The Catholic School Playbook | Ep. 26 The TAC Podcast
The TAC Podcast
In this episode of The TAC Podcast, host John Goyette sits down with Mike Ortner, tech entrepreneur, founder of Capterra, and author of The Catholic School Playbook. Together, they explore the essential foundations of an authentic Catholic education and why subjects like Latin and Mathematics are more relevant today than ever. Mike shares his journey from the tech world to philanthropic work in education, discussing the "product problem" in modern schools and the growing movement to revive wonder and rigor in the classroom. Whether you are a parent, educator, or student, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on the true purpose of college and the lifelong value of the Great Books.In this episode, you'll discover: Why Latin and Math are the ultimate tools for learning logic and coding. The "renewal movement" happening in Catholic schools across the country. How to move beyond "teaching to the test" to cultivate a genuine sense of wonder. Why an 18-year-old shouldn't feel pressured to choose a specialized career path immediately. The unique power of the seminar-style learning used at Thomas Aquinas College. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Why 18-year-olds should study what they love 00:27 - Meeting Mike Ortner: From Capterra to Catholic education 01:10 - The importance of Mathematics and Latin in learning logic 03:45 - Latin as a foundation for coding and STEM careers 06:33 - Reviving Catholic education: Moving beyond the peripheral 08:00 - The decline and renewal of Catholic schools since 1965 11:06 - The "Product Problem": Why schools mirrored public systems 13:14 - Escaping the utilitarian trap: Restoring a sense of wonder 14:43 - Evangelization and Christ at the center of the curriculum 18:14 - Signs of hope: The leapfrog effect in successful schools 21:07 - Advice for parents: Demanding a better path for children 24:10 - Mike's personal journey: Finding the Great Books in his 20s 27:10 - Discovering Aristotle, Plato, and the power of humility 31:00 - Why Thomas Aquinas College? Seminar vs. Lecture formats 35:15 - The danger of early specialization and niche majors 37:00 - "What are you going to do with that?" Reframing the career question 40:00 - Learning as a "team sport": The value of the seminar table 42:03 - Conclusion: An education for life
About Podcast
Each week, senior members of the teaching faculty open a window into the intellectual life of the College through conversations rooted in the Great Books and the pursuit of first principles. Together, they explore the foundational questions that have shaped Western civilization.
Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the podcast invites listeners into the same kind of thoughtful, rigorous dialogue that defines the classroom experience. From ancient mathematics and astronomy to philosophy, theology, and modern science, each episode seeks to understand the truth of things by returning to first principles.
Occasionally featuring guest scholars and educators, the show offers rich discussions on the Great Books, liberal education, and the enduring relevance of classical learning.
New episodes air weekly.Subscribe and join the conversation.