Are you ready to transform your homeschooling journey with the power of creativity and representation? Join Jae as he sits down with Toshi J, an actress and comic creator who is revolutionizing how we think about education and black identity in the arts. This episode explores how passion projects can become powerful teaching tools for the next generation.

In this deep dive, Toshi shares her incredible transition from the theater stage to owning her own publishing house, Midnight Comics. You will learn how a simple frustration with anime endings led to a family business that prioritizes authentic storytelling and diverse characters. Toshi also breaks down her innovative methods for using comics to teach literacy and even mathematics, proving that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning.

Beyond the books, we discuss the realities of homeschooling three children, including navigating education for a child with special needs and the importance of maintaining your own identity as a parent. From the benefits of graphic novels to using Dungeons and Dragons for reading comprehension, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical advice for every creative family.

www.midnightcomics.org melaninminds.carrd.co

BioNatosha (Toshi J) is an actress turned comic creator. Co-founder andeditor in chief of Midnight Comics, she is an award-nominated writerand award-winning comic editor. In 2024, she founded Melanin Minds tohighlight Black women and femmes who work in the comic book industry.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Toshi J

3:15 From acting to comic creation

7:45 The birth of Midnight Comics

12:30 Parenting and finding your identity

16:10 Homeschooling a child with special needs

20:45 Why public school was not the right fit

24:20 Building a homeschool community

28:50 Teaching math through comic books

33:15 Literacy benefits of graphic novels

38:00 Challenging the classic literature model

42:30 The stories behind Midnight Comics characters

47:15 Melanin Minds: Representing black women in comics

51:40 Self-care tips for busy homeschool parents

55:20 D and D and roleplaying for reading comprehension

59:00 Final thoughts and where to find Toshi

Make sure to visit the Midnight Comics website to support Toshi's work and check out the Melanin Minds podcast for more stories from black women in the industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the channel and leave a comment below about how you use creativity in your own homeschool lessons!

#homeschooling #comicbooks #blackcreatives #education #parenting

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the traditional school system or curious about how to make homeschooling work for your family? In this episode, Jae sits down with Regina Sloan to discuss her transition from a standard classroom setting to a life of self-directed learning and conscious parenting. Discover how to reclaim your child's education and your own identity while balancing work, family, and personal growth.Regina shares her personal story of pulling her son out of school after a premature ADHD diagnosis and how that led her to the world of unschooling. She breaks down the myth that homeschooling must look like a traditional classroom and explains how curiosity quests can make learning fun and natural for children of all ages. Beyond education, this conversation dives deep into the importance of mindset, the role of life coaching for women, and how to break generational cycles through conscious parenting.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting to look at your options, this episode provides practical advice on building community, utilizing co-ops, and implementing self-care that actually works. Regina and Jay also discuss the power of informed consent and why every parent deserves to know they have choices when it comes to their child's future.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginasloan/https://tidycal.com/reginasloancoaching/connect-call

Regina Sloan is a mindset coach who helps women make clear decisions, trust themselves, and move forward without overthinking or waiting for perfection.

As a mom of four (ages 6 to 20), she knew early on she wanted something different for her kids—but believed homeschooling wasn’t for her. She thought she had to be rich, white and a stay-at-home mom. Years later, she challenged that thinking, learned to trust herself, and created her own way—one that works for her family.

She teaches you how to think—so you can get clear on what you want, trust your decisions, and build a path that supports both you and your children, while also being able to pivot and navigate natural changes as they occur.

Chapters0:00 Introduction and guest welcome4:15 Challenging the kindergarten ADHD diagnosis9:30 Discovering unschooling and raising free people14:45 The importance of informed consent in education19:10 Balancing a nursing career and business while homeschooling24:30 How to implement curiosity quests in your home29:15 Using AI and modern tools for lesson planning34:00 Finding community through co-ops and meetups39:45 Partner dynamics and sharing the load44:20 Raising free thinkers and avoiding limiting labels49:15 The shift toward conscious parenting54:30 Life coaching for women and mindset shifts59:10 Redefining failure as a path to growth1:03:20 Practical self-care strategies for busy moms1:05:31 Final takeaways and closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more empowering content. Share your biggest takeaway in the comments below.

#homeschooling #unschooling #consciousparenting #lifecoach #blackhomeschoolers

Are you looking for a fun, stress-free way to help your child improve their reading skills? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, we explore how the power of music and singing can transform literacy for struggling readers and build lasting confidence.

Host Jae sits down with Carlo Franzblau, the developer of Tune Into Reading, and consultant Maya Fombelle to discuss a unique approach to education. What started as a software to help people carry a tune evolved into a research-backed literacy program that has helped thousands of students make dramatic gains. We discuss the science behind why singing works for the brain, how repetitive reading builds fluency, and the deep connection between reading struggles and student behavior.

Maya shares her heartwarming experiences as a school counselor seeing kids move from shame to pride as they master new words. Carlo explains the structure of the program, which includes vocabulary building, pitch tracking, and comprehension quizzes. You will also learn about the extensive research from the University of South Florida that proves students can gain a full grade level in reading in just 12 weeks. If you have been searching for a way to make learning to read feel less like a chore and more like a celebration, this episode is for you.

https://www.tuneintoreading.com/

Maya Fombelle is a consultant with Tune into Reading. She has spent her life working withat-risk children in a variety of capacities. She practiced law for 35 years, beginning as aProsecutor in Macon County, Illinois. She developed an interest in a Public Defender positionserving as Guardian Ad Litem for children who were removed from their homes due to abuseand neglect. During her tenure as a PD, she was also assigned as counsel for juveniledefendants and patients facing involuntary mental health commitment. When she and herhusband (Greg) started their family, she took a hiatus from practicing law until their childrenbegan kindergarten. When she returned to work, she and her husband started their own lawfirm. Maya focused on defending youthful offenders during her time at the firm. As a trialattorney for many years assisting children after they had been arrested, Maya decided that shewanted to change careers and be a part of improving the trajectory for at-risk students. Shereturned to graduate school, earning an MS with dual licensure in Clinical and SchoolCounseling. She began her school counseling career in a Catholic High School, where sheworked 4 years until a position opened in a Title I high needs school. Maya worked in a largepublic school district for 3 and a half years until retiring to Florida. During her time at a lowperforming school, (bottom 2% in ELA) Maya began researching ways to help students recovertheir grade level reading skills. She discovered Tune into Reading and the rest is history!

Chapters0:00 Intro and meet the guests3:15 The 25 year journey of Tune Into Reading7:45 How singing helps with visual feedback and pitch11:20 The benefits of repetitive reading through music15:10 Breaking down the four parts of a song lesson19:35 Addressing student shame and behavior through literacy24:15 Improving reading confidence in elementary students28:50 Dealing with the national literacy crisis33:10 Research and peer reviewed results from USF37:45 Accessing the program through Step Up for Students42:20 The importance of self care for parents and teachers47:10 Final advice for parents of struggling readers50:30 Conclusion

Visit the Tune Into Reading website to learn more about their 12 week guarantee and the 4 week trial program. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more resources to support your homeschooling journey and share this video with a fellow parent!

#homeschooling #literacy #readingtips #educationalmusic #tuneintoreading

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Professor Akil Parker joins Jae to discuss how we can revolutionize the way we approach mathematics by bringing it into the home and our daily lives. Learn how to turn everyday moments into educational opportunities while empowering yourself as your child's primary educator.

🏫Professor Parker, the founder of All This Math, shares his journey from memorizing formulas to developing a deep conceptual love for the subject. He explains why parents are the most underutilized resource in a child's education and how we can bridge the gap between reading literacy and math proficiency. From using nutrition labels for lemonade math to exploring 'histematics' by connecting historical dates with equations, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for homeschoolers and traditional students alike.

📚We also explore the deeper purpose of subjects like geometry, which Professor Parker describes as a tool for logic and building cogent arguments rather than just a study of shapes. Whether you are a parent looking to support your child or an adult healing from your own math trauma, this episode provides the inspiration and tools needed to make math palatable, comfortable, and even fun. ✨

Instagram: @All This Math

Facebook: @All This Math

TikTok: @All This Math

YouTube: @All This Math

Akil Parker is the founder and CEO of All This Math, LLC, an educational services company aimed at drastically improving the relationship between Mathematics and the Black Community.

The company was founded in 2017 and offers math tutoring as well as educational consulting, professional development, and other math instructional resources. His company maintains a free YouTube channel with over 1,000 tutorial videos ranging from arithmetic to calculus. On the channel viewers are able to access simplified math instruction infused with Black History and culture. More recently, Mr. Parker has begun offering parent workshops to help parents understand what many refer to as “New Math” to be able to help their children with math homework assignments.

He previously served as a math professor at both Cheyney University and LaSalle University where he taught Math Methods courses to aspiring K-12 teachers. He has been a math educator for almost 21 years having started out as a high school math teacher in the School District of Philadelphia in early 2005.

In 2023 Akil Parker authored his first book, 'How To Use All This Math, Volume 1,’ a guidebook instructing parents/guardians in how to use everyday activities to develop arithmetic, algebra, and geometry skills in their children. Be on the lookout for Volume 2 in the series. Akil Parker also believes that one of the ways that we can increase math proficiency in the community is by simply having more positive conversations about mathematics and amplifying its usefulness in daily life. As such he has been featured on over 200 podcasts and radio programs throughout the country discussing this topic as a means to refute much of the prevailing negative propaganda surrounding mathematics as a subject.

In 2019, he coined the term ‘Histematics’ which is a teaching framework that uses Black History to teach mathematics and mathematics to teach Black History. He can also be found on the Knarrative online education platform teaching his weekly Histematics course. In the summer months, he provides his Histematics Summer Program to Baltimore youth where they receive exposure to important literature regarding Black History and how to perform quantitative analysis of that literature using arithmetic, algebra, statistics, etc.

His greatest achievement by far is being the father of three children - Nasim (age 20), Assata(age 13), and Kwame (age 6). Lastly, Akil Parker is a firm believer that math should be used as a tool of liberation and something to run towards instead of away from.

Are you looking for a way to empower your child to become a change-maker in their own community? In this episode of the Home School Yo Kids podcast, we dive deep into the vision behind EverRoot Academy, a unique virtual school that goes beyond traditional academics. Join us as founder Katelynn Stone shares her journey from the public school system to creating a space where students lead with global consciousness and civic action.

In this conversation, Jae and Katelynn discuss the realities of the modern education system and why many families are seeking alternatives. Katelynn shares her extensive background as an educator across multiple states and how those experiences shaped her mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for learners.

From addressing curriculum censorship to fostering community-based projects, this episode is packed with insights for any parent interested in raising conscious, proactive children.Key topics include the importance of student agency, how to integrate global news into daily learning, and the specific ways EverRoot Academy supports military and world-schooling families. You will also hear about the power of teaching kids to use their voices in local government and the impact of community-centered education.

https://www.everrootacademy.com/

Katelynn Stone is the founder of EverRoot Academy, an educator, coach, consultant, special education leader, and administrator with 18 years of experience. She has empowered children, educators, counselors, military leaders, spouses, and policymakers across a wide variety of communities. As an Air Force spouse and mother, she is committed to expanding access to high-quality education for mobile learners and students underserved or excluded by traditional systems, offering a consistent, learner-centered program accessible from anywhere in the world. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, a K–12 administrative certification, and 6–12 ELA certification with an ESL endorsement.

Video edited by: Nexus [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | Fiverr

Chapters0:00 Intro and Welcome2:30 Katelynn Stone's Journey in Education5:15 Experiences in Public vs. Charter Schools8:45 Teaching in Denver and Texas12:20 Navigating Education Culture in Florida16:10 The Inspiration Behind Everroot Academy19:45 Global Critical Consciousness and Daily News23:30 Bridging the Gap Between School and Community27:15 Empowering Students to Find Solutions31:00 Teaching Kids to Use Their Voice35:45 Support for Military and World-Schooling Families39:15 Flexible Programming and Tutoring Options43:00 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders46:30 Final Advice and How to Connect

Visit homeschoolyokids.com to learn more about our upcoming expos and resources. If you enjoyed this interview, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. Let us know in the comments how you are empowering your kids to make a difference today!

#homeschooling #educationreform #studentagency #communityengagement #everrootacademy

Are you tired of watching your child struggle in a school system that prioritizes standardized testing over their true potential? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Karina Streeter as we explore how to align education with your child's natural talents and future career goals.In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with educator and visionary Karina Streeter to discuss the revolutionary work being done at STEAMA Academy and INI International. Karina shares her powerful journey from being a frustrated school administrator to creating a curriculum that bridges the gap between academics and the real world. We dive deep into why traditional high school often misses the mark and how apprenticeships, mentorship, and hands-on learning can transform a student's outlook on life.You will learn about the importance of understanding how a child's brain works through assessments rather than rigid tests. We also discuss the role of AI as a collaborative tool for students, the necessity of emotional intelligence, and why building a supportive community is vital for homeschooling success. Karina also touches on the importance of parental self-care and being intentional about finding joy while raising the next generation of leaders.

Steama Academy | Tampa Florida | Academic Success

Chapters0:00 Welcome and introduction to Karina Streeter3:15 The mission of STEAMA Academy and INI International6:40 Transitioning from administration to educational innovation10:20 Why mentorship changes the perspective of high schoolers14:15 Moving beyond worksheets to real world purpose18:30 Using assessments to understand how a child learns23:10 Connecting students with local business internships27:45 The reality of college prep vs. trade skills32:15 Breaking the cycle of labels in the classroom36:50 Entrepreneurship and financial literacy for young kids41:10 Overcoming fear and finding your village45:30 Why learning history and culture matters49:40 The role of AI and technology in modern education53:25 Self-care strategies for busy homeschool parents57:11 Conclusion and final thoughtsIf this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe for more tips on empowering your children through home education. Make sure to check out the resources mentioned in the video to help guide your child toward a future they love.#homeschooling #STEMeducation #careerreadiness #parenting #educationalfreedom

Are you tired of watching your grocery bill skyrocket every single week? In this episode, grocery industry veteran Carol shares insider secrets to help you slash your food costs and stop wasting money on items you already have. Whether you are a homeschool parent on a budget or just looking to navigate rising food inflation, these expert tips will change the way you shop.

Carol brings over 60 years of grocery experience to the table, sharing her journey from running a family corner market to navigating the challenges of the modern food industry. She breaks down the common traps shoppers fall into, such as assuming bulk packages are always cheaper or throwing away perfectly good food based on confusing sell-by dates. You will learn practical strategies for organizing your pantry, freezing perishables like milk and meat, and selecting the highest quality produce to ensure nothing goes to waste.

🛒 Key insights from this episode:

📍 How to save up to 1,500 dollars a year by reducing food waste

📍 The difference between sell-by dates and actual expiration

📍 Why unit pricing is more important than the total price tag

📍 Insider tricks for freezing everyday items to extend their life

📍 How to plan meals around supermarket sales and loyalty points

Home | CarolAnnKates.com

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Carol and her grocery legacy

4:15 The struggle of mom and pop stores against corporations

8:45 Transitioning from the market to writing grocery secrets

13:30 Analyzing the impact of global food inflation

17:45 Organizing your kitchen to prevent overbuying

22:15 How to maximize loyalty cards and fuel points

26:30 Bulk buying traps and checking unit prices

31:15 The hidden cost of pre-cut and pre-washed produce

36:00 Decoding sell-by dates for eggs and dairy

41:00 Expert tips for freezing milk and ground beef

45:45 How to select and store fresh produce properly

50:30 The reality of independent grocery stores today

55:15 Final takeaways and self-care for busy parents

59:37 Conclusion

If you found these tips helpful, make sure to like this video and subscribe for more expert advice on managing your home and family. Check out the links in the description to find Carol’s books and start saving on your next shopping trip.

#groceryshopping #savingmoney #foodinflation #mealplanning #budgeting

Empower your children by giving them a foundation rooted in greatness rather than struggle. In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with educator Gareth to discuss the transformative power of classical African history. If you have ever felt that traditional school curriculums fall short in representing the true depth of heritage, this conversation will provide the roadmap you need.Gareth explains why it is essential to move beyond a narrative that begins with slavery and instead focus on the thousands of years of excellence that came before. We dive deep into how understanding your roots acts as an anchor, filtering out negativity and providing the nutrients of inspiration needed to thrive in the modern world. You will learn about the incredible contributions of Nile Valley civilizations, including how ancestors invented geometry and algebra to solve real-world problems.🚀 We also discuss the practical side of homeschooling, from building strong family bonds to the importance of being a life learner alongside your children. Gareth shares details about his online program, Your African History, which is designed for all ages with video lessons, games, and extensive scholarship. This episode is a call to reclaim our narrative and show our children that they come from a legacy of kings, queens, and inventors.Explore the curriculum at: YourAfricanHistory.comGareth Murray created Your African History to empower parents and educators with atransformative curriculum that instills supreme confidence in youth through a deep andempowering understanding of our classical African heritage. Currently implemented inschools across Atlanta, Chicago, Mississippi, and San Antonio, the program serves as avital resource for those seeking to give students a strong sense of self as they prepare tonavigate and transform the world.Gareth’s commitment to education is rooted in a family legacy spanning over a century,beginning with his great-grandparents at the historic Dorchester Academy in Georgia. Withtwo decades of teaching experience, he has worked with diverse age groups ranging fromelementary students to graduate-level learners. His professional journey has extended farbeyond the classroom, taking him to Ghana, England, Switzerland, and the Bahamas.In addition to his work with the curriculum, Gareth serves as a Mid-Atlantic regional vicepresident for the Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC).Through his leadership and teaching, he continues to advocate for a holistic view of Blackhistory that stretches far beyond the American experience, empowering the next generationto see the greatness of their African ancestors as a mirror for the greatness withinthemselves.Video edited by: Nexus [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | FiverrChapters0:00 Introduction to Gareth and Jae2:45 The passion for classical African history5:30 Why traditional resources fall short8:15 Transitioning from homeschooling to public school11:00 the importance of the family bond14:20 Coming from a lineage of educators17:45 How identity impacts academic success21:10 The African origins of geometry and algebra24:40 Instilling confidence in every room28:15 Breaking free from the survival narrative31:50 Exploring the Your African History platform35:10 Understanding the importance of roots38:45 Reclaiming the history of Kemet and Egypt42:30 Distorting history to justify colonialism45:50 The value of being a life learner48:20 Self-care and the power of music50:30 Final words of encouragementVisit the website mentioned in the video to explore the curriculum and start your family journey of discovery today. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more educational insights!#homeschooling #africanhistory #education #blackhistory #parenting

Are you tired of applying band aid solutions to your child's learning struggles? Discover how brain training can address the root causes of ADHD, auditory processing issues, and cognitive gaps to unlock your child's full potential.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Deana Smith, the Executive Director of Learning RX Jacksonville Beach. Deana shares her powerful journey from being an educator to a brain training advocate after discovering how neuroplasticity transformed her own sons life. Unlike traditional tutoring, brain training focuses on the seven core cognitive skills including memory, attention, and processing speed to create lasting changes in how the brain functions.

Deana dives deep into the science of functional neurology and explains why brain health today is where heart health was in the 1950s. The conversation covers essential topics for every parent, such as the impact of screen time on dopamine levels, the critical link between gut health and focus, and how to use positive affirmations to support mental health. Whether you are homeschooling or looking for alternative support for a neurodivergent child, this episode provides hope backed by results.

Brain-based Training | Learn and Think Easier | LearningRx

Chapters0:00 Intro and meet Deana Smith3:15 A personal journey with ADHD and auditory processing7:45 The Learning RX model and research11:30 Root causes vs coping skills15:20 What is brain training exactly19:40 The 7 core cognitive skills explained23:15 How brain training games and drills work27:50 Brain health and preventative care31:45 The impact of screens and dopamine35:20 Gut health as the second brain39:10 Self care and the power of affirmations43:05 Three key takeaways for parents46:20 Closing thoughts and resources

Check out the links in the description to learn more about Learning RX and how to support your childs unique learning journey. Don't forget to like this video and subscribe for more homeschool inspiration.

#homeschooling #braintraining #adhdsupport #learningrx #neuroplasticity

Are you concerned about the literacy gap in our schools and looking for a better way to support your child's reading journey?

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae welcomes Shamile Childs, the founder of Reading Pro Virtual Learning and a veteran literacy specialist. Shamile shares her eye-opening transition from the traditional classroom to becoming an advocate for the science of reading. 📚

Throughout this conversation, Shamile discusses the systemic failures within teacher preparation programs and why so many educators are left without the tools they need to teach reading effectively. She breaks down the science of reading, explaining how systematic phonics and decoding can help nearly every child become a proficient reader. You will hear about the alarming data from the nations report card and the personal experiences that led Shamile to homeschool her own son to protect his education and well being.

This episode is packed with insights for any parent or educator who wants to move the needle on student achievement and understand the true mechanics of literacy. 💡

https://readingprovirtuallearningllc.skipsites.com/?websiteId=readingprovirtuallearningllc&deploymentUrl=bifrost-koc1wzufv-hello-skip.vercel.app

Shamile Childs is the founder of Reading Pro Virtual Learning and an experienced educator, literacy specialist, and former assistant principal with over a decade of experience supporting student achievement. Throughout her career, she has worked in classrooms and school leadership roles across multiple states, witnessing firsthand the impact that strong early foundations have on long-term academic success.In addition to her professional experience, Shamile has intermittently homeschooled her son during three different periods of his elementary years, giving her a personal understanding of the rewards families experience when guiding learning at home.Driven by a passion for early literacy and whole-child development, she partners with families to build essential skills in reading, writing, math, and critical thinking for young learners. Her work focuses on preparing Pre-K through third-grade students with the foundational tools they need to thrive in school and beyond.As both an educator and parent advocate, she is committed to equipping families with practical strategies that support confident, capable learners.

Chapters0:00 Introduction to Shamile Childs and Reading Pro4:05 The Journey Through Teach for America8:20 Transitioning into Instructional Coaching12:45 What is the Science of Reading17:15 Why 80 Percent of Words Can Be Decoded21:30 The Problem with Teacher Preparation Programs25:50 Understanding the Nations Report Card30:15 Confronting Bias in the Education System34:45 Why Shamile Decided to Homeschool Her Son38:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMake sure to subscribe to the channel for more episodes that empower you on your homeschooling journey. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your experience with literacy instruction in schools. ✨#homeschooling #literacy #scienceofreading #educationreform #readingpro