In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with my wife Karalyn Ramirez to explore her unique journey growing up homeschooled, how that shaped her social world, and the unexpected ways it intersected with her passion for competitive ice skating. We talk about the challenges and blessings of navigating friendships in that season, the discipline and pressure of life on the rink, and how both worlds prepared her for deeper life lessons.

We also dive into her love for photography—not just as an art form, but as a spiritual crucible that tested, refined, and strengthened her faith. From moments of creative joy to seasons of doubt, she shares how seeing life through the lens helped her see God more clearly.

Whether you’ve experienced homeschooling, the competitive sports world, or the creative grind, you’ll find encouragement in her story and be reminded that God’s shaping work is often found in unexpected places.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• ​Growing up homeschooled: the blessings, the challenges, and the myths
• ​How ice skating shaped discipline, resilience, and identity
• ​Building social circles outside of traditional school settings
• ​Photography as a tool for both creative expression and spiritual refinement
• ​Lessons learned when faith is tried, tested, and ultimately deepened

Links & Resources:

• ​Follow The Don’t Knock It Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
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