Homeschool Curious Podcast

In this uplifting episode of the Homeschool Curious Podcast, host Morgan welcomes award-winning children’s author Becca Wierwille, founder of Beloved Chronicles, LLC.

Becca writes heartwarming, faith-filled stories for kids ages 6–12 — stories filled with adventure, friendship, forgiveness, identity, and hope. From road trips and missing dogs to wilderness camp mysteries, her books combine meaningful values with genuinely fun storytelling.

Whether you’re a homeschool parent, educator, or simply passionate about great children’s literature, this conversation is full of encouragement and insight.

Becca’s journey from kindergarten teacher to independent publisher

Why she started her own publishing company, Beloved Chronicles, LLC

The challenge of finding clean, engaging middle grade books

How to balance faith-based themes with authentic storytelling

Why books should act as both “windows and mirrors” for young readers

Encouraging a love of reading in young children

The importance of read-aloud culture in families

Homeschool curiosity and flexible education paths

A contemporary middle grade adventure series featuring:

Road trips

Missing dogs

Friendship and forgiveness

Identity and belonging

Overcoming anxiety and loss

The first book follows Kimmy, a girl born with one hand, who embarks on a journey to find her lost dog while navigating friendship betrayal and insecurity.

Perfect for readers who love cozy adventures, travel, and heartfelt character growth.

A chapter book mystery series about a clever girl and her perceptive pup solving mysteries at a Christian wilderness camp.

These books feature:

Short chapters

Light illustrations

Humor and heart

Faith-based themes

Great read-aloud potential

📖 Book one is available as a free audiobook or ebook at:
👉 https://beccawierwille.com/

Becca also co-hosts Ice Cream with Authors, a Christian book podcast designed for kids.

The show features:

Mini author interviews

Book clips

Behind-the-scenes publishing insights

Official content guidelines for families

A helpful resource for parents looking for vetted, hope-filled book recommendations.

Listen at: https://icecreamwithauthors.com

Becca shares practical encouragement for parents:

Define your family’s reading values

Set entertainment boundaries based on those values

Offer a variety of genres

Read aloud regularly — even into the teen years

Create shared family reading experiences

She highly recommends The Read-Aloud Family by The Read-Aloud Family.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Basecamp Ed.

Basecamp Ed is a free community-building app that helps parents:

Connect with local homeschool families

Form co-ops and playgroups

Find tutors and teachers

Discover educational businesses

Visit 👉 https://basecamped.com
Or download in the App Store.

Homeschooling was never meant to be done alone — build your village with Basecamp Ed.

In the latest episode of the Homeschool Curious Podcast, Morgan Bergstrom sits down with author Becca Wierwille, the creative mind behind Beloved Chronicles LLC. With a background in education and a passion for storytelling, Becca is on a mission to provide children with engaging, clean, and heartwarming literature.

Becca shares her transition from being a kindergarten teacher to becoming a full-time author and stay-at-home mom. She wakes up early to write and utilizes her daughter’s nap times to focus on her publishing business. With a supportive family nearby, she manages to balance her roles effectively, proving that passion can thrive within the chaos of motherhood.

Discussing her plans for her daughter’s education, Becca admits to being “homeschool curious.” She has gained insights into the homeschooling community through her publishing experiences and appreciates the flexibility and personalized education it offers. She reflects on her own childhood, where she had friends who were homeschooled, but acknowledges that her exposure was limited at the time.

While teaching, Becca noticed a gap in the market for children’s books that were both entertaining and aligned with family-friendly values. She wanted to create stories that not only entertained kids but also conveyed positive messages without feeling preachy. This realization spurred her to start her own publishing company after finding it challenging to land a traditional publishing deal.

Becca founded Beloved Chronicles LLC to bring her vision to life. She emphasizes that independent publishing is a collaborative effort that includes a team of editors, illustrators, and cover designers. This allows her to focus on writing books that resonate with families and children alike.

Becca’s first series, Road Trip Rescue, follows the journey of a girl named Kimmy who embarks on an adventure to find her lost dog. The story touches on themes of anxiety, loss, and self-acceptance, providing young readers with relatable experiences. The second series, Scout and Barnaby Mysteries, includes humorous and heartwarming stories about a girl and her dog solving mysteries at a wilderness camp, perfect for ages six to ten.

In her books, Becca aims to address real emotions that children face. For instance, in Road Trip Rescue, Kimmy experiences anxiety and insecurity relating to her arm, as well as the loss of her dog and a friendship. These themes are crucial as they help children navigate their own feelings and foster empathy.

Becca Wierwille’s journey from teacher to author is a testament to the power of storytelling in children’s lives. By creating engaging, clean, and meaningful literature, she aims to inspire and connect with young readers. Her experiences highlight the importance of addressing real emotions in children’s stories, making them both relatable and enriching.

Grab any of Becca’s books or listen to her podcast at https://beccawierwille.com/

 The Homeschool Curious Podcast

In a world where screen time often overshadows nature, Julianne Nienberg, the voice behind My Outdoorsy Mom, emphasizes the importance of unstructured outdoor play for children. From her experiences in Michigan’s beautiful landscapes to the challenges of winter, Julianne shares invaluable insights on how parents can foster a love for the outdoors in their kids.

Julianne’s journey as My Outdoorsy Mom began during a hectic winter while she was a full-time working mom with two toddlers and a third on the way. She felt a pressing need for her children to experience more outdoor play amidst their busy lives.

Inspired by the book “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather,” which highlights Scandinavian culture’s integration of nature into daily life, Julianne made it her mission to prioritize outdoor time for her kids. After work, she would rush her children home, quickly get them into their snow gear, and encourage them to spend even just 15 minutes outside. This commitment sparked a transformation in their daily routine and ignited a passion for exploration.

Julianne acknowledges that the initial hurdle for parents, especially in cold climates, is the time-consuming process of dressing kids for outdoor activities. She humorously notes that parents often spend more time getting gear on than actually enjoying the outdoors.

However, she reassures parents that persistence pays off. Her youngest son, now five, is impressively quick at putting on his snow pants, a skill he developed with practice. By embracing small outdoor moments throughout the day—whether it’s a quick snack on the patio or a short walk after nap time—parents can cultivate a love for nature in their children.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Julianne’s parenting journey has been witnessing her children engage in risky play. Her middle child, who is naturally adventurous, has often pushed the boundaries, climbing high into trees. Julianne has learned to hold back her instinctive reactions, allowing him to explore and develop confidence in his abilities. She emphasizes the importance of unstructured playtime, where children can explore their limits and learn to assess risks independently. This freedom not only fosters independence but also nurtures creativity and imagination.

Julianne encourages parents to send their children outside without an abundance of toys, allowing them to use their imagination to create and explore. She shares how her children have built villages with sticks and rocks, showcasing the wonders of unstructured play. By stepping back and allowing their creativity to flourish, children learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and develop essential life skills.

Julianne’s insights remind us of the immense value of outdoor play in children’s lives. By prioritizing unstructured time in nature, parents can help their kids develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for the outdoors. Embrace the little moments, invest in quality outdoor gear, and remember: kids are washable, and their adventures are invaluable.

You can watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube, or listen any where else you get your podcasts.

Follow Julianne on her Blog, Instagram and Podcast!

Happy New Year, friends! If you’re anything like me, the turn of the calendar brings a rush of excitement mixed with a healthy dose of reality. As a homeschool mom expecting my fourth child, I know firsthand how overwhelming the “new year, new me” energy can feel when you’re already juggling little ones, lessons, meals, and everything in between.

In this solo episode, I share a gentle, grace-filled approach to goal-setting that actually sticks—no burnout, no perfectionism, just sustainable growth.

The start of a new year can feel like a fresh slate, but for busy moms, it often turns into another source of pressure. We dream big—revamp the homeschool routine, launch that side hustle, finally get consistent self-care—only to feel defeated by mid-February when life (sick kids, unexpected chaos, pregnancy fatigue) inevitably interrupts. The truth is, grand overhauls rarely work in our season. What does work is focusing on a few realistic, meaningful goals that honor where you are right now.

In the episode, I introduced a simple framework: choose just ONE goal per category (or fewer if that’s all your plate can hold). This keeps things manageable, prevents overwhelm, and lets you celebrate small wins that build momentum throughout the year. The three categories? Personal, business (if it applies), and homeschooling.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, mama. Personal goals should center on self-care and filling your soul—things that give you energy rather than drain it. Examples from the episode include:

These aren’t about massive transformations; they’re about small, consistent habits that help you show up more present and patient for your family.

If you’re running a podcast, blog, side hustle, or even dreaming of one, set a goal that fits around your homeschool rhythm—not against it. Ideas include:

The key is flexibility—work during independent study time or naptime, and remember progress over perfection. If business isn’t your focus right now, skip this category entirely and pour more into personal or homeschool goals.

Homeschooling thrives on relationship and curiosity, not rigid checklists. Pick one goal to enhance your days without adding stress. Suggestions:

Align it with your family’s values—maybe weaving in faith or real-world learning—and give yourself permission to adapt when life happens.

The biggest takeaway? Limit yourself to 2–3 goals total and embrace grace. Miss a day? Tomorrow is new. Celebrate the small stuff—it’s the compound effect that creates real change. Surround yourself with supportive community (online groups, local co-ops, or even this podcast!) to stay encouraged.

Whether you’re homeschool-curious, deep in the trenches, or navigating a big life transition like welcoming a new baby, this episode is your reminder: You’re already doing so much. 2026 can be a year of gentle, joyful growth—not exhaustion.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.) for more stories, examples, and encouragement. Grab your planner, pick your one goal per category, and let’s make this year about sustainable wins.

Stay curious, mamas. You’ve got this!

In today’s ever-changing education landscape, homeschooling continues to grow as families seek flexible, personalized, and faith-based learning options. In this episode of Home School Curious, host Morgan Bergstrom sits down with Kristen, Director of Marketing for SchoolhouseTeachers.com, to talk through the realities of homeschooling and how families can confidently get started—no teaching degree required.

Kristen shares how her background as a high school history teacher (grades 9–12) shaped her family’s decision to homeschool. Wanting to provide a biblical worldview and reduce the challenges of bullying she and her husband experienced in public school, they chose a more intentional learning environment for their children—one built on support, flexibility, and faith.

Homeschooling can feel intimidating, especially for parents without an education background. Kristen offers reassurance: if you can manage your children and guide their learning, you can homeschool successfully. With the right tools and support, parents can teach confidently while balancing work and family life.

SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers a complete PreK–12 curriculum that allows parents to customize learning by subject and ability level. Whether a child excels in language arts but needs extra help in math—or vice versa—families can mix and match courses to meet individual needs.

One of the platform’s biggest strengths is its parent-led design. Lesson plans and guides are provided, but parents stay in charge of pacing, structure, and approach—making it adaptable for every homeschool style.

For younger students, hands-on activities and sensory learning bring lessons to life. Kristen shares examples like construction-themed science lessons using vehicles and tactile materials to reinforce foundational concepts through play and exploration.

As students grow—often around fifth grade—the curriculum encourages greater independence. Interactive courses allow students to work more autonomously, giving parents flexibility while still staying involved in their child’s education.

Homeschooling can be flexible, faith-filled, and achievable for any family

You don’t need a teaching degree to homeschool successfully

SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers customizable PreK–12 curriculum options

Hands-on learning keeps younger kids engaged

Encouraging independence helps balance homeschooling with real life

🎧 Listen to this episode on YouTube or Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This Christmas, give a gift that keeps on giving—a full year of faith-filled homeschooling! One SchoolhouseTeachers.com membership covers your entire family with:

Hundreds of PreK–12 courses

25,000+ streaming videos for families

Biblical worldview woven throughout

Parent resources and exclusive member perks

You can even bless another family with a membership this season 💝

👉 Use code FRESHSTART2026 to get your Annual Membership for $199
🎁 Plus receive a Mama Owl tote with purchase (US only, publisher’s choice)
⏰ Offer ends January 8

🔗 Join now:
https://schoolhouseteachers.com/checkout/?pmpro_level=3&pmpro_discount_code=FRESHSTART2026

Traveling with toddlers can feel less like a vacation and more like a full-contact sport ✈️😅 From spilled snacks and missed naps to tiny humans melting down at the worst possible moments, family travel is not for the faint of heart. But it is possible—and even meaningful—when you’re equipped with the right mindset and a few hard-earned strategies.

In this episode of The Home School Curious Podcast, host Morgan Bergstrom goes straight to the front lines, sharing real-life wisdom from years of traveling with her three boys. With the holiday season approaching and many families hitting the road or skies, Morgan offers practical, calming, and confidence-building advice for navigating trips with young children. This isn’t Pinterest-perfect travel—it’s honest, doable, and rooted in experience.

From booking flights and packing smart to surviving airports and keeping little ones engaged, Morgan breaks down what actually works (and what doesn’t). She also reminds parents of something essential: kids take their emotional cues from us. Staying calm, flexible, and prepared can make all the difference—not just for the trip itself, but for the memories you create along the way ❤️

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or just gearing up for your first big trip with toddlers, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to go.

You can watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving: a full year of faith-filled homeschooling! With SchoolhouseTeachers.com, one membership covers your entire family with hundreds of PreK–12 courses, 25,000 streaming videos for families, Biblical lessons woven throughout, parent resources, and of course, special member perks!

You can even bless another family with a membership this season!

Use code FRESHSTART2026 to get your Annual Membership for just $199 plus receive a Mama Owl tote with your purchase (US only, publisher’s choice). Offer ends January 8.

Join now: https://schoolhouseteachers.com/checkout/?pmpro_level=3&pmpro_discount_code=FRESHSTART2026  

After two years of keeping it quiet, Morgan finally opens up: since 2023, our family has been living in Mumbai, India.

In this raw, reflective solo episode recorded on our very last day in the city, I share the unfiltered truth about this life-changing chapter—the chaos, the magic, how India rewired the way I parent and homeschool, and the sudden, devastating event that shook everything only eight weeks after we arrived.

Two months into our move, my mom suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke back in the U.S. Being half a world away while she fought for her life flipped a switch inside me: priorities changed overnight and I understood on a deep level what family, time, and presence actually mean. This isn’t just a travel reflection—it’s the story of how India and that terrifying phone call together reshaped my entire perspective on life, parenting, and what matters most.

How we ended up moving our family of five to Mumbai, what daily life and schooling 3 kids in our apartment really looked like, and how living immersed in a completely different culture transformed everything I thought I knew about education and “normal.” I open up about the moment everything changed, getting the call about my mom’s stroke, the helplessness of being 8,000 miles away, and how that crisis became the lens through which I now see gratitude, family, and every single day. I also share the overwhelming and beautiful moments alike, why travel with kids is the ultimate real-life education, how India taught me to let go of control, and why tomorrow’s flight home feels both heartbreaking and exactly right.

You can watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with second-generation homeschooler Amelia Murdock, who has homeschooled her four daughters for over a decade and turned her love of art and reading into Dash Into Learning – a phonics-first, story-rich early reading program that’s now loved by thousands of families. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, real-life encouragement, and proof that you really can run a thriving business while keeping homeschool mornings sacred.

If you’ve ever wondered whether homeschooling could actually be joyful, sustainable, and even lead to something bigger than you imagined, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to help your kids fall deeply in love with learning.

Be sure to check out the Homeschool Start program here.

You can watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube or listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

Episode Summary:

In this heartwarming episode of the Homeschool Curious podcast, host Morgan Bergstrom sits down with Dr. Melanie Wilson—a former clinical psychologist turned homeschooling veteran and curriculum creator. Melanie opens up about her unexpected leap from a thriving career in psychology, writing, and speaking to homeschooling her six children for over 20 years (all of whom graduated and pursued college).

She candidly shares how she initially resisted homeschooling but discovered profound fulfillment in it. The secret to her success? Structure and routines that kept chaos at bay while juggling family and her growing passions.

Melanie dives into the passion behind Grammar Galaxy, her story-based language arts curriculum designed to make learning fun and engaging for elementary kids. She also reflects on launching The Homeschool Sanity Show, her podcast packed with practical parenting and homeschooling tips.

The conversation tackles real homeschooling challenges—like discipline, teaching multiple ages, and overcomplicating things—while offering hope: kids are resilient, parenting mistakes don’t define outcomes, and reading aloud remains one of the most powerful tools in any homeschool.

Whether you’re burned out, just starting, or simply curious—this episode is a masterclass in keeping homeschooling sane, simple, and joyful.

Get Grammar Galaxy and start training your aliens at Fun to Learn Books

For your weekly dose of sanity, listen to The Homeschool Sanity Show

Follow Melanie on Instagram

You can watch this podcast on Spotify or YouTube

What if history class felt more like an epic battle royale than a dusty monotonous textbook? In this episode, homeschooling game innovator Zack Edwards flips the script on boring education.

From his own school-day dread of dates and timelines to crafting Historical Conquest—a card game where historical heroes, villains, and disasters clash in custom societies—Zack’s all about gamification that sticks. We dive into his college dorm brainstorm, the family-friendly multiplayer magic, and how it pairs with custom curricula to spark real excitement for history.

Then, enter Xogos, Zack’s digital playground expanding the fun into interactive learning with safe, community-driven rewards (think: coins for real-world service gigs!). Safety first—no sketchy chats here—and it’s built for homeschool crews craving engagement without the screen-time guilt. Whether you’re battling mom-burnout or just want kids who love learning, Zack’s got the playbook: fun > force, every time.

Watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube

Join Morgan Bergstrom as she chats with Raven Kramer, a fierce mom who’s been homeschooling her four kids for 5 years—blending philosophies as an “unschooling homeschooler.” From a tough childhood that fueled her fire to be a better parent, Raven reveals how outdoor play supercharges development, why kids need hours outside for real learning, and how socialization in homeschooling beats traditional schools with diverse, real-world connections.

Discover how the pandemic exposed schooling flaws, why building community is homeschooling‘s secret sauce, and pro tips for working parents eyeing the leap. Plus, the surprising truth: marriage gets stronger with effort, communication, and family-first vibes!

Key Takeaways:

If you’re into unschooling, homeschooling, parenting, family dynamics, outdoor adventures, marriage growth, or community building—this episode will ignite your rethink on raising resilient kids! 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

For inspiring motherhood and homeschooling content, follow Raven on Instagram

Watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube