The Headmaster's Podcast: Recent Episodes
John DePoe
Looking for interesting discussions about classical, Christian, collaborative education? This podcast is the place to find conversations about the pursuit of building virtuous students and followers of Jesus Christ through the partnership of parents and the school working together. For the community of Kingdom Preparatory Academy (Lubbock, Texas), this podcast will provide information and updates for our school community as well.
This podcast looks at some of the reasons we study old books. I give three reasons to study the old books: (1) they inspire hearts; (2) they sharpen minds; and (3) they cultivate character. Then, I address some of the common objections to reading them: (1) they are impractical and irrelevant to the 21st century; (2) they lack diversity and contribute to racism and other injustices in our world; and (3) they do not teach the beliefs and values of the Christian worldview. I hope this podcasts equips you to understand the value of a curriculum filled with "old books."
Listen to a brief study of Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Soren Schwab, Vice President of Partnerships with the CLT, shares some important information about the CLT. If you don't know what the CLT is, how it is different from other standardized tests, or why KPA has its students take this test, you will get plenty of new information in this episode!
Paul Herrick, philosophy professor at Shoreline College, talks about logic. What is logic? Why study logic? Is Christianity logical? Here Professor Herrick address these and other questions in this episode.
Sam Griffith (Class of 2022) and current KPA football coach, discusses his time at KPA and reflects on the characteristics of KPA's Portrait of a Graduate. In this interview he tells us why looking back at KPA, he believes, “the difficulty of school is going to prepare you for the difficulty of life.”
Associate Dean and Associate Professor James McGlothlin spends some time talking about aesthetics, beauty, and Jonathan Edwards. The conversation brings together classical education, theology, and philosophy.
MacKenzie Walker (class of 2022) popped into the recording studio to update the KPA community about what she has been up to since graduating. Then, she reflects on KPA's Portrait of a Graduate.
The graduation address to the class of 2024 is a reading of a letter from Skragclaw (a senior demon) to Glumslug (a junior temptor).
Dr. Chris Schlect from New Saint Andrews College discusses the importance and value of studying history. For anyone who is unsure that we should study ancient and medieval history, this interview provides a few reasons not to be so dubious.
Kara Hawthorne reads her senior thesis in this episode, where she makes a persuasive case for parents to read to their children out loud. Collaborative school parents will definitely want to hear what she has to say!
“Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
These are the words of Proverbs 22:6 (ESV). In this episode, we will meditate on this verse and dive deeper into its meaning.
Hear from Michael Craig, a graduate from classical Christian education, and how his education has prepared him for young adult life. Michael is a co-founder of the CLT Prep, and we talk about the CLT (Classic Learning Test) in this episode as well.
Madison (Bundy) Wernsman from the class of 2018 reflects on her time at KPA. She talks about her passion for mission work, how KPA prepared her to complete her nursing degree, and so much more.
In this episode, Amy Laney and Jeannie DePoe join me to discuss why we study pagan myths at a Christian school and how we go about teaching them.
Have you wondered whether classical Christian graduates are prepared for the real world? This episode gives a classical Christian answer to this question!
Caleb Poe (soon be graduate of 2024) talks about his time at KPA. Caleb has attended KPA since pre-K, and he has been involved in athletics, fine arts, extracurriculars, and student government. His perspective on the school is very informative!
Professor Eric Silverman (Christopher Newport University) discusses the virtue of chastity. In this conversation for mature listeners, we diagnose some of the problems with the lack of chastity in our culture and give some insight into how we cultivate a healthier perspective on sexual relationships.
"How St. Valentine's mission to marry people got twisted into a greeting card and hookups" in USA Today by Dr. Eric Silverman
Sexual Ethics in a Secular Age: Is There Still a Virtue of Chastity? edited by Dr. Eric Silverman
Sam Nicholson (class of 2021) is currently at Texas A&M University in the corps of cadets. In this episode, he reflects on how KPA prepared him for this stage of his young adult life.
On February 22, 2024, Dr. DePoe was asked to speak at a gathering of the Citizens for Education Reform in Lubbock, Texas. He was asked to share about classical education in about 25 minutes. In this brief presentation, he discusses the purpose, the content, and the means of educating classically.
Sydney Squires from the class of 2012 tells us what she has been up to since she graduated and how KPA has had an impact on her young adult life.
"Guard your heart," a re-telling of a message delivered to graduates in 2022. It captures the big-picture approach to discipleship at KPA.
Caroline Tidwell (class of 2023) talks about life after graduating from KPA and how she sees the characteristics of KPA's Portrait of a Graduate from her experiences.
Mr. Brock, KPA's Asst. Head of the Upper Schools & teacher of Medieval history, talks about some of the reasons we should study Medieval history. He describes the narrative of the relationship between church and state as well as the skills that are developed in the class.
Professor Ross Inman talks about the significance of grounding learning in wonder. Tune in for an interesting discussion about how you think about education reveals what you believe about theology and anthropology.
Katelyn Dowell (Class of 2023) shares how her first semester at college has been and reflects on KPA's portrait of a graduate.
David Talcott, Fellow of Philosophy and Graduate Dean at New Saint Andrews College, shares some of the distinctive aspects of the education at New Saint Andrews. Then, he discusses the relevance and value in studying Plato.
Cade Sands (class of 2021) reflects on his time at KPA and how it has made an impact on his young adult life.
What is it like to be in KPA's 4th grade? Mrs. Goodnight joins the podcast to tell us about 4th grade and what she teaches on our Friday enrichment (mad scientist and Bible classes).
Prof. Eric Wearne (Kennesaw State University) is a researcher on collaborative schools. In this episode, he discusses some of what his research has uncovered about collaborative (aka hybrid or University-Model) schools.
This episode features two conversations with KPA graduates. The first is with Tommy Nicholson (class of 2023) who tells the community how life is treating him at West Point. The second is with Hayden Murphy (class of 2010) who shares about his current adventure in Okinawa.
Heather Smith (class of 2022) reflects on KPA's portrait of a graduate and tells us how her education at KPA has influenced her young adult life.
This episode features a conversation with Eric Cook who is the President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL). He talks about the classical school movement, what the SCL is doing, and other related things.
Two of KPA's moms, Christy Canada and Loralee Van Wettering talk about their families' KPA highlights. Listen to their conversation for insights and encouragement in carrying out classical Christian collaborative education.
In this episode, Natalie Poe (class of 2022) reflects on her time at KPA and talks about the ways that she sees the attributes from KPA's Portrait of a Graduate manifest themselves in her life.
Emeritus Professor Jerry Root (Wheaton University) is a specialist on C. S. Lewis. In this episode he shares from his treasury of wisdom about education from a Christian and Lewis-inspired perspective.
Shelby Alexander (class of 2021) talks about her experiences after graduating from KPA. She uses the six parts of KPA's Portrait of a Graduate to discuss the ways that KPA has equipped her for the challenges of higher education and young adult life.
In this episode learn more about what intellectual virtues are and how we can work together to cultivate them in our students! Prof. Jason Baehr is a philosophy professor and parent who has professionally studied and practiced the building of virtue in students.
Sam Crews (class of 2023) reflects on the ways that he sees KPA's Portrait of a Graduate in his life.
Prof. Justin Ariel Bailey is Professor of theology at Dordt University. In this episode we discuss cultural engagement and apologetics.
One of KPA's graduates, Banner Scarborough, recently spoke at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor's campus revival service. His message is the focus of this episode. In addition to hearing an encouraging biblical message, this episode shows some of the skills cultivated at KPA in crafting and delivering a persuasive presentation.
Are you familiar with St. Augustine's metaphor on plundering the Egyptians? Drawing on the Exodus story, Augustine points out that we can take the goods of the non-Christian world and redeem them in service to Christ's kingdom. Jared Brock and I discuss St. Augustine's insightful teaching and how it applies to classical Christian education.
How are graduates from classical Christian schools different from graduates of other schools? To help answer that question, I highlight some of the results from the very interesting study called, The Good Soil Report. This study compares differences between graduates from classical Christian schools with those who graduate from other types of schools such as public schools, generic evangelical Christian schools, Catholic schools, private non-religious preparatory schools, and homeschools. The results are very interesting and encouraging. The classical difference is worth it!
Why is school challenging and difficilut? Why does it have to be so hard? Dr. DePoe gives a brief commentary responding to these kinds of questions by reflecting on a passage from Veith and Kern's Classical Education.
Tommy Nicholson, Ethan Babb, and Katelyn Dowell share some great news they've received. Hear about and celebrate the great things that they are doing!
Houston Baptist University's Louis Markos tells us about C. S. Lewis and the medieval mindset that inspired him. Tune in for a lively discussion of C. S. Lewis from KPA's former Paideia conference speaker.
Is there a noticeable difference in the quality of students that KPA graduates? In this episode, Kyle Keltz and James Kemper share their experiences with KPA students. They teach dual credit classes at KPA, but they also teach college courses. You may be surprised to hear what they observe is different about KPA students.
In this episode, Emily Farmer shares what families can expect from an academic advisor. She also talks about the strengths that she sees in our students based on standardized test scores, college admissions, and reports from alumni.
Is thinking carefully, memorizing information, and paying attention to tedious details outdated and unnecessary in education because of the technology at our disposal? Those who think so reflect a modern mindset that is infused with Dewey's pragmatic and empiricist worldview. Some of the differences between modern and classical approaches to education are covered in response to the lead question.
After briefly sharing her family's educational experiences before and after KPA, Mrs. DePoe talks about the study of Latin at KPA.
This episode features a commentary comparing the work of classical Christian collaborative education and the building of cathedrals in Middle Ages.
Coach Bruffey talks about the importance of athletics and how it fits in KPA's mission. Plus, he gives a preview of what to expect from KPA basketball this season.
Dr. Keltz who teaches apologetics at KPA shares his background in the subject and talks about the apologetics class at KPA.
Ms. Mock shares what a blessing it is to be part of KPA's community. We discuss what families can expect from 2nd grade, and then we spend a good amount of time discussing Math in Focus. If you have questions about this curriculum, you may find some answers in this episode!
Today's podcast features many of KPA's current students! I went around and asked students to tell us something that they like about KPA, and it was encouraging to hear so many good things that our students already see in the school. Because of the times and place of my recordings, this group is definitely heavily weighted with 5th grade, 6th-8th grades, and 9th-10th grades.
This past school year, KPA celebrating 20 years of educational ministry. Our community had a fun celebration. In this episode, I reprise the speech I gave in honor of KPA crossing this milestone.
What does following Jesus have to do with logic? Classical Christian schools attempt to bring these together, and according to Professor Dickinson, they belong together! Join this conversation to learn more about Jesus and the Way of Logic (the title of one of Prof. Dickinson's books!).
KPA's varsity football coach, Peter Griffith, Jr., discusses football and how it plays a formative role in the lives of his players.
DeLeisha Shepherd (KPA music teacher & mom) and I discuss the importance of music. She shares what music education and chapel are like in the School of Grammar and KPA's Kingdom Singers in the School of Logic.
After some announcements, Amanda Castner and I discuss the significance of studying literature in a classical Christian collaborative school.
I sit down with Naomi Martens (graduate, class of 2019) to discuss some of the ways that Kingdom Preparatory Academy has had in impact on her life.
Dr. Louis Markos follows up on his keynote address to the KPA community from this summer. We talk some about how and why we should teach the pagan classics, even though some of the content is morally questionable or difficult at times. What about those fornicating Greek gods, child sacrifice, and other eyebrow-raising passages? Join us in thinking about these important topics and themes in classical Christian education.
In this episode, I have a discussion with Darra Brown about her experiences at KPA as a parent (her kids have graduated from KPA) and a teacher. She shares what families can expect in first grade. The second interview is with Jeannette Noel who is a parent of students in the School of Logic. She tells us about why KPA has been a good choice for her family.
This week we hear interviews with Josh Pendergrass, a current 11th grader at KPA, and Rae Lynn Hamby, chemistry teacher and science department chair.
KPA's House Induction Ceremony, August 29, 2022, charge to the students by Dr. John M. DePoe.
Cheri Poe talks about her experiences as a mother of three children who have been educated at KPA including her oldest who went pre-k to 12th grade with us. She shares her insights about athletics and volleyball as well.
Announcements and information followed by interviews with Kathryn Babb (alumnus, class of 2020) and Karis Henry (KPA veteran parent).
In this first episode, I interview two parents at KPA. Whitney Jonas who has been at KPA a long time, and Princeton Palmer a relatively newcomer to KPA.
What is the Headmaster's Podcast? It's a place where stakeholders in the Kingdom Preparatory Academy community can receive information, encouragement, and resources for collaborative, classical, Christian education. This brief episode foreshadows some of what listeners can expect to find through this podcast.