Simple is the New Smart with Zara Fagen, PhD

Let's talk about the REAL reasons that our homes are STILL a mess, even after we have purged and organized (and reorganized!), and what we can do about it. Ready? Let's go! The book "Minimalist Homeschooling" by Zara Fagen, PhD, is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Homeschooling-values-based-approach-maximize/dp/069293796X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QSONYKDFSK4E&keywords=minimalist+...

Dual enrollment - taking classes for both high school credit and homeschool credit - a great tool while homeschooling. In this episode, we will talk all about the logistics to make it happen, and why we should even consider this option. Ready? Let's go! The book "Minimalist Homeschooling" by Zara Fagen, PhD, is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Homeschooling-values-based-appro...

Do NOT ask if it sparks joy! You are a homeschooler. Of course it does. It all sparks joy! Instead, in this Simple is the New Smart episode, Zara talks about how to narrow down your subjects so that you can do what you really want and need, AND do them well! Ready? Let's go! The book "Minimalist Homeschooling" by Zara Fagen, PhD, is available at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Homeschool...

In this episode of the Simple is the New Smart podcast, Zara is sharing her top 3, simple, impactful questions for simplifying homeschooling, scheduling, organizing, and more! Listen to Simple is the New Smart episode #35: Workshop to Create Meaning and Impact in Your Homeschool for more on honing in your core values. The book "Minimalist Homeschooling" by Zara Fagen, PhD, is available a...

Anytime that we are blessed with abundance, the abundance itself can be perverted into an obligation and a burden instead of a blessing. This is true even with the abundance of Scripture and tradition in the Catholic (and Christian faith). Sometimes, we don't know where to start, and which traditions to observe. My best advice: Just start. Start somewhere, and then do some more. Today, I'm...

Plentiful? Does that sound contradictory to minimalism? It's not. That's the word I lean toward. Plenty of resources, plenty of opportunity, and plenty of time! Let's talk about what minimalism REALLY means. If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find i...

Here are 10 things that minimalists will always want more of! Spoiler alert: They're not things (but you can buy and do things to make them happen!). Ready? Let's Go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to follow and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find it.  Reviews do not have to be elaborate; just sh...

I recently took my children to see "Journey to Bethlehem," and in this bonus episode, I'm talking about my thoughts on the movie. Join the conversation on Spotify and add your comments! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to follow and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find it.  Reviews do not have...

In this episode, Zara is talking about the 4 Minimalist Homeschooling Mindset Hacks that help her most during the holiday season, and shares how her season will look. If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find it.  Reviews do not have to be elaborate; just shout-o...

In homeschooling, our biggest regrets and frustrations seem to revolve around what we get done - or don't get done - in a day. In this episode, we talk about applying the main tenants of minimalism to our schedule so that every day can feel simple, focused, and valuable. Ready? Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the be...

Most homeschoolers have a lot of spinning plates. Very few *just* homeschool. If you're the kind of homeschooler who also, works, or coaches, or leads, or helps... or insert activity, interest or obligation here... then this Simple is the New Smart podcast episode is for you. Here Zara shares the tips that she wished someone had given her 10 years ago! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forg...

Am I doing enough? Am I doing it right? Is there a better way? Self-doubt plagues every homeschooler. In this episode, Zara talks about how to avoid self-doubt, and how to address all of those tough decisions with confidence. Ready? Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need th...

I'm not doing it right. I'm not doing enough. I'm not spending enough time... Sound (or feel) familiar? You're not alone! Let's chat about how these fears stack-up tp reality. Grab some coffee and get comfy... Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this...

It turns out that when we try to be "It All" we start diluting our awesomeness! Let's not. In this episode, Zara talks about why to be awesome instead of *trying* to be it all. If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!   Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find it.  Reviews do not have to be...

Want to see how Minimalist Homeschooling impacts and plays-out in real-life homeschooling? Well, let'd go! Zara offers her insight as child #4 is finishing first grade. This is the perfect episode for anyone with young elementary kids, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, first graders... or thinking about starting homeschooling! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and...

Gain focus, clarity, space, and peace in today's episode with 7 immediate steps that you can take to create a simpler (and more valuable) homeschool.  Ready?  Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!  Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast most will find it.  Reviews do not have to be elabor...

Regardless of your children's ages, or your support group (or lack thereof), there are ways to carve-out time to just *be* as a homeschool mom.  In this episode, explore 8 ways to make "me-time" happen and how to make the most of it.  Ready?  Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!  Reviews are the best way to make sure that home...

20 things to say no to!  Physical mess, mental clutter, and busyness all get a swift kick in the tush in this episode.  Which one will you say "no" to today?

In this episode, Zara is unpacking... 1) All the reasons homeschoolers feel uncertain and ungrounded; 2) All the reasons every homeschooler deserves to be confident; and 3) Some tricks to regain your confidence during those doubtful times. There's a pervasive cultural story telling us that homeschooling is fraught with potential pitfalls, and is therefore, is a risk to our children.  Well-int...

In this episode, Zara is sharing her favorite problem-solving, homeschool-hacking tips that have really been working well in her family.  Grab some coffee, and let's chat about how things are going over here at Fagen Academy... If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!  Reviews are the best way to make sure that homeschoolers who need this podcast mos...

Let's get intentional about self-care, I mean, *self-preparation.* In this episode, we'll talk about how to rethink self-care with a minimalist mindset, so that it becomes an indispensable part of your life, rather than another "should" on your list of things to do.  Ready?  Let's go! If you enjoy this podcast, don't forget to subscribe and leave a great review!  Reviews are the bes...

In this Simple is the New Smart podcast episode, Zara is talking about how using homeschool core values can be the filter that we need to create meaning, clarity and confidence in our homeschool.  She's also talking about how excellence differs from perfection, and how we can help our kids be confident, too.  Be sure to catch this episode to create an intentional and impactful homeschool...

In this Simple is the New Smart episode, Zara is sharing how her family approaches financial education for their children - and the whole family.  Financial literacy basically means understanding how to manage one's financial resources, with concepts like budgeting, income, expenses, investing, debt, and interest.  It turns out that including a financial education in your homeschool just...

In this Simple is the New Smart episode, Zara talks about how new homeschoolers can start in a way that is simple, while still seeing learning progress.  She'll tell you what veteran homeschoolers want rookies to know, how to "deschool," and how to start choosing your homeschool curriculum.  If you're looking for a homeschool friend to walk you through the very first basics, grab your co...

How do we homeschool through the holidays without feeling like we are spread too thin, or falling short?  Today, Let's cover a simple, 7-step plan that will put our homeschool on autopilot and create an intentional holiday season! You don't have to schedule every detail of every homeschool day.  And, you don't even have to schedule all the bonus, extra, and fun stuff.  Why?  Be...