Best Homeschool Made Simple Podcasts (2025)

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265: Exploring the Globe Simply with Literature 39:58

2d ago39:58

39:58

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with the owner of Yellow House Story Shoppe, Chelsea Jacobs, to talk about books that we can use to give our children "Windows and Mirrors" into the world and other cultures. The Windows: seeing through the windows to other cultures and stories The Mirrors: children seeing themselves represented i…

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264: Cultivating a Love of Reading with Classics and Trusted Authors with Jan Bloom 24:46

9d ago24:46

24:46

In this second episode with Jan Bloom, Carole and Jan remind us that true classics—books that have stood the test of time—are far more than relics of the past. These are the stories filled with innocence, joy, and the richness of family life, the very things our modern world sometimes seems to have lost. Whether it’s Wind in the Willows, Winnie the…

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Six Smart Questions to Ask Before You Buy Curriculum 24:04

11d ago24:04

24:04

It’s curriculum season, and you know what that means: a flood of shiny programs, glowing reviews, and unboxing videos that make everything look like the answer to your homeschool stress. But here’s my honest take—it only counts if it actually works for your own real-life family, not just the influencer on YouTube. Today, I’m flying solo to give you…

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263: Discovering Living Books: Jan Bloom’s Journey to Building a Rich Library 23:03

16d ago23:03

23:03

This week, we continue our little series on literature because we believe in the power of books to shape us. Carole sat down with Jan Bloom, the author behind “Who Should We Then Read,” to talk about how knowing the stories behind our favorite authors brings even more richness to homeschooling. Jan shared her journey from not growing up around book…

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262: Why Literature and Being a Well-Read Mom Matters 31:15

23d ago31:15

31:15

Carole sits down with founder of the Well-Read Mom ministry, Marcie Stokman, to chat about how her ministry got started and the purpose behind these communities. Their mission says it all! “Well Read Mom accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in o…

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What Makes a Good Curriculum? 44:43

25d ago44:43

44:43

Let’s get brutally honest: no single curriculum is ever going to save your homeschool, fix your child’s attitude, or turn your kitchen into one of those magical, Instagram-perfect learning havens. If you’re looking for the “unicorn curriculum,” keep dreaming (or better yet, listen up—because we’re about to set you free). In this episode of Homescho…

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S2 #13 From Debt to Digital Mastery: Equipping the Next Generation with Real Life Skills 1:07:27

25d ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Send us a text Matthew Finlan is on a mission to prevent what he calls "the three Ds of death"—debt, divorce, and disease—through his innovative approach to education at Real Life Skills Academy. Drawing from his own journey of learning life's critical lessons the hard way, Finland has developed a comprehensive framework teaching young people what …

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261: Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Socialization 27:15

1M ago27:15

27:15

One of the first questions many homeschooling families hear at family events or from public school friends is how will your children be socialized?" In this replay episode, Kristi Woodard, homeschool mom of eight, joins us to share her and her husband, Jason, experiences with raising children who perfectly answer this question of socialization with…

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260: Why Waiting Can Benefit Your Child's Learning Journey 28:16

1M ago28:16

28:16

While the world presses in on us for children to learn to read in preschool and be able to do high-level math early on, the research shows it's actually better to slow down and wait for developmental readiness. In this encore episode, Carole shares about the work of Dr. Raymond Moore and his idea that late is better than early. You'll hear: - Why w…

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Got Cold Feet About Homeschooling? You're Not Alone! 45:23

1M ago45:23

45:23

Are you hesitant to homeschool? You're not alone! In this episode of Homeschool Better Together, host Pam Barnhill chats with Mandy McArthur and Jessica Solis Carpinelli, authors of "Hesitant to Homeschool: Answers to 20 Common Questions." Mandy and Jessica share practical insights and encouragement for parents considering homeschooling but feeling…

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259: Why Breastfeeding Is Worth Pursuing Even While Homeschooling 23:57

1M ago23:57

23:57

Sometimes we lose steam for homeschooling but we also can lose steam for breastfeeding. Both, it turns out, are so beneficial to our children! In the second part of our discussion with Lactation Consultant and Homeschooling Mama, Jill Seberger, we discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and how Jill has maintained this while homeschooling her large f…

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S2 #12 Navigating the Family Learning Journey: Homeschool Wisdom from Lindsay Norrell 51:00

2M ago51:00

51:00

Send us a text When Lindsay Norrell began homeschooling her first child nearly two decades ago, she never imagined it would become a lifelong educational journey spanning six children. What started as a practical solution during a family move evolved into a rich, customized approach to learning that has allowed her children to develop not just acad…

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258: Nurturing Strong Bonds From Birth: Breastfeeding and Beyond 26:12

2M ago26:12

26:12

The early years of a child's life are crucial for bonding. Carole and Rachel sit down with Lactation Consultant and homeschool mom of 5 Jill Seberger. They discuss the importance of eye contact and skin-to-skin contact to the diverse ways of nurturing a strong parent-child connection, whether you are breastfeeding or not. This will surely encourage…

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Can You Really Outsource High School? One Mom’s Story 35:06

2M ago35:06

35:06

Homeschooling high school feels like a big shift. Suddenly, you’re looking at advanced subjects, keeping transcripts, and preparing your teen for what comes next. In this episode, I sit down with Meg Angelino, our operations manager and curriculum editor, to talk about what happens when you start outsourcing classes while still juggling motherhood.…

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S2 # 11 Generational Wealth: Building Communities Through Real Estate 1:05:39

2M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Send us a text What does generational wealth really mean, and is it truly accessible to everyone? Tara Zalewski demolishes the myth that creating lasting financial security requires extraordinary resources or privilege. With raw honesty and practical wisdom, she reveals how simple steps toward homeownership can transform families who've never owned…

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257: Following the Lord In Our Marriages 24:08

2M ago24:08

24:08

While an ideal marriage can't be guaranteed, we can learn to live with faithfulness in the covenant we have made as a husband or wife. In this replay episode, Carole and one her best friends, Anne Storm talk about part of Carole’s marriage journey to her husband, John. Truly, each of us carries a burden with us in life, and Carole is a walking test…

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256: Becoming a Screen-Free Family 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

As Carole continues her conversation (see Episode 255) with homeschooling parents David and Audrey Ryan, she learns about their journey into doing life screen-free and how they initially struggled to unplug their children. However, they have seen real benefits in their children’s attitudes and behavior, such as improved family bonding and less conf…

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A Game-Changing Approach to Homeschooling High School 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

Homeschooling high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, our community manager, Dawn Garrett, steps in as host to chat with homeschool mom Elizabeth Overcash about her experience navigating these crucial years. Elizabeth, a retired military wife, shares her unique perspective—having one child who graduated from a…

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S2 #10 How a Simple Bed Can Change a Life 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with John David Graham, founder of Good Samaritan Home, who shares his transformative journey from homelessness to helping others rebuild their lives after prison. Through personal anecdotes and impactful strategies, Graham highlights the importance of empathy in understanding the struggles those…

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255: How Homeschooling Transformed Learning for a Special Needs Child 23:44

2M ago23:44

23:44

Does homeschooling work for a child with special needs or learning differences? Carole sits down with David and Audrey Ryan to talk about their experiences with public school and their transition to homeschooling. They share how they have moved past standardized tests and rigid benchmarks, to create a custom, nurturing educational environment tailo…

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S2 #9 Advertising Platform Picking Made Easy: A Guide to Targeted Advertising 22:02

3M ago22:02

22:02

Send us a text Dive into the world of advertising with our latest podcast episode that unpacks the crucial steps to selecting the right advertising platform for your business goals. Are you struggling to reach your target audience effectively? This episode provides expert insights on defining your primary objectives, understanding your audience, an…

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254: Homemaking and Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks with Your Kids 32:32

3M ago32:32

32:32

The thing about being home all day with your family is that your house gets a lot of use and that can be a challenge. Rachel and Carole discuss homemaking and the importance of passing the skills on to our kids. They discuss focus, “baking therapy,” hospitality, and the whys behind shifting our attitudes about home-keeping. Join us! RESOURCES +Home…

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Making Math a Delight with Denise Gaskins 44:35

3M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode, I sit down with Denise Gaskins, math educator and author, to talk about how we can transform math from a dreaded subject into something joyful and engaging. Denise shares why so many homeschoolers struggle with math and how shifting our approach can make a huge difference. She encourages parents to make math playful through games, …

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S2 #8 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Kaylea's Journey from dealing with Abusive Relationships to Thriving Business Strategies 44:28

3M ago44:28

44:28

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to balancing professional success with personal well-being as we sit down with the inspiring Kaylea, a seasoned coach dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. This episode promises to transform the way you approach your business and life, as Talia shares her journey from supporting women through challenging rel…

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S2 #7 Crafting Successful Business Partnerships: Mastering Collaboration, Roles, and Decision-Making 21:11

3M ago21:11

21:11

Send us a text Choosing the right business partner can be as complex as navigating a marriage, but what if you could ensure your partnership thrives like a well-tuned orchestra? In our latest episode, we promise to equip you with the essential tools to make this happen. Together, we'll unravel the art of forming a successful business partnership, e…

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253: Standardized Tests and Homeschooling Q & A 27:13

3M ago27:13

27:13

Some states require state testing to happen every year for homeschooling families. In this episode, Carole and Rachel address families' concerns about standardized testing, especially in states where it is mandatory, and offer practical advice for preparing children without inducing anxiety. And reading to your children is a game-changer for doing …

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S2 #6: Keith Ellis on Making the Impossible Easy Through Superpower Coaching and Community Support 57:07

3M ago57:07

57:07

Send us a text What if unlocking your full potential was as simple as making a wish? Join us as we welcome Keith Ellis, an accomplished entrepreneur and business coach, who reveals the secrets behind his book, "How to Make the Impossible Easy." Keith’s rich experiences—from building companies to being part of a team acquired by giants like LinkedIn…

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252: Nature Study Made Simple by Encouraging Curiosity and Awe with Eryn Lynum 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

In this second conversation with Eryn Lynum of the Nat Theo Podcast, we discuss how to be outside in nature with our children. Is better to be in awe without much guidance or to point out all kinds of things in our natural world? Eryn encourages new naturalists with some helpful tips to take your first few experiences into nature. She offers practi…

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How a Simple Mindset Shift Changed Everything for This Homeschool Mom 37:06

3M ago37:06

37:06

Consistency in homeschooling can be a game-changer, and today I’m joined by Krystal Joslin, a military homeschooling mom and graduate of the Homeschool Consistency Boot Camp. Krystal shares how she went from a go-with-the-flow approach to building a structured, consistent homeschool routine that works—despite frequent moves and unpredictable schedu…

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S2 #5 Adoption Journeys: Ana Maria Didio's Path From Infertility Struggles to Embracing Family and Cultural Heritage 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Send us a text Join us for an engaging conversation with Ana Maria Didio, an award-winning author and adoptive mother, who takes us through her remarkable journey from battling infertility to embracing the joys and challenges of adoption. Ana shares her profound insights on the emotional complexities that come with adopting a child, including the i…

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251: Nurture Faith and Curiosity with Nature-Focused Learning 21:04

3M ago21:04

21:04

Rachel Winchester speaks with Eryn Lynum, naturalist and podcast host of the Nat Theo show, about how nature points us to our creator God. They discuss the origins of modern scientific thought and how we as homeschool parents struggle with “teaching” or over-explaining nature. This first of a two-part conversation gives you the whys behind Eryn’s f…

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S2 #4 From Bodybuilding Passion to Fitness Franchise: Devin Gonzalez's Entrepreneurial Journey Balancing Business and Family Life 57:16

3M ago57:16

57:16

Send us a text Curious about the journey from a teenage fascination with bodybuilding VHS tapes to building a national fitness franchise? Devin Gonzalez, our guest and a seasoned fitness entrepreneur, joins us to share his inspiring story. Devin's path to success was not just paved with iron weights; it also involved martial arts, personal training…

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250: Character Development is at the Heart of Homeschool Made Simple 35:10

4M ago35:10

35:10

What a joy to be celebrating our 250th episode of Homeschool Made Simple with you. We so appreciate our listeners and our families! In this episode, Carole reminds us of that guiding our children to be people of good character and to follow the Lord is the foundation of the HMS method. Character is grown by being consistent in parenting, and encour…

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The Secret to Homeschool Consistency: Minimum Viable Days 39:48

4M ago39:48

39:48

Are you ready to tackle consistency in your homeschool? In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Garrett to talk about one of my favorite tools: the Minimum Viable Day (MVD). We share how this simple concept helped us overcome perfectionism and establish daily momentum in our homeschools. Learn how to identify what truly matters for your family, create …

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S2 #3 Embracing New Beginnings: Robby Carlson's Journey Parenting Through Homelessness To Rising Back 55:58

4M ago55:58

55:58

Send us a text Connect with Robby at: https://www.robbycarlson.com/ What happens when a concrete worker by day becomes an evangelist by night, and then finds a passion for writing children's books? This is the fascinating journey of Robby Carlson, who opens up about the trials and triumphs of balancing multiple roles while navigating life's unpredi…

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249: Preserving Great Literature with Private Lending Libraries 28:46

4M ago28:46

28:46

As our culture shifts and time goes on, it can be tough to find the great books we most love. Prepare yourself for a wonderful resource: Private Lending Libraries! Carole and Kathleen Seeger from Madison, Wisconsin, discuss how these affordable treasure troves are assisting our homeschooling efforts with carefully curated collections of quality boo…

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248: What Did I Get Us Into? Curriculum Regrets and Learning From Your Mistakes 28:35

4M ago28:35

28:35

Are you feeling full of regret because of your curriculum choices this year? Carole and Rachel discuss this common scenario for us as homeschoolers. It’s time to cut your losses and carefully consider why the curriculum doesn’t work. Carole believes that not giving in to FOMO and taking a longer look at the curriculum before hitting the BUY button …

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S2 #2 Breaking Free from Procrastination and Complacency 47:24

4M ago47:24

47:24

Send us a text Ever wondered why the thrill of late-night partying feels so tempting but often leaves you feeling empty? This episode of Eric's Podcast uncovers the hidden impact of dopamine on your mental health and challenges the notion that youthful partying is a necessary rite of passage. We share personal stories, including my own journey of l…

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S2 #1 Navigating Family Travel: Finding Humor and Balance Amidst Holiday Chaos 26:57

4M ago26:57

26:57

Send us a text This episode unfolds the ups and downs of family travel during the holiday season, reflecting on post-travel stress and the importance of taking breaks to recharge. Through personal anecdotes, the discussion highlights the lessons learned from flying with children, managing expectations, and preparing for the inevitable hurdles while…

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247: No Two Families Are Alike- Diversity and Fostering Our God-Given Purpose 18:21

4M ago18:21

18:21

In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many familie…

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246: Why Your Presence Matters the Most in Homeschooling 28:50

5M ago28:50

28:50

Today Rachel talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4. Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. They discuss Hanni’s takeaways from one of Carole’s seminars that she attended because she needed a fresh perspective on homeschooling. We know you will relate to Hanni and hope this brings you …

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Achieve Big Things in 2025: Goal Setting Made Simple 55:30

5M ago55:30

55:30

It’s time to make 2025 the year of intentional progress! In this episode, I’m joined by Laney Homan, our member success manager, to talk about goal setting that works for busy homeschool moms. Laney and I discuss the difference between planning and goal setting, the power of starting small, and how to craft goals that fit your life’s current season…

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