Kolbecast

AMDG.  Small business owner, Kolbe homeschooling mother, and etiquette expert Rebecca Czarniecki--known professionally as Mrs. B--joins Bonnie and Steven today to discuss the significance and dividends of manners, social graces, and interpersonal connection.  Mrs. B explains with mirth and elegance how meaningful interactions and nonverbal communication honor human dignity, provide internal development, and restore kindness bit by bit in our world.  She also touches on the realities of simultaneously homeschooling and running a small business. Check out Mrs. B’s website and YouTube channel for more information about all her lovely offerings and a sampling of her lessons! Her book is available for purchase here. Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.  

AMDG.  “Catholic” means universal and one of the lesser-known aspects of Kolbe's Catholic identity is its international presence and families.  Today Bonnie and Steven visit with moms from two of those international families, Ria in the Philippines and Amy in Nigeria.  They talk both big picture and day-to-day in homeschooling from another hemisphere:  the combination of studying Catholic classical roots and their own cultural roots, applying what students are learning in Kolbe courses to current events in local communities, Western/Eastern dynamics, and learn how to just be with others.  Along the way, they also touch on how attitudes to homeschooling are evolving in various countries, the fun of getting to know local saints, and the way flexibility in curriculum timing serves families in both societal seasons of the year and family seasons of life. Amy and Ria refer to the flexibility of homeschooling when it comes to timing school to family life. Check out Kolbecast episode 36 Embrace the Fifth Day for a great discussion on this very idea. Below is more information about the local saints discussed in this episode: Blessed Benedict Daswa (South Africa) Blessed Michael Iwene Tansi (Nigeria) Lorenzo Ruiz (Philippines) The Heroically Ordinary Life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions Amy shared these articles about homeschooling in Nigeria and as a family in the Foreign Service: Homeschooling Journeys in Africa The Home Study Option Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.  

AMDG. Just about anyone who has ordered books from the Kolbe bookstore has encountered the kind and resourceful Nancy Nelson. In this episode, she graces us with stories of Kolbe history, tips for savvy book ordering, and a dose of inspiration based in common sense and experience. Stick around for the entire episode for a special offer! Check out Kolbecast episode 100 with Mrs. Dianne Muth, Nancy’s mother, for more Kolbe history. Nancy refers to Nicole O'Connor, Kolbe Academy's Elementary Online Learning Director, who can be heard on these Kolbecast episodes: #14 We Don't Think Those Words Mean What You Think They Mean #30 Guiding the Ship #69 Temperature Check #98 Stewards of the Mission For more information about Kolbe Academy’s summer 2022 and 2022-23 school year offerings, click here.  Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.  

AMDG. The culmination of a Kolbe formation is a joyous occasion not only for students, but for their parents, instructors, and administrators who have played parts in the symphony of the scholastic experience. Recently Kolbe families, faculty, and administration from all over gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for a graduation ceremony and celebration of the class of 2022. The ceremony featured speeches by two graduating seniors: Catherine Ma and Anna Prostejovsky; longtime Kolbe online instructor Ms. Ellen Finnigan; and Dr. Ryan Messmore, president of Magdalen College and guest on Kolbecast episode 86. With gratitude and service as key features of their approach to what’s on the horizon, the graduating seniors reflect on their Kolbe experience, acknowledge those who have helped them reach this milestone, and look ahead with hope. Ms. Finnigan reminisces with delight on her time with the students, many of whom she has known for several years, and bids them farewell with love and laughter. Dr. Messmore sharpens the focus to what this formation is all about: the call to love and, ultimately, to become saints. Check out Kolbe’s course catalog for summer 2022 and 2022-23 school year offerings. Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.  

AMDG. Around our milestone episodes, we like to catch our breath, check in with each other, and share some behind the scenes lingo and lore.  Today Bonnie, Jordan, and Steven do just that. They talk about the ins and outs of podcast production: the nerves leading up to recordings, the ways we strive to make guests welcome, the surprising things that caught them off guard, the emotionally moving moments, the technology. And they talk about the context of this whole project: the gift of living in the time that we do, the challenge and hope of educating the leaders of the future, and the gift of seeing things slowly come together all in God’s time. Other Kolbecast episodes mentioned in this episode: #92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower with Cathy and Nicolai Lund #99 Gifted, Graced, and Formed with Everett Buyarski, Joseph Caro, and Veronica Foreman #100 In the Beginning with Mrs. Dianne Muth Jordan references Kolbe’s “three ways to educate.” Check out Kolbe’s course catalog for summer 2022 and 2022-23 school year offerings. Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.   

AMDG. Wisdom, humor, perseverance, encouragement…these are just a few of Kolbe co-founder Dianne Muth’s many attributes. On our centennial episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Mrs. Muth as she shares the story of Kolbe’s founding, the big and small ways God provided and fostered Kolbe’s growth, and the formation of adults prepared to interact with and sanctify today’s world as a hallmark of Kolbe’s future. Listen to the end of the episode for a special throwback to the beginning of the revamped Kolbecast, too. Here's more about Kolbe Academy’s History. Look for the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app, where you can subscribe and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.   

AMDG.  When children excel ahead of their grade level, it brings both opportunities and difficulties.  In this episode, current Kolbe parents Veronica Foreman and Joseph Caro join Bonnie, Steven, and Kolbe Academic Services Director Everett Buyarski to talk about the days and years of educating a child who might be referred to as “gifted” if enrolled in a brick-and-mortar school.  The group discusses why formation of the whole human person is crucial, the areas for growth that academic success can sometimes mask, and the beautiful flexibility of Kolbe’s course offerings where students can be challenged and enriched at whatever level they need. For more information about Kolbe’s customizable program, visit these pages on the Kolbe Academy website: Why Choose Kolbe Academy? Kolbe’s Educational Philosophy The Principle of Subsidiarity Applied to Home Education Kolbe Academy Online Conceptual Framework Homeschool FAQ Check out these related Kolbecast episodes: 52 Through a Catholic Lens with Kim Crawford 54 Pro Omnibus Contendit with Deana Muth 68 Grace for the Nitty Gritty with Ashley Massey and Celeste Cuellar 92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower with Nicolai and Cathy Lund 93 Good Thinking with Dr. Carl Hasler and students 98 Stewards of the Mission with Megan Lengyel, Nicole O’Connor, and Tony Guzzaldo Everett mentions the Art of Problem Solving math curriculum. His previous Kolbecast episodes include 11 Truth, Wisdom, and Virtue 30 Guiding the Ship and 69 Guiding the Ship with Megan Lengyel and Nicole O’Connor 43 The Grade Examen and 59 The Secret Whiteboard with Erica Treat 50 Backstage: Cast Party 78 The Kolbe Man Show with Dr. Don Prudlo Look for the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app, where you can subscribe and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.   

AMDG.  Last week, we heard from the deans.  This week, we visit with the metaphorical bosses upstairs: Chief Academic Officer Megan Lengyel and directors Nicole O’Connor and Tony Guzzaldo.  With both reflection on the past and excitement for the future, the group discusses their love for Kolbe’s mission, the roles of various academic officers, how teachers are selected and what formation they participate in once within the Kolbe fold, and how Kolbe has responded to the challenges any growing organization faces as it expands.  They also share a few exciting announcements about department chairs for next year as part of their goal to foster an online learning environment infused with the faith and alive with community and friendship. Relevant Kolbecast episodes to check out: Episode 97 Advocates and Bridge Builders with Deans of Students Ashley Massey, Kelly Powers, and Elizabeth Hoxie Tony mentions his discovery of the Cardinal Newman Society in his quest to determine what a proper Catholic education looks like. Society founder Patrick Reilly is featured on episode 84 about that very topic. Lengyel announces some more appointments for next year. Some of those have been Kolbecast guests: Therese Prudlo on episodes 15 Asparagus Moments, 36 Embrace the Fifth Day, 37 Take a Moment, 64 Stricken by Ideas Katie Bradley on episode 89 The Master Blueprint Nick Senz on episode 91 Kernels of Truth Episodes 81 The When and the How of Online Elementary and 82 Move and Groove go in depth on the online elementary program and how parents can partner with teachers. Check out the online academy’s conceptual framework. For more information about career opportunities at Kolbe, click here. To learn about or apply for financial assistance from Kolbe Academy, click here. For the 2022-23 school year, apply by May 15, 2022. There are several ways to support Kolbe financially, including designating Kolbe Academy, Napa CA, as your Amazon Smilerecipient – a percentage of all your Amazon purchases will go to aid Kolbe in its mission. matching gifts from employers – email Kolbe’s Development Director (and Kolbecast co-host!) Steven Hayden for more information. one-time gifts or monthly contributions – use this link Mrs. Megan Lengyel and Mrs. Nicole O’Connor have graced Kolbecast episodes 30 Guiding the Ship and 69 Temperature Check with Mr. Everett Buyarski and can be heard on Ep 50 Cast Party along with Therese Prudlo and several others. Look for the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app, where you can subscribe and never miss an episode. If you have a moment to leave a ratings and review, that will help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. Have a suggestion or question for the Kolbecast team? Write to us at podcast@kolbe.org. Interested in Kolbe Academy’s offerings? Visit kolbe.org.