Best Microschools Podcasts (2025)

1
From preschool teacher to microschool founder 25:46

1h ago25:46

25:46

What does it take to launch and grow a thriving microschool for neurodiverse learners? Kerry McDonald talks with Yorelle Haroush, founder of Trailblazers Microschool in Florida, about her entrepreneurial journey, her adventure-based approach to learning, and the overwhelming demand from families looking for alternatives to conventional schooling. Y…

1
Ep 386: How Microschool Founders Can Overcome Parent Pressure. Setting Boundaries, Building Confidence, and Communicating Expectations to Create Thriving Schools Without Burnout 24:05

2d ago24:05

24:05

Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure with…

1
E17 Benita Gordon: AI in Microschools 45:08

17d ago45:08

45:08

In this "AI in Education" episode, Brett sits down with Benita Gordon, a dynamic educator, entrepreneur, and founder of the Micro Learn Hub and Global Education Concierge. Benita shares her journey from a traditional classroom teacher to a leader in the microschool movement. The conversation explores the concept of the "AI-Powered Classroom," focus…

1
153. Hope Theory with Donita Grissom 37:30

11h ago37:30

37:30

In this episode, I talk to Donita Grissom, a senior lecturer at at the University of Central Florida and co-author of the book, High Five to Thrive. She is also the CEO of Best Questers, which provides teachers with practical, effective teaching strategies that they can immediately implement in their classrooms to help create resilient, thriving sc…

1
Episode 73: Finding Your Family's Learning Path. A Conversation with Elle Rowley. 47:22

3h ago47:22

47:22

Elle Rowley shares her transformative journey from struggling high school student to successful entrepreneur and educational innovator creating alternative learning environments for children in her community. Through personal experience and experimentation, she's developed a thriving microschool model that prioritizes curiosity, community, and chil…

1
19: Why Understanding and Cultivating AI Taste is Essential to Become a Good AI User 26:40

2d ago26:40

26:40

This week's "AI in Focus" episode dives into the essential, human skill of "AI Taste." Brett defines taste as the critical ability to judge and discern quality in an age of infinite AI generation. He breaks down the five levels of AI proficiency—from the skeptical Sunbather to the architectural Diver—and provides a practical roadmap for listeners t…

1
Realizing Big Dreams: Tools, Lessons, and Inspiration with Former Thunderbird Pilot Michelle “MACE” Curran 1:19:09

3d ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Delanie Fischer is joined by Michelle “MACE” Curran—former fighter pilot, combat veteran, and the second woman in history to fly lead solo for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds—to share lessons from a demanding, high-stakes career. They discuss tactics for managing fear and self-doubt, navigating pivots and reinvention, and the importance of followin…

1
From one “Pandemic Pod” to 20+ Microschools in 5 states 32:39

23h ago32:39

32:39

Jess Alfreds never set out to build a network of microschools. What began in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina as "pandemic pod" quickly grew into a thriving community of 100 students—and today, Carolina Kids Co-Op has expanded into 20+ independently-operated microschools across five states. In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Jess shares how she …

1
152. Creating Community for Homeschoolers with Ben Somers of Recess 33:16

3d ago33:16

33:16

This week on the show we have Ben Somers, the founder of Recess.gg an education platform built for homeschoolers who learn differently. Recess is a kid centered product, and has helped kids publish books on Amazon, win awards at Oxford writing conferences and start amazing businesses. In this episode, Ben and I get into how Ben’s own frustrating ex…

1
A Yurt School in New Hampshire Takes Off 37:49

8d ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Maggie Van Camp, founder of Happy Hens Farm & Forest School in New Hampshire. Maggie shares her journey from teaching in the Boston Public Schools to building a thriving microschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, blending outdoor learning, the arts, acdemics, and homestead…

1
Episode 72: Getting High School Right. A Conversation with Chad Carlson. 52:20

4d ago52:20

52:20

Chad Carlson shares how One Stone Lab School uses human-centered design to transform education by treating students as end users rather than products. He describes their unique approach that removes traditional grades, subjects, and bells in favor of personalized growth frameworks that prepare students for the real world. • One Stone's origin story…

1
Ep 385: A Mother’s Heart, a Founder’s Struggle: Navigating the Heartbreak and Hope of School Choices 41:57

9d ago41:57

41:57

For six years, I’ve poured my heart into building a microschool—creating a place of freedom, belonging, and personalized learning. My daughters were the reason I started this journey. And yet, today, neither of them are with us at our microschool. In this episode, I open up about: My daughter’s transition from a small, nurturing microschool environ…

1
E18 The Coming Wave: Managing and Containing AI's Power 29:00

9d ago29:00

29:00

In this AI in Focus episode, Brett Hanson dives deep into Mustafa Suleyman's essential book, "The Coming Wave," exploring the immense power and unprecedented risks of AI and synthetic biology. The discussion covers why this technological wave is different from all others, the "great dilemma" we face in navigating it, and the urgent need for a new m…

1
Mortality Awareness: Meaning, Motivation, and Your To-Die-For Life with Karen Salmansohn 1:01:27

10d ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Delanie Fischer is joined by Behavioral Change Expert and Bestselling Author, Karen Salmansohn, to discuss insights from her latest book, Your To-Die-For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret . . . Before Your Time Runs Out. Karen combines neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and personal stories to share effective mindset hacks, exercises…

1
“I’m not here to fix broken systems. I’m here to build what our children truly deserve.” 33:58

8d ago33:58

33:58

What does it take to step outside the system and build something new? Nadine Smith, founder of The Gathering Place, an all-girls microschool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sits down with Kerry McDonald to share her story of leaving the public school system to create a microschool focused on personalized, mastery-based learning. They discuss the reali…

1
151. Building SEL Muscles with Lori Woodley-Langendorff of All It Takes 29:38

14d ago29:38

29:38

This week we speak to Lori Woodley-Langendorff, the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of All It Takes, a nonprofit that equips youth and mentors with vital emotional intelligence skills. Lori has 30 years experience in education, having worked the majority of it as a middle school counselor before starting All It Takes in 2010 with her daughte…

1
Scaling Social Impact in Education: Courtney Klein’s Entrepreneurial Playbook 31:37

11d ago31:37

31:37

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with education entrepreneur Courtney Klein—co-founder of All One Thing and SUNSCHOOL, and Senior Strategist with ASU Prep. Courtney shares her remarkable journey as a social impact entrepreneur from founding her first nonprofit at age 21, to starting SEED SPOT, a global startup incubator, to now le…

1
Ep 384: What’s Saving My Sanity (and What’s Not) as a Microschool Founder. Behind the Scenes: All the Fun Things, The Routines and Systems Keeping Me Sane as a Microschool Leader 30:06

16d ago30:06

30:06

Behind every thriving microschool is a leader who is juggling 1,000 spinning plates — curriculum, enrollment, parent communication, staff management, and personal life. In this candid behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the honest truth about what’s actually saving my sanity right now as a microschool founder…and what’s not. You’ll hear the dail…

1
“You’re So Sensitive”: Understanding Everyday Microaggressions, Implicit Bias, and Best Practices with Billie Lee & Dr. Gina Torino 45:19

17d ago45:19

45:19

Delanie Fischer is joined by Billie Lee—comedian, activist, and the first openly transgender cast member on BravoTV’s Vanderpump Rules—and Dr. Gina Torino, psychologist and microaggression expert, to share insights from their book, Why Are You So Sensitive?: Navigating Everyday, Unintended Microaggressions. They discuss why microaggressions aren’t …

1
From Soldier to School Founder: A US Army veteran promotes peace through Montessori education 40:02

18d ago40:02

40:02

Melanie Smith’s path to education entrepreneurship was anything but typical. A U.S. Army veteran who once worked in a European command war room, Melanie found her true calling in peace education through the Montessori method. After years teaching in both public and private schools, she launched Freedom Montessori Academy, an eco-school in Florida t…

1
150. Doing the Work of Equity Leadership with Decoteau Irby and Ann Ishimaru 31:09

17d ago31:09

31:09

This week’s guests are Dakota Irby and Anne Ishimaru, authors of "Doing the Work of Equity Leadership." Irby, a Professor at the University of Illinois, focuses on improving Black students' experiences through equity-focused leadership. Ishimaru, a Professor at the University of Washington, cultivates leadership among educators and racially minorit…

1
Alternative education in Kansas, with founder Katie Saiz 28:31

21d ago28:31

28:31

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Katie Saiz, founder of Greengate Children’s School in Wichita, Kansas. Katie shares her inspiring journey from running a home-based daycare while homeschooling her children to leading a thriving private school serving nearly 100 students across preschool through middle school, with future plan…

1
Episode 70: Beyond One Size Fits All Learning. A Conversation with Yong Zhao. 57:18

23d ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Yong Zhao challenges us to keep children at the center of education by acknowledging their uniqueness and building learning systems around that core idea. His approach aims to give kids the skills they need for meaningful future work instead of the synthetic tasks often imposed throughout traditional K-12 education. • Education should build on …

1
Ep 383: Reset Your Microschool Systems Before Burnout Hits The 4 Week System and Routine to Finally Get Organized and Free 23:02

23d ago23:02

23:02

Running a microschool requires relentless focus, clarity, and strong systems. If you’re spinning your wheels every September—re-creating lesson plans, re-building operations, and re-learning the same organizational habits—you’re headed straight for overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through a 4-Week Reset System that will help you: Audit what’s…

1
E16 August 2025 Business Report: Automation and Reclaiming Your Time 45:19

23d ago45:19

45:19

In this month's AI in Business episode, Brett is joined by co-host Andrew Kleidon, Marketing Manager at Quantum Technologies, to discuss how to reclaim your time through AI-powered productivity and workflow automation. They explore the latest business news, from the rise of Small Language Models (SLMs) to the critical learning gap causing large-sca…

1
Release Your Perfectionism Handbrake: Power Planning, Clean Rest, and Demystifying Procrastination with Sam Laura Brown 1:11:11

24d ago1:11:11

1:11:11

Delanie Fischer is joined by Sam Laura Brown, host of The Perfectionism Project and Founder of Perfectionists Getting Shit Done, to discuss how to approach your personal and professional goals in a way that works with your brain, not against it. Sam shares insights on Power Planning, the importance of clean rest, and an astounding reason why we pro…

1
Reimagining Special Education: One teacher’s microschool journey 32:52

26d ago32:52

32:52

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Jennifer Palmer, former special education teacher and now founder of Mobile Classroom Solutions in Polk County, Florida. Jennifer shares her journey from the conventional public school classroom to building a thriving microschool and learning pod that serve diverse learners, includ…

1
149. Creating Products that Support Teachers and Students with Alexandra Walsh of Amplify 29:48

29d ago29:48

29:48

Alexandra Walsh is the Chief Product Officer at Amplify. She develops leads and implements a strategic vision that delivers product coherence and common platform excellence across Amplify's math, literacy and science product suites. Previously, she was senior vice president and general manager of ELA curriculum, overseeing product development on th…

1
Joyful Learning is out today! Enjoy this special interview. 41:18

28d ago41:18

41:18

Today is the official launch date of host Kerry McDonald's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling! Check out this special interview—and get your copy of Joyful Learning wherever books are sold!By Kerry McDonald

1
Episode 69: What School Could Be. A Conversation with Ted Dintersmith and Garrett Smiley. 48:11

1M ago48:11

48:11

The rapidly accelerating capabilities of artificial intelligence are creating an urgent need to rethink how we prepare young people for a world where machines will soon outperform humans in many cognitive tasks. • Schools train students in what ChatGPT already does best • AI power doubles yearly, reshaping the workforce • The “school-to-career” esc…

1
Throwback-To-School: What to Do When You Ask Yourself: Do I Have The Time, Energy and Resources to Start or Grow Your Dream School or Teaching Business! 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
The Psychology of Infidelity: Why People Cheat, Non-Monogamy vs. Monogamy, and Sexual Mindfulness with Dr. Tara 54:37

1M ago54:37

54:37

Delanie Fischer is joined by Dr. Tara—Tenured Professor of Relational and Sexual Communication and Quantitative Research at California State University Fullerton, TV Sexpert on Celebs Go Dating, and Co-Host of the iconic radio show Loveline—to unpack the “whys” behind infidelity. Dr. Tara shares the 3 main reasons people cheat, how to begin healing…

1
15 The Ownership Conundrum: Who Owns the AI You Just Made? 25:16

1M ago25:16

25:16

This week on AI for Everyone, we're tackling one of the most complex and urgent questions in the digital age: who owns what you create with AI? This "AI in Action" episode dives deep into the legal and ethical maze of AI ownership, exploring why the simple act of writing a prompt doesn't make you a legal author. We break down the landmark court cas…

1
“Try something else. Be happy.” Why a longtime public school teacher left to launch a microschool 35:17

1M ago35:17

35:17

Sulaya Williams has been a teacher and administrator in the Florida public schools for 15 years. She left the school system in June to pursue entrepreneurship full-time as the founder of Link Up & Build Global Academy. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.…

1
Episode 68: Centering Humanity in Teaching. A Conversation with Matt Eicheldinger. 54:28

1M ago54:28

54:28

Matt Eicheldinger, NYT bestselling author and educator, shares his journey of persistence and the power of meaningful connections with young people. He centers on building trust and creating space for kids to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. • Becoming a teacher because he enjoyed kids and had parents who modeled empathy • Writing his…

1
148. Using Technology for Social Good with Jean Ryoo 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

Jean Ryoo is the Director of Research of the computer science equity project at UCLA. She is also the lead author of the graphic novel “Power On,” published by MIT Press, which was recently translated into Spanish under the title “Conectados.” We have a fantastic conversation about Jean’s journey, and we get into her mission to create more equitabl…

1
“Alexa, how can I homeschool my kids?” 34:34

1M ago34:34

34:34

Think of Alexa Achille as an "Alexa" for innovative education in South Florida. A former special education teacher in the New York City public schools, Alexa finds great fulfillment in helping families discover the benefits of unconventional education. She is the founder of The Collabo in West Palm Beach, Florida, which empowers homeschooling famil…

1
Throwback-To-School: Career Change! What Teachers Can Experience After Leaving Public School Teaching and What They Realized They Desperately Needed! 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
What's The Deal with Astrology? 12 Archetypes and Your Cosmic Zone with Madi Murphy 1:08:11

1M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Delanie Fischer is joined by Astrologer Madi Murphy, Founder of CosmicRX and Author of In the Cosmic Zone: Embody the 12 Astro Archetypes to Unleash Your Genius and Activate Your Authentic Self, to discuss all things astrology—history, skepticism, archetypes, planetary transits, and leveraging your unique natal chart to create a life that feels lik…

1
14 Understanding and Choosing an AI Operating System: ChatGPT or Gemini 32:51

1M ago32:51

32:51

In this episode, host Brett Hanson provides a thorough comparison of the two leading AI platforms for the everyday user: OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Framed as a guide to developing your own AI "taste," the discussion breaks down how each platform performs on common tasks like creative writing, research, and image generation, helping liste…

1
How Mosaic is supporting self-directed education 30:55

1M ago30:55

30:55

Today on LiberatED, Kerry McDonald sits down with Bonnie Benjamin-Phariss, the Executive Director of Mosaic at WeAreBornToLearn.org—a vibrant online hub where families can reimagine education in meaningful ways. Founded by philanthropist Jeff Westphal and supported by the Jeff & Jenifer Westphal Foundation, Mosaic blends community with curated reso…

1
147. Working in Nontraditional Education Settings with Kimberly Gawne of Star Students 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

Kimberly Gawne is the founder of Star Students, a personalized education service dedicated to empowering K-12 learners through tailored tutoring and homeschooling programs. Kimberly has always been passionate about people and learning, enjoying the challenge of exploring new methods to unlock potential in others. This passion evolved into a deep de…

1
Two weeks until Joyful Learning! 3:37

1M ago3:37

3:37

Kerry's new book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, will be on bookstore shelves two weeks from today—Tuesday, August 19th. Preorder your copy today at this link and use code JOYFUL20 at checkout for 20% off. Or visit your favorite local bookstore or online retailer to get your copy. *** Sig…

1
Episode 67: The Microschool Movement. A Conversation with Kaity Broadbent and Kelly Smith. 50:54

1M ago50:54

50:54

Education is undergoing a seismic shift as families and educators seek alternatives to traditional schooling, with microschools emerging as a powerful option for personalized learning in supportive communities. • 48% of parents feel education is heading in the wrong direction • 17.5% of kids are now outside traditional schools (up from 11.8% in 201…

1
Throwback-To-School: Does a Homeschooling Business Have to be IN MY HOME? Pros/Cons and 8 Alternative Places for Success! 24:27

1M ago24:27

24:27

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

1
13 Dillan Zaleski: AI in Education and Jobs 33:01

1M ago33:01

33:01

In this episode, Brett Hanson sits down with Dylan Zaleski, an insightful voice on the intersection of AI and education. They explore the critical importance of embedding AI literacy into the K-12 curriculum to prepare students for a future workforce shaped by artificial intelligence. Dylan shares his personal "aha" moment with AI, sparking a conve…

1
Meeting Your Soulmate (While Married) and Breaking Free From "Good Girl" Conditioning with Amber Rae 58:37

1M ago58:37

58:37

Delanie Fischer is joined by Amber Rae, author of Loveable, to unpack what it was like to meet her soulmate—while still married to her ex-husband. Amber shares her feelings about experiencing a lonely marriage, the days leading up to her decision to leave, how she transformed internalized shame, where she and her ex-husband are now in life and love…

1
Opening a microschool after 20 years of teaching 41:26

2M ago41:26

41:26

Today's guest, Tiffany Blassingame, is reimagining Christian education. As the founder and lead teacher at The Ferguson School—a progressive, faith-based K-5 microschool in Decatur, Georgia—she blends over 20 years of experience in public and private education with a heart for helping students thrive. A fourth-generation educator, Tiffany primarily…

1
146. Founding a Microschool with Christina Pipkin of FAYE Learning Center 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

Christina "Pip" Pipkin is the founder of FAYE Learning Center, a microschool in Texas. Pip is a Texas native and dedicated DEI expert in K-12 education, passionately advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments. With over 15 years of experience as a teacher and implementation specialist, Pip combines deep knowledge of diversity, equ…

1
Primer founder Ryan Delk on creating a vast microschool network 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

Today's guest is Ryan Delk, cofounder and CEO of Primer, a fast-growing platform helping top teachers to launch microschools in their communities. He’s spent the last decade building tech companies (like Square, Gumroad, and Omni), and was homeschooled from kindergarten through 8th grade. Ryan lives in San Francisco with his wife and three kids. **…

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Microschools Podcasts

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