Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins

While most students graduate with financial shackles, Excel College graduates debt-free with real-world skills. Robert speaks with Andrew Haak, Director of Excel Summer Leadership Camp. Andrew shares how Excel College students responded during Hurricane Helene, transforming their campus into a major distribution center for Western North Carolina. As a US Air Force veteran and former international missionary who has served in over 30 countries, Andrew brings a unique perspective to leadership development. He discusses Excel's distinctive educational philosophy that teaches students how to think rather than what to think, their debt-free education model, and their immersive two-week summer leadership camps that combine wilderness adventure, first aid training, and critical thinking for teens ages 15-19.   https://www.theexcelcollege.com/   https://www.theexcelcamp.org/   Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Megan Griffin, Provost and Senior Vice President at Southeastern University, pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities facing Christian higher education today. With two universities closing weekly across America, Dr. Griffin shares how SEU is breaking traditional models to create affordable, accessible education while maintaining biblical fidelity. Dr. Griffin challenges Christian colleges to reimagine their business models, maintain their spiritual mission, and extend their reach beyond traditional student demographics. Her passionate vision for transformation emphasizes education as spiritual formation that prepares students for meaningful lives of purpose.   https://seu.edu/   Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What happens when a reluctant baseball player takes a bioethics class that changes his entire perspective on learning and life? Robert explores the intersection of philosophy, theology, and practical ethics with Dr. Bill Davis, professor at Covenant College and Reform Theological Seminary, and Noah Sweatman, Covenant College admissions counselor and Classical Conversations graduate. The conversation delves into how philosophy enriches theological understanding, with Dr. Davis explaining how Scripture writers used classical thought while correcting erroneous assumptions. Noah shares his surprising journey from being a reluctant bioethics student to finding it one of his most influential college classes, despite having no background in the field.   https://www.covenant.edu/   Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What happens when 400-year-old theological wisdom meets modern cultural challenges? Rev. Levi Berntson, Assistant Professor of Theology at Reformed Bible College and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, shares his journey from farm fields in North Dakota to theological academia. He discusses his work translating Dutch Reformed theologian Campegius Vitringa and explains how Reformed theology's core principles—high view of Scripture, justification by faith alone, and God's sovereignty—remain relevant in today's increasingly secular culture. The conversation explores the essential relationship between knowing God and loving God, how theological education benefits Christians in all vocations, not just ministry, and practical advice for Christians navigating complex cultural challenges.   https://reformationbiblecollege.org/   Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment. Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

What if the solution to our throwaway culture lies in ancient educational methods and traditional craftsmanship? Robert interviews Luke Kolbie, CEO of Russell Moccasin Company and founder of Kingfisher Leather Works. Luke shares his remarkable journey from homeschooled Classical Conversations student to successful business leader and advocate for sustainable craftsmanship. Luke discusses how his classical education developed critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities that transformed his approach to business. He explains his mission of "conservation through craftsmanship" - creating products of such high quality that they never need to enter the waste cycle.   https://russellmoccasin.com/ Luke’s Email: [email protected]   Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!

Can a classically-educated student excel in STEM fields? In this episode of Refining Rhetoric, Robert welcomes Courtney Sanford, a homeschool mother and associate professor of fine arts at Bryan College, who shares her family's journey with classical education. She discusses how incorporating art and hands-on learning enhanced her children's education, including one son's path to medical school and another's pursuit of computer science. Courtney also introduces her innovative online art education company, Delightful Art Co, which integrates art with academic subjects for homeschool students.     Discover the joy of learning in arts-integrated classes that combine academic subjects with fine art. From cycle-specific history to biology to art history, our passionate teachers make learning creative, memorable, and fun! Registration is open now for summer and fall classes. Classical Conversations families enjoy $10 off any live class with the coupon code: CCFAM10OFF Visit www.delightfulartco.com and make learning delightful!

From sitting at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in 1960 to advocating for educational reform today, civil rights pioneer Clarence Henderson shares his remarkable journey of courage and conviction. Henderson recounts his firsthand experience during the historic Greensboro sit-ins and discusses how that watershed moment shaped his lifelong mission as a champion for freedom. Through candid conversation, he offers unique insights on America's progress in race relations, the importance of economic empowerment, and his concerns about modern education. Henderson challenges listeners to defend liberty through personal responsibility and civic engagement, arguing that freedom's price "must be paid in full and upfront."   https://clarencehenderson.com/    Tools for Transcripts is a resource for you to learn how to assess your students using the proven tools that bring life-changing results. We offer classes, coaching, and consulting. Classical Conversations families receive 10% off using the coupon code 10OFF4CC. To learn more, visit www.classicaltools4change.com

From Fortune 30 IT executive to nonprofit leader - Chris May shares how TeenPact Leadership Schools is transforming youth through hands-on civic engagement and faith-based leadership training at state capitals nationwide. Discover how this unique program is equipping the next generation of leaders through real-world political simulations and discipleship, with opportunities for students to experience government firsthand.   https://teenpact.com/ Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Carolina! This is a time for Classical Conversations families from around the nation to celebrate the hard work with fellow families on the homeschooling journey. Register at https://classicalconversationsfoundation.org/

Can a Christian university create both spiritual depth and genuine joy? Dr. Michael Lindsay, President of Taylor University, reveals how his institution ranks #3 for happiest students nationwide while maintaining spiritual and academic rigor. In this episode, the Princeton-educated sociologist shares insights on developing faith-centered leaders, navigating college admissions, and integrating faith in the workplace.  https://www.taylor.edu/ https://x.com/dmichaellindsay Parent Practicum events are hosted around the globe each year, inspiring and equipping parents to become better “everyday educators.” Combining the encouragement of community, integration of ideas, and practice with the classical skills, Parent Practicum is a once-a-year parent investment.  Let us help you find a Parent Practicum event near you at www.ccpracticum.com

From federal executive orders to state legislation battles, the school choice landscape is rapidly evolving - but are these changes moving us toward educational freedom or greater government control? In this thought-provoking wrap-up of School Choice Week, Robert delivers a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in education policy, including the latest federal executive orders, state-level initiatives in Tennessee and Texas, and proposed tax credit programs. He examines the complex intersection of federal funding, state autonomy, and educational freedom while sharing insights from behind-the-scenes conversations in the school choice movement.