Subscribe to Un•Religiously on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnReligiously

What happens when a homeschooled teenager raised in a deeply evangelical environment suddenly enters a community college classroom filled with new ideas, identities, and worldviews?

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with YouTuber Lauren Howe, creator of the Un•Religiously channel, to talk about growing up homeschooled in a highly religious environment and navigating the massive culture shock of entering public education and college.

Lauren shares how her family originally started homeschooling due to learning challenges like ADHD, but over time became immersed in the evangelical homeschool culture of the early 2000s. She reflects on everything from joking that school buses were “prison buses” as a kid to grappling with evolution, gender identity, and even yoga classes for the first time in college.

The conversation explores both the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling, the influence of homeschool culture beyond parents themselves, and the complicated process of reconciling faith with new perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Sneak Peek

00:50 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club

01:52 Lauren’s Background

04:09 Is Public School Really That Bad?

07:11 Homeschool Culture Influence

08:35 Homeschooling Pros and Cons

10:27 What Parents Did Well

11:51 Testing Out and Dual Enrollment

13:43 Transition and Socialization

17:03 Faith vs Evolution

20:45 Yoga and Moral Panic

22:48 Four Year College Next

24:18 Pop Culture Catch Up

26:59 College Culture Shock

27:53 Hiding Homeschool Roots

29:27 Spotting Fellow Homeschoolers

30:16 Unreligiously Channel Mission

33:06 Deconstruction First Dominoes

37:26 Fear Silence And Fallout

40:09 Seeing Prayer As Love

43:00 Catching Up On Pop Culture

45:20 Homeschooling X Factor

47:38 Advice For New Homeschoolers

51:51 Religious Liberty Commission Warning

53:26 Final Thanks And Wrap

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at [email protected]

Want to be alerted when new episodes drop? Join the newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with my cousin Amanda, a second-grade public school teacher with 13 years of classroom experience, to explore education from the “dark side.” Haha!

Amanda shares what it’s really like inside today’s public schools: what works, what’s frustrating, and what’s changed over the last decade. From student teaching stories to advocating for kids who need services, she offers an honest look at the realities teachers face, including funding challenges, inclusion classrooms, and navigating parents who are (and aren’t) involved.

We also talk candidly about homeschooling; the myths, the shifts in perception, and the surprising reality that even a public school teacher might consider homeschooling her own children.

Key Points

• Why Amanda believes second grade is the “sweet spot” 
• What student teaching really looks like (including full classroom takeover)
• How public education has shifted in the last 13 years
• The reality of funding and where resources actually go
• Why parental involvement makes a massive difference
• The biggest myth Amanda had about homeschooling
• Why she’s now reconsidering homeschooling for her own kids
• What kids actually remember about school (hint: not the standards)

If this episode hit home, share it with a parent, teacher, or anyone who's ever wondered what's really going on in our schools. Leave a comment and tell Jacob what landed for you.

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at [email protected]

Chapters

00:00 Why She Loves Teaching the Little Ones (Kinder–3rd Vibes)

00:42 Growing Up Public Schooled: Favorite Teachers & Loving School

02:40 When the ‘I Want to Teach’ Lightbulb Turned On

05:15 College Path + Getting Credentialed (5-Year Track)

06:36 Student Teaching Stories: Kindergarten, 6th Grade & Full Class Takeover

09:43 13 Years in the Classroom: Landing in 2nd Grade for Good

10:47 Why Second Grade Is the Sweet Spot: Independence & Interests Bloom

13:23 Which Grades Are ‘Best’ to Teach? (And Why Junior High Is a No)

15:19 Homeschooling From the Other Side: Myths, Social Life & Changing Views

18:19 Homeschool Reality Check: Isolation, Co-ops, and Different Kids Thrive Differently

20:00 How Public School Has Changed: Funding, Services, and Advocating for Kids

23:14 Fighting for Students Without Support at Home

23:40 Where the Money Goes: New Schools vs. Student Services

25:32 Is Public Education ‘Broken’? Advocacy & Community Support

26:21 Parents: Get Involved, Ask Questions, Know Your Rights

29:39 Beyond Parents: Voting, Bonds, and Showing Up to Board Meetings

32:03 Has a Public School Teacher Considered Homeschooling?

34:10 Homeschool Reality Check: Space, Structure, and the Mom/Teacher Blur

36:44 How Much Freedom Do Teachers Have? Standards, Pacing, and Customization

40:57 What Kids Actually Remember: Hands-On Learning Over Test Prep

42:36 Final Takeaway: Whatever You Choose, Stay Involved

44:29 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Call to Action

Get on the newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

What happens when homeschooling meets full-time travel, nature-based learning, and a family determined to break out of traditional education models? In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, Jacob sits down with Kayla Mathieu to explore her family’s roadschooling journey, how travel shaped her children’s education, and why reconnecting with nature has become a central pillar in their homeschooling philosophy.

Kayla shares how her family successfully visited all 50 states while educating their children on the road, the challenges of adapting to different learning styles, and how stepping outside conventional classroom structures helped her kids thrive. She also discusses the importance of flexibility, community, and self-grace for families navigating homeschooling.

From nervous system regulation through outdoor experiences to practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, this episode offers a thoughtful and balanced look at alternative education through lived experience.

Quick Hits

• Kayla’s family traveled to all 50 states while roadschooling their children
• How travel and experiential learning shaped her children’s education
• Adapting homeschooling methods to accommodate different learning styles
• The role of nature in supporting emotional regulation and mental health
• The realities of transitioning from traditional education structures to flexible learning
• Advice for parents considering homeschooling and finding educational approaches that fit their family
• The importance of homeschool communities and support networks

Connect with Kayla Mathieu

• Wandering Past Limits Blog: https://www.wanderingpastlimits.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wanderingpastlimits

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:56 Meet Kayla: A Homeschooling Journey Begins

01:18 Challenges in Traditional Schooling

10:44 A Turning Point: Deciding to Homeschool

11:46 First Year of Homeschooling: Learning the Ropes

14:52 Finding the Right Curriculum

19:32 Integrating Travel with Learning

21:10 Revolutionary War History and East Coast Travels

21:54 Navigating ADHD and Autism in Homeschooling

22:45 Socialization and RV Homeschooling Groups

26:02 Favorite Travel Destinations

27:12 Individualized Homeschooling Approaches

29:24 Reconnecting with Nature

34:00 Advice for New Homeschooling Families

36:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Tess Ulrey, Executive Director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). Tess shares her experience growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, transitioning in and out of public, private, and international schools, and how those experiences shaped her work advocating for homeschool children today.

Together, they unpack the privilege embedded in homeschooling, the blurry lines between homeschooling and unschooling, the challenges many homeschool alumni face in college and adulthood, and why responsible oversight matters—not to punish families, but to protect kids.

This conversation explores the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of homeschooling, including abuse, neglect, and the gaps that exist in state laws across the U.S.

Key Topics Covered

• Tess’s experience being homeschooled in Michigan, Japan, and Germany

• Homeschooling vs. unschooling—and why the line is blurrier than ever

• The role of privilege in homeschooling decisions

• Transitioning from homeschooling to college and adult life

• Why many homeschool alumni hide their education background

• How public schools and community organizations fill critical support gaps

• The mission and work of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education

• The reality of abuse, neglect, and lack of oversight in homeschooling laws

• Current legislation impacting homeschool children in the U.S.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.org
• Homeschooling's Invisible Children Database: https://hic.crhe.org

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at [email protected]
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

If you’re a former homeschooler, your story matters. Consider connecting with CRHE to support research, advocacy, and responsible policy that centers the lived experiences of homeschool alumni.

Chapters

00:00 Coming Up

00:44 Meet Tess Ulrey

01:43 Tess's Homeschooling Journey

04:12 Transitioning Between Education Systems

08:14 Defining Homeschooling and Unschooling

10:17 Challenges and Benefits of Unschooling

14:09 College and Career: Post-Homeschooling Life

18:18 Nonprofit Work and Community Support

23:03 Public Schooling Decision for Tess's Kids

26:41 The Coalition for Responsible Home Education

33:05 How to Get Involved with CRHE

44:42 Conclusion and Call to Action

Join the newsletter here: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

What happens when homeschooling leaves the house and hits the open road? In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Robin (aka BG Barnstormer), a former homeschooling mom who spent three years educating her kids while living full-time in an RV. Robin shares how a rotating pilot schedule led her family to homeschooling, how community support shaped their early years, and what really happens when learning differences, sensory needs, and emotional regulation collide in 350 square feet. Whether you’re a homeschool parent, an ex-homeschooler, or just curious about alternative education paths, this episode is packed with practical insight and lived experience.

*Key Topics Covered*

- Why a nontraditional work schedule pushed the family toward homeschooling

- Building community through Classical Conversations and homeschool co-ops

- Recognizing reading challenges, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and tracking issues

- The power of audiobooks for kids with learning differences

- Emotional regulation tools and “quiet corners” for kids (and adults)

- How homeschooling in an RV forces flexibility and creativity

- Why getting a diagnosis can be empowering, not limiting

- Transitioning from homeschooling into online public school

*Connect with Robin*

- Website: https://bgbarnstormer.com

- Blog Post Mentioned: https://bgbarnstormer.com/autism-spectrum/snowflakes-understanding-our-unique-self/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgbarnstormer

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGBarnstormer

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

*Connect with Me*

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub

Email me at [email protected]

*Chapters*

00:00 Introduction to the Ex Homeschoolers Club

00:45 Meet Robin: The Homeschooling Mom on the Road

01:55 The Decision to Homeschool

04:34 Early Homeschooling Days and Community Building

11:50 Homeschooling Challenges and Learning Difficulties

28:36 Homeschooling in an RV: Strategies and Adaptations

31:53 Creating Quiet Spaces for Emotional Regulation

33:33 The Importance of Regulation Tools

49:02 Navigating Public Online Schooling

55:54 Experiential Learning Through Travel

01:00:07 Robin’s Book and Blog

01:03:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Wanna be on the podcast? Email your homeschool experience to [email protected]

In this end of year episode I'm reflecting on the incredible year of conversations, stories, and community we've creating in the ex-homeschoolers club. Get a little sneak peek of what's coming in early 2026 and some of the ideas I've got percolating.

Resources & Links

- Email the show: [email protected]

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub- Learn more about the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE): https://crhe.org

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:23 Thank You For Coming On The Journey

00:53 Happy Holidays

01:26 Sneak Peek of 2026

03:01 What's Changing in 2026

04:34 I Need Your Feedback

06:59 That's All Folks

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Former public school teacher turned world traveler Patti Hunt joins Jacob to unpack what teachers really think about homeschoolers, why she eventually wished she homeschooled her own kids, and how road-schooling families are reshaping modern education. Patti also shares her journey from the classroom to RV life, and the powerful lesson that pushed her to stop waiting and start living.

Key Points

• What 20 years in public schools taught her about kids, parents, and the system
• Myths homeschoolers believe about public school — and what’s actually true
• Patti’s honest experience growing up in Philadelphia’s school system
• How teacher bias shows up in classrooms (even unintentionally)
• Why she now believes homeschooling can be powerful...but not for everyone
• Patti’s transition from teaching to entrepreneurship to RV travel
• The road-schooling families she met and the hilarious moment she told one she was a public school teacher
• The urgent lesson from her mother’s final days: don’t wait to live your life
• Practical encouragement for parents who feel guilty about their choices

Connect with Patti

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/10YFZMzAmwA305cI4W5Db5?si=1a0d269337d44814
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at [email protected]

Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:21 Meet Patti Hunt: A Journey from Teaching to Traveling01:43 Patti's Teaching Career: From Business to Education04:28 Homeschooling vs. Public School: Myths and Realities13:46 Parental Involvement in Education16:28 The RV Life: From Classroom to Open Road19:21 Road Schooling: Educating on the Move22:00 Parental Guilt and School Choices22:26 Homeschooling Success Stories24:11 Rethinking College Education26:41 The Value of Hands-On Learning28:53 Exploring the United States33:47 Encouraging Spontaneous Travel39:12 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Education

This week on the pod, I sit down with long-time friend Hannah to unpack her deeply personal journey through homeschooling, neurodivergence, and self-discovery. Growing up in a chaotic Christian homeschool environment with six siblings, Hannah reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and how a lack of structure and support shaped her sense of self-worth. She opens up about entering adulthood feeling unprepared, navigating community college with massive anxiety, and later discovering she’s neurodivergent, a revelation that reframed her entire childhood. Now working in education and pursuing behavioral-tech certification, Hannah shares how therapy, understanding, and self-compassion have helped her rebuild confidence and reclaim her love of learning. This conversation is raw, insightful, and incredibly validating for anyone who felt “behind” growing up homeschooled.

Key Points

• Big family life, AWANA memories, and mime team culture
• How chaos, parental conflict, and lack of structure shaped her education
• Feeling “behind” and “dumb” the long-term effects of educational neglect
• Navigating college without foundational skills
• Discovering she’s neurodivergent at 30 & how therapy reframed everything
• Sensory issues, coping strategies, overstimulation, and emotional regulation
• Homeschooling today vs. “the bubble” we grew up in

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Ex Homeschoolers Club

00:32 Childhood Memories and AWANA Days

07:39 Homeschooling and Family Dynamics

12:10 Struggles with Education and Self-Worth

16:23 College Challenges and Career Choices

20:39 Discovering Neurodivergence and Therapy

29:42 Managing Overstimulation

30:30 Dealing with Everyday Frustrations

33:10 Understanding Neurodivergence

37:06 Homeschooling Reflections

43:29 Big Family Dynamics

46:39 Advice for Future Homeschoolers

49:48 Pursuing New Learning Opportunities

53:20 Homeschool Memories

55:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at [email protected]

This week I sit down with Ashley Peek, a current homeschool parent, content creator, and founder of the Secular Homeschool Revolution. Ashley shares her journey from navigating a broken public school system to creating a thriving secular progressive homeschool community in Texas. She opens up about her daughter’s challenge getting the IEP services she needed, the struggle to find inclusive co-ops, and how she built a space that celebrates diversity, social justice, and child-led learning.Together, we unpack the evolution of homeschooling beyond religion—covering everything from micro schools and anti-racist curriculum to sex education and the role of community in raising curious, confident kids.🔑 Key Points- How Ashley transitioned from frustrated parent to homeschooling advocate- What “secular progressive homeschooling” really means—and why it matters- The challenges of finding (and creating) inclusive co-ops for families of color- Building child-led education through clubs, field trips, and micro schooling- The importance of sex education, open conversations, and justice-centered learning- How homeschooling parents can still advocate for better public schools- Why mutual aid and community support are essential for homeschool success🔗 References & Guest Links- Podcast “Secular Homeschool Revolution”: https://open.spotify.com/show/5O8R301kT316E67DOf6y17?si=df7803f117334631- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secular_homeschool_mama- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secular_homeschool_revolution⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Secular Progressive Homeschooling00:22 Meet Ashley Peek: Homeschool Parent and Content Creator02:03 Ashley’s Homeschooling Journey: Challenges and Decisions08:25 Building a Secular Progressive Homeschool Community15:59 Defining Secular Progressive Homeschooling25:34 Co-op and Micro Schooling: A New Approach40:23 Experiential Learning at Home41:18 The Role of Curriculum in Homeschooling42:14 Unschooling: Pros and Cons45:27 Encouraging Deep Dives into Interests46:42 Real-Life Skills vs. Academic Knowledge48:55 The Importance of Play and Exploration49:47 Parental Responsibility in Education59:20 Community Support in Homeschooling01:01:12 Advocacy for Public Education01:01:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at [email protected]

This week I'm reconnecting with longtime friend Stephanie to unpack her full-circle journey through homeschooling, early marriage, motherhood, and now parenting kids in public school. Stephanie shares candid reflections on growing up in an unstructured homeschool environment, her surprising enrollment into El Camino, and the decision to homeschool her own children—before realizing public school was the right fit. We explore the tension between faith, education, and identity in the homeschool world, revealing how breaking away led to personal growth, renewed curiosity, and healthier family dynamics.🔑 *Key Points*- Stephanie’s experience growing up in a large, loosely structured homeschool family- Transitioning from homeschool to El Camino and earning her GED- Early marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of homeschooling her own kids- Letting go of the “public school is evil” mindset- Rediscovering a love for learning as an adult through podcasts and books🔗 *References & Mentions*- Adventures in Odyssey- Group Solutions Homeschool Co-op- El Camino Independent Study Program- Ken Ham / Answers in Genesis (mentioned critically)⏰ *Timestamps*00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:55 Meet Stephanie: A Lifelong Homeschooler01:46 Homeschooling Dynamics and Family Life06:52 Extracurricular Activities and Group Solutions12:45 Transition to El Camino and GED Journey20:07 Homeschooling Her Own Kids24:17 Rethinking Education Choices25:42 Public vs. Homeschooling: A Personal Journey26:18 Challenging Public School Stereotypes28:39 Parental Involvement in Public School30:22 Balancing Exposure and Protection35:12 Advice for Prospective Homeschoolers38:42 Rediscovering the Love of Learning42:20 Unique Homeschool Memories45:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at [email protected]