Knight Cast by Mater Dei
Our weekly rundown of what's essential, what's on our principal's mind, and what members of our community want to share.
Episodes
66 episodes
S3:E20 Let's Talk Tantrums & The Importance of Making Connections
In this episode, our Principal talks about tantrums - the science behind them, the blueprint for them, and what we as adults can do to help. Then our guest, Merrill Befort, talks about the importance of making connections and how it can help us...
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12:36
S3:E19 Reliability: Why It Matters, How to Teach It, & All Things IrishFest!
In this episode, our Principal talks about why she just loves to hear "when you want something done, find a Mater Dei student." Then our guest, Mary Tritsch, is going to give us all the details about the Topeka IrishFest and the IF5K - it turns...
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10:35
S3:E18 Find the Helpers
In this episode, our Principal talks about finding the helpers. Then our guest, Michela Marquez, talks about her work at the Catholic Education Foundation, where she is connecting helpers to those who need them!Music credit: Music by
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11:13
S3:E17 Motivation and Discipline - We Need Both!
In this episode, our Principal talks about motivation and how - alone - it is not enough. Then our guest, Nancy Cina, invites us to Lenten Suppers and they are so much more than just great food! Music credit: Music by
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9:54
S3:E16 Don't Embarrass Me in Public - Teaching Kids Self-Regulation!
In this episode, our Principal remembers one time (of many) that her children threw a public tantrum. Then our guest, LCSW Chandler McKinley, gives us some strategies for teaching self-regulation to our children. Music credit:...
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10:20
S3:E15 Shifting the Monkey and Beatitudes From the Heartland!
In this episode, our Principal talks "shifting the monkey," and our guest, Father Matt, introduces Beatitudes From the Heartland! Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under creative comm...
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9:34
S3:E14 An AlumKnight Reflects on Catholic Schools Week 2026!
Class of 2024 AlumKnight Maddie reflects on Catholic Schools Week 2026 and shares why she has returned to Mater Dei to teach in our After Care Program.Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used und...
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8:38
S3:E13 Myth-Busting with Ms. Anguiano!
In this week's episode, our guest, Rosie Anguiano, debunks some common myths about teaching! Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under creative commons license 3.0, and afrodrumming, us...
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15:38
S3:E12 Kicking off the New Year and Simple Acts of Faith!
In this week's episode, our principal talks about kicking off the new liturgical year! Then our guest, Jessica Valdivia, shares some simple ways that she brings faith into the home, and why it matters.Music credit: Music by
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11:36
S3:E11 Raising at Adult - Part 3!
This week is part 3 in our 3 part series, Raising an Adult! In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Gabriel Hillebert, talk about giving children what they need, not necessarily what they want. Music credit: Music by
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9:45
S3:E10 - Raising an Adult - Part 2!
This week is part 2 in our 3 part series, Raising an Adult! In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Ethan, talk about 3 qualities that have helped him in his life - resilience, flexibility, and humility. And the importance of, really the...
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10:23
S3:E9 Raising an Adult - Part 1
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Delphine Anguiano, talk about the best ways to let your child learn to make decisions and learn about consequences - both good and bad!Music credit: Music by
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11:16
S3:E8 Teachable Moments and Your Tremendous Influence as Parents!
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert talks about the teachable moments that cannot be replicated in the classroom. Our guest, Austin Christ, talks about his parents as his most influential role models and how they taught him the importance of...
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11:02
S3:E7 Listening for Understanding!
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Cole Scheck, talk about listening for understanding and ways we can have better communication. Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used ...
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8:30
S3:E6 Asking for Help and Toys for Tots
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert reminds us to seek those moments when we allow others to help us. Our guest, Gunnery Sergeant Kalvin Ray, talks about an easy opportunity to get involved and make a difference for a child in our community....
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9:13
S3:E5 It's Time to JUMP in, Knights!
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Debbie Stanton, talk about Topeka JUMP! It's a new opportunity for us to make a difference in our community!Music credit: Music by audionautix.com
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11:48
S3:E4 Getting 1% Better With Mrs. Figgs!
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Ally Figgs, talk about what it means to reach your goals by getting 1% better each day. And, we'll throw it back to last week's interview with Mrs. Carlson - look at us, building on prior kn...
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10:00
S3:E3 Tips & Tricks with Mrs. Carlson!
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Hannah Carlson, offer up some ideas for managing family life during the very busy school year!Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under ...
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12:00
S3:E2 Tough Decisions
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Gabe Hillebert, talk about making tough decisions, and the fact that sometimes the tools we use to keep our kids safe have hidden (and not-so-hidden) dangers.Music credit: Music by
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14:28
S3:E1 Is Everyone Looking at Us? Do We Care?
In this episode, Mrs. Hillebert and our guest, Mindy Gillgannon, share some stories and reminisce about her AlumKnight! That's right, Knight parents, we can turn those embarrassing parenting moments into pure entertainment - and maybe of...
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15:03
S2:E30 Being a Both/And Parent in an Either/Or World
In this episode, our principal talks about finding balance in your approach to parenting and not believing that you must be an either/or parent. Then our guests, Marc and Julie Anderson, talk about their work as freelance reporters The Leaven, ...
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11:38
S2:E29 Mindless Distraction - We Don't Have to Accept That
In this episode, our principal talks about why we as adults must put an end to distraction for our children. Then our guest, Corey Everett, talks involvement and she invites you to the 0.5K on June 14!Music credit: Music by
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12:02
S2:E28 End of Year "Teacher Tired!"
In this episode, our principal reflects on the blessings that come with the end of the year "chaos." Then, our guest, Josh Benteman, talks about lifelong learning. Music credit: Music by audionautix...
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10:15