BaseCamp Live

Latest Episodes:

BONUS: ZipCast Unpacked – The Ultimate FAQ Episode with Davies Owens and Hannah Brusven May 18, 2025

Show notes

Curious about ZipCast? In this special bonus episode of BaseCamp Live, host Davies Owens sits down with his daughter Hannah to answer the most common questions schools ask about ZipCast—what it is, how it works, and why it’s become a game-changing communication tool for classical Christian communities.

Together, they pull back the curtain on ZipCast’s purpose, features, and new 2.0 platform—from weekly parent engagement and custom segments to content quality, affordability, and how schools are using it to build stronger communities. You’ll also hear real stories from the field and practical tips on launching ZipCast at your school.

Whether you’re a current ZipCast school or just exploring new ways to connect with families, this episode is packed with helpful info (and a little father-daughter fun too).

🎧 Tune in to discover:

What problem ZipCast really solves
How it fits into your existing communication strategy
Ways to personalize it for your school community
How schools are using it—plus creative content ideas
What’s new with ZipCast 2.0
Visit ZipCast.media for more info and demos!

🎧 Listen now to learn why so many schools have already made ZipCast their go-to weekly connection with families.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

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.com

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Raising Readers in a Digital World with Dorrie McKoy May 14, 2025

Show notes

Building Lifelong Readers: How Families and Schools Can Instill the Joy of Reading
Reading is not a natural ability—it must be intentionally taught, cultivated, and modeled. In this episode, host Davies Owens is joined by educator and reading specialist Dorrie McKoy—who also happens to be his sister—to explore why so many children struggle with reading today and how classical Christian schools and families can work together to reverse this trend.

Dorrie unpacks the science behind how children learn to read, discusses the “reading wars” between phonics-based and whole-language methods, and shares practical tips for parents at any stage—from toddlers to teens. Whether it’s how to evaluate your school’s curriculum, how to build a home library filled with true, good, and beautiful books, or how to avoid the pitfalls of graphic novels and screen-based reading, this episode offers timeless strategies to raise strong, thoughtful, and joyful readers.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

Why phonemic awareness and phonics still matter
How classical schools can avoid “sawdust” reading without lowering standards
What parents can do—starting today—to cultivate a culture of reading at home

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

3 Family Habits that will Strengthen Bonds in 5 Minutes with Jim Mhoon May 06, 2025

Show notes

What Do Strong Families Actually Do Each Day?

Your family's culture is shaped by the little things—how you say goodbye in the morning, whether you pray together, how often you share a meal. In this insightful conversation, Jim Mhoon, counselor and longtime Focus on the Family leader, joins Davies Owens to talk about the daily rhythms and rituals that set thriving families apart.

With practical examples and decades of experience, Jim shares:

Why the way you say “hello” and “goodbye” matters more than you think

How a one-minute family prayer can reset the tone of your home

Why dinner around the table is about far more than just food

What’s driving our overscheduled culture—and how to resist it

The critical role of community in raising healthy kids

This episode is full of simple, actionable ideas you can implement immediately—no parenting book required.

🎧 Tune in and be encouraged: it’s never too late to start building new habits that lead to deeper connection.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Every Child Deserves a 'Steak' Education, Not a 'Hot Dog' One with Russ Gregg Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Classical Christian education isn’t just for a privileged few—it’s a banquet meant for everyone. In this inspiring episode, Davies Owens is joined by Russ Gregg, founder of Hope Academy in Minneapolis and the Spreading Hope Network. Russ shares how his journey began 25 years ago with a simple but powerful question: How do we love our neighbors as ourselves, especially when it comes to education?

From navigating the real challenges of urban communities to pioneering a sponsorship-based financial model, Russ explains why "the education that’s best for the best is best for all." Together, they explore the crucial need for high expectations, high accountability, and high support in raising up the next generation.

Plus, Russ discusses the exciting movement of school choice sweeping the nation, the importance of family habits like mealtime reading, and why true joy comes from making room at the banquet table for those who have historically been left out. If you’ve ever wondered how you can be part of the classical education renewal—whether as a parent, a founder, or a supporter—this episode is your invitation.

🎧 Listen now and discover the joy of spreading hope!

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Helping Dyslexic Students Thrive in Classical Schools with Rebecca Dornbush Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that affects more families than you might expect—dyslexia—and how classical Christian schools can not only accommodate but help students thrive.

Our guest, Rebecca Dornbusch, is a reading specialist and devoted mom who’s on a mission to help dyslexic students become “victorious readers.” She brings both professional insight and a deep, faith-filled perspective, reminding us that this challenge isn’t the end—it’s a beginning.

Rebecca explains:
🔹 What dyslexia really is—and what it isn’t
🔹 How classical education and dyslexia aren’t at odds
🔹 The power of early intervention (and how spelling can be a clue)
🔹 Why parents shouldn’t fear the label—and where to find support
🔹 What schools and families can do together to help students succeed

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or school leader, this conversation is filled with hope, practical tools, and biblical encouragement. Dyslexic students don’t just survive in classical schools—they can flourish.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that will change how you see learning differences—and give you the confidence to support every child in your care.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Balancing Act: A Classical Approach to Time, Rest, and Relationships with Joanna Hensley Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this encouraging episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens is joined by Joanna Hensley, Lower School Headmaster at Wilson Hill Academy, mom of six, and passionate classical educator. Together, they explore what it means to be intentional curators of our children’s education—without letting school overwhelm the joy of home life.

Through her personal journey—from studying Latin as a college student to parenting across continents—Joanna shares practical wisdom for finding balance between school and family, reclaiming restful weekends, and reframing education as a community-supported endeavor.

📌 Highlights include:
✔️ Redefining productivity in the home
✔️ How online classical education can free up family life
✔️ Simple scheduling strategies that create space for joy
✔️ Why focus and even failure are essential to a thriving education

Whether you're homeschooling, enrolled in a five-day school, or exploring hybrid options, this episode is a must-listen for families navigating the pace of modern life with classical priorities.

🎧 Don’t miss this practical and heartening conversation!
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Reclaiming Fidelity - Faith, Family, Country: Foundations Worth Fighting For with Robert P. George Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we explore a word that has largely faded from everyday conversation yet holds the key to rebuilding a fractured culture—fidelity. Join Dr. Robert P. George, esteemed professor at Princeton and leading voice in public ethics, as he makes the case for Fidelity Month and shares why faith in God, strong families, and love of country are the three pillars our society must reclaim.

Together with host Davies Owens, Dr. George unpacks:

📚 Why fidelity is not a burden but a beautiful calling.

🏛️ How classical education and great books can inspire a life of virtue.

🏠 The essential role of family, church, and local community in shaping the next generation.

📖 Why teaching by example is more powerful than any lecture or lesson.

🎖️ How we can rebuild cultural capital by living faithfully—starting right where we are.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that our children need models of faithfulness, not just words. Don’t miss this urgent yet hope-filled call to reclaim what matters most.

🎧 Join us as for this must-hear episode and rediscover the joy of living with conviction, courage, and fidelity.

Don’t miss next week’s episode with Joanna Hensley from Wilson Hill Academy!

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Why Your Kids Push Back – And How to Fix It with Michael Cox and Rob Hayes-St. Clair Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Is your home emotionally safe? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, families are struggling more than ever with conflict, stress, and disconnection. In this episode, host Davies Owens sits down with Rob Hayes-St. Clair and Michael Cox, the duo behind the Core 4 Framework and Parenting Made Peaceful, to discuss a better way forward.

Drawing from biblical truth, restoration therapy, and years of experience mentoring families and teens, Rob and Michael explain how identifying our own emotional pain cycles—and learning how to replace them with peace cycles—can radically transform the way we parent. You’ll learn how to recognize the four emotional “types” parents default to under stress, why your child’s behavior often mirrors your own unspoken patterns, and how to bring lasting change through truth-based communication and emotional regulation.

This isn’t about being ruled by emotions—it’s about understanding them and leading your family from a place of peace, not pain. If you're looking for practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a path to stronger relationships, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Can Education Save Civilization? with Dr. Louis Markos Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

What’s the real purpose of education? Is it just about passing tests—or passing the torch of civilization itself?

In this episode, Dr. Louis Markos, professor, prolific author, and champion of classical Christian education, returns to share insights from his new book, Passing the Torch: An Apology for Classical Christian Education. Drawing from Plato to C.S. Lewis, he makes the compelling case that education is soul formation, not social engineering—and classical Christian education is the only model robust enough to raise morally self-regulating, virtuous citizens.

Discover why reading the great books is more than academic—it’s civilizational. Learn how truth, goodness, and beauty still anchor us in a culture adrift. And be encouraged: this is not a nostalgic movement—it’s a necessary revival for the future.

🎧 Join us as we revisit this must-hear episode and rediscover the powerful, culture-shaping purpose of classical Christian education.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

The Crucial Forgotten Element of Education with Hannah Brusven Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

As parents, we’re not meant to raise our children alone. Community matters—partnering with schools, churches, and other families helps shape a shared vision and a strong culture for our children. Yet, in a world where busyness and digital distractions dominate, meaningful communication between home and school has never been more challenging.

In this episode, Davies Owens and his daughter, Hannah, dive into the crucial but often forgotten element of classical Christian education: effective communication between schools and parents. Drawing from their experience with ZipCast and insights from national surveys, they explore how schools can better engage parents and equip families with the tools needed to raise the next generation.

🎧 Join us as we rediscover the power of partnership between home, school, and church—and why it’s essential for shaping students who love what is true, good, and beautiful.

Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/R91QkfrKYBRb22yz5

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy
Classic Learning Test
Gordon College
Classical Academic Press
Life Architects Coaching
Light Phone

Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

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