In this episode of The Torch Mom Podcast with Tia Lilley, I share my story of walking away from a career in education to build a life of freedom through homeschooling.

I open up about my journey from being a 26-year-old principal and workaholic to becoming a homeschool mom who finally found peace, purpose, and joy at home. We talk about the fears I faced leaving the system, how motherhood completely changed my definition of success, and what freedom truly looks like for our family today.

Tia and I also dive into how I’m helping other moms simplify homeschooling, find calm in their days, and build homes that feel good to live and learn in.

If you’ve ever wondered what it might look like to trade the chaos for calm and create a life you actually love waking up to — this one’s for you.

🔖 Chapters

00:00 — Childhood lessons from strong women

04:30 — From dolls to principal: how teaching found me

07:30 — Pregnancy, power, and learning to slow down

12:00 — An unexpected labor story (and a 9½ cm surprise)

19:00 — What kids really crave in education

22:00 — Safety scares and the moment I knew I couldn’t go back

27:00 — The sculptor’s journey: chipping away toward freedom

36:00 — The tears, fear, and faith of leaving the system

37:30 — What “freedom” looks like for our homeschool

39:00 — Protecting the fun — and why play matters

45:00 — Balancing motherhood, business, and self-care

49:00 — Dreaming of location freedom and travel learning

52:00 — Helping other moms simplify homeschool planning

56:00 — Encouragement for overwhelmed moms

59:00 — Mirror work, gratitude, and the art of becoming

1:08:00 — The legacy of confident, joyful kids

1:09:00 — The Homeschool for Freedom Expo vision

1:12:00 — One word that defines motherhood: Freeing

🔗 Resources & Links

* 📘 Homeschool for Freedom Planner

* 🗓 Join the Homeschool for Freedom Expo Waitlist

* 🎧 Subscribe to The Torch Mom Podcast

* Follow The Torch Mom Podcast on Instagram

* Follow me on Instagram: @theorganizedhomeschool

* Listen & subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Substack

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com