The Next Evolution of Organizational Communication
WHAT IS ZIPCAST?
Meet the revolutionary, short-form, school-branded audio platform, spearheaded by BaseCamp Live founder and host W. Davies Owens, that combines your local announcements with the voices of trusted experts to equip your parents to be engaged and informed.
ZipCast is a proven way to connect with your families with more than 60 schools using and loving it in the ‘24 - ‘25 school year.
Take a Look Inside:
Syndicated Content at a Glance
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Parenting - Lower School
Making Friends
Homework survival habits
Why Dads Matter
Balancing athletics and after school options
Smartphone… when and how?
Parenting - Upper
Social Media Wisdom
Practical Things Your Child Should Know Before Leaving Home
Aptitude Testing and Knowing Your Gifts
5 Questions for Choosing a College
Teaching Your Teen to Handle Conflict
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Classical Life - Lower (Classical Christian Schools)
Classical 101 - What is Different?
Classical home habits - reading matters
Why Liberal Arts in an AI world
Our “Funny Words” series (Trivium, Paideia, In Loco Parentis)
Why Read pagan “Great Books?”
Classical Life - Upper (Classical Christian Schools)
College Readiness from Classical Schools
Is my kid getting enough science & math in a classical school?
Great Books You Should Know
What is the value of a senior thesis?
Don’t leave early! Rhetoric is the best part!
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School Life (All Schools) Lower
Why Obedience Matters in the Classroom
Taming the After-School Chaos
Chores After School: Character in Action –Screen Time & Soul Time
Developing rhythms for School, Homework, Rest, and Play
Why every parent is a homeschooler
School Life Upper (All Schools)
Success and All A's - Healthy View of Grades
Travel Sports: Good, Bad, and Ugly
Study skills, time management, and motivation with a Biblical purpose
Finding Purpose in Part-Time Jobs
Career schools - what if my kid doesn't want/need to do college?
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Spiritual Formation Topics (All Schools)
Family Devotions for crazy schedules
Fruit of the Spirit... in School?
Why Church is Essential
What’s a Worldview? (And Why Kids Already Have One)
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Other Topics and Formats
“On the Journey” parent, alumni, teacher testimonial of finding school and best practices at home
“Because You Asked” Experts respond to texted in questions from parents on school and home life
Word of the Week is a hidden word to encourage listeners to text in and win a gift card adding to the motivation to listen and engage
An Example of a ZipCast
Each segment is 90-100 seconds made up of an engaging “hook” and/or questions, some key principles and practical tools for applying these ideas in homes and schools. All in a total of 10-12 minutes a week.
These dedicated segments will have a different topic each week over the 40 weeks of school from subject matter experts in each area.
Segment variations
Schools that are members of certain associations or groups (classical Christian, independent, 5-Day, Collaborative… ) will receive weekly pre-selected syndicated content that is best suited to your school. Leaders can preview and choose to opt in/ out any syndicated segment. Schools can also opt for up to 3 custom content segments.
BONUS: Word of the Week
A “hidden” word that can be heard during a different segment each week
Once the word is announced, “tree” or “church” (changes each week), parents text back to be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift card.
Loved by parents and students alike!
1. Your School’s Welcome
Begin the weekly ZipCast with a personal welcome naming your school.
2. Your “Fireside Chat" and Announcements
Share what is on your heart and mind as a leader combined with a few of the top news items– likely what you have already gathered for your email newsletter. This is your space to share anything you think is helpful to your parents and staff
3. Joke of the Day
A moment for a smile, loved by grammar schoolers and parents alike. A different K-8 student tells a family-friendly joke each week from one of our many schools around the country.
4. Because You Asked
Real questions are sent from parent listeners on questions about parenting, Christian education, etc. Answered by trusted and respected school leaders.
5. Classical Life
Reinforcing the reasons for the value and distinctiveness of classical Education i.e.: Why do we read the Great Books? Why Latin?
Different trusted experts each week speak to what we do as schools as well as how to support Classical Christian Education at home.
6. Parenting
Offering proven and practical parenting advice for ensuring healthy home habits.
Trusted experts, like Christian counselor Keith McCurdy offer wisdom on important topics like how to limit technology, have family meals, and balanced after-school schedules.
7. Scripture and Questions
End the ZipCast with a short Bible reading to focus directly on the Word of God each week. This includes several follow-up questions to prompt good conversation between parents and their children. Example: Mark 12: 30-31’s devotional asks, “Who is our neighbor? How do we love our neighbor?”
Schools can opt to pick a different “soul care moment” Add a catechism or denominationally appealing segment
BONUS: Word of the Week
A “hidden” word that can be heard during a different segment each week
Once the word is announced, “tree” or “church” (changes each week), parents text back to be entered into a weekly drawing for a gift card.
Loved by parents and students alike!
