<![CDATA[CASTLcast]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission.

Welcome to CASTLcast (Rhino Radio). As the official podcast of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis, we explore the intersection of classical education and the formation of the modern teenager. From sitdowns with the Headmaster to curriculum deep dives with our amazing faculty - not to mention impressive student perspectives - please join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

]]>www.chestertonacademystl.org/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:19 GMTThu, 10 Sep 2026 04:20:29 GMT60Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis<p><i>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission.<br /><br />Welcome to CASTLcast (Rhino Radio). As the official podcast of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis, we explore the intersection of classical education and the formation of the modern teenager. From sitdowns with the Headmaster to curriculum deep dives with our amazing faculty - not to mention impressive student perspectives - please join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.</i></p>episodicChesterton Academy of Saint Louispodcast@doorward.comno<![CDATA[5 | Made in the Image of a Creator & The Struggle to Create - with Bernadette Lamb]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

Summary

In this episode with Bernadette Lamb (Art & Literature) we discuss the integration of art into the curriculum at Chesterton Academy, emphasizing its role in human and spiritual formation. She shares insights from her background as a working artist, the importance of observation, humility, and the pursuit of beauty in art as a reflection of divine creativity.

Keywords

art education, human formation, observation, humility, divine creativity, Chesterton Academy, art history, spiritual growth, artistic process, Catholic education

Key Topics

The role of art in human and spiritual formation
Observation and close looking as tools for growth
Humility and humility in the creative process
The connection between art and divine creativity
The stages of art education from foundation to mastery
The importance of patience and discipline in art
Art as a reflection of God's creation and beauty
The integration of art history and technique in education

Chapters

00:00 Welcome
01:05 Introduction to Art in Human and Spiritual Formation
02:23 Defining the Humanities Through Art and Literature
03:50 Artist Background and Artistic Practice
05:21 Immersive Artistic Experiences and Residencies
06:16 Arts Curriculum at Chesterton Academy
07:29 Foundations of Observational Drawing
08:05 Calligraphy and Illuminated Manuscripts
09:06 Oil Painting and Contemplative Practice
10:35 Shared Vocabulary in Art Analysis and Creation
11:22 Teaching Art Elements and Principles
12:45 The Artistic Process and Inner Growth
13:26 Humility and Identity in Art
15:02 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism
16:21 Observing Mundane Objects and Human Wonder
18:31 Training Patience and Deep Looking
20:05 Art as Human and Divine Reflection
23:40 The Creator and the Created
25:02 Humility and the Gap in Artistic Creation
26:37 Grace, Growth, and the Journey Toward Holiness
27:08 The Ultimate Call to Love and Perfection


CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. https://chestertonacademystl.org/

All rights reserved. 

]]>888cc046-51e9-455a-bc75-70fea7b5db53Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:37:46 GMT<p><i><em>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. </em></i>Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.<br /><br /><b><strong>Summary</strong></b></p><p>In this episode with Bernadette Lamb (Art &amp; Literature) we discuss the integration of art into the curriculum at Chesterton Academy, emphasizing its role in human and spiritual formation. She shares insights from her background as a working artist, the importance of observation, humility, and the pursuit of beauty in art as a reflection of divine creativity.</p><p><b><strong>Keywords</strong></b></p><p>art education, human formation, observation, humility, divine creativity, Chesterton Academy, art history, spiritual growth, artistic process, Catholic education</p><p><b><strong>Key Topics</strong></b></p><p>The role of art in human and spiritual formation<br />Observation and close looking as tools for growth<br />Humility and humility in the creative process<br />The connection between art and divine creativity<br />The stages of art education from foundation to mastery<br />The importance of patience and discipline in art<br />Art as a reflection of God's creation and beauty<br />The integration of art history and technique in education</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Welcome<br />01:05 Introduction to Art in Human and Spiritual Formation<br />02:23 Defining the Humanities Through Art and Literature<br />03:50 Artist Background and Artistic Practice<br />05:21 Immersive Artistic Experiences and Residencies<br />06:16 Arts Curriculum at Chesterton Academy<br />07:29 Foundations of Observational Drawing<br />08:05 Calligraphy and Illuminated Manuscripts<br />09:06 Oil Painting and Contemplative Practice<br />10:35 Shared Vocabulary in Art Analysis and Creation<br />11:22 Teaching Art Elements and Principles<br />12:45 The Artistic Process and Inner Growth<br />13:26 Humility and Identity in Art<br />15:02 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism<br />16:21 Observing Mundane Objects and Human Wonder<br />18:31 Training Patience and Deep Looking<br />20:05 Art as Human and Divine Reflection<br />23:40 The Creator and the Created<br />25:02 Humility and the Gap in Artistic Creation<br />26:37 Grace, Growth, and the Journey Toward Holiness<br />27:08 The Ultimate Call to Love and Perfection</p><p><br />CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <a href="https://chestertonacademystl.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://chestertonacademystl.org/</a><br /><br />All rights reserved. </p>no00:27:47155 | Made in the Image of a Creator & The Struggle to Create - with Bernadette Lambfull<![CDATA[4 | It Matters Who the Teachers Are - with Grayson Gunn]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

Summary

In this episode with Mr. Grayson Gunn (Academic Dean of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis), we explore how teachers help students to discern the true voices worth listening to amidst the noise of modern life. We discuss the importance of cultivating silence, reflection, and virtue to help students and ourselves recognize and follow the right path.

Keywords

discernment, silence, virtue, education, spiritual growth, classical education, Dante, John the Baptist, moral development

Key Topics

How to discern which voices to listen to in a noisy world
The role of silence and reflection in spiritual growth
Using classical literature like Dante to teach moral judgment
The importance of modeling virtue for students
The concept of acedia and spiritual sloth in moral development
The significance of the Mass and prayer in hearing God's voice
The influence of environment and media on discernment
The process of cultivating desire for virtue and sanctity

Chapters

00:00 — Introducing Grayson Gunn

01:03 — What Circe Is and Why the Article Matters

02:01 — John the Baptist’s Question for Teachers

03:30 — How to Make Students Want to Be in Class

04:17 — Classical Education and the Whole Person

05:47 — Understanding Teenagers Through Aristotle

07:45 — Students Want Truth and Reasons to Care

08:43 — Why Commitment Makes Teachers Compelling

10:10 — Teacher and Student in the Pursuit of the Good

12:32 — Freedom Matters More Than Efficiency

13:59 — The Limits of Standardized Education

15:10 — Forming the Whole Person Comes First

16:21 — Why the Teacher’s Soul Matters

17:19 — Memorable Teachers and the Power of Example

20:41 — Friendship as Part of Learning

23:37 — Socrates: Teaching Beyond the Classroom

25:55 — Becoming a Teacher for the Conversations

27:24 — Building a Culture That Notices Virtue

29:18 — Correcting Students with Charity

32:49 — Chesterton on Overeducation and Too Many Voices

33:46 — Why Students Need Wisdom, Not Just Information


CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. https://chestertonacademystl.org/

All rights reserved. 

]]>1a91edcf-4371-40e2-ba52-8186c83d81a2Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:52:35 GMT<p><i><em>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. </em></i>Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.<br /><br /><b><strong>Summary</strong></b></p><p>In this episode with Mr. Grayson Gunn (Academic Dean of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis), we explore how teachers help students to discern the true voices worth listening to amidst the noise of modern life. We discuss the importance of cultivating silence, reflection, and virtue to help students and ourselves recognize and follow the right path. </p><p><b><strong>Keywords</strong></b></p><p>discernment, silence, virtue, education, spiritual growth, classical education, Dante, John the Baptist, moral development</p><p><b><strong>Key Topics</strong></b></p><p>How to discern which voices to listen to in a noisy world<br />The role of silence and reflection in spiritual growth<br />Using classical literature like Dante to teach moral judgment<br />The importance of modeling virtue for students<br />The concept of acedia and spiritual sloth in moral development<br />The significance of the Mass and prayer in hearing God's voice<br />The influence of environment and media on discernment<br />The process of cultivating desire for virtue and sanctity</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 — Introducing Grayson Gunn</p><p>01:03 — What Circe Is and Why the Article Matters</p><p>02:01 — John the Baptist’s Question for Teachers</p><p>03:30 — How to Make Students Want to Be in Class</p><p>04:17 — Classical Education and the Whole Person</p><p>05:47 — Understanding Teenagers Through Aristotle</p><p>07:45 — Students Want Truth and Reasons to Care</p><p>08:43 — Why Commitment Makes Teachers Compelling</p><p>10:10 — Teacher and Student in the Pursuit of the Good</p><p>12:32 — Freedom Matters More Than Efficiency</p><p>13:59 — The Limits of Standardized Education</p><p>15:10 — Forming the Whole Person Comes First</p><p>16:21 — Why the Teacher’s Soul Matters</p><p>17:19 — Memorable Teachers and the Power of Example</p><p>20:41 — Friendship as Part of Learning</p><p>23:37 — Socrates: Teaching Beyond the Classroom</p><p>25:55 — Becoming a Teacher for the Conversations</p><p>27:24 — Building a Culture That Notices Virtue</p><p>29:18 — Correcting Students with Charity</p><p>32:49 — Chesterton on Overeducation and Too Many Voices</p><p>33:46 — Why Students Need Wisdom, Not Just Information</p><p><br />CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <a href="https://chestertonacademystl.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://chestertonacademystl.org/</a><br /><br />All rights reserved. </p>no00:42:26144 | It Matters Who the Teachers Are - with Grayson Gunnfull<![CDATA[3 | And the word becomes flesh - The Drama Program with Mrs. Maria Romine]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

Summary

In this episode, Mrs. Maria Romine shares her journey into the world of drama education, the importance of drama in student formation, and how the curriculum at Chesterton integrates arts, theology, and character development. Discover how drama fosters confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of faith and literature.

Keywords

Drama education, student formation, Catholic curriculum, Shakespeare, arts in school, character development, GK Chesterton, Catholic high school, theater, student confidence

Key Topics

Importance of drama in student formation
Integration of arts, theology, and literature
Role of Shakespeare in Catholic education
Drama as a tool for confidence and teamwork
Curriculum development at CASTL and Chesterton schools



Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drama and Its Role in Education

02:01 Why Drama Is Central to the Curriculum

03:12 The Development of the Drama Program at Castle

06:12 Mrs. Romine's Involvement with GK Chesterton

09:11 The Beginning of the Chesterton School in St. Louis

11:38 The Role of the Society and Community Support

14:11 The Call to Teach Drama and Its Challenges

16:03 The Significance of Prayer and Faith in Teaching

18:42 Embodiment of Saints and Deeper Faith

20:19 Drama as a Reflection of God's Creativity

22:27 The Process of Rehearsals and Line Memorization

24:29 Transformative Power of Acting for Shy Students

25:20 Life Lessons Through Drama and Confidence

26:19 Individualized Approach to Student Development

27:26 Audition Process and Student Growth

30:12 Expectations for Students During Production

33:07 The Importance of Memorization and Props

35:31 Connecting Drama with Literature, History, and Faith

36:45 Encouraging Humility and Gratitude in Students

37:24 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts


CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. https://chestertonacademystl.org/

All rights reserved. 

]]>abf23644-7429-457f-b9bf-22975f5f30e4Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:14:09 GMT<p><i><em>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. </em></i>Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.<br /><br /><b><strong>Summary</strong></b></p><p>In this episode, Mrs. Maria Romine shares her journey into the world of drama education, the importance of drama in student formation, and how the curriculum at Chesterton integrates arts, theology, and character development. Discover how drama fosters confidence, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of faith and literature.</p><p><b><strong>Keywords</strong></b></p><p>Drama education, student formation, Catholic curriculum, Shakespeare, arts in school, character development, GK Chesterton, Catholic high school, theater, student confidence</p><p><b><strong>Key Topics</strong></b></p><p>Importance of drama in student formation<br />Integration of arts, theology, and literature<br />Role of Shakespeare in Catholic education<br />Drama as a tool for confidence and teamwork<br />Curriculum development at CASTL and Chesterton schools</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Drama and Its Role in Education</p><p>02:01 Why Drama Is Central to the Curriculum</p><p>03:12 The Development of the Drama Program at Castle</p><p>06:12 Mrs. Romine's Involvement with GK Chesterton</p><p>09:11 The Beginning of the Chesterton School in St. Louis</p><p>11:38 The Role of the Society and Community Support</p><p>14:11 The Call to Teach Drama and Its Challenges</p><p>16:03 The Significance of Prayer and Faith in Teaching</p><p>18:42 Embodiment of Saints and Deeper Faith</p><p>20:19 Drama as a Reflection of God's Creativity</p><p>22:27 The Process of Rehearsals and Line Memorization</p><p>24:29 Transformative Power of Acting for Shy Students</p><p>25:20 Life Lessons Through Drama and Confidence</p><p>26:19 Individualized Approach to Student Development</p><p>27:26 Audition Process and Student Growth</p><p>30:12 Expectations for Students During Production</p><p>33:07 The Importance of Memorization and Props</p><p>35:31 Connecting Drama with Literature, History, and Faith</p><p>36:45 Encouraging Humility and Gratitude in Students</p><p>37:24 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts</p><p><br />CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <a href="https://chestertonacademystl.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://chestertonacademystl.org/</a><br /><br />All rights reserved. </p>no00:29:28133 | And the word becomes flesh - The Drama Program with Mrs. Maria Rominefull<![CDATA[2 | The Socratic Search for Engaged Listening]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

Summary

In this episode, headmaster Dr. Alex Schimpf helps us explore the nature of Socratic discussion, its historical roots, pedagogical challenges, and how it can be effectively integrated into modern education. They discuss the obstacles and opportunities of fostering truth-oriented dialogue in schools inspired by classical models.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Socratic Discussion and Its Relevance
04:05 The Origins of Socratic Inquiry in Ancient Athens
06:08 Differences Between Debate and Socratic Dialogue
09:32 Challenges of Teaching Socratic Discussion in Schools
12:23 Common Failures of Socratic Dialogues
15:52 Why Classical Education Emphasizes Socratic Methods
19:40 The Human Freedom in Socratic Discussion
22:22 The Role of Friendship and Community in Learning
26:20 Practical Techniques for Teaching Socratic Discussion
31:14 Building Habits of Inquiry in Students
40:38 Chesterton's Perspective on Socratic Inquiry and Friendship
43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Socratic Education

Keywords

Socratic discussion, classical education, pedagogy, truth, philosophy, teaching methods, Chesterton Academy, education challenges, Socrates, Aristotle

Key Topics

Origins of Socratic discussion in ancient Athens
Differences between debate and Socratic dialogue
Obstacles to implementing Socratic methods in schools
The importance of a teacher as a Socratic guide
Building habits of questioning and knowledge in students
The role of friendship and inquiry in Chesterton's view of learning
Practical techniques for teaching Socratic discussion, including fishbowl and castle building methods
The relationship between Socratic discussion and classical education principles


CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. https://chestertonacademystl.org/

All rights reserved. 

]]>54d91380-36d0-4be7-bcef-0accad9d792bThu, 17 Sep 2026 03:29:13 GMT<p><i>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. </i>Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.<br /><br /><b>Summary</b></p><p>In this episode, headmaster Dr. Alex Schimpf helps us explore the nature of Socratic discussion, its historical roots, pedagogical challenges, and how it can be effectively integrated into modern education. They discuss the obstacles and opportunities of fostering truth-oriented dialogue in schools inspired by classical models.<br /><br /><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Socratic Discussion and Its Relevance<br />04:05 The Origins of Socratic Inquiry in Ancient Athens<br />06:08 Differences Between Debate and Socratic Dialogue<br />09:32 Challenges of Teaching Socratic Discussion in Schools<br />12:23 Common Failures of Socratic Dialogues<br />15:52 Why Classical Education Emphasizes Socratic Methods<br />19:40 The Human Freedom in Socratic Discussion<br />22:22 The Role of Friendship and Community in Learning<br />26:20 Practical Techniques for Teaching Socratic Discussion<br />31:14 Building Habits of Inquiry in Students<br />40:38 Chesterton's Perspective on Socratic Inquiry and Friendship<br />43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Socratic Education<br /></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>Socratic discussion, classical education, pedagogy, truth, philosophy, teaching methods, Chesterton Academy, education challenges, Socrates, Aristotle</p><p></p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>Origins of Socratic discussion in ancient Athens<br />Differences between debate and Socratic dialogue<br />Obstacles to implementing Socratic methods in schools<br />The importance of a teacher as a Socratic guide<br />Building habits of questioning and knowledge in students<br />The role of friendship and inquiry in Chesterton's view of learning<br />Practical techniques for teaching Socratic discussion, including fishbowl and castle building methods<br />The relationship between Socratic discussion and classical education principles<br /></p><p><br />CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chestertonacademystl.org/" target="_blank">https://chestertonacademystl.org/</a><br /><br />All rights reserved. </p>no00:41:06122 | The Socratic Search for Engaged Listeningfull<![CDATA[PILOT - Kicking off a Brand New School Year]]>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints.

Summary

In this episode, the headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. Louis shares insights on starting a new school year, building school culture, and applying classical education principles. Discover how the preventative method of St. John Bosco shape their approach to education and community building and how Heraclitus' ancient philosophy has something to say about the "back to school" time of year.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the School Year and Podcast

01:52 The Challenge of Starting Fresh and Building Culture

03:56 The Role of Heraclitus' Philosophy in Education

08:07 The Preventative Method of St. John Bosco

12:08 Building School Culture with Student Leaders and Teachers

15:56 Classical Curriculum and Summer Reading Expectations

20:02 Dealing with Flux and Change in School and Life

24:55 The Role of Prayer and Tradition in School Culture

29:49 Reflections on Building a School Community

34:52 Practical Strategies for New Teachers and Leaders

39:48 The Value of Classical Literature and Art in Education

45:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

Keywords

classical education, school culture, Heraclitus, St. John Bosco, preventative method, school year kickoff, student leadership, curriculum, community building

Key Topics

Heraclitus' philosophy of flux and renewal

The preventive method of St. John Bosco

Building school culture through student leadership

The importance of summer reading and curriculum

Balancing tradition and innovation in education

The role of teachers and prefects in culture building

Dealing with flux and change in school and life

The significance of daily mass and prayer in school culture

CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. https://chestertonacademystl.org/

All rights reserved.

]]>2850dfeb-9d3f-425b-9184-0c5c722bcf9eThu, 10 Sep 2026 04:29:30 GMT<p><i>Classical tradition. Modern teens. One joyful mission. </i>Join us as we partner with parents in the essential work of raising a new generation of joyful leaders and saints. <br /><br /><b>Summary</b><br /></p><p>In this episode, the headmaster of Chesterton Academy of St. Louis shares insights on starting a new school year, building school culture, and applying classical education principles. Discover how the preventative method of St. John Bosco shape their approach to education and community building and how Heraclitus' ancient philosophy has something to say about the "back to school" time of year. <br /><br /><b>Chapters</b></p><p>00:00 Introduction to the School Year and Podcast</p><p>01:52 The Challenge of Starting Fresh and Building Culture</p><p>03:56 The Role of Heraclitus' Philosophy in Education</p><p>08:07 The Preventative Method of St. John Bosco</p><p>12:08 Building School Culture with Student Leaders and Teachers</p><p>15:56 Classical Curriculum and Summer Reading Expectations</p><p>20:02 Dealing with Flux and Change in School and Life</p><p>24:55 The Role of Prayer and Tradition in School Culture</p><p>29:49 Reflections on Building a School Community</p><p>34:52 Practical Strategies for New Teachers and Leaders</p><p>39:48 The Value of Classical Literature and Art in Education</p><p>45:05 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes<br /></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>classical education, school culture, Heraclitus, St. John Bosco, preventative method, school year kickoff, student leadership, curriculum, community building<br /></p><p><b>Key Topics</b></p><p>Heraclitus' philosophy of flux and renewal</p><p>The preventive method of St. John Bosco</p><p>Building school culture through student leadership</p><p>The importance of summer reading and curriculum</p><p>Balancing tradition and innovation in education</p><p>The role of teachers and prefects in culture building</p><p>Dealing with flux and change in school and life</p><p>The significance of daily mass and prayer in school culture<br /><br />CASTLcast is a production of Chesterton Academy of Saint Louis in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chestertonacademystl.org/" target="_blank">https://chestertonacademystl.org/</a><br /><br />All rights reserved. </p><p></p>no00:38:4811PILOT - Kicking off a Brand New School Yearfull