This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Mary Wilson from Raleigh, North Carolina. Mary shares her unique and inspiring journey of homeschooling her four distinctively different children, and she emphasizes tailoring education to each child's individual learning style. From the challenges of accommodating a variety of interests and academic needs to the joys of shared learning experiences, Mary opens up about the evolution of her homeschooling methods, including the pivotal role graphic novels played in engaging her children in reading and learning. She describes her creation of 'Celebrate a Book', a platform and methodology that brings books to life through themed book clubs, engaging discussions, and activities that enrich students' understanding and enjoyment of literature. Mary's insights into managing high school education, electives, and the transition to college for homeschoolers provide valuable guidance for parents navigating the homeschooling journey. Her approach to education, focused on the love of learning and flexibility to adapt teaching methods to each child's needs, offers a fresh perspective on homeschool education.Connect with MaryCelebrate a BookBooks Poppy by Avi CrossoverA Night DividedThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Tania Johnson from Edmonton Alberta. Tania is a registered psychologist and co-founder of the Institute of Child Psychology. She shares her journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming a leader in child psychology and play therapy in Canada. She discusses the importance of play therapy, strategies for raising resilient children, and the crucial role of parental relationships in child development. Our conversation also explores the challenges and developments in mental health for children, the impact of neurodivergence, and the significance of creating nurturing environments. We delve into the critical aspects of intentional parenting, offering insights into how parents can navigate the complex landscape of raising children in today's world.Connect With TaniaThe Institute of Child PsychologyThe Child Psych AppTania's BooksThe Parenting Handbookmyparentinghandbook.comBooksHold on to Your KidsAnatomy of PeaceThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Millie Florence, a prodigious young author from Illinois whose passion for storytelling and delight-directed learning has carved a unique path through the world of middle-grade fiction. From the early whispers of stories under the covers to becoming an influential voice in homeschooling circles and the literary world, Millie's journey is a testament to the power of nurturing creativity and following one’s calling. Join us as Millie shares her experiences with homeschooling, self-publishing her first book at the age of 13, and the serendipitous encounter that led to her partnership with Sarah Mackenzie. Prepare to be inspired by Millie's insight into the delights and challenges of being a homeschooled entrepreneur, author, and lifelong learner.Connect With Milliemillieflorence.comBooks by MillieThe Balter of Ashton HarperHoney ButterBeyond Mulberry GlenBooksThe Secret GardenA Little PrincessAnne of Green GablesWarrior CatsThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with S.D. Smith from West Virginia, author of The Green Ember Series, Mooses with Bazookas, and co-author with his son, Josiah, of Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. Best known for The Green Ember Series, Smith opens up about his creative process, the foundations of his storytelling, and his journey from being a homeschool father sharing stories with his kids to becoming a globally recognized author. The discussion spans a variety of intriguing topics, including Smith's unique background, the roots of his imagination, and his insights into homeschooling. Whether you're an avid fan of S. D. Smith, an aspiring writer, or someone interested in the values and virtues of homeschooling, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and wisdom.Connect with S. D. SmithStoryWarrenS. D. Smith's BooksMooses with Bazookas Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key S. D. Smith Store The Green Ember SeriesThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Katharine Gordon, the passionate founder of Gnomes and Acorns, an online business dedicated to providing Waldorf-inspired toys, games, and resources for homeschooling families and others. Katharine, a seasoned educator and mother of three, shares her journey from a university student intrigued by the Waldorf education philosophy to an entrepreneur cultivating a community of like-minded families. We delve into the importance of high-quality, sustainable educational resources, the value of nurturing creativity and a connection to nature in children, and how Katharine's personal and business ethos promotes a lifestyle of learning and sustainability.Connect with KatharineGnomes and AcornsResourcesRudolf SteinerMercuriusThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Deani Van Pelt, Kerri Forney, and Kathryn Avery from the Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI). Our conversation emphasized Charlotte Mason’s philosophy about relational education and developing relationships with God, people, the universe, and self. We addressed the challenges of homeschooling, including tailoring education for different children, transitioning from a conventional school setting, and maintaining social connections. This episode equips listeners not only with helpful suggestions for resources and materials available through CMI, but also many insights and gems of wisdom about how to homeschool peacefully and meaningfully.Connect With Deani, Kerri, and KathrynCharlotte Mason InstituteBooksFor the Children's SakeResourcesAlveary Curriculumthe Story of the WorldDaniel Allers: History PlusThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Julie Bogart from Cincinnati, Ohio. Julie is a homeschool mother of five, grandmother of three, author, speaker, host of the Brave Writer podcast, and business owner and founder of Brave Writer. She is passionate about writing and providing resources to homeschool families and others, including excellent online courses. Julie was introduced to homeschool by her future husband’s friend, and specifically loved the idea of tailoring her children’s education to each individual. We delve into the nuances of her journey in homeschooling, her beliefs about fostering critical thinking in children, her lifelong curiosity, and her vision of the future of homeschooling. Julie also shares a wealth of practical advice for making your homeschool experience more joyful and impactful.Connect with Juliebravewriter.com@juliebravewriter  BooksBetter Late Than EarlyA Fever in the Heartland Resources Konos This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Chelsey Bahe from Minnesota. Chelsey is a professional nanny, auntie, writer, nature artist, and play advocate. She shares her passion for outdoor activity for kids, her innovative nature art, and her unique approach to child play and learning through exploration. She discusses the importance of children having the freedom to play, explore, and learn both indoors and outdoors. Her philosophy revolves around the idea that play can provide everything a child needs, especially in the early years of development.Connect with Chelseatodaywewillplay.wordpressTake 'Em OutsideBooksLast Child in the WoodsThere's No Such Thing As Bad WeatherBalanced and BarefootThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Gena Suarez from Tennessee. Gena is a homeschool mother of 7, and she also has 9 grandchildren who are homeschooled. She is the founder and creator of The Old Schoolhouse, which started out in 2001 as a homeschool newsletter on eBay. Initially, The Old Schoolhouse was principally a magazine to connect homeschool families, but it has grown tremendously and offers a wide variety of resources and products. Unlike many couples who decide to homeschool, it was Gena’s husband, Paul, who wanted to homeschool, to which Gena was initially opposed. Soon, Gena began to observe the benefits of homeschooling, like having a wide circle of friends and being able to relate and interact with people of all ages without becoming anxious. In our discussion, we emphasized the blessing of enjoying more freedom through the choice to homeschool. Gena helps listeners understand that there are many options when it comes to education, postsecondary studies, and one’s general lifestyle. Her experience and wisdom encourage and embolden all of us who are seeking alternatives to the traditional, conventional path.Connect with Genatheoldschoolhouse.comschoolhouseteachers.comtryhomeschooling.comTOSMagazine.comTOSApps.comBooks and CurriculumMcGuffey ReadersHomeschooling Methods: Season Advice on Learning StylesThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jolene Fender from North Carolina. Jolene is an unschooling mother of three and a digital creator with an impressive following on Instagram. Jolene didn’t like the way the school system was dealing with teaching on Zoom during COVID, and this led her to start teaching her daughter the material instead. This gave Jolene the confidence to start homeschooling! She loved that her kids could spend more time outside and that they could delve more into reading aloud together. Jolene believes it is important that her children understand screens and how to use them, and to not think of screens with a negative mindset. She reminds homeschool families that homeschooling need not be so challenging. We have many resources, we are not alone, and there are many people who have walked the path before us who are willing to help.Connect with Jolene@littlefendersBooksHold On to Your KidsThe Self Driven ChildWishtreeWilderloreResourcesCLT ExamThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Ama Mazama from Philadelphia, but talking to us today from Guadalupe. Dr. Mazama is a professor and department chair in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. Her work is focused on Africology, African American studies, and African American Homeschooling among others topics. For several years, black families have been the fastest growing racial demographic among homeschoolers. Dr. Mazama, a black homeschool mother herself, has advanced much of the research about black homeschool families and their motivations to exit the conventional system. Dr. Mazama and I broach the topics of homeschooling in various cultural contexts, the importance of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity in learners, and the potential implications of racial protectionism in education.Connect with Dr. MazamaDr. Ama Mazama's WorksArticlesWhy More Black Families are Choosing to Homeschool Their ChildrenExploring the Rise in Black Families Choosing to Homeschool Their ChildrenBlack Homeschooling: Racial Protectionism, Cultural Relevance, and Favorable Social and Academic OutcomesBooks17 Dry SeasonsMorning by MorningThe Dictionary of African Divinities by Kiamuya Mazama -  no linkThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today's episode, we get to spend time with Elizabeth Sexton and Dr. Ralph Hancock coming to us today from Brigham Young University campus in Utah. Elizabeth, homeschool mother of 3, was eager to pursue her education in political philosophy after her children had graduated. She enrolled in a class with Dr. Hancock, author and professor of political science at BYU. Together, Dr. Hancock and Elizabeth created Fathom the Good, an online resource aimed at resisting radical ideas with timeless truths. Elizabeth wanted to provide families, specifically homeschool families, with an intellectual defence of faith and moral tradition with underpinnings from the American founding.Connect with ElizabethFathom the GoodThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today's episode, we get to spend time with Josh Mann from Missouri. Josh is the managing editor at the Lion News publication and a homeschooling father of 3. In this episode, we explore a range of topics from hitting stumbling blocks to navigating curricula in keeping children engaged. Sometimes students have a hard time learning in a classroom setting, but homeschooling provides more freedom to customize the setting in which your child learns. Josh shares the importance of having an extensive support network and focusing on children's individual needs. We also discussed the challenge to balance homeschooling amidst a busy career and finding neutral ground between homeschooling and outsourced learning.Connect with JoshThe LionHerzog FoundationResources and CurriculumMaking the Leap PodcastCLT ExamAmblesideTeaching TextbooksBlimey BoxMindfull MentorBiblingoThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

 In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Blake Boles from California. Blake is currently in Freiburg, Germany, and soon will be cycling in Chile. When Blake was attending the University of California, Berkeley, he began in the astrophysics program, but decided he did not want to research Science and started studying Education on his own. He came across the writings of John Taylor Gatto and Grace Llewellyn, and Blake knew he wanted to pursue alternative education. From his own experiences growing up and in college, Blake was always curious about adventures and wanted to facilitate the same experiences for youth. Blake created his business, Unschool Adventures, where he takes groups of youth all over the world on a variety of adventures so that they can face real situations and challenges that cause them to stretch, learn, and leave their zones of comfort. Over the years, Blake has written several books about self-directed learning and helping youth navigate both the high school years and decisions about life after high school, like getting into college. He values giving children and youth the freedom to learn and the freedom to fail, and he believes in communities that are consensual and interest based. Connect with Blakehttps://www.blakeboles.com/https://www.offtraillearning.com/podcast/Books by Blakehttps://www.amazon.ca/Still-Sending-Your-Kids-School/dp/0986011975https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Self-Directed-Learning-Unconventional-Education/dp/0986011959https://www.amazon.com/College-Without-High-School-Teenagers/dp/0865716552https://www.amazon.ca/Better-Than-College-Blake-Boles/dp/0986011908Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Anniversary/dp/0865714487https://www.amazon.com/Different-Kind-Teacher-American-Schooling/dp/1893163210https://www.amazon.ca/Underground-History-American-Education-Investigation/dp/0945700040The Teenage Liberation HandbookThe Case Against EducationThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jessica Eaton from North Carolina. Although Jessica and I have connections to North Carolina and share the same last name, we're not related! After about a decade teaching Math in public school, Jessica and her husband, who was also a teacher, became disenchanted. Jessica was especially disheartened by the giant class sizes and seeing the ill-effects of students who were overworked and over-tested. They boldly left their careers and moved to North Carolina where her husband's new job was located. Jessica had already started her own business, The Mindfull Mentor, and she began tutoring students in Math, and ended up being connected to the homeschool world through a neighbor. Now, most of Jessica's clients are homeschooled and she teaches in person and online to individuals and groups of all ages. Although she does not have children yet, Jessica is leaning toward homeschooling and looks forward to tailoring her children's learning to their needs and having a flexible schedule and lifestyle.Connect with Jessicahttps://mindfullmentor.com/Curriculumhttps://christianlight.org/shop-curriculumhttps://discoverwildlearning.com/This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Rebecca Zipp from Colorado. Rebecca is a homeschool mother of two children and creator of the blog, A Humble Place, which she started in 2012. Her first exposure to the homeschool world began when she became friends with a girl who was homeschooled when they were youth. Rebecca admits that when she started homeschooling it was partially driven by fear, but she evolved and does not regret her initial motivation, even if it was not the healthiest way to begin. Spending time, learning with her children, and escaping the conventional system that tends to develop cogs, are a few of the benefits Rebecca has observed through homeschooling. However, Rebecca acknowledges the challenges that accompany homeschooling, like dealing with negative attitudes at times, and navigating the roles of parent and facilitator for her children. Much of what the Zipp's do for learning and living is tied to principles espoused by Charlotte Mason. They use a Charlotte Mason curriculum, Ambleside Online, for much of their learning, and Rebecca's wonderful blog, A Humble Place, focuses on beautiful Picture Studies emanating from the Charlotte Mason philosophy of learning about art. Like so many homeschooling mothers who align with Charlotte Mason, Rebecca dove more fully into Charlotte Mason principles after reading the book For the Children's Sake by Susan Shaeffer Macaulay.Connect with Rebeccahttps://ahumbleplace.com/Curriculumhttps://www.amblesideonline.org/https://www.alveary.org/https://www.bfbooks.com/The-Genevieve-Foster-CollectionBooksThe Story of the World SeriesFor the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and SchoolResourcesYoto Player This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Nadine Lauffer from Pennsylvania. Nadine is a current homeschool student and the host of the How to Homeschool in High School podcast. When she was in fourth grade, Nadine's mom decided that she was going to homeschool Nadine and her little sister along with several friends from church. Eventually, the Lauffer's moved to a new state and did not have the same co-op community they were used to in Florida; but they had grown in their philosophy and loved the time and relationship-building that homeschooling afforded. One of the biggest challenges that Nadine has experienced as a homeschool student is the fear of missing out on all the glamorous things depicted about school in books and movies and among her friends. However, Nadine has outgrown this fear and recognizes how much the homeschool option and lifestyle has blessed her life. Presently, she is taking two dual enrollment courses at a local college, and Nadine is learning how homeschooling has helped her to be adaptable. She is confident because she has learned to love learning and how to learn. To show how unafraid she is to learn, Nadine started a podcast in 2022 to help people, specifically her homeschool high school peers, to learn and understand more about homeschooling. Nadine counsels new homeschool families to expect the journey to be challenging and even inconvenient, but completely worth the struggle.Connect with Nadinehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2045736BooksThe Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at HomeRethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's EducationGod's Smuggler Curriculumhttps://iew.com/https://diveintomath.com/shormann/https://bereanbuilders.com/ecomm/This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jeff Park from Calgary, Alberta. Jeff is a father of four and the founder and executive director of the Alberta Parents Union, with expertise in policy research, advocacy, and political campaigning. Growing up in the southern States, Jeff attended Christian schools and was also traditionally homeschooled. From his successful debate experience at Liberty University in Virginia, Jeff was recruited by HSLDA to do research on home education. After getting married and moving to Alberta, Canada, Jeff pursued his interest in school choice by working for several organizations and think tanks, specifically focusing on education policy. Eventually, Jeff started Alberta Parents Union to advocate for parental authority and control in all education choices, including homeschooling. In our conversation, Jeff explained and clarified several questions about education, including funding problems and the option for school vouchers, parents' voice and influence, or lack thereof, in education decisions, and the problem with way too much government control in how education happens in North America. We discussed the research and the reasons for the significant growth of homeschooling and its superior benefits to any other education option, like homeschool students' greater participation in the democratic process and running for office. Ultimately, Jeff Park just wants to make sure that families have more education options and that they know what those options are.Connect with Jeff Parkhttps://www.albertaparentsunion.ca/ Resourceshttps://hslda.ca/https://hslda.org/This Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Nephi Zufelt from Pocatello, Idaho. Nephi is a homeschooling father of five, mechanical engineer, business owner, leader in his local church congregation, and author of Katie Bell and the Wishing Well: A Story of Finding True Wealth, and The Big Startup Guidebook for Kids. Nephi and his wife had talked about homeschooling often when their kids were younger, but it wasn't until he left his job to start his own business and moved from Tennessee to Colorado that they finally decided to try homeschooling. At first, the Zufelt's just did what they thought was done in the schools. But over time and after studying the principles of homeschooling and learning, they began to see the great benefits and advancement of the homeschooling option. Nephi's wife had taught all of her children to read before they were five and so they already had that foundation when they started learning at home. Nephi and I talked a lot about how archaic and ill-equipped the public school system is to give students individualized attention. Unfortunately, most parents are still caught up in the old-school paradigm of focusing on their kids getting good grades and getting into college, when this is not sufficient for the world and future they are entering. Our children need to be curious and creative, know how to solve problems, love learning, know how to learn, and understand the principles of learning if they are to be successful in the rapidly changing and competitive world. The schools simply don't do this stuff! Nephi gave us so many excellent insights into topics like parent engagement, the role of the homeschool dad, principles versus skill sets, and knowing the difference between teaching your children grit and giving them the space to pursue their interests. Finally, we talked about Nephi's expertise in teaching children about wealth mentality. He helps us understand what real wealth actually is, things like good health, freedom of time, and strong relationships, instead of a myopic focus on materials and accumulation. Nephi reminds us that it takes great failures to create wealth.Connect with Nephiwww.wealthmentalityfamilies.comNephi’s BooksKatie Bell and the Wishing Well: A Story of Finding True WealthThe Big Startup Guide for Kids: A Principle-Based Approach to EntrepreneurshipThis Golden HourFree eBook CourseFree Live Trainingthisgoldenhour.org