This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jarrod and Jamie Giesbrecht from Manitoba. They are the homeschool parents of 13 children! When they were young parents, the Giesbrecht’s were inspired to homeschool after seeing the positive example of another large homeschooling family. Their initial motivation was to provide a more engaging and tailored education for their eldest, who was an early and eager learner. We discuss experimenting with various curricula, adapting to each child’s needs and learning styles. Jamie emphasizes the value of read-alouds, family-based learning, and tailoring studies to individual interests and levels, fostering cross-age learning and strong sibling relationships.Their reasons for homeschooling have evolved from academic concerns to prioritizing family relationships, faith, flexibility, and the ability to nurture each child’s unique path. They highlight the benefits of self-directed learning, real-world opportunities, and strong family bonds. The Giesbrecht’s candidly discuss challenges such as managing a wide age range, keeping younger children engaged, and the responsibility of being solely in charge of their children’s education.

Curricula

Math U See

Apologia

Rod and Staff

Teaching Textbooks 

Life of Fred

Learn Math Fast

Gather Round

Guest Hollow

Mystery of History

Jordan Peterson Academy

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Chris Linder from Georgia. Chris is a father of two, an author, and the founder of Homeschool Remix. We discuss the evolving landscape of education, hybrid homeschooling, and empowering families to take charge of their children’s learning. Chris shares his experiences growing up in Wisconsin as a charter school student to radio professional, English teacher in South Korea, and eventually an educator and author in Georgia. His experiences shaped his independent approach to learning and teaching. Motivated by gaps in his daughters’ traditional education, Chris developed a hybrid homeschooling method. This approach supplements public schooling with targeted home learning, focusing on practical life skills and subjects often overlooked in schools.

Connect with Chris

Homeschoolremix.com

Books

“Homeschool Remix”

“Work Your Way Around the World”

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Azar Chatur from Calgary, Alberta. Azar is the director of TKS, The Knowledge Society, in the Calgary area. He works with youth as a coach to guide them to discover and explore their interests, build projects, and connect with real-world opportunities. Azar invited 15-year old Isavella, one of his students, to join us for a portion of the interview. She described how TKS has helped her to find and develop her interests, specifically in starting a business with other TKS students. Azar and TKS are interested in homeschool students because they have already broken from the traditional, conventional ways of learning and thinking. He opines that this kind of innovative, creative, and forward thinking is essential for the constantly changing world we live in. Tune in and learn about yet another alternative program that is launching capable, smart, and self-driven youth into the world with confidence and skill.

The Knowledge Society (TKS)

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Madison Robinson, a young homeschool momma with six kids from British Columbia, Canada. Our conversation highlights how homeschooling can be adaptable and unique to each family throughout each stage and season of the journey. Madison emphasizes the importance of simple, consistent routines, like daily reading lessons, math, Bible reading, and morning chores. She values relational learning and building a love for reading over rigid curriculum completion.The greatest joys include spending time with her children, witnessing their growth firsthand, and fostering strong sibling relationships. Madison appreciates that homeschooling allows for more family time, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize character and faith development. But she also acknowledges that the decision to homeschool is challenging and refining, and that it requires strong support from her husband. 

Resources and Books

Heritage Christian Online School

Sonlight 

Read Aloud Revival Booklists

“Teaching from Rest”

“The Unhurried Homeschooler”

“Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons”

“Math Lessons for a Living Education”

Abacus Books

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Christine Devane from Massachusetts. Christine is a mother of three young children, experienced classroom teacher, and author of the children’s book "Elephant Beach." Her book reflects upon her own experiences as a shy youngster, and it emphasizes the importance of knowing that people are different, and that we can choose to be kind and accepting of everyone. Christine shares practical advice for parents and educators on fostering a love of reading, utilizing local libraries, and encouraging children to follow their interests. We discuss turning everyday moments and outings into learning opportunities, emphasizing that education happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. 

Connect with Christine

christine-devane.com

Christine’s Book

“Elephant Beach”

Resources

“Grumpy Monkey” Books

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Holly Britton from California. Holly is a homeschool mother of four children, a grandmother of three with one on the way, educator, blogger, and creator of Squiggle Squad. Holly describes wanting to pour herself into her first child and how that love for her children led her to decide to eventually homeschool. She imparts wise counsel after wise counsel from all her valuable, veteran experience as a homeschool mother and educator. I personally learned so much from Holly, and I particularly benefited from her advice to homeschool dads. Borrowing from all of her wisdom, education, and experience, Holly created Squibble Squad after observing major gaps in children’s learning, specifically with handwriting. This episode is a must-listen for all homeschool families and all families with young children.

Connect with Holly

squigglesquad.com

[email protected]

Holly’s Book

The Planned Approach

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Ruth Regehr from Alberta. Ruth is a mother of four, grandmother of three, and the founder and developer of the game, Cheeriosity. We started our conversation by learning about Ruth’s short experience homeschooling her children when they were quite young. Ruth loved it, and so did her kids. We transitioned to Cheeriosity, a game that consists of 12 blocks where players make words based on 353 positive attributes that they notice in others or want to acquire themselves. Listeners will enjoy Ruth’s positive vibe and the encouragement she gives us all to love on others, including a reminder that words matter! 

Connect with Ruth

[email protected]

Cheeriosity

YouTube Channel

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Erika Barootes from Alberta. Erika is the Director of External Relations and Department Head for Applied Politics and Public Affairs at MaKami College in Edmonton, Alberta. In our conversation, we explore the intersection of homeschooling and post-secondary education, focusing on how MaKami College is opening its doors to homeschool students and removing traditional barriers to admission. We also discuss why homeschool students are often well-suited for careers in politics and public affairs, citing their strong work ethic, community and civic involvement, and early academic achievement. Erika explains that Makami accepts a variety of transcripts, portfolios, and assessments, making it easier for homeschoolers and non-traditional students to enroll. This episode highlights the importance of documenting learning and building a portfolio as key strategies for homeschoolers seeking post-secondary opportunities.

Connect with Erika

Makami College

The Discourse Podcast

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Angela Mitchell from Georgia. Angela is a homeschool mother of three, author, speaker, and apologist. We talked about the transition from public and private schooling to homeschooling and the factors that influenced the Mitchell’s decision, including concerns about curriculum content and family values. We also discussed the importance of customizing education to each child’s learning style and interests, and the wonderful freedom that homeschooling affords. Angela shared some of the  challenges of homeschooling, including self-doubt, difficult seasons, and the need for grace and flexibility. Other relevant topics covered in this episode include navigating technology and social media with children, focusing on discernment, delayed smartphone use, and fostering critical thinking. Angela emphasized how finding like-minded families and building supportive communities have blessed her family. 

Connect with Angela

Raisingapologists.com

[email protected]

Curriculum

Living Heritage Curriculum

Answers in Genesis

Books

Farmer Boy

Theologians You Should Know

Animal Farm

Little House Series

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jesper and Cecilie Conrad from Denmark. Jesper and Cecilie are unschooling parents of four children, they’ve been traveling the world for ten years, and they are focused on intentional family living. Cecilie explains that unschooling emphasizes trust in the learning process, respects our children’s autonomy, and that it is not about having a fixed curriculum or specific academic outcomes. The Conrads describe their transition to a nomadic lifestyle, the challenges of building an online income, and the rewards of traveling as a family. They discuss the practicalities and mindset shifts required to live unconventionally. A key take-away from this episode is that childhood is irreplaceable, and the most important outcomes are not academic, but relational—knowing oneself, building strong family bonds, and developing the confidence to navigate life.

Connect with Jesper & Cecilie

Better Dad Institute

The Self-Directed Podcast

The Ladies Fixing the World Podcast

Resources

Evolved Nest

This Golden Hour