ClassicalU Podcast

Jesse Hake
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This podcast features the Director of ClassicalU.com, Jesse Hake, interviewing ClassicalU presenters and Live Learning Event hosts as well as occasional episodes featuring material directly from one of our ClassicalU presenters or guests.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Episode 36: Seeing with the Quadrivium: How Medieval Stories Reflect a Living Cosmos

    In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, Jesse Hake speaks with Dr. Shannon Valenzuela about her new course releasing this spring on medieval literature and the harmonics of story. Beginning with Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy and culminating in Dante’s Divine Comedy, Dr. Valenzuela shows how medieval authors understood stories as reflections of cosmic order, proportion, pattern, and harmony—a “story math” that structures their designs and animates their themes. Her approach integrates literature with the the quadrivium of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The conversation ranges across texts such as Beowulf, Cædmon’s Hymn, The Dream of the Rood, and Judith, revealing how Anglo-Saxon poetry unites heroic culture with Christian theology. Turning to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, including the General Prologue, Knight’s Tale, Wife of Bath’s Tale, and the comic Tale of Sir Thopas, the episode highlights medieval play, parody, and invention. Dr. Valenzuela also explores medieval drama through The Chester Play of Noah’s Flood and The Second Shepherds’ Play, alongside continental works like Christine de Pizan’s City of Ladies and Chrétien de Troyes’s Knight of the Cart. Throughout, the discussion contrasts harmony with disorder by examining monstrosity, transgression, and imbalance, engaging thinkers from Aristotle’s Poetics to Hildegard of Bingen. The episode invites educators to recover a vision of reading and learning in which literature, theology, mathematics, and music together disclose a world that is meaningful, ordered, and alive. Watch for Dr. Valenzuela’s forthcoming ClassicalU Course “The Harmonics of Medieval Storytelling” in the early spring of 2026. Listeners may also be interested in other ClassicalU courses mentioned such as Junius Johnson’s “Teaching Medieval History: The Age of Light”and “Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition”.

    1h 4m

  2. 01/12/2025

    Episode 35: Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, and the Cosmic Story of Christmas: A Conversation with Addison Hodges Hart

    In this Christmas-season episode, Jesse Hake speaks with author, retired parish priest, and former university chaplain Addison Hodges Hart about Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, and the meaning of the Nativity, drawing on stories and poetry ranging from Tolkien’s Letters from Father Christmas, C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and "The Turn of the Tide", John Masefield’s The Box of Delights, to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Their conversation touches on the legends of St. Nicholas—his dowry gifts for the three daughters, the tale of the three murdered boys, and even the stories set beautifully to music in Benjamin Britten’s St. Nicolas Oratorio. Hart reflects on Mary through the lens of The Protoevangelium of James and the theological symbolism found in iconography, echoing themes explored in his own book Four Gospels: Four Hearts, One Lord: reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in Context. The discussion explores the wisdom of keeping Advent through fasting and restraint, enriched by traditional carols such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and recordings from the Robert Shaw Chorale. The episode warmly recommends ghost-story traditions associated with Christmas—especially works by M. R. James, E. F. Benson, and Arthur Machen—alongside Hart’s own collection Patapsco Spirits: Eleven Ghost Stories. Hart shares how Norwegian customs, from the Jule Nisse to festive foods like lamb ribs and kohlrabi, shape the season where he lives. Throughout the conversation, the Incarnation emerges as a cosmic event—one that overturns the powers of darkness, fulfills ancient hopes, and invites Christians to keep both Advent and Christmas with depth, joy, and imagination. Listeners may enjoy further writings by Hart at the Pragmatic Mystic: An Orthodox Miscellany. Additionally, listeners may be interested in Bishop Eric Varden’s book Chastity: Reconciliation of the Senses and ClassicalU's course “Chastity as the Power to Love: A Discussion as Parents and Teachers on the Reconciliation of the Senses Toward the Fullness of Desire” that will release soon in our last newsletter before Christmas.

    1h 6m

  3. 05/11/2025

    Episode 34: Teaching in Reality: D. C. Schindler on Classical Education and Metaphysics

    In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, philosopher D. C. Schindler joins Jesse Hake for a conversation on the metaphysical and theological foundations of classical education. Interview questions address epistemology, anthropology, the nature of true authority, and the dangers of mixing culture wars and Christian nationalism with classical education. Drawing from thinkers like Balthasar, Pieper, and John Paul II, Dr. Schindler challenges modern assumptions about knowledge and formation, proposing instead that education begins not with analysis but with awe—with a reverent participation in the givenness of being. He argues that classical education must recover a sacramental vision of reality, where truth is not merely grasped but received, contemplated, and lived. The discussion explores the role of beauty, the distortions of technocratic modernity, and the importance of shaping educators who model metaphysical humility. Dr. Schindler also reflects on how wonder, leisure, and liturgy reorient both teaching and learning toward truth as a Person. Far from being abstract, the conversation is filled with practical implications for how we form students and communities, such as in the Postman Pledge, in the classical tradition. Listeners will come away with a renewed vision of education as a deeply human—and deeply divine—act of communion. Listeners may also be interested in these Classical U Courses: Essential Philosophy, Theology of Beauty and the Imagination: A Guide to Wonder, Teaching Modern Political Philosophy, and Boethius the Consolation of Philosophy. Listeners interested in exploring more of Dr. David Schindler’s work may enjoy these titles: Freedom from Reality, The Catholicity of Reason, The Politics of the Real, and God and the City.

    1h 6m

  4. 06/10/2025

    Episode 33: Leadership in the Classical Tradition with Aristotle, Aurelius, and Christopher Perrin

    In this conversation, Jesse Hake welcomes Dr. Christopher Perrin to explore leadership in the virtue and liberal arts tradition. Drawing from the ClassicalU courses Leadership and the Liberal Arts and Essential School Leadership, Dr. Perrin reflects on how classical and Christian traditions of virtue shape a truly human vision of leadership—one rooted not in dominance but in service, humility, and paradoxical wisdom. He explains how the liberal arts cultivate both the intellectual habits and moral character necessary for wise leadership, especially in classical Christian schools. The discussion also highlights the Educational Leadership for Classical Christian Schools masters program offered through Gordon College, in which Dr. Perrin co-teaches a course on Leadership and the Liberal Arts with Keith Nix. Students engage figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Augustine, Boethius, and Sertillanges, while learning to apply classical insights to the real challenges of school leadership. Listeners will come away with a renewed vision of leadership as a lifelong pursuit of wisdom, virtue, and community.

    1h 9m

  5. 01/09/2025

    Episode 32: Revisiting the Classics for All: A Conversation with Angel Adams Parham

    In this wide-ranging conversation, sociologist, educator  and ClassicalU course presenter Angel Adams Parham joins Jesse Hake to explore the idea of an “American classical education.” Drawing, in part, upon her work on “The Black Intellectual Tradition” and Women in the Liberal Arts Tradition, Angel makes a compelling case for expanding our understanding of classical education to include voices like Olaudah Equiano, Phyllis Wheatley, Benjamin Banneker, and Martin Luther King Jr. She argues that these thinkers not only embraced the ideals of freedom, justice, and human dignity but also challenged the American project to live up to them. The episode examines how figures often seen in opposition to the Western canon actually engage deeply with classical texts, bringing them to life in prophetic and transformative ways. Angel also shares success stories from her curriculum work in Nyansa Classical Community and offers hopeful signs of renewal in both K–12 and university contexts. Angel believes a true classical education must be capacious, critical, and living—one that welcomes students of all backgrounds into conversations about ancient truths with contemporary relevance. See also this episode with Dr. Kelisha B. Graves about her book on educator and civil rights activist Nannie Helen Burroughs.

    57 min

  6. 04/08/2025

    Episode 31: Walking with Dante: Louis Markos on the Poet's Cosmic Imagination

    In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, scholar Louis Markos joins host Jesse Hake to discuss his upcoming ClassicalU course, and forthcoming companion book on Dante’s Divine Comedy. Markos explores Dante’s visionary architecture of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, not merely as allegory, but as a deeply experiential and spiritually transformative journey. Sharing his creative process for writing in Dante’s voice, he reflects on the beauty of the medieval cosmological model and its resonance with Christian truths, classical education, and even contemporary longing for spiritual depth. The episode dives into topics such as hierarchy, theosis, pilgrimage, classical myth, and the enduring influence of Dante on C. S. Lewis and modern Christian imagination. Listeners will also hear practical encouragement for teaching Dante, including translation tips, thematic frameworks, and connections to Lewis’s Great Divorce and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Whether you're new to Dante or a seasoned reader, this episode offers a compelling invitation to walk with the poet through realms of sin, repentance, and divine glory. Other ClassicalU course mentioned is Myth Made Fact.

    59 min

  7. 07/07/2025

    Episode 30: John Mays Shares about Moving from Lifeless Teaching to Holy Moments

    In this episode of the ClassicalU Podcast, host Jesse Hake interviews John Mays, the founder of the Novare Science curriculum. The discussion centers around Mays' new course, "Cultivating Wonder Throughout the School" as a help to educators integrating a sense of wonder and mystery into their teaching across various subjects. Mays shares his journey from focusing on wonder in the sciences to expanding his approach to encompass the entire school curriculum, including subjects like math, languages, history, and literature. He addresses the challenges posed by lifeless teaching and the modern withdrawal of children from nature, exacerbated by social media and safety concerns. Mays advocates for a teaching approach that highlights the mystery and awe inherent in subjects, using examples like DNA replication and historical anecdotes to engage students deeply. He emphasizes the importance of creating "holy moments" in the classroom, where students are profoundly moved and inspired. The episode concludes with practical examples of how teachers can cultivate wonder, such as integrating music, poetry, and visual imagery into lessons, and encouraging students to engage with nature and art.

    51 min

  8. 09/06/2025

    Episode 29: From Chaos to Clarity: Practical Support for New Classical Educators

    Kim Warman, lower school dean and teacher at Coram Deo Academy in Carmel, Indiana, shares insights from her new ClassicalU course, Launching Your Classical Classroom, which provides practical support for new grammar school teachers. She reflects on her own educational journey, having experienced both non-classical and classical education before attending Hillsdale College and teaching at several classical schools. Kim emphasizes the importance of preparing a classroom environment that fosters peaceful, joyful learning and encourages teachers to build strong routines and relationships from the outset. She highlights the value of creative, hands-on projects for student engagement and mentorship and teacher collaboration for professional growth and classroom stability. Of great importance, Kim advocates for read-alouds, narration, and strategic scheduling to balance rigorous content with creativity and movement. She also underscores the critical role of proactive parent partnerships in fostering student success and community support. Above all, Kim encourages teachers to begin simply, focus on essentials, and then gradually add creative flourishes as they gain confidence.

    1 hr
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About

This podcast features the Director of ClassicalU.com, Jesse Hake, interviewing ClassicalU presenters and Live Learning Event hosts as well as occasional episodes featuring material directly from one of our ClassicalU presenters or guests.

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Hake
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©TrueNorth.fm
  • Show Website
    ClassicalU Podcast

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