Kolbecast

114 Kolbe Past, Present, and Future

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Kolbe’s Executive Director Mary Rowles visits with Bonnie and Steven today about Kolbe's origins, evolution, and outlook.  As she describes...

113 At the Kolbe Table * Convention Day 5

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Homeschool conventions offer the opportunity for curriculum providers to take their shows on the road, but this week we’ve brought the show ...

112 Cura Personalis - The Intro * Convention Day 4

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The great commandment to love your neighbor as yourself begins from a place of loving yourself well.  Today Everett Buyarski, Elizabeth Hoxie...

111 What Treasures Remain * Convention Day 3

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  If we made a list of FAQs about the Kolbe curriculum, the top question would likely be why Kolbe begins high school with Greek history, litera...

110 Choosing the Greatest Good with Matt & Erin Ingold * Convention Day 2

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The universal call to holiness is a call to excellence in every person’s given state of life, but it can be daunting to take this abstract c...

109 A Lifetime Venture with Dr. George Harne * Convention Day 1

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The pursuit of human flourishing in this life and the next takes a clear understanding of what it means to be human.  Today, Dr. George Harne...

108 Time Stood Still

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Our world tour continues with a conversation featuring several intrepid Kolbe students—Martina, Bea, and Katie—who recently toured Greece ...

107 Wander & Wonder

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The flexibility of homeschooling offers families the opportunity for enrichment and adventure outside the house.  Traveling during the tradit...

106 Goals in Mind

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  For some homeschooling families, St. Paul’s adage about running the race is mostly allegorical, but for the athletically minded among us, it...

105 Not Just for Special Occasions

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Small business owner, Kolbe homeschooling mother, and etiquette expert Rebecca Czarniecki--known professionally as Mrs. B--joins Bonnie and St...

104 World Tour of Homeschooling

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  “Catholic” means universal and one of the lesser-known aspects of Kolbe's Catholic identity is its international presence and families.  ...

103 Above & Beyond

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Just about anyone who has ordered books from the Kolbe bookstore has encountered the kind and resourceful Nancy Nelson. In this episode, she gra...

102 A Great Commission

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. The culmination of a Kolbe formation is a joyous occasion not only for students, but for their parents, instructors, and administrators who have...

101 Turn of the Century

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Around our milestone episodes, we like to catch our breath, check in with each other, and share some behind the scenes lingo and lore.  Today B...

100 In the Beginning with Mrs. Dianne Muth

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Wisdom, humor, perseverance, encouragement…these are just a few of Kolbe co-founder Dianne Muth’s many attributes. On our centennial episode...

99 Gifted, Graced, and Formed

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  When children excel ahead of their grade level, it brings both opportunities and difficulties.  In this episode, current Kolbe parents Veroni...

98 Stewards of the Mission

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Last week, we heard from the deans.  This week, we visit with the metaphorical bosses upstairs: Chief Academic Officer Megan Lengyel and dire...

97 Advocates & Bridge Builders

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. With growth come both opportunity and challenge. As Kolbe Academy has grown, so too have the needs of the community. Part of the way Kolbe is ad...

96 Adults in Training

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Have you ever contemplated the idea that you’re not raising children, you’re raising adults?  Katherine O’Brien, a certified college pl...

95 Conversation Starters

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Imagine yourself in a queue of people awaiting some event. Your eyes land on someone sporting an image of St. Padre Pio with the words “Hakuna...

94 A Boy, a Book, and a Library Mouse

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The one area of life where gravity doesn’t quite apply is head knowledge and heart knowledge—in formation, even for young children, the he...

93 Good Thinking

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  What do jazz music, Thomas Aquinas, and Nietzsche have in common?  Listen to this week’s episode and find out as Dr. Carl Hasler and curren...

92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  If you’re a hesitant homeschooler or unconvinced parent considering homeschooling, put this episode at the top of your playlist.  Today Cat...

91 Kernels of Truth

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  We’ve talked before about the distinction between learning theology as a school subject and learning to be a faithful Catholic in our curren...

90 Vocations Here, Now, and Eventually

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. The longings put there in your heart are meant to lead you to your personal vocation. That can be easier said than lived, though, right? Today A...

89 The Master Blueprint

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Science is a body of knowledge that’s constantly in flux, and students and parents alike may approach science—especially in the upper grad...

88 Built for Battle with Jonathan Conrad, the Catholic Woodworker

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  We’ve talked before about the importance of the physical spaces where homeschooling and general life happen.  Today, Jonathan Conrad of The...

87 Home Base

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. As enrollment season arrives, we’re taking a look at the opportunities Kolbe Academy middle and high school students have to take homeroom, a ...

86 Magdalen College, the Rivendell of the Newman Guide

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  To flourish as a human being is to think well, love well, discern well, work well with others, and so much more.  Today, Magdalen College pre...

85 Vibrant Campus Ministries

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Our Life after Kolbe series continues as Steven and Bonnie hear from Mark Knox, campus minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Stati...

84 The Essence of Catholic Education with Patrick Reilly

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The fundamental question of defining education is one of our favorite and most frequent topics.  Today, president and founder of the Cardinal...

83 This Is Only a Test

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The words “standardized testing” may induce anxiety in parents and students alike, but today’s episode is all about a calm and competent...

82 Move and Groove

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Last week’s elementary school tour continues today with meeting two of Kolbe’s lower elementary teachers, Eileen Duryea and Sarah Lee.  The...

81 The When and the How of Online Elementary

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Tour the metaphorical halls of Kolbe’s elementary program today with teachers Sarah Foulkes, Anna Havens, and Emily Thibodeaux.  These ladi...

80 The Journey That Is

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  What causes a learning disability or difficulty and how can we help a student exercise that part of their mind?  Margaret Walsh of Secret Gar...

79 Doors to Your Memories

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  A familiar voice rejoins Bonnie, Steven, and Jordan today: Bonnie’s sister Hope, originally one of the relaunched Kolbecast’s co-hosts and...

78 The Kolbe Man Show

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Four of Kolbe’s wisest guys—Jordan, Steven, Everett, and Don—gather for a virtual men’s night on this week’s episode.  Their discus...

77 The Road Less Traveled

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Today Celeste Cuellar rejoins the Kolbecast to discuss non-college paths—trades, military service, religious life discernment, and more.  C...

76 Study Buddies

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. With the arrival of a new liturgical year and the culmination of the first semester comes finals week. That prospect might provoke some trepidat...

75 Minor Victories

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Today is all about minor victories--those day brightening graces and breaks in the clouds that give us reassurance and motivation on the homes...

74 Special Teams–Kolbe Dads

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Experienced dads Mike Drapeau and Greg Simia – each the father of eight children – join Jordan and Steven to talk about a father's contrib...

73 Through Beauty and Technology

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Early in the podcast comeback, we talked with Kolbe drama teacher Dolores Mihaliak about the timeless significance of dramatic arts and ti...

72 Participatory Citizens

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Kolbe history teachers Anne Angstenberger and Erin Anderson join Bonnie and Steven today on a discussion of civilization from the annals of anci...

71 A Sight for Sore Eyes

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Plato once observed that true beauty is a healthy shock, and Kolbe's recently-debuted “Mary and Max” logo is a striking example of ...

70 First Draft – A Parent In-Service

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. We talk a lot on the podcast about the importance of eloquence for people regardless of whether they’re in the liberal arts, STEM, or other pr...

69 Temperature Check

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. The change in seasons brings a great time to stop and look at how things are going with the new school year. Today we do just that, with Bonnie...

68 Grace for the Nitty-Gritty

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. At this midpoint of the first semester, Steven and Bonnie seek the wisdom and guidance of Kolbe Academy’s deans Celeste Cuellar and Ashley Mas...

67 Mission Driven

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  We’re thrilled to introduce a new cast member/podcast co-host: Steven Hayden, Kolbe’s new Development Director.  Steven joins us with a v...

66 Bonhomie à la Kolbe

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  The people who serve as Kolbe Academy administration and faculty are a dedicated, highly-skilled group of Catholics committed to the pursuit o...

65 Working Breakfast

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. When we asked Kolbe students which of their teachers they’d most like to hear on the Kolbecast, Melissa Johnson was high on their list. M...

64 Stricken by Ideas

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Professor, teacher, and all-around wise person Dr. Carl Hasler is our featured guest today, along with our dear friend and Kolbe teacher Theres...

63 The Saints Speak for Themselves

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.   Holy Heroes founders Ken and Kerri Davison—themselves the parents of a Kolbe homeschooling family —join Bonnie and Jordan on this spe...

62 Due Diligence

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG.  Senior counsel with the Home School Legal Defense Association, Darren Jones, joins Bonnie today.  A litigation attorney and homeschool gr...

61 Middle Ground

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. There’s a lot going on in a person’s middle school years, and it takes a special teacher (or several) to inspire and guide this formative pe...

60 Mission: Possible

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. High school is an epic transition, especially for Kolbe ninth graders. Current student Xavier joins Bonnie and Jordan today to share his insig...

59 The Secret Whiteboard

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. When the Kolbe years come to an end, students have big decisions to make. With that in mind, Kolbe’s academic services director, Everett Buyar...

58 Mystery Machines

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Kolbe Academy Technical Assistant Lauren Hoang shares five takeaways about the technology that makes it possible for families all over the w...

57 Seeking the Kingdom

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. The Faias are longtime members of the Kolbe Academy family. Their youngest child is a 2021 alumna. In this episode, Mrs. Margaret Faia shares bo...

56 Home but Not Alone

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Maria and her family were among many who turned on a dime in response to the pandemic-related impact on their schooling choices. This epi...

55 Humor & Humility

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Heather, a longtime Kolbe Academy homeschooling mom, takes Bonnie back in time to the start of Heather’s family’s homeschooling experience....

54 Pro Omnibus Contendit

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Kolbe Academy’s Curriculum Development Manager Deana Muth sits down with Jordan and Bonnie to underscore the accessibility – and rele...

53 Q, A, and Encouragement

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. In this episode, Jordan, Bonnie, and Brigid are fielding questions and addressing common homeschooling sticking points. From looking back i...

52 Through a Catholic Lens

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Longtime Kolbe Academy online instructor and chair of the English and Literature Department Kim Crawford shines a light on the philosophy ...

51 Made for Adventure

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. This episode of the Kolbecast features the speeches from Kolbe Academy’s 2021 live-streamed graduation ceremony with an opening prayer o...

50 Backstage (Cast Party)

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Hats off to our 50th episode! Tune in today to hear the more casual side of the cast as we welcome back some of the guests we’ve had the p...

49 Revealed Through Story with Joseph Pearce

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. We are thrilled to welcome the keynote speaker of our portable homeschool convention: Joseph Pearce. With clear enthusiasm for the subjects ...

48 Because It Rings True

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today Chrissy Almanzar, theology department chair and Jordan's wife, shares her experience of the richness of grace and faith as a convert to...

47 Among the Pots and Pans

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Gather around our metaphorical kitchen table as Kelly Powers and Chris Bates re-join Bonnie and Hope to talk about their shared love of cookin...

46 Language Lab with Mme. Jenni Mammola

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG and bonjour! Today, language department chair and French teacher Madame Jenni Mammola joins the cast to share her enthusiasm and insight into ...

45 Grace Perfects Nature

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today’s episode title comes from St. Thomas Aquinas by way of clinical psychologist Peter Malinoski, who joins us today along with registere...

44 Student Spotlight–Newsletter Team

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Last fall, we heard from three young men who are current Kolbe students. Today, we hear from three young women—Elena, Ellen, and Emily—who a...

43 The Grade Examen

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Are you staring down a pile of paperwork? Or maybe that pile feels more like an avalanche? Take a breath, cue up this episode, and listen in as...

42 Let Them Tinker

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today, voice of experience and mother of four Kolbe graduates Louise Deal visits with Bonnie and Hope about homeschooling with space for life...

41 Backstage (Social Media)

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. The Kolbe employees who make the social media magic happen join us today to discuss outreach and evangelization in the digital realm. Brigid ...

40: Windshield Time

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. After an enlightening conversation on higher education generally last week, Dr. Don Prudlo joins us again to discuss the specifics of college...

39: Reclaiming the Territory

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Dr. Don Prudlo, Warren Chair of Catholic Studies at the University of Tulsa and way cool Gen X’er, joins the cast today to discuss higher e...

38: Substance Matters

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. While standardized testing often elicits groans from students and anxiety from parents, what if it didn’t have to? Today Jordan and Bonnie v...

37: Take a Moment

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Last week, we visited with Therese Prudlo about structuring school weeks to reflect care of the whole person. Today, Therese rejoins us to go...

36: Embrace the Fifth Day

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Ever wonder why Kolbe elementary and middle grade course plans are set up with four days, not five? Struggling to figure out how to divide up h...

35 - An Atmosphere of Opportunity

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today Bonnie and Hope visit with Carola, a current Kolbe mom from Spain whose family started homeschooling during the pandemic. While shari...

34: A Beauty-Linked Life

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today Bonnie dons her concert blacks for a visit with Dr. Carol Reynolds, “Professor Carol” as she’s widely known. She’s the cr...

33: Show Your Work

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Kolbe mathematics chair Kelly Powers joins the conversation today to share the awesomeness of mathematics and the awesomeness of God. On th...

32: Reflections of His Light

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. In this special Vocations Week edition of the Kolbecast, we visit with Sister Margaret Mary and Sister Anne of the Marian Sisters of Santa ...

31: Veteran Homeschoolers

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Jon and Chris Bates join us today to share their experience as a homeschooling military family and the insight they bring to their new ...

30: Guiding the Ship

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Familiar voices Everett Buyarski, Megan Lengyel, and Nicole O’Connor join the crew today for a review of the past year and a preview ...

29: The February Staredown

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ep 29 The February Staredown  AMDG. The weather’s bad, we’re tired of pushing through, we can’t quite see the end of the year yet, and yet we...

28: Pessimist with Hope: A Conversation with Anthony Esolen

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. On this very special episode of the Kolbecast, Dr. Anthony Esolen joins the crew to provide advice to families who are intrigued by but h...

27: An Appreciation of Wonder

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today Kolbe alumnus Gregory, a current student at Wyoming Catholic College, reminds us of both the richness of books and the importance of ...

26: Truth in Person

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Kolbe 2019 graduate Aviva Lund joins us today with insatiable curiosity and infectious enthusiasm. A current neuroscience major and philosophy ...

25: Backstage

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. On this special edition of the Kolbecast – released during the 12 Days of Christmas and marking our 25th episode since this school y...

24: Rise and Shine

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Last week we talked to Beth Gath, veteran homeschool mom of six and Kolbe parent ambassador. Today we talk to her eldest two children, Anthony ...

23: Family is the Center

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Veteran homeschool mom of six and Kolbe parent ambassador Beth Gath joins Bonnie and Hope today to discuss her experience with various seasons o...

22: Imagine Being Homeschooled

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. So far this season we’ve met instructors and parents, directors and alumni, but today we meet three current Kolbe students. Aidan, Jameson,...

21: To Live Fully Alive

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today’s episode is about life and life in abundance, from the molecular to the cross-county road trip. Science chair Elizabeth Hoxie joins Bon...

20: Head, Heart, and Hands

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Today’s episode is a crossover between Homecoming and curriculum deep-dives as Kolbe teacher and alumna Rebecca DeVendra describes how she...

19: Wherever He Wants You to Go

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Take heart, those with fractious high schoolers! It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Today, we talk to Fr. Paul Hedman—the Diocese of St...

18: Homer and The Hunger Games

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Alumnus Charlie Mihaliak, a current University of Dallas junior, joins us today to discuss how he relies on his Kolbe education in pursuing...

17: Secure to Explore

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Homecoming season continues with alumna and classical violinist Sarah Thomas. On this episode, she visits with Bonnie and Hope about her ex...

16: It’s All Greek to Me

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. In this episode, Jordan interviews Magdalen College sophomore and former Kolbe student Sophia Harne. They discuss language acquisition in gener...

15: Asparagus Moments

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

AMDG. Taking another deep dive into the Kolbe curriculum, we visit with Therese Prudlo, who teaches history and homeroom for Kolbe’s Online Academ...