Self Directed

What do selling cable packages and caricature art have in common? 

For our guest Samuel KingDavis, these experiences paved the way to mastering his craft and becoming an influential street artist. Join us as we discuss how Samuel KingDavis transitioned from a cable salesman to a hot dog vendor and finally found his true calling as a caricature artist, thanks to his wife's suggestion.

We dive into the world of caricature art with Samuel KingDavis as he shares insights on finding the balance between customer service and creative expression. He reveals the importance of pushing boundaries in art and staying informed about the newest trends and styles. Learn how Samuel KingDavis taps into the connection between people's faces and personalities to create captivating caricatures that leave a lasting impression.

Lastly, we explore Samuel KingDavis' entrepreneurial journey, instilled in him by his mother, and how TikTok has impacted the way people view caricature art. Discover how self-directed learning shaped his art mastery, including taking a puppet workshop in Prague and adapting to the streets' ever-changing environment.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with the talented caricature artist Samuel KingDavis!

Connect with Samuel KingDavis

• Social Media: Instagram
• Event Booking Website: www.kingdavisart.com
• Online Classes: Learn Caricature

🗓️ Recorded April 19th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family
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What if you could reimagine education for your children, breaking free from the traditional school system and embracing their natural curiosity? 

Join us as we chat with Sandra Dodd, a prominent figure in the unschooling community, about her journey from skepticism to advocacy for this unconventional approach to learning.

Throughout our conversation with Sandra, we explore her experiences with deschooling, the obstacles schools create for unschoolers, and the evolving dynamics of the American education system. We also talk about the future of education, emphasizing the importance of offering community programs to different age groups and harnessing libraries as learning centers.

As we venture further into the unschooling community, we delve into the complexities of unschooling, often misunderstood as simply a vacation. We discuss the crucial distinction between learning and teaching oneself, the unique dynamics of men and women in the unschooling community, and the necessity of understanding one's self before attempting to enforce unschooling rules. 

Sandra has inspired countless families to embrace unschooling as a holistic and child-centered alternative to traditional education. Her thoughts have resonated with numerous parents and helped shape the philosophy of unschooling as it is known today.

Don't miss this insightful episode full of valuable lessons on unschooling, parenting, and personal freedom.

• Website: https://SandraDodd.com 
• Daily inspiration, online or by e-mail: Just Add Light and Stir

🗓️ Recorded April 25th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France

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Have you ever felt the weight of loneliness or struggled to find your place in the world? Join us for a conversation with homeschool dad Martin Cooke. Together, we discuss the impact of creating safe spaces for men to open up, share their experiences, and form connections that can combat feelings of isolation.

Martin Cooke is a stay-at-home day we got to learn at World School Summit in Granada, Spain in 2019. It was fascinating to meet so many like-minded people. And many a strong bond was created. Martin Cooke is one of the homeschool dads we met and fell in love with.

During the summit, Martin created a Men’s Circle, where dads could get together and talk about how it is to be a husband, dad, and homeschool father. Martin finds that men often find it harder to vocalize their emotions, making it difficult to connect with others and find support. So for him, it felt natural to create a safe space where we men could get together. It allowed us to be vulnerable and share our struggles and challenges without fear of judgment or shame.

The experience of attending the Men’s circle helped me to see myself in a new light, and it has since grown in me that I want to help more men to find a better balance in their life. To help them to break down the toxic societal norms that often prevent men from seeking help and support when they need it most. To help them become better husbands, fathers, and friends.

The first step is to have more open, honest talks about how it is to be a man and a father. I hope you will enjoy this episode. I know I enjoyed the talk, and I am still on a journey to becoming a better dad.

Martin's journey into men's circles is just the beginning - in this episode, we also explore the intertwining of identity with work, the value of embracing change, and the serendipitous moments that lead us on unexpected paths. We delve deeper into topics such as masculinity, vulnerability, and the unique challenges of parenting - touching on the joys, the struggles, and the educational experiences that come with raising children.

Lastly, we venture into the world of alternative education as Martin shares his experiences with homeschooling and the power dynamics at play in traditional schooling systems. We discuss the importance of giving our children the freedom to explore their passions and the courage necessary to question societal expectations.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected15

Read about the Wilderness Woods: https://www.wildernesswood.org

🗓️ Recorded March 9th, 2023. 📍Garrufo, Provincia di Teramo, Italy

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What if the key to raising well-adjusted, connected children lies in the practices of our ancestors? 

Join us as we explore the evolved nest with Darcia Narvaez, diving into the fascinating world of natural birth, mothering, and the importance of soothing perinatal experiences. Through stories of our own births and parenting experiences, we'll uncover the consequences of our modern, medicalized birth systems and the need for a supportive, nurturing environment.

In this conversation, we'll discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and the role of fathers in the nurturing process. We'll also examine the societal impact and persuasive tactics of formula companies, as well as the importance of touch in helping children and adults feel secure and calm. Discover how skin-to-skin contact and positive touch can be linked to our body's major systems, helping us learn to breathe properly and connect with one another.

As we delve into the world of responsive relationships and Allo parenting, we'll explore ancient cultures and how we can incorporate their wisdom into our lives today. We'll discuss the importance of community and nature immersion and how building connections in diverse settings can enrich our moral development.

By understanding the evolved nest, we can create a supportive environment for our children to thrive and foster a more connected, empathetic society. 
 
 🗓️ Recorded March 29th, 2023. 📍Bagnolo-Cantagallo, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

• https://darcianarvaez.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/darcia.narvaez
• https://kindredmedia.org/
• https://evolvednest.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/EvolvedNest 
• https://www.instagram.com/theevolvednest 

See show notes at https://theconrad.family/selfdirected14 

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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What if you could form a connection so deep with an animal that it changes your entire perspective on life? 

Our friend Rohit Wadwadi joins us to share his incredible journey working with animals at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone, where he raised a baby chimp named Flavor and formed a bond like no other. 

Rohit's story is a testament to the profound impact animals can have on our lives and the incredible connections we can make with them.

In this heartwarming conversation, we explore Rohit's journey of giving back through volunteering and how it led him to a life of minimalist living and joy. 

Rohit also shares how his upbringing has inspired him to help others. 

Finally, Rohit opens up about facing fears and embracing freedom as he shares his experience of overcoming childhood fears and applying the same approach to his adult life. 

In this podcast episode, you will learn how taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to personal growth and even greater opportunities. 

From volunteering for bird conservation to learning AI in European hubs, Rohit's story is an inspiration for us all to take action and follow our dreams.

The adventure is the people. This is what we tell people when they ask about our travels. And one of our biggest interpersonal adventures has been meeting Rohit, who has traveled the world, working for NGOs and helped save migrating birds as a human shield against hunters on Malta, caring for a baby chimp in Sierra Leona, and working with wolves in Scotland.  Besides this - he is a wonderful human being who has inspired us on many levels. 

Now it is time for you to meet Rohit and hopefully be inspired.

🗓️ Recorded March 9th, 2023. 📍Garrufo, Provincia di Teramo, Italy

Connect with Rohit
If you work with an NGO and need some AI work, then you can reach out to Rohit at http://toraktech.com/

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the wild? 

This episode features an incredible conversation with Lucy AitkenRead, a nomadic adventurer who shares her family's journey from London to off-grid living in New Zealand. 

Lucy AitkenRead is a mother, activist, bestselling author, and an unschooling advocate and runs Disco Learning. 

After living in London for years, Lucy and her husband felt the desire to break away from societal expectations and fulfill a deeper calling. They drove off in a van and explored Europe before settling down in New Zealand, where her husband is from. Lucy shares her story in her book: '30 Days of Rewilding’, which is a collection of daily readings that will inspire families to fall in love with nature.' 

We dive into their experience on the road, the balance between work and family, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

We also tackle the topic of unschooling, discussing the need to dismantle the traditional school system and empower children to thrive outside of those institutions. Lucy offers her insights on the social implications of unschooling, the healing potential of this journey, and the systemic injustice it seeks to address. This conversation will challenge your perspectives on education, relationships, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life.

We hope you will enjoy this episode and be inspired to follow your own calling, even if it means breaking away from societal norms and expectations, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating a life that aligns with your values.

🗓️ Recorded February 15th, 2023. 📍Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Connect with Lucy Aitkenread
Unschooling course: https://discolearning.com
Blog: https://lulastic.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LulasticAndTheHippyshake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_aitkenread

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Join us as we chat with Pat Farenga, who shares his journey with John Holt and Growing Without Schooling Magazine. 

We first met Pat Farenga when he interviewed us for the John Holt Growing Without Schooling website in 2018. Since then, we have become friends, and now it is our pleasure to introduce you to this wonderful man who has done so much for spreading the knowledge of unschooling and for John Holt’s work in particular.

Pat Farenga met John Holt in the 1970s and became a close collaborator and friend. Together, they worked on several projects aimed at promoting unschooling and helping parents navigate the challenges of homeschooling. Pat was an integral part of John Holt's organization, Growing Without Schooling, which provided resources and support for parents interested in unschooling.

After John Holt passed away in 1985, Pat Farenga continued publishing the Growing Without Schooling magazine. A magazine he today is re-editing into books, so the many great stories of how you can live a life without school are available for even more people.

In this engaging conversation, we explore the challenges and rewards of homeschooling and unschooling, as well as the societal implications of these alternative approaches. Pat offers valuable insights on navigating the noise of modern life while staying true to your educational values, whether you're a homeschooler, unschooler, or simply a lifelong learner. Learn how to balance personal passions, family responsibilities, and social expectations.

We hope this episode will help you to reflect on your own educational experiences and explore the vast possibilities of alternative education. 

Get inspired by Pat's unique perspective on the homeschooling movement and learn how you can empower yourself and your family through unschooling.

Thank you, Pat, for all the work you are doing to help families live their lives - free from school and free to learn.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected11

🗓️ Recorded January 24th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with Patrick Farenga:

• Website: https://johnholtgws.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoltGWS

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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Shannon Hayes, from Sap Bush Hollow Farm, holds a Ph.D. in sustainable agriculture and community development from Cornell University and a bachelor's in creative writing from Binghamton University. She is the author of seven books, including The Grassfed Gourmet, Radical Homemakers, and Redefining Rich. Shannon is also a fantastic unschooling advocate.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected10

🗓️ Recorded January 26th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy.

Connect with Shannon Hayes:

• Website: http://theradicalhomemaker.net/
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005ZD9C6U/allbooks

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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Imagine traveling the world for over 1,680 days with your family – exploring new cultures, learning from unique experiences, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Sounds like a dream, right? 

Join us as we chat with Sarah and Massey, world travelers and parents to three amazing kids, who've done just that! From navigating tricky roads in Costa Rica to living in a van during the pandemic, we dive deep into their journey and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Massy & Sarah has been traveling full time since June 2018. They are an Italian family that, in 2010, sold everything to move to the States. After eight years, they decided it was time to take another big step! In June 2018, they sold everything again and started exploring the world with their three kids: Cosimo, Emma, and Luca. 

Traveling with children comes with its own set of challenges, but Sarah and Massey share how their kids have quickly adapted to new environments and made friends despite language barriers. We also discuss the concept of 'unschooling,' which has allowed their family to break free from the traditional education system and embrace learning through real-world experiences. But how do they manage their budget and create a passive income while on the go? Find out their secrets and strategies.

Lastly, we reflect on the advantages of being a nomad and how it allows us to truly connect with people from all walks of life.

We explore ways to overcome common obstacles that prevent people from traveling long-term and how to immerse oneself in the local culture of each destination. From forging incredible bonds with locals to inspiring others to explore the world outside their comfort zones, Sarah and Massey's story is one episode you won't want to miss.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected9

🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with  @the5worldexplorers  

• Website: https://www.the5worldexplorers.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the5worldexplorers 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the5worldexplorers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5worldexplorers

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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What happens when you step off the beaten path of traditional schooling and embrace the world as your children's classroom?

In this episode, we are joined by Robin Robertson, a homeschooling and unschooling mom who shares her family's journey into alternative education. Discover how Robin and her husband were inspired to pull their children out of the conventional school system and provide them with unique learning experiences through travel and unschooling.

Robyn is the host of the popular podcast "Honey, I'm Homeschooling the Kids," which is dedicated to providing resources, support, and inspiration to parents who have decided to homeschool their children. Through her podcast, Robyn has created a platform where parents can come together to learn, grow, and connect, all with the ultimate goal of giving their children the best education possible.

Explore the ever-changing landscape of homeschooling in Canada and the challenges that come with choosing this unconventional path. In this episode, Robin offers insightful perspectives on the differing regulations across the country and emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and encouraging others to explore alternative education methods. Dive together with us into the unschooling philosophy, the challenges of explaining this lifestyle to others, and the necessity for adults to let go and allow children to lead their own lives.

Robin also shares her children's successes and how they've thrived in leadership roles through their one-of-a-kind learning experiences. We discuss the significance of giving teenagers the space and time to grow, explore, and mature on their own terms.

We hope you will enjoy the episode as we challenge the traditional structure of schooling and celebrate the boundless possibilities of alternative learning paths.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected8

🗓️ Recorded January 17th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with Robyn

• Website: https://imhomeschooling.com
• Podcast: https://imhomeschooling.com/podcast-episodes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
• Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/club/honey-im-homeschooling 

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Podcast website: https://www.cecilieconrad.com/self-directed
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