Episodes
Subscriber-only episode Ever dreamt of a history class that felt more like time travel and less like memorization? Katie Berry, our curriculum connoisseur, returns to share her experiences with Homeschool in the Woods, an immersive program that makes the past come alive. As Katie recounts the joys of discovering this gem, you'll learn how it can ignite a passion for history in your child, and perhaps, rekindle your own love for the subject. Our conversation delves into adapting the curriculum...
Published 05/09/24
Published 05/09/24
Trigger Warning!! Listen, we don't judge, but we DO want people to make informed decisions and not be tempted by the carrots the *powers that be* dangle for us- before they bind our wrists with the rope those carrots are dangle from! This week, embark on an insightful exploration of homeschooling with Andrea from Idaho, a mother of four and a homeschool graduate herself, who joins me, Cheryl, to discuss the nuances of teaching children outside the traditional classroom. Andrea's rich...
Published 05/04/24
Subscriber-only episode Discover the keys to unlocking your child's reading potential with Justine from New York, as she shares her journey through 'All About Reading: Level One'. Join us for an insightful exploration into how this comprehensive curriculum not only teaches the basics of phonics and vocabulary but also captivates young minds with interactive story-based learning. Justine's firsthand account with her five-and-a-half-year-old showcases the curriculum's ability to progress from...
Published 05/02/24
Embark on a transformative journey through the world of education with me, Cheryl, as I host a compelling discussion with Kiri Jorgensen, a former public school teacher turned homeschooling enthusiast. Kiri shares her eye-opening experiences and the pivotal moments that led her from the front of a traditional classroom to the heart of her own home's learning environment. We unpack the challenges posed by the public education system, from the limitations of Common Core to the critical need for...
Published 04/27/24
Subscriber-only episode Unlock the secrets of a vibrant history education as we sit down with Kara Perry, a  homeschooling parent who brings the pages of the past to life for her children using the Story of the World curriculum. Together, we delve into how this innovative program transforms history into a riveting narrative, complete with activity books that are not just about facts but about experiencing the times through narration exercises, art, and even science projects. Today, we talk...
Published 04/25/24
When Erica Komisar, a venerated psychoanalyst, joined me for a heart-to-heart, we peeled back the layers of motherhood's unspoken complexities and its intersection with professional life. We navigated through the cultural currents that often undervalue the art of nurturing, while also examining how the professional world beckons women with the allure of success outside the home. This conversation isn't just about the choices we make; it's a deeper look into the societal narratives that shape...
Published 04/20/24
Subscriber-only episode Embark on a transformative educational journey with Dr. Deanna Westedt, as she shares the blueprint of her groundbreaking "Learning for Littles" program, a beacon of hope for anxious parents wading through the challenges of teaching their young ones to read. Dr. Westedt, a veteran educator and homeschooling aficionado, infuses her own experiences as both teacher and parent into this science-backed reading curriculum. Tailored for children between three to eight years...
Published 04/18/24
Embark on a transformative educational odyssey with Leigh Nguyen from the Little by Little podcast, who joins me, Cheryl, to peel back the layers of homeschooling. Our latest podcast episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the prospect of taking the reins on their child's education. Together, we unwrap Leigh's enlightening journey, from her bold departure from public schooling to the empowering homeschool ecosystem she nurtured for her three children. Leigh reveals...
Published 04/13/24
Subscriber-only episode Unlock the secrets of effective homeschool spelling instruction with Carolyn, as she walks us through her success with the All About Spelling curriculum. This episode promises to transform your approach to teaching spelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a program designed to cater to your child's unique learning style. Carolyn's experience with her oldest showcases not only the curriculum's emphasis on encoding but also its seamless integration with the All...
Published 04/11/24
Subscriber-only episode Unlock the secrets to a seamless homeschooling experience that thrives on simplicity and a love for learning. Today's episode welcomes Erika, a military spouse with a flair for educating her children through literature, wherever life takes them. Our enlightening discussion peels back the layers of the 'Homeschool Made Simple' curriculum, revealing how this Charlotte Mason-inspired approach can transform your educational journey. Erika's personal guidelines for...
Published 04/04/24
Embark on a captivating journey with Micaela S. Benn, the distinguished guest of this episode who is not just a jack of all trades but a master of many. She's a homeschooling hero, an imaginative children's book author, and a savvy marketing whiz all rolled into one. As we unravel Micaela's story, you'll find that the art of balancing homeschooling while nurturing a creative career is not only possible but can be incredibly fulfilling. Micaela's personal journey began with her son's...
Published 04/04/24
As I sat listening to Jen's heart-wrenching story of the battle with her school district over the health of her daughter, who has a rare genetic disorder, I was struck by the sheer determination that this momma has to protect her kids. Would we all do the same? The fabric of our educational systems is tested when their intentions clash with the complex needs of our children. In a riveting chapter of today's narrative, we expose the intimidating battle one family fought against their school...
Published 03/30/24
Subscriber-only episode Unlock the secrets of successful homeschooling as I welcome fellow parent and homeschooling enthusiast Megan from Michigan. Our conversation promises to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the world of home education through Megan's personal experiences with the My Father's World curriculum. Embrace the opportunity to discover a program that not only spans the full educational spectrum, covering subjects from science to social studies, but also...
Published 03/28/24
Embark on an enlightening expedition into the realm of homeschooling with our compelling guest, Maria. She is a former teacher, a momma, and an entrepreneur from the enchanting state of Maine. Together, we navigate the intricate landscapes of educational autonomy. Venture with us as we illuminate the path of 'Emancipate,' a heartfelt initiative Maria has crafted to inspire parents to liberate their children's learning from the grips of government schools. Through vivid anecdotes from her...
Published 03/23/24
Subscriber-only episode Unlock the secrets to making math a joyous journey for your homeschoolers! Join me as I sit down with Carolyn, a homeschooling pro who has found her rhythm with the Math with Confidence curriculum. She's here to spill the beans on how this intuitive resource has transformed her daily teaching routine. Designed as an 'open and go' tool, it offers clear, streamlined lesson plans that have been a game-changer for her two young scholars. Through her narrative, we get a...
Published 03/21/24
Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we converse with Emily, co-founder of Raise Them Well, about the inception of a product line that's redefining children's wellness. As a mother and entrepreneur alongside her integrative medicine physician husband, Emily brings to the table a treasure trove of insights on nurturing your family's health naturally. From the skin's remarkable ability to absorb to the influence of diet on our children's growth, we cover the vital choices we must make....
Published 03/19/24
When Kristin from Texas first told me about her homeschooling odyssey, I was captivated by the notion of education without boundaries. With ten kids and a 14-year tenure in homeschooling, she's a wellspring of knowledge on the subject. Kristin opens up about her transition from traditional schooling expectations to a tailored educational journey for her children, proving that one size does not fit all. Her story is one of adaptability and audacity, venturing through a university model school...
Published 03/16/24
Subscriber-only episode Prepare to be whisked away into the heart of homeschooling as Olivia Rian shares her treasure trove of knowledge on the Blossom and Root curriculum. Through our engaging discussion, listeners will grasp how this unique educational framework beautifully weaves together language arts, science, and nature study from preschool through the elementary years. Olivia, with her practical insights, unveils the delights and challenges of pairing Blossom and Root with programs...
Published 03/13/24
When Sara, creator of A Motherhood Project, first contemplated homeschooling, it was a leap into the unknown, driven by a desire to shield her daughter from premature social pressures. Today, she joins me, Cheryl, to unravel the tapestry of homeschooling, from its humble beginnings to how to handle our child asking to go into traditional school. Our conversation weaves through the personalized nature of education at home, the yearly reassessment that keeps it relevant, and the empowering...
Published 03/09/24
Subscriber-only episode Ever wonder how to navigate the sea of Kindergarten curriculums to find the treasure that will captivate your little one's love for learning? Let Justine and I be your guides on this voyage, as we share our hands-on experiences with "The Good and the Beautiful Level K" program. Our latest conversation delves into how this curriculum masterfully weaves fundamental math skills with practical knowledge, and how our children—each unique in their learning journey—responded...
Published 03/07/24
When Bekki, a mom of five boys, first dipped her toes into the homeschooling pool, skepticism was her swim buddy. Now, 25 years into the journey, she's more of a homeschooling high-diver, and in this week's episode, she surfaces with insights that'll take your breath away. Together, we navigate the vast ocean of homeschooling, from its flexible nature that lets us craft custom learning experiences to the ways it can anchor our children's individual strengths and passions. Becky's story isn't...
Published 03/02/24
Subscriber-only episode Embarking on the homeschooling journey can stir up a whirlwind of questions and quandaries; the foremost being "Which curriculum will unlock my child's potential?" Join me as I weave you through the twists and turns of selecting the perfect educational path for my family, settling on the All About Reading pre-reading curriculum for my eager five-year-old. You'll get a front-row seat to our daily adventures—from melodious alphabet serenades to whimsical crafts—that not...
Published 02/29/24
Ever wondered how the clucking of chickens could sync up with the laughter of children learning from the comfort of their home? Dalia, the spirited President of Chickenlandia, joins yours truly, Cheryl, to weave a fascinating tale of the parallels between homeschooling and chicken keeping. Together, we uncover how the pandemic has hatched a growing movement of families taking education and poultry care into their own hands, shedding light on the unexpected educational opportunities nestled...
Published 02/24/24
Unlock the mysteries of homeschooling with Manisha from Teach Your Kids, as we explore the changing face of education in this riveting podcast. Prepare to challenge your preconceptions and embrace the innovations that are reshaping how children learn. Manisha, who created a resource that pairs the best curriculum for each individual child, joins me on a journey that traverses the landscape of homeschooling, unveiling the motivations behind the movement and the rise of microschools and...
Published 02/17/24