In this conversation on the Homeschool Dad Series, Mark Hancock tackles the rising tide of challenges facing boys in modern society, offering a powerful call to action for parents and leaders. He breaks down the alarming statistics—including boys' growing academic performance gap and their disproportionate representation in special education—and identifies the crisis of absent father figures and the damaging cultural narrative of "toxic masculinity." Mark emphasizes that boys are desperately seeking a legitimate path to manhood and positive male leadership. This episode is an essential listen for anyone committed to equipping the next generation of men with the courage, character, and mentorship they need to thrive and reverse this dangerous cultural trend.

Men's Challenge:

Commit to a simple, intentional activity with your son that models biblical manhood and builds lasting memories. Plan an adventure. This doesn't have to be a big trip. It could be as simple as an afternoon hike, a fishing trip, building a fire in the backyard, or even learning a practical skill together, like changing a tire or using a power tool. The goal is to get away from the distractions of everyday life and into a different environment.

Key Takeaways:

The Crisis of Masculinity: Boys today are struggling in an environment that often labels their natural draw toward risk, competition, and activity as "toxic" or disruptive, leading to disengagement and confusion about their identity.

Academic and Developmental Lag: Statistics show boys are falling behind girls in nearly every academic category, are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD or learning disabilities, and are less likely to enroll in or complete college.

The Father Figure Gap: A significant number of boys lack an active father figure in the household, creating a severe need for positive male mentorship to provide essential guidance, values, and character formation.

A Call for Intentional Mentorship: Dads and "dad-like figures" are crucial. Boys require Christ-centered, male-centric leadership and mentorship—delivered through real-world examples and adventure—to help them find their identity and embrace the virtues of godly manhood.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about Trail Life USA or find a troop in your area

You can find more of Mark Hancock's insights into what it takes to raise boys to become godly men in this video: Raising Boys to Become Godly Men | Mark Hancock, CEO Trail Life.

Hear Mark Hancock at Teach Them Diligently 2026

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Costs creep up when you’re feeding a family and homeschooling full-time.

Today, Jenny Martin—founder of Southern Savers and homeschool mom of five— shares the simple system that cut her grocery bill by $500 in one month (18 years ago!), how to stock up the right way (without hoarding), where to find the best meat prices, and how to turn everyday shopping into a discipleship lab for financial stewardship. We also hit end-of-year power moves—IRAs, HSAs, insurance choices, and the 30-day “impulse pause” your kids (and you!) can actually use. This episode is a goldmine for homeschool families seeking to manage their finances wisely.

Key Topics Covered:

The 6-week grocery sale cycle and why buying only what’s on sale changes everything

Bulk meat the smart way (restaurant supply stores + vacuum sealing)

Digital couponing that kids can run (Ibotta, Fetch, store apps)

Delivery/pickup realities: when it saves time and when it costs more

Homeschool savings: used curriculum, shared labs, fewer-but-better activities

Discipleship through money: allowances vs. responsibilities, the 30-day want list

Year-end checkups: IRAs (through April), HSA + high-deductible plans, tax withholding tune-up

Resources mentioned

Southern Savers (Connect with Jenny, grocery lists, weekly deals, Monday 8:30pm ET Q&A)

Apps: Ibotta, Fetch, and your store’s digital coupons (Publix, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens)

Restaurant supply: US Foods Chef’Store, Gordon Food Service (regional)

IRS Withholding Calculator (for a quick year-end check)

Liberty University / LUOA: K–PhD pathways with a Christ-centered foundation.

Teach Them Diligently 2026: Pigeon Forge, TN & Branson, MO (both in May). Buy early for best pricing at teachthemdiligently.net/events.

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Pack Shoeboxes and Earn Family Passes to Teach Them DiligentlyIf your family, co-op, church group, or community packs at least 25 shoeboxes, we would love to bless you with a free family registration in return. If you're a group, you can use that registration for your leader, as a raffle item or fundraiser, or to bless a specific family in your group. We will donate a registration for every 25 boxes you pack.

Click HERE to find out how your group can be involved

So many men operate under the mistaken identity as bread-winner or they see as their top priority in the home as financial provider. David Benham and David Nunnery talk about the top priority of fathers in the home and how to establish a culture of generosity and faith in your family.

Men's Challenge:

Create a clear, compelling mission statement for your family that reflects your faith and priorities.

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize a God-Glorifying Environment: A father's primary role is establishing a home environment that honors God.

Provide Security and Affirm Identity: Fathers must offer physical and emotional security while consistently affirming their children's worth and purpose.

Cultivate Generosity and Service: Teach the value of giving by creating a culture of generosity and involving children in acts of community service.

Foster a Welcoming and Engaged Home: Ensure the home is a welcoming space for children and their friends, and actively engage with those friends to build a sense of belonging.

Be Present and Intentional for Legacy: Be present and involved in children's lives, using intentional actions and relationships to build a lasting family legacy.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about the Benham Brothers

Full list of the Benham Brother books

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently

Facebook: Teach Them Diligently

YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel

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In this episode of the Homeschool Dad Series, David Nunnery is joined by Stephen Kendrick to discuss the vital role of prayer in fatherhood and spiritual leadership. They will discuss how fathers can exert the largest impact on their family's spiritual life through prayer.

Men's Challenge:

Actively incorporate prayer into your daily lives and demonstrate its importance to your children and wives.

Key Takeaways:

Impact of Answered Prayer: Stephen shares personal anecdotes about his father's faith journey and the significance of answered prayers in strengthening family faith.

Teaching Children to Pray: Practical ways fathers can instruct their children in prayer.

Modeling Faith: The importance of fathers leading by example, being vulnerable and honest in their own prayer lives.

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Stephen Kendrick

Movies by the Kendrick Brothers

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO.

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From Director Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer), the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book On Fire by John O’Leary. O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9-years-old. Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary.

Click here to find out more about Soul on Fire

We all know habits shape our routines—but have you ever stopped to think about how they shape your thinking?

In this practical and powerful episode, David and Leslie Nunnery dig into the often unseen world of mental habits—those repeated thought loops that quietly drive how we parent, teach, and respond every day. Drawing from research, Scripture, and personal stories, they show how our daily reflexes are formed, how they can be reshaped, and how they impact the atmosphere of our homes more than any curriculum choice ever could.

Key Topics Covered:

Why up to 90% of your day runs on habits you don’t even notice.

How “mental grooves” form in your brain—and why your thoughts naturally follow them.

What Daniel’s prayer life teaches us about training your mind toward thanksgiving and trust.

Why envy, anxiety, and self-doubt take root so easily—and how to replace them with gratitude and truth.

The simple mindset shift that can transform your homeschool, your marriage, and your parenting.

Plus, Leslie shares practical questions to identify negative loops and start building better ones, and David walks through how neuroscience supports what Scripture has been teaching all along about renewing your mind.

You’ll leave this episode with a clear next step: one thought to replace, one habit to rehearse, and one truth to hold onto when life feels heavy.

Action Step: Ask yourself this week—What mental habit might be shaping my family without me even realizing it? Then take one small, repeatable step to replace it with a godly one.

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! Be sure to secure your ticket today!

Connect With Us:

Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently

Facebook: Teach Them Diligently

YouTube: Teach Them Diligently Channel

Subscribe + Share: If this episode helped you, take a minute to subscribe, rate, and share with another homeschool family. We sure would be grateful!

Pack Shoeboxes and Earn Family Passes to Teach Them DiligentlyIf your family, co-op, church group, or community packs at least 25 shoeboxes, we would love to bless you with a free family registration in return. If you're a group, you can use that registration for your leader, as a raffle item or fundraiser, or to bless a specific family in your group. We will donate a registration for every 25 boxes you pack.

Click HERE to find out how your group can be involved

From Director Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer), the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book On Fire by John O’Leary. O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9-years-old. Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary.

Click HERE to find a theatre near you!

What do tacos have to do with homeschooling and parenting? Actually, the answer is everything!

In this episode of the Home School Dad Series, host David Nunnery engages in a deep conversation with Israel Wayne about the vital role fathers play. They explore how simple things—like sharing a meal—can be the "secret sauce" for homeschool success, effectively fueling your family's discipleship.

This conversation goes beyond academics, focusing on the biblical foundations for home education and the necessity of strong family relationships. Israel Wayne shares powerful insights on reframing homeschooling as an extension of parenting responsibilities, how dads can improve the fuel for success, and the critical importance of spending quality time with kids. The episode concludes with practical challenges for fathers to engage more deeply with their children's education and build strong, Christ-centered connections.

Men's Challenge:

Sit down with your wife and write out your family's one-minute "why" for homeschooling. Share with your children.

Key Takeaways:

Homeschooling is an extension of parenting, not a separate task.

The goal of parenting is to prepare children for life.

Strong marriages lead to effective homeschooling.

Fathers must take responsibility for their children's education.

Biblical teachings emphasize the role of fathers in discipline.

Time spent with children is crucial for influence.

Dads should lead the charge in homeschooling efforts.

Prioritizing the Word of God is essential in family life.

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Israel Wayne

Family Renewal

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: @TeachThemDiligently

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What does sharing your faith, fatherhood, and homeschooling have in common. Well, evangelism is a very important element of the Christian experience and discipleship that fathers can take the lead on.

In this episode of the Home School Dad series, hosts Camden and David Nunnery engage with EZ Zwayne, discussing the vital role fathers play in homeschooling and evangelism. They explore how dads can overcome fears associated with sharing the gospel, the importance of understanding their identity as ambassadors for Christ, and the need for compassion in evangelism. The conversation emphasizes practical tips for involving children in outreach and the significance of leading by example. The episode concludes with a weekly challenge for dads to actively engage in sharing their faith with their families and communities.

Studies from research companies like Barna and Lifeway show that fewer than 5% of all self-professing Christians have ever led anyone to Christ and less than 60% have even tried to share the Gospel. Clearly there is a gap of confidence, enthusiasm, and even identification with what it means to be a Christ-followers. Join us today to learn how fathers can help fill this gap and why they would even want to.

Men's Challenge:

This week, find a moment to connect a normal, everyday event to a gospel truth. This could be a scene in a movie, a difficult moment on the playground, or a conversation with a neighbor. The goal is to start thinking evangelistically by seeing how the gospel applies to everything.

Key Takeaways:

Dads can play a crucial role in homeschooling by being involved and supportive.

Evangelism is often seen as confrontational, but it can be approached with compassion and care.

Understanding our identity as ambassadors for Christ is key to sharing the gospel.

Sharing personal testimonies can be a powerful form of evangelism.

Discipleship includes teaching others to share their faith.

Resources Mentioned:

Fight Like a Man book by Emeal Zwayne

The Living Waters Podcast with Emeal Zwayne

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! We hope you will be joining us in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO.

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Facebook: Teach Them Diligently

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We often say that discipleship begins at home, but how do we make those lessons truly tangible for our kids? This week, we're bringing you an incredibly inspiring conversation that shows you how to turn a simple afternoon activity into a world-changing lesson in faith and giving.

In this episode, we sit down with Annalyn Elliott from Samaritan's Purse to explore the profound impact of Operation Christmas Child. Annalyn shares practical, heartfelt ideas for getting your family deeply involved in packing shoeboxes. This goes far beyond just a seasonal checklist; it's about prayerfully choosing items and connecting your children's hearts to the child who will receive the shoebox gift—a powerful moment of community outreach.

This conversation is a perfect guide for the intentional parent, showing you how the heart of children's ministry starts in your own living room. Tune in to learn how this small, annual act can instill lifelong lessons in your children and lead to a radical, joyful transformation in your family and across the globe.

Key Takeaways:

How to use the shoebox gifts process to model and teach sacrificial giving.

The essential connection between packing shoeboxes and family discipleship.

Practical tips for moving beyond "stuff" to intentional, prayer-filled selections.

Understanding the eternal impact of Operation Christmas Child on a child's faith journey.

Resources Mentioned:

Pack a shoebox or find a drop-off site: Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child

Track your shoebox: Use the barcode and follow the journey of your gift

Learn more about the Greatest Journey discipleship program

Don’t forget—Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is open! Be sure to secure your ticket today!

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In this episode of the Home School Dads series, David Nunnery is joined by Davis Carman, president of Apologia Educational Ministries, to tackle the essential role of a dad in the homeschool journey: encouraging and supporting his wife. Davis shares profound insights and actionable advice for husbands who want to move past feeling "lost" and become proactive leaders. This conversation is key for every dad committed to discipling his kids, strengthening his marriage, and fostering a confident, peaceful homeschool environment.

Men's Challenge:

Pay close attention to your wife's day without jumping in to solve problems. Observe her routines, listen to her tone of voice, and notice the moments she seems weary or overwhelmed. Based on your observations, choose one tangible, non-academic task to take off her plate for the entire week. This could be anything from handling all the evening clean-up to packing co-op lunches or managing the kids’ bedtime routine. Make it your responsibility, and do it with a cheerful attitude.

Key Takeaways:

Own the Responsibility, Not Just the Workload: The wife carries the bulk of the day-to-day workload, but the husband must carry 100% of the responsibility for the family’s mission and direction to prevent burnout.

Create a Family Mission Statement: Dads should sit down with their wives and proactively develop a clear mission statement or "Elevator Speech" for why they homeschool. This acts as a compass when the school year gets difficult.

The Three R’s of Homeschooling: Prioritize Relationships (God, spouse, siblings), Reasoning (critical thinking), and Resolve (discovering God’s calling) over mere academics.

Be the Defender and File Keeper: The husband should be the one to defend the homeschooling decision to critics (friends, family, in-laws) and handle the administrative duties (knowing state laws, keeping records, standardized testing sign-ups).

Provide a Weekly Planning Retreat: A practical way to support Mom is to take the kids for a consistent 2-4 hour block (like a Sunday evening) so she can leave the house, decompress, and plan the week. This boosts her confidence significantly.

Never Ask "What Did You Do All Day?": When re-engaging with the family after work, do not question her productivity. Instead, immediately engage by asking the kids what they learned and taking the leadership role (the "captain is home").

Lead Family Worship/Discipleship: Use the dinner table or bedtime as a "Deuteronomy 6 moment" for asking spiritual questions, having conversations, and leading family worship.

Resources Mentioned:

Apologia Curriculum

"Let's Talk Homeschool" Podcast with Davis Carmen

Heart School Parenting Intensive: A program offered by Teach Them Diligently, designed to help parents set a vision for their family.

Teach Them Diligently 2026 registration is now open! We hope you will join us in 2026 at Pigeon Forge or Branson! With many sessions specifically for dads, get the encouragement you need to lead your family well!

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This episode is meant for parents only — not little ears — but it will equip you to disciple your children well in a world eager to shape their views on identity and truth.

In this deeply important and sensitive episode, Leslie Nunnery sits down with Elizabeth Urbanowicz of Foundation Worldview to discuss her new book, Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design: 40 Questions and Answers on Sexuality and Gender. Together, they tackle how parents can begin biblical conversations about sexuality, gender, and God’s design — even from a young age — in a way that is proactive, confident, and full of grace.

Elizabeth walks through how to approach these topics with your children from age four and up, giving real examples and simple language to use in your home. Leslie adds wisdom from her experience as a mom of grown children, offering perspective on why these conversations matter now more than ever.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

Why conversations about God’s design can’t wait until the teen years

How to begin age-appropriate talks about body, sex, and reproduction

Practical phrases and examples for your first discussions

Why proactive discipleship is essential in a culture that wants to disciple your kids first

Encouragement for parents who feel they “missed the window” — and what to do now

Resources Mentioned:

Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design by Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Foundation Worldview

Operation Christmas Child

Teach Them Diligently Events

Listener Note:

This episode covers mature topics about sexuality and gender and is intended for parents, not children. Please listen privately.

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