Welcome to the “Metheny Manifesto” episode, where we learn that the only thing parents should be yelling from the sidelines is… nothing! 

The main lesson? Don’t be “that parent” screaming at your kid to “rebound!” or “shoot!”—especially if your kid’s underwater at a swim meet and can’t hear you anyway. The Metheny Manifesto, written by a former pro baseball player turned Little League coach, went viral for telling parents to zip it and let the kids play. Turns out, kids just want their parents to show up, not show off their coaching skills (or their creative cursing). 

In short: cheer, don’t coach, and save the post-game analysis for the saints.

There are several helpful things you can do to support your athlete. Listen in for tips!

Show Notes:

Published Sunday, September 7, 2025 

The Matheny Manifesto:

https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=39d1a7f4746557b0&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS875US875&q=matheny+manifesto&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjci6bL3MKPAxUYTDABHRAnDJMQ7xYoAHoECEgQAQ&biw=1314&bih=1166&dpr=2

Glory Stories at Holy Heroes 

https://holyheroes.com/collections/glory-stories?srsltid=AfmBOopeG_rrIFAyoF6WRWMwbRAnFUWL8JRKOmfZpmGEe2FucCA9AsVl

Listen to Episode 7 for more on Growth Mindset.

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Show Notes

Published August 31, 2025

In this episode, Maeve and Mat juggle homeschooling and youth sports like Olympic-level plate spinners. They weigh the pros (teamwork, perseverance, socialization, and the dream of raising the next LeBron) against the cons (schedules that make NASA jealous, wallet-draining fees, and locker room “life lessons” you wish your kids missed). The verdict? Sports are great—if you don’t mind living in your minivan and occasionally praying for rainouts. Ultimately, they urge parents to keep family time sacred, set boundaries, and remember: you can always play a mean game of backyard kickball—no scholarship required.

Book Mentioned:
Men of Iron by Howard Pyle
A classic coming-of-age novel about a young squire training to become a knight. Recommended in the episode as a great read for homeschoolers and families.

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Ever wonder how to homeschool on one income without selling a kidney? Join us as we cancel forgotten subscriptions, dodge $200 art classes, and debate if a flask at Sunday Mass is a budgeting hack or a confession starter. Learn why your 10-year-old doesn’t need a $1,000 iPhone, how garage sales are treasure hunts, and why “just because it’s on sale” is not a retirement plan. Spoiler: You can homeschool, pay off debt, and maybe outlast Gen Z on the dance floor—just don’t forget to wipe the lead off your lips!

Show Notes Mentions & Links

Published August 24, 2025

Books & Authors

• The Eight Great Smarts by Kathy Koch — Discover the different ways your child can be “smart.”
• Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences — The foundational theory behind learning styles.

People & Podcasts

• Dave Ramsey — Financial advice and debt payoff strategies.

Products & Services

• ChatGPT — AI tool for productivity (and subscription confusion).
• Black Rifle Coffee — Veteran-owned coffee subscription.
• Teaching Textbooks — Self-paced math curriculum for homeschoolers.
• Home is Where the Truth Is — Maeve’s book on homeschooling.

Organizations & Groups

• Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook Group — Join the community!
• Catholic Schools — National Catholic Educational Association.
• Micro Schools / Pod Schools — Learn about this new education trend.
• Find Your State Homeschool Facebook Group — Connect with local homeschoolers.

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

In this episode, we chat with Leslie Dirnberger—homeschooling expert, president of Aspire Education, and author of “School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots.” When given the best growing conditions, children come up with some profound thoughts that become lifelong memories for the proud parent who was there when they first thought them. We dive into the joys of outdoor learning, and why “neurodiverse” might just mean “normal.” Expect wisdom, laughs, and a few “grampy questions”.  

Published August 17, 2025

Books

• The Book of Virtues by William Bennett
  • Referenced as a recommended book for teaching virtues and used in daily lessons.
• School in Our National Parks and Some Secret Spots (eBook by Leslie Dirnberger)
• https://www.amazon.com/School-National-Parks-Secret-Spots-ebook/dp/B0BGBLXLJC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BPVALWQ6IOA5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.p7BBat1zf4f8JDTPn-q7odXbYyllajYZMEHdrBRKUTNrA3mFn_qXZ3bsWZEjF1tEahyhfJnw-IDjn7op0F_ZHqfatESch97_O3QjTHjDS5LOsJsFKLxtr0uT4aq6u6era5vSmYEkko9ovywSbBs774XZS_GZ21OIdI6VlIn23Z4c49PEeio0ikq2lzJsFGKpU_dJWQY83WNudruOHm_YhR3oz0hpcF5iKhBNt18L7t8.WG4L1YZABioI-aqQetNBUAEZu-D6uWAqEpo276jEXFg&dib_tag=se&keywords=school+in+our+national+parks&qid=1755283502&sprefix=school+in+our+national+park%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1
• Mentioned as a resource written by the guest, focused on outdoor education and homeschooling.

Organizations

Aspire Education

https://www.aspireeducation.us/

• Leslie Dirnberger is the president and founder. The organization focuses on empowering families in education.

Catholic Heart Work Camp

https://heartworkcamp.com/

• Referenced as a service/mission trip organization for youth.
• FPEA (Florida Parent-Educators Association)
  • Mentioned as a homeschool convention in Florida.

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

Parents, God created your children as learners. These little people are constantly taking in information and learning about the world around them. You might not have thought about the fact that he created parents as teachers! You're already teaching your kids. In this episode, listen in for 10 tips for constant learning in your homeschool. (Hint: You're already doing a handful of them!) Lean in!

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

In this episode, we get a crash course in Catholic education philosophy, with shoutouts to St. Bonaventure (who apparently moonlighted as a motivational speaker) and St. John Newman (whose quotes are so deep, you’ll need a theological dictionary and maybe a nap).

The episode’s main lesson? Don’t stress about curriculum—focus on forming virtuous, faith-filled humans. And if you’re feeling lost, remember: God’s got your back, and so does Maeve’s book (now on sale for less than a latte).

So, whether you’re seeking peace with a “panting spirit” or just trying to keep your kids from setting the house on fire in the name of self-education, this episode has you covered—with wisdom, wit, and a little bit of holy humor.

Show Notes: 

Published August 3. 2025

RC History (my favorite history curriculum!)

https://www.rchistory.com/

Here are the Bible verses mentioned in this episode:

1. Luke 2:51-52
   • Referenced as: “Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
   • Context: Used to illustrate the holistic growth of Jesus—wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people—as a model for education.
2. Psalm 32:8
   • Referenced as: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
   • Context: Shared to comfort parents that God will guide them in their homeschooling journey.
3. Philippians 4:6-7
   • Referenced as: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
   • Context: Encouragement for parents to pray and trust God for peace and guidance.
4. Isaiah 30:21
   • Referenced as: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
   • Context: Used to reassure parents that God will direct their path.

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

The statistics are downright depressing, particularly regarding our children leaving our homes and then abandoning the faith of their childhood. The youth exodus from church and the faith must be stopped! This episode will provide you with encouragement and wisdom to counter the tactics of secularism as you join the fight for your children and the Kingdom. 

Show Notes:

Published July 27, 2025

Natasha Crain: Talking to Your Kids About God. 

https://www.christianbook.com/talking-about-conversations-every-christian-parent/natasha-crain/9780801075520/pd/075522?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=family-0-20%7C075522&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1229907&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=14238751190&cb_adg=126639518358&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14238751190&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHbv0tOHqEVnm1Yqikz2WiCFa&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-ZHEBhCxARIsAGGN96L0j92WUaUmkHaPv47_qJZ6DLKU6BFTzw6Z76u3SoGEPBkQhqPDSR0aAiAkEALw_wcB

Seth Gruber, The 1916 Project: The Lyin', The Witch and the War We're In.

https://the1916project.com/

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

You want to raise life-lomg learners who love the Lord. But you don't trust yourself to stay consistent. Friend, this is a long haul, homeschooling. Here's the good news: You have over one hundred and fifty seven thousand hours to reach those educational goals, bond with your family, and teach them the ways of the Lord. 

In this episode, you'll here Mat and Maeve's origin story, along with some tips and mindset shifts to give yourself some of the grace you need for the journey (the Holy Spirit gives the rest).

Show Notes: 

Published Sunday, July 20, 2025

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

I'm not talking about Socialism! Truly, let's help our kids earn free college and some awesome college perks! Spending money, study abroad programs, new laptops, the list goes on, and you'll be giving them high school credit for completing the curriculum. The stories and testimonials are mind-blowing. Today's guest, Jean Burk, has helped thousands of people master standardized tests. 

Show Notes:

Published July 13, 2025

College Prep Genius

Talent Search Opportunities Davidson Institute

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Northwestern Talent 

Common App

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1

We are so blessed to have all of our babies under our loving care as home educators, right?! Or....No? Some parents are intimidated when they even think about teaching multiple ages in their homeschool, and rightfully so. However, it doesn't have to be scary, it can actually be life-giving and bonding as we all learn together. Listen in for some tips for all the students in your homeschool to thrive together (and teachers too!) 

Published Sunday July 13, 2025 

Grab the 2026-2027 Catholic Homeschool Planner here.

Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life!

https://maevejemison.com/


Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is:
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1