EPISODE 193 | Today’s episode is called “SPEAK UP,” and it’s one every parent will recognize. We’re talking about helping kids find their voice—whether that’s confidently chatting with adults, asking questions in unfamiliar settings, standing up for themselves, or eventually stepping into public speaking situations with courage.

Host Janna Koch is joined by Dina Schmid, who brings practical wisdom and real-life experience to the conversation as we explore how children can grow comfortable using their voice in different social situations. From everyday, low-pressure conversations to more formal moments where confidence really matters, we’ll talk about how these skills develop naturally—and how parents can gently support that growth without forcing it.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child speak clearly, confidently, and authentically in a world that asks them to communicate in so many different ways, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about raising kids who know when to speak up, how to speak well, and why their voice matters.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | After transitioning from engineering to follow her passion for teaching, Dina Schmid founded QueenCity Etiquette. In addition to holding certification from the prestigious American School of Protocol, she has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She also has experience homeschooling, living overseas and is certified as a life coach. She uses her unique combination of skills to bring out the confident speaker she believes is inside of everyone no matter their background. Find out more about admission interviews here.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 192 |
In this episode of Homeschool Your Way, we explore the power of intergenerational learning and how the wisdom, stories, and skills of different generations can enrich a child’s education. From grandparents sharing lived experiences to younger adults passing along fresh perspectives, we look at how a mix of ages creates a fuller, more meaningful learning environment. Discover practical ways to invite grandparents, neighbors, and family friends into your homeschool rhythm—and see how these connections can strengthen academics, spark curiosity, and build lifelong relationships. This episode celebrates the beautiful truth that learning doesn’t happen in isolation—it grows stronger when generations learn together. Here's a handy sheet to keep on hand.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Since 2014, Juliana Young has been working with older adults and their families in the home care field, helping them navigate the changes that come with aging and setting up the right services to support independence at home. Her passion for this work began with her own family's experience—when her parents hired a home care company, they witnessed firsthand the power of caregivers to bring companionship, engagement, and dignity to daily life. About six years ago, she discovered the world of intergenerational communication after hearing a podcast that explored creative ways to connect older adults and youth. That moment sparked her curiosity—and ultimately inspired her to help bridge generations through meaningful conversation and shared experiences.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, send an email to [email protected]. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 191 | In this episode of Homeschool Your Way, host Janna Koch sits down with The Burned Out Educator to explore the world of educational choice—what it means, why it matters, and how it’s transforming the way families and teachers approach learning. Together, they discuss how educational choice resources empower educators and parents with flexibility, accessibility, and creativity in the classroom and at home. Listeners will gain insight into how educational choice supports personalized learning, encourages collaboration, and helps rekindle a passion for teaching and learning. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or an educator seeking fresh inspiration, this conversation offers practical ideas and renewed motivation to make education more open, engaging, and sustainable.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | JOE MARINO

In 2020, I experienced the highest highs and lowest lows of my career. I achieved my dream job—becoming a high school head coach after years as an assistant—but shortly after, a serious health scare forced me to make a difficult choice: continue in a career I loved or prioritize my life and well-being. Today, I’ve dedicated my work to helping educators reclaim their time and balance by providing ready-to-use, customizable lesson plans and classroom resources. My goal is to support teachers with tools for in-person, remote, and blended learning, credit recovery, special populations, test prep, and more—so they can focus on teaching, engaging students, and taking care of themselves. Teachers deserve a work-life balance, and I’m here to help make that possible.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, let us know . We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 190 | In this episode, author Chris Landry joins us to share the story behind his book Cajun Kids Adventures, a series inspired by his own family’s experiences. Chris opens up about how he weaves real-life lessons into his writing while also encouraging dads to play an active role in homeschooling. He offers practical advice on how fathers can make learning engaging and fun, while passing down life skills that today’s traditional classrooms often overlook. From outdoor adventures to hands-on projects, Chris shows how dads can enrich their children’s education—and enjoy the journey themselves.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | C.P. Landry is a lifelong resident of South Louisiana and a descendant of the original French Acadians. His wife of over 40 years shares a similar heritage as the fifth generation to hunt and fish the Atchafalaya River Basin. Together, they raised their five children to respect both their heritage and their land. The Cajun Kids Adventures series is loosely based on the experiences, challenges and shenanigans of his children’s unique upbringing

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 189 | Welcome to Homeschool Your Way, the podcast that brings you practical tips, inspiring stories, and resources to customize your homeschool journey.
Today we’re excited to welcome Robin DeMarco, who will share her expertise in physics and how to teach it in Physics You Can Do—an engaging approach that proves physics doesn’t have to be intimidating. From simple, hands-on experiments using everyday materials to real-world applications that connect science to daily life, Robin shows how families can bring energy, motion, and curiosity alive at the kitchen table. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just getting started, this conversation will give you fresh tools and inspiration to make physics both approachable and fun.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Robin DeMarco is a lifelong resident of Western New York, making her home just outside of Buffalo. She attended the State University of New York College at Brockport, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in physics and minors in earth science, mathematics, and education. After graduation, she completed a Master's of Physics Education from the State University of New York at Buffalo.After 20 years of teaching physics, earth science, and forensics in public high schools, Robin left the classroom and started The OnlinePhysics Teacher (https://theonlinephysicsteacher.com). For the past 15 years, she has continued to work with students by providing one-on-one tutoring in physics, from high school to college level. Using her tutoring experience, she noticed a gap in homeschool physics education and set out to fill it.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 188 | On this episode of Homeschool Your Way, we're joined by Dr. Colleen Kelley, a former University of Arizona chemistry professor and the visionary behind Kids Chemical Solutions. Dr. Kelley shares how her innovative comic book series—starring Poppy and Ray—makes complex chemistry concepts accessible and fun for kids ages 8 to 10. Her mission is to combat what she calls "molecular illiteracy," a widespread challenge that leaves many students unprepared for higher-level science. Tune in to discover how early molecular literacy can set the stage for future success in STEM and how homeschoolers can bring engaging, story-driven science into their learning journey.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | Dr. Colleen Kelley
Creating fun and accessible chemistry stories has been a labor of love for Colleen as a retired University of Arizona chemistry professor and author of a series of kid’s chemistry comic books. In 2023, the PBS short documentary, “Comic Book Chemistry” was awarded an Emmy. This documentary centered around Colleen’s vision, chemistry comic book series and her success with teaching college-level chemistry concepts to kids. This vision was then presented as a TEDx talk, “Molecular Literacy for Ages 8 – 108” in 2025. During Colleen’s 30 years of teaching chemistry, she became aware that her students were struggling with basic concepts, including fluency with the symbols for the elements themselves. These comic books, videos, and activities are Colleen’s gift to all future scientists – one that will help them succeed in college chemistry.
Colleen holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 187 | On this episode of Homeschool Your Way, host Janna Koch sits down with Dr. Rob Currie from Judson University to explore creative ways to make history meaningful and memorable for homeschool students. Drawing from his background as a history major and author, Dr. Currie shares hands-on strategies like reader’s theater, historical fiction, debates, and even cooking to bring the past to life. He also offers practical tips on using resources like libraries, Kahoot, and virtual tours to enrich lessons. Tune in as he highlights his WWII novel Hunger Winter and inspires families to weave history into everyday learning.

ABOUT OUR GUEST | ROB CURRIE

Life conspired to get Rob Currie to write books about World War II in the Netherlands. His father served in that great conflict and got him hooked on exciting books which described the courage and bravery of those who fought in that great conflict. Rob believes heroes shine the brightest in the darkest times. His wife is Dutch and one day, his son brought home a three-page story he wrote about World War II in the Netherlands. Rob and his son agreed to write a full-length book for fun, which turned into Hunger Winter: A World War II Novel.

When Rob isn’t writing books for kids, he teaches psychology at Judson University. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, writing humorous poetry, and playing basketball.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 186 | In this powerful episode, host Janna Koch sits down with Camille Kirksey—homeschool mom, thought leader, and author of the newly updated Coming Home. Camille shares a refreshing and empowering perspective on what modern homeschooling can and should look like.

You’ll discover how shifting your mindset can transform your homeschool journey, how to give yourself grace, and why it’s time to let go of outdated ideas about education. Camille dives deep into topics like overcoming decision fatigue, building emotional resilience in kids, and nurturing critical thinking and creativity—skills today’s children truly need.

Through personal stories, Camille offers real-life encouragement and practical strategies for families navigating the evolving homeschool landscape. If you’ve ever questioned how to make homeschooling work for your family—or wondered if you’re “doing it right”—this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 185 | In this episode, we introduce BookShark’s brand-new middle school science curriculum—a dynamic program designed to bring science to life for homeschoolers in grades 6–8. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this innovative curriculum blends engaging literature, guided inquiry, and hands-on experiments to create a seamless and meaningful learning experience.

Discover how each hands-on lab is intentionally connected to the literature students have read in the days leading up to the activity, reinforcing scientific concepts through both storytelling and experimentation. Join us as we talk with Amy R. about how this fresh approach builds confidence, promotes critical thinking, and makes science relevant and exciting—bridging the gap from lab to life.

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.

EPISODE 184 | Homeschool convention season is in full swing—and there’s no better way to explore curriculum options, get inspired, and meet fellow homeschooling families than by attending one in person! In this episode, we dive into the value of homeschool conventions and share where you can find BookShark this year. Whether you're just starting your homeschooling journey or you're a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, conventions offer a hands-on experience like no other.

We’ll cover:

• Why homeschool conventions are a game-changer for parents and students

• Tips for making the most out of your convention visit

• The unique benefits of stopping by the BookShark booth—including curriculum previews, exclusive discounts, and expert advice

• A list of upcoming conventions where you can meet the BookShark team in person

Grab your calendar and tune in to plan your season of inspiration and connection!

Resources Mentioned:

• Visit https://www.bookshark.com/about/convention-schedule for our full 2025 convention schedule

• Learn more about BookShark’s literature-based curriculum at bookshark.com

Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.

If you'd like to share an aha moment, an inspirational quote, a homeschool hack, a book you're loving, or a suggested podcast topic/guest, leave a comment at bookshark.com/podcast. We'd love to feature your reflection on a future episode.