Best Widmer Podcasts (2024)

1
Professor Andreas Widmer on Principled Entrepreneurship 44:20

31m ago44:20

44:20

Andreas Widmer is an Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America’s Busch School of Business. His most recent book is The Art of Principled Entrepreneurship: Creating Enduring Value. In this episode, Professor Widmer shares his perspectives on entrepreneurship and offers advice for education entrepreneur…

1
Wisdom in God’s Country - Wyoming Catholic College | Kyle Washut | Episode #135 49:38

3m ago49:38

49:38

Kyle Washut is the youngest Catholic president at the youngest Catholic college in America. Kyle, President at Wyoming Catholic College (WCC), joins The BeatiDudes for an adventurous episode full of surprises, including the unique approach that WCC takes to educating and forming its students. WCC is a “great books school” where every student starts…

1
A Montana microschool with booming enrollment: Former public school teacher Lindsey Vose on launching Wild Wonders 55:22

1d ago55:22

55:22

Lindsey Vose is a former public school teacher who launched Wild Wonders out of her garage in Belgrade, Montana in 2022. She opened with four students, including her two children. Today, Wild Wonders is located on a five-acre farmstead property near Vose’s home. It has 22 K-6 students who attend the mixed-age, drop-off program Monday through Thursd…

1
Showing Up | Jim Hickey | Episode #134 23:53

1d ago23:53

23:53

Jim Hickey leads the BeatiDudes through a unique bonus episode, reflecting on Tara Grinstead's 2005 disappearance and the subsequent investigative podcast featuring her story, “Up and Vanished.” Jim had dated Tara before her disappearance, and thanks to that podcast, the mystery was solved, justice was served, and Jim was also proven innocent. Refl…

1
An eco-conscious Montessori microschool in South Florida: Why founder Priscilla Yuill opened Casa Ranch Montessori 39:59

4d ago39:59

39:59

Priscilla Yuill is the founder and educational director of Casa Ranch Montessori , an eco-conscious Montessori homeschool cooperative program that is educating for sustainability and cultivating environmentally-conscious global citizens. Priscilla has been a passionate Montessori educator for more than 10 years, with early childhood and elementary …

1
Tackling LIFE, FAITH, and EMMITT SMITH | Jim Hickey | Episode #133 1:09:00

5d ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Jim Hickey brings the spicy to The BeatiDudes by sharing a full-blown meal from his Dallas-based restaurant Charlie’s Creole Kitchen. Instead of finishing the show differently, the entire show takes place over the course of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Jim was raised by a father who left the church and a mother who practiced her Christia…

1
From 10 students to over 2,000: How Chesterton Schools grew from one microschool to a network of 70+ high schools 31:14

8d ago31:14

31:14

Dale Ahlquist is the cofounder of Chesterton Academy in Hopkins, Minnesota. What started in 2008 as a microschool with 10 students, including some of his own children, has grown into a flagship location with over 150 high schoolers, as well as a global network of over 70 Classical Catholic Chesterton Schools educating more than 2,000 students. *** …

1
Flip’s Tips on MARRIAGE & PARENTING | Flip Howard | Episode #132 21:04

8d ago21:04

21:04

Flip Howard is a dynamic entrepreneur and Catholic leader who is a role model for Catholic husbands, fathers, and now grandfathers. He has seven kids and three grandkids, and he shares a wealth of knowledge and wisdom in bite-sized nuggets. Flip shares his family journey, starting with the first time he met his future wife on the campus of Francisc…

1
A middle school teacher in NJ gets ready to launch her microschool 34:54

11d ago34:54

34:54

Amanda Lucas, founder of Lucas Literacy Lab, a middle school microschool in Middlesex County, New Jersey opening this fall. She taught in charter and private schools across New York City for nearly a decade before becoming an education entrepreneur and joining the KaiPod Catalyst microschool startup accelerator program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free…

1
Work is GOOD and Where You Do It MATTERS | Flip Howard | Episode #131 52:34

12d ago52:34

52:34

Flip Howard is a dynamic entrepreneur and Catholic leader who truly serves as a role model for Catholic husbands, fathers, and now grandfathers. Flip arrives in style, bringing his private-label blended whiskey to share with the BeatiDudes in an episode that begins with a recall of great pranks before moving into Flip’s entrepreneurship journey. Ea…

1
How to scale a successful homeschool program: Elmarie Hyman on serving hundreds of homeschoolers 48:46

15d ago48:46

48:46

Elmarie Hyman is the founder of Learn Beyond the Book, a California-based secular homeschool resource center for students in pre-K through high school. Young people can attend Learn Beyond the Book’s in-person classes in three locations in the greater Los Angeles area, or take advantage of additional live virtual classes. Students who attend are ei…

1
What is Your God Task? | Robert Tunmire | Episode #130 13:52

15d ago13:52

13:52

Robert Tunmire from Heroic Men is back for a bonus episode about ensuring we get up each day and put in our 10% to match the 90% that comes through the Holy Spirit. Joining forces with Tim Grey and the Augustine Institute team, Robert helped launch an incredible ministry to men resource called Heroic Men. Robert explains why they use the term “mini…

1
“I was too innovative. I didn’t follow the rules.” A longtime public school teacher decided to become a school founder 36:37

20d ago36:37

36:37

Benita Gordon was a longtime public school teacher who is now the founder of Miami MicroLearn Hub, a microschool focusing on rising 6th to rising 12th graders in South Florida opening this August. Benita also founded the educational consulting company, Global Education Concierge. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education tr…

1
Wandering in the Desert for 40 Years | Robert Tunmire | Episode #129 59:46

19d ago59:46

59:46

After an incredibly successful career in the franchising industry, Robert Tunmire is now using his experience and expertise to deliver ministry to men worldwide. Robert shares the details of his journey, starting with his withdrawal from high school to run his first company and the subsequent business successes for decades. At 40, God shook Robert …

1
Whole Foods Market co-founder John Mackey on entrepreneurship 49:40

22d ago49:40

49:40

John Mackey is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Whole Foods Market. In 2022, he stepped down from his 44 years as CEO of the natural and organic grocer. He is now launching a new startup, Love.Life. Mackey is the author of several books including the just-released The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism. *** Sign up for …

1
Extended Reality and Zombie Shooting | Conor Donahue | Episode #128 19:27

22d ago19:27

19:27

Conor Donahue, co-founder and COO of ACE is back for a bonus show about his journey into entrepreneurship. Ace combines cutting-edge Virtual Reality with a stunningly realistic handset to transform your shooting. With Ace, you can build your fundamentals of marksmanship, compete with friends in online drills, and experience a variety of minigames o…

1
“It’s a virtually untapped market.” Why this former teacher and founder thinks we’re only at the beginning of the innovative education movement 40:27

28d ago40:27

40:27

In Stillwater, Minnesota, Amy Marotz launched Awakening Spirit microschool to serve the distinct needs of gifted and neurodiverse learners. After earning an education degree and teaching at a Minneapolis charter school early in her career, Amy began homeschooling her own children and saw a need for a dedicated program to address neurodiversity with…

1
NAVY SEAL Anointed and Sealed in the Holy Spirit | Conor Donahue | Episode #127 55:40

26d ago55:40

55:40

After serving as a United States Navy SEAL, Conor Donahue continues to apply his unique blend of faith, fortitude, and focus to serve in his roles as a husband, father, parish leader, and business owner. Conor grew up in northern Virginia with a strong faith foundation. He shares his fascinating journey to join the Navy SEALS by taking us back thro…

1
Unbundling education at the REALM in Santa Monica, CA 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

Jessica Slayback and Victoria Forsman launched the REALM, Redesigning Education And Living Meaningfully, in 2010 as a microschool with one student and since then they have served 3,000 students with both full-time and part-time learning options. Located in Santa Monica, California, REALM currently enrolls 134 students ages 4 to 14 each semester, wi…

1
Discernment, Spiritual Direction, and the Shirt that BROKE THE INTERNET | Andrew Rawicki | Episode #126 27:02

29d ago27:02

27:02

Andrew Rawicki is back and showed up in style. His t-shirt features all 10 of his grandchildren, which is a sight to behold. After his recent retirement, Andrew has continued to pour his time and energy into his family and his work with Regnum Christi, where he currently serves as the local director for North Texas. He shares with us his journey to…

1
“I need to serve children.” Former public school teacher Denice Dixon on becoming a school founder 40:41

1M ago40:41

40:41

Denice Dixon is a former public school special education teacher and founder of TREAD Academy, a K-12 microschool serving neurodivergent and neurotypical in Atlanta. Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.By Kerry McDonald

1
ESCAPE FROM WARSAW, THE LEGACY AND VICTORY OF JERZY RAWICKI | Andrew Rawicki | Episode #125 58:35

1M ago58:35

58:35

This episode is dedicated to Jerzy Rawicki, holocaust survivor and father of our guest, Andrew Rawicki. Andrew and his wife JoAnna have created a legacy of faith and love for their six children and ten grandchildren. After recounting his journey to the Church and his courtship with his wife, Andrew shares the harrowing tale of his father’s escape f…

1
Utah’s first Wildflower Montessori microschool 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

Chip Reichanadter is an experienced Montessori educator and cofounder of Pinyon Montessori, a PreK-6 microschool in Salt Lake City that opened in November 2023 and is the first Wildflower Montessori school in Utah. Founded in 2014, Wildflower is a national network of dozens of teacher-owned Montessori microschools fostering child-centered learning.…

1
Living Life Liturgically | Evan Woolsoncroft | Episode #124 17:49

1M ago17:49

17:49

On this bonus episode of The BeatiDudes, Evan Woolsoncroft shares the details of his personal life and the intentional formation he and his wife bring into their home. After meeting each other as FOCUS missionaries, Evan and his wife found themselves quickly dating and married not long after. Together they are raising their four kids while honoring…

1
Why is this Christian microschool near Phoenix so popular? Former public school teacher Coby Aldana on founding Refresh Learning Center 39:37

1M ago39:37

39:37

Former public school teacher Coby Aldana is the founder of Refresh Learning Center, a Christian microschool for kindergarteners through high schoolers near Phoenix, Arizona. It opened in August 2023 and focuses on small classes and personalized learning. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at fee.org/liberated.…

1
The Backwards Episode That Will Propel You Forward | Evan Woolsoncroft | Episode #123 45:00

1M ago45:00

45:00

This episode of The BeatiDudes is truly one of a kind. On the suggestion of today’s guest, Evan Woolsoncroft, the entire Monday episode is reversed. That’s right – instead of closing the show with something unique during the Reverse Simpsons segment, the entire show is one big Reverse Simpsons. If you have never experienced the BeatiDudes before, t…

1
From a Montessori pod to three Acton Academy campuses: Virginia founder Jackie Hill 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

Jackie Hill is the founder of Acton Academy Hampton Roads in the southeast part of Virginia. A mom of 5 and a Montessori teacher, Jackie wanted a different educational experience for her own children. In 2008, she created a little Montessori learning pod in her living room that kept growing and growing and eventually evolved into a democratic schoo…

1
Lord, I Am Not Worthy That You Should Enter Under My Roof | Chris Cottrell | Episode #122 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

Chris Cottrell shares his faith journey during this bonus episode and this story has a bit of everything - deep family wounds, intellectual investigations, spiritual mentorship, an instant moment of understanding, and a host of beautiful witnesses along the way. After entering the Church in 2022, nine of Chris’ first ten masses were in the Holy Lan…

1
Magatte Wade on entrepreneurship and human flourishing 38:30

2M ago38:30

38:30

Magatte Wade is an entrepreneur and author renowned for her dynamic approach to business and her dedication to fostering economic development in Africa. Born in Senegal, Magatte is the founder and CEO of SkinIsSkin.com, a skincare company providing high-quality, ethically sourced products. Magatte’s entrepreneurial journey began with Adina World Be…

1
From Military Service to Menswear: A Catholic Man’s Journey | Chris Cottrell | Episode #121 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

Chris Cottrell shares the fascinating story of his journey from his time as a former intelligence officer in the United States Army to becoming the co-founder of the upscale menswear brand Shepherds. The discussion weaves together the importance of faith, family, and community in men's lives, and how intentional dressing can convey professionalism …

1
Why this new farm school is in such high demand 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

Located on beautiful 400-acre organic farm in Smyrna, Tennessee, about 20 miles outside of Nashville, Bloomsbury Farm School began in 2020 with one teacher, Kaiti Dewhirst Monroe, and five homeschooled children, including farmer Lauren Palmer’s own five-year-old. Today, it is a Reggio Emilia-inspired K-5 farm school, with additional parent-child pr…

1
Catholicism and Tattoos | Davis Scott | Episode #120 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

After his business partner’s appearance on the Monday episode, Davis Scott joins the BeatiDudes for a special full-length Friday show. Davis shares his journey from Protestantism to Catholicism, driven by the influence of a friend, a beautiful young woman, and the eye-opening book 'Rome Sweet Home.' The Dudes then delve into Davis's background, his…

1
The enduring legacy of the Alternative Education Resource Organization 40:08

2M ago40:08

40:08

Founded in 1989 by alternative education advocate Jerry Mintz, the Alternative Education Resource Organization (AERO) continues to provide resources, support, and community for parents, teachers, and learners interested in alternatives to traditional schooling. AERO's Peter Berg joins me today to talk about the organization's enduring legacy and it…

1
The Twists, Turns, and Twins of Life| Austin Wyble | Episode #119 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

Austin Wyble takes us on a fascinating journey from his Catholic upbringing to his path through college and his shift from advertising to youth ministry. The conversation also delves into Austin's career in real estate, the struggles he and his wife experienced with infertility, and the incredible story of adopting twins and later discovering his w…

1
Why one founder decided now is the time to launch a new school in Iowa 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

Robert Kimble is the founder of Dream Academy in Dubuque, Iowa. A project of the Dubuque Dream Center, an afterschool program that Kimble cofounded in 2013, Dream Academy is opening this August as a faith-based, K-7 private school with plans to grow through high school by 2029. More than 50 students have already enrolled, and all are attending tuit…

1
Miracles, Prayers, and the Gift of Healing | Andrew Laubacher aka A-LOB | Episode #118 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

1 Corinthians 12 describes the spiritual gifts, including the gift of healing. Andrew Laubacher, aka A-LOB, realized early in his journey that God was using his prayers over others to bring about physical, emotional, and spiritual healing to build up the Kingdom. In this special episode of The BeatiDudes, A-LOB shares healing stories that bring the…

1
Corey DeAngelis on The Parent Revolution 29:26

2M ago29:26

29:26

Corey DeAngelis is a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and a visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. He is the author of the new book—out today—entitled: The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends …

1
ALOB - Party Rocker Baptized in the Holy Spirit | Andrew Laubacher | Episode #117 1:04:42

2M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

Andrew Laubacher, aka ALOB, was raised in Ventura, California, where he attended Mass, played many sports, hung out at the beach, and was always into music. He attended Catholic school before switching to a public school because he was “tired of the Catholic rules.” In high school, he fell away from his faith and lived the party lifestyle. After a …

1
Unschooling at The Dandelion Project, where learner agency is key 40:26

2M ago40:26

40:26

Hannah Mackey and Lauren Umlauf are former teachers who cofounded The Dandelion Project, an unschooling community in Philadelphia that offers daytime programming for homeschoolers as well as after school programs and summer camps that emphasize self-directed education. They also do homeschooling evaluations for homeschoolers throughout Pennsylvania…

1
Teenage FAITH on FIRE | DCYC Montage | Episode #116 26:54

2M ago26:54

26:54

The BeatiDudes present a final montage of guests from the Dallas Catholic Youth Conference, including Author Greg Hendry and The Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries for the Diocese of Dallas, Joshua Salinas. It’s fun, formative, and always fresh – The BeatiDudes. There’s humor, holiness, and a host of awesome hosts – The BeatiDude…

1
Blending neurodiversity & learner-driven education at Acton Academy Red Rock 44:24

2M ago44:24

44:24

Amy Novak is a former teacher who in 2021 launched Acton Academy Red Rock in southern Nevada. Acton Academy Red Rock is part of the fast-growing Acton Academy network of learner-driven microschools that was founded in 2009 and now includes more than 300 schools serving thousands of learners. Amy's program is intentionally inclusive of neurodiverse …

1
Education is FREEDOM and Adversity is Your Superpower | James W. Keyes | Episode #115 1:12:55

2M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

James W. Keyes (Jim) is known internationally as a business and social change agent. His career has included serving as CEO of two Fortune 500 companies (Blockbuster Inc. and 7-Eleven) and creating a strategic consumer product collaboration with Walmart. Additionally, Jim is a patron of the arts and is currently working on ways to share more of the…

1
Raising Virtuous Kids in a Crazy World | Steve Pokorny | Episode #114 21:37

2M ago21:37

21:37

Steve Pokorny, founder of Freedom Coaching, takes the BeatiDudes on an exploration of raising kids with virtue and understanding of their God-given dignity. Steve holds an MA in theology and a specialization in catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville, as well as an MTS from the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies i…

1
Miami Sudbury School founder talks about self-directed education 47:13

3M ago47:13

47:13

Christen Parker-Yarnal is the cofounder of the Miami Sudbury School in Miami, Florida, a fully self-directed, democratic K-12 private school modeled after the flagship Sudbury Valley School that was founded in Massachusetts in 1968. Christen was a conventional school teacher for several years in St. Louis, then moved back to Miami where she grew up…

1
How one innovative school is helping to combat chronic absenteeism 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

Anna Graves is the founder of The Field Academy in Denver, Colorado, a traveling high school that this academic year is collaborating with the Aurora Public Schools, the Englewood Public Schools, Stead Charter School, and alternative schools within the Denver metro area to address chronic absenteeism and credit recovery in creative ways. High schoo…

1
Setting the Blind Free from the Pornified Culture | Steve Pokorny | Episode #113 50:58

3M ago50:58

50:58

Topic Warning – This episode of The BeatiDudes covers the struggles men and women face with pornography and how to break free from compulsions and understand our true identity in the Father. As always, the language is clean and appropriate, but the topic may not be a good fit for young audiences or in certain situations. Steve Pokorny holds an MA i…

1
Removing Regulatory Barriers for Education Entrepreneurs 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Libertas Institute education policy analyst, and former public school teacher turned homeschooling dad, Jon England joins me on the podcast today to talk about removing regulatory barriers for education entrepreneurs. Jon describes new zoning legislation in Utah passed earlier this year to make it easier for microschool founders to launch their pro…

1
Cultivating A Culture of Life | Aaron Fowler | Episode #112 27:57

3M ago27:57

27:57

Aaron Fowler is back for a bonus episode about the culture of life and the need to recognize how God’s grace works with us through a free and abundant gift that provides an opportunity to unite us with God’s divine providence. Aaron is the Executive Director for Bloom Pregnancy Help Center, previously Birth Choice, in Dallas, Texas. Bloom actively …

1
Off Da Beaten Path Learning: Dominique Paloma Bible on coaching others to take charge of their education 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

Dominique Paloma Bible was born in Brazil and raised in Brooklyn, eventually dropping out of high school. That experience led Dominique to discover the importance of personal agency and self-determination, as well as the possibility of alternative learning models outside of traditional schooling. Dominique earned a GED and enrolled at Goddard Colle…

1
Why two tech entrepreneurs created a home-based microschool 37:00

3M ago37:00

37:00

Bountiful Microschool is a home-based microschool in Bountiful, Utah created by edtech entrepreneur, David Blake, cofounder and CEO of Degreed, and his wife Mikel, cofounder of Tech-Moms. The couple wanted to bring the innovation and personalization they were seeing in the larger tech sector to the K-12 classroom to benefit their own children and o…

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