Parents often spend so much time navigating the needs of today that it's easy to lose sight of where we're ultimately headed. But what if raising children begins with keeping the end in mind?

In this episode, Davies Owens welcomes Dr. Jennifer Freeman of the Rooted Families Initiative to discuss a framework for family discipleship that helps parents understand the unique opportunities and challenges of every stage of childhood—from infancy through young adulthood. Drawing from decades of mentoring college students and families, Jennifer shares practical wisdom for raising children who grow into wise, discerning adults who love Christ.

• Why parenting is most effective when we keep the end goal in view.
• Jennifer's five stages of family discipleship and how each stage requires something different from parents.
• How to encourage healthy independence without withdrawing guidance.
• Why meaningful conversations become increasingly important during the teen years.
• How parents can prepare young adults for adulthood without trying to control every outcome.
• Why seasons of questioning and doubt can become important milestones in developing mature faith.
• Practical encouragement for trusting God's work in your children's lives through every stage.

Rather than offering another parenting formula, Jennifer encourages parents to see themselves as beloved caregivers, partnering with God as He forms their children over time. Whether you're holding a newborn, navigating middle school, or preparing to launch a young adult, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical guidance for every season.
Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.

What happens after we realize that education is about far more than information transfer?

In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Davies Owens sits down with David Goodwin, president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Battle for the American Mind. David's newest book, Forging the American Mind, serves as a practical guide for parents and educators who want to understand not only why classical Christian education matters, but how it actually works.

Tune in to hear:

• Why Battle for the American Mind resonated with so many parents and educators
• What paideia is and why it shapes every child's understanding of truth, identity, and purpose
• Why the most important question in education is not "What do you know?" but "How do you know?"
• How Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis continue to influence the classical Christian education movement
• Practical examples of classical education in action, from great books and handwriting to Socratic discussion and dialectical learning
• How adults who feel they "missed out" on a classical education can begin pursuing one today

Along the way, David offers a compelling vision for recovering the lost tools of learning and cultivating wisdom, virtue, and intellectual freedom in the next generation. Whether you're a parent, educator, school leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will help you think more deeply about what education is for and how it shapes both individuals and culture.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.

How do we faithfully raise children in a culture that constantly fragments their attention?

In this episode of Base Camp Live, Davies Owens welcomes Suzanne Phillips of Beacon Parent for a thoughtful and deeply encouraging conversation about parenting in an age of distraction, anxiety, and cultural confusion. Rather than offering another parenting checklist, Suzanne shares a biblical framework for becoming the kind of parent your children can follow.

Together, they explore what Suzanne calls the seven facets of a “Beacon Parent,” including the supremacy of Christ, expressed honor, intentional legacy, transformative wisdom, humble courage, secure identity, and personal responsibility.

Along the way, they discuss:
• Why everything starts at home
• The difference between knowledge and wisdom
• How technology is reshaping childhood
• Why honor is disappearing from families
• The dangers of fear-based parenting
• Why children need gradual responsibility
• How parents can lead with clarity instead of anxiety

This conversation is both practical and hopeful for parents seeking to raise grounded, thoughtful, Christ-centered children in a rapidly changing world.

Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:

Wisdom and Eloquence
The Herzog Foundation
Life Architects
Wisephone by Techless
ZipCast
Wilson Hill Academy

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.