Best Relaxed Homeschooling Podcasts (2025)

1
RAR #267: A Conversation About Belovedness with Emily Wilson Hussem 48:55

5d ago48:55

48:55

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! If you’ve been around the Read-Aloud Revival for a minute, you might know that C. S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s the book I have read and re-read the most, and it’s also the source of some of my favorite read-aloud memories with my young adult son. Today’s guest has writte…

1
271: Transforming Your Home with a Loving Presence and Encouraging Words 18:46

6d ago18:46

18:46

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation with Mellany Zepelak, start there! This episode begins with Mellany sharing the fruit of speaking blessings and encouragement to her children and her husband, noting how these efforts have shifted the tone of her household toward encouragement and empathy. Parents play a powerful role in modelin…

1
82 - One Story, Two Journeys 41:51

8d ago41:51

41:51

Amanda opens this episode with some never-before-shared stories from her early experiences in therapy—including one that caught even Kyle off guard. From there, the mic turns, and Kyle shares what it was like to hear Amanda’s story for the first time and slowly step into the world of advocacy and trauma-informed care. What begins as reflection beco…

1
270: The Gift of Margin When Life Feels Like Chaos 24:47

13d ago24:47

24:47

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encou…

1
RAR #266 How to Do Shakespeare (and Actually Enjoy It) 23:36

19d ago23:36

23:36

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! On the last episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we talked about why Shakespeare is not a school subject. I hope we were able to convince you! But if we know that Shakespeare isn’t a school subject or an item on a checklist, how do we actually do it? And how do we make Shakespeare not just doable in our homeschools, bu…

1
269: Home Anchors a Preschool Child’s Growth Through Intentional Rhythms 29:57

20d ago29:57

29:57

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their long term development and success. In this archive episode, Carole, Rachel and her husband, Jesse, discuss how home is the best nest, especially in the preschool years. They share their family’s practical rhythms—like meaningful work, daily nature walks, and lots of read-aloud time—all focused…

1
81 - Losing Parents the Second Time 45:08

22d ago45:08

45:08

In a deeply personal episode, Amanda opens up about the circumstances that led to the end of her relationship with her adoptive parents. What started as a long-building tension came to a head when Amanda asked to be treated like a real daughter—and was told no. She and Kyle walk through the factors that shaped the outcome, what was said, how it unf…

1
268: Homeschooling with Books Really Works with Veteran Jennifer Stowe 23:31

27d ago23:31

23:31

Today Carole sat down with Jennifer Stowe, a veteran homeschool mom of six with 27 years of experience. Jennifer shares her journey from reluctant homeschooler to advocate, inspired by Dr. Raymond Moore and Charlotte Mason. She gives practical tips for using great books, embracing time outdoors, and documenting the activities you do each day. This …

1
RAR #265 Shakespeare Is Not a School Subject 57:27

1M ago57:27

57:27

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! When most of us hear the name “Shakespeare,” we probably think back to a high school classroom, fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, while we struggled through Romeo and Juliet line by line—“wherefore art thou” and all that. But here’s the truth: Shakespeare was never meant to be dissected like a frog under a microsc…

1
267: Embrace Simplicity to Build Strong Families 25:05

1M ago25:05

25:05

In the second part of our conversation with Leila Lawler, author and homeschool mom, we get practical! How do build a strong and wise family bond that will last for our children’s lives? We discuss a healthy mindset around Christmas, Sabbath rest, seeing children as blessing and making connecting a priority. Join us! RESOURCES +Leila Lawler Blog +T…

1
80 - Family Ended With Boundaries 1:14:07

1M ago1:14:07

1:14:07

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, including against children. When Amanda set boundaries with her bio family—and the brother who abused her—she expected it to be hard. But not like this. In this highly personal episode, she shares a glimpse into the painful correspondence with her three younger brothers and their…

1
266: "Tradition is a Bridge to the Past, a Foundation for the Future.” With Leila Lawler 25:07

1M ago25:07

25:07

Each memory and value we build within our family adds to the bridge our children are building for their adult life. Our guest, author and blogger Leila Lawler, has written a three-volume set on the value of building a home. In this episode, she shares about how her past informed her writings and the concept of collective memory in this 2-part inter…

1
RAR #264: How to Read Classics (and Actually Enjoy Them) 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Why should we read the classics? So many of us want to read and enjoy them, but we don’t want to spend our precious free time feeling like we’re incompetent because we just don’t get it or that the internet has completely ruined our brains (is this just me?). This winter in RAR Premium, we did a whole retreat about f…

1
265: Exploring the Globe Simply with Literature 39:51

2M ago39:51

39:51

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…

1
79 - Mother’s Day, Mother Wounds 45:40

2M ago45:40

45:40

As The Cult I Left Behind listeners know, Mother’s Day isn’t a sappy Hallmark holiday for Amanda. In this episode, Amanda and Kyle talk about what the day brings up—not just for Amanda, but for anyone who experienced harm from their mothers. Amanda shares a letter she wrote to the mother figures in her life and reflects on how watching motherhood p…

1
264: Cultivating a Love of Reading with Classics and Trusted Authors with Jan Bloom 24:39

2M ago24:39

24:39

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…

1
RAR #263: Growing in Confidence as a Homeschool Mama with the RAR Team 1:03:31

2M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! In this episode, RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I sat down to tackle some of your listener questions. We put our heads together to answer questions about loved ones who don’t support your choice to homeschool, curriculum overwhelm, reading aloud with older kids or a wide age range of ages, how to encourage y…

1
263: Discovering Living Books: Jan Bloom’s Journey to Building a Rich Library 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

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…

1
262: Why Literature and Being a Well-Read Mom Matters 31:08

2M ago31:08

31:08

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…

1
RAR #262: Every Question Is a Doorway, with Jonathan Auxier 1:07:55

2M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Today, one of my very favorite authors returns to Read-Aloud Revival. You know him as the author of Sweep, The Night Gardener, the Peter Nimble series, and The Fabled Stables. That’s right–Jonathan Auxier is back! This time, we’re talking about the much-awaited conclusion to the Peter Nimble series, The War of the Ma…

1
261: Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Socialization 27:08

3M ago27:08

27:08

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…

1
78 - Discipline Outside the Cult 46:24

3M ago46:24

46:24

In this companion to the earlier episode on discipline inside the cult, Amanda and Kyle shift their focus to what healthy, respectful discipline actually looks like. They reflect on what they’re learning in their adoption training classes and how sharply it contrasts with the abusive tactics Amanda experienced growing up in the IBLP cult. They also…

1
260: Why Waiting Can Benefit Your Child's Learning Journey 28:09

3M ago28:09

28:09

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…

1
RAR #261: Why the Modern Myths of Tolkien & Lewis Feel So True 47:59

3M ago47:59

47:59

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! One of my favorite reads of 2024 was The Myth Makers by John Hendrix. This gorgeous graphic novel tells the story of the remarkable friendship of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. I thought I already knew quite a bit about these Inklings, but there was even more to uncover. Today, I’m delighted to share my conversation…

1
259: Why Breastfeeding Is Worth Pursuing Even While Homeschooling 23:50

3M ago23:50

23:50

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…

1
77 - Unpacking the Past: Cults, Faith, and Family Truths 33:56

3M ago33:56

33:56

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle dive into listener questions about what made Amanda’s parents susceptible to joining the cult, how they became involved, how the cult accumulated massive assets, and whether Amanda’s rapist brother ever received any mental health diagnoses. They also discuss how Amanda’s college viewed the cult's ideology and its cu…

1
258: Nurturing Strong Bonds From Birth: Breastfeeding and Beyond 26:05

3M ago26:05

26:05

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…

1
RAR #260: The Woman Behind Narnia’s Iconic Illustrations 46:22

3M ago46:22

46:22

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! What comes to mind when you think of C. S. Lewis’s Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings? There’s a good chance a lot of us are seeing very similar pictures. We’re seeing images that swept us into the whimsical world of wonder beyond the wardrobe (and into the Shire). The beloved images of these childhood…

1
257: Following the Lord In Our Marriages 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

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…

1
76 - Finding Peace in Denmark: A Journey from High-Control to True Relaxation 38:37

4M ago38:37

38:37

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle share their transformative experience during a recent trip to Denmark, contrasting it with Amanda's upbringing in a high-pressure religious environment and subsequent military service. Amanda discusses how the slower pace and quieter, more relaxed culture of Denmark allowed her to feel truly relaxed and safe for the…

1
256: Becoming a Screen-Free Family 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

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…

1
Best of RAR: How Read-Alouds Inspired the Wingfeather Saga with Andrew Peterson 59:46

4M ago59:46

59:46

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Today, I’m thrilled to share a peek at the riches inside RAR Premium, our online community that helps you make meaningful and lasting connections with your books and helps homeschool mamas become the peace-filled, joyful mamas they’re called to be. Last summer, our Family Book Club selection was On the Edge of the Da…

1
255: How Homeschooling Transformed Learning for a Special Needs Child 23:37

4M ago23:37

23:37

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…

1
75 - How to Deconstruct 44:22

4M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle dive into the process of deconstruction—what it is, why it happens, and how it unfolds across different areas of life. From faith and identity to relationships and worldviews, they explore the key domains of deconstruction and the challenges that come with questioning deeply held beliefs. Whether you're in the middl…

1
254: Homemaking and Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks with Your Kids 32:25

4M ago32:25

32:25

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…

1
RAR #259: Books Take You Places 37:04

4M ago37:04

37:04

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Have you ever read a book and felt like you’d actually been to that place? Me too. Once, while standing in line at an amusement park, I met a couple who told me they were visiting from Maine. And I almost said, “Oh, I was just in Maine!” Except I’ve never actually been to Maine. I had just read a book that was set in…

1
253: Standardized Tests and Homeschooling Q & A 27:06

4M ago27:06

27:06

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 …

1
74 - Big Changes, Listener Q&A, and Cult Realities 25:26

4M ago25:26

25:26

Some big life changes are on the horizon, and Amanda and Kyle share a bit about their next steps as a family. They also dive into listener questions, discussing the most effective therapy approaches Amanda has found, how the cult handled cases of incest, and its stance on queer folks. It’s a raw and thought-provoking conversation—one you won’t want…

1
252: Nature Study Made Simple by Encouraging Curiosity and Awe with Eryn Lynum 22:34

5M ago22:34

22:34

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…

1
73 - Growing Up in IBLP: A Male Survivor’s Perspective on Trauma and Healing 1:32:17

5M ago1:32:17

1:32:17

In this episode, we sit down with Nate, an IBLP/ATI cult survivor and trauma survivor, to unpack the deeply ingrained conditioning we experienced growing up in the cult. From childhood grooming and the loss of personal identity to the twisted teachings that framed God’s love as something to be earned, we explore the ways the cult set us up for harm…

1
Best of RAR: Reading for Fun is More Important than You Think 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Lately here at RAR we’ve been talking about reading for refreshment—reading for the pure joy of it—and how our own reading lives can be a source of energy and joy even in the throes of the busiest seasons of motherhood. This week on the podcast, we're revisiting an episode that dives into why reading isn’t just good …

1
251: Nurture Faith and Curiosity with Nature-Focused Learning 20:57

5M ago20:57

20:57

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…

1
72 - Protecting Kids from Sexual Abuse: What Every Parent Should Know 31:49

5M ago31:49

31:49

When we think about keeping kids safe from predators, we often imagine dangers lurking in the shadows—but the reality is much harder to face. Most abuse is committed by people close to the family, making prevention both challenging and deeply personal. In this episode, Amanda shares practical, real-world strategies for protecting kids from sexual p…

1
250: Character Development is at the Heart of Homeschool Made Simple 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

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…

1
71 - Your Stories, Our Answers: Family Rejection, Advocacy, and Healing 55:41

5M ago55:41

55:41

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle tackle listener questions surrounding the impact of purity culture and sexual trauma. They dive into Sadia’s poignant voicemail, discussing how rigid purity culture affects perspectives on sex and consent, and dissect the harmful black-and-white thinking that can follow. Amanda shares personal insights into breaking…

1
RAR #258: How Picture Book Illustrations Tell Half the Story with Charles Santoso 47:24

5M ago47:24

47:24

Join us for Shakespeare Summer! Dear Duck, Please Come! is the most fun I’ve ever had writing a book. But writing the words is only half the story for a picture book. Which is why today, I’m delighted to share my conversation with the illustrator of Dear Duck, Please Come!, Charles Santoso. Charles was born in Indonesia, raised in Australia, and no…

1
249: Preserving Great Literature with Private Lending Libraries 28:39

5M ago28:39

28:39

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…

1
70 - A Conversation with Cult Survivor and Author Daniella Mestyanek Young 1:04:08

5M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

What happens when you escape a world built on control, fear, and secrecy? How do you begin to heal after a life of indoctrination? This week, we're joined by Daniella Mestyanek Young, author, TEDx speaker, and cult survivor, to dive deep into the harrowing and inspiring journey of leaving a cult—and finding yourself on the other side. Daniella's we…

1
248: What Did I Get Us Into? Curriculum Regrets and Learning From Your Mistakes 28:28

6M ago28:28

28:28

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 …

1
69 - Sex, Healing, and Breaking Generational Cycles 58:23

6M ago58:23

58:23

In this episode, Amanda and Kyle are joined by Marian, a sexual health and pleasure educator, for a powerful conversation about breaking cycles of shame and stigma. Marian shares her positive experience growing up in a family where vulnerability, honesty, and support were the norm when it came to tough topics like sex. Together, they explore the st…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Relaxed Homeschooling Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide