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Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
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Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

Author: Maeve and Mat Jemison

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You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling?  How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird?


I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes). 


I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.  


I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!)


When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling! 


If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you!


Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!


97 Episodes
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In this episode, Maeve sits down with Ginny Yurich—beloved author, speaker, and founder of the 1000 Hours Outside movement—to talk about why time in nature is nothing short of transformational for families. Jenny shares the honest truth about her early motherhood years, the surprising four-hour outdoor experiment that saved her sanity, and the science behind attention, mood, circadian rhythm, vestibular development, and why kids today are falling out of chairs and running into walls. Together...
In this beautiful pre-Advent conversation, Maeve welcomes Catholic convert and homeschooling mom-of-six Rebecca Grabill to explore how liturgical living can anchor families during the most chaotic time of the year. Rebecca shares her conversion story, her family’s journey into homeschooling, and the surprising depth and symbolism behind the Magi, the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, and the entire Epiphany tradition. Together they talk about raising truth-hungry teens, weaving liturgy ...
Feeling like you're in a whirlwind season? Join us as we talk about deadlines, dental visits, sports schedules, field trips, and creative pressure—and find God speaking right into the chaos. With humor and honesty, Maeve shares how a simple Gospel reading from Luke 17 stopped her in her tracks and reframed everything she’d been carrying. From surrendering stress in the middle of real-life parenting demands to rediscovering zeal in her vocation, this episode explores what it means to serve fai...
Maeve sits down with Andrew “Alob” Laubacher—worship leader and Executive Director of Human Reality—to talk about digital addiction and how Catholic families can reclaim time, attention, and joy. Alob shares his conversion story from “party, drugs, rock and roll” to adoration and ministry, then explains how modern platforms are engineered for compulsion (social-validation loops, intermittent rewards), and why our “phones” are really supercomputers designed to monetize our attention. He connec...
It’s Maeve’s quarterly cry episode—so buckle up. Between hand-foot-and-mouth disease, a Boy Scout rebelling against a blowtorch, a dream interview gone poof, and a computer crash that would make Job weep, Maeve somehow still finds grace (and a killer football analogy). Mat’s back, the Bucs are battling, Booker T. Washington makes a cameo, and the moral of the story? Homeschooling’s a lot like making bricks without straw—but with rosaries, coffee, and a few close wins, it still builds saints. ...
It’s been a tough week in the Jemison household, but out of the chaos comes hope — and a spiritual weapon too powerful to ignore. In this episode of Homeschooling for Catholic Parents, Maeve shares a moving story of faith, family, and revival: from a college recruiting trip that turned into a surprising conversation about the Eucharist, to a mysterious rosary that’s changing lives across the world. Discover the devotion that blinds Satan, frees souls from purgatory, and renews families throug...
Show Notes, Published October 19, 2025 In this lively and meaningful episode of Homeschooling for Catholics, Maeve and Mat record on the Feast of the Guardian Angels—and kick things off with angel hair pasta, angel food cake, and a hilarious family story at a trampoline park after a hurricane. (Yes, guardian angels were working overtime that day.) From there, the conversation turns to one of the most requested topics from listeners: organization in the Catholic homeschool home. They sh...
This week, Maeve chats with Marie — Catholic wedding planner, educator, and founder of White Lily Weddings — about how she went from teaching music to planning faith-filled weddings (and building a business that lets her stay home with her littles). Marie dishes on the quirky rules of Catholic weddings (sorry beach brides 🌊✋), the St. Joseph lily legend, and why debating college friends actually made her faith stronger. They also tackle the big question: Can Catholic moms have a “blue flame” ...
Fresh back from the Eucharistic Encounter in Tampa, we share what it’s like to watch 12,000 Catholics fill an arena for prayer, talks, and powerful adoration. From Fr. Mike Schmitz and Dr. Edward Sri to moving moments with Matt Maher, we talk confession (ever have an Act of Contrition fail?), Eucharistic miracles, first-class relics, and why the Eucharist is truly the source of our hope. You’ll also hear a quick apologetics insight about the altar and priest at Mass, our “holy conundrum” abou...
Ever wondered what a real Catholic homeschool week looks like—chaos, laughter, faith, and all? In this episode, we dish on the family’s routine. From early-morning workouts and devotional time, to co-op days, crazy Wednesdays packed with activities, and Fridays filled with faith discussions, you’ll get an honest look at the ebb and flow of our homeschooling life. Along the way, you’ll hear funny family stories (like the never-ending bedhead our sons rock to Mass!), practical tips on building ...
What if the greatest mission field for your kids isn’t across the ocean—but across the street? In this episode, Maeve talks with Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles, about helping children discover the gift of older adults in their lives. From grandparents who live down the road to the lonely widow in the front pew, Isabel shares practical (and fun) ways families can build bridges across generations. Spoiler: you don’t need a passport, a degree, or even a driver’s license—just a kid, ...
Long Live Charlie Kirk, an inspiration of courage in the faith! Parents, we should draw courage from him as we homeschool and raise our kids in the ways of the Lord. Charlie was a brilliant debater; his movement was a raging success, a truly remarkable and passionate Christian. We don't have to achieve that kind of success to leave a lasting impact on our world through our family legacy. Stop feeling inadequate and unqualified to teach your kids. In this episode, we discuss two faithful Catho...
Welcome to the “Metheny Manifesto” episode, where we learn that the only thing parents should be yelling from the sidelines is… nothing! The main lesson? Don’t be “that parent” screaming at your kid to “rebound!” or “shoot!”—especially if your kid’s underwater at a swim meet and can’t hear you anyway. The Metheny Manifesto, written by a former pro baseball player turned Little League coach, went viral for telling parents to zip it and let the kids play. Turns out, kids just want their p...
Show Notes Published August 31, 2025 In this episode, Maeve and Mat juggle homeschooling and youth sports like Olympic-level plate spinners. They weigh the pros (teamwork, perseverance, socialization, and the dream of raising the next LeBron) against the cons (schedules that make NASA jealous, wallet-draining fees, and locker room “life lessons” you wish your kids missed). The verdict? Sports are great—if you don’t mind living in your minivan and occasionally praying for rainouts. Ultimately,...
Ever wonder how to homeschool on one income without selling a kidney? Join us as we cancel forgotten subscriptions, dodge $200 art classes, and debate if a flask at Sunday Mass is a budgeting hack or a confession starter. Learn why your 10-year-old doesn’t need a $1,000 iPhone, how garage sales are treasure hunts, and why “just because it’s on sale” is not a retirement plan. Spoiler: You can homeschool, pay off debt, and maybe outlast Gen Z on the dance floor—just don’t forget to wipe the lea...
In this episode, we chat with Leslie Dirnberger—homeschooling expert, president of Aspire Education, and author of “School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots.” When given the best growing conditions, children come up with some profound thoughts that become lifelong memories for the proud parent who was there when they first thought them. We dive into the joys of outdoor learning, and why “neurodiverse” might just mean “normal.” Expect wisdom, laughs, and a few “grampy questions”. &nb...
Parents, God created your children as learners. These little people are constantly taking in information and learning about the world around them. You might not have thought about the fact that he created parents as teachers! You're already teaching your kids. In this episode, listen in for 10 tips for constant learning in your homeschool. (Hint: You're already doing a handful of them!) Lean in! Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for...
In this episode, we get a crash course in Catholic education philosophy, with shoutouts to St. Bonaventure (who apparently moonlighted as a motivational speaker) and St. John Newman (whose quotes are so deep, you’ll need a theological dictionary and maybe a nap). The episode’s main lesson? Don’t stress about curriculum—focus on forming virtuous, faith-filled humans. And if you’re feeling lost, remember: God’s got your back, and so does Maeve’s book (now on sale for less than a latte). So, whe...
The statistics are downright depressing, particularly regarding our children leaving our homes and then abandoning the faith of their childhood. The youth exodus from church and the faith must be stopped! This episode will provide you with encouragement and wisdom to counter the tactics of secularism as you join the fight for your children and the Kingdom. Show Notes: Published July 27, 2025 Natasha Crain: Talking to Your Kids About God. https://www.christianbook.com/talking-a...
You want to raise life-lomg learners who love the Lord. But you don't trust yourself to stay consistent. Friend, this is a long haul, homeschooling. Here's the good news: You have over one hundred and fifty seven thousand hours to reach those educational goals, bond with your family, and teach them the ways of the Lord. In this episode, you'll here Mat and Maeve's origin story, along with some tips and mindset shifts to give yourself some of the grace you need for the journey (the Holy ...
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