Zan Tyler Podcast: Thriving in Your Homeschool

What would you do if the freedom to homeschool your children suddenly disappeared? Zan talks with Clarisa Loparo, a veteran homeschool mom and international advocate, about what she’s witnessing across Latin America, where homeschool freedom is growing in places like Puerto Rico and forbidden in countries like Venezuela. Together they reflect on why parental rights matter, what American homeschool...

What if homeschooling doesn’t have to look like school at home—and never was meant to? Zan and co-host Caleb Price encourage weary and wondering parents with a fresh look at why homeschooling works, especially when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or starting midyear. From flexibility and play to long-term vision and faith, this conversation reframes what truly matters. Be reminded of your why and encou...

What does it really cost to keep homeschool freedom alive? Zan welcomes longtime friend and homeschool freedom pioneer Mike Farris for a timely conversation about where home education stands in 2026. Together they reflect on recent legislative threats, hard-won battles, and the sobering truth that freedom disappears when families stop paying attention. Be encouraged to stay engaged, tell the story...

What makes a Christmas truly meaningful when expectations don't always line up with reality? In this special Christmas episode, Zan is joined by her husband Joe and producer Caleb for a genuine, laughter-filled conversation about family traditions, imperfect holidays, and the surprising joy of serving others. Through stories of Cookie Camp and widow baskets, they reflect on releasing the “perfect”...

What really keeps kids safe and families strong? Zan’s guest Matthew McDill is a father of nine and homeschool leader who shares how discipleship, Scripture, and everyday hospitality shape healthy homes. Zan and Matthew explore why strong family bonds protect children better than regulation, how to reset when burnout hits, and what matters most when the homeschool years feel heavy. Be encouraged t...

What if the struggles of homeschooling are actually preparing you for the sweetest season ahead? Zan welcomes Stephanie Price, a young mom of five kids under nine, and Nancy Manos, a seasoned homeschool veteran, for a panel discussion tackling today's trending questions. Together they share honest perspectives on finding community, conquering decision fatigue, and cherishing the irreplaceable time...

What if your child's learning struggles are actually clues to a different kind of brilliance? Zan and Marianne Sunderland, homeschool mom of eight (seven with dyslexia), explore breaking free from traditional expectations and leaning into curiosity, confidence, and God's design for each child. From a three-year sailing adventure to hands-on discovery, Zan and Marianne reveal that surprising streng...

What if your fundamental right to direct your children’s education could be overturned tomorrow? Zan and co-host Caleb sift through viral clips—touching on boys and learning, dating expectations, and the pressures shaping today’s families—before welcoming attorney Will Estrada to discuss why a Parental Rights Amendment matters now more than ever. Their conversation highlights how codifying these r...

What helps children grow into confident, grounded adults? Zan and her longtime friend Heidi St. John—homeschool mom of seven—share what they’ve learned about raising resilient young people. They talk about recognizing each child’s God-given bent, parenting with peace in an anxious age, and staying connected as kids step into adulthood. Be encouraged to focus on presence, character, and calling as...

How do you raise grounded kids while navigating the digital minefield? Two of Zan's grandsons share what they love most about homeschooling including the flexibility to learn at their own pace, service opportunities, and friendships forged through co-ops and sports leagues. Zan's husband Joe joins the conversation as they discuss social media's grip on young minds and the rise of social contagion....

What do you do when homeschooling feels like too much and you’re running on empty? Zan Tyler and Nancy Manos return to tackle three more trending homeschool questions—from balancing work and homeschooling, to finding rest when you’re overwhelmed, to navigating transcripts and next steps after high school. With honesty and humor, they share creative rhythms and grace-filled insights to help you lig...

What if your biggest homeschool fears have already been faced by countless families before you? Join Zan and homeschool veteran Nancy Manos as they tackle three trending questions: Why choose homeschooling? How do you teach subjects you struggle with? Will homeschooling ruin your child? Drawing from decades of experience, Nancy and Zan share honest stories, practical wisdom, and genuine encouragem...

What does it take to raise lifelong learners who thrive? Zan and producer Caleb Price review viral clips sparking conversation about socialization, the wonder of learning, and spending meaningful time with your children. They'll share why homeschooling opens doors to rich experiences—from service projects to internships—and creates space for kids to pursue their callings. Plus, they discuss import...

Is it too late to start homeschooling—or to reclaim your joy as you get further into the school year? Zan Tyler joins homeschool moms Veronica Whitley and Abbie Knott for honest conversations about October burnout, unmotivated learners, and preparing kids for college success. Discover how BJU Press Homeschool curriculum brings structure, flexibility, and biblical worldview to families navigating t...

What does a memorial watched by 100 million people reveal about America’s spiritual hunger? Zan Tyler and producer Caleb Price explore how the surge in homeschooling—from just 13,000 families in the 1970s to over 5 million today—reflects a larger awakening of faith and freedom. From rediscovering civic responsibility to rethinking college and the trades, they share why homeschoolers are thriving i...

Could your stand today ignite change for generations to come? At Unbound’s APEX Conference, Zan Tyler shares how God led her from defending prayer at 16 to facing jail for homeschooling 12 years later in 1984. She recalls God’s faithfulness in those difficult years and how He grew a homeschool movement from small beginnings. Her story reminds us why community matters now more than ever. Discover y...

Do you ever wish you could whisper wisdom to your younger homeschooling self? Zan and longtime friend Todd Wilson share the wisdom that only comes with perspective—the reminder that homeschooling is a gift, not a burden. From family memories in an RV to the joy of everyday moments, Todd encourages parents to slow down, smile more, and treasure the time they have. Be inspired to see your homeschool...

How do you respond when tragedy strikes and safety feels uncertain? Following the shocking death of Charlie Kirk and recent school violence, Zan Tyler and filmmaker Caleb Price discuss how these events are prompting more families to consider homeschooling than ever before. They share practical ways to open your home and heart to help nervous parents take their first steps toward home education. Be...

What if you could help your children grasp concepts 10–20 times faster? Zan Tyler sits down with child development specialist Kathy Lee Eggers, who homeschooled eight children—six adopted and two biological—through the power of play. Together they share how play ignites learning, how curiosity fosters natural reading, and how embracing passions transforms family learning. Be inspired to see play n...

What causes a homeschool curriculum to truly serve your family through every season? Zan Tyler sits down with longtime friend Eujeana Chism, who found her educational “home” with BJU Press after visiting publishers as a young mom. For 21 years, Eujeana discovered how the right curriculum became more than academics—it shaped her children’s education, character, and values. Together, Zan and Eujeana...

What keeps you going when homeschooling feels like a never-ending marathon? Leigh Nguyen, veteran homeschool mom and host of the Little by Little Homeschool Podcast, shares honestly about the hardest seasons including the 24/7 responsibility, character training struggles, and the temptation to quit. Zan reflects on a powerful moment when her own children lovingly confronted her during a family cri...

Leigh Nguyen is the host of Little by Little Homeschool podcast and conference. She never meant to homeschool but, she now finds herself 14 years into it with 2 homeschool graduates and 1 more to go! She spends her days in the northeast, learning how to live a more simplified and intentional life with her husband, James, and their 3 children. In her spare time, she loves home DIY projects, working...

How much is your child's education really worth? In this episode, Zan and producer Caleb review clips that tackle everything from Florida's 46% homeschool growth surge to one family's quarter-million-dollar annual investment in their children's learning. Zan and Caleb explore why traditional classrooms haven't evolved in 150 years while discussing the true cost—and immeasurable value—of choosing t...

Can a curriculum grounded in Scripture really transform your child's heart—and yours too? Zan Tyler sits down with Jennifer Lont—former classroom teacher turned homeschool mom and HomeWorks Consultant—to talk about how BJU Press Homeschool has reshaped her family's faith, thinking, and future. Together, Zan and Jennifer explore teaching with purpose, navigating high school with confidence, and gro...

What transforms a classroom teacher into a passionate homeschool advocate? Join Zan and Jennifer Long as they explore the power of true engagement over simply putting in hours, why karate pushups became the perfect metaphor for academic growth, and how Jennifer's boys earned black belts while mastering viola and cello. This conversation reveals practical wisdom for cultivating learners who love di...