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Classical Dialogues

Classical Dialogues

By Dr David Stanton

A podcast focused on classical Christian education themes and conversations from Oakdale Academy, a pre-K through grade 12 classical and Christian school in Metro Detroit, Michigan.
The podcast is hosted by Dr. David Stanton, headmaster at Oakdale Academy, and features guests from the faculty and staff as well as leaders in the classical Christian education movement.
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John Quincy Adams

Classical DialoguesJun 27, 2021

00:00
14:53
Faculty Spotlight - Mr. Mitchell Nees

Faculty Spotlight - Mr. Mitchell Nees

Join us for this dialogue with Mr. Mitchell Nees, one of our Rhetoric School and veteran faculty members here at Oakdale. Mr. Nees describes his journey to classical Christian education, his time at Oakdale, and his reflections on a variety of topics.

Feb 02, 202423:51
David Seibel (Coram Deo) and Faculty Spotlight

David Seibel (Coram Deo) and Faculty Spotlight

Join us for this great dialogue with Dr. David Seibel, head of school at Coram Deo Academy in Carmel, Indiana. This far ranging conversation about apprenticeships, goals of a classical Christian education, and so much more.

At the conclusion, we have another in our Faculty Spotlight times with Mr. Aaron Spencer, our physical education teacher.

Jan 19, 202440:10
Exploring Logic School

Exploring Logic School

Join us on this episode as we explore the logic phase - and the logic school - here at Oakdale Academy with Mrs. Kristin Lashar.

Jan 17, 202423:33
Interview with Dr. Tim Dernlan of ACCS and a Faculty Spotlight

Interview with Dr. Tim Dernlan of ACCS and a Faculty Spotlight

Join us for a great conversation with Dr. Tim Dernlan, one of the vice presidents for the Association of Classical Christian Schools, who shares his passion for classical education and his journey from collegiate coach for wrestling to leading a school.

Also we continue to highlight our teachers in our Faculty Spotlight segment with Ms. Anne Hable, one of our foundational Logic School teachers.

Jan 05, 202433:45
Adam Roate from CLT and a Faculty Spotlight

Adam Roate from CLT and a Faculty Spotlight

Join us on this episode as we are joined in a delightful conversation with Adam Roate from the Classical Learning Test (CLT) about his journey in classical education and his work partnering with private classical Christian schools such as Oakdale Academy.


In our Faculty Spotlight, we hear the passion and drive of Mrs. Jill Fox.

Dec 01, 202339:09
Academics and Virtue in the Rhetoric School

Academics and Virtue in the Rhetoric School

A great conversation with Mrs. Rosemind Taber, the head of Rhetoric School at Oakdale Academy on the importance of this last phase of K-12 education. Our far reaching conversation talks about virtue, formation of a flourishing human, and so much more.


At the end of that interview, we move to our Faculty Spotlight, featuring our new Logic School Literature Teacher, Mr. Dan Reynolds.

Nov 10, 202326:04
Soren Schwab from the Classic Learning Test and a Beautiful Moment from our House System

Soren Schwab from the Classic Learning Test and a Beautiful Moment from our House System

Join us on this episode as we talk to Soren Schwab, who is a vice president at the Classic Learning Test on all things CLT and the great impact of classical learning.

We also share a spotlight on a beautiful moment from our House program surrounding a mentoring time with our Grammar School students.

Nov 01, 202330:46
Dr. Dan Coupland interview and a Class Spotlight at Oakdale

Dr. Dan Coupland interview and a Class Spotlight at Oakdale

Join us on this episode for a far reaching dialogue with Dr. Dan Coupland, who serves as a Professor and Dean of the Graduate School of Classical Education at Hillsdale College. We talk about a children's literature recommendation, the importance of ensuring we in the classical movement are not the next popular thing, and how the work of Hillsdale College is continuing to help shape this movement.


We also spend time discussing some updates on classes here at Oakdale, including sharing about "The Great Gatsby" and Cicero's "The Republic" - two major works read by some of our Rhetoric School Students.

Oct 27, 202336:16
Davies Owens from BaseCamp Live and Faculty Spotlight (Steve Benninger)

Davies Owens from BaseCamp Live and Faculty Spotlight (Steve Benninger)

A great conversation with Dr. Davies Owens, who has worked as a head of a classical Christian school, and with major national organizations in the classical Christian world.

It is a joy to have Davies join us and discuss culture for students, parents, schools, the the "best last hope" that is our movement.


Also, our Faculty Spotlight highlighting the work of those who serve at Oakdale Academy features our Algebra 2 teacher and Wrestling coach, Mr. Steve Benninger.

Oct 20, 202330:35
Wisdom and Virtue with Eric Cook

Wisdom and Virtue with Eric Cook

Enjoy this dialogue with Eric Cook, President of the Society for Classical Learning (SCL) as we discuss his background in education, the classical Christian movement, and the work of the SCL in furthering the understanding of the classical education world.

Oct 05, 202318:01
Interview with Dr. David Diener

Interview with Dr. David Diener

Join us on this episode for a great dialogue with Dr. David Diener, Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College.

Dr. Diener discusses his own journey and experiences in the world of classical education along with his work with Hillsdale College, the Society of Classical Learning, and many others during his career.


He also gives some great insights on what questions parents should ask about the goal of their child's education.


Sep 25, 202317:08
A Grammar School Overview

A Grammar School Overview

Join us and hear about virtue, wonder, and the importance of our grammar school with Mrs. Bredow, who leads our teachers and students in this foundational time.

Sep 11, 202311:46
Athletics with Character

Athletics with Character

Listen to this episode with Coach Lou DiAntonio to explore the role of athletics in the classical Christian movement.

Aug 24, 202315:14
Academics and Virtue

Academics and Virtue

Listen to this episode with Miss Katherine Sinkovitz discuss academics and virtue cultivation at Oakdale Academy.

Aug 02, 202333:19
Classical Dialogues

Classical Dialogues

Listen to this episode to understand why we rebranded our podcast to Classical Dialogues. Some great guests upcoming, so stay tuned!

Jul 31, 202305:09
Baccalaureate Chapel - May 2023

Baccalaureate Chapel - May 2023

Listen to the encouragement on this final lesson for our senior class of 2023 in their daily spiritual walk with Jesus.

May 19, 202305:31
The Case for Classical Christian Education

The Case for Classical Christian Education

Listen to the Case for Classical Christian Education from our Liberty Dinner in March 2023.

Mar 11, 202324:00
Primer on Classical Christian Education

Primer on Classical Christian Education

Listen for a short primer on Classical Christian Education (CCE) - what is it?  What does it look like at a school?  Why should you choose it?

Jan 23, 202312:50
In Hoc Anno Domini 2023

In Hoc Anno Domini 2023

As we approach the end of one year and transition to another, what are the things that should/must remain the same?  What things do we celebrate in 2022 and look forward to in 2023.  Listen as we explore In Hoc Anno Domini (In this, the year of our Lord) 2023.

Dec 30, 202206:24
Veterans Day

Veterans Day

Listen to hear about our veterans day ceremony on November 11 at Oakdale Academy.
Nov 12, 202209:60
Michigan's Proposal 3

Michigan's Proposal 3

Listen to our newest podcast on an important issue here in Michigan.

Nov 04, 202204:19
Schooling is not Education (Mortimer J. Adler)

Schooling is not Education (Mortimer J. Adler)

Mortimer Adler, an American philosopher, wrote an article entitled "Schooling is not Education"; in it, we learn about his views on education and when it begins.

Listen to this episode to hear how a classical Christian education fits in to that paradigm and how we can - and should - pick up one of the great books and start learning!

Oct 25, 202214:52
What do people give to when they donate to Oakdale Academy?

What do people give to when they donate to Oakdale Academy?

How and why do we raise funds for Oakdale Academy?  Listen to this podcast to hear what we mentioned at Walk-a-thon 2022 about the importance of Oakdale Academy and classical Christian education.

Oct 24, 202209:55
Values or Virtues?

Values or Virtues?

What is the difference between values and virtues?

Why is that important?  Listen for some more answers about this key ingredient in classical Christian education.

Oct 12, 202215:26
Partnering with Parents

Partnering with Parents

Partnership - what does it mean and what does it look like in school?

Listen to find out how that works at a Classical Christian school.

Sep 16, 202212:37
Thoughts on a liberal arts education

Thoughts on a liberal arts education

What do we mean by a liberal arts education?  Isn't that just "liberal"/progressive?  Listen to learn more in-depth what it really means and why it is so important.

Sep 06, 202214:04
Mission

Mission

Why is a mission so important for a classical Christian school - or really any school?  What is unique about our mission here at Oakdale Academy?

Listen to our podcast to find out more.

Sep 01, 202211:46
John Milton on education

John Milton on education

A quick glance at some items from John Milton, a prolific English author and poet who wrote a great deal about education, notably his work "On Education" from 1644.  What is, for Milton, the chief aim of education?  Listen to find out more.

Aug 26, 202212:22
Convocation 2022

Convocation 2022

Before the start of each school year, we gather as a community to pray for and dedicate our school and school year to the Lord.  This year, at Convocation, we reaffirmed standing for Truth as we seek to pass on our culture and heritage through the cultivation of virtue.

Aug 25, 202207:53
Classical Christian Education - philosophy and practicality

Classical Christian Education - philosophy and practicality

What does a classical Christian education really look like?  What philosophy is it rooted in?  What does a school day or course of study look like?

Aug 11, 202219:08
What to look for in a school system?

What to look for in a school system?

Take a few minutes to learn about what things are important and what things should you consider in choosing a school or school system/setting for your children.

We will look at foundations and core beliefs and how they translate to outcomes on this episode.

Aug 09, 202214:48
Commencement 2022

Commencement 2022

Our send off to the seniors and graduates of the Class of 2022.

May 20, 202209:20
Zeitgeist

Zeitgeist

What is zeitgeist and what is the response of a Classical Christian school?

May 06, 202212:41
Exciting news 2

Exciting news 2

Join us and here are some of the exciting plans for our master campus development at school.
Apr 18, 202216:11
Liberty Dinner - "State of the School"

Liberty Dinner - "State of the School"

Listen to our State of the School address from our Liberty Campaign Dinner on March 11 to hear about Classical Christian education and Oakdale Academy.
Mar 13, 202217:14
Exciting things

Exciting things

A quick preview of some exciting things happening at Oakdale Academy as we hit spring 2022.
Mar 07, 202209:13
St. Valentine's Day

St. Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day.  Listen to this short podcast (with thanks to the American Minute) on some of the history of the man named Valentine.

Feb 14, 202207:39
Eternal impact

Eternal impact

What is the impact that a child’s education has? What are the things that are most important when it comes to education?
Jan 25, 202210:27
Snapshot of Classical and Christian education

Snapshot of Classical and Christian education

Listen for a snapshot of Classical Christian Education and more details on our Open House this Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

There will be a presentation at 3:00 that day for more on Classical Christian Education.  Click on www.oakdaleacademy.com to RSVP and learn more!

Jan 20, 202211:24
Why Latin?

Why Latin?

Why Latin?  Click to learn a few reasons as to why the study of Latin is a great opportunity for all students.

Jan 13, 202210:17
New Year's Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions

What should a new year's resolution look like?  Click to learn more from the wisdom of "Pilgrim's Progress".

Jan 05, 202209:32
Christmas

Christmas

Merry Christmas from all of us at Oakdale Academy.
Dec 21, 202106:56
What is the goal of a Classical Christian education (CCE)?

What is the goal of a Classical Christian education (CCE)?

What is the goal of a Classical Christian education?  Is it an Ivy League university?  Job training?  What?  Listen to find out more.

Dec 20, 202110:00
Tuition, Safety, and Soccer

Tuition, Safety, and Soccer

What is the link between these three?  Listen and find out!

One thing that makes us unique is we are ensuring tuition remains affordable for our families as we believe Classical Christian education is the best method for preparing students with a biblical worldview.

Dec 15, 202113:51
Good Soil

Good Soil

What is taught at a Classical Christian School?  What is the difference?  Listen to learn about the Good Soil project from the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS) and how it relates to the foundational importance of education.


https://www.classicaldifference.com/welcome-to-good-soil/

Dec 13, 202113:27
How to choose a school

How to choose a school

Some thoughts on how to choose the school as we enter in the admissions enrollment season. Also a special note about a generous matching donation for the next 11 days.
Dec 10, 202115:18
How to process tragedy

How to process tragedy

Some thoughts on how to process last week's tragedy in Oxford, MI.

Dec 06, 202110:24
Primer on CCE (and Open House info)

Primer on CCE (and Open House info)

Listen to this episode for a brief primer on Classical Christian Education (CCE) and how to register for our Open House on January 23, 2022 at Oakdale Academy!

Dec 06, 202112:28
Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day

A few thoughts on Thanksgiving.

From Wm Bradford to George Washington and Sarah Hale to Abraham Lincoln, the importance of paying homage to God and thanking Him for His blessings needs to be reborn in America.

Nov 22, 202111:49
Veterans Day

Veterans Day

Listen to our tribute to our nation's Veterans as we celebrated on November 11.

Nov 15, 202108:28