#48 Developing the Necessary Skill of Anticipation In Young People
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Release Date: 09/10/2025
#64 All Things College Part 1
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, Mrs. Kelly Jackson, and Mr. Charles McCants begin a multi-part episode on all things college.
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#63 The False Hope of Technology in Schools
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
In this episode we discuss the deployment of technology in schools around the country and the significant downturn in student performance. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/books-screens-out-some-finnish-pupils-go-back-paper-after-tech-push-2024-09-10/
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#62 Thoughts on Reading
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
On this episode, we discuss the importance and value of developing the habit of reading as a necessary life skill.
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#61 Division & Integration: Ven. Aloysius Schwartz & St. Edith Stein by Mr. Robert Kirkendall
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Last week at STMA, while the priests were at their annual priests assembly, the Upper School heard a talk from Mr. Kirkendall on how the lives of holy men and women can help us discern our own vocations. In this episode, you'll hear Mr. Kirkendall's thoughts about St. Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), a philosopher, teacher, Jewish-born convert, Discalced Carmelite nun, and martyr under the Nazis. You'll also hear about Venerable Aloysious Schwartz, an American-born servant of the poor in South Korea and other countries. His global network of schools for children...
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#60 Class of 2025 Alumni Survey Results
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
In January of each year, Dr. Noland sends our most recent graduates a survey to see how their first semester in college went. We've talked about doing this sort of episode for years, and this year we finally did it. Thanks for the download and taking the time to listen!
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#59 Why STMA Isn't A Good Choice As A "Reform" School
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
First, we apologize that episode 58 had some sort of technical glitch that wasn't discovered until we tried to upload this episode. Which is why we also thought THIS episode was #58, when in reality it is #59. In this episode, Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss why it can be a challenge to achieve the best outcomes of the school for a student if there is not mission alignement. As we often say, if a student really isn't about what we are about, the placement likely will not go well. Are there unique exceptions to that rule? Yes, but that falls under selection...
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#58 Human Formation of Students
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss a series of topics related to the human formation of students in this conversation. We will be on a two week break, but look forward to new episodes in the New Year. Merry Christmas to all!
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#57 Thoughts On Being A Student Athlete (Part 2)
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad, Jake Noland, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants sit down for part 2 on being a student athlete, but this time some of the negatives and challenges that can come with participating in sports.
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#56 Fr. Leo Dornan (STMA 2014), Seminarian Ben Dornan (STMA 2024), and Seminarian Jorge Sotelo
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
Deacon Brad Watkins, Charles McCants, and Rob Kirkendall were joined on this special episode by alumni brothers Fr. Leo Dornan, CO and Seminarian Ben Dornan, as well as Seminarian Jorge Sotelo for a conversation following their visit for morning Mass.
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#55 What's The Problem With Side Conversations?
St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
In this episode we discuss the ideal classroom and challenges to the learning environment as well as brief conversation about what it really means to get a low grade on a test or quiz.
info_outlineOne of the unique and vital skills for successful people in all walks of life is the ability to anticipate. Unfortunately, it is a trait that is less and less common in young people today. Much of this stems from how the majority of schools educate children, but also how parents are raising their children. From math and science, to literature and philosophy, and even into sports, leadership, and business, the ability to anticipate the needs of others, what someone else is likely to do, or how things will change in the future, is vital. This becomes even more important as we prepare for the revolution that is to come with AI and SAI technology that is, to some large extent, computer based anticipatory programming. In terms of student formation, if they are not taught how to do this, if they are not allowed to try it and fail, they will likely find future employment and success more challenging. We believe strongly that STMA's classic liberal arts education model uniquely targets this sort of learning and formation.