HeightsCast: Forming Men Fully Alive

Latest Episodes:

Dr. Mehan on The Odyssey, Mentors, and Humanitas Jul 31, 2017

Show notes

This week on HeightsCast Dr. Matt Mehan offers his thoughts on Homer's Odyssey. In particular, Dr. Mehan focuses on the the first four books of the Odyssey and the arts of friendship and mentoring young men. Listen in for a concrete example of the contemporary applicability of the artes liberales.

Tweaking the Literary Diet Jul 13, 2017

Show notes

Join Mr. Tom Longano for part two of his series on raising readers. He provides guidance here for refining the reading habits of two diametrically opposed categories of readers. No silver bullets, just points for consideration and reflection. Also, insights into Mr. Longano's personal journey towards a love of reading.

The Father and His Family Jun 16, 2017

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As fathers, we play a central and critical role in the lives of our families. Despite that, however, we have lost many of the communities that in ages past offered us practical advice and wisdom. Michael Moynihan steps into this void offering the contemporary father concise and thoughtful timeless advice about how to fulfill your role as a father. In this podcast, Michael talks about his new book, and some of the central components of being the pater familias.

Three Components of a "Great" Lower School Summer Jun 09, 2017

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"Have a great summer!" We hear it and say it incessantly, but what are we actually wishing for our boys? 21st Century America gives boys 3 months off--that is one quarter of the year and an enormous amount of time. Join Lower School Head, Colin Gleason, for a discussion of three ways that young boys can fill their summer with healthy leisure and positive growth.

The Morning Offering as a Daily Renewal Jun 03, 2017

Show notes

Can a 20 second prayer transform your day? How about your son's? Heights teacher and author, Michael Ortiz, discusses how a century old norm of piety--the Morning Offering--allows us to renew each and every day while placing our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings on the altar.Can a 20 second prayer transform your day? How about your son's? Heights teacher and author, Michael Moynihan, discusses how a century old norm of piety--the Morning Offering--allows us to renew each and every day while placing our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings on the altar.

Stop Telling Your Son to Read: How to Inspire a Love of Reading May 17, 2017

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In this episode, third grade teacher, Mr. Tom Longano, shares his experience on how to foster a love of reading in his students.

Mr. de Vicente on Moral Imagination Pt. 2 Apr 11, 2017

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This week on HeightsCast, we listen to the second part of Mr. Alvaro de Vicente's lecture on Moral Imagination.

Mr. de Vicente on Moral Imagination Pt. 1 Apr 06, 2017

Show notes

Boys develop a world view and paradigm that informs much of how they see themselves and their obligations to the world around them. This view informs not only their macro view, but also their smaller interactions with day to day situations. What is this view, or moral imagination, why does it matter, and how do we shape it for the good?

Who was Frederick Douglass? The Powerful Impact of a Literate Man Mar 29, 2017

Show notes

Prof. Eddie Smith, former Heights faculty and long time history teacher at American University, shares a few moments with us on Frederick Douglass to prepare listeners for Saturday night's Heights Lecture. Who was Frederick Douglass and how did he, a liberated slave, so dramatically change the course of American history? Enjoy this HeightsCast recorded in Hoban's Pub in Washington D.C.

The Risks of Overspecialization and Professionalized Youth Sports Mar 21, 2017

Show notes

Athletics are many a boy's first love. So many of our own students are passionate for sport--a transformative conglomeration of play and work, melded into one sweaty contest against others and the self. Indeed, our School has helped produce numerous Division I, II, and III athletes over the years. That said, the Washington D.C. area is leading the charge towards the continued professionalization of youth sports. Overuse injuries, club-team culture, and parental over-involvement can backfire on your attempts to instill good character in your athlete. Mr. Alex Berthe, a coach, parent, advisor, and former D-I Ivy League soccer player, shares his insights on the challenges of early specialization for love of the game.