Leigh Bortins is the founder of Classical Conversations, a global homeschooling program rooted in classical, Christian education. With degrees in aerospace engineering and ministry, she blends analytical rigor with deep educational vision. A mother of four and grandmother of three, Leigh’s passion for home education began with homeschooling her own children. She’s authored several books—including The Core, The Question, and The Conversation—that guide parents through the classical trivium. Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations, was homeschooled by Leigh and now leads the organization with a bold vision for educational reform. A mechanical engineering graduate and entrepreneur, Robert champions faith-based, family-led learning, helping over 125,000 students across 50 states and 30 countries thrive through critical thinking and community. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoujZQZatbqy4KGcgjpVxQ/join Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: http://www.youtube.com/@ShawnRyanShow Sign up: https://shawnryanshow.com/pages/newsletter Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite Download Free Content: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lF-8_5jwRc5eAhzDkqqCOp-6yvd05vAw?usp=sharing Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-ryan-show/id1492492083 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eodRZd3qR9VT1ip1wI7xQ?si=59f9d106e56a4509 Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnryanshow/ Follow on X: https://twitter.com/ShawnRyanShow SRS Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4pqo9Uoh0WuUKxw0BmaK1yrg9Kd7E4lk #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Classical Conversations Links: Special Offer For SRS - https://info.classicalconversations.com/shawnryan Classical Conversations - www.classicalconversations.com Leigh’s Website - https://leighbortins.com Robert’s Website - Robertbortins.com Podcast - www.Refiningrhetoric.com X - https://x.com/TheRobertBshow Education Independence - https://chooseeducationindependence.com Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://trueclassic.com/SRS Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at trueclassic.com/SRS ! #trueclassicpod https://AmericanFinancing.net/SRS | NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org https://hometitlelock.com/SRS Go to https://hometitlelock.com/srs and use promo code SRS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you’re already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty https://Hillsdale.edu/SRS https://ExpressVPN.com/SRS https://ZipRecruiter.com/SRS 00:00 Introduction to Horace Mann and Public School System 02:42 Concerns About Modern Education 08:41 Historical Context of Public Education 18:32 Introduction to Classical Conversations 28:52 Personal Journey to Homeschooling and Faith 42:51 The Rise of Compulsory Education in the 1920s 47:32 The History and Impact of Removing Prayer from Schools 48:51 The Influence of Horace Mann on Public Education 01:12:29 The Practicalities of Homeschooling 01:27:40 Understanding Classical Conversations 01:46:04 Community Dynamics and Discipline 01:53:13 Memorization Techniques in Classical Education 02:19:02 Challenge Levels and Their Focus 02:21:07 Homeschooling Outcomes and Community 02:26:38 Encouraging Curiosity and Critical Thinking 02:30:11 Curiosity in Parenting 02:30:25 Parental Concerns and Motivation 02:31:07 Introduction to the Essentials Program 02:31:44 Faces of History and Presentation Skills 02:39:18 Special Needs and Community Support 02:59:22 Classical Education Philosophy 03:06:57 Homeschooling as a Lifestyle 03:08:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts