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 assess your child’s reading ability at home; when your child should begin reading; common difficulties to watch out for and when to reach out for help; and the resources available in Kolbe Academy for struggling readers. “In education, there’s a rule of thumb,” Jenny comments, “if by third grade, a student is struggling in reading… [that] is when you would start looking at some interventions.” 

This episode is the all-in-one guide for homeschooling parents embarking on the journey to literacy, filled with a wealth of knowledge and practical tips you can implement today. 

Related Kolbecast episodes & relevant links:

• 197 Tools in a Toolbox: Kolbe Academy’s Student Support Services

• 124 In This Together

• 125 Call the Advisor

• 147 Building Blocks for Reading Success

• Kolbe Academy’s Student Support Services

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

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 journey to happiness, from his own Kolbe graduation to becoming a business major-- a major he quickly switched, choosing theater as his focus instead. Charlie reflects on the lessons he learned during this chapter of his life; why he considers theatre as "three-dimensional metaphysics"; the challenges facing students today; and why more choices equates to less happiness.

Kolbe Chief Operations Officer and grandson of the founders Chris Rowles then takes the spotlight next to share an inspiring reflection on the development and growth of Kolbe Academy from its earliest days in the 1980s. "They didn't have the internet to find each other, but somehow they still did," Chris remarks. Chris advocates for Kolbe families and discusses Kolbe's fundraising initiatives aimed at providing accessible education to all. "With your help," Chris adds, "we can ensure that our students are prepared not just academically, but spiritually and morally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

To learn more about or contribute to Kolbe Academy’s financial assistance program, click here.

Related Kolbecast episodes:

• 213 This Is a Beginning, speeches from 2024 Commencement in Atlanta

• 224 Forming Apostolic Hearts, a speech given by Msgr. James Shea to those in attendance at the dinner where Charlie’s and Chris’s remarks were recorded

• 18 Homer and the Hunger Games and 208 A Mosaic of Experience featuring Charlie Mihaliak

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

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 whether Odysseus changes throughout the story; and provides you with a complete summary in easy-to-digest pieces.

Whether you’re reading the Odyssey for yourself or just want to know what to ask your children about, this is the episode for you. Don’t miss it! 

Related links & Kolbecast episodes:

• The Odyssey and related study materials in the Kolbe Academy bookstore

• Kolbecast Humanities series:

• 220 Decoding Mythology to Reveal Christianity

• 225 On the Same (Greco-Roman) Page

• 229 Take a Note from Homer

• 234 Adding Color to What Is Black & White

• 239 Divine Plot Twist

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

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 Christendom’s summer programs vicariously through their eyes and get ready to be inspired in your own college journey.

Relevant links:

• Benedictine College’s Catholic summer youth camps early bird discount ends 1 Feb 2025!

• Christendom College’s Best Week Ever

• The Cardinal Newman Society

Kolbecast episodes mentioned & related:

• 84 The Essence of Catholic Education and 157 Renewal, Revival, Variety, and Unity with Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society

• 185 Developmentally Appropriate Independence with Joshua and Alyssa from The Pines Catholic Camp

• 233 Incarnational Education at Wyoming Catholic College

• 61 Middle Ground

• 166 Dr. John Cuddeback on Dwelling Together Richly

• 123 A Change of the Ages and 213 This Is a Beginning with Msgr. James Shea

• 171 Forming Financial Disciples with Jonathan & Amanda Teixeira of WalletWin

• 243 Finish Line in Sight

• 235 The Disposition of Pilgrimage with Joan Watson

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

AMDG. 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 textbooks; why no one can be classically educated without being a disciple; and so much more. 

If you ever wondered about the why behind the Kolbe curriculum, or you just want to know more about classical education, this is the episode for you. 

Related links & Kolbecast episodes:

• Thomas Aquinas College’s “Blue Book”

• 70 First Draft: A Parent In-Service

• 100 In the Beginning with Kolbe Academy co-founder Mrs. Dianne Muth

• 240 Entry Points for Evangelization: Jimmy Mitchell’s Let Beauty Speak

• 109 A Lifetime Venture with Dr. George Harne, who now serves as president at Christendom College

• 93 Good Thinking

• 111 What Treasures Remain

• 226 Cultivating Habits of Excellence with Dr. Andrew Abela

• 105 Not Just for Special Occasions – Rebecca Czarnecki on socialization

• 2024-25 Humanities series:

• 220 Decoding Mythology to Reveal Christianity

• 225 On the Same (Greco-Roman) Page

• 229 Take a Note from Homer

• 234 Adding Color to What Is Black & White

• 239 Divine Plot Twist

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

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 Dame to life on the road. What do all the students have in common? An impressive list of accomplishments and a love for learning that shines through in every sentence. 

Listen to hear about the challenges and successes these students have met with in their senior year, their advice for Kolbe students, and their future plans. 

related Kolbecast episodes & links:

• 132 Monday Morning Assembly

• 99 Gifted, Graced, and Formed

• 163 Postcards from France

• 241 Renew, Resolve, Reengage

• 186 Full Circle (of Fifths) and 201 The Soundtrack of Life with Dr. Carl Hasler and Mrs. Olivia Knuffke

• 196 Adaptable Asynchronous & Dynamic Digital Homeschool Options

• 148 Engage & Apply

• 141 From Homeschooling to The Merry Beggars with Peter Atkinson

• 24 Rise & Shine with Anthony & Clare Gath

• 124 In This Together and 125 Call the Advisor

• Cultivating Friendships and Enriching Social Activities for Homeschool Students

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

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 to start planning next year’s courses; the role of ability tests; and so much more. 

Vanessa and Elyse will leave you feeling understood and encouraged, ready to take on second semester.

Kolbecast episodes mentioned & relevant:

• 107 Wander & Wonder with Vanessa Delgado & Nikki Shaffer

• 207 A Privilege of a Lifetime with Elyse Williams

• 232 Part of the Family: Parents & Advisors as Partners

• 29 The February Staredown

• 140 Burnout Happens

• 83 This Is Only a Test

• 176 The Agenda Is to Grow with Art & Laraine Bennett

• 183 Gratuitous Gifts: Charisms with Sherry Weddell

• 59 The Secret Whiteboard

• 214 A Long View

• 74 Special Teams: Kolbe Dads

Related links:

• Articles from the Kolbe.org Help Center:

• Late & Mid-Year Enrollment

• High School Planning folder

• High School Graduation Planner

• Interest & Ability Tools

• Grade Reporting

• Standardized Testing

• Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation aptitude testing

• Scripture readings for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!

AMDG. “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 discusses his life story, from joining the seminary to traveling the world.

“At the age of thirty-eight, I feel like I’ve lived three lives,” Jimmy muses, “there’s very few things I haven’t done.”

Tune in to hear inspiring anecdotes from Jimmy’s ministry work; his favorite story about St. Ignatius; when music becomes immoral; the coming renewal in classical architecture and music; and Jimmy’s experience as a Catholic entrepreneur and music manager in Nashville. 

Links mentioned & relevant:

• Let Beauty Speak by Jimmy Mitchell

• Jimmy’s website

• The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Cardinal Robert Sarah with Nicolas Diat

• The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux

Kolbe Academy’s Let Beauty Speak series

• Session 1: Introduction, Wonder & Freedom

• Session 2: Friendship & Prayer

• Session 3: Leisure & Work

Related Kolbecast episodes:

• 27 An Appreciation of Wonder

• 34 A Beauty-Linked Life with Professor Carol Reynolds

• 71 A Sight for Sore Eyes with Chris Lewis of Baritus Catholic

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you’d like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey.

We’d be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey!

The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!