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The Commonplace

Autumn Kern

The Commonplace is a podcast for new homeschooling moms to get their bearings in the classical Charlotte Mason world.

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S4 · E13
Oct 3, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 13 | Bonus(!): A Well Lived Life Legacy with Sally Clarkson
The second of my bonus episodes is here! It was my sincere pleasure to speak with Sally Clarkson about her newest book, Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace. Consider it the perfect bridge between seasons four and five: how our lives are stories that give shape to our souls. Footnotes for this episode: Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude and Grace www.sallyclarkson.com At Home with Sally and Friends Life with Sally | Membership Heartfelt Discipline, Clay Clarkson __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 850+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like The Abolition of Man, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E12
Sep 12, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 12 | Bonus(!): A Habit Training Case Study
It's about that time of year when you're starting school and possibly attending co-op. Even if you're not in a co-op, you've probably noted some needed habit training in your crew. This is a case study about my real-life habit training for co-op last year. I'm grateful to report co-op is a smashing good time for all this year. __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 850+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like The Abolition of Man, Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S4 · E11
Aug 8, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 11 | The End of Storied Souls
It’s time to end season four but let’s talk about what’s next. Season five, Feminine Soulcraft, begins in the Spring of 2025. __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 850+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like The Abolition of Man, Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S4 · E10
Jul 25, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 10 | Do I Really Need Latin for the Old Stories?: An Interview with Angela Reed
I can’t leave this Latin question alone, can I? Our children are inheriting the richness of the Western tradition and the debt we owe to our Latin past is great. From history to theology, poetry to philosophy, we’re standing upon the shoulders of Latin writers. If all you’ve ever known of Latin instruction is terrified, bored students with a strict teacher, I think you’ll enjoy today. Get ready to catch the vision and answer the question: Does Latin form my children to move in the world in a better way? I’m joined by Mrs. Angela Reed to discuss learning Latin through story; how children inhabit language, and the aliveness of Latin—even today. Footnotes for this episode: Athenaeum Amidst the Reeds | Angela’s Website Angela’s Classes The Charlotte Mason Latin Project | Angela’s Work Angela’s Instagram “Latin—the elegant tongue” | Charlotte Mason Poetry Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin, Simmons Lingua Latina per se Illustrata Cambridge Latin Course Oxford Latin Course Lars Romam Odit, Olimpi D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths Stories from the History of Rome, Mrs. Beesly __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like The Abolition of Man, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E9
Jul 11, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 09 | The Magic of Re-Reading: An Interview with Laura E. Wolfe and Lisa Rose
One thing I rarely hear mentioned in the classical world is the need for re-reading great stories. Maybe it’s a fear of ruining our habit of attention or a symptom of our modern need to consume and move on, but we’ve missed something important when it comes to revisiting stories. So, let’s ask: How does re-reading change us as readers? I’m joined by Laura E. Wolfe and Lisa Rose to discuss why it’s important we revisit stories, how revisiting makes us readers (instead of consumers), and what we can all learn from Charlotte Mason’s literary life. Plus, we have our first ever baby guest. Footnotes for this episode Patterns for Life, Wolfe & Rose Patterns for Life | Website Patterns for Life | Substack Patterns for Life | YouTube Laura E. Wolfe The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien Harry Potter, Rowling Diana Wynne Jones Madeleine L’Engle Christmas Day in the Morning, Buck Sophie’s World, Gaarder A Charlotte Mason Companion, Andreola I and Thou, Buber Wes Callihan’s Library Video “The Thousand Good Books List”, Senior __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E8
Jun 27, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 08 | The Medieval Mind of My Favourite Storyteller: An Interview with Dr. Jason Baxter
Could we have a season about story without touching on my favourite storyteller, the great Jack Lewis? We could not. Many of us know Lewis as the great author of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, or Til We Have Faces. Some of us know him as the everyman theologian who gave us the wartime addresses and Mere Christianity. But there’s a lesser-known third part to Lewis: the medievalist. A self-proclaimed dinosaur, Lewis’ mind was of another time and this is the secret reason for the richness of his stories. So, we should all be wondering: What is the medieval mind and how did Lewis form one? I’m joined by Dr. Jason Baxter to discuss the medieval mind of C.S. Lewis and how his “breathing the Middle Ages” might be exactly what we need to regain our footing in a world enchanted with truth, goodness, and beauty. Footnotes for this episode The Medieval Mind of C.S. Lewis, Jason Baxter Dr. Baxter | Website On Plato’s Timaeus, Calcidius “Meditations in a Toolshed”, C.S. Lewis “On Stories”, C.S. Lewis “De Descriptione Temporum”, C.S. Lewis The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis The Divine Comedy, Dante “On Fairy-Stories”, J.R.R. Tolkien __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like The Abolition of Man, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E7
Jun 13, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 07 | Reads of Requirement: An Interview with Rachel Woodham
It’s generally accepted that children need good stories. It’s not generally accepted that good stories are the most important thing read to children. We moderns think of fiction as a treat, a bonus, or an escape; it’s nice but certainly not something we have to require for school. This is why many new classical moms find themselves confused while looking over a book list of The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and The Secret Garden for next term. If education is about the future, then we have a question: Shouldn’t I give my children real stories to prepare them for the real world? I’m joined by Rachel Woodham to discuss how stories are a better preparation for Reality and why every mother-teacher should create her list of Reads of Requirement for her home. Footnotes for this episode Mudd and Sapphires | Substack The Still Point | CiRCE Institute column “Harry Potter, Read of Requirement” “No Bottom: Delighting in Shakespeare with the Young” Chance or the Dance?: A Critique of Modern Secularism, Thomas Howard Til We Have Faces, C.S. Lewis Brideshead Revisted, Evelyn Waugh Everything Sad is Untrue, Daniel Nayeri __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E6
May 30, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 06 | How Our Practices Shape the Story We Tell Ourselves: An Interview with Tsh Oxenreider
We know it’s important to consider the ideas we take in because they form us deeply, but have you ever considered how what you act out forms you just as deeply? The practices we choose to make habits (or the ones we unintentionally form as habits) shape the story we tell ourselves about God, ourselves, and our lives. So, we should all be asking: What practices help me tell a true, good, and beautiful Story to myself? I’m joined by Tsh Oxenreider to discuss how our practices should aim at our telos, how the historic Church has practiced this, and some of our favourite practices to bring into your home. Footnotes for this episode The Commonplace | Tsh’s Substack A Drink with a Friend | Tsh’s Podcast Tsh’s Website | Books, Pilgrimages, Resources Tsh’s Rule of Life Course *First Light and Eventide* | Gratitude journal __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E5
May 16, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 05 | The Tradition of Fairy Tales: An Interview with Dcn. Nicholas Kotar
Once upon a time. The words are an invitation into a world where virtue sparkles and vice is grotesque, and children love to inhabit such a place. But for the mom reading her first set of Grimm’s fairy tales, it’s a different story. They’re dark. There’s magic. Things get a little wild. If you’ve ever found yourself rewriting an old fairy tale on the fly because you weren’t sure it should be read aloud, you’re in good company. But when you’ve been told these are classical must-reads for young children, you have to ask: Why are fairy tales important? I’m joined today by Dcn. Nicholas Kotar to discuss the tradition of and need for fairytales. If our hope, in classical education, is to conform our children’s souls to Reality, we need to teach them to see as things really are. Footnotes for this episode “Russian Orthodoxy, Fairy Tales, and Good Story Telling with Dcn. Nicholas Kotar” | Pints with Aquinas Nicholas Kotar | Website Nicholas Kotar | Patreon In a Certain Kingdom: Fairy Tales of Old Russia In a Certain Kingdom: Epic Heroes of Old Russia Full book list In a Certain Kingdom | Podcast St. Basil’s Writers’ Workshop Tending the Heart of Virtue, Vigen Guroian __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E4
May 2, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 04 | How Children Understand Story: An Interview with Amanda Faus and Brooke Johnson of The Wonder Years Podcast
Who hasn’t looked out over a sea of young children staring blankly out of the window and wondered if they’re paying attention? Who hasn’t considered explaining the story or the vocabulary to ensure the children really get it? Perhaps we need to reconsider how young children move and understand in God’s world so we can answer today’s question: Do my little kids even understand this story? I’m joined by Mrs. Amanda Faus and Mrs. Brooke Johnson to discuss understanding in the early years by bringing together philosophy and practical realities with a heavy dose of humor and personal story. Plus, they turn the mic on me and tell me I’m wrong. Did I mention I called in my real friends for this one? Footnotes for this episode The Wonder Years | Podcast The Wonder Years | Substack (Includes Wonder Tales series!) Ep 07 Stories | The Wonder Years Ep 05 How Littles Learn | The Wonder Years with Alec Bianco An Experiment in Criticism, C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis Beauty in the Word, Stratford Caldecott Book Girl, Sarah Clarkson Risen Motherhood Ep 07 | For King and Country!: The Mythic and Moral Imagination Ep 08 | Tell Me A Story: An Interview with Emelie Thomas | Emelie’s Substack “Sacramental Stories” Simply Convivial with Mystie Winkler John Senior’s The Thousand Good Books List Beatrix Potter Paul Galdone Folk Tales Everyman’s Aesop’s Fables __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E3
Apr 18, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 03 | Love What Lasts: An Interview with Joshua Gibbs
Once you begin looking at curricula, it doesn’t take long to notice there’s a lot of overlap on the book lists. Homer. Plato. Plutarch. Dante. Milton. It can leave a mom wondering why we have to read these books in classical education. To get that answer, however, we have to ask a slightly different set of questions: Why do some stories last and why does that matter? I’m joined today by Mr. Joshua Gibbs to discuss why loving stories that last—whether in book, music, or film—is a matter of the soul. Footnotes for this episode Gibbs Classical Gibbs Classical: Classes The Cedar Room | Josh’s column at the Circe Institute Proverbial Podcast Love What Lasts How to Be Unlucky Something They Will Not Forget __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E2
Apr 4, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 02 | The Literary Life of Families: An Interview with Shay and Catherine Gregorie of Wolfbane Books
While moms may be the ones buying the books, it’s the family that inhabits the worlds within them. The atmosphere, habits, and ideas of our home are shaped by the stories we read together which means we’re forming the minds, imaginations, and hearts of everyone involved. Whether you’ve just heard about living books or you’ve been reading the classics for years, you have to ask yourself: Are we building a family literary life of truth, goodness, and beauty? I’m joined by Shay and Catherine Gregorie to discuss how we can inhabit stories with our children, speaking into existence worlds that show them God’s hand in the uncommon and common moments of our lives. Footnotes for this episode Wolfbane Books The King of All Things, Shay & Catherine Gregorie The Forgotten King, Kenneth Padgett & Shay Gregorie The Story of God Our King, Kenneth Padgett & Shay Gregorie The Story of God with Us, Kenneth Padgett & Shay Gregorie The Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis The Wingfeather Saga, Andrew Peterson The Wilderking Series, Jonathan Rogers The Year of Miss Agnes, Kirkpatrick Hill The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsall The Trumpet of the Swan, E.B. White __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E1
Mar 21, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 01 | Christ the Logos: An Interview with Andrew Kern
As we discussed last season, there is a marked difference in how one moves in the classical world and the modern world. The classical world is a symphony; the modern, a machine. The classical world is harmonious; the modern is fragmented. The classicist is an encounter-er; the modern man, a manipulator. If there is a single idea to explain these differences, I’d venture to say it’s recognition of Christ as the logos. To really dive into the power of story, we must first look to the unifying Principle who holds all things together. Then we have to ask: How does He give form to everything? I’m joined by Mr. Andrew Kern to discuss what it means that Christ is the logos and how this reveals the grandeur of God in the world. ________ Today’s episode is brought to you by Davenant Hall. Davenant Hall, the educational wing of The Davenant Institute, is refounding the medieval university for the digital frontier. They’ve graciously offered The Commonplace listeners a discount for first-time auditors for this Trinity term. Use commonplacetrinity24 to receive $25 off your fee and to receive Reforming Classical Education after registration closes. Registration ends on March 29th, and you can learn more here. Pst. I’ll see you fellow auditors in Dr. Hoskin’s Early Christian Worship class! ________ Footnotes for this episode CiRCE Institute The CiRCE Guide to Reading, Kern and Lipinski Classical Education, The Movement Sweeping America, Kern and Veith The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S4 · E1
Mar 7, 2024 · length unknown
Ep 00 | Welcome to Storied Souls
Once upon a time, there were mothers with the power to build worlds with their words. Will you be one of them? That’s the question I’m posing to you, dear listener, this season. But not without first answering some of your story questions. Ps. Did you catch our season trailer? It’s magic. __________ Today’s episode is brought to you by Davenant Hall. Davenant Hall, the educational wing of The Davenant Institute, is refounding the medieval university for the digital frontier. They’ve graciously offered The Commonplace listeners a discount for first-time auditors for this Trinity term. Use commonplacetrinity24 to receive $25 off your fee and to receive Reforming Classical Education after registration closes. Registration ends on March 29th and you can learn more here. Psst. I’ll see you fellow auditors in Dr. Hoskin’s Early Christian Worship class! __________ You can find the full episode notes here: https://www.thecommonplacepodcast.com/podcast/ep04-00 You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 800+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S3 · E15
Dec 28, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 15 | We’re Going (Classical) Camping
It’s time to end season three but we’re not leaving the classical world beyond the wardrobe. We’re just going to go camping. __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 700+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S3 · E14
Dec 14, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 14 | But Do I Really Need to Teach Latin and Greek?
I couldn’t start closing out this third season without answering the question in the back of everyone’s minds: Do I really need to teach my kids Latin and Greek? __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 675+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S3 · E13
Nov 30, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 13 | Scouting to Form the Whole Person: An Interview with Kriste Janczyk
Scouting is a thing in a Mason education but I think it deserves its rightful place in classical education too. Using my favourite Charlotte-Mason-is-classical pegs, we’re going to show how scouting belongs in a classical education and how you can get started. I’m joined by my own Withywindle Scoutmistress, Kriste Janczyk, and we hope you enjoy the conversation! __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 640+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S3 · E12
Nov 16, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 12 | The Classical Tradition in the Early Years (Or, How ‘Bout Those Liberal Arts?)
For most people, classical education becomes synonymous with the liberal arts. The classical tradition, however, is larger than the liberal arts (great as they are) and, if you look closely, you’ll see your children need a few things before the liberal arts. What is this foundational work in the early years? Let’s talk about it. __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 625+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Virtues and Vices, Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and How to Start a Classical Charlotte Mason Co-op!
S3 · E11
Nov 2, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 11 | Bonus!: A Very Classical Charlotte Mason Christmas Gift Guide
It’s just about that time when the classical Charlotte Mason gift guides will abound and while I like heirlooms carved by a dwarf in Narnia just as much as the next homeschool mom, I don’t know if that’s exactly the gift guide we need this year. Tune in for this bonus episode pulled straight from Common House as ‘tis the season (Can you believe it?), and we’ll get back to the liberal arts next time. Announced links WEBINAR | Awakening the Soul: Attention as a Way of Waking Up to the World COURSE | Virtues and Vices __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 650+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!
S3 · E10
Oct 5, 2023 · length unknown
Ep 10 | Learning to Love Rightly
Pursuing the good life means asking, over and over again, “Am I loving the right things at the right time and in the right way? “ __________ You can find the full episode notes here (including my footnotes for this episode). You can leave the podcast a rating and review here. (I thank you!) --------- Join the 650+ mother-teachers in Common House (It’s like a Patreon, but better.) where we think deeply and learn together through full courses, bonus minisodes, monthly Q+A video calls, resources, and more! Right now, you can join a number of self-paced courses like Charlotte Mason Habits 101, and Virtues and Vices!

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