This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Paul Fisher and Suzanne Phillips from Radiant Mobile. Paul is a 35-year veteran of the fashion industry who left it all behind after the birth of his daughter. Suzanne Phillips is a homeschool mother and parenting ministry leader with over 20 years of experience. Together we discuss the ready-to-launch Radiant Mobile, the first-ever Christian mobile plan. Radiant Mobile blocks inappropriate content like pornography, hate speech, and racism at the network level, before it ever reaches your family's phones. And this service can't be bypassed or deleted by kids. Radiant Mobile in...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Matt Mimnaugh from North Carolina. Matt is a homeschool father of four, supportive homeschool husband, and entrepreneur. According to Matt, one of the best ways a homeschool dad can support his wife and children is to “get out of the way.” This doesn’t imply passivity, but rather, homeschool dads can communicate and work with their spouse to make sure they are helping in the most desired ways. In our conversation, Matt and I discuss the father’s role as the protector of his family, the importance of consistent, open commu...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Steve Pedersen from Alberta. Steve is a homeschool father of 11 children, Yale graduate in Public Health, and avid learner. Steve and I explore the six key roles of a proactive homeschool dad. Steve emphasizes that dads don't need to be the all-knowing authority; instead, the most powerful thing they can do is model a love of learning by discovering things alongside their kids. Alignment with your spouse is foundational — dads must be genuinely invested in the homeschool process to have credibility, contribute meaningfully, and support their spouse without adding to h...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Shellee Howard from California. Shellee is a mother of four, founder and creator of College Ready, author of two best-selling books, and the 2026 Global Educational Consultant of the Year. With over 18 years of experience and having visited more than 1,800 colleges and universities across 100 countries, Shellee knows what it means to prepare students to “adult” and how to effectively navigate the admissions process. All four of Shellee’s children graduated from post-secondary without debt from four different schools and paths. In this episode, Shellee shares the 7-step College Ready framework that she...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Staci and Jeremy Hill from Missouri. Staci and Jeremy are homeschool parents of 6 children, authors of “The Preserver’s Garden,” and founders of Gooseberry Bridge Farm. The Hill’s started homeschooling from the very beginning, and their oldest is now in college without any traditional public education. About 10 years ago, the Hill family moved from their suburban cul-de-sac to a small farm so they could have animals, space, and learn from the land. They started their business, Gooseberry Bridge Farm, in 2020 with U-pick flowers, but they’ve expanded the business to...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jon Couch from Southern Alberta. Jon is a homeschool father of six children, former IT tech, and entrepreneur. When he and his wife, Angela, decided to homeschool, Jon’s primary motivation was controlling the curriculum and avoiding what he considered dangerous ideologies in the public system. He has also had concerns about peer-driven socialization combined with access to cell phones and a world of unmonitored technology use. In our conversation, Jon shares his family’s core purpose centered on kindness, we discuss the homeschool and life division of labor betwee...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Kait Feriante from Tennessee. Kait is a mother of three, one who has dyslexia and dyscalculi. Kait is a behavior specialist and the founder of Redwood Literacy, Redwood Schools, and Redwood Learning. Several years ago, Kait became a special education teacher and worked in Chicago Public Schools where she discovered many middle schoolers who couldn't read independently. Eventually, Kait and her husband started Redwood Literacy to help students manage their learning differences of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. They have grown and have resources and mentors available to help students al...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Todd Sarner from California. Todd is a father of one, psychotherapist, parent coach, and author of The Calm and Connected Parent. Early in his career, Todd worked with Dr. Gordon Neufeld, who wrote Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers. Much of our discussion centered on attachment as the instinct to hold close those we hold most dear. Todd explained that children are biologically wired not to listen when they don't feel connected and that connection must come before direction in all parent-child in...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Leah Ellis from Kansas. Leah is a mother of 4, previous homeschool mom, founder and executive director of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, or SoCE, and the creator of the Astra and Zeke book series for children. She is all about empowering children through entrepreneurship. Leah discusses her background in homeschooling, emphasizing individualized education and the importance of letting children learn at their own pace. She highlights how her daughter’s desire for a traditional school experience led to a flexible approach based on each child’s needs. In our conver...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Peter Shankman from New York City. Peter is a single father of one daughter, a globally renowned keynote speaker, bestselling author, and entrepreneur. He shares how he grew up undiagnosed with ADHD, the challenges he faced in traditional education, and how understanding his neurodiversity later in life transformed his perspective and success. Peter emphasizes that neurodiverse individuals aren’t broken—they’re gifted. The key is learning how to channel those gifts, both as children and adults, to unlock unlimited potential. Our conversation explores the impact of supportive environments versus t...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Mercer Lawrenson from Manitoba. Mercer is a young homeschool father of three children and a second generation homeschooler himself. Mercer and his wife, Rachelle, who was also homeschooled growing up, are the creators of Sunrise Films, focused on producing documentaries, including stories about homeschool families. Our conversation covered a wide array of topics, like intentional fatherhood, homeschooling as a lifestyle decision and not merely an educational choice, fostering strong relationships at home, homeschool couples being aligned about their priorities and values, and much more. Those who listen to this ep...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jarrod and Jamie Giesbrecht from Manitoba. They are the homeschool parents of 13 children! When they were young parents, the Giesbrecht’s were inspired to homeschool after seeing the positive example of another large homeschooling family. Their initial motivation was to provide a more engaging and tailored education for their eldest, who was an early and eager learner. We discuss experimenting with various curricula, adapting to each child’s needs and learning styles. Jamie emphasizes the value of read-alouds, family-based learning, and tailoring studies to individual interests and levels, fostering cross...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Chris Linder from Georgia. Chris is a father of two, an author, and the founder of Homeschool Remix. We discuss the evolving landscape of education, hybrid homeschooling, and empowering families to take charge of their children’s learning. Chris shares his experiences growing up in Wisconsin as a charter school student to radio professional, English teacher in South Korea, and eventually an educator and author in Georgia. His experiences shaped his independent approach to learning and teaching. Motivated by gaps in his daughters’ traditional education, Chris developed a hybrid homesc...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Azar Chatur from Calgary, Alberta. Azar is the director of TKS, The Knowledge Society, in the Calgary area. He works with youth as a coach to guide them to discover and explore their interests, build projects, and connect with real-world opportunities. Azar invited 15-year old Isavella, one of his students, to join us for a portion of the interview. She described how TKS has helped her to find and develop her interests, specifically in starting a business with other TKS students. Azar and TKS are interested in homeschool students be...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Madison Robinson, a young homeschool momma with six kids from British Columbia, Canada. Our conversation highlights how homeschooling can be adaptable and unique to each family throughout each stage and season of the journey. Madison emphasizes the importance of simple, consistent routines, like daily reading lessons, math, Bible reading, and morning chores. She values relational learning and building a love for reading over rigid curriculum completion.The greatest joys include spending time with her children, witnessing their growth firsthand, and fostering strong sibling relationships. Madison appreciates that homeschooling allows fo...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Christine Devane from Massachusetts. Christine is a mother of three young children, experienced classroom teacher, and author of the children’s book "Elephant Beach." Her book reflects upon her own experiences as a shy youngster, and it emphasizes the importance of knowing that people are different, and that we can choose to be kind and accepting of everyone. Christine shares practical advice for parents and educators on fostering a love of reading, utilizing local libraries, and encouraging children to follow their interests. We discuss turning everyday moments and outings into...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Holly Britton from California. Holly is a homeschool mother of four children, a grandmother of three with one on the way, educator, blogger, and creator of Squiggle Squad. Holly describes wanting to pour herself into her first child and how that love for her children led her to decide to eventually homeschool. She imparts wise counsel after wise counsel from all her valuable, veteran experience as a homeschool mother and educator. I personally learned so much from Holly, and I particularly benefited from her advice to homeschool dads. Borrowing fr...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Ruth Regehr from Alberta. Ruth is a mother of four, grandmother of three, and the founder and developer of the game, Cheeriosity. We started our conversation by learning about Ruth’s short experience homeschooling her children when they were quite young. Ruth loved it, and so did her kids. We transitioned to Cheeriosity, a game that consists of 12 blocks where players make words based on 353 positive attributes that they notice in others or want to acquire themselves. Listeners will enjoy Ruth’s positive vibe and the encouragement she gives us all...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Erika Barootes from Alberta. Erika is the Director of External Relations and Department Head for Applied Politics and Public Affairs at MaKami College in Edmonton, Alberta. In our conversation, we explore the intersection of homeschooling and post-secondary education, focusing on how MaKami College is opening its doors to homeschool students and removing traditional barriers to admission. We also discuss why homeschool students are often well-suited for careers in politics and public affairs, citing their strong work ethic, community and civic involvement, and early academic achievement. Erika explains that Makami ac...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Angela Mitchell from Georgia. Angela is a homeschool mother of three, author, speaker, and apologist. We talked about the transition from public and private schooling to homeschooling and the factors that influenced the Mitchell’s decision, including concerns about curriculum content and family values. We also discussed the importance of customizing education to each child’s learning style and interests, and the wonderful freedom that homeschooling affords. Angela shared some of the  challenges of homeschooling, including self-doubt, difficult seasons, and the need for grace and flexibility. Other relevant topics covered...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jesper and Cecilie Conrad from Denmark. Jesper and Cecilie are unschooling parents of four children, they’ve been traveling the world for ten years, and they are focused on intentional family living. Cecilie explains that unschooling emphasizes trust in the learning process, respects our children’s autonomy, and that it is not about having a fixed curriculum or specific academic outcomes. The Conrads describe their transition to a nomadic lifestyle, the challenges of building an online income, and the rewards of traveling as a family. They discuss the practicalities and mi...

 You listen to this Golden Hour podcast. In today's episode, we get to spend time with Amy Reinke from Alberta. Amy is a second generation homeschool mother of two. Amy shares her unique perspective as both a former homeschool student and now a homeschooling parent. Offering listeners a candid look into her family's educational journey. Amy says that her main motivations to choose homeschooling include the desire for family togetherness, flexibility, and the ability to nurture her children's individual interest and character. She shares practical details about her family's daily routine, which balances structured learning, math, and language arts, wi...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Scott Holloway from Saskatchewan. Scott is a pastor, carpenter, and homeschooling father of ten children ranging from 8 months to 21 years old. Scott’s first exposure to homeschooling came as a high school student when his parents made the decision to start homeschooling during a teacher strike. He never went back, and he and his wife have homeschooled their children from the beginning to the present. Scott reflects on the flexibility, individualized pace, and freedom from negative school experiences that made homeschooling a positive choice. As a parent, Scott and his...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Amber O’Neal Johnston from Georgia. Amber is a homeschool mom of four children, an author, speaker, world traveler, and founder of Heritage Mom. Initially, Amber was skeptical about homeschooling, but she has become a passionate advocate, crediting her husband’s gentle leadership and the encouragement of experienced homeschool moms for her transformation. She discusses the importance of creating a culturally rich home environment that her children want to be part of, emphasizing intentional parenting, flexibility, and the value of community. Our conversation explores Amber’s commitment to infusing diverse...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Vanessa Braun from Medicine Hat, Alberta. Vanessa is a passionate homeschooling mom of four, a teacher, and a community organizer. Vanessa describes her journey from a traditional public school background and earning a master’s degree in math education to embracing homeschooling for her young children. Listeners will hear about Vanessa’s approach to learning—emphasizing outdoor experiences, family involvement, and a “better late than early” philosophy inspired by Raymond and Dorothy Moore. She offers practical advice for new homeschoolers, encouraging them to avoid recreating school at home, slow down, and fo...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Rowan Atkinson from Ontario, Canada. Rowan is a second-generation homeschooler, author, and experienced homeschooling mom of four. Rowan shares how she got into homeschooling, beginning with her own mother’s pioneering decision in the early 1980s and continuing through her experiences as a parent, educator, and curriculum creator. Rowan discusses the evolution of homeschooling from its early days—when resources were scarce and families had to prove the academic validity of their choices—to today’s landscape of abundant options and growing mainstream acceptance. She reflects on the challenges and reward...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Martin Vervloet from Alberta. Martin is a homeschool father of 11 who preaches the gospel, works construction, and gives a lot of service. Martin shares his experiences as a father of a large family, including being a grandfather to 18 (and counting), homeschooling since the mid-1990s. He discusses the influence of faith, the importance of parental involvement, and the flexibility homeschooling provided for their large family. Some key highlights from our conversation include the following: 

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Andrew Pudewa from Oklahoma. Andrew is a homeschool father of seven children and eighteen grandchildren, and he is the founder and director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). Andrew shares his personal journey from traditional schooling to becoming a passionate advocate for home education. He discusses the challenges of homeschooling multiple children at different grade levels, and how these challenges are balanced by the deep relationships, character development, and individualized learning that homeschooling fosters. Andrew also offers insightful counsel specifically for homeschool fathers. This episode is packed wi...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jill Baumann from Texas. Jill is a pioneering homeschool mother, micro school co-founder, and creator of innovative resources for independent teen learners. When her children were young, Jill sought out alternative education options. Eventually, she built a thriving micro school that served her own children well and many other students. Check out self-directedsuccess.com for resources, support, and learn more about her programs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in alternative education, micro schooling, or empowering teens to take charge of their learning journey.

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with the Bryant family from Southern California. Bobby Bryant II and his three children, Bobby III, Ava, and Joseph, discuss their unique homeschooling journey, the role of faith in their education, and their collaborative creative projects.This episode is really for anyone interested in homeschooling, faith-based education, and the power of family collaboration. The Bryants’ story offers encouragement, practical insights, and a testament to the lasting impact of intentional parenting and creative teamwork

Connect with the Bryants

trustingtimothy.com

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In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Winnie and Emaghea Lau from Edmonton, Alberta. Winnie and Emaghea are a mother-daughter duo and the founders of the Cash Smart for Life (CSFL) program. We discuss their mission to empower families—especially homeschoolers—to raise financially confident, values-driven children from as young as age three. Visit cashsmartforlife.com to explore resources, read more about Winnie and Emaghea’s story, and discover how you can start your family’s journey toward financial confidence. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone interested in practical, values-based financial education that start...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jason Weening from Saskatchewan, Canada. Jason is a homeschool dad of ten, author, entrepreneur, and speaker. He shares his family’s extraordinary journey from Ontario to Saskatchewan, including a year of travel across the U.S. and six months in the Dominican Republic, all while homeschooling. We discuss the importance of intentional fatherhood, building a family culture rooted in faith and character, and practical strategies for managing technology and supporting your spouse. Jason’s candid stories, from living in a 15-passenger van to writing books inspired by his adventures, offer...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Bethany Baldwin from Ohio. Bethany is a homeschooling mother of five and the owner of Mad Society Inc. Bethany talks about the challenges and rewards she has experienced and her innovative approach to integrating arts into education. We discuss Bethany's personal motivations, experiences with different educational methods for her children, and insights on setting up and running a successful home-based drama club. Bethany highlights the importance of creativity, individuality, and adapting educational approaches to fit each family's needs. Listeners will enjoy Bethany’s warm, relatable delivery, and they will glea...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time again with Julie Bogart from Ohio. Listeners will love this enriching conversation on critical thinking, parenting, and the evolving landscape of education. Julie, the creator of the Brave Writer program and author of Raising Critical Thinkers and Becoming a Critical Thinker shares her wisdom on fostering self-aware thinking, navigating the challenges of grandparenting and parenting young adults, and the importance of allowing children to explore their identities freely. In our discussion, Julie imparted compelling stories and experiences to convey her curiosity and research around critical thinking. All of us who ha...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Sue Music from Calgary, Alberta. Sue shares her journey as a homeschooling mother of three, detailing her initial uncertainties, the transition from traditional schooling, and the unique learning opportunities this lifestyle has afforded her children. We discuss the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, community support, and staying true to one's own family's needs and values. Sue offers practical advice for new homeschoolers and highlights the positive transformations she has witnessed in her children, particularly her eldest son, who thrives both academically and personally outside of...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Leah Farish, an award-winning civil rights attorney, author, speaker, and homeschool mother of two. Leah shares insights from her diverse career, including her experience as a homeschooling mother and legal advocate for homeschooling families. Our conversation explores the importance of family culture, the influence of intergenerational relationships, and the challenges and benefits of homeschooling. It would be great for you to check out Leah’s podcast, “Conversation Balloons,” to learn more about her work and to get to know Leah better.

Connect with Leah...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Susan Ison, founder and president of Victus Study Skills System, and Bethany Pinos, an educational consultant for Victus. Our conversation focuses on the importance of study skills, organizational habits, and educational principles that serve both academic and life-long pursuits. We cover the history and development of Victus, the application of its methodologies across different age groups, and the personal experiences of both guests in the homeschooling and educational consulting spaces. Highlights include real-life examples of how Victus study skills can impact personal and professional lives, and practical advice for pa...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Chris Koerner from Texas. Chris is a father of four, a serial entrepreneur who has created more than 75 businesses with 10 of them worth 7-8+ figures, he’s a business ideas addict with more than a million followers on Instagram and more ideas than he can handle, he’s the host of The Koerner Office podcast, and he’s a devoted church and family man. Chris suspected that he had ADHD many years ago but wasn’t diagnosed until recently. We talked about how his ADHD has been a gift that has h...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Dan Hill from Utah. Dan is a homeschool father of three sons, 3D animator, artist, a multifaceted educator, musician, and entrepreneur. Dan describes his “Forrest Gump”-like meandering and falling into several unlikely situations, where he was discovered by a specific school official and told he had a natural gift for teaching. Eventually, Dan started an after-school program that became Dan’s business, Paper Plane Learning. A homeschool mother encouraged Dan to reach out to the homeschool community to make them aware of his classes. Now, 80% of Dan’s students a...

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Brad Cornish from Stirling, Alberta. Brad is a dentist, golfer, reader, outdoor enthusiast, and most importantly, a homeschooling father of five. He describes how his family unexpectedly fell into homeschooling during Covid when his kids decided they liked how things went down at home better than what they were experiencing at school. He discusses the evolution of their educational approach, the advantages of their flexible lifestyle, and the significant impact homeschooling has had on his children's lives. Brad loves the incredible benefits that homeschooling has blessed his family with, an...