Everyday Educator

Classical Conversations Inc.
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Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: classical, Christian, and Community.

  1. 4H AGO

    Raising Kids Who Don't Deconstruct Their Faith | Alisa Childers

    Is progressive Christianity coming for your kids — and would you even recognize it if it was? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Amy Jones and co-host Emma Bortins sit down with author and apologist Alisa Childers to unpack what progressive Christianity actually is, why it appeals to young people, and how Christian homeschool parents can equip their children to stand firm in biblical truth. If you're raising kids in today's cultural climate, this conversation is one you can't afford to miss. Alisa shares her own story of encountering progressive Christianity through a pastor who slowly dismantled core doctrines of the faith, and how that crisis ultimately led her to study apologetics and write Another Gospel. She offers a clear definition of progressive Christianity — not by what it affirms, but by what it denies: substitutionary atonement, the authority of Scripture, the reality of hell, and the exclusivity of Christ. The conversation turns to the younger generation and how moral relativism has become the dominant worldview of Gen Z, making it harder than ever for kids to understand why biblical truth isn't just "your opinion." From there, the hosts dig into practical parenting strategies: why it's not enough to shelter kids, why you should actually show them progressive content and work through it together, and how modeling confidence in your faith can be more powerful than having a perfect answer.  What You'll Learn: - What progressive Christianity is — and the core doctrines it quietly denies - Why young people are so susceptible to progressive theology and deconstruction - How social media (including random TikTok videos) is influencing your kids' faith - Why the definition of "truth" may be the most important conversation you have with your child - A practical, age-by-age strategy for building spiritual resilience at home - How to show your kids progressive Christian content without it rattling their faith - Why holding a biblical sexual ethic feels different for Gen Z than it did for previous generations - The best apologetics resources for parents and students — including Alisa's new student edition 00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 00:29 — Introducing Alisa Childers: Author, Apologist & CCM Artist 02:18 — About Another Gospel & the Student Edition 03:09 — Alisa's Personal Story: How She Encountered Progressive Christianity 06:04 — What Is Progressive Christianity? Definitions & Core Denials 11:13 — Tracing the Gospel Arc: Where Progressive Christianity Goes Off the Rails 15:02 — Social Justice, Marxism & What Unites Progressive Christians 16:14 — Is Progressive Christianity Growing? What the Data Doesn't Show 21:21 — The Most Important Word: How You Define "Truth" Changes Everything 24:06 — Insulin or Ice Cream: Teaching Objective vs. Subjective Truth 28:40 — Loving Your Kids' Friends While Holding a Biblical Sexual Ethic 30:03 — Identity, Sexuality & Untying the Knots for the Younger Generation 36:06 — Social Media & Progressive Christianity: Where the Influence Is Coming From 40:10 — Practical Strategies: How to Raise Spiritually Resilient Kids at Home 44:25 — It's Okay Not to Have All the Answers: Modeling Faith Under Pressure 47:36 — Secondary Issues, Wrestling with Scripture & Holding Things in Tension 48:38 — Recommended Resources for Parents & Students 52:01 — Closing Thoughts: The Beauty of the True Gospel Resources: https://alisachilders.com/ This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

    54 min

  2. FEB 24

    Why Memorizing Matters: Tips for Homeschool Families

    In this episode of Everyday Educator, host Lisa Bailey is joined by Amy Jones and Ginny Tran to explore why memorizing matters — for your children and for you. From scripture memory to poetry and classical memory work, discover how memorization builds wisdom, shapes character, and hides beauty in your heart for life. Amy and Ginny share their earliest memories of memorizing — from singing the books of the Bible at church to reciting Twas the Night Before Christmas by the warmth of a mother's voice — and what those moments reveal about how our brains and hearts learn together. Lisa adds her own stories along the way, including the surprising moment a long-forgotten song came back word-for-word on a Valentine's Day drive. But this conversation goes far deeper than memory work checklists. They unpack why the environment of learning matters just as much as the content, how music plants truth in the mind like an earworm that never leaves, and why memorizing whole passages of Scripture — not just isolated verses — can train our children to think alongside Paul, alongside John, and ultimately, alongside God himself. Whether you're in the thick of Memory Master season or simply looking for fresh motivation to make memorization meaningful in your homeschool, this episode will leave you inspired to see memory work for what it truly is: not a box to check, but a treasure to hide in the heart.   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc   The Classical Conversations Alumni Network The Classical Conversations Alumni Network is a vibrant community space that builds bridges between CC families and graduates, provides exclusive professional opportunities, and highlights inspirational stories. CC families and graduates will be encouraged and anchored in a supportive community that celebrates the Classical Conversations journey long after Challenge IV. Become a member of the Alumni Network today! Learn more by going to https://ccalumni.network/

    50 min

  3. FEB 17

    Raising Children of Character: Tips for Homeschool Moms

    What does it really mean to pass on virtue to your children—and how do you do it in the midst of everyday homeschool life? Join host Amy Jones and veteran homeschooler Chelly Barnard for a rich conversation about cultivating moral goodness in your home. Discover how Classical Conversations' Common Topics can help you define and teach virtue, why reading aloud to your kids well into high school matters more than you think, and practical ways to weave biblical truth into daily conversations without being "preachy." Chelly shares wisdom from 25 years of homeschooling experience, emphasizing that virtue isn't about rigid rules—it's about equipping children to flourish according to God's design. Whether you're wrestling with how to train your children's hearts or simply need encouragement that God fills in your deficits as a parent, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable insights for the everyday CC mom. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc "The Habits of a Classical Education" Classical Conversations is releasing "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish. Pre-order your signed copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" from February 17th through March 14th, 2026, at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/ – your personally signed book from Leigh will ship in May! https://classicalconversations.com/whatsnew/

    38 min

  4. FEB 10

    Ready or Not? Evaluating Your Child's Homeschool Readiness

    Wondering if your child is ready to start Foundations? Join Delise Germond and Lisa Bailey in this episode of Everyday Educator as they discuss practical signs of school readiness for preschoolers and early learners. Discover how to prepare your child for Classical Conversations Foundations, navigate emotional development milestones, and build essential skills like following directions, fine motor development, and independent play. Learn when to start formal learning, how to give constructive feedback as a homeschool parent, and why emotional intelligence matters as much as academic preparation. Whether you're new to homeschooling or evaluating your child's readiness for Foundations, this episode offers encouragement and actionable strategies for starting your homeschool journey with confidence. Perfect for parents of toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students considering Classical Conversations or home education. What you'll learn: •    How to recognize signs your child is ready for formal learning •    Ways to develop attention span and help children follow simple directions •    Activities that build fine motor skills and handwriting readiness •    Strategies for teaching emotional intelligence and naming feelings •    How to create routines and expectations together as a family •    Why sensory learning and developmental milestones matter •    The key differences between homeschool and traditional school readiness This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries: Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

    37 min

  5. FEB 3

    Tobin, Latin, and a Lot More Fun!

    What if learning Latin could actually be... fun? Join Lisa Bailey and Tobin Duby as they take you on a delightful journey through the world of Parent Practicum and Latin—two things that might sound intimidating but are actually gateways to lifelong learning for your entire family. Tobin shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from filming practicums across the country (including the tale of a toddler handing him her yogurt trash), while Lisa opens up about her own "hillbilly belt" moment that brought down the house. But beyond the laughter, discover why practicum is the perfect summer destination for homeschool families seeking community, encouragement, and practical tools. Then dive into Latin—not as a dusty academic subject, but as a mind-expanding adventure that helps children (and parents!) think more clearly, compose better sentences, and even understand Scripture in new ways. From "pater noster" rhyming when "our father" doesn't, to understanding why St. Paul's sentences are so deliciously complex, you'll discover why Latin is relevant for families with kids of all ages. Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will inspire you to mark your calendar for this summer's Latin-focused Parent Practicum. Because the best learning happens in community—and it's way more fun than you think! This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries: Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

    52 min

  6. JAN 27

    Robert Bortins: Multi-Generational Homeschooling and Educational Independence

    Join Delise Germond as she sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and homeschool dad of three, for an engaging conversation about family legacy, educational freedom, and his new book Woke and Weaponized. Robert shares his personal journey from being one of the first 11 students in Classical Conversations to leading the organization for over 13 years. He opens up about the family values that shaped him—hard work, self-discipline, and carrying the family name with honor—and how he's now passing these principles to his own children through practical strategies like job cards instead of allowances and teaching them to work before they play. The conversation dives deep into Robert's extensively researched book, co-authored with award-winning journalist Alex Newman, which traces the historical roots of public education from Robert Owen's "Trinity of Evil" through Prussia to modern-day America. Discover the surprising truth about who's really funding the school choice movement and why educational independence matters now more than ever. Robert also explains what it means to become "anti-fragile" as a family—rejecting consumerism, living within your means, and building resilience that doesn't depend on government systems. Whether you're a homeschooling parent, educator, pastor, or anyone concerned about educational freedom, this conversation offers both warning and hope for raising the next generation to know God and make Him known. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:  Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education—And How We Can Win It Back – A new book written by Robert Bortins and Alex Newman.  Discover the shocking truth about how current education reform efforts may actually accelerate the destruction of educational freedom. Through meticulous research, Woke and Weaponized traces the philosophical roots of educational corruption from Robert Owen and John Dewey to critical race theory, while offering practical strategies for families ready to pursue genuine educational independence. Join our exclusive list to be notified the moment it becomes available — plus receive special launch updates and insider information.  www.WokeAndWeaponized.com   Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world. Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

    33 min

  7. JAN 20

    Identity Formation Through Challenge IV Senior Thesis

    What if the biggest moment in your child's classical education isn't just about academics—but about stepping into their God-given identity? Join host Kelli Wilt and special guest Charity Miner for an in-depth conversation about one of the most transformative experiences in the Challenge years: the senior thesis. Charity, a veteran Challenge IV director and homeschool mom who has shepherded three children through this process, shares the beauty, purpose, and profound impact of this capstone event. Discover why senior thesis is so much more than a research paper—it's a culmination of years of presentations, debates, and mock trials rolled into one powerful moment of defense. Learn how students choose topics that reflect who God made them to be, how parents can support without taking over, and why this experience prepares our children not just for college, but for defending their faith and ideas throughout their entire lives. Whether you're preparing for Challenge IV, currently in the midst of senior thesis, or simply curious about where classical Christian education leads, this episode will encourage and equip you for the journey ahead. This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:  Summit Ministries Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc CC Plus Odyssey Program The Odyssey Leadership Program is a bridge from the security of the Challenge Program to the bright opportunities of the future! In partnership with Southeastern University, an accredited private, Christian university, The Odyssey Program provides Challenge IV graduates the opportunity to begin their college coursework while participating in a leadership and personal development program, launching them into leadership and life!  2026 Application season is open with limited seats. Learn more by going to https://classicalconversationsplus.com/odyssey-year/

    59 min

  8. JAN 13

    Mock Trial: Fruit Being Borne

    Why do Challenge B graduates consistently name Mock Trial as their favorite memory—even the ones who cried through every rehearsal? Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Jennifer Hester and Emma Bortins for an encouraging conversation about Mock Trial—the pinnacle Challenge B experience that graduates remember most fondly, even when the journey is rocky. Jennifer shares her journey from terrified new director to confident guide, watching her son improvise courtroom testimony on the fly. Emma opens up about the drama, tears, and her infamous courtroom phrase repeated 15+ times: "That's not in my witness statement!" Lisa reflects on decades of watching 13-year-olds surprise judges, parents, and themselves with skills they didn't know they had. This episode covers the practical side of preparation—where to find resources on CC Connected, how to walk alongside your student without coaching, and why following the week-by-week schedule makes all the difference. You'll hear honest stories about hyperventilating students who become stars, skeptical parents who become believers, and how every Challenge B skill converges in this moment.   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Summit Ministries: Do you want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endure, and friends and faith for life? Summit's Student Conferences equip young Christians with the hope, clarity, and confidence they need to follow Jesus boldly in today's world. It's not just about getting apologetics answers. Students learn how to live winsomely and bravely in today's world.  Visit summit.org/cc before March 31, 2026, and lock in the early bird rate. Save an additional $250 when you use the code CC26. Want your child to have conversations that challenge, encouragement that endures, and friends and faith for life? Grab their spot now at summit.org/cc

    55 min
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About

Classical Conversations supports homeschooling parents by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian worldview in fellowship with other families. We believe there are three keys to a great education: classical, Christian, and Community.

Information

  • Creator
    Classical Conversations Inc.
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    582
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Everyday Educator

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