Welcome to the Podcast
In July 2020, I withdrew my four children from public school to homeschool, despite fears of failure and uncertainty. The pandemic made me realize they needed stability, and over time, I discovered the beauty of homeschooling. My kids are thriving more than ever, and I’ve learned valuable lessons about resources, socialization, curriculum, and preparing them for their future. By sharing our journey, I hope to inspire and guide you to confidently start your own homeschooling path—you got this!
New here? Listen to the first episode.
Whether you find yourself ready to embark on your homeschool journey, seeking answers to questions, or just beginning to dip your toes into the homeschooling possibilities, know that you have entered into a community... MORE
Episode 122 A Better Way to Evaluate Learning. Let's Start Talking.
Are traditional paper tests really the best way to gauge a child's understanding? In this episode, we explore various alternative assessment methods that go beyond the limitations of conventional testing, especially within the homeschooling context.
Episode 121 Helping Your Child from School Trauma
Has the light gone out of your child's eyes? As a former middle school teacher turned homeschool mom of six, I’ve seen firsthand how traditional schooling can leave kids anxious, confused, disconnected, and frankly, traumatized. In this episode, we’ll explore how to help your child--particularly you middle schoolers, heal from school-related stress, strengthen family relationships, and reignite your child’s love for learning.
Episode on Reclaiming Their Hearts Spotify
Workshop on Nuturing the Relatiosnhip. YouTube
Episodes for new homeschoolers on YouTube:
Homeschooling 101 Part 1: Laws Link
Homeschooling 101 Part 2: Deschooling Link
Homeschooling 101 Part 3: Creating a Vision Link
Homeschooling 101 Part 4: Philosophies Link
Homeschooling 101 Part 5: Finding Community and Friends Link
Episode 120 Becoming a Better Writer through Copywork
Unlock the secret to transforming your writing skills with the age-old practice of copywork, a technique championed by literary giants like Benjamin Franklin and Stephen King...AAAND the homeschooling community. Experience how copywork can enhance focus, improve writing mechanics, and help you find not only your child's voice, but YOUR unique literary voice in today's AI-driven world.
Fabulous YouTube video about what has become of writing. Link
LISTEN | SHOW NOTES AND TRANSCRIPT
Episode 119 Social Engineering and Protecting Your Kids with Andrew Young
Former DreamWorks animator, Andrew Young, exposes how beloved animated films have become tools of social engineering, subtly shifting from character-driven stories to politically charged narratives that undermine family values and traditional storytelling. We trace Andrew’s journey from Hollywood success to cultural whistleblower as he reveals how the animation, media, & education industries now shape young minds and foster division through ideological agendas. The conversation culminates with Andrew’s advocacy to combat online child exploitation, highlighting the dangers of sextortion, Section 230, and the urgent need to protect children in the digital age. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, & creators determined to defend truth, creativity, and the hearts of the next generation.
Andrew Young is a former professional animator turned child advocate. He currently works for Porn Harms, a National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) initiative to raise awareness of the public health harms of porn - exposing the connection between porn and all forms of sexual exploitation. Porn Harms/Research archives offer the most comprehensive look at available research on pornography. NCOSE Porn Harms engages the public and change policies with projects such as the Dirty Dozen list, the Safe Schools Safe Libraries initiative, and No Vacancy for Exploitation.
Episode 118 Staying Consistent in the Hard Days
Listen in as we explore the concept of "minimum viable days" in homeschooling, a strategy designed to maintain consistency and sanity on those challenging days when just keeping the kids fed feels like an accomplishment. Drawing inspiration from seasoned homeschooling experts Pam Barnhill and Cindy Rollins, we discuss how to identify the bare minimum tasks, such as reading, writing, and math, that can make even the toughest days feel productive. This approach ensures that core learning continues despite life's unpredictability, helping to achieve homeschooling goals with peace of mind. We also touch on the importance of personalizing this concept to fit each family's unique needs and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison.
Episode 117 Higher Education with Chris Lindor
Chris Lindor, educator and broadcaster, shares his journey from self-directed learning in Wisconsin to teaching English in South Korea. With experience in private, vocational, and global education, Chris reveals how hybrid learning can empower families. We dive into the Homeschool Remix Framework and Mixtape, a flexible model that blends traditional and supplemental education—covering essentials like cultural history and financial literacy. Perfect for parents seeking practical homeschool solutions, especially single-parent and budget-conscious families, this episode highlights how to create a family-centered, customized learning path that works in today’s world.
LISTEN | SHOW NOTES AND TRANSCRIPT
Episode 116 Matters of the Heart
Today's episode is personal for me. I want to frankly discuss things that children will not learn in school...things that they are banned from learning, but we MUST teach them. Last week's events are testimony to it...we have a heart problem in our society right now.
Episode 115 Teaching Phonics with Melanie Jeffrey
Are you worried about your child’s reading progress—or feeling unsure about how to teach phonics at home? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Jeffrey, host of the Homeschool Phonics podcast, to uncover practical, faith-friendly strategies to help your child become a confident reader. Melanie shares her journey from traditional education to homeschooling, revealing why phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, blend, and segment sounds—is the foundation every child needs before they can read fluently.
We talk about:
-The 44 sounds of English every homeschool mom should know.
-How to spot early signs of dyslexia and what it really means
-Engaging, playful activities that motivate even reluctant readers.
-Affordable tools like whiteboards and magnetic letters that make phonics fun.
-Why celebrating small victories is key to long-term literacy success.
Whether you’re a brand-new homeschool mom or looking to strengthen your teaching toolkit, this conversation will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to unlock your child’s reading potential. ✨ Your homeschool can be the place where your child learns to love reading—this episode shows you how.
Episode 114 From Dropout to Harvard Professor: Dr. Todd Rose on Redefining Education
Is true success really found inside the walls of traditional education — or outside of them? In this episode we sit down with Dr. Todd Rose, a former high school dropout who went on to become a Harvard professor and bestselling author.
Dr. Rose shares his personal journey of failure, resilience, and breakthrough, revealing how the education system’s obsession with “averages” and conformity stifles real growth. With powerful stories of mentors and his groundbreaking Dark Horse Project, he shows how passion, individuality, and courage can lead to excellence and fulfillment.
Whether you’re a parent, homeschooler, or simply rethinking the meaning of success, this episode will inspire you to embrace unconventional paths and help your child thrive by honoring their uniqueness.
✨ What you’ll learn:
- Why traditional schooling often overlooks true potential
- The role mentors play in shaping futures
- How to align passions with purpose for lasting success
- The courage it takes to break free from societal norms
- Insights from The Dark Horse Project on unconventional success
This conversation is a powerful reminder that the best way to succeed might not be to follow the crowd — but to boldly follow your own path.
Dark Horse: Achieving Success Through the Pursuit of Fulfillment Amazon link
Square Peg: My Story and What It Means for Raising Innovators, Visionaries, and Out-of-the-Box Thinkers. Amazon Link
Collective Illusions: Conformity, Complicity, and the Science of Why We Make Bad Decisions Amazon
The End of Average: Unlocking Our Potential by Embracing What Makes Us Different Amazon Link
Vote Redefining Education Website
Episode 113 Practical Life Skills Every Kid Should Master: Home. Money, TIme, Food & Fitness
Unlock the secrets to raising self-sufficient, confident kids ready to face the world with practical life skills. This episode of School to Homeschool is your go-to guide for equipping children with the know-how they need outside the classroom. We cover everything from managing a household and cooking to budgeting and time management. Imagine your child skillfully changing air filters, handling emergency household situations, and even doing their own laundry without a hitch. These are the foundational skills that set the stage for lifelong success and independence.
Episode 112 Katie's Journey: From to Public School to Homestead Freedom.
Dive into Katie’s heartfelt journey from public school to homeschooling at age 12. Through initial skepticism and the upheaval of COVID-19, she discovered deeper sibling bonds, self-directed learning, and hands-on passions—from soap-making and science experiments to historical fiction and a Thomas Jefferson Education co-op. By 14, Katie was exploring theater and college courses, transforming her understanding of learning, creativity, and independence. This inspiring story highlights the unexpected freedom and resilience nurtured by homeschooling—and invites listeners to rethink what “school” can be.
Episode 111 Lessons from My Mom
What if the secret to a fulfilling life lies in the wisdom of a mother's love and lessons? Join us as we pay tribute to Nancy Judd, a woman whose vibrant spirit and invaluable teachings continue to resonate long after her passing. We reflect on the transformative lessons she imparted, from pursuing passions fearlessly to adapting gracefully to life's changes. With anecdotes filled with humor and warmth, we explore how mom's resilience and creativity lit up the world, leaving an indelible impact on her eight children and everyone she met.
*Correction--she was on the Today Show rather than GMA as stated in this episode.
Episode 110 From Homeschooler to Entreprenur: Interview with Amanda Schenkenberger
What happens when a homeschooled girl grows up to become a homeschooling mom? In this deeply inspiring episode, we talk with Amanda Schenkenberger—author, speaker, and homeschool mentor—about her full-circle journey from being raised on a ranch by a deaf father to creating peaceful, flexible homeschool routines for her own kids.
Amanda opens up about:
- Growing up in a unique household and how her upbringing shaped her resilience
- Transitioning from rigid homeschool curricula to a Charlotte Mason-inspired, wonder-filled approach
- Battling self-doubt, emotional burnout, and the isolation that many homeschooling parents silently face
- Her practical tools for calm, like the “traffic light brain” method from her book Overwhelmed: A - - Homeschool Mom’s Rescue Plan for Peaceful Routines
You’ll hear raw, relatable stories of perseverance, parenting, and how trusting your motherly intuition can create not just educational success—but a thriving, joyful family dynamic.
✅ Whether you're new to homeschooling, a seasoned mom feeling stuck, or just curious about alternative education paths, Amanda's story offers hope, strategy, and inspiration.
Episode 109 Reclaiming the Hearts of Your Children
Are your kids drifting more toward their peers than toward you? In this episode, we dive into how to build lasting emotional connection with your children by prioritizing parental attachment over peer orientation—a concept championed by experts like Dr. Gordon Neufeld and Dr. Gabor Maté.
We share real-life stories from our homeschool journey, raising stepchildren, and overcoming attachment challenges that so many modern families face. Learn how peer pressure quietly steals influence from parents—and what you can do to reclaim your role as the secure base your child needs.
🔎 In this episode:
- How peer orientation affects child development
- Signs your child may be disconnecting emotionally
- How to foster deeper connection through everyday moments
- Real-life examples of healing family bonds through intentional parenting
Whether you're homeschooling, navigating blended family dynamics, or simply trying to reconnect, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and encouragement. You are doing better than you think. ❤️
👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation on parenting with purpose, attachment, and faith-led connection.
Episode 108 Living in the Moment: The Gift of Presence
Ever found yourself scrolling on your phone while your child eagerly shares their day with you? I've been there, and the realization hit hard. Drawing from personal experiences and the wisdom of Carl Honoré and Dr. Hannah Yang, I share moments when distractions took center stage over being truly present with my family. We explore how liberating ourselves from the anxieties of the future and past regrets can transform our connections.
Ep 107: Why School Fails--And What Can Families Do Now. Matt Bowman,Co-founder of OpenEd
Is traditional school no longer working for your child? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Matt Bowman, former teacher and co-founder of OpenEd (formerly MyTechHigh), to explore how personalized, project-based education can give families real freedom.
We dive into how Matt and his wife Amy built a learning model that honors kids' creativity, family values, and faith — all while breaking free from the one-size-fits-all system. Whether you’re exploring homeschooling, unschooling, or just need a better option, this episode will inspire you to take the lead.
Ep. 106: Minimalist Homeschooling And Just-in-Time Learning
Discover how minimalist homeschooling can bring more peace, clarity, and purpose to your family’s education journey. This episode explores the power of just-in-time learning—an approach that emphasizes core skills, real-world readiness, and student-led discovery.
Whether you're an unschooler, a new homeschool parent, or rethinking traditional education, you'll learn:
- How to simplify your homeschool environment
- The benefits of “learning as needed” vs. preparing for every scenario
- Why kids thrive with freedom, flexibility, and fewer distractions
- The connection between minimalism, mental clarity, and joyful learning
- What historical figures like George Washington can teach us about self-education
This episode is packed with practical tips and deep encouragement for intentional parents, grandparents, and educators pursuing faithful, simplified, and student-centered homeschooling.
THROWBACK INTERVIEW: Connor Boyack, Author of The Tuttle Twins
Ever wonder how early education can shape the future thinkers of our society? This episode welcomes Connor Boyack, a prolific author, public speaker, TV show producer, and the founder and president of Libertas Institute, who explores this question with us. Connor shares his inspiring journey from web development to establishing Libertas Institute and authoring the Tuttle Twins children's series, which brings complex concepts of economics, politics, and civics down to a level young minds can grasp.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the importance of fostering learning environments outside the confines of traditional classrooms. Connor emphasizes the role parents play in this process, inspiring them to help their children develop critical thinking skills and learn practical life skills.
We also touch on the perception vs reality of education, highlighting the fallacies in the assumption that schools are teaching children to think rather than dictating what to think. Tune in and empower the next generation of free-thinkers!
THROWBACK INTERVIEW: Nicole Shiffler ON UNSCHOOLING
New episodes and a NEW Season coming in July! In the meantime, enjoy this throwback interview with the AMAZING Unschooling Mama and Founder of Empowered Homeschool Club, Nicole Shiffler!
Episode 105 Why Children Need Fairy Tales!
Can fairy tales really shape a child's moral compass? Join me as we navigate the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales, inspired by literary giants like Dr. Vigen Guroian and Bruno Bettelheim. We'll unravel the mysteries behind these timeless stories and their profound influence on nurturing a child's moral imagination, contrasting the enduring narratives of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen with their modern retellings. To ensure you're reading the most authentic versions, I'll share my top recommendations for fairy tale collections and translations. You'll find guidance on choosing rich, unaltered stories that resonate with both children and adults.
Episode 104 Joshua Graduated! Part 2
Joshua GRADUATED!!! Join us in part 2 as we talk to our first homeschool graduate! Yes, unschoolers can graduate! Yes, they can have great lives! Let's chat with Joshua and get his perspective! I apologize for the audio on this one! I am travelling and the mic was NOT having it!
Episode 103 Homeschool Summer - They'll Never Forget | Rest, Joy & Learning ...
Could you create a summer for your homeschooling family that’s both restful and magical? By choosing meaningful activities, embracing cherished traditions, and keeping things simple, you can craft a summer that you’ll look back on with satisfaction.
LISTEN | SHOW NOTES AND TRANSCRIPT
Episode 102 Happy Mother's Day! I Think?
Happy Mother's Day! Let's set low expectations! Who is with me?!
Episode 101 Can Natural Learning Lead to Big Success? An Interview with Treece Davis
What if you could transform your child's education into a personalized adventure based on their unique interests? Join us as we chat with Treece Davis, a devoted homeschooling mother of eight, who shares her remarkable homeschooling journey of 32 years. Get ready to explore the vibrant world of unit studies, a method Treece has mastered to turn her children's passions into immersive learning experiences. Don't miss this chance to be inspired by Treece's journey and learn how to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment tailored to your family.
Episode 100 Joshua is Graduating! Discussion with my Unschooled Senior.
We went from public school to homeschooling to unschooling and now to graduating. Today, is bittersweet as I interview my son, who is about to graduate as our first homeschooler. This is Part 1 of 2 parts.
Episode 99 Joshua is Graduating! Discussion with my Unschooled Senior.
Homeschooling trailblazer Jennifer Pepito, the visionary behind the Peaceful Press, shares invaluable insights from her remarkable 27-year journey in nurturing young minds. Jennifer's path was inspired by the harmonious family lives she observed in her community, leading her to embrace the wisdom of educational pioneers such as Charlotte Mason. Her unique blend of literature-based and nature-oriented teaching, enriched with classical education philosophies, provides a nurturing environment for diverse learning needs. Jennifer also introduces her latest book, "Habits for Sacred Home," offering listeners a glimpse into the evolving nature of her homeschooling experience with her six children now graduated.
Our conversation takes an honest look at the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of mending relationships and the impact of fear on family happiness. We share personal experiences highlighting the power of apologies and forgiveness in building strong family bonds. Jennifer and I stress the significance of being present for our children and grandchildren, celebrating the belief that it is never too late to cultivate a loving family environment. This episode serves as a heartfelt reminder for parents and grandparents that they are often doing better than they realize in nurturing their families.
Episode 98 On Tough Days... The Little Things Matter.
Not all homeschooling days are going to be sunshine and roses...on the days that are tough. Little things+consistency+time=big results. You really are doing better than you think you are!
Episode 97 Nature Journaling Part 2 with John Muir Laws
In this conversation, Part 2, John (Jack) Muir Laws discusses the importance of nature journaling as a tool for creativity and self-expression. He shares his personal experiences with drawing, the challenges of dyslexia, and how these elements contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world. The dialogue emphasizes the value of curiosity, the process of exploration, and the significance of attention in both art and education as he demonstrates how to Nature Journal.
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