The Griffin Rundown

In this week’s episode, we are pleased to feature a local ministry highlight: Emmaus Theological Seminary. Mr. Nees sits down with Rev. Cory Wilson PhD, President and Co‑Founder, for a thoughtful conversation about the origins of Emmaus, the vision behind its founding, and why this ministry plays a vital role in Northeast Ohio today. They also discuss who can benefit most from attending the seminary and explore the heart behind its mission—and much more.As always, don’t miss everyone’s favorite segment, the Joke of the Week, along with a full roundup of upcoming dates and important announcements.Tune in for an insightful and encouraging episode you won’t want to miss.

In this special edition of The Griffin Rundown, we honor the remarkable educators who faithfully serve our school community every day. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, we are pleased to share heartfelt words of gratitude from our families and students. Through their messages, we reflect on the profound impact our teachers make—both in and beyond the classroom. Join us as we celebrate their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ.

In this week’s episode, Mr. Nees and Mr. Bond discuss The Wolf in Their Pockets by Chris Martin, a timely exploration of how social media shapes the way we think, feel, and understand ourselves. Their conversation highlights how entertainment and identity have become increasingly intertwined in the digital age—and how the distortion of human purpose often follows when we give our attention to the wrong things.Drawing from the book’s core insights, they reflect on the reality that we are deeply formed by whatever we devote our time to. With the average person spending nearly two and a half hours on social media each day, they consider the profound influence these platforms have on our values, habits, and sense of self. As they observe, our values are inevitably shaped by the people and things we spend the most time with.Join them for a thoughtful and challenging discussion on digital formation, human purpose, and how to pursue wisdom in a world filled with voices competing for our attention.

This week on The Griffin Rundown, Associate Head of School Daniel Bond and Pastor Jason Piland join Mr. Nees for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation on family devotions. Together, they explore Deuteronomy 6 and the father’s role in pointing children to who God is. The discussion highlights practical ways families can cultivate rhythms of discipleship—including prayer, Scripture, and singing—as part of everyday life.

We are excited to welcome author, speaker, and pastor Tim Challies to the podcast! He joins Mr. Nees for a thoughtful conversation about wisely managing and shepherding our lives in a tech‑driven age. He will be speaking at Heritage on February 26 on this topic. Mr. Challies also shares several helpful resources for families navigating the digital world.Plus, we have got the latest news from around our campuses and, of course, the always‑anticipated Joke of the Week.Tune in—you won’t want to miss it!

This week on The Griffin Rundown, we are taking a short pause from new interviews and bringing you a Griffin Rundown Rewind! It’s the perfect time to revisit an episode you loved or catch up on one you may have missed. Our archive is full of great conversations, insights, and stories—so dive back in and enjoy a favorite moment or discover something new.We’ll return next week with a brand‑new interview.Until then, don’t forget to tune in for this week’s announcements and, of course, the Joke of the Week!

In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Nolan Grame, Academic Dean and Humanities teacher, for a rich conversation about the purpose and power of a great classics education.Together, they explore the philosophy and theology that shape our classical approach to education—why the Great Books endure, how they form the imagination, and what makes them so essential in shaping thoughtful, virtuous young people. From the ancient world to modern thinkers, they unpack how timeless texts invite students into the “Great Conversation” and connect them with ideas that have shaped civilization.Mr. Grame shares how reading widely and deeply trains the mind to seek truth, engages the heart in meaningful questions, and grounds students in a heritage of wisdom. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this episode offers an inspiring look at what makes classical education not only rigorous but profoundly human.

In this episode, we sit down with Peninsula teacher Beth Smith and continue t to explore a question at the heart of classical education: Why do we read the great works? Drawing from her years of experience at HCA, Beth unpacks how timeless literature shapes students’ imaginations, forms their moral reasoning, and helps them see the world with clarity and compassion.Whether you're a parent, educator, or lover of good books, this conversation will remind you of the beauty and purpose behind reading the classics.

In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees welcomes special guest Mr. Jim Parkin to dive into some of the great books that students read in the Upper School at Heritage. These works are shining examples of the classical Christian education that all Heritage students receive—cultivating lifelong learners who think and live for Christ.Along the way, we’ll also share important announcements and updates about what’s happening in the life of our school. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that celebrates the heart of Heritage’s mission and the transformative power of great ideas.

In this week’s episode, we ease back into the new year and share updates on what’s happening around campus. Join us for a quick check-in as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.We’ll return next Tuesday with our full content lineup and a brand-new interview you won’t want to miss!

In this week’s Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees welcomes Sandy Trado, a seasoned CPA and proud HCA grandparent, for an engaging and informative conversation about the Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). Together, they delve into the purpose and impact of the SGO, explaining how this program transforms state tax dollars into meaningful scholarships for HCA students. Sandy shares practical insights on what it takes to participate, outlining the steps donors can follow to redirect their tax liability toward educational opportunities. The discussion highlights not only the financial benefits for contributors but also the profound difference these scholarships make in the lives of families and students within the HCA community. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or friend of HCA, this episode offers a clear and compelling look at how generosity and strategic giving can open doors for future generations. Tune in and discover how you can turn taxes into opportunities for students to thrive.

In this week’s Griffin Rundown, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Admin Team—Mrs. Liz Fruh, our Director of Finance. Tune in to learn more about her role and what she brings to the team. Plus, we’ll share the latest news from around campus and wrap things up with Reagan’s always-entertaining Joke of the Week.

This week on the Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Dr. Denny King, a devoted Heritage father, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Dr. King serves as an instructor at Case Western Reserve University and is the founder of Kindred Family Care. With extensive experience as a clinician, professor, counselor, researcher, author, and consultant, Dr. King is passionate about serving children, adolescents, and their families through competent, compassionate psychiatric care rooted in Christian faith. In this conversation, they discuss why families seek his care, the impact of screens and technology, and how parents can model healthy habits and gospel-centered living. Dr. King emphasizes that Scripture is sufficient for every trial, that our children need us to be present and intentional, and that modeling the gospel in everyday life matters. He reminds us that God holds both us and our kids, offering hope and encouragement for parents navigating today’s challenges.Disclaimer: The views expressed by Dr. King in this episode reflect his own opinions and those of Kindred Family Care, and do not represent the views of Case Western Reserve University.

In this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown, we bring you a special recording from our Annual Dinner held on Friday, November 7th. Hear from Dr. Jason Valley, HCA Upper School teacher and keynote speaker for the evening, as he shares inspiring insights on the theme “Love Others.” Join us for this meaningful message that reflects the heart of our community and mission.

In this week’s episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Jonathan Holmes, MA—author of Grounded in Grace: Helping Kids Build Their Identity in Christ and Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling. With over fifteen years of pastoral experience at Parkside Church and Parkside Green, Jonathan brings deep biblical insight and practical wisdom to the conversation.Together, they explore the five core areas where teens often struggle with identity: sports, academics, moralism, sexual orientation, and gender confusion. Jonathan shares how parents can guide their children through these challenges by anchoring their identity in the gospel of grace rather than external pressures or internal doubts.Listeners will gain:A biblical framework for understanding identity formationPractical tools for gospel-centered conversations with teensReflection questions to foster self-examination and spiritual growthThis episode encourages parents to play a vital role in helping their children build a secure, Christ-centered identity—one rooted in truth, grace, and hope.

In this fourth installment of the Building Study Kids series, Mr. Nees sits down with Mr. Scott Hatteberg, Head of Upper School, for a conversation on guiding children through life’s challenges. Together, they explore the importance of allowing kids to struggle and learn to navigate on their own, creating teachable moments, and turning problems into opportunities for dialogue.The discussion also touches on helping students grow in their faith, teaching them to advocate for themselves, and remembering to keep joy and fun at the center of the journey. Plus, don’t miss our campus updates and the always-popular Joke of the Week.Join us for an episode filled with wisdom, practical insights, and encouragement for parents.

This week on The Griffin Rundown, we continue our Building Sturdy Kids series with an insightful conversation between Mr. Nees and Upper School teacher Mrs. Elizabeth Fleagle. Together, they explore practical ways to support our students both in the classroom and at home, sharing strategies, stories, and encouragement for families and educators alike. The episode also features the always-popular Joke of the Week, guaranteed to bring a smile, and a roundup of all the exciting happenings around our campuses—from events to student highlights, you won’t want to miss it. Tune in for a blend of wisdom, laughter, and community spirit as we continue building up our Sturdy Kids!

We continue our series on Building Sturdy Kids with a special conversation between Mr. Nees and Mrs. Pam Larison, Head of Lower School in Pepper Pike. Together, they explore how parents and educators can deepen their understanding of what children are truly capable of—and how to support their growth with wisdom and care.Also in this episode, Mr. Bond and Mr. Hatteberg reflect on the joy and success of the first-ever Heritage Dance, a memorable evening for our Upper School students.As always, you’ll hear important announcements and enjoy the Joke of the Week from Posey.

Welcome to the first episode in a special three-part series on helping understand your student developmentally and how you can help them grow in responsibility at home and at school. In this episode of The Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Carrie Serafimov, Assistant Head of Lower School at Peninsula, for a practical discussion on how we can support our children as they grow in character and resilience. The focus age group this episode is Jr Kindergarten through 1st grade.Together, they explore how to help kids do hard things, honor and respect authority, and how to come alongside them without swooping in. They also highlight the importance of daily family prayer and meaningful conversations at home.This episode is full of encouragement and insight for anyone invested in raising strong, thoughtful, and faith-filled children.

This week on the Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Mike Swiger from True Freedom Ministries to explore the powerful work his organization is doing inside prisons across Ohio. From offering hope to the incarcerated to transforming lives through faith, Mike shares the mission and reach of the ministry in a heartfelt and inspiring conversation.