Welcome to the Slim Chism podcast, where we talk music , my kid , music and lots of interviews with musicians and also just everyday things !
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Caleb Chism Podcasts
Passionate. Uplifting. Relatable. Zan Tyler speaks to the heart of Christian homeschooling moms like no one else. In addition to educating her own children, Zan has spent thirty-plus years joyfully mentoring homeschool parents, publishing curriculum and resources for families, and advocating for home education everywhere from her state’s legislature to our nation’s capital. Now she wants to equip and empower you to answer your God-given calling to teach your kids at home. Join Zan and a spec ...
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What I’d Tell My Younger Homeschooling Self | Todd Wilson | Ep. 164
51:33
51:33
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51:33Do 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 …
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When Tragedy Strikes: Helping Families Find Hope in Homeschooling | Caleb Price | Ep. 163
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23:05
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23:05How 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 parent…
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The Power of Play: Transform Your Homeschool | Kathy Eggers | Ep. 162
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42:24
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42:24What 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 tra…
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Choosing Homeschool Curriculum That Grows with Your Family | Eujeana Chism | Ep. 161
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45:41
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45:41What 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…
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How to Keep Homeschooling When You Want to Quit | Leigh Nguyen | Ep. 160
21:45
21:45
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21:45What 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 ch…
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The Homeschool Advantage: Learning at Their Own Pace | Leigh Nguyen | Ep. 159
32:06
32:06
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32:06Leigh 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 he…
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What’s Your Child’s Education Worth? The True Cost of Homeschooling | Ep. 158
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30:50How 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 …
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You Can Cry, You Can Puke, But You Can’t Give Up | Jennifer Lont | Ep. 157
31:43
31:43
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31:43Can 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 purpos…
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Teaching the Whole Child: Academics, Character, and Karate | Jennifer Lont | Ep. 156
24:10
24:10
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24:10What 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 pra…
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The Power of Connection: Why Relationships Matter in Homeschooling | Ginger Wayde | Ep. 155
30:59
30:59
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30:59Can one mom’s decision to stay close to her children really shape the course of their lives? Meet Ginger Wayde, a veteran homeschooling mom of six, who learned that meaningful connection is at the heart of lasting impact—connection to faith, to family, and to a lifelong love of learning. She and Zan talk about the beautiful messiness of homeschooli…
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Eyes of Faith: A Blind Mom’s Homeschool Story | Faye Abbas | Ep. 154
34:33
34:33
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34:33What's it like to homeschool when you're completely blind? Zan welcomes Faye Abbas—musician, mom, and pioneer—who homeschooled her two sons for 15 years without sight. Zan and Faye share stories from their decades-long friendship and God's faithfulness through every challenge. From boarding school memories to late-night lesson planning, Faye's jour…
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The Supreme Court Decision Every Parent Needs to Hear About | Ep. 153
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42:01
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42:01How do we pass on a love for freedom to our kids and protect the rights that make it possible? Zan and producer Caleb Price celebrate a powerful Supreme Court ruling that reaffirms parental rights and explore what it means to raise children who love their country. From summer homeschooling habits to honoring American heroes, this episode offers tim…
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Launching Leaders: Why Homeschool Graduates Are Prepared for Life | Zan Tyler | Ep. 152
28:14
28:14
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28:14What happens when students educated through relationship, relevance, and rigor step into the real world? In this special commencement address to 170+ SCAIHS graduates and hundreds of their families and friends, Zan celebrates the remarkable outcomes of homeschooled students—from leading military explosive ordnance classes to earning top college sch…
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Why Black Families Are Turning to Homeschooling in Record Numbers | LaNissir James | Ep. 151
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34:50Why are Black homeschoolers one of the fastest-growing demographics in home education? Zan Tyler and LaNissir James, HSLDA's Black Outreach Coordinator and mom of seven, explore what's fueling this explosive growth and how authentic community helps families thrive. Additionally, learn why legislators need to see your face and meet your family. Be i…
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Why High School Might Be Homeschooling’s Best Kept Secret | LaNissirJames | Ep. 150
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28:09What if the teen years could become the most meaningful part of your homeschool journey? Zan and LaNissir James, HSLDA high school specialist and homeschool mom of seven, share how to build unshakable bonds with your teens. They explore sparking entrepreneurship through everyday interests and weaving Scripture into daily life. From late-night heart…
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Why Aren’t We Homeschooling? | Caleb Price | Ep. 149
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43:06Why do we automatically think homeschoolers are "weird" when the data tells a completely different story? Zan and her producer Caleb Price react to viral clips and breaking news that challenge everything we've been conditioned to believe about homeschooling. From a mom questioning why she keeps putting her kids "back on the bus" despite constant co…
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Make Learning Come Alive with Field Trips | Elizabeth Pyle | Ep. 148
28:52
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28:52How can a simple field trip spark a lifelong love of learning? Zan and homeschool consultant Elizabeth Pyle share how field trips can turn ordinary days into unforgettable learning adventures, and Elizabeth explains her three-question strategy that turns casual conversations into meaningful reflection. Zan and Elizabeth discuss the benefits of embr…
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The Learning That Happens When You Leave School Behind | Elizabeth Pyle | Ep. 147
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34:12What if the real education begins when you start teaching your own kids? In this episode, Zan Tyler talks with Elizabeth Pyle—a CPA with a master’s in taxation and a homeschool mom of two—about the surprising lessons she’s learned through homeschooling. Elizabeth shares how leaving traditional school behind and using BJU Press curriculum helped her…
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Can You Homeschool Without Losing Yourself? | Ro Uwague | Ep. 146
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40:20Can you homeschool your kids without giving up your own God-given dreams? Zan Tyler sits down with Ro Uwague to talk about balancing motherhood, faith, and entrepreneurship. They share honest insights about curriculum overwhelm, learning beyond the desk, and why family socialization often beats the traditional classroom. Ro opens up about trading c…
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Is My Child Behind? What Every Homeschool Mom Should Know About Reading Timelines | Ep. 145
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46:33
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46:33When should your child be reading—and how do you know if they are a late bloomer or have a learning issue? Zan and producer Caleb Price tackle this question that keeps so many homeschool moms up at night, sharing honest stories, expert tips, and the importance of trusting God’s timing. They also unpack urgent news from across the country about grow…
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Cowboys, Calves, and Homeschooling: Raising Boys on the Ranch | Brandee Gillham | Ep. 144
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50:21What happens when homeschooling meets cattle drives and calving season? Zan is joined by Brandee Gillham, a fourth-generation ranch wife and homeschool mom of four boys, for a rich conversation about raising sons with faith, grit, and purpose. After surviving cancer, Brandee felt called to educate her children at home—blending Scripture, saddle-mak…
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Purpose-Driven Learning: How Motivation Transforms Education | Jonathan Brush | Ep. 143
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39:28
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39:28What transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary motivation? Zan Tyler and Jonathan Brush tackle a 12-year-old listener's question about self-productivity, while exploring the vital difference between thriving and mere success. Jonathan explains how purpose-driven goals create lasting motivation, and Zan’s encouragement highlights how homeschool…
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Beyond Bible Stories: Building Faith That Lasts in Your Homeschool | Renton Rathbun | Ep. 142
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59:22
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59:22What happens when kids know Bible stories but don’t truly understand God’s Word? Zan Tyler talks with homeschool dad and theologian Renton Rathbun about why systematic Bible teaching is essential for your child’s faith journey. Together, they share how to create a Bible program at home that goes beyond devotionals and helps your children stand firm…
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Education Innovators: Why Homeschoolers Are Leading the Way | Ep. 141
48:24
48:24
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48:24What if school didn’t come with permission slips, rigid schedules, or one-size-fits-all rules? Veteran homeschool advocate Zan Tyler and producer Caleb Price break down why more families than ever are turning to homeschooling—and how it’s changing lives. From flexible routines and real-world learning to faith-centered curriculum and support for twi…
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Reclaiming Education for Truth and Freedom | Alex Newman | Ep. 140
26:29
26:29
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26:29What if the foundation of American education was never meant to be separated from faith? Zan and Alex Newman explore how the Bible formed the cornerstone of early American education, from Harvard's original mission to classroom instruction nationwide. Alex shares historical insights about our founding fathers who viewed Scripture as the ultimate au…
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Beyond School Walls: Discovering True Education | Alex Newman | Ep. 139
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31:22Could homeschooling be the greatest adventure your family ever takes together? Award-winning journalist Alex Newman shares how education beyond classroom walls transformed his family's life, creating opportunities to explore ancient ruins, trek through national parks, and build unforgettable memories. Alex reveals why spending time with his six chi…
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Homeschool Conventions Inspire Confidence | Kristin Christianson | Ep. 138
42:02
42:02
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42:02Does attending a homeschool convention really help? In today's unique episode, Zan interviews two guests back to back. Nancy Manos has served as the director for a state homeschool convention and a national homeschool conference. She and Zan discuss why gathering with thousands of like-minded families transforms the homeschool experience. Zan then …
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Homeschool Burnout and Depression: Honest Talk | Kristi Clover | Ep. 137
24:56
24:56
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24:56How do you find joy when your soul feels empty? Kristi Clover shares her experience at her father's bedside and the unexpected peace that found her in grief. Zan and Kristi discuss practical strategies for navigating depression, the importance of having a "safe person," and why simplifying your homeschool during difficult seasons isn't failure. The…
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Beyond the Homeschool Smile: Tackling Depression | Kristi Clover | Ep. 136
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32:30What happens when the winter blues meet homeschool burnout? Through raw conversations and personal stories, Zan and Kristi Clover tackle the reality of midwinter homeschool struggles and feelings of depression. Kristi shares her journey through burnout and discovering her identity beyond motherhood. Together, they explore how faith, counseling, and…
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The Case for Dismantling the U.S. Dept. of Education | Will Estrada | Ep. 135
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30:41What if education decisions were made closer to home? Zan welcomes back attorney Will Estrada to discuss the potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education. Will traces the history of federal involvement in education from 1647 through today, sharing how test scores have declined despite monumental increases in federal spending. Together …
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What does it take to protect the freedoms we often take for granted? Zan and producer Caleb Price review trending homeschool videos, from humorous moments to inspiring sports stories about collegiate opportunities for homeschool athletes. The conversation turns serious when Zan shares concerning news about Illinois' proposed homeschool bill that wo…
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Hispanic Families Are Homeschooling—Here’s Why! | Karim Morato | Ep. 133
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42:51What if focusing on your child’s potential matters more than your own limitations? Karim Morato once thought homeschooling was "completely crazy" - especially for a first-generation immigrant teaching in her second language. Now this passionate advocate helps Hispanic families embrace home education across cultural and language barriers. Zan and Ka…
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Homeschool Hack: Learning Centers with Heidi St. John | Ep. 132
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42:16
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42:16Do you ever feel lonely as a homeschool parent? Zan and her dear friend Heidi St. John have a heart-to-heart conversation about the invaluable benefits of building community. Heidi shares how she went from being a lonely mom who came into homeschooling kicking and screaming to founding thriving homeschool co-ops and resource centers across North Am…
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Analyzing Homeschool Reality in Light of Viral Trends | Caleb Price | Ep. 131
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23:17
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23:17What do you think about legislation that would track homeschoolers even in Sunday School? Have others pressured you about your child’s socialization? In this unique episode, Zan and her producer Caleb Price, homeschool father of 5, analyze viral homeschool content and discuss everything from daily schedules to educational freedom. Drawing from thei…
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Crafting Your Homeschool Story: Planning for the High School Years | LaNissir James | Ep. 130
29:44
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29:44How do you transform your teen's unique high school experiences into a powerful story? Transcripts serve as academic "storybooks" that showcase each student's distinctive path. Zan and LaNissir James discuss documenting achievements, creating meaningful electives, and preparing students for diverse futures. Their conversation reveals how homeschool…
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Personality and Homeschooling: Understanding Your Different Learners | LaNissir James | Ep. 129
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30:35How do personality differences shape your homeschool days? Zan and LaNissir James explore the fascinating dynamics of teaching children with different learning styles and temperaments. Drawing from her experience homeschooling seven unique children, LaNissir shares how understanding personality types transformed her approach to education, while Zan…
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Finding Peace in Your Special Needs Homeschool Journey | Peggy Ployhar | Ep. 128
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28:55Are you trying to find peace in your homeschool journey while meeting your child's unique needs? Zan and Peggy Ployhar discuss how homeschool parents naturally provide the individualized education their children need, often without realizing it. Through stories of late readers, testing challenges, and learning breakthroughs, they share how focusing…
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The Unexpected Gift of Special Needs Homeschooling | Peggy Ployhar | Ep. 127
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34:45What if your greatest parenting challenge became your life's calling? When Peggy Ployhar's five-year-old son struggled in traditional school, she reluctantly turned to homeschooling despite her initial resistance. Zan and Peggy share their parallel journeys of releasing parental guilt and learning to embrace their children's unique learning styles.…
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Growing Together in the New Year | Zan & Joe Tyler | Ep. 126
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23:54What makes the difference between just another year and one filled with purpose? Zan and Joe Tyler invite you into an encouraging New Year's Day discussion about moving beyond typical resolutions to discover God's calling for your family. Through stories of evening bonfires, car-ride conversations, and precious moments around the table, the Tylers …
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Celebrating Christmas Together with Purpose | Zan and Joe Tyler | Ep. 125
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25:18Have you ever struggled with feeling insignificant in your role as a homeschool parent? Join Zan and Joe Tyler for a genuine Christmas conversation about finding dignity and purpose in unexpected places. Through personal stories of homeschool advocacy and cherished family traditions, the Tylers share how God works through ordinary people to accompl…
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Your Homeschool Kitchen Table Is More Powerful Than You Think | Kirk Cameron | Ep. 124
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30:04Could raising the next generation of Kingdom builders start at your kitchen table? Kirk Cameron shares how parents can be part of America's spiritual revival through homeschooling their children to understand their faith and calling. Zan and Kirk discuss their homeschooling journeys, the power of biblical education, and why Christian parents should…
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Creative Ways Homeschoolers Can Serve Military Families During the Holidays | Natalie Mack | Ep. 123
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41:10What meaningful ways can homeschool families find to support military families during the holiday season to honor them and thank them for their service? The military exists to preserve and protect our freedom, and often it is the entire family that pays the price–especially during the holidays. Perhaps a parent is deployed during Christmas or reloc…
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God's Word Woven Throughout Your Homeschool | Sharon Fisher | Ep. 122
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33:32What role does a biblical worldview play in multi-generational education? Zan Tyler and Sharon Fisher explore this crucial topic, sharing how to weave God's truth into every subject. Sharon reveals practical examples from her BJU Press curriculum development work, while Zan draws powerful parallels between today's homeschool movement and historical…
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When Grandparents Join Your Homeschool | Sharon Fisher | Ep. 121
37:31
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37:31What do you do when unexpected life events make homeschooling feel overwhelming? Sharon Fisher, a curriculum specialist and homeschooling grandmother, joins Zan to discuss how grandparents can provide vital support during challenging seasons. From navigating the transition from traditional teaching to home education, to establishing healthy family …
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The Power of Prayer in Your Homeschool Part 2 | Nancy Manos | Ep. 120
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32:19How do you move from surviving to thriving in difficult seasons? Zan and Nancy continue their heart-to-heart discussion about the power of prayer in your homeschool journey, exploring how parents' midnight prayers and tears reflect God's own heart. From fasting and prayer during legislative battles to stopping mid-lesson to seek God together, they …
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The Power of Prayer in Your Homeschool | Nancy Manos | Ep. 119
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33:43What does it mean to truly partner with God in raising your children? Zan and her good friend Nancy Manos share real-life stories of how the power of prayer transforms our homeschooling experiences. From legislative victories to daily challenges, they discuss practical ways to make prayer your lifeline. God delights to bless our children with amazi…
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Homeschooling with Unshakeable Faith | Terrie McKee | Ep. 118
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36:40What does faith look like in the face of devastating trauma? Terrie McKee shares her remarkable journey of homeschooling children with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD while navigating both an abusive first marriage and a violent shooting that left her second husband paralyzed. From seeing her daughter advance three grade levels in reading within months …
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The Heart of Homeschool Connection | Janie Gibson | Ep. 117
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29:20How can homeschooling parents persevere in building community in the midst of daunting challenges? In today’s conversation, Zan Tyler and Janie Gibson encourage parents to weather these obstacles in order to provide their children the opportunity to experience the joy of community and the heart of homeschool connection. As Janie shares candid stori…
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Growing Strong Homeschool Communities | Janie Gibson | Ep. 116
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25:55How do you find your tribe as a homeschooling family? Zan Tyler is joined by veteran homeschool mom Janie Gibson, who shares her journey of creating opportunities for homeschool families, from starting a sports league and American Heritage Girls troop to launching successful co-ops. Drawing from decades of homeschooling experience, Janie and Zan di…
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Customizing Your Homeschool Approach | Amy Harrell Smith | Ep. 115
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30:57How can you optimize your teaching methods to fit your unique family’s needs? Zan continues her conversation with Amy Harrell Smith as they share valuable insights on customizing your homeschool approach, including schedules and curriculum. Amy discusses her innovative "ultra block schedule" approach, which allows students to focus intensively on o…
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