Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share 82 - Catholicism, Critical Thinking, and the Foundation Every Homeschool Needs.
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
82 - Catholicism, Critical Thinking, and the Foundation Every Homeschool Needs.
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”.
Published August 17, 2025
Books
- The Book of Virtues by William Bennett
- Referenced as a recommended book for teaching virtues and used in daily lessons.
- School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots (eBook by Leslie Dirnberger)
- https://www.amazon.com/School-National-Parks-Secret-Spots-ebook/dp/B0BGBLXLJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BPVALWQ6IOA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p7BBat1zf4f8JDTPn-q7odXbYyllajYZMEHdrBRKUTNrA3mFn_qXZ3bsWZEjF1tEahyhfJnw-IDjn7op0F_ZHqfatESch97_O3QjTHjDS5LOsJsFKLxtr0uT4aq6u6era5vSmYEkko9ovywSbBs774XZS_GZ21OIdI6VlIn23Z4c49PEeio0ikq2lzJsFGKpU_dJWQY83WNudruOHm_YhR3oz0hpcF5iKhBNt18L7t8.WG4L1YZABioI-aqQetNBUAEZu-D6uWAqEpo276jEXFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=school+in+our+national+parks&qid=1755283502&sprefix=school+in+our+national+park%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1
- Mentioned as a resource written by the guest, focused on outdoor education and homeschooling.
Organizations
Aspire Education
https://www.aspireeducation.us/
- Leslie Dirnberger is the president and founder. The organization focuses on empowering families in education.
Catholic Heart Work Camp
https://heartworkcamp.com/
- Referenced as a service/mission trip organization for youth.
- FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association)
- Mentioned as a homeschool convention in Florida.
Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!
https://maevejemison.com/
Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1
View all episodes
By Maeve and Mat Jemison
5
1919 ratings
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”.
Published August 17, 2025
Books
- The Book of Virtues by William Bennett
- Referenced as a recommended book for teaching virtues and used in daily lessons.
- School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots (eBook by Leslie Dirnberger)
- https://www.amazon.com/School-National-Parks-Secret-Spots-ebook/dp/B0BGBLXLJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BPVALWQ6IOA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p7BBat1zf4f8JDTPn-q7odXbYyllajYZMEHdrBRKUTNrA3mFn_qXZ3bsWZEjF1tEahyhfJnw-IDjn7op0F_ZHqfatESch97_O3QjTHjDS5LOsJsFKLxtr0uT4aq6u6era5vSmYEkko9ovywSbBs774XZS_GZ21OIdI6VlIn23Z4c49PEeio0ikq2lzJsFGKpU_dJWQY83WNudruOHm_YhR3oz0hpcF5iKhBNt18L7t8.WG4L1YZABioI-aqQetNBUAEZu-D6uWAqEpo276jEXFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=school+in+our+national+parks&qid=1755283502&sprefix=school+in+our+national+park%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1
- Mentioned as a resource written by the guest, focused on outdoor education and homeschooling.
Organizations
Aspire Education
https://www.aspireeducation.us/
- Leslie Dirnberger is the president and founder. The organization focuses on empowering families in education.
Catholic Heart Work Camp
https://heartworkcamp.com/
- Referenced as a service/mission trip organization for youth.
- FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association)
- Mentioned as a homeschool convention in Florida.
Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!
https://maevejemison.com/
Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1
More shows like Homeschooling For Catholic Parents
View all
Up First from NPR
56,981 Listeners
The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
2,239 Listeners
The Megyn Kelly Show
40,872 Listeners
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
62,616 Listeners