Bringing Education Home

Celebrating a big milestone—200 episodes! Can you believe it? We started this wild journey not knowing where it would take us, but here we are, reflecting on the leaps and bounds we've made along the way. Our cozy little podcast has transformed into a hub of knowledge and connection where we dive deep into the world of education, family, and everything in between. You know, back in the day, we thought we might hit around 100 episodes and then call it a day. But the passion and excitement for our mission have only grown stronger! We’ve had so many incredible guests share their wisdom and insights, and it’s been a blast exploring topics that matter to families everywhere. From the nitty-gritty of homeschooling to the broader strokes of family dynamics, we've covered it all. We’ve even had those “aha!” moments where our guests reveal something that changes the game for parents. This isn’t just about education; it’s about creating happy, healthy, and successful kids! We’re so grateful for each and every one of you tuning in and being part of this vibrant community. Buckle up for more laughs, lessons, and lively discussions as we keep this train rolling in the next 100 episodes!

One of the conversations we revisit in this episode is our interview with John Kennedy about neuroplasticity.

Season 2, Episode 73 — John Kennedy

Neuroplasticity Unplugged: Rewire Your Family's Future!

https://bringingeducationhome.com/episode/s2ep73-john-kennedy

That conversation ultimately led Herb to experience cognitive brain training for himself, pursue training in the modality, and begin bringing this additional resource to the people and families we serve.

http://herb-brain-training.vibepreview.com

Kristina is also expanding the work she has been doing behind the microphone: supporting practitioners and experts who have important messages to share through podcasts and virtual summits.

Schedule a conversation with Kristina about Vibrant Summit Success:

https://link.vibrantfamilyeducation.com/widget/bookings/summitsuccesssession

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Laura Marsala, a Marine Corps veteran and a powerhouse with a track record of transforming businesses and lives, joins us to spill the tea on her journey through the wild world of homeschooling and entrepreneurship! Buckle up, because this episode is a rollercoaster of insights and heartwarming stories! From the get-go, we dive into Laura's background, where she’s not just racking up awards and accolades in her professional life but also raising three amazing kiddos while teaching them the ropes of life. Her eldest daughter has already made waves academically – inducted into the Excelsior Society for her genius by age 12 and snagging the President's Award for Educational Achievement. Talk about setting the bar high!

Now, let’s talk homeschooling – you know, the magical realm where learning happens in pajamas and field trips are just a car ride away! Laura shares the nitty-gritty of how she transitioned her children from traditional schooling to a more customized learning experience that allowed them to explore the world alongside her as she traveled for work. We tackle the myths surrounding homeschooling, like the classic “I don’t have enough time” excuse, and Laura breaks it down with her Marine Corps time management skills. Seriously, if there’s anyone who knows how to juggle a schedule, it’s Laura!

As we continue, we get into the juicy bits about balancing work and family life. Laura emphasizes the importance of establishing strong family values and how they can shape a child’s identity, even amidst chaos. The conversation wraps up with Laura’s insights into creating an intentional and conscious environment for her kids that fosters both academic success and emotional well-being. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by Laura’s infectious energy and wisdom!

Guest Bio: Laura Marsala is a Marine Corps veteran, two-time Sales Hall of Fame Award recipient, award-winning coach, and high-performance strategist who blends success with deeply conscious, intentional parenting.

For over a decade, Laura has been transforming organizations, driving 300% profit increases and has been instrumental in helping financial professionals reach the global top 1% standard of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). She was also recently inducted into the Marquis Who's Who in America 2026 for Top Women. Her high-impact approach and magnetic presence as an award-winning speaker have featured her across television and newspapers.

At home, Laura channels that same passion and guidance into raising three conscious, empowered children grounded in strong values. Her approach to legacy speaks for itself: her oldest daughter was inducted into the Excelsior Society for Academic Excellence by age 12 and has most recently earned the prestigious President’s Award for Educational Achievement.

@elitebylauramarsala on Instagram

Laura's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

We’re diving into a delightful chat with Myra and Mark, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who are all about bringing joy and presence into family life through meditation! Myra, originally from Mexico, has been teaching meditation for over a decade, while Mark has spent 25 years helping folks find peace and happiness through the Bright Path Ishaya's ascension techniques. Together, they share how these practices transformed not just their lives, but also their relationships with their two amazing boys. We'll explore their journey filled with laughter, challenges, and the lightbulb moments that come from learning to be present. So, buckle up for a fun ride as we uncover how to sprinkle a bit of mindfulness magic into our own family adventures!

A gift from our guest: I would love to give away 5 books. Please send an email to: [email protected]

Mayra Clay is Mexican who has lived in the UK since 2010 with her amazing husband and her two fantastic boys.

@mayrasclay on Instagram

Mayra's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Today, we’re diving into the wild world of fatherhood with the incredible J Hall, who’s here to share some juicy insights from his book, "God Help Me, I'm a Young Dad." This episode is all about empowering young dads and helping them realize they don’t need to have it all figured out—because let’s be real, who does? J brings over 15 years of experience in higher education and a hefty dose of humor as he chats about the challenges dads face and how to tackle them with confidence (and maybe a few dad jokes along the way). We’re also exploring the beauty of showing up, being present for our kiddos, and maybe even figuring out how to change a diaper or two without losing our minds! So, buckle up, grab your favorite snack, and let’s get this dad talk rolling!

J Hall is an author, podcaster, and educator with over 15 years of experience in higher education. He is the host and producer of the Okie Bookcast (okiebookcast.com), a podcast dedicated to connecting curious readers with their next great read through interviews with authors and storytellers. Since its launch in 2021, J has released more than 150 episodes across several series, including a monthly book chat show co-hosted with his daughter, author and screenwriter Hannah Herron.

J's Facebook page

@okiebookcast on Instagram

J's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead!

Stephanie Simpson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the leading professional organization representing independent private college and career counselors who support students and families navigating postsecondary education pathways. Previously, she served as CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), the world's largest and oldest professional association dedicated to helping middle school educators cultivate the potential and possibilities of young adolescents. Stephanie’s nearly 15 years of association leadership experience includes senior roles at the American College of Cardiology and the American Psychiatric Association. She holds a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and a BA from DePaul University.

Stephanie's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school. Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the college application process or wondered how to best support your homeschooler, then you’re in for a treat with today’s episode featuring the fabulous Stephanie Simpson! As the leading lady of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Stephanie opens up about the crucial role IECs play in helping families navigate the complex educational landscape. She brings her personal and professional experiences to the table, sharing stories of her own children’s educational journeys, including the ups and downs of homeschooling and returning to public school. Throughout our conversation, we explore the evolving needs of families in education and how IECs serve as trusted partners in this journey. Stephanie breaks down what it means to have an independent consultant in your corner, guiding families through everything from transcript creation to understanding college admissions requirements. She emphasizes the importance of early planning and the power of personalized support, reminding us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. With a sprinkle of humor and a wealth of insights, this episode is all about empowering parents to seek the help they need to ensure their kids are set up for success in their educational endeavors. So buckle up, because this chat is going to equip you with all the tools you need to navigate the exciting, albeit sometimes bumpy, road ahead!

Russell Nohelty joins us today to spill the tea on how to optimize joy while still making some serious cash! Imagine a world where you don’t just chase success but actually enjoy the ride—sounds dreamy, right? With over 75 books and years of experience under his belt, Russell’s got the goods to help us all navigate the chaotic waters of entrepreneurship, especially for those juggling families and side hustles. We’re diving deep into how to cut through the noise and find clarity in our lives, all while prioritizing what truly brings us joy. So grab your headphones and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even dance a little as we figure out how to make happiness a priority in our work and home life!

A gift from our guest: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cvj43sfw2c

Frictionless Growth! Build the way you're built by Russell Nohelty

Entrepreneurs don’t fail because they’re untalented. They fail because they’re building the wrong way for who they are.

They copy tactics that don’t fit, chase strategies built for someone else’s energy, and then blame themselves when everything feels harder than it should. Frictionless Growth! shows you how to stop fighting your nature and start building a business that actually works with you instead of against you.

Inside, USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty walks you through a complete, personalized system for finding the place where your natural tendencies, your environment, your growth style, and your creative psychology finally align.

You’ll discover: Your SCALE Path: The growth engine that matches how you naturally create momentum Your Evolution Track: Where you really are in your business cycle (not where you think you “should” be)

Your Ecosystem: The internal environment that determines how you operate best Your HAPI Compass: The four coordinates that reveal your real blocks and the exact solutions that fix them

Your Strategic Playbook: Battle-tested growth strategies that actually fit your architecture Instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s blueprint, you’ll build a business where effort compounds, burnout drops, and progress finally feels inevitable.

If you’re tired of grinding, guessing, and “trying harder,” and you’re ready to build with clarity, confidence, and traction that feels natural… Your Path of Least Friction starts here.

Russell's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Elena Czarnowski joins us today to chat about her mission to help families raise future-ready kids. With over two decades in tech and a passion for education, she's created Kid Laboratories, packed with practical tools for parents to teach crucial skills that schools often overlook. We're diving into the importance of financial literacy, AI awareness, and character development—because let's face it, the future is a wild ride, and our kids need to be strapped in with the right skills! Elena's approach is all about meaningful conversations that can happen in just 10 minutes a week, making it super doable for busy families. So, if you're a parent wondering how to prep your kiddos for a rapidly changing world, this episode is your golden ticket!

Guest Bio - Elena Czarnowski is an educator on a mission to help families raise future-ready kids. With a background in economics, math education, and over two decades in the technology sector, she founded Kid Laboratories to give parents practical tools to teach the skills schools often overlook: financial literacy, AI literacy, character development, and goal setting.

As a mother of three, Elena’s work was inspired by a simple realization: many families want to prepare their children for a rapidly changing world but don’t always know where to start. She created engaging programs, workbooks, camps, and courses designed for busy families who want meaningful conversations in just 10 minutes a week.

Elena is also the author of Future Proof Kids: 10 Minutes a Week, a modern parenting guide focused on helping the next generation build confidence, critical thinking, resilience, and real-world readiness. Her message is clear: the future belongs to kids who understand money, technology, and themselves.

A gift from our guest: Discount Code: 10OFF for courses, books, and workbooks purchased through my website.

@kidlaboratories on Instagram

Elena's Website

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Today, we're diving into some seriously important stuff about how to help our kiddos navigate their feelings. Richard Tierney is here to chat about his two amazing programs designed to teach families that emotions aren't mental disorders but rather our natural instincts. He’s all about helping kids understand that it’s totally cool to feel things—whether it's fear, anxiety, or sadness. We’ll also explore how parents can foster a safe space for these conversations, turning those “tough” feelings into healthy coping skills. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s get ready to sprinkle some positivity on those emotional journeys!

Our guest's book: How to Live Stress & Anxiety Free 24 Hours a Day

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNGLW129

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

Stephanie Lewis joins us for a chat that feels like a warm hug from an old friend! With a background as a school psychologist and a transformational coach, she’s here to sprinkle some wisdom about her unique NeuroDraw system—think of it as brain rewiring for neurodivergent minds, but with a splash of creativity! In our lively discussion, Stephanie dives deep into her personal journey, revealing how she transformed her own struggles with depression and health issues into a passion for helping others. We talk about how her childhood experiences shaped her desire to support families, especially those with kids who might feel like they’re stuck in a loop of anxiety or frustration. It's not all serious business though; we sprinkle in some laughs and light-hearted moments, making this episode not just informative but downright enjoyable! As we explore the nuts and bolts of NeuroDraw, Stephanie explains how this method combines visual motor training and neuroscience, empowering kids and adults alike to express their emotions and thoughts through art. We discuss the importance of externalizing feelings—because let’s face it, sometimes those feelings are just too big to keep bottled up! Stephanie shares some practical tips for parents, like using simple drawing techniques to help children articulate their emotions without the pressure of words. We even get into some playful exercises that families can try together, turning emotional expression into a fun family activity! And let me tell you, by the end of this episode, you’ll be ready to grab a pencil and start doodling your way to happiness! We wrap up with Stephanie sharing her mission of creating a supportive community for neurodivergent individuals and their families. With her upcoming book on the horizon and a treasure trove of resources available, she’s committed to making a difference in the lives of those who feel misunderstood. This episode is not just about learning; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the joy of finding your voice. So grab your headphones and get ready for a delightful journey into the world of NeuroDraw and beyond!

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

In a world that often tells mothers to hustle harder, Amy Pierre-Russo brings a refreshing perspective that prioritizes harmony over hustle. We kick off the episode with Amy's inspiring journey from HR professional to work-life harmony coach. She's not just throwing around buzzwords; she’s out here creating communities where moms can thrive without losing themselves in the process. We tackle the elephant in the room—the mental load that comes with parenting and working—and how it can feel like a heavy backpack that never gets lighter. Amy emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision for your life and career, arguing that with clarity comes the ability to seek support and make meaningful changes. We also chat about the importance of quality time with family, diving into the nuances of how to be present even when life is pulling you in a million different directions. This episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that remind us all that we’re not alone in this parenting journey!

Amy Pierre-Russo has a background in HR and Leadership Coaching. She’s built a work-life harmony coaching practice that helps moms disrupt the hustle cycle and replace it with intentional harmony. She does this through one-on-one coaching and the Harmonious Mom community, a space designed to help mothers pursue their goals without taking a backseat to everyone else’s needs.

@coachingw_amy on Instagram

Amy's Website

A gift from our guest: 10 Easy Ways To Create More Harmony in Your Life Right Now

https://links.ivorey.io/widget/form/aE7iiXFnCTD6QfUcXWr4

Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.

If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!

Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.

Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kids

Follow us on these socials:

Facebook

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook Group - The Family Learning Circle

Facebook Business Page: Vibrant Family Education

Support Bringing Education Home

Copyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt

This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.