Building Lifelong Readers: How Families and Schools Can Instill the Joy of Reading

Reading is not a natural ability—it must be intentionally taught, cultivated, and modeled. In this episode, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and reading specialist Dorrie McKoy—who also happens to be his sister—to explore why so many children struggle with reading today and how classical Christian schools and families can work together to reverse this trend.

Dorrie unpacks the science behind how children learn to read, discusses the “reading wars” between phonics-based and whole-language methods, and shares practical tips for parents at any stage—from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s how to evaluate your school’s curriculum, how to build a home library filled with true, good, and beautiful books, or how to avoid the pitfalls of graphic novels and screen-based reading, this episode offers timeless strategies to raise strong, thoughtful, and joyful readers.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why phonemic awareness and phonics still matter
• How classical schools can avoid “sawdust” reading without lowering standards
• What parents can do—starting today—to cultivate a culture of reading at home

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
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.

What Do Strong Families Actually Do Each Day?

Your family's culture is shaped by the little things—how you say goodbye in the morning, whether you pray together, how often you share a meal. In this insightful conversation, Jim Mhoon, counselor and longtime Focus on the Family leader, joins Davies Owens to talk about the daily rhythms and rituals that set thriving families apart.

With practical examples and decades of experience, Jim shares:

Why the way you say “hello” and “goodbye” matters more than you think

How a one-minute family prayer can reset the tone of your home

Why dinner around the table is about far more than just food

What’s driving our overscheduled culture—and how to resist it

The critical role of community in raising healthy kids

This episode is full of simple, actionable ideas you can implement immediately—no parenting book required.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged: it’s never too late to start building new habits that lead to deeper connection.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
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 isn’t just for a privileged few—it’s a banquet meant for everyone. In this inspiring episode, Davies Owens is joined by Russ Gregg, founder of Hope Academy in Minneapolis and the Spreading Hope Network. Russ shares how his journey began 25 years ago with a simple but powerful question: How do we love our neighbors as ourselves, especially when it comes to education?

From navigating the real challenges of urban communities to pioneering a sponsorship-based financial model, Russ explains why "the education that’s best for the best is best for all." Together, they explore the crucial need for high expectations, high accountability, and high support in raising up the next generation.

Plus, Russ discusses the exciting movement of school choice sweeping the nation, the importance of family habits like mealtime reading, and why true joy comes from making room at the banquet table for those who have historically been left out. If you’ve ever wondered how you can be part of the classical education renewal—whether as a parent, a founder, or a supporter—this episode is your invitation.

🎧 Listen now and discover the joy of spreading hope!

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
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.