Podcast
BaseCamp Live
Hosted by Davies Owens · EN
BaseCamp LIVE will equip you, the parent, educator, or mentor to climb the biggest mountains as you seek to shape young people to become exceptionally prepared, compassionate, and thoughtful human beings. Our guests are thought leaders, culture watchers, and educational experts who are seeing the benefits of a classical Christian education to form students into adults who can think critically, believe with courage, and serve compassionately.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Rooting our Families with Jennifer Freeman
5d ago00:43:30Tap to summarizeParents often spend so much time navigating the needs of today that it's easy to lose sight of where we're ultimately headed. But what if raising children begins with keeping the end in mind? In this episode, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Jennifer Freeman of the Rooted Families Initiative to discuss a framework for family discipleship that helps parents understand the unique opportunities and challenges of every stage of childhood—from infancy through young adulthood. Drawing from decades of mentoring college students and families, Jennifer shares practical wisdom for raising children who grow into wise, discerning adults who love Christ. Tune in to hear: Why parenting is most effective when we keep the end goal in view. Jennifer's five stages of family discipleship and how each stage requires something different from parents. How to encourage healthy independence without withdrawing guidance. Why meaningful conversations become increasingly important during the teen years. How parents can prepare young adults for adulthood without trying to control every outcome. Why seasons of questioning and doubt can become important milestones in developing mature faith. Practical encouragement for trusting God's work in your children's lives through every stage. Rather than offering another parenting formula, Jennifer encourages parents to see themselves as beloved caregivers, partnering with God as He forms their children over time. Whether you're holding a newborn, navigating middle school, or preparing to launch a young adult, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical guidance for every season. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Forging the American Mind with David Goodwin
2w ago00:50:25Tap to summarizeWhat happens after we realize that education is about far more than information transfer? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with David Goodwin, president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Battle for the American Mind. David's newest book, Forging the American Mind, serves as a practical guide for parents and educators who want to understand not only why classical Christian education matters, but how it actually works. Tune in to hear: Why Battle for the American Mind resonated with so many parents and educators What paideia is and why it shapes every child's understanding of truth, identity, and purpose Why the most important question in education is not "What do you know?" but "How do you know?" How Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis continue to influence the classical Christian education movement Practical examples of classical education in action, from great books and handwriting to Socratic discussion and dialectical learning How adults who feel they "missed out" on a classical education can begin pursuing one today Along the way, David offers a compelling vision for recovering the lost tools of learning and cultivating wisdom, virtue, and intellectual freedom in the next generation. Whether you're a parent, educator, school leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will help you think more deeply about what education is for and how it shapes both individuals and culture. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Parenting in an Age of Fragmented Attention with Suzanne Phillips
3w ago00:58:03Tap to summarizeHow do we faithfully raise children in a culture that constantly fragments their attention? In this episode of Base Camp Live, Davies Owens welcomes Suzanne Phillips of Beacon Parent for a thoughtful and deeply encouraging conversation about parenting in an age of distraction, anxiety, and cultural confusion. Rather than offering another parenting checklist, Suzanne shares a biblical framework for becoming the kind of parent your children can follow. Together, they explore what Suzanne calls the seven facets of a “Beacon Parent,” including the supremacy of Christ, expressed honor, intentional legacy, transformative wisdom, humble courage, secure identity, and personal responsibility. Along the way, they discuss: • Why everything starts at home • The difference between knowledge and wisdom • How technology is reshaping childhood • Why honor is disappearing from families • The dangers of fear-based parenting • Why children need gradual responsibility • How parents can lead with clarity instead of anxiety This conversation is both practical and hopeful for parents seeking to raise grounded, thoughtful, Christ-centered children in a rapidly changing world. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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The Art of Friendship with Dirk Bellamy
4w ago00:44:19Tap to summarizeFriendship does not happen automatically anymore. In a world filled with distraction, busyness, and surface-level interaction, many adults and students are struggling to form meaningful relationships. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dirk Bellamy to discuss the growing loneliness crisis and why friendship is becoming one of the greatest challenges of modern life. Drawing from his own experience of realizing he had virtually no close friendships, Dirk shares the practical and deeply personal journey that led him to write his book, Why We Ask. Together, they explore: Why proximity is not the same as connection The difference between acquaintances, friends, and close friendships How asking better questions transforms relationships Why intentionality matters in building community How parents can help children develop friendship skills The connection between friendship, meaning, and authentic belonging Why curiosity and humility are essential for healthy relationships This conversation offers practical encouragement for parents, educators, and anyone longing for deeper connection in an increasingly disconnected culture. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why “How was your day?” is often the wrong question The four levels of conversation, from small talk to deep talk Why men and women often approach friendship differently How meaningful friendships are intentionally cultivated Why authentic belonging is essential for human flourishing Whether you are trying to deepen your own friendships or help the next generation learn how to connect well, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical next steps. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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A Framework for Classical Education with Lindsey Ralls (Series: What is Classical Christian Education?)
May 2700:36:53Tap to summarizeWhat does classical Christian education actually mean? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens continues the ongoing series on classical Christian education with guest Lindsey Ralls, Upper School Head at Summit Christian Academy. Together, they explore a practical framework for understanding the heart behind classical Christian education, not simply as a method or curriculum model, but as a vision for forming flourishing human beings. Lindsey shares how Summit Christian Academy developed a one-page framework to help parents, teachers, and students better understand the deeper purpose of classical Christian education. The conversation moves beyond the familiar language of the trivium and great books into topics like virtue, paideia, ordered affections, truth, goodness, beauty, and the intentional formation of students. Davies and Lindsey also discuss how the classical movement has matured over the last 30 years, shifting from an emphasis on educational stages and methodology toward a richer focus on formation and discipleship. They unpack several key principles that shape Summit’s approach, including formation over information, imitation over innovation, the givenness of the universe, and helping students distinguish between truth and reality. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why classical Christian education is about formation, not just information How schools can intentionally cultivate virtue and ordered affections The difference between truth and reality in today’s culture Why imitation and apprenticeship still matter in education Practical ways parents and teachers can create meaningful conversations This episode offers practical encouragement for educators and parents alike, especially those seeking to cultivate thoughtful conversations, wise affections, and a deeper understanding of what it means to raise children to love what is true, good, and beautiful. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Beyond Slogans: Can Virtue Actually Be Taught? with Sharon Carlson
May 1900:45:07Tap to summarizeHow do we move students from simply talking about truth, goodness, and beauty to actually living those ideals out in everyday life? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Sharon Carlson for a thoughtful conversation about what it means to develop an “operational theology” , a faith that shapes not just beliefs, but daily decisions, relationships, failures, and future plans. Sharon draws from decades of experience in classical Christian education, student formation, counseling, and college advising to explore how schools and parents can help students connect theology to real life. Together, they discuss: Why students often struggle to apply Christian truth in practical decisions What “the good life” actually means from a biblical perspective How parents and schools can respond redemptively when students fail Why discipline moments can become discipleship opportunities The difference between knowing Christian virtues and becoming more like Christ How theology helps students navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and major life decisions Why “the best next step” matters more than fear of making the “wrong” decision Sharon also shares insights from mentoring students through college and career decisions, helping them understand that God’s will is ultimately about being conformed to the character of Christ, not simply finding the perfect school, job, or path. 🎧 Tune in for a rich conversation about spiritual formation, discipleship, and helping the next generation move beyond slogans into deeply lived faith. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Raising an Anxious Generation to Live Sturdy with Keith McCurdy
May 1200:43:04Tap to summarizeAnxiety is everywhere today, but what if it doesn’t always tell us the truth? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens welcomes back Keith McCurdy for another conversation in the Live Sturdy series. Together, they unpack why anxiety has become so common in students and parents, how overcommitment and fear-based decision making fuel the problem, and what schools and families can do to cultivate resilience, wisdom, and hope in a fragile age. Keith shares practical insight from years of counseling families, students, and school leaders. From sports overload to perfectionism to the pressure-filled culture surrounding today’s kids, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful perspective on helping children grow stronger instead of more fragile. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why anxiety often doesn’t tell us the truth The difference between helping and rescuing children How over-scheduled families unintentionally fuel stress Why students need encouragement, truth, and healthy boundaries Practical ways schools can respond to anxious students with wisdom and patience How parents can create more margin, harmony, and stability at home Join us as we discuss what it means to raise children who can live sturdy, even in an anxious world. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Gen Z Mental Health: Insights from the Barna Report with Stephanie Shackelford
May 500:43:22Tap to summarizeGen Z is more connected than any generation in history, yet also more isolated, anxious, and uncertain about their identity and purpose. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Dr. Stephanie Shackelford, senior fellow at the Barna Group and author of You on Purpose, to explore the findings from Barna’s latest research on Gen Z mental health. While anxiety and depression are on the rise, this conversation goes deeper. What if the core issue is not just mental health, but a lack of purpose, connection, and grounded identity? Drawing from extensive research and expert interviews, Stephanie shares six key themes that offer a path forward for families and schools: Creating tech-free spaces to reduce anxiety and restore focus Supporting parents as a critical foundation for student wellbeing Rebuilding real, in-person relationships and community Helping students reframe struggles with resilience and hope Returning to faith practices that ground identity and purpose Cultivating a sense of responsibility and calling beyond self 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why Gen Z is called a “generation of paradox” The surprising connection between purpose and mental health How small changes at home can make a lasting impact Why church and community matter more than ever This episode is both eye-opening and deeply practical, offering simple but powerful ways to help the next generation flourish. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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Forming Attention in an Age of Distraction with Tami Peterson
Apr 2900:47:29Tap to summarizeIn a world where attention is constantly pulled in a thousand directions, how do we help students focus on what truly matters? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Tami Peterson, founder of Life Architects Coaching, to explore the growing challenge of distraction and its impact on formation. From shrinking attention spans to the overwhelming number of inputs competing for our focus, the conversation highlights how what we pay attention to ultimately shapes who we become. Tami brings deep insight into how attention functions not just cognitively, but spiritually and relationally. Together, they discuss how modern technology, media, and even educational systems are influencing habits and affections, often without us realizing it. But this episode is not just about the problem. It is about reclaiming attention with purpose. From forming meaningful habits in the home to helping students develop discernment in decisions like college and vocation, this conversation offers practical ways to guide the next generation toward what is true, good, and beautiful. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why attention is one of our most valuable and contested resources How distraction is shaping habits, identity, and decision-making The role of parents and educators in forming attentiveness Practical ways to help students grow in focus, discernment, and purpose Join us as we revisit this must-hear episode and rediscover how forming attention can shape a life of purpose and clarity. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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When Schools and Home Align with Sadie Elliott
Apr 2000:41:16Tap to summarizeWhat happens when schools and homes truly align? In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with Sadie Elliott, Director of the Herzog Foundation Institute, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of Christian education: the partnership between parents and schools. Sadie shares what she is seeing from her unique vantage point serving thousands of Christian school leaders across the country. Together, she and Davies explore why education can never be outsourced, why parents remain the primary disciplers of their children, and how healthy Christian schools are working to build stronger connections between school life and home life. They also discuss the continued growth of Christian education, the dangers of drifting into a “me too” model of schooling, the impact of technology on family life, and simple ways parents can become more intentional without feeling overwhelmed. Tune in to hear: Why Christian education is about much more than academics What Sadie is seeing in the growth of Christian schools nationwide Why parent engagement matters so much for spiritual formation How schools and families can either reinforce each other or work against each other Why the dinner table still matters How technology can erode attention, formation, and family rhythms What the Herzog Foundation Institute is doing to equip Christian school leaders This conversation is a timely encouragement for parents, teachers, and school leaders who want to see the next generation formed with wisdom, faith, and conviction. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationThe Champion GroupLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCastWilson Hill Academy Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
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