Bringing Education Home
Bringing Education Home is the podcast for parents who know something isn’t working — and are ready to take the lead. Hosted by Herb and Kristina Heagh-Avritt of Vibrant Family Education, each episode dives deep into the heart of family life and learning, offering real talk, real tools, and real connection. Whether you’re overwhelmed by traditional schooling, exploring homeschooling, or simply craving a better rhythm for your family, we bring you grounded insight and fresh perspectives from experts who serve families holistically. With our "inside and outside the box" approach, we explore what it truly takes to raise healthy, happy...
S2EP50-Robin Stoltman-Mindset Magic: How This Mom of Eight Overcame Infertility and Built a Legacy!
Imagine being a mom of eight and still finding time to share your wisdom with the world! That’s Robin Stoltman for you, and she’s the star of our latest episode! In a lively and heartfelt chat, Robin opens up about her life as America’s number one fertility and parenting mindset expert. She shares the nitty-gritty of her own fertility journey, which took a detour when doctors told her having a child was a no-go. But plot twist – she’s now a proud mom of eight! Robin’s passion for helping others succeed shines through as she discusses he...
S2EP49-Kevin Mays-The Secret Sauce of Leadership: It’s All About Family Dynamics!
Ever wondered how your childhood influences your leadership style? Dr. Kevin Mays joins the podcast, and boy, does he bring the heat! In a chat that feels more like a spirited coffee shop conversation than a formal interview, we dive into the wild intersections of family life and corporate leadership. Dr. Mays, a former family therapist turned executive coach, reveals that the dynamics we experience at home often play out in the workplace—who knew that family drama could follow you to the boardroom?
As he shares stories from his own life and his work with executives, Dr...
S2EP48-Desi Bolin-Building a Business and Raising Little CEOs: Desi's Homeschooling Hacks
Desi Bolan, the dynamic founder and CEO of Virtually Sourced, joins the conversation today, promising a rollercoaster ride through the ins and outs of the entrepreneurial world. Imagine a woman who not only runs an international virtual executive consultancy but also juggles the chaos of homeschooling her kids while living in a remote village with a mere 45 inhabitants. That's right! Desi's story is one of triumph over burnout, as she transformed her overwhelming experiences into a thriving business model that champions sustainable growth for fellow entrepreneurs. She believes in helping leaders streamline their operations, allowing them to focus on...
S2EP47-Ebi Oginni-Singing for Souls: How Ebi Uses Music to Empower Families
Ebi Oginni’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this engaging episode, we explore how this multi-talented artist balances her roles as a pediatrician and a chart-topping contemporary gospel singer. With her roots in Nigeria and a blossoming career in Ireland and the UK, Ebi shares her story from family sing-alongs to writing impactful songs that resonate deeply with listeners. We delve into the emotional side of her craft, uncovering the inspiration behind her music—especially her first album, aptly titled 'Hope'. Listeners will appreciate her candid recounting of a pivotal moment at work that sparked her passion for...
S2EP46-Roderick Jefferson-Reconnecting After a Stroke: Roderick's New Outlook on Family
In a world where hustle culture often takes precedence over personal connections, Roderick Jefferson’s story serves as a refreshing reminder of what truly matters. His journey isn’t just about overcoming the odds after suffering a stroke; it’s a compelling narrative about re-evaluating priorities and forging deeper family bonds. Roderick takes us through his life as a corporate executive, where success meant constant travel and missed family moments. He paints a vivid picture of the dichotomy between professional success and personal fulfillment, shedding light on the often-overlooked sacrifices that come with chasing career ambitions.
When fate t...
Bonus 20-Lynn Banis-From Tears to Triumph: How to Help Kids Cope with Grief
Dr. Lynn Banis is a transformational mentor, speaker, and founder of Women Rising Together. She guides high-capacity women through personal loss, burnout, and soul-level transitions to reclaim a life that finally fits. With decades of experience in human development, she’s known for creating safe, sacred spaces where women don’t just heal—they become.
Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.
If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!
Please let your friend...
S2EP45-Christine Devane-Get Lit with Elephants: Storytime Shenanigans
Ready to elevate your story time game? Christine Devane is in the house, and she’s dishing out some golden nuggets on how to make reading time the best time! Christine, an author and former teacher, takes us on a whimsical journey exploring her love for elephants and how her teaching days inspired her to write 'Elephant Beach'. This episode is packed with actionable tips for parents on turning regular reading into an extraordinary adventure! Ever thought about bringing props or costumes into the mix? Christine’s got you covered! We discuss the importance of allowing children to choose thei...
S2EP44-Isla Reddin-The Real Struggles of Teens: A Heartfelt Talk with Isla Reddin
In a world where teenage angst meets parental anxiety, we sit down with Isla Reddin, a powerhouse in the realm of family coaching. This episode is chock-full of insights that will have you nodding along, laughing, and maybe shedding a tear or two. Isla opens up about her personal experiences with her own sons and the challenges she faced navigating the murky waters of adolescence and education. With humor and humility, she recounts her attempts to transform her frustrations into actionable strategies that empower families. The crux of her philosophy? It’s not about being the perfect parent; it’s ab...
Bonus 19-Rich Kozak-Creating Legacy: How to Make Your Family's Mark!
Rich Kozak is a strategic mentor for individual brands -- 49 years defining & languaging brands with his servant’s heart. Certified as a Global Branding Consultant, Rich worked with partners worldwide. Today, he shares his gifts with individuals -- heart-centered entrepreneurs & professionals, experts & authors -- evolving their top level umbrella brands with CLARITY that aligns everything they say & do, including creating & writing books to move their brand forward. Get your branding right!
Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.
If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to...
Bonus 18-Connor Hiebel-From Seed to Success: The Power of Microgreens
Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of microgreens with the incredible Connor Hiebel, who kicked off his journey at just 14 years old! Connor turned his personal health challenges into an entrepreneurial adventure, proving that food can indeed be your best medicine. With his company, Amelia Island Microgreens, he’s not just growing greens but also spreading the joy of growing your own food, especially for kids. We’ll chat about how these tiny plants pack a punch of nutrients, are super easy to grow, and can even spark a love for veggies in the pickiest eaters. So, grab y...
S2EP43-Cathy Freeman-Unleashing Creativity: How She Helps Moms Find Their Happy Place!
In a delightful exchange filled with laughter and genuine insights, Cathy Freeman joins us to discuss how creativity can serve as a powerful tool for emotional rejuvenation. Cathy, a mixed media artist and creative mentor, passionately believes that women are the heart keepers of their families and communities. This episode is a celebration of the creative spirit, emphasizing the vital role that art plays in restoring joy, calming stress, and fostering emotional wellness. Cathy’s perspective is both refreshing and relatable, as she shares her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to empower women through art.
...
S2EP42-Jenny Burba-Raising 13 and Homeschooling: Jenny's Tips for Success
Imagine being a super mom of 13 kids—yep, you heard that right! Meet Jenny Burba, a resilient powerhouse from North Carolina who juggles her role as a mother, a graphic designer, and a faith-based coach like a circus performer on a unicycle. In this delightful episode, we dive into her extraordinary journey filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. From being a teen mom to navigating the rocky roads of difficult relationships, becoming a widow and the gut-wrenching experience of losing a child, Jenny's story is nothing short of inspiring. With a sprinkle of humor and a hearty do...
Bonus 17-Dinalynn Rosenbush-From Speech Delays to Play Days: A Parent's Guide to Better Communication! with Dinalynn
Dinalynn Rosenbush is a Speaker & Consultant, Parenting Coach, 30-year public school Speech Language Pathologist, international best-selling Author, and Creator/Host of the Top 1.5% podcast: The Language of Play. Dinalynn helps parents understand how children communicate so they can connect more deeply with their children, even in the presence of speech delays. She empowers parents with strategies for building speech and language skills during normal daily activities.
Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.
If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or...
Bonus 16-Debra Burton-Intuition, Your Inner Compass: Align Within. Transform Without
Debra C. Burton, MBA, M.A.P. in Applied Spiritual Psychology|Family Counselling• certificates in alternative healing• worked internationally with thousands of clients, 3+ decades• Evidential Medium, Intuitive, Transpersonal|SELF-connection Facilitation; Energy|Frequency Healer; Analysis|Forecasts: Life Journey|Relationship• singer|songwriter singing Jazz, Bossa Nova, Latin American, A Cappella, published own songs• self-published book; co-authoring ‘Miracles Are Normal’
Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.
If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!
Please let your frien...
S2EP41-Breanna Churchill-The Magic of Reading: Breanna Shares Tips for Parents and Kids!
Breanna Churchill, a dynamo in the world of children's education and literature, joins us for an enlightening conversation that’s as engaging as a bedtime story filled with giggles and wonder. As a full-time home educator and the founder of the Brown Bear Book Club, Brianna opens up about her journey through the whimsical world of children's books—a journey that began with her toddler's fascination with transportation. With a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Brianna knows the ins and outs of what makes children tick, and she passionately believes in fostering a love for reading from an e...
S2EP40-Dr. Ali Lankenrani-Optimizing Your Child's Potential: Insights from the UN Consultant!
Dr. Ali Lankarani, affectionately known as Dr. L, takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the world of child development, education, and family dynamics in this lively episode. We kick things off with Dr. L sharing his journey from a neurodiverse childhood to becoming a clinical neuroscientist. He dives into the challenges families face when navigating educational systems that often feel like a one-size-fits-all solution—spoiler alert: it doesn't fit everyone! Dr. L passionately discusses the importance of recognizing that not all children thrive under traditional expectations. Instead, he advocates for a more individualized approach to education that acknowledges ea...
Bonus 15-Kelly Ann Garnett-The Re-education of Love
Kelly Ann Garnett is the founder of Sacred Dating, a transformational path for women who are ready to call in deep, conscious partnership. Drawing on decades of personal growth work, teaching, and the principles of Spiritual Psychology, Kelly guides women over 40 to date with clarity, confidence, and radiant self-worth. Her approach honors dating as a sacred journey—one that invites spiritual alignment, emotional authenticity, and trusting inner knowing.
Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.
If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a ra...
S2EP39-Dr.George Maurer-Critical Race Theory: The Controversy and Its Impact on Our Kids
Dr. George Maurer joins us today, bringing more than three decades of journalism experience and a fascinating background as a retired Air Force master sergeant. He shares stories from the frontlines of the Pentagon Press Briefing Room, where he rubbed elbows with high-profile personalities like Sammy Hagar and Pat Benatar, and covered monumental events such as Super Bowl XLII. But it’s not all about star interviews and glitzy events; we dive deep into a pressing issue that’s infiltrating the American education system: Critical Race Theory (CRT). Dr. Maurer passionately argues that CRT has been surreptitiously woven into educ...
Bonus 14-Dr. KD Wagner-From Hell to Hope: 3 Easy Steps to Resilience
Dr. KD Wagner
Dr. KD Wagner is a multiple bestselling author, international speaker, and former law enforcement officer. Her books share her journey through loss, grief, depression, addiction, planned suicide, and survival after the loss of her two sons two years apart, at 18 and 24. KD has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and stages teaching women how to reboot, recharge, and reclaim their lives. With the death of her son serving in the U.S. Navy, KD became a Gold Star Mother.
What happens when life throws you curveballs that feel like they’re meant fo...
S2EP38-Tom Arnold-How a Roblox Scare Inspired a Mission for Digital Safety!
Imagine being a parent and suddenly realizing that the virtual playground your kids are playing in might not be as safe as you thought. Tom Arnold shares a riveting tale of how a seemingly innocent game turned into a near disaster for his grandson. This heart-pounding moment ignited Tom's mission to educate families about the hidden dangers lurking online. With his extensive background in cybersecurity, Tom breaks down the concept of 'cyber hygiene'—a fancy way of saying, 'Keep your digital life clean and safe!' He walks us through practical tips for parents, like recognizing behavioral changes in ki...
S2EP37-Kevin Murphy-Brushes and Dreams: How to Inspire the Next Generation of Artists
Kevin Murphy, a virtuoso in the world of illustration and portrait artistry, graces us with his presence today! With over 30 years of mad skills under his belt, Kevin has painted for superstars like National Geographic and even the Rolling Stones. He’s not just your average artist; he’s also an educator who founded the Art Academy and launched Evolve Artist, an online program that’s helping aspiring artists in over 70 countries. Talk about taking art global! In this chat, we dive into Kevin's 'fundamentals first' method, which is like a secret sauce for teaching realistic painting. He’s all abou...
S2EP36-Vrushali & 🐶 Blossom-Paws & Parenting: The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Child Harmony!
Imagine this: you’ve got a toddler running around and a furry friend who’s been your sidekick for years. Now throw in a new baby, and suddenly, life feels like a game of Twister! Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Vrushali, who brings her expertise in pet-parenting to the table. She’s not just a dog mom; she’s a mentor for busy families trying to juggle it all.
Vrushali shares some hilarious and relatable anecdotes about the challenges of merging a family with pets. From setting boundaries to ensuring that both kids and pets feel secur...
S2EP35-Rosemary Olender-The Small Moments that Matter: A Chat with Rosemary Olender
Rosemary Olender joins us today, bringing a treasure trove of wisdom from her extensive experience in education and child development. As a passionate educator, consultant, and author, she dives deep into the essential gifts children need to thrive emotionally and socially in our fast-paced world. Picture this: Rosemary’s mission isn’t just about teaching kids to ace their tests; it’s about nurturing their hearts and minds through the small, everyday moments that often go unnoticed. She emphasizes that the true wealth we can instill in our children comes not from material possessions but from the love, attention, and ex...
S2EP34-Saireen Neilsen-Menopause? More Like Menopausitivity!
In this lively episode, we sit down with Saireen Nielsen, a global entrepreneur and the mastermind behind the 'Loving Menopausitivity' movement, which aims to empower women navigating the complexities of menopause. Saireen opens up about her decade-long struggle with severe menopausal symptoms that left her feeling out of control, illustrating the need for better awareness and education around this natural phase of life. With candor and humor, she recounts her journey from confusion to empowerment—transforming her life through fitness, self-care, and ultimately, a desire to help other women. This episode highlights the importance of self-education and the impact of...
S2EP33-Mark Entrekin-Building Bridges: How to Achieve Unity in Families and Workplaces
Get ready to dive into a conversation that’s all about turning the ordinary into extraordinary! Mark Entrekin, our guest, is not your average transformational officer—he’s got over 40 years of experience in leadership and a killer approach to bridging connections. He’s here to tell us how the very skills that make businesses thrive can also work wonders in our families. Imagine taking that corporate savvy and using it to foster love, understanding, and unity at home! Mark’s 'Achieving Unity Success' formula is like the Swiss Army knife for families; it’s built to help us prioritize w...
S2EP32-STEMtastic Adventures: Dr. Leslie Grus Talks Privacy, Math, and Mentoring Girls!
Dr. Leslie Gruis takes us on a whirlwind tour through the fascinating world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, especially as it pertains to middle school girls. With over 30 years of experience at the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command, Dr. Grus has dedicated her life to not just understanding complex mathematics but also to demystifying it for the younger generation. She shares insights into the unique challenges girls face in STEM fields, particularly during those tumultuous middle school years when social dynamics shift and interests can wane.
With a mission to inspire...
S2EP31-Derek Crager-Unlocking Superpowers: How Neurodivergent Minds Thrive with AI!
Derek Crager is here to shake up the way we think about neurodivergence and technology! Diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia at the fabulous age of 50, Derek discovered that he wasn’t broken—he just needed a system that spoke his language. Now, he’s on a mission to revolutionize how we learn, work, and connect with his company, Practical AI, and to build a supportive community for autistics at AIforautistics.com.
We dive into the magic of using AI not just as a tool but as a bridge to understanding and empowerment, especially for families navigating the co...
S2EP30-The Bryant Family-Meet the Bryant Family: A Homeschooling Adventure Awaits!
Get ready for a family affair like no other! The Bryant family joins us to chat about their unique homeschooling journey, which is as colorful as it is enlightening. They kick things off by introducing their book, "Trusting Timothy," which artfully tackles the subject of cheating through a lens of faith and family values. Each family member shares their perspective on homeschooling—from its challenges to its joys—highlighting how it has brought them closer together.
The kids, Ava, Bobby III, and Joseph, chime in with their experiences, revealing that while the socialization aspect was a concern, they...
S2EP29-Mykal Olson-Hope on the Horizon: Michael's Mission to Save Families from Addiction
Mykal Olson: Guiding Fathers to Conquer Addiction and Save Their Families "I want to stop destroying my life and family, but I just don't know how." This haunting question remained unanswered for Mykal until it was too late. Yet, he transformed his darkest hours into a mission of hope and change for other families. Mykal didn't just recover; he transformed his experiences into a source of hope and strength for those who still struggle to find answers. When he's not coaching, hosting courses, or delivering inspirational speeches, Mykal cherishes family moments and dreams of one day sailing around the...
S2EP28-Penelope Jane Smith-The Secrets of Financial Freedom for Families
In this episode, we sit down with Penelope Jane Smith, a vibrant financial freedom mentor who's taken the entrepreneurial world by storm with her unique approach to finances. Imagine turning a small investment into millions, only to face a heartbreaking crash that could make anyone lose hope. Penelope's story is one of resilience: after losing everything to the real estate market's turmoil, she found herself at a mastermind event that shifted her perspective dramatically. The conversation takes us through her journey of personal growth and how she pivoted to focus on empowering women entrepreneurs through innovative financial solutions, including...
S2EP27-Jen Dyer-Brain Talk & Body Talk: Fun Ways to Connect with Your Neurodivergent Child!
Jen Dryer, our guest for today, brings a treasure trove of knowledge and experience to the table. With more than 20 years in the educational sector, she's not just a consultant or a coach; she's a fellow parent who truly gets it. Jen shares her own experiences raising two boys, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, and how those experiences led her to co-found Raising Orchid Kids. The mission? To provide support, education, and resources for families like hers.
As we dig deeper into the episode, Jen discusses the overwhelming journey many parents face when they...
S2EP26-Paul & Sarah Wandrey-The Why Dad Podcast: Unpacking Parenting with the Wandrey Duo
Paul and Sarah Wandrey, married for 6 years, live in Minnesota with their two children under 5. They are both passionate about family and share interests in hiking, travelling, lake days, and spending quality time together as a family.
Paul's Website
Paul's Facebook page
@thewhydadpodcast on Instagram
Paul:
Software developer by day, by night I pursue building my passion project, The 'Why Dad?' Podcast. My mission, alongside my co-host, is to find out what it means to be a dad, why it matters, and how we can become the best...
S2EP25-Kathryne Imabayashi-Raising Boys: The Untold Secrets to Future Gentlemen!
Kathryne Imabayashi is a whirlwind of wisdom and experience! With over 40 years in education across five continents, she’s not just a teacher; she’s a parenting coach, speaker, and author on a mission to help parents raise emotionally healthy boys. So, what’s the scoop? We dive deep into her journey, exploring the pivotal moment that sparked her passion for understanding boys. Picture this: Kathryne and her son are on a fishing trip in Japan when a gang of boys wanders by. Instead of excitement, Kathryne felt a pang of fear—what if her son grew up to provoke...
S2EP24-Barry Garapedian-The 7 Pillars of Family Success: Insights from Barry Garapedian
Barry Garapedian
Guest Bio: Barry Garapedian is the President and CEO of MAG 7 Consulting, a boutique coaching, mentoring, and advisory firm that caters to high-school and college-aged students. The MAG 7 program has distilled and codified key principles of achievement and paths to success which propel young people to meet their highest potentials in all aspects of life.
Speak with Barry for a few minutes and you will likely find his energy, positivity, and zest for life contagious. Not surprisingly, the MAG 7 program is equally dynamic. Key elements teach the next generation how to develop and...
S2EP23-Howard Freedman-Don't Panic! Your College Funding Questions Answered
Get ready to dive into the world of financial aid with the amazing Howard Freeman! Today, we’re chatting about how navigating college expenses doesn't have to be as terrifying as a rollercoaster ride, especially when you have a guide like Howard, who's been helping families score affordable college options for over two decades. He’s got the inside scoop on everything from filling out those pesky FAFSA forms to understanding scholarships and grants—basically, he’s the financial aid superhero we never knew we needed!
With a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of heart, Howard s...
S2EP22-Amanda & Aaron Johnson-Telling Tales: How to Use Storytelling as a Parenting Superpower!
Get ready to dive into a world where storytelling meets parenting magic! We’re chatting with the dynamic duo, Amanda and Aaron Johnson, who are all about transforming life's narrative into something spectacular. Amanda's got 25 years of experience turning personal backstories into epic tales through her projects like the Story Oracle, while Aaron brings his entrepreneurial flair to the mix, ensuring every story is as unique as the person telling it.
We’ll explore how using stories can help parents communicate better with their kids, fostering emotional literacy and connection. So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and...
EP82(Revisit)-Helen Panos-Fail to Succeed: The Importance of Resilience in Education!
Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of personalized education with our special guest, Helen Panos, a rockstar educator with over 25 years under her belt! We kick things off by tackling the elephant in the room: the crazy emphasis on standardized testing and how it often leaves kids stranded in the educational Bermuda Triangle.
Helen shares her journey from the public school system to founding Dynamics Learning, where she’s shaking things up with tailored tutoring, SAT prep, and even college application assistance! We chat about the importance of catching learning gaps before they snowball into a mo...
EP75(Revisit)-Anthony Delauney-Financial Literacy for the Fam: Fun Ways to Teach Your Kids!
Money matters, and today we’re diving headfirst into the fun world of financial literacy for kids with our fantastic guest, Anthony Delany! He’s not just your average financial advisor; he’s the mastermind behind Owning the Dash, where he’s on a mission to teach children the ins and outs of money through delightful picture books.
We’re talking about why it’s crucial to start these conversations early and how teaching kids about money can be as thrilling as a rollercoaster ride—filled with ups, downs, and unexpected twists! Plus, we’ll explore how Anthony ties in...
S2EP21-Kathi Sohn-Rewriting Childhood Narratives: The Power of Body Memory
In 2020, Kathi Sohn retired from her first career of 36 years with the U.S. Defense Department. Widowed in 2019, Kathi decided to devote her life to sharing the powerful work her beloved husband created – the Body Memory Process for discovering and releasing childhood trauma and beliefs. Kathi wrote a bestselling book on the Body Memory Process, You Made It Up, Now Stop Believing It, released in 2023. This powerful book provides background information via interesting case studies, and the entire Body Memory Process for childhood vow discovery and release. She now is a speaker and coach who is dedicated to mitigating th...
S2EP20-Robert Melillo-Why Your Kid's Brain Might Be Playing Hide and Seek!
Robert Melillo
Guest Bio - Dr. Robert Melillo is a leading expert in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression in both children and adults. With extensive knowledge of brain function, he has perfected a noninvasive, multi-modal method to significantly improve and correct many neurological disorders. His expertise in functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is unparalleled, backed by 30 years as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author. His book Disconnected Kids, soon to release its 3rd edition, is a cornerstone in its genre, translated into 16 languages. Co-founder of Brain Balance Achievement...