Classical Et Cetera

It takes us a while to get there, but it’s worth the journey! In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Tanya, Martin, and Paul share what they’re reading, answer a listener question about audiobooks, and (eventually) get around to the main topic of the liberal art

Here, they explore the liberal arts through the lens of Sister Miriam Joseph’s The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric. This classic work provides a ...

What’s behind the decline of American democracy—and can education fix it? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera the team discusses why the health of our republic depends not necessarily on politicians, but on teachers, parents, and the formation of virtuous citizens.

Modern society often treats the decline of democracy as a political problem, but classical educators know it’s an educational one. A free people can only remain free ...

What does poetry offer that prose cannot? In this week’s Classical Et Cetera, we explore how verse builds literacy, memory, and a love of language. Discover how rhythm, structure, and beauty shape the mind and soul, and why poetry remains essential for both personal enrichment and classical education.

*What We're Reading* from This Episode: 

Gerard Manley Hopkins Poetry (Kathy)

_Notes from Underground_—Fyodor Dostoevsky (Kathy)

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Why does writing things down matter? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into journaling, commonplace books, and note-taking tips within a classical education. From how to properly journal in an academic setting to how to use a journal for personal and self growth, we discuss the benefits of good handwriting, the value of writing by hand vs typing, and why keeping a commonplace book—or "Vade Mecum"—helps students and ad...

In this special mailbag episode of Classical et Cetera, we are answering questions straight from our listeners! From classical education and the history of philosophy to standardized testing and watching movies, nothing is off limits. Join the rapid fire and ask us more questions by emailing us at podcast@memoriapress.com.

Thanks for your question, Patricio! The book Martin mentioned is The Seven Liberal Arts: A Study in Medieval C...

Why do students in classical education memorize all 70 stanzas of Thomas Babington Macaulay’s Horatius at the Bridge? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we explore one of the most demanding—and most rewarding—academic challenges that we give our students: the recitation of Horatius. We trace the story of Horatius and its place in Roman legend, consider why Winston Churchill himself memorized the poem, and explain how this tra...

What does it mean to teach history truthfully? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we tackle how to teach Christopher Columbus facts with honesty, from elementary school to teaching history in middle school and high school. We discuss the hard truths of American slavery, the Holocaust, and more, while still cultivating gratitude for the US. Drawing on models like the Frederick Douglass 4th of July speech, we share practical ...

On this week's Classical Et Cetera, Memoria Press takes on one of our most common questions in classical Christian education: Why should Christians study paganism at all?

We explore how to approach pagan philosophy, literature, and Greek mythology in the classroom, and why these texts still matter for students learning within the tradition of Christianity. From Plato and Aristotle to Paul at the Areopagus, we consider how pagan a...

Who were the Founding Fathers — and what is the education that shaped them? In this episode of _Classical Et Cetera_ , we explore the rigorous classical education that influenced America’s founders and the birth of a nation. From learning Latin and Greek to studying history and literature, the Founders gained the wisdom and discipline to lead with courage and conviction. We discuss what their colonial education looked like, why it ...

This week's Classical Et Cetera is our official back-to-school episode! Join us as we consider not just dates on a calendar but the seasonality of school itself. Where does the fall start come from? Is it better to start early or wait for the first cool mornings of autumn? Let's talk about practical guidance for starting the school year, everything that you should consider, and how to begin with purpose.

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Where should adults start with classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we share our top book recommendations for anyone looking to begin their journey into the world of classical learning. Whether you're new to the classics or returning with fresh eyes, these books will help you understand what classical education is, why it matters, and how to dive in. From timeless works to essential guides, we explore where ...

Curious what a liberal arts education really is? What trivium and quadrivium mean? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we unpack the historic meaning of the liberal arts and explain how they shaped true classical education for centuries. Forget the modern idea of a liberal arts degree—we go back to the medieval roots where grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy were used to form free minds, not jus...

What books lit the spark for your love of classical education? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, our team shares the life-changing books that first inspired them—and the ones they keep coming back to. These aren’t just recommendations; they’re the stories behind the stories: the books that challenged, shaped, and sustained our passion for classical learning.

We explore early influences, perennial reads, and the moments when...

How do adults actually find time to read in their daily lives? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we dive into the real-life reading habits of classical educators and reading enthusiasts. From favorite routines and seasonal shifts to juggling multiple books and audiobooks, we share practical tips and honest reflections on making reading a sustainable part of adult life. Whether you’re looking to build a daily habit, figure out...

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we take a hard look at the role of technology in education—especially in classrooms committed to classical learning. Should students be using AI to write papers? Does screen time impact a child's ability to read, reason, and remember? And how do schools draw the line between helpful tools and harmful shortcuts?

From calculators to ChatGPT, the conversation covers the real effects of tech in s...

What does The Lord of the Rings teach us about self-denial? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, the team explores the virtue of temperance—what it is, why it matters, and how it's portrayed in literature. From Frodo’s resistance to the Ring to Peter Rabbit’s disobedience and Lassie’s heart-wrenching goodbye, we unpack how stories shape our understanding of restraint. Drawing from classical and Christian thought, we examine how ...

Modern education often promises freedom and creativity—but does it deliver? In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, we take a closer look at why traditional classrooms, rooted in order, routine, and content, may serve students far better. The team unpacks how classical methods form not just minds, but souls—cultivating discipline, genuine learning, and even joy. Along the way, we discuss classroom structure, educational goals, and ...

What role should art play in a classical education—and how do we teach it well? In this episode, Kyle Janke, author of _A Classical History of Art_ , joins the team to explore the visual arts—sculpture, architecture, and painting—through the lens of Western art history. From the ancient world to the Renaissance, they trace a broad Western art history timeline and discuss how engaging with great art forms students' hearts as well as...

What is classical education, really—and who gets to define it? In this special mailbag episode of Classical Et Cetera, we answer questions straight from our listeners. From homeschooling logistics to the purpose of teaching Greek mythology, from philosophy to pedagogy, no topic is off-limits! Whether you're deep in the trenches of classical education or just curious about the movement, join us as we tackle your burning questions.