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
73 episodes
S3:E27 Tips for Taking Young Children to Mass and Summer Reading!
In this episode, our principal speaks with our guest, Ally Figgs, about taking young children to Mass, summer reading, and community activities for families! Music credit: Music by audionautix...
S3:E26 Class of 2026 - Part 3: On to Our Next Adventures!
In this episode, our principal speaks with members of the Class of 2026 about what they are most looking forward to as they prepare to begin their high school careers! Music credit: Music by audiona...
S3:E25 Class of 2026 - Part 2: Words of Wisdom!
In this episode, our principal speaks with members of the Class of 2026 about the advice they would give our younger Knights! Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under creative commons ...
S3:E24 Class of 2026 - Part 1: Memories
In this episode, our principal speaks with member of the Class of 2026 about their Mater Dei Memories! Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under creative commons license 3.0, and afrodr...
S3:E23 Finishing the School Year Strong!
In this episode, our guest, Relynn Reynoso, talks about finishing the school year strong. For a deeper dive on some of those suggestions, check out the following episodes from Season 3: 17, 19, and 22. Music credit: Music by
S3:E22 Setting an Example and Checking in With an AlumKnight!
In this episode, our principal talks about setting an example and how our kids are always watching. Then our guest, AlumKnight Miranda, talks about her plans for the future, how Mater Dei prepared her, and she offers advice to our 8th grades as...
S3:E21 Mr. Gentry Talks About Holy Week!
In this episode, our guest, Ethan Gentry, talks about "finishing strong" for Lent and then celebrating the holiest days in the Catholic Church. Music credit: Music by audionautix.com, used under...
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...
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...
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
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
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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
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
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...
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
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...
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 ...
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....
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