Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

Each child is unique, and so is their learning style. Join Jim Mason and entrepreneur Greg Heinemann for a discussion on the entrepreneurial spirit and how homeschooling facilitates outside-the-box thinking, allowing parents to create an environment that fits the needs of each student, helping them grow into flourishing adults.   "The beauty of homeschooling is that the parents have already reject...

Melissa Capps never wanted to be a teacher—until she sat in a school conference with her oldest son's first grade teacher. She decided, right then and there, that it was time bring her child home. Despite the challenges that lay ahead—homeschooling children with special needs and navigating her husband's unemployment in 2020—Melissa has persevered, seeking out resources and community that equip he...

What will be your family legacy? For author and speaker Ainsley Arment, it starts by defining and then creating a family culture together with your kids. Join Ainsley and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) for a conversation about Wild + Free Homeschooling. In this episode, they discuss how homeschooling is much more than an educational option—and how it can lead to an amazing connection with your childr...

At 13 years old, Ian Reid was a homeschool student in Northern Idaho, creating fun videos as a hobby with his friends. That year, he came up with the name for his future company: Distant Moon. He now runs Distant Moon full-time, directing projects for clients across the US. In this episode, Ian (founder of Distant Moon) joins Jeremiah Lorrig (Deputy Director of HSLDA's Generation Joshua) to discus...

As soon as she dropped off her eldest daughter at public school for her first day of classes, Latasha Fields knew she needed to homeschool. Now a homeschool mom and advocate for parents rights, Latasha Fields joins Jim Mason (HSLDA President) to discuss the amazing journey that homeschooling has offered her family. She shares how she is reaching other families in the Chicago area to offer support...

He hadn't even turned 1 before she realized he was gifted. As a toddler, Casey Amarnek's son displayed a remarkable understanding of letters and words—even before he was speaking. Having firsthand classroom experience as a public school teacher, Casey decided that the flexibility and customization of homeschooling was just what her son needed. And the result has been life-changing for both of them...

How can the flexibility of homeschooling allow your child to chase their passions? Allison DeMarco (Sacred Music Florida Competition) joins Jeremiah Lorrig (HSLDA's Generation Joshua) in this conversation on all things music. They talk about ways that parents and children can learn together—and how homeschooling paved the way for Allison's daughter to study music at Juilliard! "I really don't know...

What does healthy independence for kids look like? Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow has been studying this idea ever since she made headlines for letting her 9-year-old son ride the subway home by himself. In this episode, Lenore joins HSLDA President Jim Mason to discuss what she's learned about unstructured play and child independence. Lenore and Jim also chat about the recent bill that passed in Virg...

During the pandemic, Carla Konta saw homeschooling become a viable option in Croatia. With the support of other families and a global homeschooling network, she co-founded a homeschooling organization that is seeking to legalize homeschooling in her country. In this episode, Carla joins Kevin Boden (HSLDA Director of Global Outreach) to share her vision for homeschooling to be legally recognized i...

No matter what military base your family is assigned to, HSLDA is here to support you in your homeschool journey! Natalie Mack (HSLDA Military Outreach Coordinator) is working hard to create a positive and nourishing environment for military homeschooling families by fostering connections within the military community. In this episode of Homeschool Talks , join Jim Mason (HSLDA President) and Nata...

What are Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)—and what do they mean for homeschool freedom? Join Amy Buchmeyer (HSLDA Staff Attorney) in this discussion with Jim Mason (HSLDA President). They'll talk about: The arguments surrounding ESAs How public funding for homeschooling could increase regulation What Amy and Jim are seeing in the current 2023 legislative season Why HSLDA, a liberty-based organiza...

For Shirley Calabretta and her family, a normal homeschooling day in October 1994 quickly turned into a nightmare when a social worker and police officer entered their home without a warrant—only an anonymous tip. Shirley quickly called HSLDA, who took her case. What happened next would end up helping thousands of families, protecting their right to homeschool moving forward. In this episode, Shir...

In 2023, HSLDA is celebrating its 40th anniversary! To celebrate, HSLDA President Jim Mason is looking back with our two founding Mikes — Mike Farris and Mike Smith. Listen as they recall some of the cases and countless families that HSLDA has defended over the past 40 years and how HSLDA is looking towards the future with hope and more determination than ever to keep making homeschooling possible...

Nine years ago, Nicole Doyle started homeschooling because public school wasn't working for her middle schooler—and what began as a homeschool venture has turned into a calling! Nicole is now in various leadership positions in her homeschool community and is opening up a world of possibilities for her children and other homeschool families. Join Nicole and HSLDA President Jim Mason as they discuss...

With state legislatures in session, HSLDA's legislative season is in full swing! It's all-hands-on-deck to preserve homeschool freedom, but what exactly does that look like? Scott Woodruff (HSLDA Director of Legal and Legislative Advocacy) gives Jim Mason (HSLDA President) the rundown on the types of bills we are watching—from homeschool statutes to religious-freedom and parental-rights bills. Sco...

Chris Butler is a homeschool dad, pastor, and advocate. Having run in the primaries in the 1st congressional district of Illinois, Chris understands the power of being a parent in society and advocating for the needs of his community. Chris and his wife Aziza started WeSchool Academy , a learning center that seeks to equip families in their homeschool journey. Join this insightful conversation bet...

Being a parent requires a lot of different "hats" to wear, but never underestimate yourself and the variety of skills you can learn to accommodate for your child's needs! In this episode, join Vicki Bentley (HSLDA PreK–8th Educational Consultant) in a conversation with Cheri Kay Sessions (HSLDA Special Needs Educational Consultant), who shares her story of homeschooling children with special needs...

From the Netherlands to Germany, from Alaska to Virginia, Kevin Boden and his family have homeschooled across the globe. Join Jim Mason (HSLDA President) for a thoughtful conversation with Kevin, HSLDA's newest staff attorney (for 12 states!) and our new Director of Global Outreach.   Kevin shares his journey homeschooling overseas as a military family, what brought him to HSLDA, and what opportun...

Sometimes school officials don't understand the homeschool law in their state, misinterpret the meaning, or intentionally try to overreach their authority — as was recently the case in a Kentucky school district. In this episode, Tj Schmidt (HSLDA Staff Attorney) joins Jim Mason (HSLDA President) to give a rundown of what happened in this particular county and how HSLDA advocated for local homesch...

No matter what time of year it is—early January, spring cleaning season, or the start of the school year—there are only 24 hours in a day. With so little time and so much to do, discouragement can set in. Join Vicki Bentley (HSLDA Special Needs Consultant) and Kristi Clover (author of M.O.M: Master Organizer of Mayhem ) for an encouraging conversation about managing expectations, helpful steps to...

Homeschool Talks has reached its 100 th episode! To celebrate, Daniel Heffington (of HSLDA's Generation Joshua) is interviewing your host, HSLDA President Jim Mason. Join this entertaining and encouraging conversation to learn more about Jim, his journey to HSLDA and why he became interested in homeschooling law, his thoughts on leadership and seeking out purposeful mentorship, and how the Hardy B...

As parents, we want to have a close relationship with our kids and raise them to be independent and to do what's right. But somewhere along the way, we may find ourselves in a struggle for control. Sound familiar? Join Dr. Roger Smith (author of  Parenting with Influence)  and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) on this week's episode of Homeschool Talks as they  examine the parent-child relationship dyna...

When you homeschool, your family naturally spends more time together. And, more time together means more opportunities for conflict. But according to Dr. Steve Duvall (HSLDA Research Director), homeschooling can actually help alleviate sibling rivalries and conflicts!. In this episode of Homeschool Talks, join Dr. Duvall and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) as they discuss research that sheds light on...

It all started with an old DV camera and CGI lightsabers. As a kid, Jake Bartlett's parents were excited about his interests and encouraged him in his desire to learn motion design and videography. Now, he teaches motion design to his 100,000+ YouTube subscribers! Join Daniel Heffington from Generation Joshua for a conversation with this homeschool grad—they'll talk about Jake's homeschool experie...

Learning starts with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Approaching new things with a beginner's mindset piques your interest and sparks your enthusiasm. Join this conversation between Jim Mason (HSLDA President) and Nicole Jackson (environmental educator and birder) on how a parent and child working together presents the opportunity to learn and grow together. They'll discuss how how adventuring in...