Media

Good Knight Dad Podcast

Equipping and empowering MCA dads to train their children up in the Lord.

Overview

Good Knight Dad is Midland Classical Academy’s podcast. General and Brandon challenge, equip, and empower MCA dads to step up to their God-given mandate to train their children up in the LORD. Each episode uncovers and explains the purpose behind one or more of the many quirky things that make up classical education at MCA.

It is our prayer that this tool will help you leverage everything MCA offers as you live out Ephesians 6:4.

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

Episodes

Tap any episode title to listen on your device.

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Episode 3: How to be a rock star dad at MCA

General and Brandon interview Collin Pedersen on the powerful influence of being a dad. Collin shares his story and insights into how he strives to be faithful with the mantle of fatherhood.

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Episode 5: What is the role of dad on home school days?

General and Brandon interview Lee Dunn, veteran and current MCA dad of four, about what a father's responsibility is in the education of his children. Lee shares valuable wisdom and practical tips from his ongoing experience about how he has assumed this responsibility as an MCA dad.

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Episode 6: What is MCA’s athletic philosophy?

MCA's Athletic Director, Ron Miller, joins a discussion with General and Brandon about the role Athletics plays in Engaging Minds, Pursuing Christ, and Discovering Greatness at Midland Classical Academy.

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Episode 7: How can I help my 7th grader thrive at MCA?

7th Grade is a big transition year for any student - all the more so at Midland Classical Academy. General and Brandon sit down with Scott Layh, MCA Dad of an 8th, 7th and 5th grader and husband to MCAG 6th grade teacher, Jennifer Layh, to discuss winning strategies for parenting during this exciting season.

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Episode 8: Why do we read Great Books?

Great Books form the heart of MCA upper schools classical curriculum. General and Brandon explain what these classes are all about and what they are trying to accomplish, but most importantly how dads can enter into the student's Great Books experience and to better engage and guide their children towards what is right and true.

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Episode 9: Why do we not have honors classes at MCA?

As it is open season for Mastery with Honors Project (MH Project) applications at the MCA upper school, General and Brandon discuss our unique approach to honors classes and how they spur students on to discover greatness.

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Episode 10: Why do we have revisions at MCA?

Did you know that at the upper school most assignments can be revised for partial credit? General and Brandon discuss the purpose of revisions at MCA and in life as well as strategies for using them wisely.

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Episode 11: What is the purpose of reading aloud to my child?

How important is reading aloud? At what age can my kids manage reading entirely on their own? Are audiobooks just as good? General sits with A.J. and Megan Perea, parents of 3 1/2 at the grammar school, and discusses these questions and more regarding readalouds.

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Episode 13: Is there more to service hours than just the work?

General and Brandon share the heart behind service hours that goes well beyond the helpful benefits of making copies, or washing windows. They share an exciting vision for how parents can take advantage of this opportunity to engage their student's world while modeling a powerful example of what biblical greatness looks like.

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Episode 14: What is the ebb and flow of a Grammar School year?

Amy Avampato, head MCAG administrator, chats with General and Brandon as she shares valuable insights into the course of the Grammar School calendar. Her wisdom into each MCAG season greatly empowers dads to gain awareness into what is going on and the why behind them, and provides powerful strategies to maximize what each month offers.

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Episode 15: Who accredits MCA?

Most parents know MCA is not your typical school. But who sanctions and verifies our unique education? General and Brandon answer this question and discuss the vision behind a few other counterintuitive oddities as we try to pursue Christ through classical education.

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Episode 16: Work hard, play hard

MCA is an intentional community. General and Brandon encourage parents to take advantage of the holiday breaks to enjoy time with family, rest up, and make memories.

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Episode 17: What does a healthy home day look like?

Home days for Grammar School families can be a time of sweetness or stress - and sometimes both. Amy Avampato returns to share with General and Brandon what healthy home days look like, offering clarity and practical advice for parents as you negotiate the multi-faceted realities of home schooling your children.

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Episode 20: Why should I send my children to MCA?

General and Brandon kick off the spring semester with a podcast that recasts MCA's vision for the new year. They offer a timely reminder of who we are, what we are about, and explain why MCA exists - to empower, equip, and encourage parents to overcome the daunting challenge of raising godly men and women who can meaningfully serve and effectively advance God's kingdom throughout their lives.

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Episode 21: What are the core values of MCA’s Upper School?

MCA's vision is Engaging Minds - Pursuing Christ - Discovering Greatness. But what are the essential principles and values that continually drive us toward our vision? General and Brandon explain the Upper School's core values and shed light on the many ways they practically play out in MCA life.

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Episode 23: MCA gut check

As the calendar rolls from January to February, General and Brandon take a personal moment to reflect on how we are doing as a school and as fathers leading our families. Do our stated values align with our habits? What are our habits leading our hearts to love? Are we causing our students to love Jesus and learning more?

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Episode 25: Why is Mastery an 85?

One of the first distinctives families notice is that it takes an 85 to advance. General and Brandon explain the distinction between passing and mastery, the heart behind this standard, and strategies to help your upper school students achieve academic greatness.

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Episode 26: The Grammar School for its own sake

Does the Grammar School exist only for the sake of the Upper School? While it prepares students well for Upper School, there are many sweet joys to delight in during the Grammar Years. Reagan Harper joins General and Brandon to share a vision for how to more fully enjoy the grammar years before they are gone.

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Episode 27: What is a Senior Thesis?

Upper School Dean of Students Andy Zinkgraf joins General and Brandon, just in time for Senior Oral season, to explain everything you wanted to know about the Senior Thesis - what it is, how it works, and how you as a parent can prepare your student to thrive.

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Episode 30: What Difference Does the Final Month Make?

With spring break in the rear view mirror it is full steam ahead to summer! There are still minds to be engaged, Christ to be pursued, and greatness to be discovered in April. General and Brandon set the table for April so you and your students don't miss what the final weeks of the school year have in store. Finish well!