In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast host Katy Tullos interviews homeschool mom and author Katie Viera. Katie shares her unexpected homeschool journey as well as her journey to publishing her book, Into The Field: Tennessee Summer. Katie is relatable and encouraging, give her a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop for her upcoming second book in the Into The Field series for early readers. 

Find Into The Field: Tennessee Summer on Amazon!

Follow Katie on Instagram.

Katie mentions her Yeti coffee mug, The 1,000 Hours Outside Challenge, and Glow Kids. 

Katy Tullos mentions reading Johnny Tremaine with her kids as a part of their U.S. History reading list. 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In the latest episode of the Latecomers Podcast, Katy kicks off Season 2 with reflections on her first year of podcasting and her own late start to homeschooling. She offers encouragement to new homeschoolers starting mid-year, discusses deschooling, and shares tips for choosing curriculum and setting values, goals, and limitations. Katy also highlights the importance of joining the homeschool community and promotes an upcoming Latecomers homeschool planning retreat. 

Katy mentions a few past episodes in this episode, find them linked here!

Deschooling Episode

Goals, Values and Limitations Episode

Comparing Traditional School to Homeschool Episode

Sign up for the Latecomers newsletter to receive more information on the upcoming planning and pamper retreat this summer!

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In this episode Katy talks with social media reform advocate, Nicki Petrossi about digital safety for kids. From topics such as Roblox, social media, Ai, and school devices this is a great resource and starting place for anyone wanting to learn more.  *This episode contains sensitive topics such as child harm, suicide, and sexual exploitation of children*

Nicki Petrossi is a former social media executive turned social media reform advocate. In late 2023, Nicki launched Scrolling 2 Death, a podcast for parents who are worried about social media. It’s a safe space to elevate the human experiences of children online and educate parents on how to keep them safe.

In 2025, Nicki launched Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, which supports parents related to issues with school tech, and The Heat is On, an investigative mini-series and parent movement to hold Big Tech accountable for harm to children.

Nicki also travels the world as an event speaker, inspiring families, educators and lawmakers through online safety education and awareness.

Scrolling 2 Death

Find Nicki on Instagram

Sign up for The Heat Is On newsletter

Tech Exit by Clare Morell

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Tech Safe Learning

The Digital Dilusion by Jared Cooney Horvath

10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World by Jean Twenge

Screen Strong

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

 In this episode, Katy shares her personal experiences and struggles, including dealing with the end-of-semester blues. 

Goals, Values, and Limitations episode 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy addresses the emotional challenges and decisions involved in homeschooling. Katy emphasizes the importance of transitioning from fear-based motivations to empowered, wisdom-based choices. 

The Power of TED book

Mini episode "Go Outside"

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

Katy chats with "retired" homeschool mom, Donna Norris. The mother of four homeschool graduates, Donna has tons of insights and advice for homeschool moms still in the trenches. 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In this bite size episode Katy shares about the two ways that going outside has saved her sanity and her school day. 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In this episode Katy interviews long time friend and now fellow homeschool latecomer, Melissa. Both Katy and Melissa didn't initially consider homeschooling but have come to love it. Melissa, who has taught in the public school system for two decades, shares her experience of starting to homeschool her children in ninth grade. They discuss the challenges and benefits of homeschooling. They also talk about the role of community and creativity in making homeschooling work while both parents work full-time. 

Links You'll love!

To support this podcast use this link when you sign up for World Watch News. 

Find Melissa's favorite erasable pens and highlighters!

Revisit your middle school days with good ole Gelly Roll Pens.

Bible Recap

Katy's new old-fashioned alarm clock. 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

In this episode of the Latecomers Podcast, host Katy discusses the unexpected challenges she faced during the start of her homeschool year, including a sudden wisdom teeth extraction and a family trip. Broadcasting live from her minivan, she emphasizes the importance of being able to pivot and adapt as a homeschool parent. Katy shares her experiences of adjusting the school schedule, managing expectations, and maintaining a flexible mindset. 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News

Here are some resources for you while I'm down for a bit recovering from some dental surgery!

Pam Barnhill Resources. Pam is a wealth of knowledge and is a great homeschool mentor no matter the style you find yourself drawn towards. 

 "How to Plan for Homeschooling With Multiple Kids."

 "Choosing the Best Curriculum for You With Cathy Duffy."

"Help I Never Planned to Homeschool!"

Of course I'm going to include some episodes from the G.O.A.T., my North Star, Sarah Mackenzie. 

"10 Homeschooling Mistakes I've Made (so you can avoid them)"

"Sally Clarkson's Advice to Her Younger Self."

"Andrew Pudewa is Back!" 

ScreenStrong Families will educate you on how to protect your kids from the mental and emotional effects of screens on our kids. They have a podcast with both expert guests and testimonials, and have some excellent workbooks so that you can bring your kids in on the decision to limit screen time as a team.

Scrolling 2 Death was started by a mom concerned about the effects of social media, YouTube and other apps like Roblox that are used to endanger and exploit kids and teens. This one can be a bit intense as it shares the hard truths about sextorting and suicide among youths. I'd encourage you to at least familiarize yourself with this resource (her Instagram is a great place to start!)so you can be involved in all her work to create real legislative change. 

Books:

The Read Aloud Family Duh, you guys knew this one was going to be top of the list.

Teaching From Rest

For the Children's Sake 

Don't forget to follow The Latecomers Podcast on Instagram!

And join the Facebook group!

To support this podcast use this code when you sign up for World Watch News