The Homeschool How To

In this inspiring episode, join us for a candid conversation with Ambar, a California sheriff’s sergeant and homeschooling mother of four, as she shares her journey balancing a demanding law enforcement career with homeschooling her children. Discover how Ambar transformed from a full-time deputy focused on climbing the career ladder into a passionate homeschooler creating a thriving educational environment on their 2.5-acre ranch.

Ambar’s story highlights the challenges faced by working parents who want to homeschool—especially in California, where restrictive education and medical policies have pushed many families to seek alternatives to public school. Hear h...

What happens when a passionate public school teacher realizes the system she’s devoted her life to is built on control, coercion, and outdated standards?

In this powerful episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, former K–12 teacher Angela Harders shares her eye-opening journey from traditional education to homeschooling and ultimately unschooling her own children. After over a decade in the classroom, Angela came to a painful conclusion: she was part of a system that often relied on fear, compliance, and force—not freedom or curiosity.

Her story begins with a desk thrown across the room o...

When the public school system tried to label her six-year-old son as “mentally handicapped” after just 10 days in first grade, Barbie Rivera knew something had to change. What began as a desperate attempt to protect her child from a broken system grew into a thriving micro-school and a mission to transform education for others.

In this episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Barbie shares her inspiring journey—from first-time homeschool mom to author and advocate for educational reform rooted in early 20th-century teaching methods.

🔎 What you'll hear in this episode:

What happens when a vegan restaurateur becomes a regenerative cattle rancher and homeschooling mom? In this groundbreaking episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Cheryl interviews Mollie Englehart, a trailblazing voice in regenerative farming, food sovereignty, and natural living.

Mollie owned five successful vegan restaurants in Los Angeles—until her journey into composting, soil health, and motherhood unraveled everything she once believed about food, nutrition, and the environment.

🌿 In this episode, we explore:

Are you questioning the traditional education system? Curious about homeschooling, creative learning, or how to raise lifelong learners? In this powerful episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, meet David Alford—a former public high school English teacher who left the classroom to homeschool his children and eventually became an award-winning independent filmmaker.

When David’s wife entered medical school, he made the bold decision to leave his teaching job to stay home with their daughter. That moment sparked a complete shift in his view of education. What started as a practical move quickly became a tr...

What happens when life throws you a devastating curveball? For Kody and her family, her husband's end-stage liver disease diagnosis with just one year to live became the catalyst for a complete lifestyle transformation. They sold everything, bought a farm, and began growing their own food—a decision that ultimately led to his liver fully healing eight years later.

This conversation takes us deep into the intersection of homesteading and homeschooling, revealing how one family found purpose, health, and a thriving business by reconnecting with traditional skills. Kody shares candidly about their journey from thinking "we don't wa...

When Wendy’s autistic daughter came home from school writing “I am not smart” on her papers, everything changed.

Initially completely against homeschooling, Wendy faced a painful truth: the public school system was failing her child. With IEP accommodations ignored, concerning approaches to gender identity, and even medical decisions made without parental consent, Wendy reached her breaking point.

She took education into her own hands.

In this powerful episode of The Homeschool How To Podcast, Wendy shares:

What does it take to break free from a lifetime of educational conditioning? For Evgenia, a Russian immigrant now homeschooling in Canada, the journey began with a powerful realization: "I don't like to share my child with the government."

Growing up in Russia's rigid school system left lasting impressions – some teachers still appear in her nightmares decades later. But becoming a mother transformed everything, shifting her from liberal-minded to questioning mainstream educational approaches. When her son was born, Evgenia discovered a freedom she never knew existed in education.

The path hasn't been without challenges. Homeschooling an...

Stepping away from traditional education wasn't originally in Jessica's plans. When her mother-in-law, a retired kindergarten teacher, began casually teaching her daughter at home "just for fun," Jessica discovered unexpected benefits that eventually led her family down the homeschooling path.

As the owner of Well-Rooted, a holistic wellness practice with multiple locations across several states, Jessica brings a unique perspective to homeschooling. The flexibility allows her family to integrate education with their entrepreneurial lifestyle - traveling when needed, adjusting schedules around sports commitments, and fostering stronger family bonds. "We wanted to maximize our time with our children...

What does 25 years of homeschooling experience teach you about education, purpose, and raising confident children? Audrey Rindlisbacher takes us behind the scenes of her journey homeschooling six children from the days when resources were scarce and stigma was strong.

Like many parents, Audrey initially questioned her qualifications. "I remember pacing the kitchen floor asking my husband, 'Are we just supposed to take this leap of faith and hope in 10 years that we didn't royally screw up our kids?'" That familiar fear nearly prevented her from discovering what would become her life's work. The turning point came...

Dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, dysgraphia, dyscalculia - when faced with multiple learning challenges, homeschooling might seem daunting. Yet for Erin Cox, these diagnoses became the catalyst for an extraordinary educational journey spanning 14 years and culminating in the creation of a curriculum company that serves thousands of families.

In this illuminating conversation, Erin shares how her daughter who specialists said might "never learn to read" flourished through personalized homeschool instruction. Her approach - setting 15-minute timers to prevent frustration, incorporating movement through hopscotch sight words, and celebrating small victories - demonstrates how home education allows for the adaptation...

What happens when you choose to step away from mainstream expectations and reclaim your family's destiny? Mary Wainwright's journey from conventional life to intentional living offers a roadmap for those feeling trapped in industrial systems.

Mary returns to share insights from her new book "Taking Back My Life," which chronicles her radical transformation across every aspect of family living. She takes us through the stark contrast between her traumatic hospital birth and her subsequent empowering home births, revealing how this experience catalyzed her entire lifestyle shift. Rather than presenting her choices as the "right way," Mary simply...

Hannah Maruyama joins The Homeschool How To podcast to challenge everything you thought you knew about higher education and career success. Having walked away from college at 16 after discovering its politicized environment and questionable academic value, Hannah shares her journey to developing a groundbreaking approach to career preparation that's saving families hundreds of thousands of dollars while launching young adults into thriving careers.

The conversation reveals shocking statistics about our student loan crisis. Despite the cultural push toward college, only 7.7% of jobs legally require degrees—a mere 0.3% increase since 1965—yet we've accumulated $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. Hann...

What happens when you grow up homeschooled on a sailboat, then experience public school, only to return to homeschooling as a parent? Shellbe's remarkable journey offers a window into an educational path less traveled, filled with powerful insights for any parent questioning traditional education.

Born to parents who rejected conventional schooling, Shellbe spent her early years cruising the Bahamas on a sailboat. Her "classroom" was the open water, where learning to navigate charts, catch fish, and take responsibility weren't electives—they were survival skills. Using the Calvert School curriculum, her education blended formal academics with real-world application in...

What happens when a dedicated special education teacher realizes the system she works in isn't what she wants for her own children? In this revealing conversation, Terry shares her remarkable journey from classroom teacher to homeschooling mother of four (soon to be five).

Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, Terry was raised believing that college education and professional success were the ultimate goals. She dutifully followed this path, becoming a special education teacher for five years in Arizona. Yet what she witnessed behind the scenes – from rigid behavioral expectations to concerning pandemic responses – gradually shifted her perspective on p...

Ever wondered if you could pursue your career dreams while homeschooling your children? Natalie Watts proves it's not only possible—it's transformative. As "The Thoughtful Realtor" and mother of seven homeschooled children ranging from 5 to 16 years old, Natalie shares her remarkable journey from traditional expectations to entrepreneurial success.

Despite growing up in public school herself, Natalie embraced homeschooling after marrying into a conservative family with homeschooling roots—her in-laws were pioneers in making homeschooling legal in Minnesota. What makes her story particularly compelling is how she integrates her thriving real estate career with her children's education, creating auth...

Dive into a refreshingly honest conversation about homeschooling with Jackie from @RealRaisingCubs, a tattooed, outspoken mother of four boys who's been homeschooling for over a decade. Jackie shatters the stereotypical image of homeschooling parents, offering a perspective that's both liberating and practical.

This episode explores the core concept of freedom that drives Jackie's homeschooling approach. We discuss her evolution from structured curricula to her current unschooling methods, and how her philosophy has adapted to meet the changing needs of her children. Jackie shares the startling statistic that average parents spend just one hour daily with their children...

Katie Berry returns to The Homeschool How To Podcast with a refreshingly honest revelation about her educational transformation. Once a curriculum devotee who meticulously planned each subject for her five children, Katie now champions a dramatically different approach that has revolutionized learning in her home.

The catalyst? Life's demands forced her hand when increasing work responsibilities made her traditional teaching schedule unsustainable. What began as a necessary adaptation revealed an unexpected truth: her children learned more, retained information better, and developed genuine enthusiasm when given agency over their education. From her eight-year-old narrating detailed animal facts after...

What happens when dedicated teachers with advanced degrees and decades in the classroom realize the system isn't working for their own children? Two extraordinary educators share their journeys into the unknown world of homeschooling after collectively spending over 40 years in public education.

Deanna and Leigh Ann take us behind the curtain of their transition from traditional schooling to home education, revealing the personal "enough is enough" moments that pushed them to make radical changes for their families. One witnessed her son three grade levels behind in math catch up within six months. The other found herself peeking...

The moment Laura Bains heard the word "homeschooling," she knew it was her calling—even before understanding what it meant. Though her husband, a first-generation immigrant who valued traditional education, needed convincing, Laura's instincts proved right. In this revealing conversation, Laura shares how just five years of homeschooling transformed not only her children's lives but her own professional journey.

Laura's refreshingly practical approach focused on fundamentals: "I need you to be able to read, write, and do math—the rest you'll figure out on your own." With structured learning from 9 AM to 1 PM and afternoons free for self...

What happens when a flight attendant with international benefits decides to homeschool? Magic, adventure, and a whole new approach to education.

Gabriella from RellaBBooks invites us into her world as a "hybrid homeschooler," where her four-year-old daughter attends traditional school three days weekly while spending the remaining two immersed in personalized education at home. But this arrangement is just temporary—by second grade, Gabriella plans to fully homeschool, transforming their lives into a globe-trotting educational adventure.

Drawing from her own childhood experiences in Japanese schools—where libraries featured Zen gardens and the curriculum embraced cultural imme...

The leap from corporate security to homeschooling freedom isn't just possible—it's transformative. Taylor proves this as she takes us through her journey from corporate employee to homeschooling entrepreneur during the unexpected blessing of COVID.

"I was giving all my time to a corporation who showed during COVID that I was very replaceable," Taylor reflects, describing the awakening that led her to prioritize family over financial certainty. As a single mother of two at the time, she faced skepticism from all sides but followed her conviction that traditional schooling wasn't right for her children.

The mo...

What if everything your child needs for academic success could be learned during their high school years, and everything before that could just be play?

Katie from Illinois, a former teacher with a master's degree in gifted education, reveals how her perspective on education transformed when she began homeschooling her three young children. Witnessing her oldest child write perfectly formed letters without any formal instruction became her lightbulb moment – children naturally learn without our intervention.

Breaking free from the politics and constraints of traditional teaching wasn't easy. Katie candidly shares her journey from trying to re...

What happens when the whole world becomes your classroom? Meet Melissa Smith – mother of nine, road-schooling pioneer, and passionate advocate for educational freedom. In this captivating conversation, Melissa reveals how her family transformed an RV into a learning oasis that has traversed America, turning national parks into science labs and historic sites into living textbooks.

With children ranging from 28 to 11 years old, Melissa brings decades of homeschooling wisdom, sharing how her educational approach evolved from traditional home-based learning to their current nomadic lifestyle. 

Particularly moving is Melissa's insight into adapting education for children with different lea...

Discover the world of homeschooling through our engaging discussion with experienced experts who share their unique insights and journeys. This episode dives into the motivations behind the shift to homeschooling and the crucial process of de-schooling, allowing parents to reconnect with their children's learning experiences authentically.

Listeners will find invaluable advice on forming a supportive community, choosing the right curriculum, and addressing common misconceptions about homeschooling. The experts emphasize that it’s not about adhering to traditional educational standards but about fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime. 

With practical tips, encouragement, and...

Ever wondered how to blend the joys of travel with education? Chad and Brittany, the Traveling Slaters, have taken an inspiring leap by transforming their family’s homeschooling experience into a global adventure. Join us as we explore their journey, from their decision to sell everything for world schooling, to the unique educational opportunities their children gain while visiting countries like Greece and Montenegro.

In this episode, Chad and Brittany recount their transition from traditional homeschooling to world schooling through the Boundless Life program. They share how this experience has provided their children with not only academic kn...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to embrace the homeschooling path, especially when it seems like an unconventional choice? Join Cheryl and her guest, Cece, a trailblazing homeschool mom, as they unravel the intricate journey of homeschooling three boys. Cece candidly shares her family's transition from a traditional private school to homeschooling, driven by her desire to address her son's educational needs and mental health without the pressure of formal diagnoses. Her heartfelt narrative reveals the challenges, adaptations, and ultimate triumphs of crafting a learning environment that honors each child's individuality.

Navigating the complexities of homeschooling...

Do traditional schools really provide what children need, or is homeschooling the key to nurturing a child's potential? This week, we engage with Lindsi, a former teacher and administrator who transitioned to homeschooling her own children. Her journey, from the structured halls of public and charter schools to the personalized learning environment of homeschooling, offers a fresh perspective on current educational challenges and opportunities. Alongside Lindsi's story, we examine the broader issues influencing the homeschooling trend, from school infrastructure woes to the broader implications of educational policy shifts.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the surface-level reasons for...

Get ready to unlock the mysteries of cryptocurrency and its impact on education as we engage with Russ Davis, a pivotal figure in Shiba Inu marketing. Discover how understanding digital currencies like Bitcoin can be as crucial for today's kids as learning about the internet was in the early 2000s. With Russ's insights, we navigate the shift from seashells to digital payments and why equipping our children with the right tools to understand these evolving financial landscapes is more important than ever.

Reflect on how far technology has come, from the days of early computers to the...