The Wired Homeschool

Noah Tetzner is a homeschool graduate who enjoys sharing his passion for history with the world! He is the host of multiple historical podcasts that feature interviews with some of the world’s brightest scholars.

Recently, he has launched a new podcast called Lessons from a Homeschooler where you can join him in learning about topics such as history, education, and literature from acclaimed speakers across the homeschooling world.

Make sure you have a listen to both of Noah’s podcasts: The History of Vikings and Lessons from a Homeschooler.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

If you’re looking for homeschooling inspiration, you might not immediately think of a Fortune 500 CEO. But Ursula Burns—the powerhouse who led Xerox and headed the White House STEM program—is a masterclass in authenticity and strategic thinking.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, here are six leadership lessons from Ursula Burns that can transform your school year.

In the early days of her career, Ursula Burns famously refused to change her hair to fit a corporate mold. She encourages people, especially in STEM, to use their uniqueness as a way to stand out rather than blend in.

The Homeschool Takeaway: Sometimes being the “homeschool family” feels like a burden or a label we have to explain. Instead, teach your kids to lean into it. Their unconventional education is their superpower. It makes them unique, adaptable, and interesting. Don’t just be okay with being different—own it.

Great CEOs don’t bark orders from an ivory tower; they listen to the people on the ground. Ursula Burns knew that for a company to thrive, she needed to hear from her team.

The Homeschool Takeaway: You might be the principal, but your kids are your team. As they grow, their interests will shift. If you want them to stay invested in their education, you have to listen to what sparks their curiosity. When they have a say in what they learn, they take ownership of how they learn.

Burns has been vocal about the fact that partners need to step up, especially when it comes to raising a family. No one reaches the top of a global company (or a successful school year) without a support system.

The Homeschool Takeaway: One parent shouldn’t carry the entire weight of education, house management, and planning. Whether it’s involving your spouse, joining a co-op, or utilizing online resources, remember that homeschooling is a team sport. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

From navigating tough business deals to advocating for STEM, Burns knows how to hold her position.

The Homeschool Takeaway: Let’s be real—you’re probably going to face skepticism. Whether it’s a pushy relative or a stranger at the grocery store asking about socialization, you need to be confident in your “why.” Know your reasons for homeschooling and be prepared to stand your ground when your choices are questioned.

In business, you track goals to make better decisions. But Burns knows that the right metrics matter more than just raw numbers.

The Homeschool Takeaway: Grades and test scores are just data points—they aren’t the end goal. In our house, we measure success by a love of learning and the ability to solve problems. Ask yourself: Is my child becoming a resourceful, kind, and curious adult? That’s the “ROI” (Return on Investment) that truly counts.

Burns is a big believer that you need to enjoy your work to truly succeed.

The Homeschool Takeaway: If homeschooling feels like a heavy chain around your neck every day, something needs to change. There is so much joy to be found in a “history nugget” or a science experiment gone wrong. Find the fun in the process. When the teacher is enjoying the journey, the students will too.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Educational content is available all over the Internet. As streaming services become more popular, more educational documentaries become available to homeschoolers.

Previously, I’ve shared YouTube channels and documentaries on Netflix that are educational. In this episode of The Wired Homeschool, I share 10 documentaries you can find on Hulu right now that you can use for homeschooling.

The list reflects my leaning towards science and technology (especially, space) but you can find other interesting educational content on Hulu that covers topics like humanities, finances, and history.

Updated 3/16/2020 — Since the release of the podcast, some of the titles mentioned in the recording are no longer available. I’ve substituted the missing titles with the current ones.

Drugs: A multibillion-dollar industry that fuels crime and violence like no other substance on the planet. Turning cartel leaders into billionaires, the illegal drug industry also provides vital income to hundreds of thousands of poor workers across the globe. Rating: TV-14. Watch now.

The MythBusters, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, two special effects experts with more than 30 years of experience, methodically set out to bust urban legends. Rating: PG. Watch now.

Some images caught by satellites in space defy explanation: massive tsunamis that disappear, a sinister blood-red lake in war-torn Baghdad and a whirlpool in the ocean the size of a state asking experts, analysing the sites on the ground ‘What on Earth’. Rating: TV-PG. Watch now.

Directed, produced, and narrated by Academy Award®-nominated and Emmy®-winning Rory Kennedy, the film examines the ways NASA has changed not only our vision of the universe, but also our planet, and ourselves. Running time: 90 minutes. Rating: NR. Watch now

Crafted from a newly-discovered trove of 70mm footage, and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings, Apollo 11 goes straight to the heart of NASA’s most celebrated mission. Rating: G. Watch now.

Oscar®-nominated documentarian Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams) chronicles the virtual world from its origins to its outermost reaches. Rating: PG-13. Watch now

An intimate portrait of an unlikely rock star: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. With unprecedented access, the filmmakers explore how her early legal battles changed the world for women. Rating: PG. Watch now.

How It’s Made shows viewers how many of the everyday objects we seldom stop to think about become the things they are. Viewers will be amazed to see the process of how many common items are manufactured in high-tech factories around the world. Running time: 22 minutes per episode. Rating: TV-G. Watch now.

In this documentary series, we explore the future of energy in America’s Heartland and how that will shape the future of our climate. Running time: 11-15 minutes. Rating: NR. Watch now.

A black ops cyber-attack launched by the U.S. and Israel on an Iranian nuclear facility unleashed malware with unforeseen consequences. The Stuxnet virus infiltrated its pre-determined target only to spread its infection outward, ultimately exposing systemic vulnerabilities that threatened the very safety of the planet. Delve deep into the burgeoning world of digital warfare in this documentary thriller from Academy Award® winning filmmaker Alex Gibney. Running time: 114 minutes. Rating: R. Watch now.

If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.

Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/