Kolbecast

96 Adults in Training

AMDG.  Have you ever contemplated the idea that you’re not raising children, you’re raising adults?  Katherine O’Brien, a certified college planning specialist and homeschooling mother of six (most now in adulthood), joins Bonnie and Steven today to discuss how to be intentional with opportunities for high schoolers to learn the logistics of life.  Topics in the conversation include practicalities of parenting teenagers, the difficult but necessary discipline of giving kids space and affirmation when making mistakes, and preparing for tough conversations with the anchoring phrase “I love you. How can I help?”
Sign up here for Kolbe’s spring Virtual College Fair on Friday, April 29, 2022. After the event, look for recordings of the presentations on the Kolbe Academy YouTube channel.
For more information about Katherine O’Brien, check out
her company Celtic College Consultants
her blog College Prep Answer Guide
her radio program The Quo Vadis Show
For videos of the 2021 fall Virtual College Fair, start here. The keynote speakers for that event have also been guests on the Kolbecast:
Ep 38 Substance Matters with Jeremy Tate of the Classic Learning Test
Ep 84 The Essence of Catholic Education with Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society
Other Kolbecast episodes related to college and life after Kolbe:
Ep 39 Reclaiming the Territory and Ep 40 Windshield Time with Dr. Don Prudlo
Ep 59 The Secret Whiteboard with Everett Buyarski & Erica Treat
Ep 77 The Road Less Traveled with Celeste Cuellar
Ep 85 Vibrant Campus Ministries
Ep 92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower
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.   

95 Conversation Starters

AMDG. Imagine yourself in a queue of people awaiting some event. Your eyes land on someone sporting an image of St. Padre Pio with the words “Hakuna Matata” juxtaposed near the saint’s likeness. Or maybe you arrive at your next meeting only to notice a colleague sporting some socks that initially might pass for snazzy but upon closer inspection reveal flowers and images of St. Therese of Lisieux. Moments like these have been catalysts to conversations that serve as conduits of evangelization and connection. Who would’ve thought to create and market such products? The folks at Sock Religious, including co-founder Scott Williams and operations director Jeff Traylor – our guests on this episode. Listen in for what got the quirky, punny idea got off the ground, how they make it work, and what motivates them to operate the business the way they do. We also hear about their podcast All Set for Sunday, a weekly show for – as they say – “busy or distracted parents to be a little more prepared for Sunday Mass.” Many of us can relate.
Check out Sock Religious for yourself.
Kolbe deeply appreciates the donation Sock Religious made during Catholic Schools Week to Kolbe’s financial assistance program. There are other 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 (
For more information about or to apply for financial assistance from Kolbe Academy, click here. For the 2022-23 school year, apply by May 15, 2022.
Kolbecast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep 88 Built for Battle with Jonathan Conrad, the Catholic Woodworker
Ep 71 A Sight for Sore Eyes with Chris Lewis of Baritus Illustration
Ep 90 Vocations Here, Now, and Eventually
Ep 94 A Boy, A Book, and a Library Mouse
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.   

94 A Boy, a Book, and a Library Mouse

AMDG.  The one area of life where gravity doesn’t quite apply is head knowledge and heart knowledge—in formation, even for young children, the heart is the most important piece.  Today Joan Claire FitzPatrick, Jamie Leatherby, and Michelle Kim join Bonnie and Steven to discuss how Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses beauty and child-led engagement to bring children to God.  The ladies explain how CGS uses an “atrium” as part of its approach for children to gain discipline in their bodies while learning to care for themselves and their environment.  They illustrate the theological and historical significance of the program and the goal of evoking joy and peace.  And if all of this sounds a bit unattainable or precious, fear not: they also touch on ways to take stress off parents and make the program fit your family.
Relevant links:
For more information about this program, visit the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd website.
A is for Altar, B is for Bible by Judith Lang Main
Michelle can be heard on Kolbecast episode #70 First Draft: A Parent In-Service with Chrissy Almanzar and on episode #87 Home Base with fellow homeroom instructors Kim Crawford, Jenni Mammola, and Brittany Doucette.
Joan Claire and Jamie were instrumental in the success of the 2022 Vocations Retreat, selected sessions of which are available here.
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 rating 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.   

93 Good Thinking

AMDG.  What do jazz music, Thomas Aquinas, and Nietzsche have in common?  Listen to this week’s episode and find out as Dr. Carl Hasler and current Kolbe students Hannah, Luke, and Teresa talk with Bonnie and Jordan about Kolbe’s philosophy course and club.  They share their insights on why the philosophy course and club are worthwhile even though philosophy is woven throughout Kolbe’s history, literature, and theology classes; describe how enriching a basis in philosophical discourse can be; and touch on what distinguishes the philosophy club from a debate club.
If you’ve already enrolled for next year and would like to add the philosophy course to your schedule, use this course change form. Information about the PTA club will come from Kolbe next school year.
Related Kolbecast episodes:
Hasler’s Kolbecast debut on episode 64 Stricken by Ideas with Kolbe history instructor Mrs. Therese Prudlo
Kolbecast Ep 91 Kernels of Truth with Kolbe theology instructors Mrs. Chrissy Almanzar and Mr. Nicholas Senz
Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode! While you’re there, please leave a quick rating and review to help other listeners find the Kolbecast.
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.   

92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower

AMDG.  If you’re a hesitant homeschooler or unconvinced parent considering homeschooling, put this episode at the top of your playlist.  Today Cathy and Nicolai Lund—parents of two Kolbe alumnae and one current Kolbe high schooler—join Bonnie and Steven to share their experience with candor, humor, and encouragement.  They share their rough start: how Cathy felt unequipped, how Nicolai undermined his wife, and how people told them they would destroy their children if they chose to homeschool.  And they share the bounty that they have experienced from homeschooling: the ways it fostered growth in marriage and family life, the travel the Lund family was able to do with their flexible schedules, and the foundation that homeschooling with Kolbe built for their daughters to go out into the world to find answers and truth.  The conversation also touches on positive college experiences at non-liberal arts schools such as Berkeley as well as the ever-present socialization question.
Meet daughters Aviva in Kolbecast episode #26 Truth Is a Person and Martina in episode #76 Study Buddies.
Kolbe academic advisors can help families navigate the NCAA guidelines for homeschooled students. Set up an advising appointment via this link.
Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode! While you’re there, please leave a quick rating and review to help other listeners find the Kolbecast.
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.   

91 Kernels of Truth

AMDG.  We’ve talked before about the distinction between learning theology as a school subject and learning to be a faithful Catholic in our current world.  We explore this concept in greater nuance on today’s episode as Chrissy Almanzar and Nicholas Senz discuss Kolbe’s new world religions course, which surveys religions from Hinduism to Shintoism to the Abrahamic faiths and more.  Chrissy and Nick discuss finding elements of truth in these world religions and how that connects to the fullness of truth contained in the Catholic faith.  They also explain how engaging other ideas leads to a more nuanced discussion of our own faith, why fear of studying other religions is misplaced, and the way commonalities across religions point in a certain direction while leveling the playing field.
Three Church documents to be used in the World Religions course which parents might find helpful as a preview:
Ad gentes - on the mission activity of the Church
Nostra aetate - declaration on the relation of the Church to non-Christian religions
Unitatis redintegratio - decree on ecumenism
If you’ve already enrolled for next year and would like to add the course to your schedule, use this course change form.
Links mentioned and relevant:
recent presentation by Mrs. Prudlo & Mrs. Hayes on Ukraine
Jordan and Chrissy Almanzar on Kolbecast Ep 48 Because It Rings True
Find writing by Nick Senz on Aleteia and Catholic World Report, among other publications
A sample of the World Religions textbook to be used in the course
Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode! While you’re there, please leave a quick rating and review to 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.    

90 Vocations Here, Now, and Eventually

AMDG. The longings put there in your heart are meant to lead you to your personal vocation. That can be easier said than lived, though, right? Today Adam and Pamela Castor join Bonnie and Steven to discuss vocations and discernment in an approachable, pragmatic conversation. The Castors share their thoughts and guidance on bringing the faith alive at home, how family life is the church in miniature, and how frequenting the sacraments and a life of prayer are the keys to figuring out a vocation.
Relevant links:
Steven refers to Sherry Weddell, author and creator of the Catherine of Siena Institute’s Called and Gifted Discernment Program.
How to make lilies for St. Joseph’s Day using kids’ handprints
Fr. Stephen Gadberry on "Pints with Padre" during 2022 Catholic Schools Week
Kolbe's 2022 Vocations Retreat speakers included (among several others)
Fr. Robert Spitzer of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, home of Credible Catholic
The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia
Amy Rodriguez Art
Ruach Ministry
Fr. Stephen Gadberry
Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode! While you’re there, please leave a quick rating and review to help other listeners find the Kolbecast.
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.   

89 The Master Blueprint

AMDG.  Science is a body of knowledge that’s constantly in flux, and students and parents alike may approach science—especially in the upper grades—with misconceptions or concerns.  Today, Kolbe science teachers Elizabeth Hoxie, Katie Bradley, and Ann Still join Bonnie and Steven to discuss how science does not need to be watered down or diluted to be palatable to Catholics.  Our guests share their own experiences of how being scientists has positively affected their faith lives, how they see beautiful microcosms in the created world, and how there is an eminent rationality to belief in a creator.  They challenge the narrative that all scientists are atheists and talk about why Catholic families don’t need to go on the defensive when it comes to science. They also discuss Kolbe’s reliance on secular science textbooks and why it’s an important part of the curriculum here.
Resources compiled by our guests and related:
Brilliant: 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People
Particles of Faith: A Catholic Guide to Navigating Science 
Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?...And Other Questions from the Astronomer's Inbox at the Vatican Observatory
The Inner Life of the Cell
The Society of Catholic Scientists
In the Beginning…': A Catholic Understanding of the Story of Creation and the Fall 
How to Get Started with Nature Journaling
Zero to Einstein in 60 by B.K. Hixson, Mrs. Still’s go-to experiment book using common household items
Vatican Observatory Website and Podcast
Kolbecast episodes mentioned and related:
Elizabeth Hoxie’s first Kolbecast episode, To Live Fully Alive
42 Let Them Tinker with Kolbe mom Louise Deal
Ep 26 Truth in Person with Kolbe alumna Aviva Lund
Links to related Kolbe content:
Fr. Stephen Gadberry speaking on evolution at the recent “Pints with Padre” live event
Subscribe to the Kolbecast in your favorite podcast app and never miss an episode. While you're there, please rate and review the show to help spread the word about the Kolbecast!
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.