St. Thomas More Academy Podcast
by St. Thomas More Academy
Welcome to the Podcast of St. Thomas More Academy in Raleigh, NC. We're here to talk about the formation of the whole person, especially young men and women in the Catholic liberal arts tradition, all to the greater glory of God.
Episodes
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#75 Robert Kirkendall's Talk On Bl. Fulton Sheen
This episode is a recording of a school talk given by Mr. Rob Kirkendall, Instructor in Humanities, on the beatification of Blessed Fulton Sheen. The talk explores how Fulton Sheen's life, witness, and writings can teach us about growth, virtue, intelligence, holiness, and hard work. Below are…
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#74 Ellie Noland and Dorothy Gravino (STMA Class of 2023)
For this third special summer episode of the podcast, it was joy to welcome back to campus Ellie Noland and Dorothy Gravino from the Class of 2023. It was yet another wonderful conversation about their thoughts on STMA before attending, during their time at the Academy, and upon graduating and...
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#73 Isaac Watkins and Peter Watkins (STMA Class of 2021)
For this second special summer episode of the podcast, it was joy to welcome back to campus Isaac Watkins and Peter Watkins from the Class of 2021. It was another wonderful conversation about their thoughts on STMA before attending, during their time at the Academy, and upon graduating and…
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#72 Agustin Briceño and JT Hedgepeth (STMA Class of 2025)
For this special summer episode of the podcast, it was joy to welcome back to campus Agustin Briceño and JT Hedgepeth from the Class of 2025. It was a wonderful conversation about their thoughts on STMA before attending, during their time at the Academy, and upon graduating and heading to their...
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#71 End of the 2025-2026 Year
Deacon Brad, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants discuss the year and bring our 5th season of the podcast to a close. God willing, we'll be back again in the fall for season 6.
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#70 Maintaining Standards (part 2)
In this episode we continue discussing the idea of maintaining standards and how important this is in the formation of young people growing up in a world where there seems to be an erosion of standards, decorum, civility, and norms.
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#69 Maintaining Standards (part 1)
In this episode we discuss the idea of maintaining standards and how important this is in the formation of young people growing up in a world, where there seems to be an erosion of standards, decorum, civility, and norms.
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#68 Listener Questions
In this episode we answer listener questions, for which we are grateful. If listeners have questions or topic suggestions, please send them to us!
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#67 All Things College Part 4
Final episode in our series of discussions related to college/university.
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#66 All Things College Part 3
Continuing our series of conversations on things related to college admissions. In this episode we focus on essays and reference letters, as well as the common app platform.
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#65 All Things College Part 2
Follow up on last weeks podcast. Apologies for the delay in upload. A short and busy week after mid-winter break.
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#64 All Things College Part 1
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
In this episode we discuss the deployment of technology in schools around the country and the significant downturn in student performance. https://www.commerce.senate.gov/services/files/A19DF2E8-3C69-4193-A676-430CF0C83DC2...
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#62 Thoughts on Reading
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
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…
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#60 Class of 2025 Alumni Survey Results
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
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...
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#58 Human Formation of Students
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)
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
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?
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.
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#54 The Argument For Doing Hard Things
This week Deacon Brad, Dr. Noland, and Mr. McCants have a conversation about why believe in the importance of doing hard things - especially children being allowed and encouraged to do hard things, even if it sometimes means they fail or fall short of the goal.
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#53 Newman's Kindly Light by Robert Kirkendall
In this episode, Mr. Kirkendall shares a talk he delivered to the student body, "Newman's Kindly Light," about the personal story behind St. John Henry Newman's composition of his famous hymn, "Lead Kindly Light." On November 1st, Pope Leo XIV will declare Newman a Doctor of the Church and...
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#52 Thoughts On Being A Student Athlete (Part 1)
Deacon Brad, Jake Noland, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants sit down to discuss STMA's athletics program and the many positives that can come with participating in sports for student athletes.
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#51 Good Outcomes
Deacon Brad, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants discuss some of the good outcomes we are seeing at STMA, and on an ongoing basis.
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#50 Aligning with Standards
Following on last week's episode, this week Deacon Brad, Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. McCants talk about aligning with standards, and specifically how "Formation Notices" are a piece of the work we do at the school.
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#49 Holding Standards
Dating back to ancient Greece, one definition of academy is an institute that holds and maintains standards. This is certainly a core principle of STMA and its founder/chairman, Mr. Robert Luddy. The challenge, as they say, is that your standards are what you allow and tolerate, and far too many...
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#48 Developing the Necessary Skill of Anticipation In Young People
One 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...
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#47 Discerning Fit for Families and Students
Deacon Brad, Kelly Jackson, and Charles McCants discuss the types of families and students who see the best outcomes from the formation that STMA offers, as well as those families/students who may not find the school to be the best fit.
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#46 Best School?
After a year hiatus, the STMA Podcast is back and will (pray God) be much more consistent this year. In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, Mr. Charles McCants, and Mrs. Kelly Jackson, think through how people could objectively discern "the best school" and make the argument that...
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#45 Zone-2 Your Life: Integrated Excellence with St. Teresa of the Andes and Servant of God Francisco Garcés
Zone-2 Your Life: Integrated Excellence with St. Teresa of the Andes and Servant of God Francisco Garcés Humanities Instructor Mr. Rob Kirkendall discusses how to pursue virtuous excellence in all domains given our human limitations and high spiritual calling. He looks to profound examples in the...
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#44 Classical Education: What It Is and Isn't (Part 2)
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, Mr. Charles McCants, and Mr. Rob Kirkendall continue discussing the idea of "Classical Education," and our collective reflections on what it is and isn't from years of experience. Part two of a two part conversation.
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#43 Classical Education: What It Is and Isn't (Part 1)
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, Mr. Charles McCants, and Mr. Rob Kirkendall discuss the idea of "Classical Education," and our collective reflections on what it is and isn't from years of experience. Part one of a two part conversation.
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#42 Purpose and Care
After a four month (unplanned) hiatus, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants dust off the podcast equipment and talk about Purpose and Care.
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#41 Gratitude
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving as a nation, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants discuss the virtue of gratitude. Short video with the voice of Br. David Steindl-Rast on gratefulness.
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#40 Five Attributes of Outstanding Students
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants try something a little different. Before recording we each listed what we believe are five attributes of outstanding students - those all around 95th percentile students we've had the pleausre of working with over our...
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#39 Mr. Bob Luddy, STMA Founder and Chairman
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants are joined today by Mr. Bob Luddy, Founder and Chairman of STMA, for a conversation about culture, standards, and integrity among other points of discussion. We remain ever grateful for Mr. Luddy's vision, leadership, and tremendous...
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#38 Self-Discipline
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants discuss the topic of self-discipline as it relates to student outcomes.
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#37 Holy Obedience
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants discuss the topic of Holy Obedience as it relates to our faith and lives, especially in connection to the young people we are working to form to the greater glory of God.
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#36 Adriana Watkins lecture - "The Life Is Given Eventually: Joseph Dutton's Story"
This episode features the story of Joseph Dutton, an American veteran who spent the last half of his life working with leprosy patients in Molokai, Hawaii. This lecture by Ms. Adriana Watkins was given to students at STMA in April 2023. Dutton's life is a beautiful example of the way God's...
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#35 Robert Kirkendall lecture: Becoming Prayer: Adoration and the Life of St. Titus Brandsma
This episode features Mr. Rob Kirkendall, Instructor in the Humanities, delivering a lecture to the student body titled "Becoming Prayer: Adoration and the Life of St. Titus Brandsma." St. Titus, canonized a year ago by Pope Francis, was a Dutch journalist, educator, Carmelite priest, and mystic...
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#34 Girls On The Edge
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants shift the discussion from Boys Adrift to the topic of girls and young women as related to Dr. Leonard Sax's book, Girls on the Edge: Why So Many Girls Are Anxious, Wired, and Obsessed - and What Parents Can Do. A main...
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#33 Boys Adrift (part 2)
Apologies, for some reason the recording of this podcast cut off at the 33 minute mark, and we didn't realize it until later. In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants continue discussing the topic of boys and young men that struggle (or more appropriately,...
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#32 Boys Adrift (part 1)
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants discuss the topic of boys and young men that struggle (or more appropriately, don't) with positive engagement in life and arrested development. Over the years we've had more than a few conversations with parents about...
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#31 Paying Attention
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants discuss the topic of paying attention. The ability to pay attention is a critical life skill, but not unlike prayer it is one of those things we tell people (especially students) to do, without really explaining how…
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#30 Deacon (Soon to be Father) John De Guzman
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants sit down for a conversation with STMA Alumnus Deacon John De Guzman ('14) about his time at the Academy, his studies at St. Charles Borromeo College Seminary, and Theological College Seminary at Catholic University of America. Deacon...
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#29 Gratitude for Students
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Charles McCants express gratitude for the wonderful students we get to build relationships with at STMA.
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#28 Nihilism and Apathy
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Charles McCants discuss the parent suggested topic of nihilism. We ended up discussing both nihilism and apathy as they are closely related and often overlap. They are both topics worthy of much longer conversations, but we hope this...
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#27 Discerning Talents
In this episode, Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, Charles McCants and Adriana Watkins discuss the discernment of gifts and talents. We have all been given unique gifts and talents by Our Lord and are expected to multiply them throughout our lives in who we are called to BE and what we are...
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#26 Conversation With Alumnus: Andrew Mistele
Deacon Brad Watkins, Dr. Jake Noland, and Mr. Charles McCants sit down for a conversation with STMA Alumnus Andrew Mistele ('18) about his time at the Academy, his studies in Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University ('22), and where he's headed after graduation.
About this show
Welcome to the Podcast of St. Thomas More Academy in Raleigh, NC. We're here to talk about the formation of the whole person, especially young men and women in the Catholic liberal arts tradition, all to the greater glory of God.
Hosted by
St. Thomas More Academy
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