The Homeschool Connections Podcast

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!

Today's sponsor is Franciscan University of Steubenville.

What if opening your home could transform an entire community?

In this inspiring episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Kathleen Billings—Catholic speaker, author, and homeschool mom—to share the incredible story of how her family began hosting small gatherings that grew into monthly events of 200–300 people.

Kathleen shares how a leap of faith led her family to a new state, how simple acts of hospitality turned into a powerful ministry, and how prayer, marriage, and trust in God sustain it all. If you’ve ever longed for deeper community or felt called to something more, this episode will encourage you to take that first step.

Show Notes:

Resources Mentioned: Smart Martha’s Catholic Guide for Busy Moms by Tami Kiser: https://amzn.to/4bXXwMP

Your Holy Family Ministries: https://yourholyfamily.org/

Troy & Kathleen Billings’ ministry and book Simply Love: https://godsplan4u.info/

Additional Resources:

Go on pilgrimage with the Billings: https://selectinternationaltours.com/troy-and-kathleen-billings/

Kathleen’s son David’s website: https://godsplan4u.info/

Thank You to Our Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville. At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background.

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program. Learn more at https://franciscan.edu/advantage/

In this episode, we discuss:

Kathleen's Biography:

Kathleen Billings is a national Catholic speaker and an award-winning author. She and her husband, Troy, have five children, one son-in-law, one grandchild on the way, and 4 souls in Heaven.

She resides with her family on their 5-acre homestead in South Carolina. Kathleen has written for Catholic Mom, WINE- Women in the New Evangelization, and had a blog entitled “Two to Tango” in the For Your Marriage section of the USCCB Website.

She is also a contributing author to the book, Amazing Grace for Mothers (Ascension Press) and Called by Name - 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women (Ave Maria Press).

Kathleen and her husband, Troy, are the co-authors of the award-winning book Simply Love: Catholic Marriage Day by Day, published by Our Sunday Visitor. Kathleen and her husband Tory’s website where you can learn more about their ministries: troyandkathleenbillings.com

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!

Should politics be part of your homeschool curriculum?

Many parents hesitate to introduce political discussions at home, especially in today’s polarized culture. However, avoiding the topic entirely may leave our children unprepared to understand the world they are inheriting.

In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Catholic journalist Erika Ahern, producer and host of The Deep and co-host of Catholic Vote’s LOOPcast, to discuss how homeschooling parents can thoughtfully introduce politics and current events into their family life.

Erika shares practical advice for helping children develop a healthy understanding of politics while keeping their formation rooted in faith, truth, and Catholic principles.

Catholic Classical Homeschool Curricula:

The Story of Civilization – Phillip Campbell: https://tanbooks.com/homeschool/shop-by-product-line/story-of-civilization/

Zeale – A teenager-safe news source: https://zeale.co/

The LOOPcast Podcast (CatholicVote): https://catholicvote.org/podcast/

The LOOPcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLOOPcast

Articles by Erika Ahern (CatholicVote): https://catholicvote.org/author/erika-ahern/

This episode is sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University.

John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs within creative arts, digital media, theology, and business in a faithfully Catholic environment.

Apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses at:

Erika Ahern is a Catholic journalist and media professional. She is the producer and host of The Deep and co-host of CatholicVote’s LOOPcast.

Her writing has appeared in:

USA Today

Washington Examiner

National Catholic Register

RealClear Politics

RealClear Religion

The Daily Caller

Crisis Magazine

Erika regularly appears on podcasts, talk radio, and television programs, including Newsmax, Relevant Radio, and EWTN.

She lives outside New Haven, Connecticut, with her husband and their seven children.

In this episode we discuss:

Why Catholic families should not avoid political conversations

How to introduce current events in an age-appropriate way

Safe news sources for teens and older students

How history helps children understand today’s political landscape

Practical resources for integrating current events into your homeschool

If you’ve ever wondered when and how to begin discussing politics with your children, this episode will give you thoughtful guidance and helpful resources.

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!

Feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or like you have nothing left to give by midday?

You’re not alone.

In this encouraging conversation, Kaitlin sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and homeschooling mom Stephanie Weinert, founder of Mother & Home, to talk about how moms can build a life-giving morning routine that supports their body, mind, and soul.

Stephanie shares the lessons she learned through years of homeschooling during difficult seasons—including miscarriages, exhaustion, and burnout—and how God led her to a more ordered and grace-filled way of living.

Instead of chasing the latest “mom hacks” or social media trends, Stephanie explains how Catholic mothers can anchor their days in prayer, healthy habits, and hope.

This episode is sponsored by Fiat Life Coaching.

Emily Brown from Fiat Life Coaching offers premium support for Catholic homeschooling moms to learn essential skills to manage their time, other people's behavior, and their own mental and emotional well-being.

Learn more about her signature program, The Happy, Holy Mama Membership, at:

👉 fiatlifecoaching.com

Stephanie Weinert is the founder of Mother & Home, a ministry and marketplace dedicated to encouraging mothers in the dignity and importance of their vocation within the home.

She is a Catholic wife, mother, writer, and media personality who previously served as a radio host for EWTN Global Catholic Network before stepping away from her career to focus on her family.

A convert to Catholicism and second-generation homeschooler, Stephanie is passionate about Scripture study, Catholic motherhood, and encouraging women in their spiritual lives.

She speaks nationally and internationally on topics including faith, homeschooling, family life, and suffering as part of the Christian journey.

Learn more and follow Stephanie here:

🌐 Website: https://motherandhome.co

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!

Creative subjects are often the first to get pushed aside in education—but they may be some of the most important.

In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with online instructor and professional photographer Victoria Cerise to discuss why creative outlets like photography play a vital role in a student’s development.

Victoria explains how creative subjects help students slow down, become more aware of the world around them, and grow in confidence. She also shares how photography can strengthen academic learning across subjects—from science and history to literature—and encourage curiosity about God’s creation.

The conversation also includes practical advice for parents who want to introduce photography into their homeschool, even if they have no experience themselves.

Whether your child is interested in photography, writing, art, or another creative pursuit, this episode offers encouragement and ideas to nurture those passions and help students develop skills that last a lifetime.

Victoria’s Photography Website

Victoria’s Homeschool Connections Instructor Page

Victoria’s Photography Courses

Recommended Camera: Canon T3i (Canon Rebel Series)

This episode is sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University.

John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs in creative arts, digital media, theology, and business within a faithfully Catholic environment.

Students explore storytelling, filmmaking, animation, and entrepreneurship while growing in their faith.

You can apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses at:

Victoria Cerise is a Homeschool Connections instructor and professional Catholic wedding photographer.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of New Jersey and previously worked as an emergency department nurse. Today, she combines her passion for science education and photography to help students see the beauty of God’s design in the world around them.

Victoria, who was homeschooled herself, teaches science and photography courses through Homeschool Connections. She is also active in pro-life advocacy and enjoys learning new homemaking skills in her log cabin home.

How creative outlets support emotional and mental health

Why recreation and creativity are essential for human flourishing

Building healthy alternatives to passive entertainment like social media

Why photography is an accessible creative skill for beginners

How quick success encourages students to keep learning

The role of encouragement and feedback in building confidence

Learning to slow down and observe the world more intentionally

Developing situational awareness and attention to detail

Discovering beauty in God’s creation

Using photography in science lessons (erosion, nature observation)

Creative assignments tied to literature and faith

Exploring historical locations and visual context

How photography sparks curiosity about the natural world

Letting students follow their interests and ask questions

Turning everyday observations into learning opportunities

Starting photography, even if you have no experience

Using YouTube tutorials and structured courses

Bringing cameras along on hikes, zoo trips, and family outings

Recommended starter camera:

Why parents should nurture creative passions rather than discourage them

The value of mentorship and shadowing professionals

Remembering that hobbies themselves are valuable, even if they never become careers

Grab your coffee and let's homeschool together!

How do you homeschool when your family keeps growing?

In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Chantal Howard, founder of Catholic Finishing School and mother of seven, to talk about the joys and challenges of homeschooling a large family.

Chantal shares practical wisdom from her own homeschooling journey—raising children from newborn to college age while managing family life, work, and faith. She discusses how to cultivate independence in children, adapt to different learning styles, and maintain peace in a busy household.

From anchoring the day with prayer to embracing the flexibility that homeschooling provides, Chantal encourages parents to see family life itself as a powerful school of virtue and formation.

If you’ve ever wondered how homeschooling works with a big family—or felt overwhelmed by the idea—this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that God provides the grace needed for the vocation of parenthood.

This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.

At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background.

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.

Learn more at Franciscan.edu

Chantal Howard is the founder of Catholic Finishing School, a formation movement devoted to helping young Catholic women and their mothers grow in virtue, beauty, and authentic femininity.

A seasoned life and business coach with more than ten years of experience, Chantal integrates her passion for Catholic culture, natural living, entrepreneurship, and family life to inspire women to flourish body, mind, and soul.

She is also the author of The School of the Family: A Renaissance of Catholic Formation, which explores how families can become centers of virtue and culture in the modern world.

Chantal lives in Sandpoint, Idaho with her husband, Dr. Peter Howard, and their seven children. 

Catholic Finishing School (Special discount link for listeners):

Chantal Howard Website:

Chantal Howard Instagram:

Homeschool Connections Course Catalog:

Why the family rosary anchors their homeschool day

Creating a spiritual rhythm in family life

Integrating prayer into everyday routines

Managing learning for children from infants to teens

Creating “pods” of learning within the home

Encouraging independent study

Why homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home

How curiosity and freedom cultivate motivated learners

Encouraging children to pursue their interests

Why no single curriculum works for every child

Being flexible with educational approaches

Letting go of perfection and trusting the process

Embracing seasons of life

Allowing older children to help with family responsibilities

Letting “life itself” become a teacher

Creating “zones” for focused learning

Using technology wisely when needed

Allowing homeschool schedules to remain flexible

Why chores are part of a child’s formation

Creating a family team mentality

Raising capable and responsible young adults

Establishing daily routines and rhythms

The importance of prayer and spiritual habits

Finding small moments of peace in a busy day

Why parents shouldn’t fear the challenge

The value of family culture and formation

Trusting that God fills the gaps in our efforts

In this energizing episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with online history instructor and newly certified personal trainer Phillip Campbell to talk about the vital role of health and fitness in homeschooling.

Phillip shares his personal transformation journey—from struggling with fatigue and poor bloodwork in his late 30s to becoming a certified trainer through the American Council on Exercise.

They discuss:

Why sedentary lifestyles are quietly damaging our kids’ health

How diet affects focus, mood, and academic performance

The importance of building muscle and bone density early

Practical, low-cost ways to implement cardio and strength training at home

How tracking fitness progress builds agency and self-esteem

If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate intentional physical training into your homeschool day, or how to help your teen build lifelong healthy habits, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement.

This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.

At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!

High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.

Learn more at Franciscan.edu

Phillip Campbell is a longtime history instructor for Homeschool Connections and author of the popular Story of Civilization series from TAN Books. He holds a degree in European history from Ave Maria University and a degree in Secondary Education from Madonna University. Recently, Phillip completed the American Council on Exercise certification program and is now a certified personal trainer.

Phillip’s HSC Author Page:

Helping Teens Understand Real Nutrition:

Finding Happiness article: https://catholicexchange.com/happiness-is-close-at-hand-using-the-sermon-on-the-mount-as-an-antidote-to-anxiety/ 

More Health & Fitness Articles:

Phillip’s Website:

Phillip’s Online Courses:

Phillip’s Personal Health Transformation

His wake-up call in his late 30s

Reversing poor bloodwork and chronic pain

The power of incremental progress

Becoming ACE certified

Mental Benefits of Exercise for Homeschoolers

Improved focus and sustained energy

Reduced lethargy and depressive symptoms

Increased confidence and self-esteem

Building a sense of personal agency

The Sedentary Culture Problem

The health risks tied to inactivity

Why “just running around” isn’t enough

The need for intentional strength and cardio training

Nutrition & Academic Performance

Why teens need sufficient calories (especially girls)

The danger of under-eating and hidden eating disorders

Simple vs. complex carbohydrates

Avoiding fad diets and food demonization

Simple, realistic meal strategies for busy homeschool families

How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?

A practical rule of thumb for sedentary hours

Structuring weekly fitness: cardio + strength + flexibility

Why progressive overload matters

Simple At-Home Fitness Ideas

Walking + sprint intervals

Jump rope

Push-ups, planks, and calisthenics

Dumbbells and kettlebells

Tracking progress with written logs

Making fitness interdisciplinary (math + science + data tracking!)

Building Agency Through Fitness

Why measurable progress matters

How strength training builds confidence

Competing against yourself, not others

Can Shakespeare come alive in your backyard?

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kaitlin Zara talks with Mary Ellen Barrett, founder of the Front Lawn Players—a homeschool theater troupe that performed Shakespeare plays on backyards for 14 years.

From handmade costumes and thrifted sets to children memorizing complex scripts and growing in confidence, Mary Ellen shares how homemade theater became a transformative educational and spiritual experience for her family and community. She offers practical advice for homeschool moms who want to incorporate drama into their learning, without needing Broadway budgets or perfect homes.

You’ll be inspired to embrace creativity, community, and even a little chaos for the sake of something beautiful.

Thank you to our sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville

Mary Ellen Barrett is a homeschooling mother from Long Island and a founder of the Front Lawn Players, a backyard Shakespeare troupe that performed 14 plays over 14 years. 

Mary Ellen also serves as the Chairman of the Board at Seton Home Study School, editor at Seton Magazine, and podcaster at Stay at Homeschooling Moms

Follow Mary Ellen on Substack:

Explore Homeschool Connections’ online Shakespeare courses.

How six homeschool moms started performing Shakespeare on their front lawns.

Why seeing and hearing Shakespeare first makes it accessible to kids.

The difference between reading Shakespeare and performing it.

How performance builds confidence and lifelong public speaking skills.

The interdisciplinary power of theater (literature, history, math, art, music).

Creating elaborate productions on a homeschool schedule.

Why May became “Shakespeare season” in their homes.

Hosting public backyard performances (and even performing at Westbury Gardens!).

The deep community formed among the moms and families.

The powerful story of Mary Ellen’s son Ryan and the gift of acceptance through theater.

Making space for neurodivergent and differently-abled children in creative work.

Letting go of perfection (yes—even the sticky kitchen floor).

Practical advice for starting your own homeschool theater group.

1. Start Small

Begin with simple costumes, a backyard, and a short play. Grow gradually each year.

2. Performance Makes Shakespeare Click

Watch it. Hear it. Experience it. Once children see it performed, the language becomes accessible.

3. Theater Builds More Than Academic Skills

Drama fosters poise, moral imagination, confidence, friendship, and belonging.

4. Play to Your Strengths

Sew, cook, build, direct, organize—every mom can contribute in her own way.

5. Community Changes Everything

The Front Lawn Players wasn’t just about Shakespeare—it created lifelong friendships for moms and children alike

You don’t need a stage.

You do need creativity, courage, and community.

As Mary Ellen beautifully reminds us, no one will remember the messy kitchen floor—but your children will remember the magic you created together.

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together! 

With so many homeschool philosophies to choose from—Charlotte Mason, classical, unschooling, eclectic—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you choose the right approach, especially when you’re raising multiple children with very different personalities?

In this encouraging and practical episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschooling mom of seven, Bonnie Landry. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and shares how she built a peaceful, relationship-first home without rigid rewards, pressure-heavy academics, or fear-based decision-making.

From teaching bookish learners and high-energy boys under one roof to prioritizing connection over conflict, Bonnie offers wisdom for homeschooling moms who want confidence, clarity, and joy—especially in large families.

If you’ve ever worried about falling behind, choosing the “wrong” philosophy, or losing your identity as a nurturing mom while becoming the “teacher,” this conversation will renew your courage.

Sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville

Bonnie Landry is a Catholic wife and mother of seven, living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Five of her children are now married, and she is a grandmother to twelve. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and now hosts the podcast Make Joy Normal: Cozy Homeschooling, where she shares encouragement on homeschooling, community, babies, and cultivating joy in family life.

Her mission is simple: Make joy normal.

Podcast: https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/

Bonnie’s 32-year homeschooling journey, raising seven children

Teaching multiple personalities under one roof

Multi-sensory learning in a large family

Why relationship comes before academics

A peaceful alternative to rewards and consequences

How removing pressure can increase academic success

Creating independent learners without a rigid curriculum

Balancing bookish children with high-energy kids

Managing one-on-one time when toddlers are underfoot

Why “falling behind” may not be what you think

Being fearless in your homeschool decisions

The importance of real-life community for homeschooling moms

Connection fuels cooperation.

You don’t need pressure to produce strong academics.

Homeschool philosophy should serve relationships, not the other way around.

Large family homeschooling can be peaceful.

Be fearless.

"Different” doesn’t mean broken. It means beautifully designed.

In this heartfelt and deeply affirming episode, Kaitlin is joined by Ginny Kochis, neurodivergent parent coach, author, and founder of Quirky Catholic Kids, for an honest conversation about raising neurodivergent children with confidence, compassion, and faith. Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, homeschool mom, and mother of three twice-exceptional children, Ginny guides listeners through the journey from fear and shame to understanding, acceptance, and peace.

Together, they explore evaluations, homeschooling myths, accessing services, social challenges, and the profound blessings that come with raising “quirky” kids. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating neurodiversity—especially Catholic homeschooling families seeking encouragement, clarity, and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

Sponsor

You can also find Emily and Fiat Life Coaching on social media at:

Featured Guest

Resources & Links:

Ginny’s Website: https://ginnykochis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quirkycatholickids/

Books by Ginny: https://amzn.to/4s33xPh

Homeschool Connections: https://homeschoolconnections.com/

Dual Enrollment with Franciscan University at Homeschool Connections:

If you’ve ever felt isolated, unsure, or overwhelmed raising a neurodivergent child, this episode will meet you right where you are—and remind you that you are not alone.

To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:

Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!