Welcome to Classical Essentials, a special Best of Basecamp Live series! Over the years, we've had incredible conversations unpacking the foundational ideas of classical Christian education. In this series, we're bringing back some of the most popular and essential episodes to help parents, educators, and school leaders better understand the core principles that make this movement so impactful.

In this episode, Dr. David Diener tackles a critical question: What is the true purpose of education? Many assume that education is primarily about college and career readiness, but classical Christian education aims much higher—toward the formation of virtuous, wise, and flourishing human beings. Discover why this timeless approach to learning is more relevant than ever in shaping the next generation.

🎧 Join us as we revisit this must-hear episode and rediscover the bigger purpose of education.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Classical Christian education is making waves across the world, and Australia is no exception. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Sarah Flynn, a mother of five and a scholar of human flourishing, shares her eye-opening journey into classical education—first as a skeptic, then as a passionate advocate. From questioning modern education’s limitations to witnessing the transformational power of classical learning, Sarah's story highlights why this approach is more than just old books and nostalgia—it's a blueprint for raising wise, whole, and flourishing humans. Whether you're new to the movement or a long-time believer, Sarah’s insights from Australia’s classical education revival will inspire and challenge you.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Are we raising resilient, capable kids—or fragile, anxious ones? In this eye-opening episode, Keith McCurdy joins BaseCamp Live to expose the cultural shifts that have led to skyrocketing anxiety and emotional fragility in children. He explains why modern parenting has drifted from raising kids of character to chasing happiness and success, and how this shift has deeply impacted our families, schools, and society.

But there’s good news: we can course-correct. Keith outlines four critical parenting strategies to cultivate sturdy kids—children who embrace responsibility, struggle well, and grow into mature, self-regulated adults. If you're ready for practical, countercultural wisdom that will transform your family for the better, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

In this inspiring episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Susan Crosier, head of school at Grace Preparatory Academy and a doctoral expert in parent engagement. Together, they unpack the vital connection between home and school, offering practical advice to help parents and educators align their efforts for the success of today’s children. From the importance of slowing down in a busy world to fostering meaningful conversations at home, Dr. Crosier provides fresh perspectives and actionable insights on creating a strong family-school partnership. Whether you're a parent navigating the demands of modern life or an educator seeking to better engage families, this episode will leave you equipped and encouraged for the journey ahead. Don't miss it!

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

How can parents cultivate resilience and lasting joy in their children in today’s challenging world? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Dr. John Trent, co-author of The Blessing, shares practical, faith-based tools to strengthen family bonds.

Dr. Trent dives into the timeless principles of attachment, affirmation, and genuine commitment, offering actionable steps to help parents raise flourishing kids. Learn how meaningful words, intentional actions, and a biblical understanding of blessing can guide your children through anxiety, identity struggles, and cultural pressures.

Discover why every child deserves the power of a blessing—and how you can incorporate this life-changing practice into your parenting today.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Money—it’s everywhere, yet rarely talked about in depth, especially from a biblical perspective. Did you know that nearly half of Jesus’ parables address money? In this powerful episode, Dr. John Thornton, CPA and author of Jesus’ Terrible Financial Advice, joins Davies Owens to explore how we can guide our children to become wise stewards, intentional contributors, and thoughtful managers of their resources.

From practical tips like creating family giving habits to fostering humility and gratitude, this episode equips parents with the tools to raise children who thrive in a consumer-driven culture. Don’t miss this life-changing conversation about faith, finances, and forming lifelong values.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Parenting and educating in a constantly changing world can feel overwhelming. In this insightful episode, Scott Barron, founder of School Growth and Educators Fellowship, shares his wisdom on navigating the challenges of raising and teaching children in what he calls an "uber-dynamic transient state." Scott unpacks how to embrace change with humility, build trust within school communities, and find peace in the unchanging truths of Scripture. From the importance of feedback loops and self-awareness to practical advice for fostering collaboration between parents and schools, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with grace and confidence.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

How can we equip the next generation to cut through the noise and think critically in a world saturated with misinformation? Dr. Eliot Grasso, Vice President of Gutenberg College, joins BaseCamp Live to tackle the challenge of "particles of propaganda" and how they shape our lives. Drawing on Jacques Ellul's timeless insights, Dr. Grasso unpacks practical tools for parents and educators to cultivate clarity, discernment, and resilience in their children. From simple dinner table dialogues to foundational worldview questions, learn how to anchor your family in truth, goodness, and beauty. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or lifelong learner, this episode offers actionable steps to build a stronger foundation for the next generation.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.