In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Dan Hill from Utah. Dan is a homeschool father of three sons, 3D animator, artist, a multifaceted educator, musician, and entrepreneur. Dan describes his “Forrest Gump”-like meandering and falling into several unlikely situations, where he was discovered by a specific school official and told he had a natural gift for teaching. Eventually, Dan started an after-school program that became Dan’s business, Paper Plane Learning. A homeschool mother encouraged Dan to reach out to the homeschool community to make them aware of his classes. Now, 80% of Dan’s students are homeschooled, and Dan ended up homeschooling his three sons for a time. This episode highlights the advantages of homeschooling, the importance of early reading, and the innovative methods Dan uses to teach 3D animation, art, piano, and more to children around the globe. 

Check out Dan Hill's website and piano books:

paperplanelearning.net

Musical Reflections, Book 1

Resources: 

South Valley Leadership Academy

Wilson Language Training

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Brad Cornish from Stirling, Alberta. Brad is a dentist, golfer, reader, outdoor enthusiast, and most importantly, a homeschooling father of five. He describes how his family unexpectedly fell into homeschooling during Covid when his kids decided they liked how things went down at home better than what they were experiencing at school. He discusses the evolution of their educational approach, the advantages of their flexible lifestyle, and the significant impact homeschooling has had on his children's lives. Brad loves the incredible benefits that homeschooling has blessed his family with, and he encourages anyone considering the homeschool route to simply do it! Brad and his spouse enjoy a mutual commitment to fostering a rich, individualized learning environment for their children, and they are especially grateful to spend such quality time as a family. This conversation is rich with insights into homeschooling philosophies, decision-making, and maintaining a balanced family life.

Books

Every Tool is a Hammer

Chop Wood, Carry Water

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Books by Ryan Holiday

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Nathan Wallick from Peoria, Illinois. Nathan is a homeschool dad of three, firefighter, adventurer, founder of Peoria Carp Hunters, and his Instagram reels will have you riveted! He shares his journey from his suburban Chicago childhood to becoming a passionate advocate for homeschooling and intentional living. He talks about the benefits of homeschooling, the importance of creating lasting memories with family, and his unique bow fishing business. Nathan and I found ourselves chatting about balancing technology use, the role of sports, and fostering entrepreneurship in children. You’ll enjoy this unique conversation between two natives of the Chicago suburbs.

Connect with Nathan

peoriacarphunters.com

Instagram - @natewallick

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Matt Beaudreau, homeschool father of 3 and founder and CEO of Apogee Strong. In our conversation, Matt explains how he ended up homeschooling, and why he cares so much about self-directed learning and raising self-reliant, sovereign children. Matt shares his personal journey from a traditional educator to a pioneering figure in alternative education, discussing the development of Apogee campuses and his family's unique lifestyle on a self-sustaining farm in North Carolina. Listeners will gain insights into creating purposeful education environments, the importance of family values, and the power of questioning conventional systems.

Connect with Matt

apogeestrong.com

Sites

Synthesis Tutor

[email protected]

This Golden Hour

In this episode we get to spend time with my brother-in-law, Eli, from Alberta. Eli is a homeschool dad of four, business owner, and entrepreneur from Alberta. Today, Eli is joining us from Hawaii, where he and his family like to frequent during the winter months to surf and spend time together. One of the beauties of homeschooling is having the flexibility to do trips like these! In our conversation, we discussed several benefits and challenges of homeschooling, the impact of our public school experiences, and the value of an entrepreneurial education for children, which is severely lacking in schools. Eli asks some meaningful questions and we enjoyed a natural discussion about relevant homeschool and parenting topics. This will be a good listen!

Books

Hold Onto Your Kids

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Nicki Truesdell from Texas. Nicki is a second-generation homeschooling mother of five, author of Anyone Can Homeschool and other works, and she is a homeschool advocate and consultant. Nicki’s parents decided to homeschool in the early 1980s and were arrested for not putting their kids in school. They pressed on faithfully, and when Nicki became a mother, she homeschooled her own children from the beginning to the end, and amid various life challenges, including single parenthood and financial struggles. She still has two children learning with her at home. In our warm conversation, we discuss the practicalities, benefits, and misconceptions of homeschooling. Throughout the interview, Nicki offers insightful advice and encouragement for both new and seasoned homeschoolers. We spent time on topics like the historical background of homeschooling, evolving laws impacting homeschooling, social perceptions, technology, preparing our kids for adulthood, and the flexible and rewarding nature of the home education path. This episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical tips for anyone considering or currently navigating the homeschooling journey. 

Connect with Nicki

nickitruesdell.com

Nicki's Book

Anyone Can Homeschool

Books

Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Craig Harrison from Minnesota. Craig is an engineer, former Uber driver, homeschool father of two boys, and the author of Your Child’s Best Teacher: A Father’s Perspective on Home Education. As the principal home educator in his home, Craig has a unique perspective on homeschooling. In our discussion, we discover how Craig and his spouse decided that he would take on the role of primary educator of their sons. We also discuss the importance of a positive mindset in homeschooling, the role of family in education, and the broader societal impacts of homeschooling. Craig offers insights into balancing personal and educational aspirations, and he gives us his thoughts and advice about helping our children make decisions regarding various postsecondary and career paths.

Books
Your Child’s Best Teacher: A Father’s Perspective on Home Education
The Abolition of Man
Outliers

Websites
Jordan Peterson

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Lyndsey and Matt Mimnagh from North Carolina. They talk about homeschooling their four children, balancing family life, entrepreneurship, and the creation of Treehouse Schoolhouse, a homeschooling website with resources that focus on seasonal rhythms, Biblical truth, living books, and intentional family connection. Lyndsey and Matt discuss the philosophy behind their home education, the importance of creative free play, and how they integrated a cozy living space into their learning environment and the home they built. In this episode, listeners will gain insights into some of the realities and rewards of homeschooling, and they will learn how Lyndsey turned a personal homeschooling project into a thriving educational business.

Website: treehouseschoolhouse.com

Instagram: @treehouse_schoolhouse

Facebook: /treehouse.schoolhouse

YouTube: /TreehouseSchoolhouse

Pinterest: /TSMotherhoodHomeschool

THISGOLDENHOUR15 - Promo Code for 15% off on treehouseschoolhouse.com

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Laurie Zienchuk, a seasoned homeschool mom of two sons from Lethbridge, Alberta. Laurie shares her family's journey and decision to homeschool while living abroad in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. We discuss the challenges and rewards of home education, the importance of creating simple, engaging routines, and the impact of a supportive family environment. Laurie also talks about transitioning back to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of outdoor and hands-on learning, and the significance of keeping future opportunities open for children. This episode is filled with insightful advice for both new and experienced homeschoolers.

Resources
Lego Technic
Keva Planks
Thames and Kosmos

Homeschool Providers
Palisser Beyond Borders
Centre for Learning at Home
Wisdom Homeschooling

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Amie Bowden, a homeschooling mother of six children from Cranbrook, British Columbia. Amie discusses her family's active lifestyle, her children's varying educational needs, and the different learning approaches they have adopted over the years. We explore the broader implications of homeschooling, including the importance of developing a child's character and the flexible, intuitive approach Amie employs. The episode provides valuable insights for parents considering homeschooling, emphasizing the significance of self-care for homeschool parents and maintaining a balance between nurturing children and personal development.

Resources
Teaching Textbooks
History Plus
Tuttle Twins

This Golden Hour