• Episode 26: Classical Christian Education: Going Global with Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener
    Feb 23 2026

    In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener. Together they explore the remarkable global growth of classical Christian education and the mission of the Society for Classical Learning to strengthen and expand it in partnerships with organizations like Rafiki Foundation. From Africa to India to Latin America, they explore the opportunities and challenges of translating the classical tradition across cultures while remaining rooted in historic Christian faith and the formation of virtuous leaders. Drawing inspiration from the tradition championed by thinkers such as C.S. Lewis and Augustine, this conversation casts a bold vision for leadership, philanthropy, and global collaboration to build thriving schools that form wise, virtuous students for generations to come.

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    43 mins
  • Episode 25: The Good Teacher: Cultivating Wisdom, Wonder, and Virtue
    Jan 26 2026

    In this thoughtful and contemplative conversation, Karen Elliott interviews Dr. Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben. Together they reflect on what makes a teacher truly “good” within the classical Christian tradition, drawing from their work on The Good Teacher and the new ClassicalU course by the same name. They explore the teacher’s sacred vocation as one who imitates Christ, cultivates wonder, and orders students’ loves toward truth, goodness, and beauty. Along the way, they share insights from their experience with Latin, their involvement with Rafiki Foundation, their teacher resources, and how classical educators can recover teaching as a formative art rooted in the Logos.

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Episode 24: Logic, Language, and Love: The Mission of John and Gwen Cicone
    Dec 29 2025

    In this inspiring episode, John and Gwen Cicone share how classical Christian education is flourishing at the Rafiki Village in Moshi, Tanzania—right in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. From K-12 classrooms to teacher training colleges, they describe the life-changing impact of an education rooted in Scripture, logic, and love. Discover how their students—many from rote-learning backgrounds—are becoming thoughtful, confident, and biblically grounded leaders across East Africa.

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    24 mins
  • Episode 23: From Mexico to Malawi: Leading the Teacher’s College at the Rafiki Village
    Nov 24 2025

    In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Anna Liebing, head of school and principal of the teacher’s college at the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. Anna shares how classical Christian education is transforming the lives of students, parents, and teachers in one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. With stories of student growth, teacher formation, and the launch of a new accredited college, this episode reveals the deep impact of bringing truth, beauty, and goodness into every classroom.

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    41 mins
  • Episode 22: Beyond the Concert: Global Worship Through Music
    Oct 27 2025

    Dr. Brady McNeil shares the story of taking the Wheaton Symphonic Band on its first international tour—to Kenya and Tanzania with the Rafiki Foundation. This episode explores the power of music education, global Christian fellowship, and cross-cultural worship as students performed, taught, and partnered with local churches and schools. Hear how music became a bridge between worlds and a blessing to all who listened and played.

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    42 mins
  • Episode 21: Deserts, Dante, and Discipleship: The Global Mission of Classical Education
    Sep 29 2025

    In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Brian Williams joins Karen Elliott to explore the growing movement of classical Christian education across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. Drawing on his global experience and deep historical insight, Williams highlights how this ancient, holistic model of education forms not only the intellect but also the moral, aesthetic, and spiritual lives of students. He casts a compelling vision for the global church to reclaim its rich educational tradition in service to human flourishing—across continents, cultures, and centuries.

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    35 mins
  • Episode 20: Bryan and Alexis McDaniel from Suburbs to Service: A Missionary Family’s Journey to Rafiki
    Aug 25 2025

    In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Bryan and Alexis McDaniel about their unexpected journey to the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. The McDaniels share how God led them—from suburban life to missionary work with their three young children—through Bible study, prayer, and trust. Their story highlights the joy, challenges, and purpose found in serving through Rafiki’s classical education and discipleship programs.

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    41 mins
  • Episode 19: Lori McDaniel on the Great Commission
    Oct 4 2024

    In this podcast, Karen Elliott interviews Lori McDaniel the author of the Mission of God and You. It's an excellent resource for mission statistics, inspirational stories and practical strategies to encourage all of us to engage all the more with God's mission to be glorified in all the earth. Rafiki’s implementation of Classical Christian schools across ten countries in Africa is one of those means by which God makes disciples and fulfills that mission. Hence this episode will encourage any Christian to step out in faith to participate in God's global plan either in your own backyard or around the world or maybe as a missionary with RAFIKI!

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    33 mins