Kolbecast

AMDG. The Kolbe Academy Class of 2025 has graduated, and it’s time to celebrate! Kolbe Chaplain Fr. Charlie Archer, Executive Director Mary Rowles, Kolbe teacher Brendan Murphy, President of Walsh University Dr. Tim Collins, and three accomplished Kolbe graduates take the stage to share their reflections on Kolbe’s education and their rousing exhortations for the Class of 2025.  

Related Kolbecast episodes: 

• 100 In the Beginni...

AMDG. “Sister, is God a person for you, or an idea?”  

Diocesan priest, author, and former hermit Fr. Wayne Sattler joins the Kolbecast to share his life-story from high school teacher to almost-married to hermit; his two books, which originated in his notes from years leading spiritual retreats; spiritual direction, or as he prefers to call it, “spiritual friendship”; relating to God as a person, not as an idea, which is the theme...

AMDG. In Kolbe’s new astronomy program, the sky’s the limit of what students can learn. Astronomy teacher Antonia Castro and course developer Vanessa Delgado are here to discuss the third quadrivium subject and Kolbe’s updated astronomy program. The duo examine why astronomy is the “mother of the scientific field” and explain their efforts to bring students a foundational experience in applied mathematics and physics, while also sp...

AMDG. “Don’t feel like it’s too late— you can pick this up and study and learn about it anytime you want.”  

Author of the brand-new book We Have a Pope Katie Bogner and Kolbe kindergarten teacher Kimberly Wolf join the Kolbecast to share their experience talking to young students about the new pope and papal election process. Katie explains the inspiration behind her new book, how she simplified her explanation of a papal conclave...

AMDG. In a continuation of last week’s episode, Lisa Popcak shares her advice for new homeschooling families, including what aspects of education matter most and what worked in her own family. “I had promised her… you will be 100% fine,” Lisa recalled. “And sure enough, she got recruited by her college… and got almost a full ride to be a pre-med student.”  

Lisa reflects on her children leaving the home for college, navigating hard...

AMDG. Catholic podcaster and co-founder/vice-president of  CatholicCounselors.comLisa Popcak shares her wisdom on homeschooling and raising children in the faith. Lisa advocates for “flow” rather than structure in the homeschool day and paints a picture of what a rich— but achievable— prayer life looks like in a busy home. “We have to get away from the idea that our prayer life has to be rigorous,” Lisa says. “If our children are c...

AMDG.  “I always knew I liked these things and I knew they were beautiful, but now I know why.”  

In a special sneak peek episode, Kolbe Academy team members Carol Gilpin, Stephanie Foley, and Therese Prudlo join the Kolbecast to discuss the brand new art history and architecture book. The trio discusses the layout of the new art book, revealing the thought process and design work that went into the new text. “It’s like we’re havin...

AMDG. Do you worry about finding a strong community for your children outside the home? Homeschooling moms Dee-dee and Krysten join the Kolbecast to share about their homeschool communities. Filled with practical advice and anecdotes from their years of experience, Dee-dee and Krysten’s conversation makes building a thriving community feel accessible to anyone.  

Dee-dee started her own homeschooling group after moving to an area t...

AMDG. What do parents need to know before their children enter middle school or high school? Curriculum Director Maggie Hayden and Principal Nicole O’Connor are back once again to discuss classical education at the 6-12 grade level.  

Maggie and Nicole share their years of expertise working with students, outlining what parents and students can expect both developmentally and academically as they transition from elementary school t...

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 lookin...

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 spir...

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 re...

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 bus...

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 Si...

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...

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 t...

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 publishi...

AMDG. “Advent is all cozy and sparkling lights… but Lent on the other hand, kids do not look forward to as much.”  

Looking for a new way to engage your children during this Lent? All About Advent and Christmas author Katie Bogner and illustrator Shari Van Vranken join the Kolbecast to announce their new book, All About Lent & Holy Week: Sharing the Seasons of Repentance & Salvation with Children. Their new Lenten guide is ...

AMDG. Reading is a daunting topic for many homeschooling parents. Luckily, Kolbe teachers and Master’s Level Education Specialists Kristi Cramer and Jenny Todesco are here to help. 

Kristi and Jenny answer the most-asked questions about reading, providing easy-to-digest answers and actionable steps that you can begin today. Tune in to learn how to assess your child’s reading ability at home; when your child should begin reading; co...