Clips from interviews with Sandra Dodd that didn’t get put elsewhere.

Today's show is made up of random bits and pieces that didn't go anywhere else.   Abigail Larrison talks about her neuroscience research about emotional learning systems, dopamine, about the importance of daydreaming, and of making mistakes. Ama Mazama talks about the challenges that homeschoolers (and black homeschoolers in particular) face. Ben Lovejoy says some really sweet things that I loved. Peter Gray talks about bullying and about getting along with other people. Carsie Blanton...

Unschooling can repair the damage done by traditional parenting and schooling approaches. Today we hear stories of healing from Kayla Childs, Tanya Marinelli, Teresa Graham Brett, Sandra Dodd, Leah Rose and Janine D.

One of the biggest differences between my pre- and post-deschooling days was the amount of laughter I shared with my kids. While my kids were in school, we could easily go several days without laughing together. When we were unschooling, hardly an hour would go by without a laugh. Susie Maguire: “You take life so much less seriously, and there’s space within yourself for laughter to exist.” Kayla Childs: “The more wellness you have, the more things can be funny.” Sandra Dodd: “The more you...

How does unschooling affect sibling dynamics? Daniele says unschooling helps her different children to get the different things that they want and need. Sandra didn’t want to make a rule against hitting, and encourages parents to help siblings work things out. Rose and her two sisters fought when they were little and now they’re best friends. Kayla says, before she unschooled, the stresses of school put a big strain on her relationship with her siblings. Leah says her five children now...

The word unschooling: where did it come from and where is it going? Today we hear thoughts about the words unschooling and radical, and as well as some alternate terms for this educational path, from unschooling enthusiasts Ben Hewitt, Rick Rossing, Robyn Coburn, Sandra Dodd and Sue Patterson.   And thanks go out to Jonny for today's tunes.

If children don’t follow a set curriculum, won’t they have “gaps” in their education and fall “behind?” Let’s ask some unschoolers what they think.   Colleen has many degrees AND many gaps in her knowledge. Jessica’s 15 yo son is enrolled in UC Berkeley in spite of his education “gaps.” Robin is glad her “late blooming” daughter didn't have to be a late bloomer in school. Sandra says “the idea that anyone gets through school without gaps is a fallacy.” Deb says when her son goes to a...

What do unschoolers do when their lives are challenged in unforeseen ways? Are kids better off in school during times of hardship or crisis?   Today we hear from some families who kept unschooling through hard times. April’s family dealt with mental health challenges and then the death of a son. Marietta’s family unschooled in a country where it wasn’t legal. Katie leaned on her friends and community through her illness. Jenny’s family faced poverty and then she had two heart...

For many people, unschooling as a single parent would be way too hard. But today we hear from some “solo mums” who are unschooling successfully with lots of joy, learning and partnership.   Katie O’Connor is co-director of the Talking Stick Learning Center. Danielle Owens is on the board of DrMomma.org and Saving our Sons. Brie Jontry teaches online classes for the University of Alaska. Tanya Marinelli runs wellness and empowerment camps for kids. Lainie Liberti facilitates WorldSchool...

What can unschoolers do about less-than-supportive friends, neighbors and relatives?   Alex Polikowsky gives Grandma something to brag about. Pam Laricchia offers ways to prepare for family gatherings. Sandra Dodd always has lots of tips and tricks for living more joyfully. Sue Patterson says don’t be surprised if years down the road, a doubting relative makes a comment about how great your kids are!   Jonathan Childs loves it when people listen to his music.

Words of wisdom from unschooling dads.   Ben Hewitt loves spending time with his sons. Chris Cabatic started his journey with attachment parenting. Rick Rossing reveals the Secret Society of Unschooling Dads. James Daniel gives mums a crash-course on dadspeak. James Coburn and Ben Lovejoy say that most of all trust your wife and children.   And Ryan Tennis has lots of great songs - go check it!

Quitting and learning; learning and quitting. Alex Polikowsky has quit lots of things and doesn't consider herself a quitter. (Sidenote: even though her kids are always allowed to quit, her daughter Gigi has loved doing chores ever since she was one year old.) Ben Lovejoy quit the military three times, which made it possible for him to work in the three branches of the air force, which is a rare accomplishment. Penelope Trunk's career advice has been printed in over 200 newspapers, and she...