Gregory B. Sadler has taught and designed Philosophy, Humanities, Religious Studies, Literature, and Critical Thinking courses for over 20 years. Jesper became interested in Greg's work when he searched for Self-Directed Learning and, by chance, found Greg's YouTube channel dedicated to self-directed learning in Philosophy. Greg Sadler brings a fresh perspective to our lively discussion on how ancient wisdom parallels modern self-help and the ever-evolving education journey. We pee...

Join us for an in-depth talk with Laura Grace Weldon, who has written a handbook on natural education titled Free Range Learning. Together, we dive into the transformative world of free-range learning.Laura shares her profound insights on how natural learning processes can significantly benefit children, contrasting it with the restrictive norms of traditional schooling.The discussion explores the concept of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of preserving a child's innate curiosity and ...

Discover the essence of unconditional love and its profound impact on parenting and education as we welcome back Sue Elvis for another heartening conversation.This episode peels back the layers of what it truly means to love our children without conditions, exploring the intersection of this powerful emotion with the unschooling philosophy.Sue delves into how respecting our children's individuality and passions is not just about meeting homeschooling legalities but about nurturing their well-...

Sue Elvis from StoriesOfAnUnschoolingFamily.com shares her fascinating journey through unschooling her children. Sue shares how she strikes a balance between fostering her children's individual passions and engaging in collective family activities, creating a harmonious learning environment free from the constraints of traditional education. Listen in as she describes the significance of being present, especially in the mornings, and how she integrates her interests in blogging and podc...

As I watched the light gradually fade from my child's eyes with each passing school day, I knew a change was necessary. This episode chronicles Sue's own metamorphosis from a traditional suburban parent trapped within the confines of the schooling system to a fervent unschooling evangelist. Sue bravely shares the trials and triumphs of her journey, offering a raw and insightful look at the necessity of preserving a child's innate curiosity and zest for learning that conventional schooling...

Watching my children one lazy afternoon, unburdened by timetables and homework, I was struck by their innate curiosity. We embrace and celebrate this very authenticity in our little ones in our latest podcast episode. With my fellow wise women Carla, Sarah, and Luna, we weave a conversation around the unschooling movement—a radical shift from traditional education that nurtures a child’s natural inclination towards learning. We delve into the essence of childhood, free from the assembly line...

When the world we've carefully crafted for our children comes into full bloom, it's nothing short of magical.  Rachel Rainbolt joined us to share the rich tapestry of her family's journey through attachment parenting to the liberating philosophy of unschooling.  Her reflections give us a window into how her children flourished as they pursued their passions, transitioning into traditional education with the resilience and self-reliance that unschooling fostered.  As the Rainbolts'...

We celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dr. Gordon Neufeld's seminal book, "Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Matter More Than Peers," which he co-wrote with Dr. Gabor Maté.  Gordon's work has transformed our understanding of child development through the lens of parental attachment.  In this episode, Gordon shares the critical importance of maintaining strong, nurturing connections between parents and children. His insights delve into the complex dynamics of family and educational systems,...

Do you respect yourself and the places you spend time in? Jesper shares his own journey from skepticism to "Hey, that is cool." When Jesper first heard about feng shui, he thought it was a weird mumbo jumbo since he had learned to love it. It is a great way to use the energy in your house. For this episode, we have invited Feng Shui expert Patricia Lohan, and we will explore the fascinating world of Feng Shui. This ancient practice harmonizes living spaces to promote balance and energy...

In this special Ask Us Anything episode, we welcome back Sam KingDavis, the renowned street artist from Prague whom we interviewed for episode #17.  Sam had many questions about unschooling, so we invited him to ask us anything for this episode.  Together with Sam, we embark on a detailed exploration of how unschooling impacts socialization, family dynamics, and child development. This discussion delves into the unique social experiences of unschooled children compared to those in...

Join us for a riveting episode that journeys into the heart of Indigenous wisdom with Don Trent Jacobs, known affectionately as Four Arrows, a beacon of Lakota teachings and a profound advocate for American Indian rights. Four Arrows invites us into his world, sharing the story behind his evocative Lakota name, Wahinkpe Topa, and how it has guided his journey through life, education, and activism. His tales are a testament to the deep connection with Earth's rhythms and the transformative...

Jesper met Dr. Karin Lubin and Randy Crutcher when he worked as the marketing director for The Passion Test. Working on this wonderful project has been a life-changing journey of finding and following our true passions. Cecilie and Jesper probably wouldn't be full-time travelers without The Passion Test. It's life-changing—go check it out. This episode is very cozy. It is a reuniting of long-time friends. Together, we explore what Karin and Randy are up to today. The focus is on passion and...

When Lucy AitkenRead swapped the serenity of her yurt for the lively hum of town life, it wasn't just a change of scenery—it was a pivotal shift in her family's journey. Our conversation with Lucy delves into how this move, prompted by a craving for community and connection, wasn't solely for her children's benefit. It also marked a turning point in her own healing process, intertwining the principles of unschooling with the intricate dance of parental self-discovery. Throughout this episode,...

Ditch School, where unschooling meets early college, challenging educational norms. Jessica Jacobs is the founder of Ditch School. Jessica's sons' quest for knowledge led them beyond the confines of traditional schooling to embrace unschooling, paired with early college experiences. She challenges the status quo, advocating for education that aligns with a child’s curiosity and passion rather than rigid curricula. Our discussion sheds light on the flexibility and innovation at the heart of...

Unschooling profoundly impacts both children and parents. For many parents, the process of deschooling themselves is a journey of personal growth and healing. By allowing your children to thrive free from academic pressures, you also foster a unique space for parental reflection and development. Together with Sandra Dodd, we delve into 'The Unforeseen Benefits of Unschooling: Healing Past Traumas.' Sandra draws intriguing parallels between the care we offer to our children and the nurturing...

Jesper Conrad and Martin Cooke have started The Better Dad Institute. This episode is the first of their podcast series, which is simply called 'Better Dad Podcast.' The goal is to explore topics together, daring to be vulnerable and sharing. A Podcast version of what goes on in The Better Dad Circles. Details about this episode: As a father, I've often found myself locked in a silent battle over who's right, especially with my kids. My co-host Martin and I tackle a struggle head-on,...

 Where do you stand on gaming, YouTube, and the internet? It is a difficult subject. So many thoughts and strategies. Together with Sandra Dodd, we explore the complexities of the digital age with an open mind. We hope this episode will help you redefine parental boundaries, encourage independent thinking, and cultivate a relationship with technology that allows your children to thrive. 🗓️ Recorded January 17th, 2023. 📍Playa Dorada, Lengüeta Arenosa, Baja California, Mexico Episode...

We explore practical strategies for nurturing our children's natural curiosity and love of learning. Together with my three friends—Sarah Bealel, Carla Martinez, and Luna Maj Vestergaard, we get hands-on, shedding light on how unschooling unfolds in daily life. We share insights into how children learn to read without formal lessons and discuss parents' vital role as facilitators rather than traditional teachers, providing an environment rich with opportunities for self-directed...

"I remember the day I threw the school bell out the window – figuratively, of course. It marked my family's leap into unschooling." Jo Isaac shares her journey through the transformative world of self-directed learning, where children lead, and education is as dynamic as the rhythms of life itself. Stepping away from the conventional classroom, we share how our roles evolved from enforcing lessons to fostering a nurturing environment ripe for curiosity and growth. Unschooling isn't merely...

Robin Coburn shares her journey from doubting to advocating the unschooling movement. Together, we uncover the beauty of reshaping family dynamics and nurturing a bond with children that is rooted in patience, openness, and understanding. Through Robin's narrative, you'll witness how unschooling paves the way for a non-authoritarian approach to parenting that abandons fear and control in favor of proactive solutions and a deeply supportive community. Tune in to hear how unschooling...

Akilah S. Richards guides us through her transformative journey, highlighting the significance of unschooling seen from a Black perspective. We navigate the challenges faced in the unschooling journey, especially within the context of Black families. Akilah underscores the importance of nurturing creativity, autonomy, and play in education and how these elements are critical in fostering a liberated and holistic learning environment. In 2016, Akilah published the first episode of Fare of the...

We received an email asking if we were up for recording an episode with Eric Balance. We are living in a yes mode, so here is our talk with Eric.  Eric has been through a transformative journey from a heavy addiction to dedicating his life to helping people live a more spiritual life. To embrace his own big life changes, he changed his name to 'Eric Balance,' reflecting his search for equilibrium.  In this episode, we dive into the role of authenticity and conscious choice-making in...

We got an email with great questions from a listener. Instead of a long email answer, we invited Josie to interview us for an episode. Josie doesn't use her last name, so we lovingly call her Just Josie :) Josie is navigating the tides of raising young children while embracing the principles of unschooling. Josie's tale of transition from the simplicity of van life to the rich complexities of family life in California unfolds, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of alternative...

Blake Boles is an unschooling advocate and author of the book 'Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids To School' he also runs transformative teen programs called Unschool Adventures. In this episode, we also explore the transformative power of alternative education. We examine the conventional education system's limitations and champion personalized learning paths, inspired by notable educational theorists. As Blake, we have diverged from traditional career paths, and together we share our...