HeightsCast: Forming Men Fully Alive

The Heights School
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Welcome to HeightsCast, the podcast of The Heights School. With over 200 episodes, HeightsCast discusses the education of young men fully alive in the liberal arts tradition. The program engages teachers and thought-leaders in the educational/cultural space to support our community of listeners: parents, teachers, and school leaders seeking to educate the young men in their care. Instead of downloads, HeightsCast's most important metric for success is the unknown number of thoughtful discussions it prompts in homes, faculty lunchrooms, and communities around the country and the world. Thank you for listening; thank you for continuing the conversation.

  1. Mark Ryland on Pragmatic Hope: Understanding AI and the New Economy

    3 DAYS AGO

    Mark Ryland on Pragmatic Hope: Understanding AI and the New Economy

    As a top cybersecurity expert in the commercial sector, Mark Ryland has spent nearly a decade following the development of AI systems—their possibilities, their risks, and their limits. And he's found reason for measured optimism. At this year's Heights Parents Conference on "AI and Our Sons: Optimism in Uncharted Waters," Mr. Ryland brought a moderating perspective to the podium, sharing his insights into how AI really operates and what kind of impact it may have on the job economy our children will inherit. Chapters: 00:04:41 A recent history of AI 00:10:31 Intelligence: human, animal, and artificial 00:14:15 Brains vs. minds 00:16:55 Incredible possibilities through pattern recognition 00:21:21 AI's dependence, "model collapse" 00:24:49 Expected impact on economy sectors 00:32:47 AI limits: reinforcement learning 00:36:12 AI risks: safety, job loss 00:42:01 Thoughts on the home 00:44:01 Thoughts on the classroom 00:48:07 Catholic chatbots Links: The Mind & The Machine, podcast by Dr. Michael Augros on AI, science, and philosophy Coding after Coders: The End of Computer Programming as We Know It, NYT, March 12, 2026 Why It's Getting Harder to Measure AI Performance by Timothy B. Lee, Understanding AI Substack Attention Is All You Need, seminal paper on generative AI by a Google Team, June 2017 How One Paper Changed Everything, concerning "Attention Is All You Need," Medium, October 10, 2025 Scientists Research Man Missing 90% of His Brain Who Leads a Normal Life, CBC Radio, July 14, 2016 Also on the Forum: The Walled Garden: Critical Considerations for Classroom AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti A Humane Way of Life: The Research Behind Home Tech Decisions featuring Clare Morell

    52 min
  2. Andrew Cantarutti on The Walled Garden: Critical Considerations for Classroom AI

    7 MAY

    Andrew Cantarutti on The Walled Garden: Critical Considerations for Classroom AI

    AI tech has come knocking at the classroom door, and schools across the country are rushing to design their AI policies around information that seems to change by the day. At this year's Heights Parents Conference on "AI and Our Sons: Optimism in Uncharted Waters," writer and educator Andrew Cantarutti shared the research and critical analysis necessary for school communities to consider the claims of AI ed-tech. In the end, he says, the question will be how best to raise citizens rather than simply users. Chapters: 00:03:25 Turkish proverb: the trees and the ax 00:04:09 The attention crisis 00:08:46 AI: a different kind of technology 00:14:08 Adolescence and brain architecture 00:15:03 AI knocks on the classroom door 00:17:34 Walled Garden vs. Marketplace Mirror schools 00:21:03 Building AI literacy 00:27:04 AI's personalized education 00:27:47 Benefits of the traditional classroom 00:31:34 Our role as parents 00:34:25 Turkish proverb, decoded Links: The Walled Garden, Andrew Cantarutti's Substack Attention Span by Gloria Mark Empire of AI by Karen Hao Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt in Essay Writing, MIT Media Lab, June 10, 2025 Center for Humane Technology, co-founded by Tristan Harris, former Google employee Also on the Forum: Classroom Habits of Attention in the Age of AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti A Humane Way of Life: The Research Behind Home Tech Decisions featuring Clare Morell

    39 min
  3. Clare Morell on A Humane Way of Life: The Research Behind Home Tech Decisions

    30 APR

    Clare Morell on A Humane Way of Life: The Research Behind Home Tech Decisions

    A rapid rollout of integrated AI into technology we use everyday brings with it new considerations for our tech policies at home. At this year's Heights Parents Conference on "AI and Our Sons: Optimism in Uncharted Waters," author and public policy researcher Clare Morell shared the latest news and research to inform our digital decisions at home. She points out that, increasingly, the vision we as parents have for our children is in direct competition with the vision big tech has for them. But an active and optimistic posture can help us guide our families toward a more humane way of life. Chapters: 00:04:18 The lay of the digital land 00:08:38 Neuroscience of screens 00:18:56 The myth of parental controls 00:23:22 AI enters the chat 00:32:40 Maturity required to operate 00:35:09 Forming our children: parents and tech companies in competition 00:37:48 Digital detox for your family 00:41:29 A humane way of life: F.E.A.S.T. 00:43:59 Educating children on the harms 00:46:32 Adopting smartphone alternatives 00:48:11 Screen rules and accountability at home 00:50:58 Trading screens for responsibility 00:53:06 Reclaiming human flourishing Links: The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones by Clare Morell The Tech Exit Supplementary Resources by Clare Morell Preserving Our Humanity, Clare Morell's Substack Meta's 'Digital Companions' Will Talk Sex with Users—Even Children, WSJ, April 26, 2025 Meta's AI Rules Let Bots Hold 'Sensual' Chats with Children, Reuters, August 14, 2025 AI Tutors for Kids Gave Fentanyl Recipes and Dangerous Diet Advice, Forbes, May 12, 2025 Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt in Essay Writing, MIT Media Lab, June 10, 2025 Sexting with Gemini, The Atlantic, July 14, 2025 The Social Dilemma, ages 12+, docudrama explaining tech company motivations, 2020 Also on the Forum: The Tech Exit: How Smartphones Undermine Our Parenting—and How to Reverse Course featuring Clare Morell

    56 min
  4. Robert Greving on an Apostolate of Courtesy: Social Graces and Civilization

    23 APR

    Robert Greving on an Apostolate of Courtesy: Social Graces and Civilization

    Saving civilization well may begin with eye contact, a tucked shirt, a sincere apology, or a held door. For the dispositions we have toward the little things truly train our sense of human dignity. In his new book, The Apostolate of Courtesy, middle school Latin and language arts teacher Rob Greving follows in the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales. His book offers a defense of civility for the sake of the soul, followed by a practical guide to many of life's social situations. From table manners to small talk to handling interruptions, our manner affects the temper of the world. And "when I have courtesy," Mr. Greving writes, "I am not lowering myself but raising myself to the dignity of Christ." Chapters: 2:10 Mr. Greving's influences 5:46 Courtesy and civilization 10:53 The medium of apologetics: us! 13:56 St. Francis de Sales: the gentleman saint 19:09 Manners at home 26:05 Handling interruptions well 31:24 Parents and teachers as the example 39:28 The art of apology 42:37 Courtesy in the classroom Links: The Apostolate of Courtesy: How to Save Souls and Change the World through the Power of Manners by Robert Greving Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life by C. S. Lewis Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior by George Washington Also on the Forum: Manners: The Art of Happiness by Robert Greving On Manners: The "ABCs" of Virtue featuring Colin Gleason Enjoying Our Children and Why It's Important featuring Alvaro de Vicente Featured Opportunities: Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026) Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)

    50 min
  5. Dr. Matthew Spalding on Teaching the American Founding after 250 Years

    16 APR

    Dr. Matthew Spalding on Teaching the American Founding after 250 Years

    How have we allowed such a daring story as the American founding to become so flat? A history lesson so simple, tidy, and inevitable that it can be covered in one day's class? Dr. Matthew Spalding, dean of Hillsdale's Van Andel Graduate School of Government, wants to revive the living story of the American founding—and the Declaration of Independence, in particular. Calling it our nation's "epic poem," he sees in this document as a layered poetic, philosophical, and practical work of the American Mind. This week on HeightsCast, Dr. Spalding invites educators (and everyday citizens) to understand our nation's founding as so much more than just "an Enlightenment experiment." Chapters: 00:03:04 "The American Mind" in 1776 00:08:36 A better definition of patriotism 00:10:57 Declaration of Independence: our epic poem 00:14:43 How and why we teach history 00:16:36 Founding influences: more than the Enlightenment 00:21:46 The American synthesis 00:26:40 "Pursuit of happiness" in context 00:29:22 Why the founding narrative is mistold 00:38:06 New surprises in old studies 00:41:32 Finding common ground today Links: Dr. Matthew Spalding, Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, Hillsdale College The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence by Matthew Spalding We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future by Matthew Spalding The Founders' Almanac: A Practical Guide to the Notable Events, Greatest Leaders, and Most Eloquent Words of the American Founding by Matthew Spalding Also on the Forum: On the Importance of History, Part I featuring Dr. Matthew Spalding Why Arguments Make History by Mark Grannis Keeping the Story in History by Mark Grannis Featured Opportunities: Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026) Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026)

    48 min
  6. Colin Gleason on "Tell me the truth!" Leading Boys to Integrity

    9 APR

    Colin Gleason on "Tell me the truth!" Leading Boys to Integrity

    Why tell the truth when it doesn't always pay? It's important to let boys encounter this question through example, literature, and enough freedom to wrestle with his own conscience. In this rebroadcast of a 2017 talk, Head of Lower School Colin Gleason admits that you can't "teach" integrity with drills and facts. But you can create an environment that encourages it to develop. We have to push past consequentialism and avoid the adult instinct to root out the facts at any cost. Because the truth is a good and natural thing; the boy needs only to embrace it. Chapters: 3:12 Dishonesty: from toddlers to adults 5:51 Examples of integrity 10:04 Defining integrity, and whether we can teach it 13:36 Getting past "consequence" ethics 22:14 Homes and schools where integrity can take root 24:47 Trust: the power of relationship 33:47 Freedom: their own initiative 38:37 Friendship: ready to guide and help 45:03 Dishonesty from fear, honesty from confidence Links: Jeremy Affeldt repaid the Giants $500,000 after clerical error, CBS Sports, May 15, 2013 "Sportsman" Roddick falls in Rome, The Seattle Times, May 6, 2005 Also on the Forum: The Truth Shall Set You Free by Alvaro de Vicente Lying to Dumbledore: On Moral Consequentialism in Children's Literature featuring Joe Breslin and Tom Cox Featured Opportunities: Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026)

    51 min
  7. Dave Maxham on Automaticity: Where 'Rote' Fits into the Liberal Arts

    26 MAR

    Dave Maxham on Automaticity: Where 'Rote' Fits into the Liberal Arts

    Could creativity and intellectual freedom actually depend on the rote? Following up on his recent article for the Forum, math teacher Dave Maxham dives into why fundamentals and drills are integral to creativity—not hindrances. Between the "drill and kill" and the "free inquiry" camps lies the golden mean: an understanding that mastery and even delight in the basics allows for real, nimble handling of creative problems. Chapters: 3:19 Defining automaticity, creativity 7:09 The automatic enables the creative 15:14 Returning to basics, overcoming boredom 19:14 Struggle and humility bear fruit 24:05 Mastery and the intrinsic payoff 27:24 Model delight in your subject 35:13 With low standards, high expectations 42:25 The goals of homework 47:58 Cover less material, emphasize process 55:45 Letting them work it out Links: Automaticity and Creativity by David Maxham Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton (see chapter 4, "The Ethics of Elfland") Just Tell Them: The Power of Explanation and Explicit Teaching by Zach Groshnell The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again by Jared Cooney Horvath Also on the Forum: Classroom Habits of Attention in the Age of AI featuring Andrew Cantarutti Mathematics: The Lost Liberal Art featuring Dave Maxham The Math Problem: Tackling the "I'm Terrible at Math" Mentality featuring Dave Maxham Featured Opportunities: Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026) – link coming soon The Art of Teaching Boys Conference at The Heights School (May 6-8, 2026) – waitlist Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026) Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 2026)

    1hr 5min
  8. Andrew Reed on Parenting through the Middle School Doldrums

    19 MAR

    Andrew Reed on Parenting through the Middle School Doldrums

    What do our children need most from us in the unsteady years of middle school? First, says Head of Middle School Andy Reed, they need our availability. But making ourselves fully and honestly available runs contrary to so many modern patterns of life, from work demands and short schedules to the ever-tempting screen. In fact, Mr. Reed calls it the Mount Everest of Modern Parenting: replacing frenetic patterns with quiet, contemplative patterns for our own mental management, so that we can be available to the boy who needs us at unexpected times. Chapters: 1:35 Middle school's rough reputation 6:39 A boy in search of his role 9:30 Attention shouldn't be sourced in worry 11:44 How to trust the boy 22:54 A family culture of availability 26:27 Parenting spectrum: from buddy to manager 28:57 The golden mean: accompaniment 31:13 Quiet patterns over frenetic ones 42:28 How to deliver advice Also on the Forum: Parenting: Patience or Optimism featuring Andrew Reed There Is No Manual by Alvaro de Vicente What Parents and Teachers Need to Know about The Male Brain by Dr. Joseph Lanzilotti Educating Leaders with Thomas More featuring Dr. Stephen Smith Featured Opportunities: Parents' Conference at The Heights School (April 25, 2026) – link coming soon The Art of Teaching Boys Conference at The Heights School (May 6-8, 2026) – waitlist Teaching Essentials Workshop at The Heights School (June 22-26, 2026) Convivium Conference for Teaching Men at The Heights School (November 2026) – link coming soon

    51 min
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Welcome to HeightsCast, the podcast of The Heights School. With over 200 episodes, HeightsCast discusses the education of young men fully alive in the liberal arts tradition. The program engages teachers and thought-leaders in the educational/cultural space to support our community of listeners: parents, teachers, and school leaders seeking to educate the young men in their care. Instead of downloads, HeightsCast's most important metric for success is the unknown number of thoughtful discussions it prompts in homes, faculty lunchrooms, and communities around the country and the world. Thank you for listening; thank you for continuing the conversation.

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