Kolbecast

256 An Education That Reflects God's Beauty

AMDG. “They are children of God and they are worthy of an education that reflects God’s beauty.”  
What does a classical education even look like in grades K-5? Curriculum Director Maggie Hayden and Principal Nicole O’Connor join the Kolbecast to answer just that question. Maggie and Nicole explain how they rebuilt the Kolbe elementary curriculum to reflect classical methodology and principles of Ignatian education. “We were looking at what things the little kids have to know in K-2 to be able to do third through fifth, then sixth through eighth grade, and up to high school,” Maggie explains.  
Maggie and Nicole discuss what goals are appropriate at each grade level, and areas of concern to watch for; break down the reason behind the recent curriculum development and the Catholic, classical methodology that inspired Maggie and Nicole’s work; dismantle misconceptions about classical education; give sneak peeks at new materials coming soon; and pack in dozens of helpful tips for parents of K-5 students.   
Kolbecast episodes mentioned & relevant 
243 Drawing Distinctions – Classical Education, Liberal Arts, and Liberal Education 
248 Intentionality & Purpose for Lent & Holy Week with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken (guest cohost: Maggie Hayden) 
100 In the Beginning with Kolbe Academy co-founder Mrs. Dianne Muth 
247 Lightbulb Moments for Young Readers 
197 Tools in a Toolbox: Student Support Services 
203 Guided Freedom, a conversation about Classical Composition 
Other relevant links: 
Implementation of Ignatian Education in the Home by Kolbe Academy co-founder Francis Crotty 
Kolbe Academy’s Student Support Services 
Learn more about Kolbe’s early education programs by reading the posts below—and download a free week-long preview of each program to explore for yourself:
Nurturing Little Hearts – Read about Kolbe Academy’s Preschool Program + Download the Preschool Preview: A Week to Explore
Welcome to a Year of Wonder – Read about Kolbe Academy’s Kindergarten Curriculum + Download the Kindergarten Preview: A Week to Explore
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

255 Family Life as Liturgy with Dr. Greg Popcak

AMDG. Host of EWTN’s More2Life podcast, founder of CatholicCounselors.com, and developer of the CatholicHÔM app Greg Popcak joins the Kolbecast to share his wisdom on making your home into a living, vibrant domestic church. “What does a domestic church spirituality even look like,” Dr. Popcak asks, “that would treat family life— the craziness, the busyness, the scatteredness of family life— as a feature, not a bug, of Catholic spirituality?”  
In today’s episode, Dr. Popcak reveals his insights from years of counseling homeschooling families and parents, including some common pitfalls to beware of; explains what an “emotional bank account” is, and how to make sure your children’s stay full; analyzes the scientific data on how to raise your children into faithful, Catholic adults; reveals where burnout comes from -- and how to treat it; unpacks what we mean by a “domestic church,” and how you can make your home into one; and shares his advice for those interested in pursuing a counseling career.  
Whether you’re a homeschooling parent looking to deepen your family connection and faith, or a student considering a future career in counseling, this episode has something for you. 
Links mentioned & relevant: 
CatholicHOM (Households on Mission) 
CatholicCounselors.com 
More2Life Radio & podcasts 
Books by Dr. Greg & Lisa Popcak 
Related Kolbecast episodes: 
188 Challenges as Opportunities and 219 The Upside of Anxiety  with Dr. Kevin Majeres 
250 Made for Relationship with Kenna Millea 
66 Bonhomie à la Kolbe, which features a discussion on domestic church 
254 Art & Laraine Bennett Offer Freedom from Anxiety 
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

254 Art & Laraine Bennett Offer Freedom from Anxiety

AMDG. Clinical counselor Art and psychologist Laraine Bennett join the Kolbecast to discuss anxiety and mental health, the temperaments, their recent publications, and so much more.  
Art and Laraine talk about how anxiety can manifest dramatically differently in different people, and how to identify it in your life or in the lives of your children; explain what anxiety is and how to approach it; break down what NOT to do if you recognize anxiety in your children, and present helpful strategies you can implement in your home today; and the tie between scrupulosity and anxiety.  
Links mentioned & related:  
Anxiety: a Catholic Guide to Freedom from Worry and Fear by Art & Laraine Bennett and Lianna Haidar 
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt 
The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris 
The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff & Jonathan Haidt
Relevant Kolbecast episodes 
176 The Agenda Is to Grow with Art & Laraine Bennett 
226 Cultivating Habits of Excellence with Dr. Andrew Abela  
219 The Upside of Anxiety  with Dr. Kevin Majeres  
238 Accompaniment, Hope, Integration, and Resilience with Pat Millea 
250 Made for Relationship with Kenna Millea 
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

253 Joseph Pearce's Classic Literature Appetizers

AMDG. Author, editor, and professor Joseph Pearce joins the Kolbecast to introduce his new book, Classic Literature Made Simple: 50 Great Works of Literature in a Nutshell. Joseph’s new book is an excellent introduction to classic literature for any Kolbe student, or the perfect all-in-one guide for parents who want to be able to discuss great works of literature with their students, without having to set aside hours from their busy schedule to read the books.   
Joseph discusses his work as a publisher, including advice for Kolbe students who are interested in having their writing published someday; reveals his one “must-read” book, and a book you might be surprised to see on his list of 50 great works; shares his insight on how to read great works of literature, and how to respond if your children push back against the great works. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his writing process and hints at his newest project: Great Books for Good Men.  
Visit his website jpearce.co and check out his podcast The Authority.  
Joseph Pearce’s books mentioned in this conversation:  
Classic Literature Made Simple: Fifty Great Books in a Nutshell 
The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful  
The What Every Catholic Should Know series 
Related Kolbecast episodes: 
49 Revealed through Story with Joseph Pearce
144 The Word Made Known with Mark Brumley of Ignatius Press 
226 Cultivating Habits of Excellence with Dr. Andrew Abela 
Kolbecast Humanities series:  
220 Decoding Mythology to Reveal Christianity  
225 On the Same (Greco-Roman) Page  
229 Take a Note from Homer  
234 Adding Color to What Is Black & White  
239 Divine Plot Twist 
245 The Odyssey’s Allegorical Outlook  
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

252 The Timeliness of Fulton Sheen with Dr. Cheryl Hughes

AMDG.  
“When I get to heaven, I’ll ask him.”  
“What if he’s not in heaven?”  
“Then you can ask him.”  
First introduced to Fulton Sheen through her research on his famous converts, historian Cheryl Hughes tells the fascinating story of Fulton Sheen’s life. Dr. Hughes brings history to life with hilarious anecdotes and touching narratives. Listen in to hear facts such as the surprising connection between Fulton Sheen and Frank Sinatra; his Emmy acceptance speech, including the writers he credited for his success; Sheen’s opposition to secularism and communism; his friendship with Pope Saint John Paul II, who learned English through listening to Fulton Sheen; the miracle attributed to Fulton Sheen, and the current status of his beatification process; and details such as Sheen’s real height, Irish Catholic upbringing, and more.  
Links mentioned & relevant: 
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Convert Maker by Dr. Cheryl Hughes 
Steven refers to when Archbishop Sheen helped launch Thomas Aquinas College 
Chautauqua character studies  
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! 
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

251 A Year of the Lord's Favor - Joan Watson on the Jubilee Year of Hope

AMDG. “Go be a pilgrim of hope! There’s somebody in your life who needs the story of hope.”  
Pilgrimage leader, author, and catechist Joan Watson joins the Kolbecast to share everything you need to know about the Jubilee Year of Hope. Joan explains the biblical and historical roots of the Jubilee Year, and how the laity were the impetus behind the first Jubilee. She dissects the imagery behind the special Jubilee doors opened only once every twenty-five years and reveals ways to receive indulgences this year without even leaving your hometown. Joan gives her advice for those traveling to Rome, the must-see pilgrimage sites she visited this year, fasting recommendations for the Jubilee Year, and so much more. 
Links mentioned & relevant Kolbecast episodes: 
Joan’s book Opening the Holy Door 
Opening the Holy Door small group discussion guide 
Kolbecast episode 235 The Disposition of Pilgrimage 
Kolbe 2025 Commencement site named an official pilgrimage church in Georgia 
Kolbe Academy 2025 Commencement registration form 
Kolbecast episode 160 A Legendary Occasion, reflections and observances from those who attended Kolbe Academy’s 2023 Commencement 
Pope Francis’s letter Spes Non Confundit ( “Hope Does Not Disappoint”) 
Pope Benedict’s encyclical Spe Salvi (“On Christian Hope”) 
Katie Bogner’s blog post on the Holy Door on her blog Look to Him and Be Radiant 
Kolbecast episodes 184 and 248 with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken 
John Bergsma’s book Jesus and the Jubilee: The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor 
More about and with Joan: 
website 
Substack 
YouTube channel 
In Via podcast by Verso Ministries 
Other related links: 
US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website feature on Jubilee 2025 
Vatican Jubilee 2025 website: Iubilaeum 2025 
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

250 Made for Relationship featuring Kenna Millea

AMDG. Clinical Director and Co-Founder of the Martin Center for Integration and host of This Whole Life podcast Kenna Millea joins the Kolbecast to discuss the ins and outs of relationships under a Catholic lens. “If you don’t like relationships here,” Kenna comments. “I think heaven’s going to be a big bummer— because that’s what it’s going to be.”  
Kenna offers her expert insight into common challenges in family dynamics, from the relationship between the spouses to how parents interact with children.  She unpacks how our relationships with others can impact our relationship to God and how the sacraments can impact our social life. Kenna shares her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in Catholic therapy and explains the differences among the types of mental health fields. Finally, Kenna suggests a selection of mental health books for families looking to strengthen their relationships with one another and build a happy, holy home. 
Links mentioned & relevant: 
The Martin Center for Integration 
Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson 
The Whole Brain Child and other books by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel 
The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander 
Related Kolbecast episodes: 
238 Accompaniment, Hope, Integration, and Resilience with Pat Millea 
227 Sensory Awareness & Problem Solving with occupational therapist Caitlin Russ 
176 The Agenda Is to Grow with Art & Laraine Bennett 
188 Challenges as Opportunities and 219 The Upside of Anxiety with Dr. Kevin Majeres 
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast! 

249 Stories Crafted with Care from Kolbe Academy Press

AMDG. “When a child opens a book, I don’t want him to be overwhelmed by what’s on the page. I want him to open the book and be excited.”  
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Kolbe’s publishing branch? Kolbe team members Stasha Becher, Carol Gilpin, and Stephanie Foley bring you an insider perspective on Kolbe’s publishing program, from development to product review. The group discusses why Kolbe launched their publishing branch; how they integrate classical principles into their books, even at a Pre-K level; the science behind their font size and word count choices; advice for people who want to become copy editors or graphic designers; and a glimpse into their upcoming and past projects.  
Relevant links: 
Kolbe Academy bookstore 
When the Earth Was Flat: One Boy’s Life at the Edge of the Millennium by Dr. Jordan Almanzar 
Kolbe Preschool Program 
Preschool and Kindergarten Look & Learn books 
Kolbe’s Art History text 
Related Kolbecast episodes: 
103 Above & Beyond with Nancy Nelson of the Kolbe Academy Bookstore 
83 This Is Only a Test, 137 Remember Your Whys, 162 Let Latin Conquer You, 248 Intentionality & Purpose for Lent & Holy Week with Maggie Hayden 
59 The Secret Whiteboard, 70 First Draft: A Parent In-Service, 124 In This Together, 156 Mission Intent: Formed to Serve, and 230 A Multi-Pronged Approach to College Prep with Erica Treat 
Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.  
We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!  
The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles).  Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!