The official podcast of Kolbe Academy with lively discussions on home & distance education, Kolbe Academy, and our Catholic community.
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Kolbe Academy Podcasts
Hosted by Dr. Greg Goins, the Reimagine Schools Podcast features many of the nation's top educators, authors and innovators in K-12 education with an emphasis on leadership development, scaling innovation and transforming our public school system. Guest have included some of the world's most prolific thought leaders on education, including Ted Dintersmith, Ted Fujimoto, Ian Jukes, Alfie Kohn, Grant Lichtman, Marc Prensky and Dr. Tony Wagner. The Reimagine Schools Podcast is a proud member of ...
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AMDG. Kolbe podcast team member and teacher Gwynith DeMonte knows exactly what episodes you should be listening to during the back-to-school season. Whether you’re simply curious about homeschooling or are a homeschool student yourself, Gwynith has the perfect catalog of episodes to give you all the information you need. In addition to offering he…
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AMDG. The McMahon family lives by 4 H’s: Homeschooling, Homesteading, 4H itself, and Home births. The McMahon parents Ted and Cindi discuss how they have utilized Kolbe’s offerings for their children; every child needs something different and Kolbe has been there to help. The family reveals their homesteading and 4H operations, and how they’ve bala…
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274 Hope & Joy in the Truth at Catholic International University
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56:08AMDG. You don’t want to go to a state university, but you don’t want to spend private university money. Where do you go? Catholic International University’s Chair of Education and Liberal Arts Ann Brodeur, PhD, has an innovative solution for students who want to opt out of the traditional university approach. Catholic International University is an…
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273 Inspiration for Every Homeschool Journey - Kolbecast Conference 2025
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40:59AMDG. What if you could listen to incredible keynote speakers at a conference, without even leaving your home? With the Kolbecast Conference, now you can! The Kolbecast Conference is a three-day program of curated episodes covering a range of topics from classical education, homeschooling, faith, mental health, childhood emotional regulation, and s…
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272 Healthy Mom, Healthy Family with Dr. Chris Stroud
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53:19AMDG. "I went to medical school because I knew I couldn't get into law school." Catholic board-certified OB-GYN and host of the podcast Doctor Doctor Chris Stroud, M.D., wants more Catholics in medical school. "Catholic students are running as fast as they can away from pediatrics," Chris explains. Controversial life and gender issues have led many…
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AMDG. Are you looking for the perfect book to take your child’s reading to the next level? Look no further than Kolbe’s newly updated Literature & Catholic National Reader program for elementary students! Originally published in 1895, the Catholic National Readers became a staple in many Catholic homes. “We started with the idea of just redoing the…
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270 Dr. Peter Kreeft on Joy, Suffering, Conversion, and Truth
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57:06AMDG. “It’s almost as if I pity God because he has to choose between giving us more sufferings and making us sorrowful but wiser or giving us less sufferings and making us happier but more foolish.” Professor of Philosophy at Boston College and author of over 100 books Dr. Peter Kreeft shares his reflection on today’s academic culture, emphasizing…
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269 Resources & Road Maps - Student Support Services
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43:31
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43:31AMDG. “Catholic schools should help all students— we should serve you and help you.” How can Kolbe Academy help a child who has learning disabilities? Student Services Director Karen Allgood and special education teachers Karen Painter and Emmanuelle Wilhelm share their experiences as parents, teachers, and mentors of students with learning differe…
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268 Pilgrimage & Jubilee with Our Lady of Champion
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43:26AMDG. Have you ever wanted to see a Marian apparition site? You don't even have to leave the country to do so-- Champion, WI, is home to the only approved Marian apparition site in the U.S. Fr. Nathan Mudd, chaplain at Our Lady of Champion Shrine, shares the story of Our Lady of Champion and Adele Brise, a woman Fr. Mudd hopes to see canonized soon…
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267 Time Travel through History - Bringing the Past to Life for Young Learners
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53:06AMDG. How do you teach history to elementary school students? Kolbe’s new elementary history program has everything you need and more! The developers and editors of the elementary history course, Stephanie Foley and Heather Griffin, want the stories of history to come alive in your living room, creating a spark of lasting wonder in every young read…
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266 Viriditas - Leila Lawler on St. Hildegard's Garden
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59:45AMDG. What did people know in the Middle Ages that we are only now rediscovering? Blogger of “Like Mother, Like Daughter” Substack contributor, author, and podcaster Leila Lawler joins the Kolbecast to discuss the new book, “St. Hildegard’s Garden: Recipes and Remedies for Healing Body and Soul.” Prompted by pharmaceutical shortages, Leila asked he…
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265 Chosen to Be a Saint - Commencement 2025
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1:06:36AMDG. 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 exhor…
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264 Spiritual Friendship featuring Fr. Wayne Sattler
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1:06:31AMDG. “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, “spi…
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263 Exploring God's Cosmos - Astronomy for Everyday People
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56:17AMDG. 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…
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262 Childlike Joy for Our New Pope with Katie Bogner
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55:46AMDG. “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 ins…
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261 Lisa Popcak - Make It about Relationship
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36:49AMDG. 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 st…
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260 Lisa Popcak on Flow & Connection through Learning
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44:54AMDG. 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 …
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259 Seeing the Story - Classical Reflections on Art
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59:08AMDG. “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 …
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258 Seeking, Finding, and Building Community -- Groups & Extracurriculars
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57:15AMDG. 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 accessib…
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257 Integrated Catholic, Classical Education in Middle & High School
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45:56AMDG. 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 expec…
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256 An Education That Reflects God's Beauty
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48:50AMDG. “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…
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255 Family Life as Liturgy with Dr. Greg Popcak
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49:58AMDG. 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 …
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254 Art & Laraine Bennett Offer Freedom from Anxiety
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57:18AMDG. 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;…
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253 Joseph Pearce's Classic Literature Appetizers
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46:45AMDG. 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 work…
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252 The Timeliness of Fulton Sheen with Dr. Cheryl Hughes
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58:16AMDG. “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 t…
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251 A Year of the Lord's Favor - Joan Watson on the Jubilee Year of Hope
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49:36AMDG. “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 …
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250 Made for Relationship featuring Kenna Millea
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57:17AMDG. 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.…
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249 Stories Crafted with Care from Kolbe Academy Press
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59:59AMDG. “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 …
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248 Intentionality & Purpose for Lent & Holy Week with Katie Bogner & Shari Van Vranken
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59:17AMDG. “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…
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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 a…
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AMDG. Alumnus and CVS health general management program developer Charlie Mihaliak steps on stage to share an inspiring message about the importance of education in the current cultural moment. "What we're facing right now," Charlie declares, "is an idolatry of this farce of limitless freedom as the key to happiness." Charlie reminisces on his own …
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AMDG. From sea monsters and magic spells to archery contests and family reunions, this book has something for everyone. Join Bonnie, Steven, and Jordan as they dive into the great Homeric epic, the Odyssey. The group discusses major themes to watch out for in the Odyssey, including family life and wisdom; considers the must-ask questions, like whet…
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AMDG. College decisions have you feeling overwhelmed? Join Kolbe students Bella, Jeremiah, and Gianna as they share their experiences attending Newman Guide colleges’ summer programs. The students discuss the ups and downs of navigating college decisions, providing insight into their thought processes along the way. Experience Benedictine’s and Ch…
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243 Drawing Distinctions - Classical Education, Liberal Arts, and Liberal Education
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53:52AMDG. What is classical education, exactly? Join Steven and Bonnie as they delve into the founding principles of Kolbe Academy and reveal surprising facts about classical education, including why history is not part of the liberal arts; the differences between classical education, liberal arts, and liberal education; why classical programs reject t…
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AMDG. Kolbe seniors Ignatius, Dhilan, and Agnes join the Kolbecast to share an insider look at life as a Kolbe student. From their honor society activities to aerial acrobatics and magic, these students keep their schedules packed. The students share a range of experiences of homeschooling life, from taking music lessons at the University of Notre …
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AMDG. What questions should homeschool parents be asking halfway through the academic year? Homeschooling moms and Kolbe employees Vanessa Delgado and Elyse Williams join the Kolbecast to talk about what to do— and not do!— if you’ve fallen behind; how to deal with burnout and unmotivated kids; when you should change courses and how to do it; when …
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240 Entry Points for Evangelization -- Jimmy Mitchell's Let Beauty Speak
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50:07AMDG. “This is about making heaven crowded.” Assistant principal at Jesuit High School and author Jimmy Mitchell shares his many years of experience evangelizing in his new book, “Let Beauty Speak.” Jimmy reveals how to identify the right individualized approach to talk to someone about the faith as well as the role of beauty in conversion. He disc…
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AMDG. Join Bonnie, Steven, and Jordan as they unpack the famous Greek play, Oedipus Rex. The tragic play slowly unravels the story of the downfall of the infamous king, Agamemnon. From murder to unexpected Biblical connections, there is no shortage of material to cover. The team reveals everything you need to know about Oedipus Rex, from historical…
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238 Pat Millea on Accompaniment, Hope, Integration, and Resilience
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59:19AMDG. Catholic youth minister and podcaster Pat Millea joins the Kolbecast to share his journey from parish work to beginning an integrated Catholic therapy center. Pat explains what “integration” means; how a good therapist should sit with their clients; what “admonishing the sinner” really looks like; why parents shouldn’t protect their children …
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AMDG. Kolbe science teacher of almost 30 years Leslie Spencer has stories to tell. Before she joined the Kolbe team, Leslie lived in a yurt in China while working as an English teacher. More recently, Leslie traveled to Athens and investigated recent archeological discoveries. Leslie reveals details about what the team uncovered that you have never…
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AMDG. From social work to homeschooling to becoming a published author, Belinda Terro Mooney has done it all. In a heartwarming episode, Belinda shares the lessons she learned raising and homeschooling her seven children; navigating the challenges of ADD and ADHD in her own home; leaving behind a successful career to homeschool; reentering the work…
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235 The Disposition of Pilgrimage with Joan Watson
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53:50AMDG. Looking to deepen your relationship with God this holiday season? Join our conversation with Catholic pilgrimage leader and podcaster Joan Watson to discuss her experience in Catholic ministry. Joan shares impactful stories from her pilgrimages, including her transformative trip to Rome at age 15; explains the difference between a pilgrimage …
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234 Adding Color to What Is Black & White
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56:23AMDG. The Humanities Series is back! Join Bonnie, Jordan, and Steven for the grand finale of The Iliad. This episode covers everything you need to know about The Iliad, from the significance of burying the dead to the role of women in the Ancient World. The team breaks down the answers to complex questions, like what the afterlife meant to the Gree…
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233 Incarnational Education at Wyoming Catholic College
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57:55AMDG. Trying to find the right college for you? Join Wyoming Catholic College President Kyle Washut and alumna Catherine Mershon for a virtual tour of campus life. President Washut reveals a connection between Wyoming Catholic and the Marian apparition site in Green Bay, Wisconsin; discusses the divine call to educate the youth in the wilderness; s…
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232 Part of the Family - Parents & Advisors as Partners
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43:57AMDG. What exactly is a Kolbe advisor? Advisors Rylan Buchanan and Krysten Pizzurro join the Kolbecast to share an insider-look at how the academic advisor team collaborates with parents and students to meet their academic goals, from course selection to college planning. Rylan and Krysten talk about their backgrounds in homeschooling and their jou…
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231 Centures Old Yet Never Timelier with Amb. Eduard Habsburg
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52:15Amb. Eduard Habsburg, archduke of Austria and ambassador of Hungary to the Holy See, joins the Kolbecast to discuss his brand-new book, Building a Wholesome Family in a Broken World. Amb. Habsburg expresses the difference between American and European attitudes towards homeschooling, faith, and family life; gives a glimpse into his life as a Cathol…
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230 A Multi-Pronged Approach to College Prep
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57:58AMDG. Applying to college is no easy feat. From PSATs to transcripts, college visits, and gap years, it can feel like the decisions are endless. In this episode of the Kolbecast, we break down every stage of the college application process, from building a strong transcript to choosing the right college for you. Returning guest Erica Treat and acad…
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AMDG. Wishing you could engage with your kids on their Greek literature course? Or trying to read the Iliad for the first time yourself? Bonnie, Jordan, and Steven are here to help. In this installment of the humanities series, the group unpacks the first six books of the Iliad and breaks down the essential takeaways, including the role of the gods…
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AMDG. When COVID-19 broke out, Kathleen decided to enroll her daughter in Kolbe Academy until the pandemic ended. Four years later, Kathleen’s daughter is still a Kolbe student and almost two years ahead of her peers in school— and she’s not slowing down any time soon. Kathleen discusses how she navigates being a homeschooling parent while maintain…
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AMDG. Why do my kids always fidget during school? Why am I always overstimulated by loud noises? Why does my house feel tense right now? Occupational therapist and mom of five Caitlin Russ has the answers to these questions and more. Caitlin breaks down occupational therapy and emotional regulation; easy steps to optimize your homeschool environmen…
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