CiRCE Podcast Network

Dwell

About the show

Psalm 37:3 says "trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." In this new podcast for moms from the CiRCE Podcast Network, Emily Hill, Renee Mathis, and Karen Kern will explore what it means to dwell in our homes—that place where God has called us to do good. They will discuss dwelling with others in relationship, dwelling in wisdom as we seek to educate our children, and dwelling at home such that we create a place where our families will flourish. Episodes will post 3 times each month and will consider a variety of topics related to motherhood, homeschooling, homemaking, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newest episodes

How to Live Like An Aristocrat

Nov 10, 2026 38 min

Renee and Karen are joined by author and teacher Joshua Gibbs to compare the burden the aristocrat bears to pass on the honor he has received to his children with our desire to nurture our family culture. Josh offers practical ways for families to preserve and pass on that which is most important. Learn more about Josh and his resources for homeschoolers at gibbsclassical.com and his podcast, "In the Trenches." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be Beatrice

Nov 3, 2026 41 min

We are sure you will enjoy Renee and Karen's lively discussion with Dr. Joe Carlson, author of a new contemporary English translation of The Divine Comedy as well as Reader's Guides to all three volumes. After giving us a brief summary of Dante's journey, he explains how The Divine Comedy answers questions central to the topic of education: What is education for? What is man for? How does Dante learn to be human? He gives us a beautiful image of Beatrice as a mother when Dante sees the sun reflected in her eyes and desires to look upon the sun himself. If you have never read The Divine Comedy or if you want to read it with your students, get Dr. Carlson's translation and Reader's Guide! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Roman Roads Press Can Inspire and Benefit Your Family

Oct 20, 2026 29 min

Renee and Karen continue their conversation with Daniel Foucachon. Listen as Daniel explains the vision and work of Roman Roads Press: to guide high school students (and their parents) through the books of "old Western culture," as C.S. Lewis coined the term, with video courses, companion guides, and primary sources. Find out about their new endeavors and how Roman Roads may benefit your children. Visit RomanRoadsPress.com to learn more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All episodes

How to Live Like An Aristocrat

Nov 10, 2026 38 min

Be Beatrice

Nov 3, 2026 41 min

How Roman Roads Press Can Inspire and Benefit Your Family

Oct 20, 2026 29 min

Second Generation Homeschooling

Oct 7, 2026 29 min

Renee and Karen are joined by Daniel Foucachon, a homeschooling dad of seven and founder of Roman Roads Press, to talk about his experience as a homeschooled student early in the movement, while living in France, Quebec, and the US. We enjoyed this lively conversation and hearing about his role in homeschooling with his wife, Lydia, and how he includes their children in the family business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remembering Wendell Berry

Sep 30, 2026 44 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen dwell on Wendell Berry's recurring themes of home, marriage, place, family, economy, and hospitality. They share their favorite characters, stories, poems, and essays that have been particularly meaningful and inspiring to them over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hot Off the Press! "Ancient and New: Storied Pathways of the Kingdom Coming"

Sep 22, 2026 38 min

Meet the author of the new book, Ancient and New: Storied Pathways of the Kingdom Coming, Danielle Mellama. Danielle, wife and mother of four, chats with Renee and Karen about how God meets us in our everyday lives and how there are no ordinary things, but rather windows to see God's grace and beauty if we open our eyes. Her book contains 30 short chapters: stories from her own life with references from Scripture, classic stories, and saints' lives, each followed by suggestions for further meditation from literature and art. Available at Cultivating Oaks Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Come on Over!"

Sep 8, 2026 34 min

We all want to be hospitable: to welcome friends, new and old, into our homes for delicious meals and conversation. But with the busyness of our lives, hospitality can be neglected, even with the best intentions. Renee and Karen offer ideas for easy make- ahead meals and tips for getting together with other families. It doesn't have to be fancy, and simple is the way to go! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's Get Started: Advice for New Homeschoolers with the Littles

Sep 1, 2026 33 min

If you are a new homeschooler with a 4 or 5-year-old and maybe a toddler and baby in tow, you may be feeling excited or terrified or both. Renee and Karen offer tips to help you get started regarding expectations, curriculum (maybe none is needed!), daily habits, ideas to invest in your own education, and more. Join us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Road-schooling with Guest, Jennifer Degani

Aug 18, 2026 35 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen talk with Jennifer Degani about homeschooling on the road with their four kids and two pets. For the majority of the school year, they travel for work, living in various states and making each place feel like home while carrying on the routine of homeschool life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's a wrap!" A Review of the CiRCE National Conference

Aug 11, 2026 31 min

Listen as Renee and Karen recap the summer conference: A Contemplation of Revolution. They chat about what makes this conference so special—the community of old and new friends, the contemplation of ideas together, the culinary delights for body and soul. If you attended and want to listen again, or if you wish you could have come, you can listen to the recordings on the CiRCE website and be refreshed for the start of a new school year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the Care and Keeping of Boys

Jul 14, 2026 39 min

Andrea Lipinski, mother of two grown sons, one in training to be a Navy pilot, the other a firefighter, joins Renee and Karen to reflect on her journey of motherhood. She offers wise counsel for those raising boys, but mothers of girls should also be encouraged by her story and her most important piece of advice: know your children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Latin Curriculum for the Youngest Scholars!

Jul 7, 2026 41 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen talk with Buck Holler about his new curriculum, Hodie Latine: A Daily Liturgy for the Active Latin Learner. Written for children in the pre-grammar stage, it offers a recitation, a song, a game, all in Latin, along with illustrations for ease in understanding. It is not a textbook, but a "little book of delights meant to invite students into the joys of learning Latin." Buck also describes another project he is currently working on: the retelling of familiar stories in Latin. Stay tuned for more on that! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Organizing the School Year: "Big Rocks" go in first, then fill in with the "little rocks and sand".

Jun 16, 2026 24 min

Renee and Karen offer tips for planning out the coming school year: get a good planner/calendar, map out the big life events, add the scheduled things, the seasonal events, plan your typical week, give structure to your day, and leave space for the unexpected! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making Your Curriculum Work for You

Jun 9, 2026 27 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat about how to let your curriculum serve your goals and the needs of your children. Remember that education is cultivation, and it takes a long time to produce fruit! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dwell Webinar—The Keys to Teaching Language in the Elementary Years: Narration and Dictation

Jun 3, 2026 1 hr 55 min

Listen to our recent webinar with Andrew Kern as he discusses the art of language and the benefits of narration and dictation in training attention, memory, thinking, and expression. We answer questions about our new curriculum, The Tapestry: what it is, who it is for, how it is structured to fit in with weekly lesson plans, and the format of each exercise. We think you will enjoy listening in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving and Thriving at a Homeschool Conference

May 19, 2026 28 min

Listen as Renee and Karen chat about how to get the most out of a summer conference. From planning ahead, to taking in and enjoying every moment while pacing yourself, to reflecting on what you have gained, they offer tips for having a blast and going home refreshed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Are we there yet?"

May 12, 2026 36 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen offer ideas and tips for planning your next family trip. Renee brilliantly suggests that the strategies for thinking and writing in The Lost Tools of Writing can help you prepare for your family's summer vacation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let There Be Play!

Apr 28, 2026 40 min

We all know play is important for the development of our children, but do we know why and how to incorporate play into our homeschool day? Join Renee and Karen as they chat with Rachel Woodham about her soon-to-be-published book, Let There Be Play. Rachel discusses the nature of play and how it is necessary to the development of virtue and the moral imagination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing a new book on classical education: Things Glorious and Ruinous

Apr 21, 2026 40 min

Author and educator Mark Signorelli joins Renee and Karen to discuss his new book, Things Glorious and Ruinous, Considering Classical Education Amidst Cultural Decay. Listen as they talk about the benefits of a classical education, including, as Mark writes in his book, "What is it the classical educator is preparing her students for? For happiness. And how does one learn to be happy in the future? By learning to be happy now. Happiness is a way of being in the world...." Be encouraged to continue the good work of educating your children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have You Dreamed of Homesteading?

Apr 7, 2026 29 min

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with homeschool mom, Suzy Laskey, about their family farm in Michigan that started with a square foot garden and a dream. She describes how tending the animals and participating in the work of farm life have enriched her family and her homeschool. You might want to start a garden and get some chickens! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When knowledge pays off.... literally!

Mar 31, 2026 35 min

In this episode, Renee describes her experience of being a winning contestant on a popular TV game show! She shares how she put her study skills to use in preparation and how she has used her experience to aid her students in preparing for exams and other challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out CLT!

Mar 24, 2026 34 min

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with Kimberly Farley, representative for the Classic Learning Test. This may be just what your family needs to navigate the world of academic assessments for college entrance, as well as testing for grades 3-8. We are sure you will find this conversation informative and also encouraging as you hear how well homeschoolers are doing academically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support for those Postpartum Days

Mar 17, 2026 33 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen are joined by Vanessa Priestner, labor and delivery nurse and homeschool mom. They discuss the needs of the postpartum mom, offer tips for finding rest and support, and explain the signs of PPD as opposed to the "baby blues". If you are in that season now, or if you are supporting a new mom, Vanessa's advice will be helpful to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Favorite books of 2025!

Feb 24, 2026 48 min

Sometimes it is helpful to hear what other people are reading, their favorite books and authors, to be inspired to pick up a new book. We hope you enjoy this episode in which we share our favorites! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sign Them Up! Sports and the Homeschool Family

Feb 11, 2026 34 min

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with guest, Amanda Kenter, who makes a convincing case for the importance of sports and physical activities in the formation of our kids. She explains the benefits of sports and how you can fit them in with your family dynamics, goals, and time commitments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can the Principles of Classical Education Offer Strategies to Help with ADHD?

Jan 20, 2026 38 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen answer a question from a listener about ADHD. They offer advice from their own experiences and from the principles of Charlotte Mason and Classical Education: keep lessons short, get outside, train habits, limit devices, and remember your child isn't a problem to be solved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Furthering your Own Education as a Busy Homeschool Mom

Jan 14, 2026 33 min

Listen as Renee and Karen talk with guest, homeschool mom Krista Sanders, about her journey to enrich her own intellectual life. She reflects on how it started when, as a mom of young boys, she asked herself, "What is education?" That eventually led her to the CiRCE Apprenticeship and then Belmont Abbey College, where she has recently completed her Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education. You may not be at the stage in life where you can enter a formal program, but she will encourage you to enrich your own life with books and reading in community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can teach a foreign language!

Dec 23, 2025 38 min

Does the thought of teaching a foreign language in your homeschool intimidate you? Join us as Laura Councell gives us tips, ideas, and resources for learning with your children, using familiar books translated into another language and adding just a few phrases at a time. You will be inspired to wade in at the shallow end and give it a try. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tell Your Stories!

Dec 17, 2025 32 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with guest, Holly Schurter, long-time storyteller and great-grandmother, about how telling our stories builds a rich family culture and reminds us that grace is in the everyday. Follow her on Substack to read her articles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teaching Science in the Kitchen

Dec 9, 2025 28 min

Angela Smith, founder of Inquisicook, an online culinary arts and science program for students ages 12 and up, joins Renee and Karen to chat about the science of cooking and about encouraging your children to help you in the kitchen. It may get messy, but the benefits to your child's formation and your family culture are immeasurable. Angela also shares that Inquisicook Jr. is coming soon. Listen to hear how it could enrich your children's education. Inquisicook.com Inquisicook Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keeping Spirits Bright

Dec 2, 2025 27 min

It's Christmas Time, and we know so much rests on mom to make it all happen: shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating... Renee and Karen offer ideas and tips to help keep the season stress-free and to enjoy your family traditions with a joyful spirit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking Poetry with Christine Perrin

Nov 25, 2025 38 min

In this episode, friend and colleague in the world of classical education, mom and grandmother, teacher and poet, Christine Perrin, joins us for a discussion on how to foster a love of poetry in our children. She says that the experience of poetry comes before the analysis of it, she offers tips on how to jump into the world of poetry, and she shares her favorite volumes and poets with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life at Home After High School

Nov 18, 2025 32 min

Katie Carrillo, mother of three daughters and head mentor of the Gulf Coast Apprenticeship, joins Renee and Karen to discuss living the good life with children living at home after high school. Our culture tells us that our child needs to create his or her own life at eighteen years old. But what if college or moving out of the family home is not what your child desires? Katie offers her story with her daughters and offers advice for navigating these years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Music Trains the Senses to Delight in Beauty

Nov 11, 2025 37 min

Listen as Renee and Karen chat with guest John Hodges, teacher, musician, composer, and director of The Center for Western Studies. John explains, as Plato said, that the purpose of music is to cause us to delight in beauty and the harmonious things. We discuss learning to play instruments, and John offers musical selections that you can find to enjoy with your children. To find out more about his gap year program, go to centerws.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Power of Music to Impact Your Children and Your Homeschool

Nov 4, 2025 33 min

Join us as we chat with Laura Councell about the effects that music, instrumental and vocal, can have on your children's souls, minds, and bodies. Laura holds a doctorate in music and is a homeschooling mother to three children ages 2,5, and 8. Her son, Harry, is a special needs child, and Laura describes how song has been life-giving for him. Listen and be inspired and encouraged by Laura's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bethany Kern on her beautiful art curriculum, Lumen!

Oct 21, 2025 28 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with Bethany Kern about her new art history and appreciation books called Lumen, A Guide to the Elements of Art through Time. The first volume (of seven) on line was published last year, and the second, on space, is hot off the presses. Listen as Bethany describes the process of choosing artists and their work, how the volumes are structured, and how you can use them in your homeschool. Get these beautiful books now! Lumen, A Guide to the Elements of Art through Time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child

Oct 14, 2025 36 min

Listen as Renee and Karen discuss Anthony Esolen's book Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child, which aims to show how our culture constricts the imaginations of the young. Written in the style of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, it is witty and clever. If you haven't read this book, you should get a copy wherever you buy your books! Amazon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So what do we do now?

Oct 7, 2025 38 min

This episode is a further conversation with Dr. Jeanne Schindler. She offers us wisdom for navigating the digital age within our families and some practical advice on how to limit online exposure and encourage social engagement. Here is Jeanne's interview with Front Porch Republic, with the Postman Pledge at the bottom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recovering the Building Blocks of Experience

Oct 1, 2025 38 min

Listen to this lively conversation with Dr. Jeanne Schindler as she explains how the digital world has mediated our experience and awareness of the real world and has impacted our ability and desire to commune with God and with each other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's to Snail Mail!

Sep 16, 2025 36 min

Letter writing might be a lost art, but our guest, Reagan Dregge, will encourage you to grab some paper and a favorite pen and surprise a friend with a card or a note in the mail. Reagan explains how letter writing has become a creative hobby, encouraged her as a writer, and established dear and lasting friendships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A New Book about Navigating Literature with Your Children

Sep 2, 2025 36 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen talk with their guest, Megan Saben, about her new book Redeemed Reader: Cultivating a Child's Discernment and Imagination Through Truth and Story, which she co-authored with three friends. She explains how the best books contain Truth with a capital T and tell stories that contain the form and themes of the best Story. She also relates how her five boys have become readers, even those who were reluctant at first. Redeemed Reader will be available on September 2, so check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Beautiful New Children's Book Club Resource!

Aug 26, 2025 28 min

We are back with an episode about the Beehive Book Club, a new resource by Hayley Croft and Haley Bouffard. Listen as we chat about how their book club for kids turned into two volumes (so far) called Family Favorites and Read the World. Be encouraged with ideas on how to enjoy books with your own kids and how to start a club with friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever heard of a Supra?

Jul 1, 2025 33 min

Listen as Renee and Karen talk about the Supra, a tradition of hospitality from the country of Georgia in which guests gather around the table with good food and offer a series of toasts on a wide range of topics. The structure of the Supra ensures that each guest feels welcome and comfortable and builds community as guests linger long into the evening. You might be inspired to host one! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Tonya Rozelle, leader of The Hearth, on how community nurtures the homeschool mom

Jun 24, 2025 29 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen interview Tonya Rozelle about the CiRCE community for moms called The Hearth. They discuss the life-giving benefits of reading books and discussing ideas around classical education in community and how exploring truth, goodness, and beauty together is nurturing for moms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A chat with author Mandi Gerth about her new book on cultivating habits in the classical classroom and homeschool

Jun 17, 2025 30 min

Mandi's book, Thoroughness and Charm: Cultivating the Habits of a Classical Classroom, offers readers beautifully written principles of classical education and practical ideas and tips for creating a culture that nurtures our children and embodies the tradition. Listen for inspiration to encourage you as you make plans for the fall and for ideas to incorporate into your morning time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making the Most of Your Summer

May 20, 2025 26 min

The summer is nearly here and Renee and Karen offer suggestions for making the most of your summer schedule while leaving room to discard the schedule and go to the pool! These days and years are fleeting; read books in the hammock, eat the ice cream, learn a new skill, make lasting memories! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ideas for End-of-Year Assessments

May 13, 2025 37 min

Join Renee and Karen as they talk about the importance of assessing not only the end of the academic year, as in the skills, ideas, and facts learned, but also the growth and maturity that has taken place in your children and in yourself. They also chat about how assessment is a tool for planning the next year, and that to not finish a curriculum is not a sign of failure, for we are not slaves to the curriculum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conclusion of Norms and Nobility

Apr 22, 2025 31 min

Join Renee and Karen for Chapters 11 and 12 and the Epilogue of Norms and Nobility. They discuss Hicks' compelling answer to the question, "Why read the classics?", his statement that the heart of the curriculum is humane letters, and his last two beautiful paragraphs in which he describes true learning. We hope you were encouraged to read along with us, and if you haven't yet read Norms and Nobility, now is the time to get the new edition and dig in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A chat with Heidi White about her new book!

Apr 8, 2025 41 min

Join Renee and Karen as they talk to Heidi about her soon-to-be-published book called The Divided Soul: Duty and Desire in Literature and Life. She describes how she came to view every story as the expression of the conflict between duty and desire—the same conflict that each one of us fights too. We hope that you enjoy this fun conversation and will run to pre-order her book! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Chat with Author Joyce McPherson

Apr 1, 2025 36 min

In this episode, Renee and Karen chat with Joyce McPherson, author of fiction and non-fiction for children ages 8-12, English teacher at Covenant College, and mother of nine children! We discuss the importance of developing the imagination and the genre of fantasy, her passion for making the stories of historical Christian figures accessible to children, and her love for George MacDonald and his stories. You will hear her advice for the homeschool mother who also has a passion for writing and how she found time to write while homeschooling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How to Live Like An Aristocrat

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Podcast details

Created by: CiRCE Podcast Network
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 153
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 33 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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