episodes. From restoring liberal arts to their biblical roots, to cultivating natural curiosity and demonstrating real understanding, join us for practical insights on bringing classical education into everyday life. Will wraps up the episode with a crypto segment.

Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators. Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort

Was Jesus a Marxist? Robert interviews Jerry Bowyer, president of Bowyer Research and author of "The Maker Versus the Taker: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics." They explore the biblical perspective on economics, discussing how Jesus's teachings relate to free markets, the difference between wealth creation and wealth extraction, and practical guidance for Christians navigating today's economic landscape. Bowyer shares insights on responsible investing, proxy voting, and how Christians can be effective stewards of their resources while maintaining their values in an increasingly complex financial world.

https://www.meetingofmindspodcast.com/

https://x.com/jerryleebowyer

https://www.bowyerresearch.com/

Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you're in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles

In this special compilation episode, guest host Chris Blackburn presents the top five classical educational conversations from the year. Featured guests include Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins discussing the theological significance of mathematics, Douglas Wilson on Christian education as a moral imperative, Kathy Gibbens exploring the importance of formal logic in the AI age, Lynne Taylor offering a controversial perspective on education rights, and Adam Powers sharing his family's RV living and homeschooling journey. Tune in to relive some of our most thought-provoking guests from 2024!

Kick off the Christmas season with a heartwarming story that captures the true joy and meaning of Christmas. Filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, and a message of love and grace, this movie will remind you that no one is beyond the reach of hope. Bring the whole family and don't miss out—see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on the big screen now in theatres! Buy Tickets Here

How can classical education bridge divides and create hope? Dr. Anika Prather—scholar, educator, and founder of the Living Water School—shares her inspiring journey into classical education and her vision for its future. As a lecturer at Howard University and passionate advocate for making classical education accessible to all communities, Dr. Prather offers unique insights into how ancient wisdom can unite rather than divide.

https://drprather.com/

https://x.com/AnikaFreeindeed

Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey.

Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

What are you thankful for? In this heartwarming Thanksgiving special, Robert opens his heart to share the blessings he's most grateful for this season. He shares a heartfelt reflection on gratitude, expressing thanks for his family, community leaders, and you, our faithful listeners.

Classical Learning Cohorts help CC Directors, Tutors, and Parent-Teachers grow in confidence and competence with the classical tools of learning and as classical educators.

Curious about our cohorts or ready to apply for a seat? Register at classicalconversations.com/cohort

How does someone go from writing pro-LGBT legislation to defending biblical truth? Join us for a powerful conversation with Rosaria Butterfield, author of "Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age." A former tenured professor of English and Women's Studies at Syracuse University, Butterfield shares her journey from lesbian activist to Christian author and speaker. She offers profound insights on current cultural challenges facing Christians while emphasizing the importance of both truth and loving engagement with neighbors. Now a pastor's wife, homeschool mom, and classical educator, Butterfield discusses cultural deceptions around identity, gender, and faith expression, while sharing practical wisdom about community involvement.

https://rosariabutterfield.com/

Life is busy! Download audio versions of the articles from the Catalog and listen while you're in the car, working out, or forward an episode to a friend. To listen to articles that will equip and encourage you no matter where you are in your homeschooling journey go to ClassicalConversations.com/Catalog-Articles