In this summer flashback episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens revisits an insightful conversation with Megan Atherton, founder of Common Sense Classical and program director at Golden View Classical Academy.

Megan addresses a common concern: Is classical Christian education elitist? She explores why many prospective families feel intimidated by the uniforms, rigorous curriculum, and emphasis on excellence – and how these schools can communicate their mission with humility, gratitude, and dignity.

Key topics include:

• Why classical education is not just for the elite
• How schools can cultivate excellence without fostering arrogance
• The difference between making judgments and being judgmental
• Why classical education is for every child whose family is on board with the mission
• Practical ways parents and educators can nurture confidence and humility in students

Megan shares candid insights on how classical schools can better welcome families, build inclusive communities, and form students marked by wisdom, virtue, and grace – not prideful elitism.

🎧 Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, or parent navigating these questions, this episode will encourage and equip you.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Life Architects Coaching

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.

Welcome to this summer flashback episode of BaseCamp Live! In today’s conversation, host Davies Owens revisits a powerful interview with Andrew Pudewa, founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing.

In an age of shrinking vocabularies, short attention spans, and over-reliance on screens, Andrew shares why writing and speaking well are more critical than ever. He explains that students cannot think complex thoughts without the words to express them, and highlights how classical education – with its focus on grammar, logic, and rhetoric – equips students to become articulate, thoughtful communicators who can engage the world with truth and clarity.

Andrew unpacks the decline he’s witnessed over three decades in students’ vocabulary and attention spans, and why reading aloud, memorizing beautiful language, and teaching students to write and speak persuasively are not just academic exercises but essential skills for life and faithfulness. He challenges parents and educators to see education not merely as preparation for wealth and comfort, but as formation for mission in the world.

With practical encouragement, humorous reflections, and deep conviction, Andrew calls us back to raising students who can read, think, write, and speak well for God’s glory and the good of others.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why reading aloud and memorizing are vital for language development
• How writing well prepares students for any vocation
• The role of rhetoric in equipping students to stand firm in today’s culture
• Encouragement for parents and teachers to stay the course in cultivating eloquence

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Life Architects Coaching

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 a world ruled by FOMO—the fear of missing out—what if the real antidote isn’t more digital connection, but less? In this encouraging episode, Davies Owens sits down with author and digital wellbeing advocate Christina Crook to explore the power of JOMO - the Joy of Missing Out.

Christina shares her story of stepping away from technology, launching a global movement, and helping parents and schools reclaim space for what matters most: real connection, creativity, and Christ-centered joy. From setting tech boundaries to building intentional family habits, this episode is packed with practical advice for parents, educators, and school leaders navigating the challenges of raising kids in a hyperconnected world.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why “shame-based” digital parenting doesn’t work
• How schools and parents can build healthy tech boundaries together
• How to create joyful alternatives to screen time
• What JOMO really means—and how to live it out

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Life Architects Coaching

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.