The Fearless Homeschool Podcast with Micarle Callea

But before the curriculum comes something else.

Deschooling.

Deschooling is the process of untangling the expectations we’ve absorbed from school about learning — how time should be structured, what progress should look like, and how success is measured.

In this episode of the Fearless Homeschool Podcast, Micarlé is joined by homeschooler and homeopath Rachel Parkinson to explore what deschooling actually means and why it’s often misunderstood.

Together they talk about letting go of school-based assumptions and recognising how powerful everyday life experiences can be for learning.

They also unpack the common myth that deschooling should last a set number of months based on how many years a child spent in school.

Instead, deschooling is often an ongoing shift in how families see learning, growth, and what education can look like when it moves beyond the classroom.

Rachel Parkinson – Homeopath

https://www.rachelparkinsonhomeopath.com.au/

Join the Fearless Homeschool Free Community and continue the conversation.

https://fearless.live/

===============================================

Many of you already know Maths Pathway, and I’m really glad to be partnering with them as they evolve into Reflective — a broader ecosystem built around how children actually learn, not how they’re measured.

They’ve just launched Reflective Home, a new parent-facing hub designed to help you see, support, and manage your child’s homeschool learning with more clarity and less pressure.

You’ll hear more about Reflective throughout the first half of this season.

This episode is sponsored by Reflective Learning (formerly Maths Pathway).

Try their learning tools free for 2 weeks and use code FEARLESS10 for 10% off your first bill.

Learn more here

===============================================

Join the Fearless Homeschool Free Community and continue the conversation.

https://fearless.live/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

In this episode of the Fearless Homeschool Podcast, Micarlé is joined by Dr Rebecca English and Mark Powell to explore the historical forces that shaped modern schooling.

Together they discuss how education moved from church and class-based systems into mass schooling shaped by militarisation, industrialisation, and economic needs.

They also explore the progressive education thinkers — including Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Dewey, and Montessori — who imagined a very different approach centred on child development, autonomy, relationships, and self-directed learning.

This episode sets the foundation for the season ahead, including next week’s conversation on The Hidden Curriculum of School.

Mark Powell – Positive Discipline Australia

https://www.positivedisciplineaustralia.com/

===============================================

Many of you already know Maths Pathway, and I’m really glad to be partnering with them as they evolve into Reflective — a broader ecosystem built around how children actually learn, not how they’re measured.

They’ve just launched Reflective Home, a new parent-facing hub designed to help you see, support, and manage your child’s homeschool learning with more clarity and less pressure.

You’ll hear more about Reflective throughout the first half of this season.

This episode is sponsored by Reflective Learning (formerly Maths Pathway).

Try their learning tools free for 2 weeks and use code FEARLESS10 for 10% off your first bill.

Learn more here

===============================================

Join the Fearless Homeschool Free Community and continue the conversation.

https://fearless.live/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

In this episode of the Fearless Homeschool Podcast, Micarlé is joined by Dr Rebecca English and Mark Powell to explore the historical forces that shaped modern schooling.

Together they discuss how education moved from church and class-based systems into mass schooling shaped by militarisation, industrialisation, and economic needs.

They also explore the progressive education thinkers — including Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Dewey, and Montessori — who imagined a very different approach centred on child development, autonomy, relationships, and self-directed learning.

This episode sets the foundation for the season ahead, including next week’s conversation on The Hidden Curriculum of School.

Mark Powell – Positive Discipline Australia

https://www.positivedisciplineaustralia.com/

===============================================

Many of you already know Maths Pathway, and I’m really glad to be partnering with them as they evolve into Reflective — a broader ecosystem built around how children actually learn, not how they’re measured.

They’ve just launched Reflective Home, a new parent-facing hub designed to help you see, support, and manage your child’s homeschool learning with more clarity and less pressure.

You’ll hear more about Reflective throughout the first half of this season.

This episode is sponsored by Reflective Learning (formerly Maths Pathway).

Try their learning tools free for 2 weeks and use code FEARLESS10 for 10% off your first bill.

Learn more here

===============================================

Join the Fearless Homeschool Free Community and continue the conversation.

https://fearless.live/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

This season we’re exploring a big idea:

Reclaiming learning.

Because many of the pressures homeschool families feel — around structure, pace, measurement, success, and “keeping up” — didn’t appear out of nowhere.

They were built into a system.

In Season 2 we’re stepping back to explore the bigger picture:

Where our modern ideas about education came from, how they shape our expectations of learning, and what it looks like to rebuild something healthier for our families.

Across this season we’ll explore questions like:

•⁠ ⁠Where did our modern idea of school come from?

•⁠ ⁠How did learning become something measured rather than experienced?

•⁠ ⁠What happens when curiosity and natural learning rhythms are pushed aside?

•⁠ ⁠How can homeschooling families rebuild a culture of learning at home?

This introduction episode gives you a preview of the conversations ahead and invites you to start thinking about the role school has played in shaping how we see learning.

Because once you understand the foundations of the system, you gain the freedom to choose what you want to keep — and what you're ready to let go.

===============================================

Many of you already know Maths Pathway, and I’m really glad to be partnering with them as they evolve into Reflective — a broader ecosystem built around how children actually learn, not how they’re measured.

They’ve just launched Reflective Home, a new parent-facing hub designed to help you see, support, and manage your child’s homeschool learning with more clarity and less pressure.

You’ll hear more about Reflective throughout the first half of this season.

This episode is sponsored by Reflective Learning (formerly Maths Pathway).

Try their learning tools free for 2 weeks and use code FEARLESS10 for 10% off your first bill.

Learn more:

https://reflective.global/reflective-home/

===============================================

Join the Fearless Homeschool Free Community and continue the conversation.

https://fearless.live/

In this final episode of Season One of the Fearless Homeschool Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest truths I've learned on this journey: There's no single "right" way to homeschool.

From Classical to Charlotte Mason, Montessori to Steiner, unschooling to unit studies—the options can feel endless (and a little overwhelming). But the real magic happens when you stop trying to fit into someone else's mould and start shaping homeschooling to fit your family.

I share stories from my own journey and from other families I've met along the way, all pointing to the same truth: your homeschool doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

Here's where to find more:

https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

You know that moment when your child lights up during a story—the kind where their imagination takes off and they start seeing themselves inside the world of the book? That's the power of a living book.

I've touched on living books in quite a few of my chats this season, but I figured it was time we gave them their own spotlight. What are they really? Why do they work so well? And how can you start using them more intentionally in your homeschool?

In my recent podcast conversation with Anthony Coafield from Living Book Press, we dug into all of that. We talked about why living books aren't just beautiful to read—they're seriously effective learning tools. Whether you're deep into Charlotte Mason philosophy or just looking for a better way to bring history, science, or literature to life, this episode is one you'll want to tune in to.

🎧 In the episode, we talk about:

1. Why living books matter (and how they build connection)
2. What to look for when choosing books for your homeschool
3. How Anthony uses living books in his own family
4. The beautiful role of modelling lifelong learning for our kids

Here's where to find more:

https://www.livingbookpress.com/

https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

🌿 We're thrilled to welcome Jacquelyn to the Fearless Homeschool Podcast! 🎙️ She's a homeschooling mum of seven from Geelong, Victoria — with four still learning at home through a natural learning/unschooling approach. 💛 When they're not off adventuring in the great outdoors, you'll likely find her crew cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, working on creative projects, or—yep—gathered around a board game! 🎲✨ In this episode, we chat about: 🏫 Why Jacquelyn stepped away from traditional schooling 🎮 How board games became a core part of her family's learning journey 📚 The shift from structured curriculum to relaxed, unschooly learning 🧠 Learning through classics like Monopoly and Clue(do) — hello, real-world maths and strategy! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The magic of game schooling for connection, fun, and organic learning 🎯 Tips on staying flexible and keeping the joy in your homeschool Jacquelyn's story is full of encouragement, creativity, and brilliant reminders to make learning work for your family. Tune in and get inspired! 🎧✨

Here's where to find more:

https://thereandsomewhere.com/

https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

🌿 We’re thrilled to welcome Jacqueline to the Fearless Homeschool Podcast! 🎙️ She’s a homeschooling mum of seven from Geelong, Victoria — with four still learning at home through a natural learning/unschooling approach. 💛 When they’re not off adventuring in the great outdoors, you’ll likely find her crew cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, working on creative projects, or—yep—gathered around a board game! 🎲✨ In this episode, we chat about: 🏫 Why Jacqueline stepped away from traditional schooling 🎮 How board games became a core part of her family’s learning journey 📚 The shift from structured curriculum to relaxed, unschooly learning 🧠 Learning through classics like Monopoly and Clue(do) — hello, real-world maths and strategy! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The magic of game schooling for connection, fun, and organic learning 🎯 Tips on staying flexible and keeping the joy in your homeschool Jacqueline’s story is full of encouragement, creativity, and brilliant reminders to make learning work for your family. Tune in and get inspired! 🎧✨

Here’s where to find more:

https://www.instagram.com/thereandsomewhere/

https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Want to make the most of the high school years?

Need help navigating higher education options for your teen?

Interested in how to work towards future pathways without a school certificate or ATAR score?

In this bonus with Sheena Harris, Rebecca English, Krystel Watts and Jo LLoyd, for members-only session, find out how to chart a course from your homeschool to further studies, including university.

This is a parent's guide to high school planning without the overwhelm. Learn how to support your teen towards higher education and explore the ways you can help them map out a bright next chapter!

Fearless Homeschool Podcast:

https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026

In my conversation with Felicity Harber on the Fearless Homeschool podcast, we dive deep into what it really means to customise your homeschool to fit your child—not the other way around. ✨🎧

Felicity shares how blending different philosophies has helped her meet her son's unique learning needs—and how letting go of traditional, top-down teaching methods opened up space for real growth. (Spoiler: standing at the kitchen table like a schoolteacher didn't quite go to plan. 😅)

We also explore the transition from school to homeschool, navigating life on the road, and adjusting to a child's evolving needs—whether that's more structure, more freedom, or a mix of both. From embracing child-led learning and celebrating effort over grades, to finding inspiration in resources like The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart, this episode is packed with reflections, real-life examples, and a few laughs along the way. 📚🚐🌱

If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to ditch the system and follow your kid's lead… this one's for you. 💛

Here's where to find more about Flick and the Fearless Homeschool Podcast:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeschool.adventures.aus

Fearless Homeschool Podcast: https://fearlesshomeschool.com/fearless-homeschool-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Summit Promotion!

Tickets are now on Sale for the Australian and New Zealand Homeschooling Summit 2026