Making The Leap

While there's never been a bigger selection and menu of Christian media options today, there's also never been a more aggressive push to silence those products. That's why the National Religious Broadcasters exist as an organization - to advocate for and defend Christian programming. President of the NRB, Troy Miller has invited the Stigalls to participate in producing Making the Le...

The 47th Governor of Arkansas drops by to discuss how she championed school choice in her state. Don't miss it! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook , Instagram , X , and YouTube . You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com . To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com . Like and follow us on Facebook , X , and Instagram...

Last week, Christine joined Emilie Lunt of "Heart and Soul Homeschool" to discuss the pioneering work of Bitterroot Heritage Academy. This week, the conversation continues as the Stigalls explore how a highly degreed professional educator and church administrator - Megan Gesler - weathered the highs and lows of bringing quality, Christian education to a small rural town in Montana. Follo...

In a Herzog Podcast Network first, Christine Stigall of "Making the Leap" and Emilie Lunt of "Heart and Soul Homeschool" join forces for an important conversation for believers, no matter how you choose to educate your kids.  The ladies discuss the importance of Kingdom education.  Christine and Emilie talk with Christine Agin, co-founder of Bitterroot Heritage Academy in Monta...

In part three of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards.  Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in Christian education in the country! Each will be recognized formally at the annual awards ceremony in...

In part two of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards.  Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in Christian education in the country! Each will be recognized formally at the annual awards ceremony in W...

In part one of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards. Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in Christian education in the country! Each will be recognized formally at the annual awards ceremony in Wa...

If you're a parent, it's no secret the secular world is working overtime to drive a wedge in between you and members of your family. Chris and Julie Bennett have one of the most extraordinary stories of trying to listen and follow God's will for their lives while at the same time coming up against some of life's biggest challenges in their professional lives, in their health, a...

What can Christian school do for a child struggling with mental health challenges?  Meet Janie Wilson - a young woman who convinced her parents before entering kindergarten she knew she needed Christian school.  But it was not without challenges.  Hear how she battled mentally, with parents somewhat new to walking in Christianity, and ultimately made a lifetime commitment to Christian education we...

Christine sits down with five recipients from last year's Teacher of the Year class to discuss where they are now twelve months after their honor and how their lives have changed since winning. Their stories continue to inspire, but also demonstrate that even when you're awarded Christian education's highest honor - God may not keep you in the same place for long. Follow Making The...

The news of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last Saturday got the Stigalls thinking about the different national tragedies that have befallen the United States over the years and who are our kids spending time with when they happen? How can we discuss these tough events with our kids and shield them from the ugliness? In addition, news this week of the explosive growth in alternative p...

Dr. Allison Lassiter is one of the more interesting examples of someone whose life in education is one full of change. She's a community college professor who also homeschools but has also placed some of her kids in a classical Christian school. She's also willing to revaluate if it appears her kids' needs in learning change. As we know, every child learns differently so why do we t...

Chris and Christine sit down with Jonathan Houpe and Nia Thompson Campbell, administrators of Harvest Christian School in Kansas City, Missouri. Jonathan and Nia discuss taking over leadership roles at an early age, as well as the trials and triumphs of working in Christian education. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook , Instagram , X , and YouTube . You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send...

We've never met a couple with a background quite like the Oettels. In one conversation, you'll hear how a young couple became public school teachers - while first home-schooling their kids. They then started their own classical Christian school, followed by entering seminary, becoming a youth pastor and eventually an associate pastor. Then back to public school while sending their own ch...

We hope you enjoyed the previous episode featuring the Stigalls on the set of Brave Books new children's TV show "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." In this part-two episode you'll hear from another star of the show. She's a familiar name to many millions of kids who grew up watching Disney's Good Luck, Charlie - Leigh-Allyn Baker. Now, she shares with the Stigalls w...

The Stigalls head to College Station, Texas to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Brave Books' new children's TV show hosted by Kirk Cameron. In part one of this two-part episode, you'll join the Stigalls on set for a one-on-one with the star of "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." He discusses the importance of being a parent in a digital age and why, as successful entertain...

Here's a topic we've never tackled on the show. Can Christians, specifically Christian schools lean into rapidly developing technology like A.I. or is it a dangerous place that runs counter to Biblical teaching? Dr. Seann Dikkers is both a Christian and a self-proclaimed homeschool dad and "tech guy" who reaches some interesting conclusions on the subject as he leads the Stigal...

What if your child asked "What is truth?" or "What does it mean to be human?" Those are deep questions and Elizabeth Urbanowicz - the founder of FoundationWorldview.com and host of "The Foundation Worldview" podcast says the answer is in her approach to helping parents instruct kids through Biblical strategies. For Christian parents, not only knowing what you believe...

Bob Vander Plaats is perhaps the state of Iowa's biggest political "influencer."  As the President and CEO of The Family Leader, Bob is known as a cultural force for strengthening families and encouraging churches to get involved in government to impact real, legislative change.  Together he and Governor Kim Reynolds launched a strategic mission to target recalcitrant members of the...

The Stigalls often speak with folks who are on the ground floor of starting a new adventure in Christian education. But sometimes we forget - there are many who've been doing Christian school at a high level of excellence for decades. That is the focus of today's episode. For twenty-seven of Covenant Christian High School 's thirty years in existence in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. An...

We love meeting out-of-the-box problem solvers who see a need for their families and others' educations and take action. Meet the Dunns, founders of Acts Academy . With a background in business and teaching who, like so many bailed on their kids' public school during the pandemic and struck out on their own, the Dunns' story is a fun ride. Their success was rapid. Their creativity a...

It's important from time to time to remember what your rights are as a taxpaying citizen in your public school district.  If you're someone who's yet to "make the leap" to a different education for your kids, or you're just a concerned citizen about the direction of the schools in your community - this is your show.  Ian Prior is a senior advisor at America First Lega...

Chris and Christine depart into a news of the week show where they discuss the shocking story out of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the North Penn School District. Parents and citizens are outraged as a massive cover-up of a brutal attack is perpetuated by both media and their school board. Hear Chris interview one parent so upset she's ready to "make the leap" and an average ci...

It's not a surprise that Christian and conservative girls and young women find the outside world hostile to their point of view, particularly in higher education. Karin Lips founded the Network of Enlightened Women ( enlightenedwomen.org ) because she came up in college understanding traditional women felt driven underground, keeping their world view hidden from classroom discussion, clubs, a...

The Herzog Foundation Podcast Network welcomes the newest member of the family!  Meet Emilie Lunt, host of "Heart and Soul Homeschool."  Emilie has an unrivaled passion to help parents - even before they become parents - think through what they want out of their children's educations.  If homeschooling has been on your heart, this new podcast is definitely for you!   In a busy caree...