In this deeply insightful conversation, Cathy Heller welcomes Julie Ross, education expert and founder of A Gentle Feast, to explore homeschooling as a path toward real education. Julie passionately shares her personal journey from public school teacher to homeschooling advocate, illuminating how traditional education often stifles creativity, joy, and true learning. This episode is a profound call to action for parents to rethink education and embrace an approach that values real books, real life, and genuine connections.

Connect with Cathy Heller:

Cathy Heller Podcast

Website 

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/84 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

What’s the best way to truly understand the heart of A Gentle Feast? Hearing from the families who use it every day.

In today’s episode of The Feast Life, I’m doing something a little different — I’m handing over the mic to several wonderful AGF families who share, in their own words, what it’s really like to homeschool with A Gentle Feast.

You’ll hear their honest experiences — the highs, the challenges, and the surprising wins they didn’t expect when they made the switch to a Charlotte Mason-inspired, real-books education.

Episode Highlights:

If you’ve ever wondered...

...this episode is for you.

You’ll walk away with a fresh vision for what your homeschool can be — and maybe even a few new friends cheering you on. And if you’re ready to experience it for yourself, you can explore everything A Gentle Feast has to offer www.agentlefeast.com .

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/83 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

In today’s episode, I’m talking with career development expert Melissa Palmer from the Career Planning Studio. With over 25 years of experience in higher ed, talent development, and executive coaching, Melissa brings deep wisdom and practical tools for homeschool parents who want to equip their children for a meaningful future.

We talk about moving beyond outdated advice like “get good grades, go to college, and land a stable job,” and instead, focus on how to guide our kids (and ourselves!) toward purposeful work rooted in their unique superpowers, passions, and values.

Whether your teen has no idea what they want to do—or too many ideas—this conversation is packed with insights to help your family prepare for an ever-changing career landscape.

5 Key Takeaways:

Connect with Melissa Palmer:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/82 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Ready to help your kids craft a life they love—not just a job that pays the bills? This episode will give you the tools, questions, and encouragement to start the conversation today.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode helped you!

What if planning your Charlotte Mason homeschool felt less like juggling a dozen PDFs and more like sitting down to a beautifully prepared feast?

In this episode, Julie Ross unveils the brand-new Feast Table Membership — an all-in-one online experience that brings the beauty, rhythm, and structure of A Gentle Feast into a streamlined, accessible platform for today’s homeschool families. Whether you’re a longtime customer or brand new to the Charlotte Mason method, this is a game-changer.

Julie shares the heart behind the transformation, walks you through the powerful features, and answers frequently asked questions about planning, screen use, and what makes this membership different from the classic A Gentle Feast format.

You’ll Learn:

Ready to join the table? Membership is just $29/month during this founding year — but doors close on Labor Day! Take the tour, explore the demo site, and get a feel for how simple and life-giving your homeschool can become.

Visit www.thefeastlife.me/table  to learn more or join now.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/81 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

"When it comes to sex education, silence isn’t golden—it’s dangerous. In today’s episode, we’re talking with Kristen Miele of SexEd Reclaimed about how parents can confidently tackle one of the most challenging topics in parenting. Learn how to ditch the shame, equip your kids with truth, and reclaim God’s beautiful design for sex and relationships. This is the conversation you didn’t know you needed, but won’t want to miss!" 

In this episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross interviews Kristen Miele, founder of SexEd Reclaimed. They explore the gaps in traditional and faith-based sex education and how Kristen's curriculum helps parents confidently address this crucial topic with their children. Kristen shares her personal journey of overcoming fear and shame around discussing sex, the importance of reclaiming sex education as a God-given gift, and practical advice for parents navigating these conversations.

Key Takeaways:

Final Words of Encouragement:
Kristen reminds parents that it’s never too late to start. By taking small steps, praying, and leaning into God’s grace, parents can reclaim this topic for their families and equip their children to live confidently and joyfully in God’s design.

About Our Guest:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/80 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

What’s the best way to truly understand the heart of A Gentle Feast? Hearing from the families who use it every day.

In today’s episode of The Feast Life, I’m doing something a little different — I’m handing over the mic to several wonderful AGF families who share, in their own words, what it’s really like to homeschool with A Gentle Feast.

You’ll hear their honest experiences — the highs, the challenges, and the surprising wins they didn’t expect when they made the switch to a Charlotte Mason-inspired, real-books education.

Episode Highlights:

If you’ve ever wondered...

...this episode is for you.

You’ll walk away with a fresh vision for what your homeschool can be — and maybe even a few new friends cheering you on. And if you’re ready to experience it for yourself, you can explore everything A Gentle Feast has to offer www.agentlefeast.com .

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/79 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 In this heartfelt and laughter-filled episode, Julie sits down with longtime friend and founder of 1000 Hours Outside, Ginny Yurich. They reflect on their shared adventures (whitewater rafting, anyone?), the power of outdoor play, and Ginny’s newest book, Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It. Ginny shares her honest journey from stressed-out public school teacher to joyful homeschooling mom—and how letting go of “doing it perfectly” opened the door to a lifestyle rooted in freedom, connection, and creativity.

This is a conversation every homeschool parent needs to hear: grace-filled, empowering, and deeply real.

Listen in to hear about:

5 Key Takeaways:

Featured Book:
Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It by Ginny Yurich
Order now on Amazon and get the audiobook free with preorder bonus!

About Our Guest:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/78 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Have you ever felt the pull to start something new—a business, a creative pursuit—but held back, thinking you had to choose between homeschooling and following your dreams? Today’s episode will challenge that mindset and inspire you to take bold steps!

I’m thrilled to welcome Leah McHenry, a homeschool mom of five, entrepreneur, and musician, who built multiple successful businesses—all while homeschooling. She shares how she went from being a high school dropout to running a seven-figure company, all without sacrificing the things that mattered most. If you've ever wondered if you can do both—homeschool and pursue your passions—this conversation is for you.

5 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
1. There’s Never a “Perfect” Time to Start – Waiting for the right moment will keep you stuck. Leah shares how she built her businesses in the midst of homeschooling, pregnancy, and life’s challenges.
2. Homeschool Moms Have CEO Potential – The skills you use to manage your homeschool—big-picture planning, problem-solving, and adaptability—are the same skills needed to run a successful business.
3. Overcome Fear by Taking Action – You don’t need all the answers before you start. The key is testing, learning, and adjusting as you go.
4. Integrate, Don’t Separate – Your homeschool and your business can work together, not against each other. Leah shares how she includes her kids in the entrepreneurial journey, giving them hands-on business experience.
5. Build with Legacy in Mind – Whether homeschooling or starting a business, think long-term. What are you creating that will impact future generations?

This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real-life strategies to help you confidently step into the work you feel called to do—without sacrificing your homeschool.

About Our Guest:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/77 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

 What if history didn’t feel like a list of dates and facts, but instead came alive through the eyes of those who lived it? In today’s episode of The Feast Life, I sit down with the lovely Leah Boden—also known as Modern Miss Mason—to discuss her latest adventure in storytelling: a series of beautifully written living biographies for middle-grade readers. If you love Charlotte Mason, children’s literature, and inspiring true stories, this conversation is for you!

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

Get Leah’s Books:
Leah’s Chronicles of Wonder series is now available! These books bring history to life through immersive storytelling and rich detail. Perfect for homeschool families looking to deepen their connection to history through living books.

About Our Guest:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/76 for additional resources and links

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

What if instead of striving harder, you simply rested in the truth that you’re not homeschooling alone? Even when it feels like it’s all on your shoulders, you're infinitely supported—and this episode is your reminder to breathe, release the pressure, and let the help in.

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Julie invites you to shift your mindset around homeschooling by embracing the Divine Helper—yes, even in grammar lessons! She unpacks how striving, overscheduling, and trying to control every detail can actually block the help that’s available to you. You’ll explore how to recognize support (both external and internal), how to stop doing it all yourself, and how to invite more peace, trust, and joy into your homeschool journey.

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about letting go of fear, honoring your child’s learning process, and discovering how deeply supported you already are.

Key Takeaways:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/75 for additional resources and links

A Gentle Feast Curriculum 

Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto

Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in

Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews.

Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW

Connect with Us:

Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

Share This Episode:
If this episode helped lift the weight from your shoulders, share it with a friend who needs the reminder: she doesn’t have to homeschool alone either.