January 28, 2026 - Hour 2

Segment 1: A classical education revival hits the capital regionIn the shadow of the nation’s capital, a growing number of Washington-area families are quietly rethinking where and how their children learn. From the economically struggling neighborhoods of Anacostia to the affluent suburbs of northern Virginia, families of faith are discovering an alternative to the region’s increasingly polarized debates over curriculum and school governance. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer has the details. Segment 2: What is Ignatian Discernment?The rules of Ignatian discernment provide a structure for people of all vocations, in all stages of life actually, to live the spiritual life with hope, with joy, with fruitfulness. Marcus has some thoughts.Segment 3: What would Tolkien have thought of the LOTR Films? (2 segments)Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films are back in theaters this month to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring. The trilogy is one of the most critically and financially film series of all time – but would Tolkien have accepted it as a faithful adaption of his novels? Austin Freeman joins us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit avemariapm.substack.com