This Golden Hour

 You listen to this Golden Hour podcast. In today's episode, we get to spend time with Amy Reinke from Alberta. Amy is a second generation homeschool mother of two. Amy shares her unique perspective as both a former homeschool student and now a homeschooling parent. Offering listeners a candid look into her family's educational journey. Amy says that her main motivations to choose homeschooling include the desire for family togetherness, flexibility, and the ability to nurture her children's individual interest and character. She shares practical details about her family's daily routine, which balances structured learning, math, and language arts, with plenty of time for reading, outdoor play, and creative exploration. She also addresses the challenges of managing time and balancing homemaking with focused learning, noting that each year brings new adjustments as her children grow. This episode concludes with Amy's reflections on the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of cherishing times spent together as a family.

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Scott Holloway from Saskatchewan. Scott is a pastor, carpenter, and homeschooling father of ten children ranging from 8 months to 21 years old. Scott’s first exposure to homeschooling came as a high school student when his parents made the decision to start homeschooling during a teacher strike. He never went back, and he and his wife have homeschooled their children from the beginning to the present. Scott reflects on the flexibility, individualized pace, and freedom from negative school experiences that made homeschooling a positive choice. As a parent, Scott and his wife have embraced a classical education model, tailoring curriculum to each child’s needs and interests. As a pastor and independent carpenter, Scott discusses the challenges and blessings of managing work, ministry, and a large family. Tune in to this episode to learn about how large homeschool families do it, and glean some tips from the Holloways’ intentional parenting.

Books and Resources

The Well-Trained Mind

The Intentional Father

Don’t Say Um

The Mystery of History

The Story of the World

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Amber O’Neal Johnston from Georgia. Amber is a homeschool mom of four children, an author, speaker, world traveler, and founder of Heritage Mom. Initially, Amber was skeptical about homeschooling, but she has become a passionate advocate, crediting her husband’s gentle leadership and the encouragement of experienced homeschool moms for her transformation. She discusses the importance of creating a culturally rich home environment that her children want to be part of, emphasizing intentional parenting, flexibility, and the value of community. Our conversation explores Amber’s commitment to infusing diverse voices into her children’s curriculum, moving beyond “cookie-cutter” approaches to create a “special sauce” unique to each family. She encourages parents to embrace what makes their homeschool distinct, to seek out “life-giving books,” and to learn alongside their children. Listeners will come away with practical insights on intentional living, the power of community, the beauty of cultural inclusion, and the freedom to make homeschooling a deeply personal, joyful journey.

Connect with Amber

heritagemom.com

Amber’s Books

A Place to Belong

Soul School 

Homegrown

Books

Wingfeather Saga

The Green Ember

Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry

The Last Day of Summer

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Vanessa Braun from Medicine Hat, Alberta. Vanessa is a passionate homeschooling mom of four, a teacher, and a community organizer. Vanessa describes her journey from a traditional public school background and earning a master’s degree in math education to embracing homeschooling for her young children. Listeners will hear about Vanessa’s approach to learning—emphasizing outdoor experiences, family involvement, and a “better late than early” philosophy inspired by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. She offers practical advice for new homeschoolers, encouraging them to avoid recreating school at home, slow down, and focus on building relationships and a love of learning. Tune in for an insightful, heartfelt conversation that celebrates the diversity and richness of the homeschooling lifestyle.

Books and Resources

Hold Onto Your Kids 

Better Late Than Early

Gather Round

Yoto

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Rowan Atkinson from Ontario, Canada. Rowan is a second-generation homeschooler, author, and experienced homeschooling mom of four. Rowan shares how she got into homeschooling, beginning with her own mother’s pioneering decision in the early 1980s and continuing through her experiences as a parent, educator, and curriculum creator. Rowan discusses the evolution of homeschooling from its early days—when resources were scarce and families had to prove the academic validity of their choices—to today’s landscape of abundant options and growing mainstream acceptance. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, including the importance of prioritizing family values, maintaining flexibility, and finding a balance between structure and freedom. Listeners will find inspiration in Rowan’s honesty, humor, and wealth of experience, as well as actionable tips for avoiding burnout and fostering a positive homeschooling environment. The episode concludes with Rowan’s encouragement to parents considering homeschooling: trust yourself, take it one step at a time, and remember that the time invested in your children is never wasted.

Connect with Rowan

Headphone History

Canada Homeschools

Canadian-A Education Resources

Rowan's Book

Enough Already!: Real help for Homeschool Burnout. Freak Out and Zone Out

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Martin Vervloet from Alberta. Martin is a homeschool father of 11 who preaches the gospel, works construction, and gives a lot of service. Martin shares his experiences as a father of a large family, including being a grandfather to 18 (and counting), homeschooling since the mid-1990s. He discusses the influence of faith, the importance of parental involvement, and the flexibility homeschooling provided for their large family. Some key highlights from our conversation include the following: 

• Homeschooling is a lifestyle that prioritizes family, character, and lifelong learning.
• Parental involvement and adaptability are crucial to success.
• Homeschool challenges are inevitable, but so are unique opportunities for growth and connection.
• Faith, communication, and a supportive partnership between parents make the homeschool journey sustainable and rewarding.

Tune in for an inspiring, practical, and heartfelt conversation that offers wisdom for homeschoolers, parents, and anyone interested in intentional family life.

Resources

Irlen Syndrome

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Andrew Pudewa from Oklahoma. Andrew is a homeschool father of seven children and eighteen grandchildren, and he is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Andrew shares his personal journey from traditional schooling to becoming a passionate advocate for home education. He discusses the challenges of homeschooling multiple children at different grade levels, and how these challenges are balanced by the deep relationships, character development, and individualized learning that homeschooling fosters. Andrew also offers insightful counsel specifically for homeschool fathers. This episode is packed with practical advice, historical perspective, and inspiration for anyone interested in homeschooling, education reform, or building stronger families.

Connect with Andrew

The Home School Dad Episode

Resources

iew.com

Dumbing Us Down - John Taylor Gatto

The Blended Sound Sight Program of Learning

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jill Baumann from Texas. Jill is a pioneering homeschool mother, micro school co-founder, and creator of innovative resources for independent teen learners. When her children were young, Jill sought out alternative education options. Eventually, she built a thriving micro school that served her own children well and many other students. Check out self-directedsuccess.com for resources, support, and learn more about her programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in alternative education, micro schooling, or empowering teens to take charge of their learning journey.

Connect with Jill

Scholar’s Quest for Independent Success

Books and Resources

Free Range Learning

The Self-Directed Learning Handbook 

Center for Living Ethics

Inspired Learning Academy 

Chief Architect

Vela

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with the Bryant family from Southern California. Bobby Bryant II and his three children, Bobby III, Ava, and Joseph, discuss their unique homeschooling journey, the role of faith in their education, and their collaborative creative projects.This episode is really for anyone interested in homeschooling, faith-based education, and the power of family collaboration. The Bryants’ story offers encouragement, practical insights, and a testament to the lasting impact of intentional parenting and creative teamwork

Connect with the Bryants

trustingtimothy.com

Trusting Timothy: A Story about Cheating

YouTube Channel - @LaughingOutLouuud 

Resources

italki

Rosetta Stone

Teaching Textbooks

Saxon Math

This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Winnie and Emaghea Lau from Edmonton, Alberta. Winnie and Emaghea are a mother-daughter duo and the founders of the Cash Smart for Life (CSFL) program. We discuss their mission to empower families—especially homeschoolers—to raise financially confident, values-driven children from as young as age three. Visit cashsmartforlife.com to explore resources, read more about Winnie and Emaghea’s story, and discover how you can start your family’s journey toward financial confidence. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in practical, values-based financial education that starts at home and lasts a lifetime. 

Connect with Winnie and Emaghea

Cash Smart for Life

This Golden Hour