Best Foundations In Art Theory And Education Podcasts (2025)

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The Power of Intentional Chapel 34:52

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6d ago34:52

34:52

“When parents come onto campus and they see teachers worshiping the Lord, they see the tenderness. The way our teachers interact with their child in an organic setting ... that builds a trust with our parents.” — Cathy Polyak A very common topic Jenny hears in her conversations with educators and with podcast listeners is around chapel services. In…

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The Revolution in Democracy: Marxist Unity Group's Vision for DSA 2:19:44

7d ago2:19:44

2:19:44

What does a truly democratic American future require? The Marxist Unity Group believes nothing short of revolution will deliver it. In this compelling conversation, MUG members Cliff Connolly, Amy Wilhelm, Jean Allen, and Aliyah Van Pelt outline their vision for transforming both the Democratic Socialists of America and American politics through pr…

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Dollar Dominance in a Fragile World with Emmanuel Daniel 1:28:54

7d ago1:28:54

1:28:54

What happens when the world's reserve currency faces a crisis of confidence, yet alternatives remain elusive? Emmanuel Daniel, author of "The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance," offers a fascinating perspective on this paradox that defines our current global economic moment. The dollar's remarkable resilience stems from an unexpected…

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The Heart Behind the Handbook: Creating Policies That Point to Christ 37:12

14d ago37:12

37:12

“A handbook is a tool to communicate agreed-upon expectations to create an environment that allows for disciple makers to direct students into God-glorifying relationships with their Creator.” — Paul Rebert Every Christian school has a handbook or rule book, but are we using it correctly? In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast, Paul Rebert …

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Taming the Wild: The Complex Story of Animal Domestication with Joy 1:48:42

14d ago1:48:42

1:48:42

The domestication of plants and animals represents one of the most profound transformations in our species' history—yet few of us understand how dramatically it has reshaped not just the organisms involved, but our entire planet's ecology. In this fascinating conversation with Joy of Zoognosis and Mimbres School, we unpack the complex biological an…

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The Heart of Teaching 22:36

21d ago22:36

22:36

“I had a former principal share with me, ‘They will care how much you know when they know how much you care.’” — Randy Padgett Have you ever met an educator whose love for teaching just radiates—someone who clearly enjoys their students, their subject, and the privilege of being in the classroom? Maybe you remember a teacher like that from your own…

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Liberal Socialism and the Challenge of Right-Wing Politics with Matt McManus 1:20:51

21d ago1:20:51

1:20:51

Professor Matthew McManus joins us to explore liberal socialism, the right's evolution, and the shifting global political landscape. • Carlo Rossellini's work articulates a socialism that confronts both Marxist determinism and fascism • Rossellini criticized Italian leftists for failing to understand fascism's emotional appeal • Liberal socialism a…

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Fine Arts: Shaping the Whole Student 23:13

28d ago23:13

23:13

“Having your student involved in a fine arts and music program is so good for their academics because it teaches them to be disciplined and to work well with others.” — Emily Nakamura We have seen a trend of fine arts programs being cut or downgraded due to budgeting issues, lack of personnel, and lack of interest. Perhaps as educators we should re…

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From Dawn To Decadence, part 4: Aufheben's Decline of Theory 2:06:23

28d ago2:06:23

2:06:23

Capitalism's crisis theories reveal more about leftist political failures than economic reality, as deterministic approaches miss the cultural dimensions of decay while simultaneously failing to deliver the promised revolutionary outcomes. • Examining Aufheben's' "Decadence, the Theory of Decline or Decline of Theory" as a framework for understandi…

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Spiritual Formation: Building Foundation and Transformation through Bible Class 35:42

1M ago35:42

35:42

“It’s hard to have a Biblical worldview without Biblical knowledge.” Bible class is a given within any Christian school, but how do we make it more than just another class to fulfill as a requirement. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Nathan Deck, currently a middle school principal, shares with Jenny his wisdom on spiritual formation…

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The Poetry of Diasporic Memory with Ben Meyerson 1:43:06

1M ago1:43:06

1:43:06

Flamenco's haunting rhythms carry centuries of suppressed memories—the echoes of Spain's Jewish and Muslim communities, expelled and erased through centuries of ethnic cleansing. Yet somehow, these cultural memories persist through sound and verse, creating what poet Ben Meyerson calls "diasporic memory." In this conversation that spans continents …

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The Real Learning Curve: Navigating the First Years of Teaching 35:12

1M ago35:12

35:12

“Learn as much as you can because as you’re learning, your students are learning.” — Cassidy Harwood “These parents entrusted me with their money, their time, and their children — which is the most precious thing. And I need to do my best.” — Cassidy Harwood Summer is just beginning, but before you know it, summer will be winding down, school suppl…

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End of Liberal Dreams with Nicolas Villarreal 3:32:54

1M ago3:32:54

3:32:54

The foundations of modern liberal democracy weren't forged in the ideals of freedom and equality alone, but in the disciplined halls of Prussian military academies. In this wide-ranging conversation, Nicolas Villarreal reveals how the professional military education system that emerged in 19th century Germany created the bureaucratic apparatus that…

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Embracing the Awkward: Why Middle Schoolers Are Worth the Investment 16:38

2M ago16:38

16:38

“I wish people would see them as the little people that they are.” — Courtney Wallace Middle school … it can be an awkward phase of life. Underneath it all, middle schoolers are a great group of students. Maybe you are a middle school educator navigating through these emotions, quirks, and awkwardness. In this episode of the Teacher Edition Podcast…

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Marx's American Journey with Andrew Hartman 1:50:00

2M ago1:50:00

1:50:00

America's hidden Marxist history reveals a country where radical ideas took root in ways we've deliberately forgotten. Dr. Andrew Hartman takes us on a journey through this erased past, uncovering how deeply Marx's ideas penetrated American society from the Civil War through today. Marx himself was surprisingly connected to America, writing hundred…

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What Every Administrator Wishes Teachers Knew 30:04

2M ago30:04

30:04

Have you ever wondered what your school administrators wish you really knew? Or vice versa? Do the decisions in your school’s leadership sometimes leave you feeling frustrated or confused? In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Matt Ticzkus — regional director, former administrator, and long-time advocate for Christian…

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The Angels and the Poets: Rilke, Celan, and DA Levy with Alexander Benedict 1:31:19

2M ago1:31:19

1:31:19

What happens when we trace the unexpected influences between seemingly unrelated poetic traditions? In this exploration of German poetry's impact on American counterculture, we discover the fascinating connections between renowned German-language poets Rainer Maria Rilke and Paul Salon with Cleveland's underground literary icon DA Levy. Levy, a Cle…

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Math: Biblical Worldview or Neutral 40:18

2M ago40:18

40:18

"Math may seem like a neutral subject because people are like, well, it's just driven by numbers and facts and logic. But the very orderliness of math reveals a rational and orderly creator, a wonderful, powerful God." — Cindy Dickinson How does your worldview affect your daily life — what you do, where you go, how you respond to culture and news? …

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The Fascist Foundations of Heideggerian Thought: A Marxist Critique with Colin Bodayle 2:05:16

2M ago2:05:16

2:05:16

What if I told you one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century wasn't just a Nazi sympathizer, but that fascism was fundamental to his entire philosophical project? In this profound conversation with Colin Bodayle, doctoral student in philosophy at Villanova University, we peel back the sanitized layers of Martin Heidegger's legacy…

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Fire Safety Beyond the Routine Drills in Schools 29:14

2M ago29:14

29:14

Did you know there are over 3,200 school fires in the U.S. every year? Do you think about the importance of fire safety beyond the routine drills at school? Have you ever considered the role you play as an educator in creating a safe environment for students and staff? Fire safety isn’t just a duty; it’s a necessity for schools. In this episode of …

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The Echoes of General Boulanger: When Leftists Flirt With Right-Wing Populism with Donald Parkinson 2:35:26

2M ago2:35:26

2:35:26

As normie conservatives casually throw around terms like "Bonapartist" to describe Trump's new administration, we've entered a peculiar moment where Marxist terminology has infiltrated mainstream political discourse—often without its theoretical underpinnings. This wide-ranging conversation explores the historical parallels between today's politica…

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Personal Responsibility: Rooted in God’s Design 44:18

3M ago44:18

44:18

“To take the time to rest really needs to be purposeful, because it won’t just happen.” —Tim Berlin “Inside of that purpose are defined roles that have responsibilities, and personal responsibility starts with understanding what it is that God designed.” —Tim Berlin Working with youth for decades, Pastor Tim Berlin believes in excellence and Christ…

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Ethics Unbound: Marx's Revolutionary Framework with Vanessa Wills 2:03:47

3M ago2:03:47

2:03:47

Dr. Vanessa Wills takes us on an intellectual journey through the heart of Marx's ethical vision – perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of his revolutionary philosophy. As we trace her path from anti-war activism to Marxist scholarship, Dr. Wills demolishes the persistent myth that Marx had no ethics or moral framework. Instead, she reveals how hi…

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Breaking Constitutional Boundaries with Elijah Emery 2:05:47

3M ago2:05:47

2:05:47

America's constitutional foundation is buckling under the weight of executive fiat, with a president governing almost exclusively through executive orders while Congress passes fewer bills than at any point in history. Elijah Emery comes back to discuss the following: • Executive power has been expanding since WWII, but the current administration r…

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Christian, Sure, But What About Distinctively Biblical? 38:51

3M ago38:51

38:51

“The most priceless thing we have ever been given is a child.” –David Gibbs, Jr. “The first priority of every Christian school and every Christian educator is to be sure that you lead every child to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.” –David Gibbs, Jr. “Listen, long after you're with the Lord in eternity, you will live on in those kids.” –David Gi…

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The Dark Side of Jimmy Carter with Robert Buzzanco 1:00:49

3M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Behind the celebrated image of Jimmy Carter as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian lies a presidential legacy that demands closer examination. This revealing conversation with historian Robert Buzzanco challenges the sanitized narrative of Carter's presidency, exposing how he functioned as a crucial transitional figure between postwar liberali…

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The Journey of Freedom: Unpacking Hegel's Philosophy with Borna Radnik 1:31:01

3M ago1:31:01

1:31:01

The episode explores Hegel's complex understanding of freedom as self-determination and its historical evolution through time, juxtaposed with Kant and Rousseau's perspectives. It emphasizes that freedom is a relational and collective struggle that necessitates recognition and social action, questioning the practical implications of Hegel's thought…

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Be Aware or Ignore?: Substance Abuse within Christian Schools Part Two 26:02

3M ago26:02

26:02

“It’s not a pleasant topic and one you would hope you wouldn’t or won’t need in Christian schools, but unfortunately, it is the world we live in.” – Peyton Snyder Welcome back for Part Two of Teacher Edition’s conversation about the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in our society and, yes, inside our Christian schools. Peyton Snyder joins Jenny C…

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Be Aware or Ignore?: Substance Abuse within Christian Schools Part One 32:52

3M ago32:52

32:52

“Even precious believers can be wrecked by substances. It’s critical to equip our kids with the right knowledge and support.” — Peyton Snyder Are Christian schools immune from substance abuse challenges? Pressures are increasingly rising for our students, their families, and even among those working in Christian schools. Jenny sits down with Peyton…

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From Cold War Legacies to Modern Political Challenges with Daniel Bessner 1:10:18

3M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Is U.S. foreign policy under President Biden really different from Trump's approach? Join us as we welcome Daniel Bessner from the American Prestige podcast to unravel this and other pressing questions, with a bold examination of leftist perspectives on international relations. We scrutinize the position of Palestine within American leftist discour…

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Why Fine Arts Matter in Christian Education Part Two 28:35

3M ago28:35

28:35

“Dip your toe into the pool; jump into the deep end. Over time, you will be surprised at how God will bless (the school’s fine arts program) and bring honor and glory to Him.” — Darren Lawson In part two of our conversation around developing a successful fine arts program, Jenny Copeland and Dr. Darren Lawson have a more in-depth discussion around …

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Why Fine Arts Matter in Christian Education Part One 27:45

3M ago27:45

27:45

Quotes: “God chose storytelling to give us the Gospel.” — Darren Lawson “The very act of creating is emulating an attribute of our God. So when we create, we are in essence worshiping our God with our gifts.” — Darren Lawson Part One: How do fine arts fit into a Christian school’s mission? In this episode, Dr. Darren Lawson, a seasoned fine arts ed…

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Navigating Socialist Strategy and Tensions in the Post-Trump Era with Sudip Bhattacharya 1:22:52

3M ago1:22:52

1:22:52

Sudip Bhattacharya joins us to unravel the post-Trump landscape of socialist strategy, wading through the murky waters of political transitions and internal leftist tensions. How can we nurture class consciousness and fight against anti-DEI rhetoric that threatens to strip away essential rights? Together, Sudip and I confront these urgent questions…

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From Dawn to Decadence, Part 3: Is Samir Amin's Challenge to Eurocentric Narratives About Decadence? 1:52:35

3M ago1:52:35

1:52:35

What if the concept of decadence holds the key to understanding our societal and political structures today? This episode challenges traditional narratives by dissecting Samir Amin's unfinished work on revolution and decadence through a Marxist lens. We navigate through Afibung's critique of decadence theory, contrasting Marxist views with more coh…

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Committed Teacher/Committed Parent: Do I Have to Choose? 36:44

3M ago36:44

36:44

“Where your feet are, be all there.” — Jenny Copeland Do you find yourself juggling multiple roles as a teacher and a parent? Do you feel torn between the classroom and home? Maybe you are wondering if it’s possible to excel in both areas or worried that your family and spouse feel second place. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny…

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Doomscolling Through Fandom to Politics: Unraveling the Digital Influence on Ideologies with Joshua Citarella 3:01:01

3M ago3:01:01

3:01:01

Exploring the intersection of fandom culture and political engagement reveals a new landscape of activism and ideology. Our discussion with Joshua Citarella of Doomscroll emphasizes how passionate fandoms are shaping today's political climate, shifting the nature of activism beyond traditional frameworks and leading to a more dynamized political id…

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Empowering ALL Educators to Share School Safety Awareness Part Two 22:32

4M ago22:32

22:32

"But any school that unashamedly says, ‘Hey, I want to not only give these kids a good education, but a Christ-centered worldview,’ we think it is so valuable to at least have a digital panic button that we offer every school in America, every church in America, completely free of charge, zero charge — a digital panic button." –Jim Boyte In this se…

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Empowering ALL Educators to Share School Safety Awareness Part One 29:49

4M ago29:49

29:49

"For 50 years, teachers do fire drills and they don't ever know if they're going towards the fire or away from it." — Jim Boyte Part One: In this two-part series of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny sits down with Jim Boyte, CEO of Active Defender and bi-vocational pastor with a fervent dedication to school safety. With over a decade of experience…

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Cultural Shifts in the Age of Social Media from Art Bell to TikTok with Katherine Dee 1:37:29

4M ago1:37:29

1:37:29

Katherine Dee, the writer behind the "Default Blog" on Substack, joins us to explore the unexpected legacy of Art Bell and how his non-political, free-form radio style contrasts with today's charged conspiracy culture. Discover the intriguing intersections between Bell's approach and modern figures like Joe Rogan and Alex Jones, and how these dynam…

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Protecting Young Lives: Preparation for Life-Threatening Incidents 18:05

4M ago18:05

18:05

"If you're a teacher, you're inside of your classroom, or if you're out on a playground, you're technically that first responder, right? You're the first person that is there and can help render aid to this person." — Sandy Gaddy The Teacher Edition podcast, hosted by Jenny Copeland, welcomes Sandy Gaddy, account executive at Active Defender. As ed…

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Liberalism Meets Socialism: Unpacking Their Surprising Connections with Matt McManus 1:00:38

4M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

We begin a NEW season here at Varn Vlog after 4 years of recording. The episode explores the complexities of liberal socialism, emphasizing its potential to bridge the ideals of liberalism and socialism through mutual values like equality and freedom with Dr. Matt McManus. The discussion engages with historical perspectives, critiques from Marxists…

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Supporting all Learners: Bringing a VoTech Program to the Christian School Part Two 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

In part one, Jenny and Michael talked about the importance of vocational education (VO Tech) in Christian schools and how hands-on learning opportunities can equip students for real-world skills while integrating faith into their work. In this continuation, Michael shares more practical steps needed to launch a VO Tech program, even in schools with…

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Supporting all Learners: Bringing a VoTech Program to the Christian School Part One 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

Teachers, have you ever had a student who thrives when working with their hands — fixing things, building, or solving practical problems? Maybe you wished there was a way to provide students with hands-on training while they’re still in high school. In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny explores the world of vocational education in …

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The Paradoxical Paths of Noam Chomsky with Dr. Chris Knight 1:34:10

4M ago1:34:10

1:34:10

The episode dives into the complex duality of Noam Chomsky as a linguist and an activist, revealing the schism between his scientific work and political beliefs. Through insights from Dr. Chris Knight, listeners explore how Chomsky's theories, while revolutionary, risk disconnecting from social context and the critical implications this has for und…

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Constitutional Crossroads: Examining Trump's Impact on American Democracy with Elijah Emery 1:25:07

4M ago1:25:07

1:25:07

What if the very pillars of American democracy are being shaken right before our eyes? Join me and our insightful guest, Elijah Emery, a law student with a keen eye for constitutional intricacies, as we explore the Trump administration's contentious policy decisions that challenge the core principles of U.S. constitutional law. We start with the au…

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Bible Quizzing: Head Knowledge and Heart Faith 42:21

4M ago42:21

42:21

"One of the things I like to say is that the only thing stopping you is you." –Susie Sherwin In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, host Jenny Copeland enjoys a conversation with longtime friend and Bible Quiz expert Susie Sherwin. With Bible Quizzing being a treasured memory from her own schooling, Jenny invites Susie to share this unique…

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(New Season) Navigating the Complexities of Poetry: Politics, Language, and Cultural Impact with Bianca Stone 2:38:16

4M ago2:38:16

2:38:16

This episode navigates the intricate relationship between poetry and politics, featuring insights from poet Bianca Stone. We discuss the nuances of non-didactic poetry, the historical implications of literary voices, and how poetry serves as a vessel for personal and collective experiences. Bianca Stone is a Vermont-based poet. Stone’s newest book …

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Who Pushes the Buttons Leaves a Fingerprint: A Conversation with Dr. Angela J. Aguayo about documentary media production, participatory media, and stories of resistance 30:11

5M ago30:11

30:11

Recorded: February 22, 2025 Published: February 25, 2025 Time: 30:11 Audio edited by: Anthony Albidrez Music clip “Jumpstart,” Koni Zulow, age 15 For more on her work: https://media.illinois.edu/media-cinema-studies/aguayo-angelaBy Prof. Phaedra C. Pezzullo, host

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Support for New and Seasoned Christian Schools 28:15

5M ago28:15

28:15

In this episode of the Teacher Edition podcast, Jenny has the privilege of speaking with Ron Gordon, who leads the REAP Division at RenewaNation. Ron shared invaluable insights into how their organization is equipping and strengthening Christian schools—whether they are just launching or undergoing renewal efforts. With a background in corporate le…

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(300th Episode) Hungry Ghosts in the Capitalist Machine: Unraveling Consumerism, Politics, and Activism with Mike Watson 1:44:52

5M ago1:44:52

1:44:52

The episode dives deep into the connection between capitalism and our digital identities, exploring themes of addiction, anxiety, and the pursuit of validation in the online realm. Mike Watson articulates the detrimental effects of social media on mental health while highlighting the need for authentic community engagement beyond mere digital expre…