The Sociable Homeschooler

A Desire to Obey; Tom & Julie Meekins Aug 12, 2015

I’m delighted to be welcoming Tom and Julie Meekins back to my show this afternoon. Julie and I first met in March of 2010 and right from the start I could tell she and her husband have a heart for parents, especially those raising children with challenges. In walking the talk Tom and Julie decided to dedicate their professional lives to helping families navigate the scary world of parenting. They became certified in child development and health coaching and in March 2011 started a company called March Forth Family LLC to help other families needing someone who totally understood the struggles they were having. They are also the special needs specialists for the National Centre for Biblical Parenting. Tom and Julie have been married for 37 years, have four children and in a moment of certifiable insanity chose the homeschooling path and now have four young adults who are doing fabulously. The last time we spoke was in October 2014 and you can find all the conversations we’ve had over the last 5 years here on this site. Join us this Friday for a very informative and uplifting conversation.

Homeschool Conference Season: Gretchen Roe Aug 03, 2015

I am welcoming my friend and regular guest, Gretchen Roe, to my show this Friday at 12 noon Central here on Toginet Radio. Gretchen has now been a landowner for a year and she says it is quite a change from the urbanity of Maryland. We will be talking about the enterprises they have been embarking upon, slowly, and upcoming plans for the best use of their acreage. Although she no longer homeschools her two boys, a fifth grader and high schooler, she commented that all the projects they are undertaking on their 3 acre farmstead are so very homeschool, what with chickens and bees, a vegetable garden, bonfires and a swimming pool. What more could one ask of their beautiful rural setting in Western North Carolina where she and her husband grew up? Gretchen and her husband Pat have six children all of whom they homeschooled. However, on the heels of their move from Maryland and Gretchen’s shift from Community Liaison for the Calvert School to representative for Demme Learning, they made the seamless transition from homeschool to public school with their two youngest sons. Gretchen says she no longer has a say so in their education but they are loving every minute with their new friends and teachers. We will talk about the homeschool conference season that runs from February to the end of July and some of the highlights of Math-U-See and Demme Learning’s recently added Spelling-You See both innovative curricula that you may want to look at when planning your next round of studies. Visit www.DemmeLearning.com to learn more, Gretchen will be thrilled to talk to you. Bring your favourite hot drink, I usually have a nice cup of tea, and join us this Friday at noon to listen to Gretchen and me talk about how the summer has been going so far.

Earth Ship Radio: Ian McNeny & Parentals Jan 16, 2015

This week my son, Ian McNeny, joins me and asks all the questions! He visited us for Christmas and brought his podcasting equipment with him to record with friends and chat with my blue-eyed cowboy and me about homeschooling. The result was perfect for a show on my show as well as his so we’re sharing! You will soon be able to find the full conversation at http://www.entertheelftree.com an Earth Ship Radio broadcast on the ElfTree Podcast Network. Ian is a graduate of Wild Flower Academy and Collin College in Plano where he transferred well over 60 credits to enter as a Junior at the College of Santa Fe where he worked hard for two years and completed his BA in Film Production. He has freelanced as an assistant editor at Reel FX Creative Studios (an animation company) an editor at Tocrok Productions and the Dailies Assistant forDALLAS on TNT. He recently moved to California where he works for MTI Film and runs The ElfTree Podcast Network. He is Owner and Executive Producer for his own company, McCook Media and has made a pilot for a potential TV series, which he is shopping in L.A. Ian specializes in story and narrative film/video editing, Live Event editing and story and narrative screenwriting. Tune in this Friday at 12 noon CT and hear my Texan and me tell the back story behind our decision to homeschool. Bring your tea and Prepare to Enter the ElfTree.

Why is Unique Sometimes a Challenge? Shannah Godfrey Jan 09, 2015

Joining me this week is returning guest Shannah Godfrey, author of a successful phonics method, a scientist who has succeeded in a man’s world and a Mum who brought up and homeschool 14 children! Today we are going to be talking about some of the struggles she had while raising young people to be contributing members of society. We will be exploring the tendency we all have to compare ourselves to others, and pick her brains about her experience dealing with addiction and children with unique personalities who want to express themselves, their way! Shannah is a strong advocate for direct instruction but does not believe in pushing a child until he or she is ready even if it takes him into middle age! You may need something stronger than tea to get you through this one so treat yourself to a slice of cake a deep cleansing breath and tune in this Friday at 12 noon Central.

Diospi Suyana Debt Free: Dr. Klaus-Dieter John Jan 02, 2015

Diospi Suyana Debt Free: Dr. Klaus-Dieter John January 2nd 2015 I am delighted to have on my show today, German Doctor Klaus-Dieter John to talk about Diospi Suyana, a hospital in the Peruvian Andes, that he and his wife, Martina, envisioned many years ago. Their story is filled with God incidents, faith and tenacity since not everyone thought the same way they did. My friend Marcia Washburn introduced us and Dr. Klaus has found time in his very busy schedule to talk to me about the work he and Martina, are doing in the isolated villages of Peru where over 10 million people live. Together they shared a vision to serve some of the poorest and most neglected people in South America. They are both qualified in surgery and pediatrics and were inspired to take on the task of raising huge sums of money and building not just a health centre but a fully equipped hospital. The story of their journey from the original dream to completion is littered with miracles and chronicled in the book 'I Have Seen God', which tells the story of the Diospi Suyana hospital serving the Peruvian Indians. Join me this Friday at 12 noon Central and hear this remarkable story of an answer to Christ’s call.

Christmas as a Missionary: Marcia Washburn Dec 26, 2014

This week I will be bringing you the second part of my recent conversation with Marcia Washburn my very creative, musically gifted and artistic friend. Marcia and I have talked in the past about the Shuar Indians of eastern Ecuador and her hands on electronic book, Beethoven Who? We’ve talked about encouragement for homeschooling Mums in the warm and humourous way Marcia has and the last conversation we had was about how to spread the joy during this holiday season. She holds a Master’s in Music Education and she and her husband homeschooled their five sons in rural Colorado for nineteen years. Marcia writes about building a firm foundation for our children that won’t crumble under pressure and has a series of e-books called Management for Moms, I have been promoting one of them Managing the Holidays. Today Marcia is going to be telling us about some missionaries she knows in Russia, The Central African Republic and Ecuador and how they will be celebrating Christmas far from home and the choices they have made within the different cultures. Bring your hot chocolate this Friday at noon central and enjoy listening to Marcia talk about Christmas on three continents.

Demme Learning: Gretchen Roe Dec 19, 2014

My returning guest, Gretchen Roe, is joining me this week for the second part of our conversation about another major change in her life. You will best remember Gretchen as the Community Liaison for the Calvert School for 19 years. Recently she began working for Demme Learning, known by homeschoolers at Math U See. During the show today we will find out exactly why the math programme, developed by Steve Demme, works so well. Gretchen will also talk about their new addition Spelling You See an innovative spelling curriculum that will revolutionise how you teach your children and open your eyes as to why some of your children seem to have a natural aptitude for spelling while others struggle. Gretchen and her husband, Pat, and two of their six children, moved from Maryland, where they lived for 20 years, to Western North Carolina where Gretchen and Pat grew up, to live on a 3 acre farmstead and raise meat rabbits, pigs and chickens and turn two of their homeschooled children over to the local public schools. Bring your favourite hot drink and join us this Friday at noon to listen to Gretchen and me talk about math and spelling.

Media Angels: Felice Gerwitz Dec 12, 2014

My guest this week has her own Radio Network so is no stranger to talking up a storm about her passions. Felice Gerwitz was homeschooling two teens when she launched Media Angels in 1994. She then learned she was expecting a baby and not being the most organized person in the world she asked for help! Probably in a very high voice! Felice pulled in the troops, made a plan and with the help of her family and friends went ahead with her brainstorm and Media Angels was born as well as her third child! Felice became innovative (homeschooling as a stay-at-home Mum and author will do that!) and was led by the Lord to launch several more endeavors including online conferences and the recent Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. Today she is still married to her best friend, Jeffrey, and they have five totally homeschooled children and several successful businesses. But it’s not all work for Felice as you’ll hear when you join me on Friday at 12 noon Central to hear how she balances her life with walks on the beach, baking, reading, camping and hiking with her family, and the occasional girls day out with shopping and lunch.

Raising Grown Ups: Carol Topp Dec 05, 2014

I am delighted to have Carol Topp joining me again this afternoon to talk to us about a presentation she made at 3 homeschool conventions this year entitled, We’re not raising Children We’re Raising Grown Ups. Carol and her husband live in West Chester, Ohio and have two grown daughters, both homeschooled through high school and launched into adulthood! Carol worked from home throughout her homeschooling days and authored, Homeschool Co-Ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. She is also the author of the Micro Business for Teens series where she gives tips and advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs. If you pop over to my Sociable Homeschooler page you will find her other shows where she talked to me about co-ops, how to encourage children to be entrepreneurs and her own careers. I am sure Carol’s words this afternoon will encourage those of you who are learning how to sow the seeds of independence as well as those of you who are newcomers to homeschooling. Carol can be found at MicroBusinessForTeens.com. and www.homeschoolCPA.com . Join us this Friday at noon CT for an interesting conversation about how to hold on to yourself while letting go of your children.

A Complete Change of Pace: Gretchen Roe Nov 28, 2014

I am welcoming to my show this week my friend and regular guest, Gretchen Roe. Since it’s that time of year we are going to be talking about the upcoming holidays and what life looks like for her now that she and her family (at least some of them) have moved. If you remember from our last conversation on April 18th, Good Friday, Gretchen was preparing for lots of changes in her life. She and her husband, Pat, and two of their six children, moved from Maryland, where they lived for 20 years, to Western North Carolina where Gretchen and Pat grew up. We will be hearing about the 3 acre farmstead they now live on, the upcoming acquisition of livestock, clearing land and having bonfires. We will also talk about education and the seamless transition from Calvert to public school for her two sons, aged 8 and 15. Gretchen says she no longer has a say so in their education but they are loving every minute with their new friends and teachers. Homeschooling may not last forever and Gretchen’s experience will encourage some of you who may find yourselves in a similar situation. Bring your coffee or tea and join us this Friday at noon for an uplifting look at life and the celebration of Thanksgiving.

Holidays Not Harried Days, Marcia Washburn Nov 21, 2014

This week I am thrilled to be welcoming back my very creative and artistic friend, Marcia Washburn. Marcia holds a Master’s in Music Education and taught public school music for eight years prior to the birth of the oldest of her five sons, whom she and her husband homeschooled in rural Colorado for nineteen years. Marcia and I have talked in the past about the Shuar Indians of eastern Ecuador and her hands on electronic book, Beethoven Who? Written for any teacher who wants to teach music but may not be fully equipped to do so! We’ve talked about encouragement for homeschooling Mums and Marcia certainly knows how to offer that in a warm and humourous way. Marcia is a columnist for two major home education magazines and speaks nationally and internationally about homeschooling and building a firm foundation for our children that won’t crumble under pressure. Marcia has a series of e-books called Management for Moms and I have been promoting one of her e-books Managing the Holidays . You can buy it for just $0.99. and follow some of Marcia's insightful tips for turning your Harried Days into the Holy Days God intends them to be. Today we are going to be talking about how to Spread out the Joy this holiday season and fully enjoy those festivals God gave us in order to grow and be refreshed. As all of us know, Thanksgiving and Christmas are hardly times we busy Mums think of as restful holidays. Join us this Friday at 12 noon Central and find out how to turn your harried days back into Holy Days.

We Are Cherished: Polly Wright Nov 14, 2014

My guest this week is no stranger to my show. I have known Polly Wright since she was a young girl, the daughter of a colleague of mine from the days when I worked in Corporate America, way before any self-respecting career woman would ever consider homeschooling!! Polly Wright started a ministry in 2010 called We Are Cherished which reaches out to women in the sex industry and provides the community they need when they are ready to leave. She is passionate for women to know their true worth and value and discover who they were created to be. Polly and her husband have been married for 19 years and have beautiful twin daughters whom they have homeschooled since 2008. Polly is the author of, Cherished: Shattered Innocence. Restored Hope chronicling her personal story that led her to the ministry she founded and to the life God had planned for her. Today Polly is going to talk about difficult moments while she was homeschooling and how she came through them stronger and more in love with her creator than ever. Join us on Friday at 12 noon Central and find ways to un leash your love and be cherished. While you're here you may be interested in buying Marcia Washburn's latest ebook, part of her Management for Moms series, scroll down to Managing the Holidays and buy it for just $0.99. and follow some of Marcia's insightful tips for turning your Harried Days into the Holy Days God intends them to be.

Finding Domestic Serenity: Daniele Evans Nov 07, 2014

Rejoining me on my show this week is Daniele Evans who describes herself as a woman on a journey towards intentional and meaningful living. Daniele is a pastor’s wife and she and her husband, whom she describes as her best friend and confidant, homeschool their five children in central Pennsylvania. Their marriage is a biblically-centered one, their parenting is grace-based and their home is peace-filled or at least striving to be with God’s help. In true Christian style Daniele knows she is only human and likely to stumble and fall at times. She is the author of Honoring the Rhythm of Rest and writes regularly for Home Educating Family Magasine, The Curriculum Choice, Passionate Homemaking, The Better Mom and her own blog, Domestic Serenity. Daniele is going to provide us with some pointers to lift us up during challenging moments, inspire us to find God in the oftentimes not so perfect moments of our lives, to offer insights on ways to move through our journey and practice rest as a regular pattern in our days. Join us for a cup of tea and a rest in the Lord’s oasis, this Friday. While you're here you may be interested in buying Marcia Washburn's latest ebook, part of her Management for Moms series, scroll down to Managing the Holidays and buy it for just $0.99.

Marriage in the Homeschool: Tom & Julie Meekins Oct 31, 2014

With me on my show this week, where I believe homeschooling is a unique lifestyle, are frequent visitors Tom and Julie Meekins. This remarkable couple have a heart for parents raising children with challenges. In walking the talk they decided to dedicate their professional lives to helping families navigate the scary world of parenting and this week they are going to be talking to me about how their marriage has fared during some of the more trying times of homeschooling. Tom and Julie have been married for 34 years, have four children and in a moment of certifiable insanity chose the homeschooling path and now have four young adults who are doing fabulously. They both became certified in child development and health coaching and in March 2011 started a company called March Forth Family LLC to help other families needing someone who totally understood the struggles they were having. Their many blessings and powerful witness allows them to be able educate, equip, and empower parents to reach for the best FOR their children and IN their children while being supported in the process. Bring your tea and join us this Friday as we explore ways to find the silver lining always on the other side of every cloud.

Artios Academy: Lori Lane & John Michael Lane Oct 24, 2014

I am delighted to have as my guests this week, Lori Lane whom I chatted with on August 1st about her company, Artios Academy, and her son John Michael Lane. Lori is a homeschool veteran of 20 years she and her husband John have four sons ranging in age from 16 to 29, the three eldest are homeschool graduates. Lori has spoken at Conventions, served on panels, directed and produced many children’s choirs and stage productions both in schools and community theatres. In the fall of 2000, she began the Artios Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts as an advanced level arts program for high school students. Lori lives in Colorado with her husband and youngest son, where she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and skiing. John is a 2004 graduate of Artios Conservatory and attended North Greenville University to study Theater… and Georgia State University to study Economics. He is currently the Director of Development for Artios and in addition to teaching several classes (Worldview, Government & Economics, and Film/Video) he is also the creator of the Artios Home Companion Series. He and his wife, who teaches and choreographs with the Academies, co-direct the Artios Outpost Summer Camps and Internship Program during the summers.

When Life Throws an Curveball: Laura Grace Weldon Oct 17, 2014

Laura Grace Weldon is a poet whose poems have been published, but not the ones she likes. In a collection called Tending. She is an author, her new book, Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything, is full of the curative value of connecting more deeply with nature. She is an artist, a messy one at that, a tincture and meal concoctor both skills demanding courage and a degree of risk from their recipients. She has deadlines but would rather hide in books or watch foreign films. Laura admits that complete self-reliance is happily not her goal and farm dwelling allows her to sing to bees, feed cows, preach about hope, acknowledge the holiness of all things and find peace, sometimes. With her husband and four homeschooled children they raise plants, animals and occasionally Caine in their simple partnership with the natural world. Her socks have holes in them, the window molding is unfinished, there are muddy footprints by the door, but none of that matters, she and her family are together exploring ways to be themselves using ancient wisdom. Come and meet this lovely lady again on Friday, bring a cuppa and prepare to laugh while we talk about what happens when life throws us a curve ball while homeschooling!

Challenges in the Homeschool: Sherry Hayes Oct 10, 2014

I am welcoming Sherry Hayes back to my show this week. Sherry is the inspiring Christian mother of 15 wonderful children and has been homeschooling for 26 years. She has seen the “graduation” of several of her children from her home in colorful Colorado and she and her husband, David, are enjoying rearing the remaining few still under their tutelage. She has been a compassionate promoter of redemptive home educating for almost a quarter of a century and has maintained the belief that it’s God’s venue for national and world revival. In her spare time Sherry has been a proactive advocate for homeschooling, a key speaker for homeschool support groups, and a successful writer encouraging practical Biblical family living on her blog, Large Family Mothering. She has written two books, Homeschool Sanity and McGuffey’s Primer Flashcards, Helps & Hints, to encourage and help to facilitate others who have decided to embark on the exhilarating journey. This week we are going to be talking about how homeschoolers handle real life when it hits their families, be it marital struggles, our children finding themselves (also known to us as rebellion!), health setbacks, and unexpected additions to the family...in other words when things are just not going right in the homeschool... Bring your tea and join me on Friday at 12 noon Central for a gentle discussion about how we can best handle the ups and downs of living while holding down a bustling homeschool.

Verbal Math: Nina Levin Oct 03, 2014

Joining me this week is Nina Levin who is CEO of Mountcastle Company, an independent publishing company with offices in California and New York City. Mountcastle was first established in 2000 as an educational publishing company, focused on exceptional products for teaching children to read. Beginning with the company’s first (and bestselling) book, The Reading Lesson, Mountcastle Company has been committed to publishing the most effective and original products for young children. Mountcastle Company is also the publisher for the bestselling series, the Verbal Math Lesson. In 2012 the company got a new, fresh look and a new CEO, when Nina Levin took over the business. Nina has since added new amazing products to the catalog for homeschooling families and is passionate about bringing the best educational products to families across the country and around the world. Use sociable2014 as coupon at checkout for 30% off. Join me on Friday with your cup of tea and an alert mind to experience verbal math first hand when Nina and I enter into the world of mental arithmetic, at 12 noon Central.

Beautiful Feet Books: Rea Berg Sep 26, 2014

My guest this week is Rea Berg who founded Beautiful Feet Books in 1984 to provide quality literature to the homeschooling market. Rea holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Simmons College and in 2006 earned a master’s degree in children’s literature at the Center for the Study of Children’s Literature in Boston, where she was named a Virginia Haviland Scholar. Rea and her husband Russell have been part of the homeschooling community for twenty-five years particularly in the Charlotte Mason and Classical Approach. She speaks around the country on the joy of discovering history through literature and has written numerous guides on this topic, which have garnered acclaim in the home education community. Through Beautiful Feet Books she and Russell have brought back into print many classic works of children's literature. Rea is a regular contributor to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine with articles focusing on Literature Based History studies, Charlotte Mason Education, and Children's Literature. She also enjoys organic gardening, travel to historic sites (especially Paris!), dance and yoga. One of her favorite pastimes is discovering classic children's books in old bookshops. Join us for a cup of tea and chat about the power of literature both in our lives and the lives of our children this Friday at 12 noon central.

Simply Charlotte Mason: Sonya Shafer Sep 19, 2014

This week I have Sonya Shafer on my show to talk about a simple method of effectively schooling your children. Sonya is a popular homeschool speaker and writer, specializing in the Charlotte Mason Method. She has been on an adventure for nearly 20 years studying, researching, practicing, and teaching Charlotte’s gentle and doable methods of education. Her passion for homeschooling her own four daughters grew into helping others and then into Simply Charlotte Mason, dedicated to helping families explore and use this wonderful philosophy of education. Simply Charlotte Mason publishes her many books and provides a place of practical encouragement to homeschoolers and can be found at www.simplycharlottemason.com. Sonya’ministers to younger mothers and those dealing with special needs, she shares her heart through IntentionalParents.com and her book This Anguishing Blessed Journey: A Mother’s Faith Journal through Autism.

Finding Ourselves Within: Peter Kowalke Sep 12, 2014

I am thrilled to be bringing a conversation I had with unschooler Peter Kowalke. a few weeks ago about how Unschooling encouraged him to questioning his life from a very early age. Peter is a self described, lifelong unschooler whose highly praised documentary “Grown Without Schooling” followed ten unschooled graduates into the world and recorded how they fared in their individual life choices. He lives in New York City and has consulted as a homeschool expert for media outlets such as the BBC, the New York Times, The Times of India and Fox News. You can find him at Vedanta. and read more about his charity work with The Philia Mission. Join me this week and listen to this highly motivational conversation Peter and I had about purpose, contributions to our world and human relationships. That’s this Friday at 12 noon CT.

The Great Commission Transmission Network: Michael T. Hansen Sep 05, 2014

This Friday afternoon I’m delighted to have as my guest a homeschooling Dad who is probably the coolest father ever because he uses film, popular movies in fact, to bring the truth about Christianity to his children and all young people he comes in contact with which this week includes all of you listening to my show, so gather around! Michael T Hansen is a Digital Missionary and the founder of the Great Commission Transmission Network. He has over 7 years of podcasting and Internet broadcasting experience under his belt. After producing and hosting over 300 podcast episodes on a variety of subjects Michael is now focusing his time and talent in digital-new-media toward fulfilling the Great Commission as given in Matthew 28: 19, 20. Thus GCTN was created. He is a follower of Jesus Christ; musician; recording engineer by trade; husband; father of 4; homeschooling dad; Bible student; mouseketeer; and geek. He holds firm to the truth that Captain Kirk is superior to Captain Picard in the same way that Elvis is superior to The Beatles (it’s really the other way round but shhh!). Join us with sparkling water or sparkling whatever you’re drinking and hear how this homeschooling dad reaches teens and young adults with the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ by producing entertaining and educational spirit-filled content using the common speech and interests of today’s youth culture. Move over Math and Latin, enter Michael Hansen and The Great Commission Transmission Network, this Friday at 12 noon Central.

Following the PerriPoppins Dream: Paris McNeny Aug 29, 2014

I am excited to be welcoming my school teacher daughter to my show this week. Paris McNeny is a graduate of Wildflower Academy and graduated top of her homeschool senior year. She served as a missionary to Africa on The Mercy Ships, a large floating hospital bringing hope to the forgotten poor off the coast of West Africa. She holds the title of first born daughter in the family and takes after me in her colouring and organizational skills and her father in his empathy and joke telling. Paris has always had a deep affiliation for children and on her return to America she attended college to earn her Associate of Arts Degree in Education and a certificate for teaching special needs children. She has lived in Corpus Christi where she enjoyed the beach life while working as a teacher to support her studies at the local community college and to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. She now lives in Dallas and will be talking to us about two very different forms of childcare she undertook this year. Pour yourselves a cup of tea and join us to hear how this independent young lady is following her dream by making a difference in young people’s lives.

Homeschool Graduates & Careers: Malia & Ian McNeny Aug 22, 2014

This week my oldest and youngest children are joining me again this time to talk about their careers. They will look back on what they have achieved in the past year, how things have changed and their focus has shifted but ultimately how they are still pursuing their dreams. Malia and Ian are both graduates of Wild Flower Academy and Collin College in Plano. Ian wanted me to do college with him but ended up going to the College of Santa Fe for two years to complete his BA in Film Production. He has worked as a free-lance assistant editor at Reel FX which is a post production house, he has been an editor at Tocroc and the Dailies Assistant at Dallas that aired on TNT. He is Executive Producer for his own company, McCookMedia and has made a pilot for a potential TV series which he is shopping in L.A. Ian specializes in story and narrative film/video editing, Live Event editing and story and narrative screenwriting. The best place to find him on-line is Linked-In. Malia spent a year in London at a Performing Arts School then danced on a cruise ship for three months before returning to Dallas last year, homeless because we’d sold the family homestead. She has been nannying for a few months and had finally decided that she wants to teach dance, specifically ballet. She is still a Star Barista at Starbucks where she drinks coffee and chats with customers while earning money to pay for those little extras in life! The best place to find her on-line is Facebook. Bring your tea and tune in on Friday, TBA at 12noon CT to hear how these homeschooled graduates are making it in the world.

Window to the Wild: Simon & Lindsey McNeny Aug 15, 2014

This week I am delighted to bring you a conversation I had with Simon and Lindsey McNeny who reflected with me on their past year and talked about the hard work they have been doing to get their company off the ground. Simon is my son and a graduate from Wildflower Academy where he homeschooled under the tutelage of me! I encouraged him to spend many hours at the local animal shelter assisting with routine vaccinations, bottle feeding orphaned raccoons, squirrels and opossums and bringing many of them home thus fuelling his passion for animals. He also spent nine years volunteering at the local community theatre on stage and behind-the-scenes performing many musicals, plays and operas which prepared him to give educational talks to the public at local schools and co-ops. Simon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M. university and was a keeper at The Dallas Zoo where he looked after the hoofed stock, notably Okapi, Gemsbok, Bongo and Zebra. Lindsey is my daughter-in-law and was formerly a Supervisor for Natural Encounters, Inc., where she produced, choreographed, and performed animal shows all across the country at zoos including the San Diego Zoo (which won an award for Best Overall Production at IAAPA), Toledo, Philadelphia, Dallas Zoo and a free-flight bird show at the State Fair of Texas. She also worked as a trainer and performed animal shows for the L.A. Zoo, Birds and Animals Unlimited “Animal Planet Live” show at Universal Studios Hollywood, and the Phoenix Zoo. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Siena Heights University. Together they have founded a non-profit company called Window to the Wild and their goal is to increase awareness about wildlife and raise money to donate to conservation projects helping animals and the environment all around the world. Bring your tea and join us this Friday to hear how the world is treating this young couple and particularly my graduated homeschooling son who is holding his own and hanging on to his dreams with his lovely wife! Tune in to Toginet at 12 noon CT.

Gloriously Unregimented: Carol Barnier Aug 08, 2014

My guest this week is speaker and author Carol Barnier. You may have heard her on Focus on the Family where she’s spoken on a variety of humorous topics ranging from not being ready to be a Titus woman to why angels need a new public relations manager. Carol has either written for or been written about in many magazines including Proverbs 31, Clubhouse Magazine, Parents Magazine, The Old Schoolhouse, Crosswalk, Thriving Family, Just Between Us, ADDitude Magazine & HomeLife. Her latest book, Engaging Today’s Prodigal, deals with the serious topic of her journey away from God and into 13 long years as an atheist. Other books include, The Big What Now Learning Styles, What if You're Not Martha Stewart? and Learning the How of Teaching. Carol may talk with humour about her first born son’s 13 surgeries, her own family’s many ADHD challenges, or her personal faith walk from being a God-denying atheist to the most grateful recipient of God’s amazing grace, whatever the topic, she speaks from the heart and her faith is solid stuff. Carol knows why she knows what she knows. Come along this Friday with a lovely cup of tea and be prepared to laugh out loud for real with Carol Barnier at 12 noon Central.

Discovering the Artist Within: Lori Lane Aug 01, 2014

I am delighted to be welcoming as my guest this week Lori Lane, a homeschool veteran of 20 years and a Mum after my own heart! Lori and her husband John have four sons ranging in age from 16 to 29. Their three oldest sons, John Michael, Jeremy, and Jordan are all homeschool graduates. Lori has a degree in Piano Performance and has won competitions, spoken at the National Music Teacher’s Convention and served on the panel for two National KTV Video conferences for private music educators across the country. Lori is former director of Southside Private Musicians and Lane Music Development Centers in Greenville, SC, she has directed and produced many children’s choirs and stage productions including Fiddler on the Roof Jr., and Music Man Jr, The Diary of Anne Frank, Fabulous Fable Factory, Our Town, and My Fair Lady. In the fall of 2000, Lori began the Artios Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts as an advanced level arts program for high school students. That program has now grown to include Artios Academy of Arts and History, Artios Preparatory, and Artios Conservatory. In 2011, the Artios Academies of Littleton opened under Lori’s leadership. Lori now serves as Executive Director of Artios Academies overseeing and consulting with Artios Academy locations around the country. Find out how you can start your own. Lori, her husband, John, and youngest son reside in Colorado where Lori enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and skiing. That is, when she takes a minute away from developing courses, designing curriculum, speaking and writing for various websites and publications, as well as directing productions of the local community theater. I told you was a woman after my own heart! Oh…and of course homeschooling Jared, her last of four. Bring a lovely cup of tea and join me on Friday at 12 noon CT to find out more about this busy woman and her Artios Academies.

How Homeschooling Changed Us: Larry McNeny Jul 25, 2014

This week I’m talking to my blue eyed cowboy who has agreed to join us for a cuppa. His real name is Larry McNeny and he toured the world with famous musicians ensuring they were in the right place, on stage, at the right time, not an easy task sometimes. Larry worked with Stigwood. a management company, and toured with such greats as, Eric Clapton, The BeeGees, Three Dog Night, Firehouse, and Marvin Hamlisch, Linda Rondstat and the Pittsburg symphony. He personally managed Andy Gibb and an artist and sculptor, whom he always refers to as, "quite famous." Larry shared the homescholing years with me whenever he wasn’t out on the road as a Tour Manager for any number of impressive bands. His glamourous life got the children’s interest a whole lot quicker than anything I was trying to do with them! Today we are going to be talking about homeschooling, empty nest, living here in Florida and how we have been affected by homeschooling. Visit www.roadcases.org to learn more about one of Larry’s latest projects.

Reasonable Faith: Dr. Jay Wile Jul 18, 2014

My guest this week is Dr. Jay L. Wile best known in the homeschooling circles for his award-winning “Exploring Creation With…” series of science textbooks. Dr. Wile holds an earned Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry and a B.S. in chemistry, both from the University of Rochester. He has won several awards for excellence in teaching and has presented lectures on the topics of Nuclear Chemistry, Christian Apologetics, Homeschooling, and Creation vs. Evolution. Dr. Wile and his wife of more than 25 years, Kathleen, homeschooled their daughter, Dawn, from the time they adopted her until she graduated high school. Our family particularly enjoyed Dr. Wile’s book, Reasonable Faith the Scientific Case for Christianity, which we first read at the breakfast table in preparation for our herpetologist son’s entry onto a secular college campus. We had been fore-warned that we risked our children’s souls by sending them to non-Christian college campuses; furthermore we were also warned by our priest that certain career choices were not considered good Christian choices, especially the science career our youngest son was embarking upon. On finishing Dr. Wile’s admirable little book my son was so impressed by the truths contained therein he cited it in a paper, written for one of his science college professors. The result was a request, from his professor,(hear his side of the story!) for the book and we’ve been giving copies of it away ever since! Join me with your tea this Friday when Dr. Wile and I will be talking about fathers in the homeschool and other interesting topics that are bound to crop up!

The Homeschooling Doctor: Dr. Terri Fites Jul 11, 2014

With me today to help further dispel the stereotype of homeschoolers is Dr. Terri Fites who realized that she could not serve two masters, medicine and family. She made the right choice and left her beloved medical career behind (sort of) to become a most loved full-time, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom. Married for 17 years to her high school sweetheart, also a physician, who fully respects and encourages her decision (since he knew he wasn’t up to the task), Terri educates their three daughters. She graduated first with her pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy, then with her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and spent her resident years training in family medicine in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Through the shedding of multiple, minor ailments and over a dozen prescription medicines in her family, she has become convinced of the remarkable role of nutrition and environment in health and shares what she has learned on her very humble blog, The Homeschooling Doctor (The HSD). Terri firmly believes that when she made the choice to have children, she made the choice to do what it takes to bring them up emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and physically healthy, and although she left a medical career behind, God granted her a new outlet to serve and help others, including her family. Bring your tea and join us this Friday when we will be talking about Dr. Terri Fites' career and how homeschooling has changed her view of medicine.

Bro-Mates: Ian & Malia McNeny Jul 04, 2014

This week my oldest and youngest children are joining me to talk about how they managed to live together and make it work…really well! They are both graduates of Wild Flower Academy and Collin College in Plano, Texas. Ian wanted me to do college with him but ended up going to the College of Santa Fe for two years to complete his BA in Film Production. He has worked as a free lance assistant editor at Reel FX which is a post production house, he has been an editor at Tocroc and the Dailies Assistant at Dallas that aired on TNT. He is Executive Producer for his own company, McCook Media. Ian specializes in story and narrative film/video editing, Live Event editing and story and narrative screenwriting. The best place to find him on-line is LinkedIn. Malia spent a year in London at a Performing Arts School then danced on a cruise ship for three months before returning to Dallas last year, homeless because we’d sold the family homestead. She moved in with her oldest brother, Ian, and together they lived the perfect Ross and Monica life as the brother and sister roommates from their favourite show, Friends! The best place to find her on-line is Facebook. Bring your tea and tune in this Friday, July 4th at 12noon CT to hear how siblings really can live together as Bro-Mates! I'll also be engaging you with the latest and greatest from the household of the McNenys where we are half way through our house sitting assignment in Florida, have septic tank problems, power outages that change our schedules, writing that works...sometimes and avocados galore! Are you ready?

Whitewater Chopped Sticks: Calvin Jones Jun 27, 2014

My guest this week is renowned concert pianist, Calvin Jones. Calvin is also a homeschooling Dad, composer, orchestrator and producer. This is the final show in my short series about careers and I know you’ll be as delighted as I am with this remarkable artist. In the words of one critic, "If brilliant piano performance could be likened to a painting, Calvin Jones routinely executes a 'musical Mona Lisa.'" Aggressively contemplative, Calvin is quite a performer. Highly accessible, Calvin's music incorporates classical and popular themes and his performances seem to strip away the action of the piano, caressing the strings. Known for his hit "Whitewater Chopped Sticks" which propelled Teresa Scanlan to win the 2011 Miss America crown and his subsequent soundtrack for "2016: Obama's America", the 2nd highest grossing documentary in history, Calvin has enjoyed a varied musical career. His five releases "Through High Places" (1987), "Coming Home" (1990), "Uncharted Waters" (1993), "Acoustic Passion" (2005) and "Dueling Pianos" (2012) released on Sony Records have won him international acclaim. We spoke from Ukraine where Calvin is currently touring Eurasia performing with Philharmonics to delighted audiences everywhere while continuing to produce soundtracks and prepare his new orchestral release. Join us this Friday with a cup of tea and I will include a sampling of his music. Let me engage you with the latest and greatest from the household of the McNenys where we are thoroughly enjoying pastoral life, windy days every day, and still homeschooling! Are you ready?

Lifelong Unschooler: Peter Kowalke Jun 20, 2014

Joining me this week is self described, lifelong unschooler Peter Kowalke. Peter has been on my show several times and we have talked about his passion for unschooling and how much it has influenced his life. His highly praised documentary “Grown Without Schooling” followed ten unschooled graduates into the world and recorded how they fared in their individual life choices. Peter lives in New York City and has consulted as a homeschool expert for media outlets such as the BBC, the New York Times and The Times of India. The last time we spoke, two years ago, he had just returned from a six month spiritual sojourn in Asia. This Friday afternoon we are going to be catching up and talking about how Unschooling led him along the pathway of philosophical exploration which eventually brought him to Vedanta. Get yourself a cup of something delicious to drink and come and be mentally provoked into living your life a different way! 12 noon Central!

Your Philanthropy: Dawn Franks Jun 13, 2014

I am welcoming Dawn Franks, to my show this week to talk about her unusual and very entrepreneurial career. I was introduced to Dawn through my husband who met with her while we were in East Texas, about one of his projects. Dawn is President of Your Philanthropy, a coaching and consulting firm and works with the philanthropic donor and nonprofit community. During our conversation you will learn exactly what that means! She has 33 years of experience in nonprofit and philanthropy work in the Tyler community. She is also Executive Director of the Ben and Maytee Fisch Foundation and serves on boards for the East Texas Communities Foundation, Leadership Tyler, Bullard Economic Development Council and the Tyler Chamber of Commerce. She is past president of South Tyler Rotary Club, a member of Tyler Executive Women’s Network and a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler. Dawn is married to Eddy Franks. Oin us on Friday with your tea and learn some amazing things about grants and non-profits that may surprise you!

Casting Calls: Andrei Constantinescu Jun 06, 2014

This week my show is the second in a short series of careers advice where I bring on guests from interesting walks of life that may be of help to young people searching for possible career opportunities. Andrei Constantinescu has always loved film and television. His mom says he loved television even when he was very little and that around two or three years of age he was quoting lines from shows and recognizing actors. One of Andrei’s earliest memories is entertaining his extended family with stories and jokes and wondering what else he could do or say to make them laugh. For as long as he can remember he has known he wanted to be an actor or work in the film industry. Andrei graduated from Louisiana Tech University with an MA in Theater and started work as an extra on several films, loving every minute of it! He worked for Glorioso Casting, assisting and coordinating the extras for several projects; he also cast the Principal Roles for some non-union short films and worked as an actor, including a role in “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt.” In the fall of 2009 he moved to New Orleans to cast with Coulon Casting; his experiences there gave him another view of extras casting and paved the way for his future move to Dallas, Texas where he worked for Cast-O-Matic on the FOX TV show, “Lone Star” in 2010. In the spring of 2011, Andrei was hired to cast the extras for the “Dallas” pilot on TNT and Legacy Casting was officially born. Now he and the Legacy Casting team work on projects in Texas and Louisiana. His goal is to use Legacy Casting to find and showcase new rising talent and to give other actors a start in the industry he loves. Come and listen to him speak on my show about his interesting career and how to make show business work for you. Friday at 12 noon Central.

EntreFamily: Stephanie Langford May 30, 2014

This week my guest Stephanie Langford is returning to tell us all about how her 54 weeks of world travel has impacted her family’s lifestyle, marriage and view of the world. She describes herself as the blessed wife to Ryan. She is also Mum and homeschooler to her four favorite little people, and the grateful recipient of undeserved mercy and love from her Heavenly Father. Stephanie and her husband have spent the last year travelling and hack-schooling on a monumental journey around the world to almost 30 countries in 12 months. While on the road Stephanie kept up her blog Keeper of the Home, inspiring and educating women on the topics of nutrition, natural homemaking, "greener" lifestyle choices, and frugal, simple living... all from a distinctively Christian worldview. Also her medicine kit while she was on the road can be found here! http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2013/10/my-travel-medicine-kit.html She is the author of three books, Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time, Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less, and Plan It, Don’t Panic: A Complete Meal Planning Resource and is working on a proposal for her family travel memoir. Stephanie is going to be sharing a few stories with us about life abroad, how they were limited in their possessions by their bags, how their marriage changed for the better, and how she coped with coming to the end of herself. Tune in on Friday with a cup of coffee or your favourite beverage and be inspired, if not to totally change your life at least to simplify some areas of it and not to be afraid to step outside your box if only for an hour!

Ten Minute Writer: Katharine Grubb May 23, 2014

This week I am welcoming to my show Katharine Grubb. Katharine was born in northeastern Oklahoma. She was raised in the Tulsa suburbs, attended the University of Oklahoma, taught school, wrote stories and then shocked everyone by moving to Boston, Massachusetts to be with a man she had been e-mailing for nine months. She married that man, and with him had five boisterous children ages 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16. Nowadays, she still lives in Massachusetts, homeschools her children, bakes bread, does ridiculous amounts of laundry and sets her timer to write stories in ten minute increments. She loves homeschooling and just completed her 12th year. Katharine blogs at www.10minutewriter.com and is on Twitter @10MinuteWriter where she talks about writing fiction and nonfiction. Join us on Friday with your tea and be prepared to laugh!!

Engineer, CPA & Author: Carol Topp May 16, 2014

This week I’m delighted to welcome back to my show, where I dispel many homeschooling stereotypes, Carol Topp who has joined me a couple of times to talk about co-oping and finances. We are going to be talking about the 3 major careers in her life, besides Mum and homeschooling, so tune in to learn more! Carol and her husband live in West Chester, Ohio and have two grown daughters, both homeschooled through high school who are now looking forward to their first careers. Carol worked from home throughout her homeschooling career and authored, Homeschool Co-Ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out. She is also the author of the Micro Business for Teens series where she gives tips and advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs, as well as nine other books, a podcaster on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network, a host on the public television program, Starting a Micro Business, and winner of a Best Accounting blog award in 2012. Carol's current project is creating a Career Exploration e-book for homeschool teenagers. She hopes to have it completed in the fall of 2014. You can find her at MicroBusinessForTeens.com. and on my radio show this Friday. Join us for a cup of tea and hear all about this homeschooling Mum’s terrific careers.

The Compelling Case for Homeschooling: Mike Donnelly May 09, 2014

Mike Donnelly, from the Home School Legal Defense Association, returns to my show this week wearing his legal and dad hats. When he’s not talking to me Mike serves as Staff Attorney and Director of International Relations for member affairs and is Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, in Virginia. Mike and his wife teach their seven children at home and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which he has shared with us over the years on my show. Mike and his hard working colleagues at HSLDA defend both the American and International right to choose how we educate our children and their convictions ensure that homeschooling remains a parental choice for all of us. Today we are going to be hearing about some good news about the Romeike family and the recent court decision that will allow them to remain in America. Mike and I will also talk about some of the doubts parents may have when considering homeschooling. Peer preessure is not just for our children! Pull up a chair and snag a cup of tea and listen in this Friday.

Education, Faith & Ex-Amish: Brenda Nixon May 02, 2014

Brenda Nixon is joining me again this week on my show where I dispel the stereotype of homeschoolers! Brenda has been a fellow host here on Toginet radio with The Parents’ Plate. where she blended practical parenting tips with child development. She is an unusual and popular keynote speaker at events and workshops in more than 10 states. Today her family has taken on a different dynamic with the inclusion of ex-Amish teenagers whom she has adopted. She is now known as the "Mom to the Ex-Amish" with a son-in-law, 2 adopted sons, and relationships with those who've left the most insular Swartzentruber Amish order. Today I am bringing you part two of our conversation about the Amish culture not found on TV or in fiction books. Brenda's blog, Beyond Buggies and Bonnets, has 70,000 readers world wide! She's writing a book about the struggles of Amish to assimilate to the "forbidden" English world, and about the life they left. Today we are going to be talking about education, jobs and faith for those young people who have left their closed communities to join the English world of America. Grab yourself a cuppa and join us on Friday at 12 noon Central.

Hurdling Our Adult Children's Choices: Barbara Frank Apr 25, 2014

This week on my show, where I seek to dispel the pre-conceived ideas about homeschooling, I’m thrilled to welcome back Barbara Frank. We spoke at the end of January about preparing our teenage children to be sprung on the world as independent and contributing members of society. Barbara is a homeschooling mother of two boys and two girls. Her husband, Tim, worked from home and they were all together as a family for a long time and lived to tell the tale! Barbara is the author of, Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, a curriculum she wrote for her teenagers to help them live on their own with a goal of financial freedom. She and her husband started a company called Cardamom Publishers in 2003 to publish this first book and several others followed including, Thriving in the 21st Century, Women of the Old Testament: 14 In-Depth Bible Studies for Teens, and The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling. We homeschooling Mums know how to manage our time! Barbara often speaks to home education groups about homeschooling, and is also a freelance writer/editor and former newspaper reporter whose work has appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She has a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Today our conversation will centre round the empty nest syndrome and dealing with the disappointment of adult children whose lifestyles go against the way they were raised. Once parents can Pass Go on that one then they can move on to what God has planned for them next. This should be an emotional topic that I know a lot of you are facing so bring your tea and take a comfortable seat this Friday at 12 noon Central on Toginet Radio.

Dying to Self: Gretchen Roe Apr 18, 2014

This is Good Friday and true to form on this Solemn High Holiday I am taking you on a walk towards Calvary and beyond. Gretchen Roe, my friend for many years, is joining me on The Sociable Homeschooler, where I bust the stereotype of homeschooling, and together we are going to be looking at our lives through the eyes of God and exploring ways in which we can relate our day to day to the Cross of Redemption. Gretchen has some exciting news, both personal and professional, about her life recently and she will be sharing it with us on Friday. Together we will be talking about the real meaning of surrender and how it plays out in our busy families. We will reflect on our Saviour’s selfless example when He died for our sins and compare faith stories that can help us through the most trying of days when homeschooling seems to get lost in the world of change. Of course we will also be rejoicing over the resurrection and sharing Easter customs and traditions so come along on Friday at 12 noon Central and join Gretchen and me as we celebrate life with the Risen Lord.

The Edventure Project: Jennifer Miller Apr 11, 2014

Jennifer Miller is back with me on The Sociable Homeschooler this week, to further support my philosophy that there is no stereotyping of this movement called homeschooling! Jennifer and her husband, Tony, with their four children, have taken a pause from their open ended tour of the world and are in New Hampshire until the end of May when they are all taking off on multiple adventures before reconvening for an Alaskan Cruise. If you know the Millers like I know the Millers, this will indeed be a change…for a week. I have no doubts that life aboard a floating hotel will be embraced by the whole family as yet another slice of experience to add to the uncommon childhood Jennifer and Tony are bequeathing their children. Pop over to www.edventureproject.com to discover how the Millers have spent the last many years in uninterrupted travel choosing to invest most of their time and money in memories that keep, instead of cars, clothes, knick-knacks and noisy toys, that rust or gather dust. Jennifer and her lifestyle will razzle and dazzle you and you’ll want to virtually, if not actually, join the family adventure wherever it takes them. Jennifer and Tony want their children to be able to dream big, do hard things, work like crazy, serve with their whole hearts and not be afraid to fall flat on their faces in the attempt of the seemingly impossible. Today we are going to be talking about how Jennifer is adapting to the changes occurring in her life and how she is encouraging her children forward in this last phase of childhood rather than holding onto them tightly. Join us this week with a cup of tea and meet my Radio friend who over the course of time has dropped everything she’s doing to talk to me and inspire all of us on our journey as homeschoolers and parents.

Beyond Buggies and Bonnets: Brenda Nixon Apr 04, 2014

The last time I spoke to Brenda Nixon on my show she was a fellow host here on Toginet Radio with The Parents’ Plate. Today I am welcoming her back to The Sociable Homeschooler ,where homeschooling is a unique lifestyle, to talk about how her family has taken on a different dynamic with the inclusion of ex-Amish teenagers whom she has adopted. She is now known as the "Mom to the Ex-Amish" with a son-in-law, 2 adopted sons, and relationships with those who've left the most insular Swartzentruber Amish order. Today we’ll be talking about the Amish culture not found on TV or in fiction books. Brenda's blog, Beyond Buggies and Bonnets, has 70,000 readers world wide! She's writing a book about the struggles of Amish to assimilate to the "forbidden" English world, and about the life they left. Today Brenda and I are going to be talking about how she first became involved with this strict Amish order, the challenges she faced and how her first impressions of this culture have changed. Grab yourself a cuppa and join us on Friday at 12 noon Central.

Six Steps to Sanity: Allison Bottke Mar 28, 2014

I am thrilled to have Allison Bottke, bestselling inspirational author and speaker, join me on my show this Friday, where homeschooling is a unique lifestyle. Best known for her Setting Boundaries ™ series from Harvest House Publishers, and 6 Steps to Sanity, Allison is an innovative, risk-taking, entrepreneurial woman whose life changed drastically when she found God to fill the empty place in her heart. Captivating readers and audiences with a mesmerizing tale of hope and healing, Allison Bottke lives and proclaims a powerful testimony of triumph over tragedy. Her transparent vulnerability, when addressing painful topics whether in books or on stage, enables Allison to connect with people in a very real and down-to-earth way as you will hear this week. Her international outreach includes 29 published non-fiction and fiction books, including the acclaimed Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children, Setting Boundaries with Aging Parents, Setting Boundaries with Difficult People, Setting Boundaries with Food, and Setting Boundaries for Women. A Young Woman’s Guide to Setting Boundaries for teen girls will release in summer 2014. Allison is a frequent guest on national radio and TV programs around the country, including Good Morning Texas, Focus on the Family, CBN.com, the 700 Club, Day Star Network, the Dr. Laura Show, and others, so bring your coffee and come and listen to Allison Bottke on my radio show on Friday at 12 noon Central on Toginet.

Effective Positive Thinking: Suzanne Glover Mar 21, 2014

This week on The Sociable Homeschooler, where homeschooling is a unique lifestyle, I will be talking once again to Suzanne Glover, author, motivational speaker, hypnotherapist, actress and personal development professional. Suzanne joined me on January 17th where we broke open the possibility of re-training our brains to think positively and to let go of deep-seated beliefs we may be carrying around with us that may not be true. Do you want to get more out of life? Do you want to be your best? Are you just too tired to positively overcome those negative thoughts and feelings you keep having? Did you know that 90% of our thoughts come from the people around us? Suzanne has a unique approach to helping people do the hard work of re-inventing themselves so they can change their unconscious, limiting beliefs about their lives. By using positive thinking techniques Suzanne can help you tap into some extraordinary tools that work inside and out for better communication, presentation and a successful mindset. Suzanne's life of accomplishments comes from her continued desire to re-engineer herself and those around her. She offers an intuitive approach to finding answers within ourselves and believes that we all have the power to be our best! Curl up on a comfy couch and prepare to breathe deeply this Friday at 12 noon Central, on Toginet Radio.

Help Svetlana: Kim de Blecourt Mar 14, 2014

I’m delighted to welcome back, Kim de Blecourt as my guest this week. Kim came on my show last year to talk about her heart wrenching experience while adopting her son from Ukraine. Before Kim became involved with International Adoptions she spent over 13 years in corporate human resources and was a corporate trainer. She is now on staff with Food for Orphans as their Life Changing Mission Trips Manager. Kim's blog, Nourished Hearts, introduced me to an enterprising and remarkable community of people whom Kim seeks to encourage and inspire through her sensitive writing. In the forefront of her ministry is the specific issues caregivers face when caring for children who come from ‘hard beginnings.’ Kim seeks to encourage others to Love Courageously especially those who are adopting or have adopted, provide foster care and/or work in orphan care ministry internationally. Her first book, written with Ginger Kolbaba, chronicles Kim and her husband’s adoption journey of their son from Ukraine and is titled “Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mother’s Courage, a Race to Freedom” (FaithWords, November 2012). Today we will talk about Kim's crowd funding campaign with Indiegogo, Help Svetlana, to raise the funds to provide her adopted son's half sister, Svetlana, with two years of private medical care to cure her tuberculosis which is in its final stages. Svetlana is in a hospital in Ukraine where the doctors and nurses are no longer being paid. Svetlana has no access to the fresh food she needs which is critical to her fragile health and Kim and her family are reaching out to the public in an effort to raise the money needed to help this young woman. Join us this Friday for a heartwarming and true conversation that will call us to think again about what it means to be a Christian in our world today.

March Forth Family: Julie & Tom Meekins Mar 07, 2014

With me on my show this week, where I believe homeschooling is a unique lifestyle, are frequent visitors Tom and Julie Meekins. This remarkable couple have a heart for parents raising children who have challenges. In walking the talk they decided to dedicate their professional lives to helping families navigate the oft times scary world of parenting. Tom and Julie became certified in child development and health coaching and in March 2011 started a company called March Forth Family LLC to help other families needing someone who totally understood the struggles they were having. Tom and Julie have been married for 34 years, have four children and in a moment of certifiable insanity chose the homeschooling path and now have four young adults who are doing fabulously. Julie has been a guest on my show a couple of times and you can go back and hear her story about her youngest daughter diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome as an infant. They were told she would never function as a normal child. Julie and Tom knew that with God all things are possible; it is NEVER too late, and there is ALWAYS hope. Their many blessings and powerful witness allows them to be able educate, equip, and empower parents to reach for the best FOR their children and IN their children while being supported in the process. Their message also encourages those who work with families and children, ministry leaders and leaders of Parent organizations and groups. Bring your tea and join me this Friday at 12 noon central for an uplifting conversation with this inspiring couple as we talk about their upcoming tele class concerning ADHD.

The AT Thru-Hike 2: Renee Tougas Feb 28, 2014

Greetings, I am Vivienne McNeny and I believe homeschooling to be a unique experience. This week I am bringing you Part 2 of my recorded conversation with Renee Tougas about her family’s upcoming thru-hike along the Appalachian Trail. Among other things we will be talking about the Video Series they will be making to bring the experience to our computer screens in the comfort of our homes! A virtual peek into their lives on The Appalachian Trail as they thru-hike as a family beginning in Georgia this April. At the moment they live on the side of a mountain in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec in Canada. Renee and her husband, Damien, who has a site featuring barefoot and minimalist footwear, homeschool their three children aged 11, 13 and 15. They are location independent and have decided to use the gift of not being tied down to an office desk and staff & PTA meetings, to take their children on a momentous hike. They love the outdoors and spend time each week backpacking, hiking, ski-ing and walking. Renee blogs about how she brings her love for intentional family living, enthusiasm for the natural world, and passion for lifelong learning to everything she does and that includes this adventure they are on the brink of starting. Come along with us this Friday as we continue our conversation about the preparations for the hike of a lifetime.

My Sweet Homeschool: Katie Leigh Sullivan Feb 21, 2014

I’m thrilled to have Katie Sullivan join me on my show this week, where I believe homeschooling to be a unique lifestyle. Featured in both Hobby Farm Home Magazine and LuckyMag online, Katie Leigh Sullivan is an award winning blogger who has been curating inspired, online spaces since 2009. Katie has been with me before but it was so long ago her life has completely changed! She’ll tell you all about it I’m sure. What hasn’t changed is she is still a speech language pathologist with 19 years experience teaching both typical and atypical learners and still homeschools her five children, going on 7 years now. She has twin boys with special needs who are now teenagers so she will be talking about them and encouraging those of you facing similar challenges to take one day at a time with a positive heart. Katie is married to her Mr. Darcy who grew up in England and is an incurable romantic, like my Cowboy. She is a lover of fabric, good design and even better books, she encourages others to live an inspired life and reminds readers that their best years are ahead of them and not behind. Katie's latest projects include turning her 3,800 sq ft house with "good bones" into her own French Pemberley. She can be found writing about homeschooling at www.mysweethomeschool.com. and at her French Pemberley home blog, www.katieleighsullivan.com. Come along with your macaron and a delicious cup of coffee and listen to my guest this week, Katie Leigh Sullivan. I'll see you soon.

Homeschool Connections: Tarla Gernert Feb 14, 2014

My guest this week was recommended to me by one of my regulars here on The Sociable Homeschooler where I believe homeschooling to be a unique lifestyle. Sandy Fowler of Heartfilled Holidays made the introduction and Tarla Gernert and I made it happen. Tarla earned her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education at Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia. She has taught in public and private schools and later homeschooled her own children. The hats she has worn over the years include university academic advisor; administrator of a large, multisite homeschool organization; advertising sales executive; piano teacher; guitar teacher; sewing instructor; real estate investor; and entrepreneur. What we are going to be covering today is her creation, over the past 13 years, of Homeschool Connections, a successful, full-service educational program serving over 500 students each week at five campuses in southeast Michigan. Homeschool Connections specializes in high quality academics for all grades with special focus on high school level classes and preparation for college. Classes range from digital movie making, outdoor survival skills, sculpting, and tennis to robotics, Shakespeare, research papers and physics. I am thrilled to be bringing Tarla to my show this week to talk about her true passion, helping people figure out how best to educate their children and prepare them for the rest of their lives. We’ll be live this Friday at 12 noon Central.

The Appalachian Trail Thru Hike: Renee Tougas Feb 07, 2014

I am excited this week to be talking to Renee Tougas who lives on the side of a mountain in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec in Canada. She and her husband, Damien, who has a site featuring barefoot and minimalist footwear, homeschool their three children ages 15, 13 and 11. They are location independent, which means they can both work from home wherever they are. Together they are a family of outdoors enthusiasts, artists, adventurers, programmers, homemakers, and followers in the way of Christ. Renee is self confessed creative spirit with a practical perspective and down-to-earth approach. She excels at getting things done and managing the details but doesn’t forget to smell the daisies by appreciating and capturing the beauty around her. However, that’s not why I’m excited to feature Renee on my show this week. Last month I managed to record a conversation we had before things got too busy for her to take a break in her local café to chat with me. Too busy doing what you may ask? Renee and her family are preparing for the adventure of a lifetime, thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. I’ll let Renee tell you all about it herself this Friday so bring a cup of tea to my show and get to know this fascinating woman whose blog is an acronym for Fun in My Back Yard.

Twice Exceptional: Leigh Attaway Wilcox Jan 31, 2014

Here on The Sociable Homeschooler I believe homeschooling to be a unique lifestyle. This week Leigh Attaway Wilcox, Children’s Book Author, Freelance Editor & Writer, Small Business Owner and Homeschool Mum is joining me. Lots of proper nouns there to describe her unique lifestyle! Leigh’s love for crafting stories paired with the motivation to get them published led her to join groups, societies and workshops to further her enjoyment of networking with other aspiring and published authors. She is a charter member of an online critique group, the Serendipity Sisters and much as we would both love to spend our time together talking about writing our goal for our visit on Friday is to talk about her passion for homeschooling. In 2012, Leigh began homeschooling her Twice Exceptional son (who lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and is also considered Gifted & Talented) when it became clear that the public school system could not adequately meet his needs. Together they began a new educational journey and her only regret is they didn’t begin the adventure sooner! Leigh has spoken on the local news as an advocate for children with special needs and has received awards from advocacy organizations for her parenting and advocacy efforts. She enjoys presenting, speaking and attending conferences, workshops, seminars and conventions. Leigh and her husband live in the same State as I do, Texas, where her son is a constant source of inspiration for her. I am happy to say that amidst all the writing and speaking you’ll also find Leigh in her Texas-sized kitchen cooking and turning out gluten-free baked delights! Bring a treat and come and join us this Friday at 12 noon Central.

Thriving in the 21st Century: Barbara Frank Jan 24, 2014

Welcome to The Sociable Homeschooler, I'm Vivienne McNeny and I believe homeschooling is a unique lifestyle and invite you to join me this week with my guest Barbara Frank a homeschooling mother of two boys and two girls who have all graduated and are fully-fledged adults. Like our family they spent a lot of time together during the formative years. Barbara’s husband, Tim, worked from home and they were all together in the house for a long time and lived to tell the tale! Also, similar to my family, the debate about whether to go to college or not was aired and the conclusions drawn were varied and respected! Barbara is the author of, Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers, a curriculum she wrote for her teenagers to help them live on their own with a goal of financial freedom. She and her husband started a company called Cardamom Publishers in 2003 to publish this first book and several others followed including, Thriving in the 21st Century, Women of the Old Testament: 14 In-Depth Bible Studies for Teens, and The Imperfect Homeschooler’s Guide to Homeschooling. Don’t ask, we homeschooling Mums know how to manage our time! Barbara often speaks to home education groups about homeschooling, and is also a freelance writer/editor and former newspaper reporter whose work has appeared in Focus on the Family Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. She has a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Today our conversation will centre round letting our teens go, empty nest and the worry about adult children who are rebelling against their parents’ morals now that they have left home. These promise to be a sensitive and timely topics so bring your tea and take a comfortable seat this Friday at 12 noon Central on Toginet Radio.

Think Positive: Suzanne Glover Jan 17, 2014

My guest this week on The Sociable Homeschooler is Suzanne Glover, author, motivational speaker, hypnotherapist, actress and personal development professional. That’s a mouthful when its at home isn’t it? Do you want to get more out of life? Do you want to be your best? Do you want to encourage your children to think positively about who they are? Are you worried about the path you have chosen for your family? Do you think you may single-handedly ruin your child’s life? Are you just too tired to positively overcome those negative thoughts and feelings you keep having? What does letting go really mean? If you have any of those questions running around in your head, then this show is for you! Suzanne has a unique approach to helping people do the hard work of re-inventing themselves so they can change their unconscious, limiting beliefs about their lives. Suzanne uses positive thinking techniques to give extraordinary tools that work inside and out for better communication, presentation and a successful mindset. Suzanne's life of accomplishments comes from her continued desire to re-engineer herself and those around her. She offers an intuitive approach to finding answer within ourselves and believes that we all have the power to be our best! Join me, Vivienne McNeny, this week at 12 noon Central on Toginet radio.

For the Love of Texas: Betsy & George Christian Jan 10, 2014

Joining me on The Sociable Homeschooler today are a couple of writers who live in Austin, Texas. Betsy and George Christian have written two Texas History books that are as lively and irreverent as the characters found on their pages. You’ll find men and women you’d like to meet and some you’ll be rather glad you didn’t! If you think teaching History is dry these books are for you. Betsy is a writer, public affairs consultant, and community volunteer. George, a fifth-generation Texan, practices law and teaches literature at The University of Texas at Austin. They have two school-age and two adult children. Bring along a cup of tea and listen to why History is important and relevant to the world we live in today. Even if you’re not from the Lone Star State you’ll want to know more about why Texans don’t like being told what to do after you’ve heard my conversation with George and Betsy. Tune in this Friday at 12 noon Central.

Keeper of the Home: Stephanie Langford Jan 03, 2014

My first guest of the New Year is Stephanie Langford who describes herself as the blessed wife to Ryan. She is also Mum and homeschooler to her four favorite little people, and the grateful recipient of undeserved mercy and love from her Heavenly Father. Stephanie and her husband have spent the last year travelling and hack-schooling on a monumental journey around the world to almost 30 countries in 12 months. While on the road Stephanie has kept up her blog Keeper of the Home, inspiring and educating women on the topics of nutrition, natural homemaking, "greener" lifestyle choices, and frugal, simple living... all from a distinctively Christian worldview. She is the author of three books, Healthy Homemaking: One Step at a Time, Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less, and Plan It, Don’t Panic: A Complete Meal Planning Resource. I caught up with Stephanie a few weeks ago in South East Asia and we talked about life, what she carries in her natural medicine kit on the road and other topics. You’ll have to tune in on Friday to listen to us and be inspired, if not to totally change your life at least to try some of the natural remedies she has adopted over the last decade. Start your New Year off with a few eye opening facts about foods you should be eating.

Happy New Year: Aadel Bussinger, Mike Donnelly, Polly Wright and Hugh de Burgh Dec 27, 2013

This week being the last Friday of 2013 I have invited a few friends along to join me as we look forward to the New Year. They will offer some inspirational ideas on what we can do to lead a more fulfilling and brilliant life with our families, encouragement to keep the homeschool fires burning, and to remind us that we are not alone and not to be afraid to accept love. Aadel Bussinger will be talking all the way from South Korea where she is spending her first Christmas and New Year abroad. She is an army wife and Mum to 3 children, all born 5 years apart. She and her husband have homeschooled since their oldest was 4 and plan to continue until their youngest moves out. You’ll want to hear all about her festivities with an Asian flare and can find Aadel over at These Temporary Tents. Mike Donnelly, HSLDA lawyer and a regular visitor here at the Sociable Homeschooler, is going to share a few words of inspiration as we look toward the New Year. As a father of seven he will share with you why continuing to homeschool your family really does allow you to disciple them and give them what they need the most, your love and a personal relationship with their savior. Polly Wright, founder of We Are Cherished, is passionate for women to know their true worth and value, discovering who they were created to be. Her own journey has placed a desire in her to see other women and men fully restored and redeemed and to know that there is freedom from the shame they carry. You may want to share her uplifting message with others who are going through a difficult time this holiday season. Hugh de Burgh will wrap the show up with some tips to begin your own journey towards transforming your daily life one step at a time. Hugh is the homeschooling father of four who has taken his family on an adventure without limits. He is dedicated to the parenting style of living life intentionally every day and blogs at The Passionate Warrior. Come and share my last show of 2013 this Friday at noon and hear how my friends are preparing for 2014.

Christmas With Friends: Renee Tougas, Julie & Tom Meekins, Sandy Fowler, Lainie & Miro and Polly Wright Dec 20, 2013

Today is my 200th show and I have invited a few friends to join me and talk about Christmas, to offer some encouraging words for those who may be alone, or raising children who get bewildered by the change in schedule, to share local customs and some quick fix-its if you are behind with your preparations and to talk about the over arching meaning of this time spent thinking about one another, cooking together, enjoying the outdoors and one another’s company. My friend Renee Tougas who blogs at FIMBY.com will be joining me from a café in the small town near where she lives, works, and learns with her family in their mountain-side home, at the end of a dirt road on the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec, Canada. Julie & Tom Meekins will talk about how to prepare your child for the festivities. They have made a commitment to dedicate the rest of their professional lives to helping families navigate the scary world of raising a challenging child and can be found at Marchforthfamily.com. With us so close to Christmas I hope you haven’t left gift wrapping, baking and decorating until the last minute, but, if you have, Sandy Fowler from Heartfilled Holidays is passionate about helping us design stress free holidays that will warm our hearts and feed our spirits, so drop your panic stations and listen up. My friend Lainie and her son Miro who write at Raising Miro are living the history & culture of foreign lands, encountering amazing people, interacting as global citizens, serving as volunteers and naturally learning along the way. They will be sharing an unusual Christmas custom in the Andes. Polly Wright, whom I’ve known since she was a child will be doing an unusual outreach on Christmas evening and perhaps you will feel emboldened to support her as she steps out to carry the light into many a dark cave. Join us on Friday for Christmas with my friends, at Noon CT.

Planting Churches & Creating Culture: Greg Barber Dec 13, 2013

This week, what better than to wrap the year with a chat about church and corporate worship? My guest popped up on my Twitter as a follower so I nabbed him and we’re going to be exploring all kinds of good things to get the brain fired up during this season when we focus on the coming of Christ and how our house looks for the onslaught of family and friends in the coming weeks. Greg Barber is joining me to talk about his work multiplying churches, whether there’s a difference between sacred and secular, how to get the Millennials more involved and lots more. Greg grew up in Northern California where his family was instrumental in the planting and development of Sunset Christian Center [now Destiny Christian Church]. After graduating high school he served for 2 years in the youth ministry as an intern, where his calling to ministry started to develop, and he fell for the woman of his dreams, his future wife, Kelsey. He graduated from Northwest with his BA in General Ministry joined the team of the Church Multiplication Network (CMN) in the mid-west and is living the passion he has in his heart to see the lives of others changed, through the efforts of church planting. As a part of CMN Greg works directly with the national Assessment, Coaching, & Training teams, that help prepare new church planters. He develops the social media, marketing, and event logistic systems for the company and writes about church culture and other topics at his blog. In 2012 CMN had the amazing privilege to help in the planting of 391 churches worldwide. Bring a hot chocolate and come and listen to this amazing young man who believes God has put a calling on your life and a dream in your heart. This Friday at noon CT, I’ll be here will you?

Michael Patterson December 6th 2013 Dec 06, 2013

I have another graduated un/homeschooler on my show today, Michael Patterson, who will be talking to me from Central America. Growing up Michael was involved with community service and earned the Eagle Scout Award, at 16 he traveled to Japan as an Exchange Student, on college campus he was a newspaper reporter. He graduated from Texas State University, Magna Cum Laude with a major in journalism and a minor in Anthropology/Archaelogy. As an outgoing, social young man Michael parleyed his love of traveling, writing and talking to people, into serving with the Peace Corps in Nicaragua. You can find him blogging at www.inthenicatime.com and chatting to me this Friday so bring your tea or coffee and come and hear what this young man has to say about being educated at home.

The Aussie Outback:Rick Turk Nov 29, 2013

Many years ago when my children were still too young to mind about homeschooling a colleague brought me a cassette and picture book from down under called Lizard Gully. It became an instant hit for the munchkins. Years later when choosing a song to dance to with my son at his wedding my heart returned to those petal picking critters in the Aussie Outback! During my quest for a more digitally friendly version of the song, I met Rick Turk who composed this popular children’s musical. Rick agreed to be a guest on my show to talk about his career, one day, and that day has come! He makes a living doing what he loves most, writing and performing music. He admits that the key to success in this industry is pure luck. His parents wanted him to have something to fall back on so he was packed off to University to earn a law degree, which he did. Music prevailed and between the U.K. and Australia Rick has blazed quite a musical trail. Come and hear all about it from Rick who lives in Bucketty on the Central Coast of New South Wales with his wife, a recording studio named Big Ears Music, Bandicoots, Wombats and Possums! You’ll want to get your tea and join me this Friday.

American Royalty 2: Janie Scanlan Nov 22, 2013

My guest today is Janie Scanlan who talked with me last week about homeschooling and the lead up to her daughter’s winning of The Miss America crown in 2011! We will be continuing our conversation from where we left it on the stage in Las Vegas. Janie is a homeschooling mother of six ranging in age from 13-26. She lives in Gehring, Nebraska and has just bought a coffee shop in her small town, which she runs with one of her daughters. Her husband is a child and adult psychiatrist and Janie says he leaves his job at the office. Praise the Lord! This week we will be talking about creativity, the tools she uses to ensure her children are well equipped for life and touch on her dreams to be a writer. Janie is a first generation American whose children are growing into outstanding citizens as you will hear. Tune in this Friday with your coffee and listen to what Janie has to say about keeping your children close.

American Royalty: Janie Scanlan Nov 15, 2013

My guest today is Janie Scanlan homeschooling mother of six ranging in age from 13-26. Janie lives in Gehring, Nebraska. Janie's husband, Mark, is a child and adult psychiatrist who leaves his job at the office. Praise the Lord! We are going to be talking about good old fashioned homeschooling, how we responded to our children’s bursts of independence, the roller coaster ride of raising teenagers especially when we’ve never done it before and the changing face of our homeschool as the years pass and we get older. Janie is a first generation American whose children are growing into outstanding citizens as you will hear. Tune in this Friday with your coffee and be prepared as we bust that stereotype!

Moving Back Home: Larry McNeny Nov 08, 2013

I’m thrilled to welcome back my Blue Eyed Cowboy this week to chat about the events that have been going on our life. Making the transition from hands on parents to empty nesters has been quite a ride as he’ll tell you! Father of the four children we homeschooled he brought his guitar, his imagination and his unique way of telling bedtime stories to the kitchen table. His glamourous life caught the children’s attention a whole lot quicker than anything I was trying to do with them! “What was it like travelling on a private jet with the Bee Gees?” is a must know for young, impressionable teens and my cowboy spent many a happy hour regaling them with wild and exciting stories from his career. Today though we’re not going to be talking about his job, or how he fell in love with me on first sight, you can find those conversations in the archives, today we are going to be exploring the question, “are we ever too old to move back home?” Tune in this Friday at 12 noon CT for an amusing and light hearted look at our homelessness!

Pitching a Temporary Tent in Seoul: Aadel Bussinger Nov 01, 2013

This week my military homeschooling Mum, Aadel Bussinger, is returning as my guest. The last time we spoke Aadel was all set to pitch her temporary tent in Seoul, South Korea, where her husband is deployed. Today we are going to be talking about her move, with her three children, by herself, with a little help from her military friends. Aadel has been married to her career army man for twelve years and they have three children whom they unschool while moving at the army’s whim! She has a personal blog, These Temporary Tents, writes for Natural Family Day and owns Homeschool Commons where she shares free public domain sources for all who want to partake. You won’t want to miss Aadel talking about living in a culture completely different to America’s as she and her husband choose to live off base in Seoul. Join me this Friday and don’t forget the Kimchi!

The Nomadic Life: Theodora Sutcliffe Oct 25, 2013

My guest this week is fellow Brit Theodora Sutcliffe who describes herself as nomad, meaning she and her twelve-year-old son Zac, live anywhere, everywhere, and nowhere and have done so for three years! They travel pretty much all the time after finishing their first year and realizing they couldn’t see the world in 12 short months! Luckily Theodora is a writer which is totally portable and you can read what she writes about the apparent mundanity of leading a life less ordinary at www.escapeartistes.com. She sticks up photos of fabulous, crazy and just plain bizarre places the two of them have visited and rants about topics from politics to books, films to unschooling and the journey through motherhood. Join me on Friday to share a moment of her shouty, screamy, hilarious and at times plain infuriating life.

Discovering God's Attributes: Joshua Williams Oct 18, 2013

I always like to have graduated homeschoolers on my show and my guest this week is returning to talk about how his life has taken a change in direction since he was last with me. Joshua Williams is an English, lifelong homeschooler, the oldest son in a family of five boys and one girl. He has taught and worked with children, mainstream home-educated and disabled, in Britain and Italy helping them to build a strong foundation for their futures. Today Joshua is going to be telling us about the ways in which he wants to spend his life expressing creativity as a beautiful gift from and attribute of, God. He will share his journey of self-discovery and his plans for travelling in a camper van when he marries his fiancé next year. Bring a cuppa and join us on Friday to be inspired by this young man who has taken a path less travelled in order to pursue God’s will for his life.

Raising Challenging Children: Julie & Tom Meekins Oct 11, 2013

With me today are Tom and Julie Meekins who have a heart for parents, especially those who are raising challenging children. Julie has been a guest on my show a couple of times and you can go back and hear her story about her youngest daughter diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome as an infant. They were told she would never function as a normal child. Julie and Tom knew that with God all things are possible and today all their children are young adults and doing fabulously! Because of their many blessings they have dedicated the rest of their professional lives to educating, equipping, and empowering parents to reach for the best FOR their children and IN their children while being supported in the process. They also reach out to those who work with families and children, ministry leaders and leaders of Parent organizations and groups. Tom and Julie became certified in child development and health coaching and in March 2012 started a company called March Forth Family LLC to help other families who would need someone who totally understood their challenging situations. Today it is my pleasure to talk to these two dedicated people whose family have a remarkable story of healing that illustrates their message: It is NEVER too late, and there is ALWAYS hope for this child! Bring your tea and come and hear an encouraging conversation with these two inspiring people. Tom and Julie have two teleclasses coming up, on October 16th and October 26th Go to their website and register, www.marchforthfamily

College Rebellion: Jessica Barker Oct 04, 2013

My guest today is a graduated unschooler with an innovative outlook on life. Jessica Barker is 23-years-old, an autodidact with a great love for traveling anywhere and learning anything. After two highly successful years spent keeping a blog called Life Without College, Jessica started College Rebellion to reach a wider audience with a greater amount and variety of resources. Jessica also writes for The Unschooler Experiment and offers mentorship through Zero Tuition College. When she is not writing for College Rebellion, she spends her time tending to a grand array of flowers and vegetables, and works as a chef at a local restaurant in Burnsville, North Carolina. Join me on Friday to be encouraged to find out what your dream is and motivated to live it!

Impressive Homeschoolers: Leah Shingleton & Karianne Lisonbee Sep 27, 2013

One of my guests this week is a homeschooled homeschooler the other was impressed by a homeschooler she met at college. Leah Shingleton is the mother of five children and the illustrator of two phonics books, A Pretty Girl was Alpha Bette and A Funny Boy was Prince River, both written by her sister and a regular guest on my show, Shannah Godfrey. Her friend and fellow guest with me today is Karianne Lisonbee who also homeschools her six children. She and Leah met at college and have remained friends during their child rearing years. Karianne is a Syracuse City Councilwoman who holds the best interest of her community in her heart. Join us on Friday for some insight into how homeschooling turns out well-rounded, productive citizens who are willing and able to make a difference, in other words, how homeschooling turns out people just like you and me!

High Kicking on the High Seas: Malia McNeny Sep 20, 2013

I have one of my favourite people to chat to on my show today, my youngest child and daughter, Malia McNeny. Malia has been sailing the high seas since August 1st and has been to fourteen countries already! She is a graduated homeschooler, of course, who has wanted to be a performer ever since her first appearance on stage during a ballet recital when she was five. Making her dream come true has had its ups and downs but she has worked hard! From the community college in Texas, to a performance college in London she managed to maintain her day job as a Star Barista to pay for dance classes. She frequented the nearby Pineapple Studios where she auditioned a couple of times a week until this job came along! Her internet is iffy while cruising, depending on where she is, and last Sunday she Skyped me from Portugal and asked, “are we going to record a show?” and I said, “yes!” A journal of her adventures can be found under Daughts' Thoughts on my website, Boomering.org. Tune in on Friday when I’ll bring you the conversation we had while she was sitting in a busy little café, not MacDonald’s for a change, in Lisboa, Portugal. Don’t forget your coffee!

The Passionate Warrior: Hugh deBurgh Sep 13, 2013

I have a father on my show this week whose blog, The Way of the Passionate Warrior, tells it all from the male perspective! Hugh deBurgh writes about life, family, real men, love, relationships, unschooling and so much more! He has dedicated his life to the parenting style of living life intentionally and is on the second leg of a worldwide travel adventure with his wife and four young children. Hugh has also written a book, Families Without Limits, which you can pick up FREE from his website. Tune in on Friday with a strong cup of tea and begin the process of transforming your lives!

Rambling Family: Jody Halsted Sep 06, 2013

This week we’re going to take a break from extreme travel and welcome Jody Halsted to talk to us about how she inspires families to travel together, anywhere. I thought we’d come home as it were and find out how we can explore our own back yards and create lasting memories for everyone. Jody is a family travel authority and social media educator and has been rambling with her husband and two girls for many years. She has learned a thing or two about what makes a great family trip, how to spend days in a car without going crazy and tips to make flying look easy with your children! In 2012 she spearheaded a campaign to bring prominence to Midwest travel with a project, called Fly in to Fly Over Country: Travel Midwest. In 2013 Jody launched Ireland Family Vacations, a site designed to help families plan a magical Ireland vacation. In her blog at Family Rambling, Jody shares travel tips, destinations and first hand experiences, she also writes for various online and print publications and is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter. Jody works with CVBs as a copywriter and FAM trip organizer. Join me on Friday and discover how to have fun and adventure without straying far from your back door.

Changing Gears: Nancy Sathre-Vogel Aug 30, 2013

My guest this week is well known in the travelling homeschool circles, not to mention the bike riding community and as I was doing my research I realized she had given a TEDX Talk to boot which I watched while thinking, ‘I’m speaking to this amazing woman on Friday!” and indeed I am! I am honoured to welcome Nancy Sathre-Vogel of Family on Bikes fame to my show and I know you will be both motivated and delighted by this amazing woman. After 21 years as a classroom teacher, Nancy finally woke up and realized that life was too short to spend it all with other people's children. She and her husband quit their jobs, joined the ever burgeoning ranks of homeschoolers and climbed aboard bicycles with their twin sons to see the world. They enjoyed four years cycling as a family, first exploring the United States and Mexico before embarking on their famed ride from Alaska to Argentina, earning the boys a world record as the youngest people to cycle the Pan American Highway. Join me this Friday as Nancy and I talk about the value of time, the greatest gift parents can give their children and hear about Momentum a long term support system for your dreams!

Raising Miro on the Road of Life 2: Lainie Liberti & Miro Aug 23, 2013

This week I am bringing you the second half of my conversation with Lainie Liberti and her son Miro who are living in Peru at the moment as they make their way slowly around the world. Lainie, with some help from Miro, authors a blog and podcast, Raising Miro on the Road of Life and she invites you to join them on their fascinating journey. As we heard last week their ever changing world has been transformed into a compelling classroom for both of them and Lainie is an advocate for “life learning” at any age. The pair have taken this philosophy to heart and are producing a family and teen oriented unschooling retreat in Peru called Project Unschool Peru. They are in their fifth year of travelling and are living inspired, possession-free-lifestyles, experiencing the history & culture of foreign lands, encountering amazing people, interacting as global citizens, serving as volunteers, and naturally learning along the way. Join me on Friday to hear more about the way they spend stress free quality time together every day 24/7. Pass the biscuits why don’t you and make yourself comfortable.

Raising Miro on the Road of Life: Lainie Liberti & Miro Aug 16, 2013

Continuing with my series of travelling homeschooling families it is my pleasure to welcome both Lainie Liberti and her son Miro to my show this week. Lainie is the author of the blog and podcast Raising Miro on the Road of Life and she will be telling us the story of how she came to un-schooling accidentally while she and her son slow travel around the world. I will be talking to Miro first to get his perspective on living and adventuring with his Mum for the last four years and then I’ll let Lainie chime in! Together they have journeyed through 14 countries living an inspired, possession-free-lifestyle, experiencing the history & culture of foreign lands, encountering amazing people, interacting as global citizens, serving as volunteers, and naturally learning along the way. Join me for the next couple of Fridays to hear how they spend stress free quality time together every day 24/7. Cup of tea anyone?

Travel Experta: Marina Villatoro Aug 09, 2013

Twelve years ago my guest, Marina Villatoro, took a solo trip, overland, to Latin America from New York. She travelled through Mexico all the way down to Argentina and Chile. During this long trip she met a fascinating man who spoke flawless English while camping in the Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatamala. They married and have two boys and have been living in Central America for over ten years and are a multi cultural and tri-lingual family. As Marina quips, "there’s never a dull moment in her house!" Together they have travelled all over South America and it should come as no surprise that Mariana owns and operates a travel company, Travel Experta, to inspire other families to travel with their children. I am going to be picking her brains about travel advice, tips and recommendations on where to eat, stay and play with your nearest and dearest. The show is not to be missed, get your cuppa and join me this Friday.

Fun in My Back Yard: Rene Tougas Aug 02, 2013

Renee Tougas is my guest again this week, we are going to be talking about creativity and ideals as she and her husband homeschool their three children on the side of a mountain in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec in Canada. They both work from home wherever they are, a family lifestyle that suits all of them in their semi-nomadic state! Together they are outdoors enthusiasts, designers and artists, adventurers, programmers and homemakers, naturalists, sewists, idealists and followers in the way of Christ. Renee describes herself as a creative spirit with a practical perspective and down-to-earth approach. She excels at getting things done and managing the details but doesn’t forget to smell the Sweet Williams by appreciating and capturing the beauty around her. Renee brings her love for intentional family living, enthusiasm for the natural world, and a passion for lifelong learning to everything she does. This Friday she is once again bringing all that and a cup of tea to my show so come and join us and re-acquaint with this fascinating woman whose blog, FIMBY, is an acronym for Fun in My Back Yard.

S/V Totem On The High Seas2: Behan Gifford & Family Jul 26, 2013

As promised I'm bringing you part 2 of the conversation I had with Behan Gifford, her husband Jamie and their three children aboard their sloop, Totem, which they have called home for five years. Behan and Jamie decided that living their dream could not be postponed for an amorphous retirement. When asked the big question, "Why?" they respond with "Why not?" They homeschool while sailing the oceans and we're going to be talking about education, their family culture and expectations. Come and listen for more of the "Why Not Indeeds?" on Friday at noon central.

S/V Totem On The High Seas: Behan Gifford & Family Jul 19, 2013

Joining me today is Behan Gifford and family on board their sloop, Totem, in Malaysia. They school their three children on their sailing vessel and have been living on the seas for five years after deciding that “someday” needed a date and doing their dream shouldn’t be postponed for an amorphous retirement. Living on board Totem suits them perfectly although the lifestyle comes with its fair share of routine maintenance except in exotic locations. In the beginning when they first set sail folk expressed concerns about their sanity. With three young children, wide-open seas, and no jobs, a few questions arose. Here are their top ten answers! 1. South 2. 47 foot sloop 3. Six months. Six years. Who knows? 4. Homeschool! 5. Originally thought we'd sell, but we have gold-star renters. 6. Pirates are in predictable areas, looking for Big Money boats. We will avoid both of these risk factors. 7. Sure, storms are scary. So are car accidents. 8. Routine maintenance in exotic locations . 9. Semi-retirement, whatever that is. 10. Why not? I'm going to be talking to Behan and her family about marriage, life, food and creativity so come and listen in, Friday at noon central.

Not Just for Summer: Sarita Holzmann Jul 12, 2013

Are you into the full swing of long, hot summer days yet? How is reading fitting into your school’s out plans? Can well-written books be used as boredom busters for the whole family? This week I am welcoming back Sarita Holzmann, co-founder and president of Sonlight Curriculum, to share with us some books for the summer she and her daughter, Jonelle, have chosen. Sonlight is a literature based curriculum and Sarita has the pleasure of reading all the books that land on her desk before selecting the ones that eventually end up on your kitchen table! She is going to be talking about this summer’s reading selections and enticing us with some excerpts. Come and join me on Friday, with a cuppa, to experience a taste of Sonlight.

How to Get Your Children Unplugged: Gretchen Roe Jul 05, 2013

Today my on air friend, Gretchen Roe, and I are going to be talking about addiction, Digital Addiction! Gretchen has joined me for many a Friday chat and I think this one is going to hit home in many families. As Community Liaison for the Calvert School Gretchen fields a lot of questions from Mums, Dads and children in the homeschool trenches and she knows just what is going on in busy households similar to yours and mine, why? She has one of her own! Mother of two college graduates, one junior, one freshman, a 7th grader and 2nd grader Gretchen knows her stuff and her insights are invaluable! She presents Webinars for international home educating audiences, conducts workshops at conferences around America and has used the Calvert Curriculum for 20 years because she can homeschool for herself but not by herself. Is your family affected by the digital age? Join me on Friday with a cup of tea and get some well aimed pointers on how to get your children back.

I'm That Mum: Sue Patterson Jun 28, 2013

With me this week is Sue Patterson a self confessed, highly involved, Mum of three who loves her children as if today is the only day she’s going to have with them. She knows she raised them differently from other people and she wanted them to unfold naturally without unnecessary peer pressure or authoritarian squashing. She went from soccer Mum in the suburbs to radical unschooler wherever she happened to be since she was a Air Force wife and they moved a lot. Sue wasn’t interested in establishing her authority or catching her children doing something wrong she wanted to be a guide, someone who had been there before, who wanted the best for them and who would love them and listen to them. Now that Sue’s children have flown the coop she blogs about her life and her “Motherhood in Transition” at Lifelong Learning and is a columnist for the new national publication at, The Homeschooler. She also runs the Unschooling Blog and Pintrest Carnivals. Bring some tea and join me on Friday to take another look at enjoying our young adult children.

Do Our Children Define Us? Shannah Godfrey Jun 21, 2013

This week I’m welcoming back Shannah Godfrey a scientist who has succeeded in a man’s world and still managed to raise and homeschool 14 children! Today we are going to be talking about good parenting practices, comparing ourselves to others, the value of rebellion and whether it is reasonable to expect your child to have left home by the time he or she turns thirty! Shannah was a gifted child who decided to wait to go to college and found herself cast in the role of stay at home mother of five and foster Mom to many. Join me and this fascinating educator who invented the Godfrey Method, a phonics reading programme that has proven children don’t have to be rocket scientists in order to master reading. You will definitely need to be sitting down and breathing deeply for this show, so bring your Dandelion tea and wholemeal biscuit and join me on Friday.

Fimby: Renee Tougas Jun 14, 2013

I am excited this week to be talking to Renee Tougas who lives on the side of a mountain in the Gaspe Peninsula of Quebec in Canada. She and her husband homeschool their three children ages 14, 12 and 10. They are location independent, which means they can both work from home wherever they are. Together they are a family of outdoors enthusiasts, designers and artists, adventurers, programmers and homemakers, naturalists, sewists and idealists and followers in the way of Christ. So now you understand why I am excited! Renee describes herself as a creative spirit with a practical perspective and down-to-earth approach. She excels at getting things done and managing the details but doesn’t forget to smell the daisies by appreciating and capturing the beauty around her. Renee brings her love for intentional family living, enthusiasm for the natural world, and a passion for lifelong learning to everything she does. This Friday she is bringing all that and a cup of tea to my show so come and join us and get to know this fascinating woman whose blog is an acronym for Fun in My Back Yard.

Mission to Brazil: Spencer Farris Jun 07, 2013

My guest this week is the oldest boy of three who were homeschooled ‘from the get go.’ Spencer Farris said his school books could follow him wherever he went. In his short life he has lived in Costa Rica and Mexico and taken frequent trips all over America in the family RV. His travels were both pleasurable and educational adventures where he visited numerous Historic sites and learned a great deal about a variety of subjects by interacting with the people. Spencer entered the community college at the age of 14 where he chaired the student senate, was invited to attend the national leadership camp Leadershape and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. At 16 he started work as an IT Administrator for a loan agency where he is currently employed. He took a two-year work hiatus for a mission trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil where he mastered the difficult language of Portuguese. He has been home for six months and will be marrying an outstanding girl in 2 weeks. Join us with a cup of tea to find out how homeschooling helped this young man to develop great self-motivation. I am sure you’ll be encouraged.

How to Raise an Entrepreneur: Barbara Haislip May 30, 2013

My guest this week is a contributing writer for the Wall Street Journal’s Small Business Report. Barbara Haislip covers a range of topics relevant to small business and start-ups, including public speaking and the bottom line, humor in sales pitches, how to write an effective business plan, money-saving tips, how to learn from your competitors and deriving inspiration from vacations. She holds a B.A. degree in English from Duke University and was a copy editor at The Wall Street Journal for over three decades, editing stories from the World, U.S. News, Money & Investing, and Marketplace sections of the newspaper. She is currently a copy editor at Barron’s magazine, a financial weekly and a teaching assistant at her local middle school. She and her husband have raised three boys who are employed and happy in their work. Join me to day when I will be having my afternoon natter with Barbara about raising entrepreneurs

Encouragement for Homeschool Moms: Marcia Washburn May 24, 2013

This week I am thrilled to have my very creative and artistic friend, Marcia Washburn, back on my show. Marcia holds a Master’s in Music Education and taught public school music for eight years prior to the birth of the oldest of her five sons, whom she and her husband homeschooled in rural Colorado for nineteen years. On past shows Marcia has talked about the Shuar Indians of Ecuador and her fabulous music book called, Beethoven Who? Today she is going to be introducing us to one of her e-books from her series, Management for Moms, competently covering topics such as obedience and discipline as well as housework and car mechanics not to mention the day-to-day parenting, educational, financial, and spiritual challenges we face as we keep our focus on God and his plan for our family’s legacy. Marcia is going to be focusing on Encouragement and has a special offer for anyone who orders the Management for Moms bundle for $9.98. A free copy of Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. That’s four books for under $10. You can view the special at http://www.marciawashburn.com/M4M_EncSpecial.html. Join us on Friday with a hot drink and find out how to keep on going even when you think God has forgotten you!

Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten: Mariaemma Willis May 17, 2013

This week I am welcoming back Mariaemma Willis a Learning Success coach who oversees the home education of her grandchildren and works with homeschooling families in assessing their individual learning styles. She holds a Masters degree in Education, and California Life Teaching Credentials for Regular and Special Education. Mariaemma is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and consultant for parents and teachers. She has spent the last 16 years guiding children and their families in understanding and appreciating their natural gifts and abilities so that they can discover their passions and potentials. Mariaemma co-founded The Learning Success Institute and has co-authored several books including, Discover Your Child’s Learning Style and Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten. Bring a cuppa with you and join me this Friday afternoon to talk about tapping into our child’s unique learning styles and thereby enriching our individual homeschooling experiences.

A Passel Under 5: Vivienne McNeny w/Melitsa Avila May 10, 2013

My guest from a couple of weeks ago and I had so much fun together she decided to interview me for her Radio Show, Raising Playful Tots, and that’s what we’re getting this week! Melitsa Avila put me in the hotspot and asked some interesting questions to get a view of motherhood from the other side! I give some sage advice and encouragement for women just starting out on their motherhood journeys. I am proof that there is life at the other end of the tunnel. I had fun with my children intentionally and my blue eyed cowboy and I played and wrestled with them from the time they were born to now although the games are taking on a different shape! Stop mopping up the milk for a moment and come and listen to my show this Friday where I am asked to put my money where my mouth is and tell a few secrets as to how raising a young family worked for me!

The Big Event: Samuel & Nathaniel Baggarley May 03, 2013

I am delighted to have my two young nephews from England on my show this week. Samuel and Nathaniel Baggarley came across the pond for the first time to attend the Wedding of the Year! They were bedazzled and entertained, dined not whined and spent an inordinate amount of time wet. They had a whirlwind five days cramming everything they could into their visit to take oodles of stories back home with them, from missing a plane to seeing the aftermath of a police car chase to the intricacies of a mail box and the deliciousness of sopapillas, from dancing at a wedding to setting off an alarm! Join me this Friday to hear them chat unabashedly about what they did and how the American Way appeared to them.

Banning Homeschooling Violates Parental Rights: Mike Donnelly Apr 26, 2013

Mike Donnelly is back with me this week and we are going to be talking about the impact the Romeike vs Holder hearing, at the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals this week, could have on American homeschoolers. Mike and his wife teach their seven children at home and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which have been aired with me on this show. Mike also serves as Staff Attorney and Director of International Relations for member affairs at the Home School Legal Defense Association and is Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, in Virginia. Today’s conversation will centre around the belief the American Government may have that it would not violate our rights if it decided to ban homeschooling entirely. Wither the thought and thank God for men like Mike whose work at HSLDA is to defend both the American and International right to choose how we educate our children. Join me this Friday on Toginet Radio and listen as Mike encourages us to defend our decisions to homeschool and be the parents God created us to be.

Raising Playful Tots: Melitsa Avila Apr 19, 2013

I discovered my guest this week through my faithful listener in California who thought putting the two of us together with our English accents would be a hoot! Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who hosts a weekly show called Raising Playful Tots. She specialises in delivering Early Childhood play information straight from practitioners and experts into the hands of parents and carers to improve their under 5 play opportunities. Melitsa has been blogging since 2007 sharing forgotten play activities, promoting discussion and community to encourage parents to have fun with their children intentionally and make choices about play the way we remembered it from our childhood. Leave your dustpan and brush in the cupboard and join me this week to pick up some ideas on how to make your home a place where you and your young ones can experiment and have fun with common household items.

Love Extravagantly: Polly Wright Apr 12, 2013

My guest this week is the daughter of a colleague of mine from the days when I worked in Corporate America, way before any self-respecting career woman would ever consider homeschooling!! Polly Wright started a ministry in 2010 called We Are Cherished which reaches out to women in the sex industry and provides the community they need when they are ready to leave. She is passionate for women to know their true worth and value and discover who they were created to be. Polly and her husband have been married for 17 years and have beautiful twin daughters together. In 2008, God prompted her to start homeschooling their girls, little did she know that an ulterior motive was in play as all of their lives began to change. Polly will tell us the story of her personal journey that led to her book, Cherished: Shattered Innocence. Restored Hope. Join us during the noon hour this Friday and be loved extravagantly.

World Tour the Mama Way: Jennifer Miller Apr 05, 2013

Jennifer Miller is back with me this week to talk about the open-ended tour of the world she and her family are embarked upon. They have been nomads for five years now and love every minute of it, well almost. Today she will be sharing her favourite spot in the world and her least favourite! Jennifer is passing on her legacy of an uncommon childhood to her offspring and seriously homeschooling while on the road! How does she do it? What does a vacation look like to a family of travellers? How do they decide what to tote with them? What about money? Language? Accomodation? What does location independent mean? Tune in this week to find out more about how Jennifer, her husband and four children are living their family dream. Their lifestyle will razzle and dazzle you and you’ll want to join Jennifer by following her at www.edventureproject.com If it’s Friday join us with your coffee, a home made goody and a map to track the countries Jennifer is going to be talking about!

Planting a Church: Matt Rothacher Mar 29, 2013

My guest this week is Matt Rothacher who has been ministering as a full-time youth pastor in Arkansas for the past eleven years, and until 2011 was convinced that he would do that forever, but God had different plans. In November of 2011 He solidified the call Matt had been wrestling with since the previous summer. With God at his back Matt stepped out of the ministry world he knew so well and began plans to plant a church in the community of Vilonia, Arkansas. Matt has a passion for the Word and a strong faith in what God has called him to do among the people of Vilonia. He is addicted to diet coke, brownies, pizza, and McDonald’s (where he offices), is in love with his best friend and wife Julie, and adores being “Daddy” to his three children. He has promised us laughter amidst the passion of this hot cross bun day so set apart an hour and come and listen on Friday.

Where Does Human Trafficking Happen? Kristin Deal Mar 22, 2013

My guest this week, Kristin Deal, has just returned from Goa, India where she was involved in international work with trafficking. India and other South East Asian countries are probably where you and I both imagine most human trafficking to take place. However, Kristin is going to be telling us about what goes on in our own backyard, sometimes right underneath our noses. Kristin is a born and bred Texan from Fort Worth, right down the road from me in Dallas. She received her Masters in Social Work through the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been married to her husband Brad for almost 2 years now and enjoys hearing his stories of being a middle school teacher. They have one child named Burger, their rescue dog. Kristin currently works at Catholic Charities Fort Worth as a Case Manager and Outreach Worker specifically helping refugees and victims of trafficking. Join me on Friday to hear this young woman’s passion for combating injustice and giving hope and voice to the vulnerable in her community.

Flexi-Schooling: Steve Richards Mar 15, 2013

I am welcoming back a British home educator who keeps us updated on what is going on in my fair country. Steve Richards is one of the directors of Northstar Worldwide which offers support and resources to homeschooling families all over the world. Steve is also a founding member of one of the home education groups in England called Home Service and he has spoken widely at conferences in the United Kingdom and overseas. Both he and his wife, Lyn, homeschooled their children. Today we are going to be talking about flexi-schooling. Also on our topics list is the interesting observation Steve has made that Christian homeschoolers seem to be much more concerned about whether they are doing a good job educating their children than their secular counterparts who appear to have more peace about what they are doing at home. Join us this Friday and prepare to ask yourselves some questions about your motive for home-based learning.

Calvert: Global, Virtual & Hands On: Gretchen Roe Mar 08, 2013

I am delighted that my dear on air friend, Gretchen Roe, is joining me again this week for another lively discussion about...well, you’ll have to tune in to find out! Gretchen is Community Liaison for the Calvert School, presents Webinars for international homeschool audiences, conducts workshops at conferences around America and has used the Calvert Curriculum herself for the last 19 years. Gretchen has six children and her favourite topic is about homeschooling not being purely school at home. Calvert is a comprehensive curriculum that can be started any time during the year and with advisory teachers on staff you can educate your children on your own but not alone. Join me this Friday to find out about a curriculum that is Global, Virtual and Hands On.

Driven to Humor: Kate Hall Mar 01, 2013

The name of my guest’s blog attracted me and I in turn caught her attention by complimenting her on her funny musings and inviting her to come and be down to earth and honest with me this week. Kate Hall is a stay-at-home, home-schooling mom with one husband, Steve, of 10 years, and three young children, all adopted from China (not the husband) and all born with cleft lip and palate (again, not the husband). When not answering bizarre questions and wiping poop off the walls Kate attends to her creatively named blog, Can I Get Another Bottle of Whine With My Morning Quiet Time? Her blog started as a way to share their adoption journeys with family and friends. But somewhere along the line the comments she was receiving about her droll blogs went to her head and drove her to make the change from adoption to humor blog. Kate fills her time without adult company writing on such topics as her husband's make-out tape, scatter-brained mommies, 80s fashion trends she failed at, and other everyday things. Bring your cuppa and join us on Friday for an amusing take on parenting and homeschooling.

Is Illiteracy Usurping the American Dream? Norma Simpson Wilt Feb 22, 2013

Norma Wilt was a public school teacher for seventeen years. As an individual she tried to change the system and came up against certain individuals who do not necessarily have the welfare of the nation’s children at heart. I am thrilled to welcome her as a guest on my show this week where we will talk about how to create an academic environment in schools and homeschools where our students do not feel inadequate and are inspired to learn. Norma has written, The System Redesigned, This Time for the Children, in which she challenges her readers to return to a time when learning was successful – when all children read. If America’s children are to become literate, compassionate, empathetic, happy and productive members of our society changes must occur now. In the present school system some children are allowed to sit and be less than they are, while others are forced to be more than they can be. In either case they all fall below their natural potential. Join me on Friday at high noon CT, tea at the ready, for a thought provoking look at illiteracy in our country and where it could take us in the future if we don’t take steps to change the present system.

Connect the Thoughts: Steven David Horwich Feb 15, 2013

My guest this week has a list of Performing Arts credits to his name. Steven David Horwich started early by winning an Emmy Award at the age of 17 for a piece he wrote, directed, and was featured in. As a writer he's written over 80 works for the stage, many of which have been produced throughout the U.S., Canada, London, and as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia. As a director he's directed over 200 evenings of theater, working with many top stars such as John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Anne Archer and Charles Durning. As an actor, he's performed over 150 roles. As a musician he’s music directed over 50 musicals. But it is as a father that he's the star! Nothing is more important to him than his children, absolutely nothing! It was while homeschooling as a single dad that Steven created a homeschool curriculum for them called Connect The Thoughts. As with all great products CTT stepped outside the small family unit and into the basements and kitchens of homeschoolers around the world. Today more than 20,000 people have benefitted from CTT courses. You won't want to miss the show so grab a cuppa and join me at my new time, High Noon, Central, still on Friday.

The Reluctant Homeschooler: Suki Wessling Feb 08, 2013

My guest this week describes herself as a reluctant homeschooler, which makes me laugh because the very nature of the beast surprises many of us in its nascent years yielding various emotions that have us rushing forward enthusiastically or being dragged, kicking and screaming, into the vast arena of home education. Suki Wessling overcame her reluctance and has been writing about homeschooling and gifted children, with an emphasis on serving the emotional and academic needs of unusual learners, ever since. Her book, From School to Homeschool, was published by Great Potential Press in 2012 and serves as an introduction to home education for parents seeking alternative educational approaches for their children. Suki is also a writer of widely published poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. She has worked as a college English teacher, small press publisher, graphic designer, and journalist and joins me on Friday for a well deserved cup of tea.

These Temporary Tents: Aadel Bussinger Feb 01, 2013

Finally I have a military homeschooling Mum as my guest this week. It has been three years and God’s timing is slow but perfect and not a little humourous. Aadel Bussinger answered my email with a “yes” after a mutual friend of ours recommended her to me. I scrolled down her “About” page and saw the top of a head of blue hair and wondered, “What’s my picture doing on this website?” Of course it wasn’t me! It was Aadel! I sent her a collage of me with my blue locks as a perfect introduction to myself. How many people in the world have bright blue highlights?! Aadel has been married to her career army man for twelve years and they have three children whom they unschool while moving at the army’s whim! She has a personal blog, writes for Natural Family Day and owns Homeschool Commons where she shares free public domain sources for all who want to partake. Today Aadel is going to talk to us about the whys and wherefores of homeschooling in the military and plug us into some valuable resources to make the whole experience do-able and wonderful with the added benefit of a healthy dose of chillaxing! Don’t miss Aadel this Friday and bring your tea, it will be fun!

Charity Water: Stacie Zellmer Jan 25, 2013

Stacie Zellmer is joining me today to talk about the importance of clean water in the world, something we take for granted and waste without thinking! Imagine spending several hours a day, every day, walking with a container to fetch the family’s water. Imagine drinking or cooking with this water that looks and tastes dirty. Imagine going without water, not being able to drink your 64 ounces a day, not being able to turn on a tap, let it run to heat up before stepping into your morning shower for as long as you like! Stacie works for a company that is moving towards providing clean water to millions of people globally. She has degrees in Economics and International Relations from Wheaton College and experience in India where she helped frame an International Justice Missions' community engagement strategy. Stacie returned to New York to assist in finding innovative ways to involve schools and faith groups in Charity: Water's mission. Join me on Friday for a cuppa and a chat about what we can do to be a part of this unique outreach.

A Star Barista: Malia McNeny Jan 18, 2013

My daughter, Malia McNeny, is returning this week to talk to me about the dream job that is helping her to achieve her dream career! Malia has just returned from a year in England where she finished off her formal training in the performance arts and is now embarking on the competitive and financially unstable phase of her future. Her clever choice of a job that will help foot the bill ensures that she will never be too far away from a pay check or a good cup of Joe. Ever since she was young she has wanted to work at the local coffee shop. The fact that we did not take the children out for something we could easily reproduce at home may have had something to do with her burning desire to one day work as a barista and blend, brew and sample to her heart’s desire. Join us today with your favourite cuppa to hear how Malia’s skills at making star coffees translates internationally and allows her to finance the pursuit of her career on stage no matter where she is in the world.

Who Are Magnitsky & Yakovlev? Kim de Blecourt Jan 11, 2013

My guest this week is Kim de Blecourt, author of, Until We All Come Home, published by Faith Words last November. Kim spent over 13 years in corporate human resources and was a corporate trainer. I discovered her on Twitter and have spent many hours delving into the world of adoption using her blog, Nourished Hearts, as my springboard. I have happened upon an enterprising and remarkable community of people whom Kim seeks to encourage and inspire through her sensitive writing. In the forefront of her ministry is the specific issues caregivers face with children who come from “hard beginnings.” The latest sequence of events that have resulted in Russia placing a ban on Americans adopting children from their country is seen as a political power struggle among nations that will affect those in most need, the orphans. Join us this Friday for a heartwarming and true conversation that will call us to think again about what it means to be a Christian in our world today.

Less Class More Learning: Larry Farris Jan 04, 2013

What does your twelfth grader need to know? It may be less than you think! Can you help your high schooler answer the questions, “Where are you trying to go and why?” While schooling at home how can less class mean more learning? Do you know the secret to making money? Listen in this week for the answers to these questions and more when Larry Farris joins me for an energising talk after the family, relaxing, chilling stress-free Christmas break! What better time than to look towards the future and help our children discern the path they will follow with the Lord. Larry and his wife homeschooled their three children while traveling around the States in their RV. Pop a pod in your Keurig, get a biscuit or two and come and enjoy, before you are tempted to pack your older children off to the public high school.

New Year With Friends: Laura, Walter, Shannah, Luke & Jennifer Dec 28, 2012

This is the last show of 2012 and in it you will be treated to some different ideas about preparations for the New Year from more of my friends whom I’ve met during the past three years. There are thoughts about giving back, the fleetingness of time and living with presence, purpose and joy. You’ll hear meditations on letting go of perfection and enjoying family. There’s looking back with gratitude, remembering that life is what happens when making other plans and insights into the lighter side of the celebration with games, noise makers and rejoicing. 2013 brings with it the knowledge that God is not finished with us yet. Sit down with a special coffee and a biscotti and join me for some different voices guiding us towards a Happy New Year.

Christmas With Friends: Robert, Gretchen, Sandy & Daniele Dec 21, 2012

Merry Christmas to you all! I invited a few of my friends from past shows to talk about what this holy season means to them and their comments ranged from mistletoe and eggnog, blessings and surprise announcements to our internal need to adore someone, the doctrine of the incarnation and shifting priorities. Join me this week and share a hot chocolate and truffle while we listen to the meaning of Christmas for a few people who have drawn close to us over the years.

Chasing After the De-Churched: Jules Rothacher Dec 14, 2012

Joining me this week is a fellow blogger whom I met while popping over to a guest site one of my friends was writing for. Jules Rothacher has a heart for Jesus and she and her husband, with their young family, are missionaries currently serving in central Arkansas. You thought I was going to say Africa, didn‘t you? Jules writes about the fun adventures she, Matt (her hilarious hubs of almost 8 years), her children Magdalene, Isabella, and Benjamin are having with God in the lead. She is here with me to share the simple silliness of her every day where God can be found in the quirkiness around her home. With a four year old as their eldest they are just entering the realm of homeschooling and as if all that isn’t enough they are being called to Church Planting. Jules is going to be telling us all about that venture and more over a hot cuppa and a biscuit or two this Friday. So take an hour away from Christmas preparations and join me for a natter.

The Berlin Declaration: Mike Donnelly Dec 07, 2012

Mike Donnelly, from the Home School Legal Defense Association, returns to my show this week after recently attending the Global Home Education Conference in Berlin. When he’s not keeping us updated with all things legal on the homeschooling front Mike serves as Staff Attorney and Director of International Relations for member affairs and is Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, in Virginia. Mike and his wife teach their seven children at home and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which he has shared with us over the years on my show. Mike and his hard working colleagues at HSLDA defend both the American and International right to choose how we educate our children and their convictions ensure that homeschooling remains a parental choice for all of us. This week we are going to be chatting about the Berlin conference and finish up with some of his fatherly wisdom when it comes to preparing for Christmas. So, curl up in your chair with a cup of tea and listen in this Friday.

Chasing Hard After God: Cara Putman Nov 30, 2012

I am excited to welcome Cara Putman to my show today. I love speaking with graduated homeschoolers who bear witness to the fact that educating our children at home turns out well rounded, socially conscious individuals. Cara grew up as a homeschooled child when homeschoolers were misunderstood and oddities. She is an honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law. Cara lives in Indiana with her husband and four children whom she also homeschools while balancing her careers as an attorney and an author of fifteen published books. She is a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. Cara claims to be just an ordinary mom who has seen God do some wonderful things in her life. Join us on Friday for a cup of tea while we talk about an amazing God who can work His strength in each of us.

Birds of the Air: Jessica Bowman Nov 23, 2012

I met this week’s guest on Twitter and was intrigued by her story and you’ll have to join me to hear it from her own lips. Jessica Bowman blogs on faith and parenting and everything in between. She also writes books, most notably, Parenting Wild Things, Embracing the Rumpus, sometimes gets paid for spending time on her computer and cooks amazing things with beans! Jessica has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than 12 years and together they have 4 children whom they've crossed oceans and continents with. We are going to be talking about the de-churched, a growing group of Generation X'ers who are disillusioned with the institution for various reasons. You will also find out how to support Jessica and her family as they live their life of surrender to the Lord. Join me on Friday with your tea and hear Jessica’s extraordinary story, which she finds to be a very ordinary one, oftentimes difficult and daily enriched with miracles.

Balloon Wars & Lighting Plots: Walter Lemons Nov 16, 2012

I am delighted to be talking to Walter Lemons this week, who was technical director of the Garland Performing Arts Centre which became our home away from homeschool many moons ago. Not many people made it passed us when it came to having an impact on our children’s lives, Walter did! He was instrumental in teaching them all the technical skills they would ever need to work backstage in every capacity. Once they had graduated from the Walter Lemons School of Technology they were ready to go...and go they have! Walter also became a cherished friend allowing his inner child to surface during balloon war summers and intense film making, not to mention marathon video game sessions and a change of pace when he began fostering Pyrenean Mountain dogs. Walter was an adult who watched over our children while they spread their wings in the backstage of a large facility allowing them to experiment, fail and explore. I think you will enjoy our natter this week as we talk about how our public service benefitted both him and his job as well as our children’s education. Don’t miss a word tune in this Friday for elevensies.

Large Family Living: Sherry Hayes Nov 09, 2012

I am welcoming Sherry Hayes to my show this week. Sherry is the inspiring Christian mother of 15 wonderful children and has been homeschooling for 24 years. She has seen the “graduation” of seven of her children from her home in colorful Colorado and she and her husband, David, are enjoying rearing the remaining eight still under their tutelage. She has been a compassionate promoter of redemptive home educating for almost a quarter of a century and has maintained the belief that it’s God’s venue for national and world revival. In her spare time Sherry has been a proactive advocate for homeschooling, a key speaker for homeschool support groups, and a successful writer encouraging practical Biblical family living on her blog, Large Family Mothering. She has written two new books, Homeschool Sanity and McGuffey’s Primer Flashcards, Helps & Hints, to encourage and help to facilitate others who have decided to embark on the exhilarating journey. Join me on Friday and find out more about large family living.

Dancing With Hands: Dawn Prochovnic Nov 02, 2012

Dawn Prochovnic is my guest this week and we are going to be exploring the benefits of signing with every member of our family! Dawn is an expert in ASL and her verbal descriptions on how to get our hands moving will have you hooked in no time. The beauty of watching an accomplished signer can only be described as poetry in motion and this is what captured her heart when she was a young teen. Dawn is the author of a series of sixteen picture books called Story Times with Signs and Rhymes which will delight young readers and parents alike. We will discover the benefits of learning to sign for all ages and circumstances including children with special needs, children who are advanced in their learning and babies who haven’t developed their verbal skills yet. Bring a hot drink this Friday to hear about how signing can enhance and enrich the whole family by increasing literacy skills and decreasing the volume level at home!

Papa's Pearls: Diane Flynn Keith Oct 26, 2012

I am thrilled to welcome back Diane Flynn Keith this week as my guest. She is an alternative education specialist whose written and spoken words empower families to get the help their children need for a meaningful education at home. Diane claims that when you listen to her speak you won’t hear what’s being presented in high school or by the local school district. As a mother of two sons she had to get creative. In her house volunteer work, flight lessons, and performing in music bands passed as high school. This innovative way of looking at education paid off and her sons are both contributing members of society pursing productive careers in the music industry. Diane’s latest book is a tribute to her father who lived by a set of immutable truths learned through the school of hard knocks. Simply entitled Papa’s Pearls it is a father’s gift of love and wisdom to his children and grandchildren. Join us on Friday with your tea and a biscuit for some new techniques for taming wiggle worms and a look into the life of a beloved parent.

A Learning Adventure & Behaviour Matters: Sarita Holzmann & Dr. Susan Friedman Oct 19, 2012

I am going to be talking briefly with Sarita Holzmann, the co-founder and president of Sonlight Curriculum for more than 20 years. Sarita is going to be telling us about a brand new charity project she is offering through Sonlight called a "learning and giving adventure" which has the potential to seriously impact many across the world. You don't have to participate in the charitable endeavor to access all the free videos and materials available, all you have to do is go to the website and join in the fun as Phoenix Phaxx travels to Russia, Bali, Jakarta, Cambodia and S. Korea to fulfill The Great Commission and bring the gospel to un-reached communities in the Far East through radio! In conjunction with the Far East Broadcasting Company, Sonlight is excited to bring a fund raiser, for homeschoolers, Sunday school classes and Christian families, right into your homes. Join me on Friday to learn more about this travel-filled adventure! I will also be welcoming to my show Dr. Susan Friedman, a behaviourist for more than thirty years and currently a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. Dr. Friedman’s area of expertise is learning and behaviour with a special emphasis on children's behaviour disorders. In the last several years, Susan has pioneered efforts to apply to animals the humane philosophy and scientifically sound teaching technology from the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis, which has been so effective with human learners. Dr. Friedman is a steadfast proponent of changing behaviour through positive re-inforcement rather than force and I am sure you’ll enjoy our conversation this Friday. Bring a cup of tea and discover the connections between environment and behaviour and our children and pets.

The Wildman Experiment: Ian & Simon McNeny Oct 12, 2012

I am thrilled today that my brave sons, Ian and Simon McNeny, who lived in our house while my blue eyed cowboy and I were away in England for a year, have managed to happen away from their exciting lives to join me as my guests. It wasn’t until we returned to our home after 13 months that we became aware of The Wildman Experiment that had been taking place while we were away and I’m sure we’re in for a lively conversation. My oldest son, Ian, is a film maker here in Dallas where he is currently working on season 2 of the new series of Dallas, when not hobnobbing with the Ewings he freelances for a creative studio in Deep Ellum called Reel FX, where he has just edited a series of national commercials for Chuck E Cheese, look out for them over the holiday season. Ian also enjoys writing narrative screenplays and coming up with innovative ways to give old foods new tastes. Simon, is a Zoo Keeper at the Dallas Zoo where his special charges are the Okapi, part of the hoof stock. He enjoys giving talks and tours to families and loves the public. Simon is a rock climber and sometimes uses his talents to trim trees. He is sponsored by a climbing shoe company, Evolv, and a local flip flop company called Hari Mari. They have both been featured in their local community college magazine for their motivation to follow their dreams, graduate from college in less than four years and work in their fields thanks to homeschooling! Join me today and hear how the Wildman Experiment brought all of us together as we found out more about each other and how living apart could draw us closer!

Savvy Homeschool Moms: Tina Smith & Beckie Tetrault Oct 05, 2012

I have two guests this week, Tina Smith and her friend Beckie Tetrault both eclectic homeschoolers somewhere smack in the middle of the continuum between unschooling and school-at-home! Beckie found she is more productive when she is busy after careful observation of her three children proved to her that boredom breeds chaos! She laughs when she is mistaken as an organised and patient type claiming to be the most dis-organised, impatient, insane person she knows. Her friend, Tina, is excruciatingly distractible, schedules are a burden to her since she is regularly dreaming up great ideas for cool new things to do that would not fit into her timetable...if she had one that is! Tina admits to thinking big and successfully inveigled Beckie into co-hosting her brain child, Savvy Homeschool Moms, a weekly podcast where they help others along the homeschooling journey. Between them they have established a faithful following of listeners and are taking time out of their hectic day to talk to me about their show. Put the coffee down, these ladies are all you’ll need to get you motivated and energised this Friday.

Rock Your WooHoo: Lisa Steadman Sep 28, 2012

WooHoo Radio is the brain child of my guest this week, Lisa Steadman, best selling relationship author and internationally acclaimed speaker who can lead you step by step from rock bottom to rock star so you can awaken your WooHoo Within. Now what does all this have to do with homeschooling you may ask? Well, as I delved into Lisa’s life I discovered that we have so much in common it’s uncanny. This shouldn’t be a surprise because as women we all face the same stereotypes, it’s how we deal with them that makes us unique. Lisa brings with her a contagious zest for life, a remarkable passion for people, a compassionate spirit, and a proven track record of turning Boohoo!s into Woohoo!s. She is going to share with us the how to’s of transforming any obstacle or challenge in life into lessons learned. We can benefit from that can’t we? Lisa broke up with Corporate America (just as I did) and her worthless boyfriend (I dumped DINKS) and built her own buzz worthy brand as THE Breakup Expert, (Sociable Homeschooler), became an instant best seller with her book It’s a Breakup, Not A Breakdown (Close!) and met and married the love of her life (I was already married to mine!). Join us on Friday to uncover the common threads we all share as women and how we can use them to shape our lives and awaken our unique WooHoo Within! Cup of tea anyone?

Domestic Serenity: Daniele Evans Sep 21, 2012

My guest this week is Daniele Evans who writes about herself as a woman on a journey towards intentional and meaningful living. Daniele is a pastor’s wife and she and her husband, whom she describes as her best friend and confidant, homeschool their five children in Central Pennsylvania. Their marriage is a biblically-centered one, their parenting is grace-based and their home is peace-filled or at least striving to be with God’s help. In true Christian style Daniele knows she is only human and likely to stumble and fall at times. She is the author of Honoring the Rhythm of Rest and writes regularly for Home Educating Family Magasine, The Curriculum Choice, Passionate Homemaking, The Better Mom and her own blog, Domestic Serenity. Daniele is going to lift us up, inspire us to find God in the oftentimes not so perfect moments of our lives, offer insights on ways to move through our journey and practice rest as a regular pattern in our days. Join us for a cup of tea and a rest in the Lord’s oasis, this Friday.

15,000 Fire Ants in My Tub: Dr. Collin Thomas Sep 14, 2012

I am delighted to welcome Dr. Collin Thomas as my guest this week. Dr. Thomas was one of my Zoo Keeper son’s professors at the local community college and their lasting friendship grew out of a deep mutual respect for one another on remotely connected levels. Dr. Thomas completed undergraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin in the Plan II Liberal Arts Program and remained at Texas to complete his doctorate in Molecular Biology, he then went on to perform postdoctoral studies in cellular biophysics at the Rockefeller University in New York. Fate brought him back to his native Texas where he currently teaches biology, genetics, and more recently, astrobiology at Collin College. Dr. Thomas lives with his wife, two children, four dogs, five turtles, a micropig, numerous fish and arthropods in an old tumble-down house in South Dallas that he claims to be slowly renovating. When he isn’t dealing with plumbing hemorrhages, peeling paint, rotted wood, or 15,000 fire ants in the bathtub he enjoys just spending time with his family. Join us on Friday with your cup of tea and a biscuit to hear about the slowly evolving, but increasingly significant, change in his own disposition toward home-schooling.

Sidetracked Goes Creative: Sarah Robinson Sep 07, 2012

My guest this week is Sarah Robinson founder of the blog Sidetracked Sarah an informative and organised piece of work, packed with ideas and tips for the whole family. Sarah is a homeschooling, do-it-yourself mum. She and her husband, Ryan, have 6 children aged one to 14 years old. Ryan, has supported her in her continual striving for efficient effectiveness as a wife and mother for 15 wonderful years! Sarah admits to getting sidetracked easily on many different projects in and around her home. Join me on Friday for a little bit of a laugh over our elevensies cuppas as this innovative Mum takes us for a gentle meander through her homeschool.

Hot Buttons to get Your Teen Talking...To You!: Nicole O'Dell Aug 31, 2012

Nicole O’Dell has a desire to bridge the gap between parents and teens and as a former teen herself and mother of six children she has first hand experience. I am thrilled to welcome her today as my guest when we will be talking about topics that will get you all sticky under the collar and that’s before you even broach the subject with your teenagers! Her new series of books, Hot Buttons, are aimed at helping parents handle tough issues with their tweens and teens before they pop up in real life. Nicole is a youth culture expert, she writes and speaks to pre-teens, teens, and parents about how to prepare for life's tough choices. She is the author of ten YA novels, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates series. Her non-fiction for teens includes Girl Talk, which she wrote with her two daughters based on their popular blog column by the same name, and hundreds of contributions to several devotional books. Nicole is the founder of Choose Now Ministries and fellow radio show host here on Toginet Radio. Join me on Friday during elevensies and take some steps with Nicole towards guiding and encouraging your teens’ commitment to good decisions.

Transitioning from School to Home: Dr. Glenda Jackson Aug 23, 2012

My guest this week is from Australia and is a director and educational consultant with Australian Home Education Advisory Service (AHEAS) a group that helps home educators connect with one another on-line. Dr. Jackson home educated her four children, completed a PhD at Monash University where her research project explored the homeschooling experiences of students when they moved between home and school and the effect it also had on their parents and educators. Bring a drink and a snack and join us this Friday to discover how an Australian research project can have relevance in the global homeschooling community.

Staying Debt Free: Stacey Lane Aug 17, 2012

I have someone who shouted, “I’m Debt Free” on the Dave Ramsey show last year, as my guest this week. Stacey Lane is a wife, mother, teacher and Jill-of-all-trades who is a member of the Bright Ideas Press team. Her many gifts include visual thinking, bringing order out of chaos, dealing with sibling rivalry when it rears its fierce head and thinking outside the box. She takes charge when needed and with her encouragement, humour and practical projects managed to lead her household into the sought after realm of debt freedom! Stacey is a fellow homeschooler who will allay any fears you may have about being able to afford life on one income. Tune in this Friday and hear her notorious and amazing ideas on frugality, bring your cappuccino, any way you like it!

Are You a Kingdom Thinker? Dr. Marlene McMillan Aug 10, 2012

Joining me this week is returning guest, Dr. Marlene McMillan, a graduate of John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She has a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Tyndale Theological Seminary and has written extensively on liberty and how to apply the Bible to our culture especially in the areas of law, government, history, economics and education. Dr. Marlene is the author of a number of books including those dealing with solutions to poverty, and the impact of language on culture and education. She has released a course on liberty and a prayer guide that deals with the healing of the broken-heartedness of a Nation. Dr. Marlene homeschooled her seven children all the way through high school. She says none of them have herding mentalities. To find out more about what this means bring a cup of tea to your computer desk and listen in to what will be a very enlightening show that will get your brain working and your logic and reasoning fired up!

Why Ask Your Doctor Why?: Dr. Kevin Conners Aug 03, 2012

Join me this week and learn how to take responsibility for your health. Dr Kevin Conners, a Doctor of Chiropractic with fellowships in integrative cancer therapy and functional medicine, is my guest and together we are going to talk about his motto, “Never stop asking why?” He is the author of, Help, My Body is Killing Me, Solving the connections of Autoimmune Disease to Thyroid problems, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Anxiety, Depression, ADD/ADHD and more and Stop Fighting Cancer and Start Treating the Cause. He and his wife served at missionaries in Monterray, Mexico where they ministered to the poorest of the poor while homeschooling their four children. We are going to be exploring questions like, “Why do I still feel so lousy? Why aren’t my medications working?” and “Why can’t my doctor figure me out?” Listen in to learn how to ask our doctors better questions, and why always asking “WHY?” is a must! Doctor Conners hosts his own show here on Toginet Radio which you can listen to every week on Wednesdays at 10am CT. Get yourself a tall, cold drink and join us this Friday for a healthy discussion that will change your life.

Being the Change You Want to See in the World: Peter Kowalke Jul 27, 2012

My guest this week is returning after more than a year, I am thrilled to welcome back Peter Kowalke, a self described, lifelong unschooler whose highly praised documentary “Grown Without Schooling” followed ten unschooled graduates into the world and recorded how they fared in their individual life choices. Peter lives in New York City and has consulted as a homeschool expert for media outlets such as the BBC, the New York Times and The Times of India. He has recently returned from a six month spiritual sojourn in Asia and he will be talking about the development and growth of his philosophies and spirituality while living in a monastery in India. As you will hear when you join us on Friday with your cuppa, Peter has a very solid sense of self, derived from his experiences as an unschooler. Come and have your thoughts provoked.

Overcoming Brain Fatigue: Julie Anderson Jul 20, 2012

My returning guest this week is Julie Anderson, veteran homeschooler of 16 years with three boys who were the inspiration for her book, “Quickest Way to Insanity: Homeschool Your Kids.” She is a strong supporter of helping anyone she meets to reach their highest potential both in their business and their personal lives. How? By making the brain to personality connection. As homeschoolers we are fortunate to be able to modify our instruction to suit our children by finding out how they perform best. By nurturing their unique learning styles and gifted areas we can reduce brain fatigue and increase productivity. Julie has an extensive educational background covering natural health, psychology, brain function and much more and enjoys sharing her knowledge with homeschoolers and parents through workshops and keynote addresses. Check out her website www.yourbestmindonline and join us on Friday where we will talk about all things brain over a strong cup of tea.

From Etudes to Attitudes: Marcia Washburn Jul 13, 2012

This week I am thrilled to welcome back Marcia Washburn who holds a Master’s in Music Education and taught public school music for eight years prior to the birth of the oldest of her five sons, whom she and her husband homeschooled in rural Colorado for nineteen years. During her last visit with me Marcia told us all about running a homeschooling workshop for the Shuar Indians in Ecuador. Today she is going to be telling us how we can include music in our homeschool curriculum without being particularly musical. Marcia is also writing a Management for Moms Series of e-books in which she covers hot topics such as obedience and discipline as well as housework and car mechanics not to mention the day-to-day parenting, educational, financial, and spiritual challenges we face as we keep our focus on God and his plan for our family’s legacy. Building tomorrow's generation is not for the faint hearted and Marcia, with her warmth and humour, will help us with the tools we need to build a firm foundation for our children that won’t crumble under pressure. Bring your tea on Friday and discover Beethoven Who? Family Fun with Music, Marcia Washburn's user friendly answer to teaching etudes and much, much more!

Exercise Your Parental Rights: Jennifer Foster Jul 06, 2012

My guest this week is with me to talk about a very sensitive question, “When does protecting our children become snooping?” Jennifer Foster has a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and is the founder of Secret Drug Test. She provides information, advice and comforting support to families of drug addicted children through her blog, website, and a series of videos focusing on various aspects of dealing with drug addiction and ways to take action through testing. Jennifer lost her brother to drugs which has made her determined to help others who find they are dealing with the crisis within their home. Her mission is to provide the tools necessary for families to regain control of their lives and be empowered to take action. I know you will find Jennifer’s handling of this topic compassionate as we discuss how parents can prepare themselves to face their own children or minister to others in our community who are suffering from this unwelcome demon. Join us on Friday for a cup of tea and a discussion that will help us understand what our children may be facing in the future and how to combat the threats that may arise.

What is God Doing? Tricia Goyer Jun 29, 2012

My guest this week homeschooled three of her children through high school and has one left to go! She writes books, lots of them and won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Her book, Life Interrupted, was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. She shares Jesus' love through volunteering as a mentor for teenage moms in her community, and ministering in the Czech Republic on regular missions trips where her daughter is currently serving. She lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with her family and the dog and once a week hosts a show called Living Inspired here on Toginet radio, Thursdays at 3pm CT. Tricia Goyer invites women everywhere to cast aside discouragement and fear to live real life, inspired! Join us this week for a cup of Earl Grey and a rich tea as we talk about finding out what God’s doing and linking arms with Him!

Sonlight: A Solid Homeschool Curriculum: Sarita Holzmann Jun 22, 2012

Do you have a big picture of what education really is? How do you encourage your children to grow in their knowledge and compassion for the world? Have you discovered the ingredients for a solid homeschool curriculum? How do you unleash a passion for the written word? This week I am delighted to welcome back Sarita Holzmann as my guest. Sarita will answer these questions and many more while we explore the benefits of using a literature based curriculum in our homeschools to give our children the gift of lifelong learning. As the co-founder and president of Sonlight Curriculum she reads all the books that land on her desk before selecting the ones that eventually end up on your kitchen table! Come and join us this Friday as we compare notes over a nice cup of tea and a biscuit.

The Parent's Plate: Brenda Nixon Jun 15, 2012

My guest this week is Brenda Nixon a fellow host here on Toginet radio. Her show airs on Tuesdays at 10am ET and is called The Parent's Plate. Brenda blends practical parenting tips with child development and is an unusual and popular keynote speaker at events and workshops in more than 10 states. She says she is a media fave on the NBC TV affiliate in Columbus, OH, the FOX TV affiliate in Kansas City, and Atlanta's Kevin & Taylor in the Morning on WFSH-FM. Speaking aside Brenda is also an author and penned the award winning book, THE BIRTH TO FIVE BOOK, as well as co-authoring A SCRAPBOOK OF CHRISTMAS FIRSTS. She is a contributor to 30 titles, including several in the New York Times best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Today she is going to empower your child rearing skills by offering insights and encouragement to everyone listening, so get yourself a cuppa and sit down!

A 2 Z Home's Cool: Ann Zeise Jun 08, 2012

I’m talking to Ann Zeise this week who is returning, after a couple of years, with lots of news about her business, A 2 Z Home’s Cool. Ann homeschooled her son and when he graduated she took the journey from teacher of one to teacher of the world using her creativity to produce a comprehensive education site. Her son now works in her company and together they manage the 1,000 plus pages from her green home in California. Ann and I are going to be talking about new trends in homeschooling, her site and some of the ways she and her family have come up with to make the dollars stretch. Join me this week with a cuppa and together we’ll hit the high spots of Ann’s comprehensive website.

Don't Take the Brain Out of Homeschool: Julie Anderson Jun 01, 2012

Do you ever wonder why when things get tough you inevitably get sick? How many times have you heard someone chide you by saying, “it’s the body’s way of slowing you down?” My guest this week will tell you that there’s enough evidence now to prove that when our brains are exhausted our immune system takes a dive. Julie Anderson is a survivor of marriage and 16 years of homeschooling whose experiences led her to write, “Quickest Way to Insanity: Homeschool Your Kids.” In her book she takes a refreshing, helpful and often irreverent look at the ins and outs of home education without sacrificing the brain in the process. Julie will answer some very critical questions like “why are some people so difficult to get on with?’ and “how can I be less stressed while giving my all to my children?” As a pubic speaker, business and homeschool consultant Julie has been lecturing on the brain personality connection for 11 years. Do yourself a favour and join me with a cup of tea on Friday for some encouraging words as you continue on, or are just beginning, your homeschooling journey and discover how to take the brain into consideration when choosing curriculum or the perfect ball and chain!

Brighton Park & Mr. Darcy: Katie Sullivan May 25, 2012

My guest this week is Katie Sullivan M.S., SLP-CCC, a speech language pathologist with 17 years experience teaching both typical and atypical learners and 5 years experience homeschooling. Katie is the mother of 5 children, including twin boys with special needs. She is an avid homesteader and experienced crafter, who, thanks to her Mother, has more than 25 years experience in handicrafts, candlemaking and soapmaking, which she now teaches. Katie is currently pursuing a second Masters in History and French, and her library card always has the maximum amount of books checked out. She lives on a one acre homestead, with her husband, her own Mr. Darcy who grew up in England, and their 5 children, 3 dogs, 10 chickens, 8 ducks and 7 turkeys in the gorgeous Southwest. We are going to be talking about...a lot...travelling, sharing chores, gathering eggs, feeding chickens and her blog called BrightonParkBlog. Katie hopes, through her writings and our chat today, to encourage other parents of special needs children to realize that homeschooling can be an option for them and be successful when things are kept positive and encouraging. Come along and join us, with your tea and a little bit of apple tart to keep you going, this Friday.

Fathers Teaching Their Sons to be Men: Mike Donnelly May 18, 2012

Mike Donnelly, from the Home School Legal Defense Association, returns to my show this week wearing his dad hat. When he’s not talking to me Mike serves as Staff Attorney and Director of International Relations for member affairs and is Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, in Virginia. Mike and his wife teach their seven children at home and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which he has shared with us over the years on my show. Mike and his hard working colleagues at HSLDA defend both the American and International right to choose how we educate our children and their convictions ensure that homeschooling remains a parental choice for all of us. Today we are going to be chatting about some of the questions any parent may have while raising their children as strong Christians and future leaders: college debt, church liberalism and how to raise your sons to be men. Pull up a chair and snag a cup of tea and listen in this Friday.

How Are You Spending Your Language? Lisa Giruzzi May 11, 2012

Did you know that everything happens through conversations? Nothing exists that didn’t live once as a thought? Assuming is the biggest barrier to effective communication? Exciting stuff for wordmongers like me! I am thrilled to welcome Lisa Giruzzi to my show today an expert in communications, not the technical stuff but the thoughts that pop out of our mouths, sometimes without permission! Lisa and I are going to spend our time together exploring ways to bring what she does with corporate executives into our homes, and look at the key elements necessary for family members to achieve their goals and create the life they want. She is the author of 31 Days to Transform Your Life, Bringing out the best in Your Employees: and co-author of the Amazon bestseller, 42 Rules for Creating WE. She is also a co-host of the television talk show, Real Conversations, and is a dynamic speaker captivating audiences with her powerful message at keynotes, presentations and workshops nationwide. Join me this week to discover ways to communicate with others in order to build what you want rather than go over things that can’t be changed.

A Real Live Diva: Sabrina Justison May 04, 2012

My job is to bust stereotypes and referring to my guest this week as a diva could strike some sensitive chords! But let me clarify, a diva is a Prima Donna, a first lady and Sabrina Justison, playwright, singer-songwriter and fellow thespian, is a diva in her field. Sabrina teaches acting classes, leads one week intensive Drama Camps and talks about Performing Arts at homeschool conventions. She is going to help me take the arched eyebrow out of reactions to theatre and homeschooling being mentioned in the same breath when we talk about theatre being really good for the whole family! Joking aside Sabrina has taught Fine Arts, Literature, Writing, and Latin, writes blogs for the 7Sisters website, for busy, or set in their ways, or rookie, or old hand homeschoolers everywhere. Join us with your coffee this Friday and be entertained!

The Boy Next Door: Jane Dolby Apr 27, 2012

This week my guest is Jane Dolby who has a public relations business called Delicious PR. She has a background in music and psychology and quips that it didn't take her long to discover she was better at promoting music than making it! She now helps emerging artists develop their profiles. We first met just over a year ago while I was visiting prospective digs with my student daughter in Leigh-on-Sea. Although I’d set up three places to visit she was the only person I connected with that afternoon despite several attempts to meet with the other landladies. God obviously had other plans! My daughter had said she would “know”whether she wanted to live in the house by its feel. A cheery, “do you want a cup of tea?” called from the kitchen to us standing at the open front door swept all her fears away! One year on and Jane has agreed to join me for another cup of tea and natter this afternoon when we are going to be talking about the dramatic turn her life took three years ago.

March Forth Family: Julie Meekins Apr 20, 2012

Today I am welcoming back one of my first guests from March 2010! Julie Meekins and I talked about the diagnosis of her youngest child’s CHARGE Syndrome and the positive measures she, her husband and family took to help her daughter progress through the natural development of her body, step by step. Julie is a certified neurodevelopmentalist and takes a holistic approach to child development. She has also graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Julie and her husband founded March Forth Family and use their vast experience to help parents with children who have learning challenges big and small. Join us today for a cuppa as we talk about quirky behaviours, social skills, disorganisation and so much more.

Homeschooling on One or No Income: Gretchen Roe Apr 13, 2012

Gretchen Roe from the Calvert School is my guest this week and we are going to be talking about the challenges faced by single homeschoolers who are very creative in how they bring home the bacon while managing to home educate their children. We will be discussing the reality of living on one income in a two income world. Provisions still need to be made for that rainy day which is a real possibility in our economically unstable world. How do we support our spouses both financially and emotionally when the going gets tough and the coffers are empty? Join me on Friday when Gretchen and I will talk about these difficult topics and acknowledge that God is sovereign and homeschooling is within reach despite our employment status.

A Walk From Atheism: Robert Velarde Apr 06, 2012

This Good Friday Robert Velarde, from the Wisdom of Pixar and Sonlight Curriculum, is going to join me and together we are going to reflect on the meaning of Lent, Holy Week and our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection. Robert is going to be sharing his personal walk from Atheismto Christianity with us. By meditating on Christ’s redemption, particularly during this season of the church year, we all undergo renewal and personal change along our Christian walk, something we are called to do regularly. We will have some Passion readings from the bible and hymn book, that are heard this week in church and in the end we will take a look at Easter for the modern man and what it means in the world today. I look forward to you joining us this Friday for a hallowed hour to prepare us for the glory and Good News of Easter Sunday. With cap and cup of tea in hand let’s remember who is Lord.

Bringing Hope to the Forgotten Poor: Paris McNeny Mar 30, 2012

I am excited to be welcoming my school teacher daughter to my show this week. Paris McNeny reminded me that although she has spoken with me on Toginet Radio before it has always been in the company of her siblings. She holds the title of first born daughter in the family and graduated top of her homeschool senior year. She served as a missionary to Africa on The Mercy Ships, a large floating hospital bringing hope to the forgotten poor off the coast of West Africa. Paris has always had a deep affiliation for children and on her return to America she attended college to get her Associate of Arts Degree in Education and a certificate for teaching special needs children. When we left for England she high tailed it to the beach and lives in Corpus Christi in sight of the sea, although she dislikes the feel of sand between her toes. She works as a teacher to support her studies at the local community college and to keep a roof over her head and food on her table. Pour yourselves a cup of tea and join us to hear how this independent young lady is following her dream by making a difference in young people’s lives.

Reaching Out to British Missionaries: Steve Richards Mar 23, 2012

I am welcoming back a British homeschooler who had a few surprising facts about education here when we chatted last year. Steve Richards is one of the directors of Northstar Worldwide which offers support and resources to homeschooling families all over the world. Steve is also a founding member of one of the home education groups in England called Home Service and he has spoken widely on the topic of home education in the United Kingdom and overseas. Both he and his wife, Lyn, homeschooled their children and we are going to be talking about the flexibility of home education, Northstar Worldwide and touch on some of the secular issues in the forefront of British society today that may or may not be threatening Christianity. So join us and stir it up a little over a cup of tea on Friday.

Why Read For Pleasure? Linda Pilkington Mar 16, 2012

My guest this week is Linda Pilkington who was a struggling reader destined to become an illiteracy statistic until her fourth grade teacher stepped in. Linda learned that reading was fun! She has since turned the written word into a career and owns an online business selling greetings cards and book club products. City Castles formed the platform to launch her dream of one day writing, promoting and publishing a book. Linda’s story of perseverance and faith in God is one only she can tell. She has developed tools for teachers and parents to bring reading alive for their children through narration, role-playing and out loud readings. Listen on Friday as Linda and I natter on about her books and how you too can have your reluctant readers saying, “reading is fun, I want to keep doing it.” Bring your cuppa and join us.

Birds of a Feather: Simon McNeny Mar 09, 2012

My guest this week is my blue eyed son, Simon McNeny, who graduated from homeschool, the local Community College, and finally Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries. He works with the Okapi at the Dallas Zoo where his job is not that different from the chores he did around the house while he was growing up, cleaning, cleaning and more cleaning! Simon has known he wanted to work with animals since he was very young, he put in at least 4500 volunteer hours at the animal shelter thinking he was getting out of school but he wasn’t really! By the time he was 14 he was known as the reptile expert and giving presentations at local schools. Now he gives keeper talks, helps train his animals and has just returned from a week in Florida where he did a workshop learning how to train birds at the Steve Martin Natural Encounters Ranch. You’ll want to learn how positive reinforcement works not only with animals but with children and adults too! Join us this Friday for a fascinating chat.

Governments in Our Homeschools: Mike Donnelly Mar 02, 2012

Mike Donnelly, from the Home School Legal Defense Association, returns to my show this week with more news and wisdom about homeschooling in America and Europe. When he’s not talking to me Mike serves as Staff Attorney and Director of International Relations for Member Affairs and is Adjunct Professor of Government at Patrick Henry College, in Virginia. His work at HSLDA is to defend both the American and International right to choose how we educate our children. Mike and his wife teach their seven children at home and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which he has shared with us over the years on my show. Today we are going to talk about the impact governments are having on homeschooling and how they are threatening our God given rights as parents. Bring your favourite beverage over to your computer and tune in to my show this Friday to listen as Mike encourages us.

The Wisdom of Pixar: Robert Velarde Feb 24, 2012

I have a fascinating guest this week, Robert Velarde, homeschooling father of four, curriculum creator with Sonlight and philosopher. Robert received his Master of Arts degree from Southern Evangelical Seminary and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Denver Seminary. He has written, The Wisdom of Pixar, Conversations with C.S. Lewis, and The Heart of Narnia and most recently co-authored, with Sonlight founder Sarita Holzmann, a new high school curriculum called, What Good is Christianity? Robert, like many homeschooling dads, helps his wife in the education of his offspring by focusing on the moving and performing arts portions of their curriculum and I am certain they love the fact that he shares their unbounded enthusiasm for all films Pixar. Robert has very cleverly turned this labour of love into an exercise in the reconciliation between a Christian’s lifestyle and the world in which he finds himself today. It won’t take you many moments to discover that Robert is a vibrant, interesting man on fire for the Lord, so why not join us on Friday for a cup of tea and a chat?

Love at First Sight: Larry McNeny Feb 17, 2012

This week I’m talking to my blue eyed cowboy who has agreed to join us for a cuppa. Larry McNeny shared the homescholing years with me whenever he wasn’t out on the road as a Tour Manager for any number of impressive bands. His glamourous life got the children’s interest a whole lot quicker than anything I was trying to do with them! “Did Ozzy really bite the head off a bat?” is a must know for young, impressionable teens and my cowboy spent many a happy hour regaling them with wild and exciting stories from his life. Today though we’re not going to be talking about his job, we’ve done that in a previous show called, Rock and Roll Savvy. What are we going to be talking about? Love of course! How we met and his secret to a long and successful marriage so snatch some kisses and tune in this Friday for a special Valentine’s show!

An Eternal Kindergartener: Barbara Allisen Feb 10, 2012

Come and meet Barbara Allisen a life long kindergartener who loves to play with puzzles and blocks, build with lego and make crafts, shape play-dough and read Big Books all day long. Affectionately known as Mrs. A. she carries the memories of more than 1,000 children’s school beginnings in her heart. Barbara’s kindergarten and preschool experience includes inner city, private, big new & very small old schools both public and independent. Barbara believes that although children make up 20% of the population they are 100% of the future and being ready for Kindergarten is the key. She has a kindergarten readiness website and is the author of the book, 123 Kindergarten: Everything your child Needs to Learn Before Kindergarten. Tune in and join our conversation this Friday and learn how to target learning skills at home while still having fun with your tot.

Secrets to Staying Inspired: Rebecca Kochenderfer Feb 03, 2012

My guest this week first came to my attention as I was prowling around my biggest fan’s website. We have a mutual friend, thanks Tina for the intro! I am thrilled to welcome Rebecca Kochenderfer to my show. Rebecca is the Senior Editor for Homeschool.com. hailed as the #1 homeschooling site on the Internet by yahoo, google, and Forbes Magazine, with over 2 million visitors a year. Rebecca is the co-author of, Homeschooling for Success: How Parents Can Create a Superior Education For Their Child and more recently, Homeschooling and Loving It a book that will take its reader step by step through the how to’s of teaching at home from beginning to end. Rebecca educated her three children at home and loved every minute of it! Join me on Friday, at the usual time, to be inspired no matter where you are on your homeschooling journey.

Homeschool, An Excellent Option: Luke Holzmann Jan 27, 2012

Luke Holzmann is the son of John and Sarita Holzmann, founders of Sonlight Curriculum, and my guest this week! He was homeschooled through 8th grade, went to public high school and then attended Biola University on swimming and academic scholarships where he studied Motion Picture Production. Today, he works at Sonlight, promoting homeschooling as an excellent option, if not a fully comprehensive education experience. He writes captivating blogs that are thought provoking with links that may take you to places where angels fear to tread. He is working on his media production mentoring website: Production-Now.com, which he hopes will lure homeschoolers who love film. He describes himself as a writer, film-maker, empty nester, so join me on Friday for a cuppa and a natter with this interesting young man.

A Barely Useful Farm Wench: Laura Grace Weldon Jan 20, 2012

Laura Grace Weldon is a poet whose poems have been published, but not the ones she likes! She is an author, her new book, Free Range Learning: How Homeschooling Changes Everything, tells of the curative value of connecting more deeply with nature and letting go. She is an artist, a messy one at that, a tincture and meal concoctor both skills demanding courage and a degree of risk from their recipients. She has deadlines but would rather hide in books or watch foreign films than meet them. Laura admits that complete self-reliance is happily not her goal and farm dwelling allows her to sing to bees, feed cows, preach about hope, acknowledge the holiness of all things and find peace, sometimes. With her husband and four homeschooled children they raise plants, animals and occasionally Caine in their simple partnership with the natural world. Her socks have holes in them, the window moulding is unfinished, there are muddy footprints by the door, but none of that matters, she and her family are together exploring ways to be themselves using ancient wisdom. Come and meet this lovely lady on Friday, bring a cuppa and prepare to laugh while we talk about her book, her life and how to almost make a living on a farm with relentless doses of optimism!

Coming Home After Nine Years: Sandra Beck Jan 10, 2012

My guest this week is a little different from the norm. I thought that the withdrawal of the U.S. troops from Iraq, just in time for Christmas, was a subject that potentially affects everyone in our nation so I invited my friend Sandra Beck to join me today. Sandra hosts two Shows here on Toginet Radio: Military Mom Talk Radio and Motherhood Talk Radio. She is an active contributor and participant in many charities and strives to make the world a better place for today’s and our future’s children. Near to her heart are Toys for Tots, World of Children, Children Uniting Nations and Operation Gratitude which provides American civilians a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military, by sending care packages addressed to individual soldiers. Sandra is an author, coach, speaker, entrepreneur and philanthropist and, most importantly, the mother of two young boys who keep her on her toes. She was born in a small town outside Buffalo, New York, and attended Northwestern University where she earned both her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and her Master’s Degree in Advertising. Join me on Friday and find out how the lives of thousands of military families are changing, and what we can do to support our troops and all involved who risk their lives for our freedoms.

The Jemicy & Calvert Initiative: Gretchen Roe Jan 06, 2012

For my first show of the New Year I am delighted to be talking to my dear friend Gretchen Roe, community liaison for the Calvert School. We are going to be unveiling a new joint venture Calvert is involved in with the Jemicy School for children with reading difficulties. Gretchen is also going to be sharing with us the good news of her husband’s new job and how she and her family rose to the challenge and uncertainty of unemployment. Gretchen’s job has her traveling around America to talk at numerous conferences about the Calvert Curriculum and how homeschooling is not purely school at home. She will re-assure those of us who are a little behind in curriculum selection that Calvert can be started successfully at any time of the year. With her informative blogs on the Calvert website and her creative webinars, which always have something new to offer, she is there to support you along your homeschooling journey. Join us for a cup of tea and a slice of apple pie and cream this Friday and listen in to our little natter about new ventures and a tried and tested curriculum.

Safe Ways to Superwoman it in 2012: Ally Loprete, Sandy Fowler & Dr. Ann Dunnewold Dec 30, 2011

For the last show of the year I have invited three of my friends to help us navigate the New Year and the twelve months it holds without setting too many goals. They will give us their top tips on choosing what to add or take away from our lives and urge us to be kind to ourselves. Ally is host of This Little Parent Stayed Home where she keeps her listeners uplifted and motivated each week on Fridays at 5pm CT. Sandy hosts Heartfilled Holidays a weekly Toginet show airing on Mondays at 1pm CT, about how we can make holidays and festivities an enhancement to our lives. Dr. Ann is a licensed psychologist, yoga teacher and meditation guide, as you can probably guess her ethos is all about mindfulness and slowing down which she blogs about weekly on her website. Bring a seasonal drink and come and unwind this Friday, before the festivities start. You’ll get some fantastic and doable ideas!

A Time to Reminisce: The McNeny Children Dec 23, 2011

How much of your traditional holiday activities will show up in your children’s homes when they move on? This week I am talking to my four children about what they remember, the good and the not so good, about the busiest time of the year in the McNeny household. The shows, the concerts, the church services, the wreaths, the books, the tree, the cards, the food, the smells, the crèches and losing the baby Jesus! Come and have fun with me and my children as we reminisce about what the photographs showed as magical times versus what really went on behind the scenes! Bring a cuppa and prepare to laugh!

What Comes After Circus? Omar Abderrahman Dec 16, 2011

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages I bring you the greatest show on earth! My guest this week is Omar Abderrahman who will share a snippet of his extraordinary childhood with us. Omar’s non-traditional education will cast out all those doubts about deprivation and lost opportunities some parents feel when they’re having a bad homeschool day! He is a personal family friend who mentioned, one fine day when he heard we were considering homeschooling, that he was homeschooled! After running away from the circus Omar spent the next 30 years traveling on the road with some pretty impressive names in the music and entertainment industry. He formed his own production company in 1994 and manages and produces events, concert tours, corporate shows, TV and film. Join me on Friday to hear some spectacular, breath-taking and extravagant stories from Omar whose uncommon childhood and Calvert Education did absolutely nothing to cramp his style! This will be a show worth stopping for so grab a cuppa!

Who Needs Schools? Steve Richards Dec 09, 2011

Northstar Worldwide offers support and resources to homeschooling families all over the world. I am happy to welcome one of their directors, Steve Richards, to my show this week. Steve is a founding member of a home education group in England called Home Service and he has spoken widely on the topic of home education in the United Kingdom and overseas. Both he and his wife, Lynn, homeschool their children and we are going to be talking about Education in general and in particular in England. Quoted as saying, “Home educators do not need schools, do not need trained teachers and they do not need the state,” Steve and I are ready to stir it up over a cup of tea on Friday. So come and listen in!

From Editing to Empowering: Laura Noueihed Dec 02, 2011

How do you go from being the head editor of the New York Times' front page website, night edition, managing a team of editors and producers to being the principal facilitator of your homeschool, empowering a cluster of eager young minds? My guest this week, Laura Noueihed, is going to be answering this question for us when she opens a window onto her life of word mongering and child raising. Laura has her Master of Science in Journalism, with concentrations in print and new media, from Columbia University where she was a professor. When she’s not playing with words Laura loves water skiing and scuba diving, experimenting with traditional cooking of various cultures, and is equally happy absorbed in a good novel or browsing a screen full of programming code. Make yourselves a cuppa and join me this Friday as Laura and I chat about the diversion she took to pour her gifts and talents into the future generation.

Almost There: Callan Roe & Zoe Cottrell Bentley Nov 21, 2011

My series on graduated homeschoolers is almost at a close and this week I thought I’d bring you two nearly graduated students who are on the cusp of moving up and away from their homeschools. Callan Roe is an exuberant 17 year old, horse lover with ambitions to pursue an international business degree. Ready to take the world by storm she is keen to tell you all about herself. Zoe Cottrell Bentley is a 15 year old scientist with ambitions. One of them is to work as an exogeologist for NASA. You’ll have to listen in to hear her others. She has her own web site and has conducted a few interviews herself. She is also the co-author of a YA novel entitled, Fractured Fate. Join us on Friday for a different view of the future through young and intelligent eyes.

Not College? So What?: Jonathan & Linnea Lewis Nov 18, 2011

Jonathan & Linnea Lewis are my guests today. They are newly weds and on fire to talk about what happened to them after the work at the kitchen table was done. As a couple they have an unusual combination of experience in the area of higher education and the work force. Linnea used Accelerated Distance Learning to earn a BA in 18 months for a fraction of the normal cost. She then went on to study for and sit her paralegal certification exams, all from the comfort of her own home with the help of her trusty computer. She does freelance graphic design from a home office and for something completely different, she has also taught piano. Jonathan launched into entrepreneurial endeavors very quickly after finishing high school skipping all forms of higher education completely. He helped start Home School Enrichment Magazine, a national Christian homeschooling magazine in America, about to enter its 10th year of publication. They are a feisty couple who are prepared to discuss the diversity of options open to non college bound graduates. They are living proof that homeschoolers don't have to follow a specific path after high school just because everyone else is doing it. Their message in a nutshell? Carry on being different. Join us on Friday with an open mind and a warm heart and welcome this couple into your homes for an hour.

Positively Outstanding: Laura Ellis & Joshua Williams Nov 11, 2011

Ever wonder how homeschoolers feel about their lot in life once they get to college or join the workforce? Laura Lee Ellis and Joshua Williams, both lifelong homeschoolers, will be talking to me this week about how home-educating families can prepare their students for college, adulthood and beyond. Laura will tell why she feels homeschooling uniquely prepared her for her earthly journey. In her blog, Life as a Rough Draft, she offers tips on how to take home education to the next level and thrive. Joshua will be talking to us from Italy where he is continuing his degree as a primary age teacher. Together they will be extolling the important roles their parents played in their lives and how they, as individuals, stand out from the crowd in a positive way. Pour yourselves some tea, dunk a few chocolate biscuits and listen on Friday to a lively and encouraging discussion with two outstanding lifelong homeschoolers.

Dancing and Horses: Jenni Hodgman Nov 04, 2011

Highland dancing and horse riding were two of the subjects Jenni Hodgman took at her Australian homeschool and after graduation, instead of going to University, she took a gap year or three to discover the world and unravel her dream. She has danced with OzScot Australia in Edinburgh, Oman and Sydney. She and a friend backpacked through Europe. In Alberta, Canada, she was introduced to a top Western horse trainer, who offered her a job for the summer. Her family took a very unstructured approach to homeschooling which rubbed off on this young lady who, after several gap years decided to return to Australia to get educated. Today she is working in a pub and studying a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. Jenni is following her homeschooled principles of studying what she enjoys. Join us this Friday and hear how she has taken her un-schooling experience and ridden and danced her way around the world! You’ll be captivated by this bright young woman.

Autonomous Hedders: Imran Shah Oct 28, 2011

My guest this week is a Pakistani born British resident who, with his Scottish wife, homeschools their two children. During this hour we will find out how cultural dynamics have helped cement their family into a successfully homogenous unit. Imran Shah, a child protection social worker, public speaker and outspoken objector to the last labour Government’s attempts at further regulating home education in Britain, will be talking to me about the Hedders movement in the U.K. While his children were still young he researched child development, attachment and the history of education in Britain and turned to his wife one day with the suggestion that they never send their children to school and entrust them to strangers. Join us on Friday for an interesting look at autonomous education in my motherland and learn how all kinds of differences are overcome in the Shah household for the sake of the family.

World School: Eli Gerzon Oct 21, 2011

Eli Gerzon returns as my guest this week having been one of the first visitors to my show back in 2010. He is a self motivated young man who left school at fifteen when he discovered an alternative way to educate himself. He is in good company with Richard Branson, Michael Dell and the late Steve Jobs all of whom left school or college to pursue their own dreams. He took courses in anthropology and linguistics from Harvard before allowing his love for travel to blossom into his own business called World School Travel Tours. He takes homeschooling teenagers on journeys to Europe and Japan where they can learn so much more without having to crack a text book. We are going to talk about the safety of the soul, the meaning of education and how we can achieve it outside the institution. So tune in and be treated to an hour of philosophical thinking, this Friday with Eli Gerzon.

The Mama Bus: Jennifer Miller Oct 14, 2011

Are you on the Mama Bus? Do you want to be? Are you giving your children an uncommon childhood? Do you know what a third culture child is? Are you part of the Edventure Project? If any of your answers to these questions are, “you what?” then you’ll want to hear the conversation with my guest this week where I will be dipping my toes into the Atlantic and waggling my fingers in the Pacific with Jennifer Miller, bus driver extraordinaire. Jennifer is passing on her legacy of an uncommon childhood to her four children and everyone else in the world eager to jump on her Mamabus. Jennifer and her husband, have spent the last four years in uninterrupted travel choosing to invest most of their time and money in memories that keep, instead of cars, clothes, knick knacks and noisy toys that rust or gather dust. Jennifer and her lifestyle will razzle and dazzle you and you’ll want to join her adventure, I promise! She and a bus load of eleven children, ranging in age from 2-15 are on the road as we speak homeschooling their way across America without television, video games, internet or fast food! Come and catch them while you can, this Friday, bring your tea and a home made goody and let’s travel.

Reconciling God with Science: Shannah Godfrey Oct 07, 2011

I am delighted to welcome Shannah Godfrey back to my show this week. The last time we spoke we heard what she had to say about reading, articulation, and teaching myths before we quickly ran out of time. Today we are going to be talking about good parenting practices, mistakes we make when teaching reading, self esteem and whether it is reasonable to expect your child to have left home by the time he or she turns thirty. Shannah was a gifted child herself and she will tell us why she could wait to go to college. She is a strong advocate for direct instruction but does not believe in pushing a child until he or she is ready. Join me and this fascinating educator, who invented the Godfrey Method, a phonics reading programme that has proven children don’t have to be rocket scientists in order to master reading. We will talk about her life and how she succeeds in a man’s world and homeschools her 14 children! You may need something stronger than tea to get you through this, add a biscuit or two and breathe deeply before tuning in this Friday.

School is Where the Home Is: Anita Mellott Sep 30, 2011

My guest this week is the author of a new book, School is Where the Home Is: 180 Devotions for Parents. Her collection of anecdotal devotionals offers practical helps and biblical truths for fellow home schooling parents. Anita Mellott was born in India and grew up devouring books and mangoes. Prior to moving to the United States, she headed the Department of Journalism at Mt. Carmel College, Bangalore, India. For thirteen years, she worked as a writer/editor with Habitat for Humanity International. Anita is currently in her eighth year as a home educator and has first-hand experience with the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of the homeschooling life. Join us this Friday for a sampling of Anita’s unique brand of encouragement and spiritual enrichment

The Ultimate Author: Debra Bell Sep 23, 2011

Debra Bell used to be a public school teacher until she discovered John Holt! She went on to homechool her four children for eighteen years and they all grew up, went to college and got jobs! This week she is taking time out from her busy schedule to join me and talk about teen homeschoolers and the digital age. Debra speaks at the Apologia Live Retreats where she encourages homeschooling Mums. Since retiring from teaching at home she has been working towards her PhD in educational psychology. She is the author of those ultimate books, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling, The Ultimate Guide to Homechooling Teens and most recently, The Ultimate Planning System from Apologia. She is involved in her local homeschool community and loves to share her expertise at conferences and seminars. Come and bask in Debra’s warmth and candor as she chats to me this Friday about college at home, equivalency tests and distance learning.

If Not College, Then What?: Mike Donnelly Sep 09, 2011

This week I am extending a warm welcome back to a regular guest on my show, Mike Donnelly, from the Home School Legal Defense Association, where he serves as staff attorney and director of International relations. Mike and his hard working colleagues at HSLDA defend both the American and International right to choose how to educate our children. Mike and his wife home school their seven children and he is a frequent speaker and writer on many home school related topics some of which he has shared with us over the years on my show. Today we are going to talk about apprenticeships and vocational paths our homeschoolers may choose to follow instead of college, and tied into that we will discuss the military as a career option. Bring your favourite cuppa this Friday and listen in as Mike encourages us, as always, to be the parents God created us to be and the steps we can take to ensure the blessings and freedoms we have to homeschool now are secured for posterity.

Web Mama: Tina Smith Sep 02, 2011

This week my guest is a multi-tasking, ideas Mum who lets her creative juices flow and overflow onto her children and other people’s children through her work with various local non profits as well as her websites. Tina Smith lives in Fresno, California, where she is president of The Learning Village Homeschool Resource Centre and a board member of the Discovery Centre, where she spent many years happily working before becoming a Mum. She is the creator of Mommy Chats a live chat room site for moms to connect with moms and she maintains Central Valley’s best online parenting resource, Fresnofamily.com. Amazingly she is also the author of a book, “How to Create a High Quality ‘Mommy and Me’ Program,” based on the work she did out of her home for several years when her children were really young. You’d better have your coffee with you when you join us this Friday, Tina is a whirlwind of a woman so hold on tight!

Around the World in Easy Ways: Lisa Shusterman Aug 26, 2011

I am going to be talking with world traveler, Lisa Shusterman, this week as she returns to the airwaves to continue a conversation we started at the beginning of July. This time we will talk about how after her return she found she had a different perspective on life. She will tell us how she packed for a year when most of us struggle with taking too much for a week. Lisa homeschooled her twin girls while on this adventure and with the help of her husband, achieved something that changed all of their lives forever. Join us this Friday to learn how she and her family handled being home again after a non traditional year on the road. Bring a cup of tea and put your life on hold for an hour with Lisa and me.

Reel Live Homeschoolers: Ian McNeny & Shelby Cook Aug 19, 2011

My guests this week are Ian McNeny and Shelby Cook, lifelong friends, creative minds and both products of homeschooling throughout most of their lives. They are going to talk to us about life as homeschoolers, the opportunities they were able to take advantage of because they weren’t chained to a school desk and the flexibility it afforded them once they were released from the basement. They both describe themselves as “all round creative guy[s]…” and they are. One pursuing film and post production work, the other a singer/songwriter with a talent for graphic design, they have both soldiered ahead in their respective fields and are well on the way to be successful in the industries their talents lend themselves to. They have also made several films including a Jedi Dispute Series in which they taught themselves the fine art of roto-scoping over 200,000 lightsaber effects, a James Bond film called Queen of the Canal, filmed on location in both America and England, and many film shorts that have been posted on YouTube. Growing up they met and spent countless hours volunteering and performing for a combined 40+ plays and musicals with the local theatres. One of them is my son, and the other has been around longer than Ian had been alive prior to meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to listen to the accounts of two reel live homeschoolers’ full and never boring life, this Friday. Plenty of laughs over a cup of tea!

Graduated? Now What?: Gretchen Roe Aug 12, 2011

Gretchen Roe, community liaison for Calvert School is returning as my guest this week. We are going to be talking about her ability to balance the roles of wife, mother and teacher while still having a career. For example, in addition to talking at numerous conferences this summer about the popular topic of Homeschooling versus School at Home, Gretchen has been up to her eyes in preparations for her eldest son’s wedding! You will discover how she makes her life work and be encouraged that not every moment is a Kodak moment! Gretchen’s advice about which direction to take once school is out will help you to steer your charges along a Godly path and discover ways to use their gifts and talents wisely. You won’t want to miss this amazing woman who is the mother of six children ranging in age from 5 to early 20’s. Come and have a cup of tea with us, and a slice of refrigerator chocolate cake, this Friday and listen in to our little natter about preparing for the future.

Go With the Flow: Lisa Cottrell-Bentley Aug 05, 2011

Do you know what a Favicon is? If your child wanted to be an exogeologist would you be over the moon? Join me this Friday to hear the answers to these questions and more when I welcome back to my show, Lisa Cottrell-Bentley. Lisa is a writer, editor, publisher and business owner who goes with the flow when it comes to homeschooling and puts her daughters first in her busy life. Lisa and her family live in the Arizona desert and have published four books in the Wright on Time series about an RV-living, homeschooling family who love being together, have no emotional or physical hang ups and travel America while learning on the road. Lisa is a radical unschooling Mum whose children really have it together. Make yourself a pot of tea and join us for an hour this week while we talk about love, life and the pursuit of happiness.

Don't Lose Your Mind: Julie Anderson Jul 29, 2011

My guest this week knows all about the brain and how to best use it when teaching your children at home. Julie Anderson is a survivor of marriage and homeschooling whose experiences led her to write, “Quickest Way to Insanity: Homeschool Your Kids.” She takes a refreshing, helpful and often irreverent look at the ins and outs of home education without the loss of mind. Julie has been heard on the radio and made television appearances to support and encourage everyone she meets to reach their true potential in their business and personal life. Join us this Friday whether you are just thinking of homeschooling or embedded in its clutches. Come and enjoy your tea with Julie as she tells us how to keep the brain in mind when teaching our own.

Worm Farm and More: Carol Topp Jul 22, 2011

This week I am delighted to warmly welcome back Carol Topp, CPA, homeschooler and author. Since we chatted last year Carol has launched her new series, “Micro Businesses for Teens,” where she gives tips and advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs. Join us and hear about some of the innovative micro business she’s come across. She will offer valuable pointers on how to help your teen tap into his or her fruitful imagination and turn ideas into money-spinners. Watch out for those taxes though, Carol is an expert here too so you’ll want to learn how to stay on the right side of the IRS while introducing your children to the world of micro businesses. Carol has worked from home throughout her homeschooling career and has also authored, “Homeschool Co-Ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out.” Join us for a cup of tea and perhaps Carol will inspire you to start your own business alongside your teen’s.

Launch Don't Detonate Your Child: Shannah Godfrey Jul 15, 2011

hannah Godfrey is a scientist and through her innovative reading programme she has proven that children don’t have to be rocket scientists in order to master reading. As my guest this week we will be talking about articulation, osmosis, and phonics. Shannah will dispel some myths about how to teach reading and prove to us that child-led discovery will not make a successful reader, writer or speaker. She will also let us into her fascinating world of family as we chat about all kinds of parenting topics from twins, fostering and working Mums to ADHD, succeeding in a man’s world and homeschooling with her 14 children! You may need something stronger than tea to get you through this one so treat yourself to a slice of cake, a deep cleansing breath and tune in this Friday.

Hey U.G.L.Y. : Betty Hoeffner Jul 08, 2011

Hey Unique Gifted Lovable You is a non profit organization helping teens and tweens to discover their “inner cool” so that they can be who they are instead of who they think they need to be. I am blessed to be sharing a cuppa, once again, with Betty Hoeffner co-founder of this fabulous non-profit organization. Betty knows how tough it can be for teens to hold on to their self-esteem especially when faced with peer pressure, bullying and self-bullying. Betty was a bullied bully when she was a teen and knows what it’s like to hide behind a false persona. We’ll be talking about Cyber Bullying, a hot topic for all parents today, self bullying and bullying after school in the work place. Bullying is not an acceptable form of behaviour and the bullier needs help too. Listen to my show this Friday as Betty and I talk about how to recognize bullying, the reasons behind it and how to love ourselves so that we can love our neighbours. Get your tea and come along!

One World One Trip: Lisa Shusterman Jul 01, 2011

“Returning home after a year abroad has a way of putting life into a different perspective. Things that were once important no longer seem important – be it material possessions or ways in which we live our lives. Other aspects of our life, which were given less focus in the past, suddenly take on a higher priority.” These are the words of Lisa Shusterman, my guest this week, who with the help of her husband, put together a world odyssey for their family and changed their lives forever. They homeschooled on the road to get the most out of their travels and in the end discovered that relationships, with each other, their family at home and friends they had left behind or made along the way, are what matter the most. You’ll want to learn more about this adventurous family who put traditional life on hold to travel the world for a year. Be there, this Friday at 8am CT, bring your beverage!

Improv Homeschooling: Andrew Einspruch Jun 24, 2011

This week we are continuing the scintillating conversation I was having two weeks ago, with Andrew Einspruch when time unceremoniously interrupted us just when things were getting interesting! Andrew was an improv comic when he locked eyes with Billie, an Australian stand up comic, in Hawaii. It was love at first sight (sound familiar?) and together they laugh, make films, rescue animals, write books and educate their fifteen year old daughter, Tamsin, in rural Australia and married bliss. You will absolutely want to listen in this Friday as I resume my chat with Andrew and unlock his life as a film-maker, director, editor and writer incorporating his family in every aspect of the business. Go homeschool! Grab a scone and a cuppa, that’s tea or coffee, and join us on Friday!

Alaskan Bush to Fireside: Lori Zulliger Jun 17, 2011

Lori Zulliger is a certified teacher who has had experience working with the native peoples in Alaska. Lori first became involved with homeschoolers through a curriculum project she was field testing to help students pass the Alaskan State exit exam in reading, writing and math. Her experience with the homeschool families was so positive she became hooked and began counseling them about their goals, curricula and methodologies to create a love of learning with their children. Finally she and her husband took the plunge and started to teach their 2nd grader at home. Join me this Friday as I talk to Lori about the homeschooling movement in Alaska and the terrific support and resources available in our forty-ninth state.

Wild Pure Heart: Andrew Einspruch Jun 10, 2011

My guest this week is an ex-pat, homeschooling father living in New South Wales. Andrew Eisenpruch was an improv comic when he met an Australian stand up comic and immediately knew he had found his future wife. Together they laugh, make films, rescue animals, write books and educate their daughter in rural Australia. You will absolutely want to listen in this Friday as I chat with Andrew about the eclectic lifestyle he and his wife have created for themselves and their fifteen year old daughter. We will be comparing notes on the differences and similarities in home education down under! Put some shrimp on the bar-b and join us!

Opening Gifts: Juliette Wallen Jun 03, 2011

Have you ever stepped outside your comfort zone for your child? Have you discovered a part of you that lay dormant until your child’s needs prodded you to go deeper? Have you unwrapped talents out of necessity for those you love? These are powerful questions and my guest this week, Juliette Wallen, is going to answer them for us as she tells her story of how she began to communicate with her non-verbal autistic child. A mother’s love is powerful, its ferocity is empowering and when a she eventually surrenders herself miracles begin to happen. Juliette homeschooled her son and their lives changed. Join us on Friday, bring your tea and a listening heart.

Homeschool by Design: Karla Marie Williams May 27, 2011

Join me this week and take a master class in balancing as I chat to MOMpreneur Karla Marie Williams. Karla will tell us how she homeschools her three children, manages her business, directs a new foundation she has just started, drafts and edits her second book and prepares for the launch of her new radio show right here on Toginet on June 7th. How does she keep time for herself and her husband? Bring your tea and prepare to be inspired while you listen to our chat this Friday at 4pm Central.

Social Media, Classics and the Weather: Chris Orr May 20, 2011

I have a weatherman joining me this Friday and although he may not be able to give us a favourable forecast for this weekend in our area, he will definitely get us up to speed on the homeschooling front in Rapid City, South Dakota and tell us how to stay upwind of the social media. Chris Orr is a homeschooling Dad who works closely with local homeschool organizations to ensure that the courses that will be offered at the new John Witherspoon Classical College mesh with the needs of homeschooling students in 11th and 12th grades. The college will be opening in the fall of 2012 so tune in for our conversation as we talk about social media, the classics, homeschooling, college and the weather, on Friday at 4pm Central.

Spark Your Life: Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis May 13, 2011

We are looking at another career this week and my guest is Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis an expert on the different ways we learn. We will talk about how she became interested in this topic and what she did to bring it to the people who need it most. Parents and teachers! Mariaemma is a licensed and certified Strategic Attraction™ Coach. She is also the co-author of “Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten” and “Discover Your Child's Learning Style”, and co-founder of LearningSuccess™ Institute. She also conducts workshops and seminars.  Join me this Friday afternoon and listen while Mariaemma shares with us the ways in which to pursue a career that will Spark your Life.  

Teen Rescue: Diane Flynn Keith May 06, 2011

Rethink Teen: Diane Flynn Keith May 6th, 2011 I am thrilled to welcome back Diane Flynn Keith this week as my guest. Diane is an alternative education specialist, coach, author, and speaker. Her sons bypassed traditional high school and engaged in volunteer work, flight lessons, working in retail and the trades, and performing in music venues with their bands. They are now both graduates of the Musician's Institute and are pursing productive careers in the music industry. Diane presents workshops where she talks about how teens and their homeschooling parents can live an independent life of self directed learning. She claims that when you listen to her speak you won’t learn what’s being presented in high school or from the local school district. Diane has written an audio-seminar and resource guide on how to un-school your teens and describes herself as radical. Call it what you may, come and listen to her rave on Friday over several cups of tea!

Mother's Milk: Theresa Bello Apr 29, 2011

This week it’s time to take a look at a career path that has drawn many devotees throughout the centuries, including Florence Nightingale, whose famous wards are still operational in London hospitals and Mother Theresa, who brought a glimmer of compassion into the lives of the forgotten poor in Calcutta. Yes, my friend, Theresa Bello and I could be talking about nurses or religious this week because the healthcare industry is still considered a vocation. We are actually going to be talking about nursing since Theresa is a Lactation Consultant at Baylor Hospital in downtown Dallas, which means she has the pleasure of working with newborns and their mothers. Our chat this Friday will cover topics such as why she chose to be a nurse and how she pursued her desire. She will offer some advice for aspiring caregivers, and we will also cover the difference between career and vocation. So fire up your computer and listen in on Friday afternoon for some helpful insights into a worthwhile future.

Lambs, Eggs and Lilies Apr 22, 2011

Good Friday commemorates the reason for the season and Sarita Holzmann, co-founder and president of the literature based curriculum company, Sonlight, is going to be with me for my whole show. We will talk about this holiest of holy days in the Christian Church calendar. We will explore the secular and the sacred and read favourite passages from beloved books and poems. We will share family traditions and draw you into the solemnity of this great day followed by the promise of Easter Sunday and what the resurrection means to all of us who choose to accept God’s gift. So don’t miss out on a Better than Good show this Friday.

Learning Differently: Kathy Kuhl Apr 15, 2011

My guest this week is a homeschooling mother who speaks at national conferences in the United States and has also traveled to Europe as an advocate for children with learning challenges. Kathy Kuhl, author of “Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner,” graduated from William and Mary College with a teaching certificate in mathematics and English. She holds workshops at homeschooling conventions and support groups. She has been quoted in many publications, including ADDitude magazine, and CHADD’s Attention Magasine. Kathy works to link families with resources in the special needs and homeschooling communities, so join us this Friday afternoon and learn how you can successfully homeschool your special child.

Cool, Calm and Collected: Dean Tong Apr 08, 2011

April is Child Abuse and Prevention month and this Friday I am thrilled to have Dean Tong as my guest. Dean is a nationally recognized expert on the topic of false child abuse especially among homeschoolers. We will talk about what to do and not to do if you have been falsely accused. Mr. Tong's book, Elusive Innocence, contains a wealth of information for potential CPS victims. There is virtually nothing that can be done to prevent CPS from knocking on our doors so join us on Friday to find out some of the ways we can protect ourselves.

Parenting for Social Change: Teresa Brett Apr 01, 2011

Have you caught yourself telling your children how they should be feeling: “that didn’t hurt!” or how long they can shed tears: “that’s enough, you can stop crying now.” Do you expect your children to say “please” and “thank you,” to be polite? Do you insist they are respectful of adults, not whine or yell, not get angry? Like me and many other parents, you probably answered yes to all the above. Enter my guest this week, Teresa Brett, author of the book, Parenting for Social Change. Teresa is returning to talk to us about strategies and tools for letting go of harmful control of our children. She homeschools her two young boys in the Sonoran Desert and is an advocate for being who we really are, from birth on up! Join us on Friday afternoon and be inspired to look deep within yourself and create new parenting paradigms.

Growing Comfortable with Imperfect Mar 25, 2011

This week I am broadcasting from London and will be talking to Laura Lee Ellis and her husband, Nick, who live, work and raise their son, in Oxford. They are lifelong homeschoolers and are going to be offering tips on how to thrive in higher education and fulfilling work while standing out from the crowd in a positive way. Laura is marketing writer for Sonlight Curriculum and has a blog called Life as a Rough Draft, Nick teaches Greek at Oxford University and is working on his Ph.D. in Theology. They are acquiring a taste for English food, in particular chocolate digestive biscuits, the ones I love to dunk in my tea! Listen on Friday to a lively and encouraging conversation with two second generational, positively thriving, homeschoolers.

Parent at the Helm: Linda Dobson Mar 18, 2011

Linda Dobson certainly knows how to homeschool, she talks about it, writes about it, blogs about it and teaches families how to enjoy and thrive through the homeschooling lifestyle. She and her family began their journey in 1985 and she served as The National Home Education Network's first public relations advisor in 1999. Join us on Friday as we talk about Linda’s calling to be a public speaker and her new website, Parent at the Helm.com.

Future Advice: Mike Donnelly Mar 11, 2011

I am happy to welcome Mike Donnelly, a staff attorney for the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, to my show again this week. For those of you who have listened to the past conversations we have enjoyed you will know by now that Mike is a well spring of information for all of us. This week will be no exception, join me as I ask Mike to offer some invaluable advice for young people entering college or the work force. We will talk about how he carved a successful career for himself which he now balances with his busy home life consisting of his wife and their seven children. Bring your tea on Friday, this is thirsty work.

Okay Kids, Time for Bedlam: Debbie Harbeson Mar 04, 2011

My guest on Friday is Debbie Harbeson author of the hilarious, free, online book, Okay Kids, Time For Bedlam. Debbie is a freelance writer, website designer, reading tutor and computer coach, who lives in Indiana. She has a blog where homeschooling families from all over the United States and the world have answered her four questions about how homeschooling is free and fun for the whole family. Come and hear how Debbie impressed her children by scoring a bull's-eye with…a bull's eye! All the fun is here on The Sociable Homeschooler, Friday at 4pm CT.

Rock and Roll Savvy: Larry McNeny Feb 25, 2011

This week I’m talking to the second of a series of experts especially invited to help homeschool students plan for their future and choose a career that suits their individual talents and personalities. Larry McNeny, aka my blue eyed cowboy, has agreed to join us for a cuppa and a look behind the scenes of a career in the music industry. Sound exciting? Well tune in to find out how you can rub shoulders with celebrities from your generation and find success within the ranks of the successful. Larry also found time to help homeschool our four children using his guitar, his imagination and his unique way of telling bedtime stories. Listen this Friday at 4pm CT and let’s rumble!

The Money Machine: Amanda van der Gulik Feb 18, 2011

ver wonder where children think money comes from? Listen this week as Amanda van der Gulik shares with us the responses she received when she asked this question of some of her young acquaintances. Amanda home-schools her two children ages 7 & 9 and in her spare time she is a wealth-mentality coach for parents. As the author of, “The Insider’s Secrets to Teaching Children About Money”, and “The Clever Dough Challenge” her passion for empowering children and teens with life skills and money savvy is contagious. Join us this Friday at 4pm CT and let’s broach this taboo topic together.

Laughing Out Loud: Jenni Saake Feb 11, 2011

Come and have fun with me this week as I talk to another homechooled homeschooler! Jennifer Saake is a wonder of a woman who faces struggles you and I would run away from and hide. She lives in Nevada and “bedschools,” (her description not mine) three living miracles while fighting XMRV-Associated Neuro-immune Disease. She was homecoming queen in her youth and laughs out loud when anyone mentions social isolation in the same sentence as homeschooling! LOL. Prepare to be wowed, this Friday at 4pm CT.

Casablanca Anytime: Brooke Benoit Feb 04, 2011

Welcome this week to Brooke Benoit, a young woman who began homeschooling herself at the age of 15 and never looked back. She is an artist struggling for spiritual self-perfection in an overwhelmingly beautiful world created by God that both distracts and inspires her. She and her family live in Morocco and homeschool in the sultry, romantic city of Casablanca…sound too good to be true? Join us for a cup of tea on Friday and hear Brooke’s story of how living in this famous city has fuelled her love for homeschooling, anywhere, anytime.

The UnschoolerExperiment: Peter Kowalke Jan 28, 2011

Peter Kowalke is returning to my show this Friday to talk to us about his exciting new venture, Unschooler.com. Last July we talked about his documentary, “Grown Without Schooling,” where he followed and interviewed ten grown homeschoolers as they explored and openly discussed the lasting influence home education has had on their lives. This time Peter and I will talk about where unschooling has taken him and his brand new venture, unschooler.com. Tune in with a cuppa and learn how this bright young man is making a name for himself and staying connected with his fellow unschoolers.

Jungle Call to Homeschool: Marcia Washburn Jan 21, 2011

Building tomorrow's generation is not for the faint hearted. This Friday I am talking to Marcia Washburn who knows that as Christian parents we want to move beyond diapers, daycare and dance class to get a glimpse of what God is planning for our family’s legacy. Marcia took her message to the jungles of Ecuador and taught the Shuar Indians how to build a firm foundation for their children that won’t crumble under pressure. She accepts that even as we seek that vision, we must deal with day-to-day parenting, educational, financial, and spiritual challenges. Bring your tea and come and listen on Friday to this motivational speaker who will help you build tomorrow’s generation.

Encouraging Young Mums: Judy Wnuk Jan 14, 2011

On Friday Judy Wnuk and I will talk about the ever changing needs of the homeschooling family. As a representative for Sonlight Curriculum, Judy travels to homeschool conventions and assists parents who are researching and making their curriculum choices. She is going to talk to us about some of the greatest needs of today’s homeschooling parents and then brainstorm about how best to meet those needs in an effective fashion. Bring your cup of tea and log on to hear our conversation this Friday.

What To Be Or Not To Be...: Christie Jenkins Jan 07, 2011

Join me this week for the first of a new series of guests especially invited to help homeschoolers plan for their future and choose a career that suits their individual personalities and talents. Why do you need a job? To pay the rent, buy clothes, go to college or to serve? Are you going to pursue your dream or choose your career based on demand and where the money is? Christie Jenkins will be talking to me today and together we will explore the world of employment. She is an Ideas Entrepreneur which means….tune in to find out! Bring a cuppa and an open mind this Friday.

Over My Shoulder: More Conversations From 2010 Dec 31, 2010

This is the last show of 2010 and once again I’m running highlights with live reflections on how the year has unfolded for me, The Sociable Homeschooler. You’ll hear part of my chat with a delightful homeschooler who actually survived and is doing fine in the real world, Laura Lee Ellis; then we’ll relive the explosive times Steve Wolf has with his homeschooling family and finally listen again to Gretchen Roe from The Calvert School. I’ll re-play my story about the difference between British and American English and Kathy, my friend from Liverpool, will put in her tuppenceworth when she comments on her Liverpudlian use of words. Join me on New Year’s Eve and together let’s look back over the year and forward to 2011.

A Quick Look Back: Conversations From 2010 Dec 22, 2010

This Friday I’m running highlights from previous shows with live commentary on how the year has unfolded for The Sociable Homeschooler. You’ll hear my little natter with Mike Donnelly from HSLDA, as he tells us how he helps his wife in the homeschool; we’ll listen in to my conversation with radical unschooling Mum, Lisa Cottrell-Bentley and hear again how Shelby Sharpe clarified the law, once and for all in regards to homeschooling in Texas. I’ll re-play my story about a word I apparently have difficulties with here in America where English is spoken with a Texas accent. We can laugh again with my friend from Liverpool when she joins me for a few minutes to keep me company. Tune in this Friday, Christmas Eve and don’t forget the eggnog!

Pulled Down? Stuck? Unravel with Marla Tabaka Dec 17, 2010

I have a fellow host on the show with me this week. Marla Tabaka broadcasts, Million Dollar Mindset, live on Mondays from 2-3pm EST here on Toginet Radio. Marla believes that, with the right mindset, ANYTHING is possible! So you need to tune in and listen to our conversation on Friday and find out about the internal programming, embedded into our nervous system, that gets in the way of our dreams and goals. So, put the kettle on and let’s tap into that million dollar mindset with Marla. See you Friday!

Carschool and Homefires: Diane Flynn Keith Dec 10, 2010

My guest this week is Diane Flynn Keith who is editor-in-Chief of Homefires.com, a website devoted to kindling a life-long love of learning and empowering parents around the world with the support and resources needed to help their children get a meaningful education at home. Diane writes for magazines, has contributed to books on homeschooling, and is a public speaker at education conferences. She has been interviewed on television for ABC, CBS and NBC and has been a guest on public radio stations and today she is my guest

Calvert at Anytime: Gretchen Roe Dec 03, 2010

I’m pleased to be welcoming my friend, Gretchen Roe, back to my show this afternoon. Gretchen is an amazing homeschooling mother of six children ranging in age from early 20’s to 4 years old. She also works for Calvert School as the community liaison and runs a blog on their site. Today we are going to talk about starting a new curriculum or even a new way of life in the middle of the traditional academic year and how Calvert can offer full support during the transition. Join us as we also talk about holiday plans and enjoy a cup of tea this Friday.

Stress Free Holidays: Sandy Fowler Nov 23, 2010

This week Sandy Fowler of Heart Filled Holidays will be joining me to talk about her homeschooling experience and especially about her practical approach to living, working, and prospering. Tune in this Friday and discover how to be happy, content and excited no matter what the outer circumstances of your life. Let Sandy teach you how to design a stress free holiday that warms your heart and feeds your spirit. So, grab your tea and listen to the positive results homeschooling had on Sandy’s family and find out how you can share in her success.

At Home With Dyslexia: Dixie Hacker Nov 19, 2010

My friend, Dixie Hacker, is returning to my show after almost a year and we will be talking about balance in the homeschool. Tune in to learn how she has had to adapt her schedule to meet the needs of one of her twins’ diagnosis of dyslexia. We will be talking about her struggles and successes during this very demanding semester as she and her husband made decisions about how to best serve their family’s needs. Join me on Friday to find out what to do when homeschooling is not all plain sailing.

Eclectic not Hectic: Janita Pavelka Nov 12, 2010

Balancing academics with hands on work and service is the key to successful homeschooling for Janita Pavelka and her family. She has four children and together they have used the Moore Approach which advocates, among other things, delaying formal school learning until the child is between 8-12 years old. How does this work in reality and will your child fall behind? Janita and I will explore these questions and talk about how playing games, reading aloud and volunteering in the community grows responsible children who are well rounded and ready to learn. Join us this Friday afternoon.

Hitting the High Seas: Laureen Hudson Oct 29, 2010

Join me this week with guest Laureen Hudson, one of the featured homeschoolers on TodayShow.com who did an article entitled, Movable Feast: Homeschooling in the World. Laureen and her husband and three children, will set sail on the high seas next year. Their particular lifestyle is enticingly called “cruising” and Laureen will talk to us about marina living and setting up house on a boat with three youngsters. Let her regale you with stories about living without school. Bring your tea and join us for an entertaining show this Friday.

Singular Homeschooling: Mike Donnelly Oct 22, 2010

Once again Mike Donnelly is going to be joining me from the Home School Legal Defense Association where he serves as staff attorney and director of international relations. We will be talking about topics ranging from parental rights to homeschooling in Europe and India. Mike will tell us about some of the politically volatile issues he is involved in at the moment. He will also share his research and thoughts on how hundreds of single Mums and even Dads are able to provide for, protect and educate a homeschooling family on their own. Join us this Friday for an interesting and educational show.

RV on the Road: Larry Farris Oct 18, 2010

How difficult is it to get our homeschoolers into college? What tests do they have to pass? What hoops do we need to jump through? Will the high school years at home be more than we can take? Join me with my guest, Larry Farris, while we talk about these time sensitive questions as our children reach that age when they really need to start looking to the future. Larry and his wife homeschooled their three children while traveling around the States in their RV. Put on the kettle and come and have some of your concerns and questions answered before giving up and packing your children off to public high school.

Hey U.G.L.Y. : Betty Hoeffner Oct 08, 2010

Hey Unique Gifted Lovable You, is a non profit organization that helps teens and tweens discover their “inner cool” so that they can be who they are instead of who they think they need to be. I will be sharing a cuppa with Betty Hoeffner who co-founded this esteemed non profit organization, this coming Friday. Come and listen, and join in if you like, as Betty and I talk about bullying, obesity and racism. It happens to everyone…even homeschoolers. Be there, or be square!

Sonlight Your Path: Sarita Holzmann Oct 01, 2010

Sonlight is celebrating 20 years as a curriculum company and to mark this achievement, co-founder and president, Sarita Holzmann, will be chatting with me this Friday afternoon. Over an afternoon cup of tea we will explore the benefits of using a literature based curriculum. We will also talk about a new project with Mission India that begins on October 5th. Join us and discover the power of the written word.

Silence is Signing Sep 25, 2010

uests this week are Dawn Prochovnic and Christie Jenkins, both experts in Sign Language. Although they do not homeschool themselves they are fellow entrepreneurs who enjoy thinking outside the box. Join us on Friday as we talk about why sign language became an important part of their lives. Discover why they think everyone should learn how to sign and increase their literacy skills while decreasing the volume level at home!

Para Normal Homeschooling: Annette Couch-Jareb Sep 03, 2010

Sofie Couch, a paranormal child, is the star of, Angels Unawares, a book written by my guest this week, Annette Couch-Jareb. Annette talks about her own preconceived ideas about learning and education, shares her insights from her blog-site, The Bohemian Reviewer and homeschools her daughter who is attending the local community college in Keswick, Virginia. Join us as we chat on Friday about how homeschoolers can avoid getting lost at the kitchen table, or in cyber space.

Mother Daughter Bonding: A Joint Venture in Homeschooling Aug 28, 2010

Lisa Bracken joins me from rural Colorado this week to talk about her recently released humour novel, Crazy Jake’s Fish Bomb. Lisa homeschooled her daughter when the movement was still cutting its teeth. She is a literacy advocate and promotes early reading, creative writing and strong technical writing skills as tools to help young people find a solid footing in the competitive world of commerce. She and her daughter co-own a marketing firm for small business and we will discover how they aid folks who find themselves in David vs. Goliath situations.

Have Homeschool Will Travel Aug 21, 2010

My guest this week is my intrepid traveling companion and daughter, Malia McNeny. Malia is a sophomore at the local college and until three weeks ago she had her future mapped out. Join us as she talks about how her trip to England completely changed her life and listen to her perspective on homeschooling while abroad. She will also share some of the more amusing aspects of British living.

Outside Influences on an Inside Movement Aug 13, 2010

This week I am welcoming several British Home Educators who are going to talk with me about why they decided to home school their children, co-oping in England and whether support groups work for them. Alice Gurr, Lynne Purchase, and Carol Slater will regale us with their stories and together we will share our common experiences of home schooling our children as well as look at some of the differences we encounter across the pond. Bring a cup of tea and join us on Friday for what promises to be a very entertaining conversation.

Life After Homeschool Aug 06, 2010

Have you ever wondered how homeschoolers feel about their education once they get to college? Laura Lee Ellis, a lifelong homeschooler, writer and speaker living in Oxford, England, tells us why she feels homeschooling uniquely prepared her for college and life and offers tips on how to make the most of a home education and thrive in higher education and fulfilling work. Join us on Friday and hear how Laura Lee Ellis challenges young people to stand out from the crowd in a positive way and live passionately and with purpose by making the most of their homeschool experience to prepare them for higher education and fulfilling work.

School's Out in England: Colin Slater Jul 30, 2010

My guest this week hails from Liverpool, England. He and his wife have been homeschooling their eight children for twenty years. Colin Slater is now the principal of TEACH (The European Academy for Christian Homeschooling) where he is able to promote homeschooling especially in England. Mr. Slater found that the biggest opposition to Christian Education in England is the church and he will talk to me a about the way he and his wife sought God’s call to evangelism through education. Join me on Friday and learn how our neighbours across the pond educate their children at home.

Keeping it in the Family Jul 24, 2010

I am talking to a family this week that has homeschooling in their blood. Jill Martin and her siblings are joining me to talk about growing up as homeschoolers in Mexico and how their experiences led them to make their own choices about educating their children when the time came. Join us as we talk about the impact homeschooling had on their world view and how they used it to shape their lives and those of their families.

Grown Without Schooling: Peter Kowalke Jul 19, 2010

I am delighted to welcome Peter Kowalke to my show this week. Peter is a lifelong homeschooler who created the documentary, “Grown Without Schooling.” He followed and interviewed ten grown homeschoolers during their daily life and work and together they explored and openly discussed the lasting influence home education has had on their lives. Join me on Friday as Peter and I talk about the ups and downs of homeschooling from the point of view of the students rather than from the perspective of the parents’ in what promises to be a lively chat.

Explosive Homeschooling: Steve Wolf Jul 10, 2010

My guest this week is Special Effects Coordinator, Steve Wolf, from Austin Texas. As a film producer Steve travels to many interesting places. By homeschooling his children he has been able to share his experiences with his family and avoid being away from them for long periods of time. Join me this afternoon as I talk to Steve about some of the interesting movies he has worked on and how he worked his explosive magic to make homeschooling a success.

Let Liberty Ring: Dr. Marlene McMillan Jul 03, 2010

With July 4th just around the corner my guest, Dr. Marlene McMillan is joining me to talk about the liberty to homeschool and her new book, The Five Pillars of Liberty. She homeschooled her seven children amid personal difficulties that would daunt the most stalwart of us. She is a teacher, speaker and lobbyist for homeschooling and other educational related subjects. Join us this afternoon for a powerful and interesting show.

When Children Discover Pets Jun 26, 2010

Larry Kay teaches children and families about pets by creating award-winning children’s educational media. His company, Animal Wow (www.animalwow.com) has won many awards, including the Dove Foundation’s “Four Doves” award for promoting Judeo-Christian family values in its work to help children become safe and successful with pets. In this interview, Larry and I discuss the importance of positive pet experiences in the family, and some ways that parents can help children discover themselves as they discover pets.

Parenting for Social Change Jun 19, 2010

I am thrilled to welcome back Teresa Brett, author of the website, Parenting for Social Change. Teresa uses her passion for social justice and transformative education as she educates her two young boys at home in the Sonoran Desert. As an advocate for being who we really are Teresa challenges pervasive adultism. Join us on Friday afternoon and be inspired to look deep within yourself and create new parenting paradigms.

Learning Success: Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis Jun 12, 2010

This week my guest is Learning Style expert Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis. Mariaemma has spent the last 16 years guiding children and their families in understanding and appreciating their natural gifts and abilities so that they can discover their passions and potentials. She co-founded The Learning Success Institute and has co-authored several books including, "Discover Your Child’s Learning Style." Join us on Friday afternoon as we talk about how to tap into our child’s unique learning styles and find out how we can enrich our individual homeschooling experiences

Gretchen Roe: Community Liaison for Calvert School Jun 05, 2010

Join me this week as I welcome back Gretchen Roe from Calvert School. Gretchen is the Community Liaison for Calvert School. She is a veteran homeschool parent of 6 who has been integrally involved in the homeschool scene in Maryland for more than 15 years. She has been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program, “The Diane Rehm Show” and is a regular contributor to Calvert School’s online blog community. She is here to talk to us about some of the new services The Calvert School has to offer for its global community of homeschoolers.

Socialisation: The Dreaded Question May 29, 2010

This week I am talking to three homeschooling mothers who are in the fray. Jill Martin from Toginet Radio, Teresa Brett from Parenting for Social Change and Melissa Kuntz who was my guest on Good Friday. Together we are going to explore the ideas behind the word, socialization. Why people think our children need it and aren’t getting it at home. What does it mean to you to be socialized? Do you think homeschoolers are well socialized? Join me this week and find out why socialization is such a hot topic for school boards, education administrators and homeschoolers.

UMS: Combining Homeschool with Private School May 22, 2010

My guest this week is Mitch Rhodes, founder of Kings Academy Christian School in Tyler, Texas. Mitch believes in keeping the parent in charge of their children’s education and does so by using the University Model in his private school. He has worked with Tim Lambert, the president of the Texas Home School Coalition and is currently employed by the local school district as a mathematics teacher at the district’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program where he works with students who have failed to follow the district’s policies. As a public school teacher and a champion for home schooling Mitch will most certainly be an interesting guest you won't want to miss.

Dads--Leading Your Homeschool Family: Mike Donnelly May 15, 2010

I am delighted to welcome back Mike Donnelly, staff attorney for the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and director of international relations. This time we will be talking about Dads; how they can play an active part in the home school and influence their families as God has called them to do. Mike will also share his expertise and insights about parents in Western Europe who do not have the freedom we enjoy in the U.S. to choose how to raise their children without Government intervention.

Writing Books as a Family: Lisa Cottrell-Bentley May 08, 2010

This week I’ll be talking with Lisa Cottrell-Bentley, author of the Wright on Time series of children’s chapter books about an RV-living, homeschooling family who travel America learning while on the road. Lisa is a radical unschooler, whose children really have it together. Come and find out how she and her family live a peaceful and exhilarating lifestyle together. Find her at: www.WrightOnTimeBooks.com and read her blog at: www.DoLifeRight.com

Sharing Ideas and Children: Carol Topp Apr 30, 2010

My guest this week is Carol Topp, CPA. We’re going to talk about homeschooling co-ops and how to share the education of your child with others who may do things differently. Carol is the author of “Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out.” She will give us some ideas on what to teach in a co-op and we will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of group learning. Join me this afternoon and learn how co-oping is a good way to experience the God given talents and gifts of other parents.

All The World's A School: Eli Gerzon Apr 24, 2010

Ever heard of World School? Eli Gerzon, owner and operator of Worldschool Travel Tours takes homeschooling teens abroad so that they can further understand the world they live in and discover how their lives fit into the larger picture. Join me this afternoon as I talk to Eli, an innovative young man who turned his homeschooling experience and trips to Europe into a career.

A to Z Home's Cool: Ann Zeise Apr 17, 2010

I’m talking to Ann Zeise this week who is a self taught Web Master. Ann will tell us how she decided to homeschool her son and her journey from teacher of one to teacher of the world on her world wide web education site. Her son is now CFO of her company and together they manage the 1,000 plus pages from her home in California. Come and listen as Ann and I share some homeschooling stories and talk about maintaining jobs and an identity while educating our children.

Say No to Labels and Yes to Hope: Linda Kane Apr 10, 2010

Linda Kane is my guest today. She homeschooled her children and discovered how Neurodevelopmental Treatment could help her son Scott who had Down Syndrome. Join me to hear how Linda changed her son’s life. We will be talking about the many applications of ND and how to determine when this approach is applicable in a child’s development. Linda now works as a certified neurodevelopmentalist and has changed the lives of many children with learning disabilities.

Hot Cross Buns and Easter Apr 03, 2010

This week my theme is Good Friday. I will be sharing with you some customs, legends and superstitions attached to this day. I am also going to read a story that will bring tears to your eyes. My guests are Pamela, my well heeled stranger, who encouraged me to homeschool all those year ago, and a relatively new homeschooler, Melissa, who decided to stick her neck out and go for it! We’ll be talking to you about obedience and the Easter story. Join me as I eat my hot cross bun and drink a cup of tea on this most holy of days on the Christian calendar.

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling: Debra Bell Mar 27, 2010

Join me as I speak to Debra Bell an Apologia Live Speaker. Debra has written, The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling and The Ultimate Guide to Homechooling Teens. Find out how she balanced homeschooling her children with her career as an author, speaker and educator while still keeping her sanity. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. is the well known curriculum company that publishes the science books by Dr. Jay L. Wile.

Leeper vs Arlington: Mr. Shelby Sharpe Mar 20, 2010

Mr. Shelby Sharpe is my most esteemed guest this week. He has been a lawyer since 1965 and was involved in the basic question “are homeschools private schools?” He filed a lawsuit against all the school districts on behalf of several homeschoolers and brought a class action suit, Leeper vs Arlington, to trial in January 1987 which changed the face of homeschooling for Texans. Join me this afternoon to hear the results of that trail blazing trial that still allows us, 23 years later, to educate our children legally at home.

Busting the Stereotype: Hannah Keeley, Total Mom Mar 13, 2010

This week my guest is, Hannah Keeley, host of the PBS T.V. show, “Hannah Help Me!” You’ll want to listen in and learn how Hannah balances a busy career and a family of nine. By making every moment count she cooks healthy meals, collaborates on homeschool projects and shows off her long, smooth legs. Meet Hannah with me and dare to transform your life.

ND: Don't Rush Child Development: Julie Meekins Mar 06, 2010

I will be talking to Julie Meekins, a homeschooler who refused to take the diagnosis of her daughter’s CHARGE Syndrome lying down. We will talk about her positive approach, how God worked in her life and how she was moved to become a certified Neurodevelopmentalist. Julie will explain ND to us and share how all her children worked together to help her daughter progress through the natural development of her body, step by step. Julie stresses the importance of not skipping steps and her story is one of courage and love.

HSLDA: Keeping Homeschoolers Legal: Mike Donnelly Feb 27, 2010

My guest this week is Mike Donnelly from HSLDA where he serves as staff attorney and director of international relations. Mike works to encourage greater freedom for homeschoolers all over the world. He is a frequent speaker and writer on the subject of homeschooling. He and his wife homeschool their six children. We will talk about Mike’s background and discuss the work he does in America and around the world to ensure that homeschooling remains a parental choice.

Calvert, School in a Box: Gretchen Roe Feb 20, 2010

I am talking to Gretchen Roe this week who is the Community Liaison for Calvert School. As a homeschooling mother of six Gretchen herself and a user of the Calvert Curriculum she has a wealth of experience as both a teacher and mentor for Calvert users around the world. Find out more about this curriculum where each grade comes self contained in a box and can be shipped to you anywhere in the world.

New Kid on the Block: Dixie Hacker Feb 05, 2010

Join me as I talk to Dixie who has just jumped on the homeschooling bandwagon. She and her four children are thriving. Motivated by meeting a “normal” looking family who homeschooled, Dixie and her husband spent a year deciding whether it was a lifestyle they could embrace. After reading my book they made up their minds to take the plunge. Dixie and I talk about her experience teaching in the public schools and how she now views homeschooling.

Bombs and Books in Beirut: Linda Sacco Jan 30, 2010

This week my guest is Linda Sacco who traveled with her husband to war torn Beirut, Lebanon in the 1970’s and decided it was safer to homeschool her children in their house in the hills than to send them to school where they could get caught on the street in crossfire or stranded by a curfew. They experienced mortar fire and shelling but Linda was able to continue her children’s education despite several evacuations.

Homeschooling Really is a Circus: Bev Abderrahman Jan 23, 2010

Join me as I talk to former circus performer and homeschooling mother of three, Bev Abderrahman. Bev talks about her days as a trapeze artist with the Shriners, how she met her acrobatic husband, and kept her growing family together by educating them on the road with elephants, lions, tigers and bears, oh my!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected