ACSI Podcasts

Jaksot

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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 33: The Courage to Think 21.09.2026 21min

  How do we help students navigate complexity, truth, and discernment? Emily Pigott has helpful insights on how to lead students in not only what to think, but how to process the biggest questions. - Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs.
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  Stronger Together Ep 20: John Stonestreet on Christ-Centered Education & Dr. Steve Whitaker on the FFI 14.09.2026 18min

  Hear a portion of John Stonestreet's presentation at the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit earlier this year, as he discusses schools who want to lead with a biblical worldview. Plus, Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at The First Academy (FL) shares how the FFI fits into his school's larger goal of preparing students to walk with Jesus far beyond their graduation.
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  Grafted Together Ep 77: Kingdom Athletics Series: Determine your “Why” then Developing Your Vision 08.09.2026 29min

  Part Two of the Kingdom Athletics Series focuses on how identifying your goals will lead to forming your vision. Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast. Victory Formation exists to equip and encourage coaches to see their role as more than coaching a sport. Learn more: www.victoryformation4hg.org  
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  Grafted Together Ep 76: Kingdom Athletics Series: Victory Formation, with Billy Sparacio 31.08.2026 36min

  Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss Kingdom athletics and how to forge deeper connections and discipleship through sports. With close to 30 years of experience in high school athletics, Billy Sparacio is a seasoned and respected leader in the field. Billy has worked in both the Public and Private School arena, serving as a Classroom Teacher, P.E. Teacher and P.E. Department Chair.  He has also served for 17 years as an Athletic Director which includes oversight of multiple sport programs at the Middle and High School levels.  Known for his vision, dedication, and results-driven approach, in 2008 he launched a High School Athletic Program from the ground up with less than 100 high school students. Billy not only led the Athletic Program but he was responsible for raising capital for multi-million dollar athletic facilities. Under his leadership and commitment to excellence some 14 years later this culminated into a Football State Championship victory and the school was awarded the Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup and the Carey E. McDonald Award in Class 3A given to the Overall Florida Athletic Program of the Year. While earning these accolades and becoming an athletic powerhouse Billy never lost sight of doing things in a way that honors God and gives Him all the Glory.
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  Stronger Together Ep 20: Accreditation Story with Heather Hager & School Spotlight w/ David Kilgore 28.08.2026 12min

  Heather Hager, Head of School at Harp's Crossing Christian Academy (GA), didn't realize how beneficial the ACSI accreditation process would be until she experienced it. Hear her school's story and also learn what makes Calvary Christian High School (FL) unique with Head of School David Kilgore. Learn more about ACSI accreditation at www.acsi.org/accreditation  
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  Grafted Together Ep 75: Church, Home, School, and Screen: Who’s forming Who? With Robb Warfield 27.08.2026 56min

  Robb Warfield, Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA), joins the podcast to discuss the partnership of various parties in spiritual formation. Robb Warfield serves as the Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA) and formerly Superintendent of the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA), bringing over two decades of transformative leadership experience in educational environments across the United States and Africa. With degrees from Wake Forest University, including a Master’s in School Administration, Robb recently finished an Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University. Robb has successfully founded multiple international schools, cultivated partnerships with diplomatic and global communities, and championed educational initiatives supported by major grants such as those from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
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  Grafted Together Ep 74: Spiritual Formation Matters: A Research Perspective, with Dr. Lynn Swaner 24.08.2026 53min

  Discussing the latest research on spiritual formation, Dr. Lynn Swaner joins the Grafted Together Podcast. Dr. Lynn Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She is a Senior Fellow at ACSI. Dr. Swaner holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University and a diploma in strategy and innovation from University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.    Digital Resources: Cardus  Cardus Education Survey  Flourishing Faith: Spiritual Formation in Christian Schools  Flourishing Together: A Christian Vision for Students, Educators, and Schools 
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  Grafted Together Ep 73: Wise AI: Using Powerful Technology in a Deeply Human Way, with Paul Matthews 20.08.2026 38min

  What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? Paul Matthews, bestselling author and TEDx speaker, joins Jerry Nelson to take about wise AI use. Paul Matthews is a school leader at an independent school in Southern Tasmania, a TEDx speaker, and a bestselling author with a passion for helping others navigate Artificial Intelligence with clarity and confidence. He speaks to professionals across Australia and North America, equipping them to respond wisely to the opportunities and challenges AI is creating in education. His most recent book, Wise AI, outlines a compelling vision for using this powerful technology in a deeply human way.   Digital Resources:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmatthewsai/  Substack: https://paulmatthews.substack.com/  Website: https://paulmatthews.ai/  
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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 32: Leading Beyond the Spotlight: Developing Servant Leaders in a Self-Focused Culture 17.08.2026 18min

  When student leadership becomes primarily about being seen, the heart behind it is corrupted. At the same time, it is good to recognize students when they serve others. Emily Pigott provides a helpful framework for developing students who lead beyond the spotlight. -Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs.
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  Grafted Together Ep 72: Lead with Prayer, with David Balik and Mike Epp 06.08.2026 57min

  Jerry Nelson talks with ACSI's Mike Epp and Dr. David Balik about the foundation of prayer in leadership roles. Watch this episode on YouTube! Mike Epp & David Balik bios: Mike Epp has served for more than four decades in Christian education, including 19 years at Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Now in his 19th year with ACSI, he serves as the Vice President of Global Development. Mike holds a Master’s in Education and Guidance, a B.S. in Social Sciences, and a Specialist Certificate in Educational Leadership.   Dr. David Balik currently serves as Vice President, North America for the ACSI. Prior to joining ACSI in 2015, he served as Dean of Faculty & Academic Affairs at Briarwood Christian Schools in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Balik holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English & Science from Cornerstone University (Michigan), a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Brock University (Ontario), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University (North Carolina). He is a regularly featured guest speaker, consultant and trainer at various conferences and schools all over the world."
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  Grafted Together Ep 71: Reading Your Bible for All It's Worth, Part Two 28.07.2026 7min

  Jerry Nelson shares the second part of a two-part devotional-style teaching on Biblical study and how to allow God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform you. This podcast is also on YouTube with accompanying slides, watch here: https://youtu.be/tcLRWByny1w  
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  Grafted Together 70: May All Your Families Flourish, with Lainie Montgomery 27.07.2026 34min

  Lainie Montgomery, ACSI Director of Spiritual Formation, talks with Jerry Nelson about the Flourishing Families initiative and how to get all constituents at your school to see family as a core value. Flourishing Families website: https://flourishingfamiliesplan.org/ Lainie Montgomery serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation for ACSI, where she leads initiatives that help schools cultivate Christ-centered spiritual formation for staff, students, and families. With more than 30 years of experience in family ministry across church, parachurch, and Christian education settings, she is passionate about equipping schools to partner with families in lifelong discipleship. In 2025, she helped launch ACSI’s Flourishing Families, a three-phase process designed to help schools strengthen family discipleship and build meaningful partnerships with parents.
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  Grafted Together Ep 69: Reading Your Bible for All It's Worth, Part One 21.07.2026 8min

  Jerry Nelson shares a brief devotional-style teaching on Biblical study.  This episode is also on YouTube with powerpoint slides accompanying it. Watch here: https://youtu.be/FrC9c6Ud69o When the assumptions we have held about scripture are challenged, it is the responsibility of every believer to return to the inerrant, infallible word of God to hear his voice afresh. Hear more insights in this episode of Grafted Together from ACSI.  
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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 31: Reclaiming the Middle | Why Middle School is the Most Strategic Leadership Window 20.07.2026 16min

  Middle school is not something to get through. It's something to steward. Emily Pigott provides ways to reclaim the middle and capitalize on the special opportunities that middle school educators possess. --Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe  The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emily Pigott, ACSI's VP of Educational Resources & Student Programs. The ACSI Podcasts help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info on all four shows here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts.
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  Aha Leader Series Ep 9: Failing Forward (Flourishing Journey Podcast) 10.07.2026 8min

  Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss lessons he has learned as a leader and ways in which he has grown. -- The Flourishing Journey podcast explores strategies for building a thriving school culture through research and practical application. The show is hosted by Dr. Edward Bunn, ACSI's Director of Professional Development. The ACSI podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Find more info here: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts  
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  Stronger Together Ep 19: From California Public School to Indonesian Christian Education, with Helen Schleper 08.07.2026 15min

  Helen Schleper is the Head of School at Sekolah Pelita Harapan (Lippo Village campus) in Jakarta, Indonesia. Helen talks with ACSI Chief Ministry Officer Dr. Gavin Brettenny about her journey from San Jose, CA to Indonesia, the importance of teaching classes before—or during—her tenure as a head of school, and lessons from the International Christian Educator Conference. Sekolah Pelita Harapan: https://sph.edu/ Previous episode with Mark Thiessen of Sekolah Pelita Harapan: https://www.acsi.org/podcasts/ACSI-podcasts/sharpening-kingdom-leaders-ep-15--mark-thiessen-and-a-calling-to-christian-school-leadership  
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  Grafted Together Ep 68: Education that Disciples, with AJ Crocker & Caleb Williams 07.07.2026 1t 12min

  Jerry Nelson talks with AJ Crocker and Caleb Williams about the importance of spiritual formation and discipleship, and the lessons they've learned in their journey in Christian education. Caleb Williams is the Director of Student Development & Discipleship at Briercrest Christian Academy, College, and Seminary in Saskatchewan.  Caleb resides in Caronport, Saskatchewan, with his wife, Jori, and their three daughters. With a decade of experience in Christian education, he served for nine years as the Director of Discipleship at Briercrest Christian Academy, where he developed a deep-seated passion for allowing spiritual formation to permeate the entire school experience. Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Briercrest Seminary, Caleb also serves on the Board of Directors for ACSI Western Canada.  Digital Resources:   https://www.briercrestchristianacademy.ca/   https://www.briercrestchristianacademy.ca/bca-life/discipleship AJ Crocker is the Executive Director of ACSI Western Canada, where he serves and resources Christian schools across the region. He brings 17 years of experience in Christian education, primarily at Briercrest Christian Academy, College and Seminary, where he spent nine years as a high school chaplain, investing deeply in student spiritual formation and discipleship, alongside leadership roles in communications and organizational leadership.
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  Grafted Together Ep 67: Abiding with Christ in the New School Year, with Josh Leonard 30.06.2026 15min

  Guest host Josh Leonard shares insights from Jesus' teaching about a fruit-bearing tree to encourage Christian educators to abide in Christ. How can we recognize both the presence and the work of our creator the entire day? This episode is part of a series of episodes hosted by core members of ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network. Learn more about the SFN at www.acsi.org/spiritual-formation Josh Leonard is the Executive Director of Spiritual Formation at Foundation Academy (FL). Josh and his wife Abby live in Central Florida with their three children: Julia, Liam, and Jacob. After studying Psychology at the University of Florida, Josh earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC.
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  Grafted Together Ep 66: Death and the Human Experience, with Dr. Chuck Fuller 29.06.2026 1t 2min

  Jerry Nelson and Dr. Chuck Fuller explore death, grief, and the human experience through a biblical worldview, discussing how Christians can approach suffering, mortality, and hope in Christ. The conversation offers practical and theological insight for Christian educators, school leaders, and believers seeking to understand how faith shapes the way we process loss, purpose, and eternal life.   Dr. Chuck Fuller, who also appeared on Episode 39 of the Grafted Together Podcast, serves as Director of the Honors College and Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University. A native of Kentucky, Dr. Fuller came to AU in 2010 following thirteen years in full-time pastoral ministry. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, where his primary emphasis was homiletical theology with additional studies in philosophy and systematic theology.   Anderson University Honors College website: https://andersonuniversity.edu/honors-college/  
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  Student Leadership & Learning Ep 30: Learning That Lasts, Why Experiential Learning Forms Better Leaders 24.06.2026 19min

  When you were a student, what moments shaped you? Emily Pigott explores how experience forms in ways that information alone cannot, and how we can use this to develop leadership skills in our students.