Shows
BaseCamp LiveThe Good, the Bad, and the Overbooked: Rethinking Youth Sports with Keith McCurdyDo sports build character—or just fill the calendar? In this Live Sturdy conversation, Christian counselor Keith McCurdy joins host Davies Owens to explore the role of athletics in the lives of students and families. From travel teams and over-scheduled lives to the hidden virtue of humility after a tough loss, Keith brings decades of experience as a counselor, coach, and classical school board member to help us navigate the tension between healthy competition and unhealthy obsession.What are the true benefits of team sports? How do you know when your child (or family!) is overcommitted? And wh...2025-05-2743 min
BaseCamp LiveRaising Sturdy Kids: The OverviewAre we raising resilient, capable kids—or fragile, anxious ones? In this eye-opening episode, Keith McCurdy joins BaseCamp Live to expose the cultural shifts that have led to skyrocketing anxiety and emotional fragility in children. He explains why modern parenting has drifted from raising kids of character to chasing happiness and success, and how this shift has deeply impacted our families, schools, and society.But there’s good news: we can course-correct. Keith outlines four critical parenting strategies to cultivate sturdy kids—children who embrace responsibility, struggle well, and grow into mature, self-regulated adults. If you're ready for pr...2025-02-061h 06
BaseCamp LiveStop Searching for Advice: Keith McCurdy’s Simple Truths That Actually WorkParenting in today’s world is harder than ever, with countless voices offering advice that often feels confusing or contradictory. In this episode of BaseCamp Live, Keith McCurdy, a trusted counselor and expert with over 30 years of experience, dives into the challenge of finding trustworthy, biblical parenting wisdom. Keith unpacks why parents feel more overwhelmed than ever, how generational wisdom has been lost, and what we can do to recover timeless truths for raising our children. He also explores the pitfalls of turning to Google or quick fixes and offers practical strategies for discerning advice grounded in Scripture. From fo...2024-12-2640 min
BaseCamp LiveRaising Sturdy Girls: Building Resilience with Keith McCurdyIn this episode of Base Camp Live, Keith McCurdy shares insights on raising resilient and grounded young women in a culture filled with conflicting messages and challenges. Joined by host Davies Owens and his daughter Hannah, they discuss practical strategies for fostering emotional strength, identity, and capability in daughters, emphasizing the role of parents, faith, and intentional community. From navigating emotions to encouraging risk-taking and adventure, this conversation offers timeless wisdom and actionable steps for shaping sturdy girls who thrive in any season of life.Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible:ZipCast2024-12-0353 min
BaseCamp LiveInspiring Students to Take Real Ownership, with Grant Bickell and Evan AdamsIn today’s episode, we’re exploring a transformative concept championed by Keith McCurdy: the shift from raising children as consumers to nurturing them as contributors. In a world that often prioritizes “me first,” this mindset asks a different question: “How can I help?”But how does this philosophy play out in real life? The Classical School of Wichita put it to the test, and the results are inspiring. Their school culture has been transformed as students have taken ownership—not just of their learning, but of their entire community. From leading projects to supporting each other, these students...2024-10-0244 min
BaseCamp LiveExploring the Latest Parenting Trend: Gentle Parenting, with Keith McCurdyThere is no shortage of opinions and ‘right ways’ when it comes to parenting, with many claiming a Biblical perspective. Navigating these varying views—from authoritarian to permissive—can be challenging. The good news is that Keith McCurdy is back to discuss several trending parenting styles, including the latest approach known as ‘gentle parenting.’ While this method is often presented as a grace-filled and easy way to parent, it can have unintended consequences. In this episode, we’ll explore proven best practices as we partner with homes and schools to raise the next generation.Special thanks to our amazing sp...2024-09-0946 min
BaseCamp LiveCreating an Enriching Summer Break, with Keith McCurdyIt is officially summer break! Instead of sitting in front of screens or combatting boredom, guest Keith McCurdy brings practical advice for making this an enriching and impactful summer that will leave parents at peace, in control, and excited to have time with their children. Don’t miss this special episode preparing families for this exciting season.What did you think of this episode? Email us at info@basecamplive.com! We are thrilled to share the rollout of our brand new media platform, ZipCast, helping parents be encouraged on the go with what they...2024-06-2135 min
BaseCamp LiveScreenSmart: Fostering Healthy Digital Habits for Kids, with Keith McCurdyEpisode Summary:Episode Four of the Live Sturdy Conversations Series, Keith and Davies discuss the impact of technology on parenting and education. They discuss the need for a clear understanding of children's behavior and the challenges of implementing technology use due to widespread tech addiction. Keith supports technology but emphasizes the need to be discerning in its use, challenging myths about its role in education and entertainment. He proposes a balanced approach to managing technology use, including waiting until children are around sixteen before introducing personal technology like iPhones. Keith also suggests implementing restrictions, such as no technology...2024-04-0241 min
BaseCamp LiveControlling Chaos in the Home (Live Sturdy #3)Ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, only to realize they're actually flaming torches? You're not alone; we all face the pandemonium of modern life, particularly in our homes and schools. In this episode, Davies Owens sits down with the insightful Keith McCurdy to share experiences and offer tangible strategies to those grappling with the chaos of daily life. Their conversation revolves around the false narrative that equates busyness with success, the overlooked value of stillness, and how this hustle culture impacts our mental well-being and the upbringing of our children.McCurdy, with his remarkable expertise...2024-01-1930 min
BaseCamp LiveResetting Baselines with Keith Mccurdy (Live Sturdy #2)What happens when we take the time to truly reset the lives of our young ones, especially those grappling with behavioral and learning issues? Join us as we delve into an enriching conversation with the seasoned Keith McCurdy, who after visiting over 40 schools, discusses the shared aspiration of parents and school leaders to offer better guidance to children. We debunk the myth that emotions are the core of identity and shed light on the crucial impact of nurturing healthy, Christ-centered families.Are you curious about the effects of technology and social media on our attention, especially with...2023-12-0641 min
BaseCamp LiveRaising Mature Kids with Keith McCurdy (Live Sturdy #1)Unravel the profound secrets of nurturing a mature and responsible young generation in our enlightening conversation with Christian counselor, Keith McCurdy. This podcast is set to equip you with valuable insights and solutions to tackle the challenges parents and teachers face daily, especially during stressful times. Together, we delve into how we can provide ample resources, training, and coaching to aid parents in raising their children in a healthier and more balanced way.We initiate a tough yet crucial discourse about the tension between school and church, and the predicament families face as they navigate uncharted territories...2023-11-0236 min
BaseCamp LiveRaising Sturdy KidsIn this episode of Basecamp Live, Keith McCurdy discusses the single biggest issue confronting children today and how parents and educators can address it wisely. Drawing from his experiences working with youth and families across the country, Keith provides unique observations and perspectives on this important issue. Join host Davies Owens as they explore ancient future education for raising the next generation. Don't miss this insightful conversation on positioning the next generation to truly flourish.
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe...2023-07-0744 min
BaseCamp LiveModern Questions & Classical Answers w/ Keith McCurdyWhat is happening in schools around the country and how have they changed over the past few decades? What dangerous challenges might we face in the near future? Join us for a fascinating conversation on the latest episode of BCL, as we welcome back Keith McCurdy, Christian counselor and CCE advocate. Keith will be answering your questions and sharing updates from the front lines of our school campuses, as he addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in raising the next generation. Educators and parents alike will benefit from Keith's insights, as he provides valuable guidance on how to navigate...2023-02-2156 min
BaseCamp LiveClassical Christian Boys to Men w/ Keith McCurdyCCE schools are the best educational environment for raising boys to men. It isn’t uncommon to hear a parent, maybe even an educator, asserting that classical Christian education is ideal for those grammar school days, but really boys are not so cut out for our seemingly sedate classrooms. Keith McCurdy is back to help us understand the unique way God has wired boys and how we can optimize their natural tendencies in the classroom and at home. For sure, the world needs more confident, courageous, self-sacrificing, and humble men. Classical Christian education, in partnership with home and church, is...2022-12-1357 min
BaseCamp LiveThe State of Parenting TodayCounselor, Keith McCurdy, is back on this episode. He joined me onstage at this summer’s SCL conference, and we decided we should share that interview, where we discuss the truth of the mental health crisis, with all of you on the podcast. Keith’s wisdom on how to interpret what we are hearing, in terms of the statistics and reports that so often fill our news feeds, is invaluable. He puts it all in perspective, along with some sage advice. We also discuss ways we as parents and educators can be sure we are healthy and connected in mean...2022-07-2824 min
BaseCamp Live200th Episode w/ Keith McCurdyFour years ago I launched this podcast out of what began several years before as a Tuesday night parent education night at our school. And now this is episode 200!What have we learned through the 8,000-plus minutes of discussions? Stay tuned as Keith McCurdy and I take a look back to celebrate God’s faithfulness through our many topics, discoveries, and amazing conversations. We will recap highlights and observations from those many episodes on how to raise up the next generation through the critical work being done in classical Christian schools in partnership with families and churches… and su...2022-02-0144 min
BaseCamp LiveDon't Freak Out!What is going on in the world today? Just when we think we have seen it or heard it all, we are hit with another crazy curveball. A quick glance at the news often leaves us to say, "can you believe this?" Leaving our fears inflamed, yet we are called as Christ-followers to be faithful, confident, and to model well to our children and students how to live boldly, without fear or anxiety. Easier said than done. It seems much easier to just "freak out." Marriage and family counselor Keith McCurdy, a BaseCamp Live regular, is back to offer...2021-08-3141 min
BaseCamp LiveEntitled or Grateful? Choices Before the Next Generation, with Keith McCurdySelfish or selfless? Entitled or blessed? Increasingly, children are raised in a world revolving around them, creating attitudes of "I-deserve-it-because-I-exist." The world celebrates entitlement through everyday messages from social media and endless advertisements. Indulging children can seem the easiest path in the moment, but long-term, excessive indulgences lead to adults who are disillusioned, angry, quick to play the victim card, and dismissive of authority, both human and divine. Keith McCurdy is back to share practical and wise guidance on raising the next generation at home and in the classroom to live with gratitude and wisdom.BIOGRAPHY...2021-06-0135 min
BaseCamp LiveKeith McCurdy on Not Forgetting COVID LearningWe have been living in a COVID world for over a year now, the impact it has made on how we live life, our attitudes, habits, and fears are extensive.Are there specific things we can do in our homes and schools to help us get back to healthy living more quickly and parents and teachers? And, how are Christian and classically educated young people in a better position to not only survive but thrive in a COVID and the post-COVID world? It is good news! Join me for this conversation with Keith McCurdy, who i...2021-02-1934 min
BaseCamp LiveStaying Off The Merry Go Round As Society Reopens & Speeds Up ~ Keith McCurdyWhat have we learned from living through the pandemic? Sure, there have been challenges, but also some wonderful discoveries of taking time with family, slowing down, and sharing activities that had been lost in the frenetic shuffle of life. Now, as society reopens, hopefully sooner rather than later, are we going to jump back on the treadmill? In this encouraging episode, Keith McCurdy offers us wisdom on how to protect and embrace the positive new habits and traditions that we started in our marriages, with our children, at school, and in our faith.
Stay tuned for...2020-09-2533 min
BaseCamp LiveTeaching Kids To Roll With The Changes… As School Reopens ~ Keith McCurdyWhich age groups are having the toughest time as school reopens this side of the pandemic? Keith McCurdy is back to address what all students are most worried about and how should parents and teachers respond. In this timely episode, Keith suggests strategies to help kids lean in, understand their new environments, and roll with the changes as they return to school. Listen in to help students of all ages navigate this new world.
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave...2020-09-0441 min
BaseCamp LiveGoing The Distance! PART 4: Building A Pandemic-Proof Marriage ~ Keith McCurdySomeone once said, “If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” But Keith McCurdy believes it’s the marriage, not mama, that we need to be concerned about. In fact, McCurdy shows how a family’s greatest tool to navigate the Pandemic is marriage. But what if your relationship isn’t as strong as it could be? And this shutdown has added extra burdens? McCurdy’s positive and practical steps can help. This last episode of our Going the Distance series will encourage you if you are already feeling supported...or help you reset and come out of this Pandemic st...2020-05-0132 min
BaseCamp LiveGoing The Distance! PART 3 of 4: Young Adults...There And Back Again ~ Keith McCurdyHigh school seniors’ graduation plans have been highjacked and many college kids are back home due to the Pandemic. So how do we maximize this gift of being together 24/7 while respecting each other’s significant differences? Counselor Keith McCurdy addresses these specific age groups in Part 3 of our Going the Distance Series. Learn how parents can help these little birdies who want to fly the nest…but are temporarily "there and back again.”
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review...2020-04-2334 min
BaseCamp LiveGoing The Distance! PART 2 of 4: Teachers Save The Day ~ Keith McCurdyTeachers are having to turn their teaching methods upside down by going online during this Covid-19 Pandemic. But how do teachers save the day for students without losing their own minds? Many are frustrated with the new platform, feeling self-doubt and missing their students. And what is appropriate and inappropriate when connecting online? Speaking directly to classical Christian teachers, counselor Keith McCurdy points teachers away from unhealthy mechanisms and toward a freedom to engage in something that’s a little more clunky right now. Listen in!
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, an...2020-04-1337 min
BaseCamp LiveGoing The Distance! PART 1 of 4: Grammar School Kids At Home ~ Keith McCurdyAre you losing your mind or loving these extended days at home? Either way, you don’t want to miss this episode! Our four part series, Going the Distance, begins today. In light of the quarantine we are currently experiencing due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, our resident counselor Keith McCurdy offers practical advice to parents of grammar school-aged kids. Learn how to better avoid chaos, partner with your child’s school, entertain grammar school kids (or not!), and reclaim this unique time. Touching on stories he’s seen in the lives of his own clients who are struggling in these...2020-04-0830 min
BaseCamp LiveSurviving The Pandemic At Home with Kids: 5 Tips To Avoid Chaos ~ Keith McCurdyAs schools lock their doors and families stay home together, parents are asking urgent questions: How do we survive in this world turned upside down due to Covid-19? How do we make the most of it? And how do we help our children not fear what is going on? Counselor Keith McCurdy shares his top five tips for thriving - not just just surviving - during our new reality of being together 24/7. Redeem the time! Find out how on today’s episode! Your family will be stronger for it!
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on cl...2020-03-2129 min
BaseCamp LiveShoulda, Woulda, Coulda… Getting Rid of Parenting Regrets ~ Keith McCurdyParents, have you ever bemoaned, “I should…”, “I would...” or “I could have...”? Did you fall for trendy parenting advice that was proven invalid? Ever lost your temper? Mix in the high standards of the classical Christian model and we can set ourselves up for disappointment. Most parents - and teachers, too - wish they could could go back in time and change some of their decisions. But don't beat yourself up. In today’s episode, Keith McCurdy helps us replace regret and guilt with grace and confidence. Thankfully, it is never too late to influence your children…even when they’re grown...2020-03-0332 min
BaseCamp LivePractical Parenting... So Kids Stay Grounded In A Spinning World — Keith McCurdyToday, more voices than ever give us parenting advice…yet we have a poverty of wisdom when it comes to parenting the way God designed. In this interview, Keith McCurdy highlights the most common parenting struggles and current cultural and psychological dynamics he sees in his counseling practice. He points us back to to the order God put in place so that kids can function best in this challenging world. Every family will benefit from the practical and timeless advice he offers.
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next ti...2019-07-3135 min
BaseCamp LiveStep Boldly into Your Child’s Emotional World - Keith McCurdyEmotions are the leading indicator of how young people see themselves today. But when parents and educators dismiss emotions altogether as unreliable and even dangerous, fireworks can ignite. Should we step into the emotional world of a child? And how? In this episode, Counselor Keith McCurdy offers parents and teachers sound advice about shaping your children’s perceptions so that emotions are put in their proper place.
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us...2019-02-2036 min
BaseCamp LiveWimpy or Worn Out? Finding the balance - Keith McCurdyClassical Christian kids are asked to give a lot of their time and mental energy to school and life in general. Parents can make the mistake of being too sympathetic (“oh, so sorry for your hard day at school…”) and risk making our kids soft, or we can fail to understand the real pressures and risk burning them out. Ultimately, life satisfaction is tied to our children’s ability to know they are valuable, are capable, and have a place to belong in this world. How we direct them with their work and responsibilities can make a real difference in how t...2018-09-0525 min
BaseCamp LiveThe Scary Trend Skyrocketing In Today’s Teens - Keith McCurdyThe Scary Trend Skyrocketing In Today’s Teens - Keith McCurdy by BaseCamp Live
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.2018-01-1126 min