The Homeschool Connections Podcast

How do we teach our children to pray without turning prayer into just another item on the to-do list? In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Shannon Wendt—founder of Chews Life, author, speaker, and homeschooling mom of eight—to talk about cultivating a prayer life that feels natural, authentic, and sustaining for the whole family. Shannon shares powerful insights...

What does homeschooling look like after 30 years—and what has really changed? In this encouraging and honest conversation, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschool mom, author, and mentor Susie Lloyd, who homeschooled seven children over three decades. Together, they reflect on how homeschooling has evolved, what challenges remain timeless, and why perseverance, patience, and prayer matter m...

Empowering Future Generations: Teaching Service to Children Sponsor: Homeschool Connections Episode Description How do we teach our children to serve—especially when the needs around us feel overwhelming? In this powerful and practical episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Clara Davison, Brand Manager at Holy Heroes, to discuss faith-filled service, local responsibility, and raising children w...

Guest: Paul McCusker Sponsor: Homeschool Connections Award Winning Homeschool Writing Program: https://awa.homeschoolconnections.com/   Episode Description Award-winning writer and dramatist Paul McCusker joins host Kaitlin Zara for a rich conversation on how storytelling forms the imagination, strengthens family culture, and elevates your homeschool. Drawing from decades of work on Adventures in...

What happens when a Catholic mom turns a handful of goats and chickens into a thriving family farm? Kaitlin Zara sits down with Christina Mula of MooLa Farm to discuss how homesteading, healthy eating, and hands-on learning can beautifully enrich your homeschool life. From gardening with kids to sourcing real food on a budget to embracing small beginnings, Christina offers practical, joyful wisdom...

Author and cultural commentator Noelle Mering joins host Kaitlin Zara to unpack the true meaning of femininity, domestic life, and the “trad wife” conversation, beyond aesthetics and online trends. From the power of stability in the home to the beauty of complementarity in marriage, Noelle offers rich, faith-filled encouragement for Catholic homeschooling moms. This inspiring conversation will upl...

Kaitlin Zara sits down with law professor, award-winning author, and longtime homeschool advocate Tony Kolenc to unpack some of the most important legal questions homeschooling families face. From record-keeping and testing requirements to special-needs services, extracurricular access, and protecting your family against unwanted inquiries, Tony offers clear, practical, and empowering guidance for...

In today's episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with interior designer, entrepreneur, and author Whitney English to talk about how to create a beautiful, organized, and faith-filled homeschool space, no matter the size of your home. Whether your “classroom” is the dining room table or a designated schoolroom, Whitney offers practical, budget-friendly advice for reducing clutter, choosing the right...

Yes, You Can Homeschool for High School | A Teen Entrepreneur’s Success Story with Anthony Gugliucci Can homeschooling in high school really set your teen up for success? In this inspiring episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Anthony Gugliucci, founder of AG Cooks and a business student at Penn State University. Once a Catholic school student, Anthony made the bold leap to homeschool during h...

In this heartfelt episode of Homeschool Connections, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with author and speaker Emily Stimpson Chapman to talk about how hospitality, shared meals, and authentic friendship can transform our homes and communities. Emily shares from her own experience as a busy mom of three, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfect homes, messy tables, and genuine connection as part of li...

Host Kaitlin Zara sits down with beloved homeschool coach and author Pam Barnhill to talk all things planning—and why it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you're feeling the pressure of homeschooling without a clear direction, this episode is your lifeline. Pam shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and small but powerful strategies to help you create a homeschool plan that works for your famil...

You Can Have It All: The Heart of the Working Homeschooling Mother The Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 255: The Homeschool Mom and Entrepreneur Life. This week, host Kailin Zara sits down with Therese Desilet, a former attorney turned homeschooling mom and the founder of Lovely Lady Linens . Therese shares her powerful journey of discerning her true vocation, walking away from a successful...

Grab your coffee, press play, and be inspired! Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 254: From Hollywood Insiders: Kid Shows You Can Feel Good About with Nathan and D’Lytha Myers. Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Kaitlin Zara and the Myers family as they explore the challenges of raising children in a media-saturated world. Learn how they champion faith-based content and homeschooling to n...

Grab your coffee, press play, and be inspired! Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 253: Can My Homeschooled Kid Get Into College with Natalie Williams In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Natalie Williams, a Catholic homeschool graduate and admissions counselor at the University of Dallas. You’ll learn: What college admissions teams look for in home...

Join host Kaitlin Zara and beloved homeschool leader Julie Bogart (author of Help! My Kid Hates Writing) for a fun, deep, and freeing conversation about how to teach writing the right way at home. They dive into: The dangers of losing kids’ writing voice in the age of AI How to truly motivate reluctant writers without worksheets Why spelling and grammar don’t need to be taught the way you were tau...

Are you feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by homeschooling, and struggling to find peace in your daily vocation? In this encouraging episode, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes Sterling Jaquith, Catholic speaker, author, and founder of Catholic Mom Calm. Sterling shares her powerful story as a convert to Catholicism, mother of six, and creator of a ministry that helps Catholic moms ditch overwhelm and l...

What if your imperfections as a parent could actually lead your children closer to God? In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Catholic psychologist and homeschooling father of seven, Dr. Greg Bottaro, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute. Together, they dive deep into what it means to parent with intention, rooted in faith and attachment, in a chaotic and se...

What if the very challenges of motherhood—laundry, meals, endless to-dos—were actually stepping stones on the road to sainthood? In this week’s episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Emily Wilson Husom, author of Sincerely Stoneheart. Together they talk about embracing motherhood without bitterness, breaking free from the culture of complaint, resisting the...

Join host Kaitlin Zara as she welcomes bestselling author and mom of six, Molly DeFrank, to discuss the challenges and joys of intentional parenting in the digital age. Discover practical wisdom from Molly's books, "Digital Detox" and "Mothering Boys," as they explore the importance of family connections, the impact of digital devices on children's development, and strategies for maintaining stron...

In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara and her husband Joe discuss the dynamics of maintaining a thriving marriage while navigating the challenges of homeschooling. They share their personal experiences, the importance of support, and the joy found in everyday moments with their children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, connection, a...

Today, we pass the torch, as Kaitlin Zara—our new host for next season—interviews Lisa, as she retires from the show! Contact Lisa Mladinich: lisa@wonderfullymade139.com   Lisa’s website: https://wonderfullymade139.com Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible: Our Sponsor is Homeschool Connections:  Catholic Homeschool Classes Online Homeschooling Saints theme music w...

You’ve finally got just one or two children left at home, after years of schooling your family. What’s it like to be in this season of—more time and fewer people in the house? Veteran homeschooler, Mary Ellen Barrett, is here to talk about Schooling the Last Few in the Nest. Find Mary Ellen Barrett on Substack: https://maryellenbarrett.substack.com/    The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast: https:...

Masculinity is a precious gift from God to the Church, and this special combination of talents, charisms, and characteristics has been much-maligned in the modern world. So, what’s a father to do? Stay tuned for our Dads’ Panel: Cultivating a Healthy Masculinity in Our Sons. For more on this topic, see our blog articles on homeschooling dads, https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/homeschool-d...

There’s nothing like a best friend, and it’s my joy today to welcome the person who really made our homeschooling experience in many ways. Stay tuned to meet My Best Friend in Homeschooling, Annette Scarpa. Contact Annette at: annette.scarpa@yahoo.com Also check out: Episode 43: Annette Scarpa: Creating Group Activities That Benefit Your Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFEV7-f-Cg   Thank yo...

Catholic homeschooling can bear so many fruits—both earthly and eternal. Veteran homeschooler Jennifer Smarsh is here to teach us how to Grow in Virtue Through Homeschooling. You can reach Jennifer Smarsh here:   byhisgracejs@gmail.com     Jen’s website: https://www.teachingtowardeternity.com   More Resources Jen Recommends: The Catechism on Virtue from the Vatican: THE VIRTUES: https://www.vatica...