For the young parents, the veteran homeschoolers, or anyone navigating the waters of homeschool options, nationally-known speaker and educational consultant, Carole Joy Seid, helps you homeschool simply, inexpensively, and enjoyably with a Bible, math curriculum, and library card. Great books have the power to build godly family culture and give educational success! If you need a weekly shot of encouragement and support to continue on with confident joy in your homeschooling journey, listen in.
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Welcome to Eric's Podcast – a journey through faith, life, and the lessons that shape us. Join Eric as he shares personal stories, reflections, shares insights that inspire hope and encourages. Whether you're navigating life's challenges or seeking motivation this podcast offers a blend of authenticity, inspiration, and thought-provoking conversations. New episodes drop every week! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected on this journey of faith and d ...
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267: Embrace Simplicity to Build Strong Families
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24:41In 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…
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266: "Tradition is a Bridge to the Past, a Foundation for the Future.” With Leila Lawler
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24:43Each 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…
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265: Exploring the Globe Simply with Literature
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39:27In 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
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24:15In 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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263: Discovering Living Books: Jan Bloom’s Journey to Building a Rich Library
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22:32This 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
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30:44Carole 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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S2 #13 From Debt to Digital Mastery: Equipping the Next Generation with Real Life Skills
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1:07:27Send 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
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26:44One 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
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27:45While 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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259: Why Breastfeeding Is Worth Pursuing Even While Homeschooling
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23:26Sometimes 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
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51:00Send 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
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25:41The 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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S2 # 11 Generational Wealth: Building Communities Through Real Estate
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1:05:39Send 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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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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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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S2 #10 How a Simple Bed Can Change a Life
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29:58Send 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
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23:13Does 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
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22:02Send 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
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32:01The 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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S2 #8 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Kaylea's Journey from dealing with Abusive Relationships to Thriving Business Strategies
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44:28Send 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
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21:11Send 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
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26:42Some 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
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57:07Send 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
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22:10In 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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S2 #5 Adoption Journeys: Ana Maria Didio's Path From Infertility Struggles to Embracing Family and Cultural Heritage
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34:29Send 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
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20:32Rachel 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
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57:16Send 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
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34:39What 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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S2 #3 Embracing New Beginnings: Robby Carlson's Journey Parenting Through Homelessness To Rising Back
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55:58Send 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
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28:15As 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
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28:04Are 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
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47:24Send 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
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26:57Send 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
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17:50In 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
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28:19Today 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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#11 Transforming Holiday Stress into Positive Family Moments
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15:38Send us a text Establishing boundaries and open communication can significantly enhance a child's sense of security and emotional development. This episode explores the interplay between parenting during the holidays, addressing self-talk, and the importance of negotiation. • Discussing the balance of parenting during holiday gatherings • Reflectin…
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245: The Crucial Role of Dads in Homeschooling, Part 2
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25:10Carole Joy Seid and her son J. J. Seid continue their conversation about how dads, as servant leaders, play a vital role in setting the tone for the family. J.J. shares some wonderful stories and practical ideas about teaching kids to appreciate nature regularly, tackle hard work with enthusiasm, and build character through outdoor adventures. Fath…
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#10 Unraveling Anxiety: Transforming Procrastination and Emotional Challenges into Growth Opportunities
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20:42Send us a text What if understanding the source of your anxiety could unlock a more productive, fulfilling life? Join me on this journey as we unravel the often paralyzing grip of anxiety and procrastination, and their unproductive sidekicks like excessive drinking or binge-watching. By delving into my personal strategies, learn how accountability …
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244: The Crucial Role of Dads in Homeschooling, Part 1
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26:52Oftentimes we think of homeschooling as mom's gig, which is really unfortunate. It is so important for dads to be on board and for both husband and wife to have a shared vision for their children's education. In this episode, we discuss the variety of roles that dads can play in support of mom and as a model for our children. Share this episode wit…
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#9 Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones - Get back up
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22:13Send us a text Facing a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey, I found myself grappling with the abrupt revenue loss from my small business, orchestrated by an unexpected Google update. With just four months of runway and my wife's pregnancy adding to the financial urgency, I leaned heavily on faith and strategic action. This episode shares …
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243: Flexible, Freedom-Loving Homeschool with the Reyna Family
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27:25Carole Joy Seid welcomes Cindy Reynas, a mom who went to public school and now is a firm believer in homeschooling. She shares her interesting journey of embracing simplicity and interest-led education for each of her four children. Cindy and her husband Joseph, a tattoo artist-turned-policeman, are all in on the Homeschool Made Simple method, and …
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#8 Embracing Imperfections: The Journey to Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
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9:56Send us a text Ever felt like a hypocrite when trying to offer advice, while you’re barely holding it together yourself? You're not alone. In this heartfelt episode of Eric's Podcast, I open up about my own struggles with self-doubt and the nagging feeling of inauthenticity. Together, we explore the empowering journey of embracing our imperfections…
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242: Homeschooling For the Win! with the Barba Family
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24:42In the second of this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers Arnold and Claudia Barba discuss the sacrifice and rewards of homeschooling. The Barbas discuss work as a key part of homeschooling, along with academics and service, and how homeschooling allows us to model life skills and values to our children. We hope liste…
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#7 - Special Guest - Steven Griffin and His Journey Building a business while navigating a family & faith.
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1:03:07Send us a text What if the toughest moments in your life were actually opportunities in disguise? Join us as we explore this idea with Steven Griffin, a devoted father and entrepreneur, whose journey of faith and personal growth offers a captivating look into the power of forgiveness and divine guidance. Stephen's compelling tale begins with the wr…
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241: From Law School to Homeschooling: The Barba Family's Story
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17:47In this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers, Arnold and Claudia Barba talk with Carole about their journey to our method. They went from being unbelievers to homeschoolers and haven’t looked back. Hear how Arnold and Claudia handled homeschooling through the years and where their young adults are now. Let this be an e…
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Send us a text Launching a business is a journey filled with unexpected twists, especially when your supplier vanishes with $20,000! Tune in as I recount my personal adventure of starting an e-commerce store selling wireless headphones. This episode isn't just about a business fiasco; it's a heartfelt exploration of faith, patience, and divine timi…
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#5 Harnessing Purpose and Positivity for Successful Projects
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8:58Send us a text Could understanding the power of purpose and positivity be the game-changer you've been searching for in your business or creative ventures? Tune in as we promise to guide you through the impactful mindset that shapes successful projects, whether you're building a business, designing a product, or crafting a masterpiece. Learn how em…
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240: Nightly Family Reading for Building Memories, Imaginations, and a Calming Routine
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22:41In the second part of Carole’s conversation with Rylee and Ben Applebee, they share how this method has captured the children’s heart as they have developed a love of books. Their routines are a necessity for this family of 11 children and reading nightly has really bonded them together over the characters in the books that Ben reads. They touch on…
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#4 When Prayers Feel Unanswered - God's timing
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39:42Send us a text Have you ever held onto a promise so deeply that it shaped your path through life’s uncertainties? In this episode, I share my personal journey of trusting God’s timing—especially when it came to love and prayer. As a teenager, I held onto a promise that my future wife would come into my life before I turned 20. Through moments of do…
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Send us a text Ever felt like throwing in the towel on a project, relationship, or career move? You're not alone, and this episode could be your guiding light. Join me as I share my personal journey of navigating setbacks and transforming failures into stepping stones, illustrating how the art of perseverance can turn the most daunting challenges i…
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