Best Cindy Rinna Podcasts (2025)

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Replay: 10 Favorite Family Christmas Traditions 41:05

Play Pause

9d ago41:05

41:05

Christmas is no ordinary time of year. It intoxicates our senses; the air smells of pine and sugar. The days are filled with music and stories. The soft, warm sleeves on our arms and thick mittens on our hands and hat on our head triggers our mind to think cozy thoughts despite the biting cold. Our taste buds crave cocoa and peppermint. Our childre…

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Replay: Embracing Your Child's Differences with Nathan Clarkson 33:39

1M ago33:39

33:39

I am not doing interviews right now, but I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Enjoy! Do you find it easy to embrace your child's differences? As new parents – or even "not yet" parents – we can have many dreams and ideas about what our children are going to be like. Sometimes we are accurate about personality traits or hair color…

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On Memory Work: Homeschooling by Subject 22:37

1M ago22:37

22:37

The phrase "memory work" is one that can carry baggage for people. The act of memorizing something may bring to mind a collection of facts you memorized as a child that you now deem useless such as the planets or the names of the bones in the body. You may think of learning scripture verses in exchange for candy or cramming gobs of information into…

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Replay: Poetry & Teatime with Julie Bogart 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

I am not doing interviews right now, but I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Enjoy! Do you consider poetry to be a staple of your homeschool? Oftentimes when the subject of poetry comes up with other parents, even the most enthusiastic homeschoolers will admit that they shy away from this subject. When I press to understand why …

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On Poetry: Homeschooling by Subject 33:52

2M ago33:52

33:52

Do you consider poetry to be a staple of your homeschool? Of your life? Oftentimes when the subject of poetry comes up with other parents, even the most enthusiastic homeschoolers will admit that they shy away from this subject. When I press to understand why that is, the answer is usually that they themselves are not excited about poetry. They con…

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On Folk Songs: Homeschooling by Subject 9:08

2M ago9:08

9:08

This is going to sound familiar; a lot of what I had to say about hymns applies to folk songs, as well. Of course, there is a sacredness that goes along with hymns that you don't find in folk songs but that doesn't mean we should skip them. Folk songs pass culture from one generation to the next and help us learn about certain time periods, people,…

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On Hymn Study: Homeschooling by Subject 14:11

4M ago14:11

14:11

Over the next few months I'm going to break down each subject and look at how we study it and what our favorite resources are. Our family adheres to Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education. To truly understand how to teach each subject, check out my series on Charlotte Mason's 20 Principles. Hymn study is one of those easy to neglect subjects. We…

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On Planning Your School Year: The (Almost) Back to School Episode 37:45

5M ago37:45

37:45

I'm big on philosophy when it comes to education but at some point we need to stop thinking and discussing and actually do the thing. This is the nuts and bolts of it all. How do we actually homeschool? What is the super practical application of the beautiful Charlotte Mason Philosophy? If your child is under 6, get all thoughts of curriculum shopp…

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Replay: The Importance of Humor with Betsy Jenkins from Homeschooling with the Classics 31:14

6M ago31:14

31:14

I am not doing interviews right now, but I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Enjoy! Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart. It requires endurance and initiative. It requires sacrifice and diligence. But it also requires something you might not realize…a sense of humor. We homeschool moms can be so serious; the stakes are hi…

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On the High School Years: The Beginning of the End 11:34

6M ago11:34

11:34

If you're just at the beginning of the high school years, it may feel like the end is still far off but I warn you, the ball sure does start rolling quickly once it starts. The end is nigh, my friend. You've been working yourself out of a job and when you make it to the high school years, and you should begin to feel that change. It sounds somber t…

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Replay: The Value of Teaching Through Stories with Jim Weiss 1:02:06

6M ago1:02:06

1:02:06

I am not doing interviews right now, but I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Enjoy! Stories have been a part of human history from the very beginning and have been used as a powerful teaching tool throughout the centuries. Teaching through stories is a wonderful way to approach lessons in your homeschool, as well. Jim Weiss is a…

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Replay: Seeing Autism in a New Light with Bryn Hogan, Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center of America® 1:00:57

8M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

While I am not able to do interviews right now, I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Join me for the replay of a fantastic interview with Bryn Hogan. Are you ready to see autism in a new light? So often the conversation about autism is surrounded by a list of limitations. And let's face it, living the daily grind as a parent of a…

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Replay: Homeschooling High School with Melissa McMahan 56:14

10M ago56:14

56:14

While I am not able to do interviews right now, I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Join me for the replay of a fantastic interview with Melissa McMahan. Homeschooling High School…what is it about this phrase that makes even the most confident homeschool mama shake in her boots a little? The expectations seem to go through the r…

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On the School Years: The K-8 Episode 10:20

10M ago10:20

10:20

This is the crux of it all. When you are homeschooling kids in the K-8 range, you are in the sweet spot, my friend. The pre-school years are largely spent cleaning up messes and putting out fires (hopefully only theoretically ones, but you never know), and trying to get a handle on how to run a home with littles running underfoot. You're building y…

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Replay: Why Effective Communication Matters with Andrew Pudewa, Director of the Institute for Excellence in Writing 53:11

11M ago53:11

53:11

While I am not able to do interviews right now, I want to bring you some great talks from past seasons. Join me for the replay of a fantastic interview with Andrew Pudewa. Are you raising effective communicators? Andrew Pudewa is a well-known name in the homeschool world and for good reason. His ideas on effective communication and the arts of lang…

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On Rhythms & Routines: The "How to Run Your Day" Episode 10:03

11M ago10:03

10:03

Isn't this the best month of the year to talk about this? It seems like January is the time we all want to finally get our lives together and give a valiant effort to do so. Despite our best efforts, though, somehow the new of the year wears off over the months and by the time the weather warms, life is in its lovely, unavoidable spiral once more. …

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Replay: Reclaiming a Wild + Free Childhood with Ainsley Arment 47:53

12M ago47:53

47:53

In case you missed it... Join me for the replay of a fantastic interview with Ainsley Arment. Childhood is a unique growing time for our children; educators, parents, and experts have known this for years and yet childhood often gets swept under the rug at the expense of rigorous academics and a schedule full of structured activities. Children are,…

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On Principles 11-15: The Curriculum Episode 48:14

12M ago48:14

48:14

This is it, guys. The final episode of the series. We made it. It's a big one, too — five principles jammed into one article but they all have to do with wonderful, wonderful curriculum. Read and subscribe on Substack. Connect with me on Instagram.By Cindy Rinna

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On Christmas Cheer: December Everything 38:33

1y ago38:33

38:33

Ah, Christmas. The lights. The music. The traditions. The bustle. The gatherings. The Reason for the season. Starting this month, I'll be gifting my paid subscribers with a bundle of rhythms to help celebrate the season from month to month. They're called "Everything" guides. If you've been around for a while, these are the classic everything guide…

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On Principles 18 & 19: The Reason Episode 17:13

1y ago17:13

17:13

Principle 18 & 19: The Way of the Reason We should teach children, also, not to lean (too confidently) unto their own understanding because the function of reason is to give logical demonstration of (a) mathematical truth and (b) of initial ideas accepted by the will. In the former case reason is, perhaps, an infallible guide but in the latter is n…

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On Principles 16 & 17: The Will Episode 22:38

1y ago22:38

22:38

Principle 16 & 17: The Way of the Will We may offer to children two guides to moral and intellectual self-management which we may call 'the Way of the Will' and 'the Way of Reason.' The Way of the Will: Children should be taught (a) to distinguish between 'I want' and 'I will.' (b) That the way to will effectively is to turn our thoughts away from …

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On Grief: The Interruption Episode 15:40

1y ago15:40

15:40

I'm supposed to be working on my next episode of the "Summer with Charlotte" series that I've been slogging through this summer these past few months but after wrestling through fits and starts in my head I realize the answer is, as usual, simple and honest, if not immediately obvious. I can't. Not, I can't ever. I just can't yet because something …

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On Principles 9 & 10: The Mind Episode 14:20

1+ y ago14:20

14:20

Principle 9 & 10: How We Make Use of Mind "We hold that the child's mind is no mere sac to hold ideas but is rather, if the figure may be allowed, a 'spiritual organism' with an appetite for all knowledge. This is its proper diet with which it is prepared to deal and what it is able to digest and assimilate as the body does food-stuffs. "Such a doc…

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Beyond Morning Time: A Conversation with Cindy Rollins 53:08

1+ y ago53:08

53:08

Cindy Rollins homeschooled her nine children for over thirty years. She is the host of The New Mason Jar podcast and a co-host with Angelina Stanford and Thomas Banks of the popular Literary Life Podcast. She also curates the "Over the Back Fence Newsletter" at MorningTimeForMoms.com. She is the author of Mere Motherhood; Morning Time: A Liturgy of…

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On Principles 5-8: The Instruments of Education Episode 21:33

1+ y ago21:33

21:33

Principle 5: Three Instruments of Education Therefore, we are limited to three educational instruments - the atmosphere of environment, the discipline of habit, and the presentation of living ideas. The P.N.E.U. Motto is: "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline and a life." Reference: Volume 6, Chapter 6 We saw last time that there are quite a fe…

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On Principles 3 & 4: The Posture Episode 34:14

1+ y ago34:14

34:14

This is the third article in my "Summer with Charlotte" series. If you missed the first two, you can read On Education and On Principles 1, 2 & 20. Let's jump in. Principle 3: Authority and Docility The principles of Authority on the one hand and Docility on the other are natural, necessary, and fundamental. Principle 4: The Sacredness of Personali…

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On Principles 1, 2 & 20: The Defining Episode 24:28

1+ y ago24:28

24:28

Principle 1: Children are Born Persons "No sooner doth the truth…. come into the soul's sight, but the soul knows her to be he, first and old acquaintance." "The consequence of truth is great, therefore the judgment of it must not be negligent." Reference: Volume 6, Chapter 2 Here Charlotte quotes Benjamin Whichcote, who was the founding father of …

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On Education: The Charlotte Mason Episode 26:05

1+ y ago26:05

26:05

Where do I even begin? For the better part of twelve years I have been writing (and reading and podcasting and speaking) about Charlotte Mason. I'd like to think I've hit that 10,000 hours expert level of knowledge about her but truth be told there is still much to learn. I'm being totally serious when I say Charlotte is in my top five people who I…

1
On Nature: The Great Outdoors Episode 18:53

1+ y ago18:53

18:53

"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without." It's one of the first Charlotte Mason adages I learned by heart. I use it all the time to this day. I bet it'll be one of those sayings my kids will remember when they're fifty and say with a smile - albeit a slight roll of the eyes - "my mom was always saying…" and I'm so happy to think that…

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To the Pre-School Mom 21:24

2y ago21:24

21:24

While becoming a parent is the true beginning of the journey, the preschool years bring a certain amount of well, uncertainty…for those of us who embark on the adventure of homeschooling. When is "the beginning" of their education? What should education look like in the early years? The culture tells us more is better, and the sooner the better. Bu…

1
The Philosophy Episode 15:56

2y ago15:56

15:56

What is education? What are your family values? What type of family culture are you working to create? What type of people do you hope to help your kids become? Mark Twain once famously said, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." Education means so much more than curriculum; it is the cultivation of a person and a philosophy …

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The Winter Episode 28:23

2y ago28:23

28:23

Winter has the propensity to bring burn-out for homeschoolers but it doesn't have to be that way. Today I'll talk about ways to avoid burn-out and how to enjoy the coziness of winter. Show Notes Sunlight before noon post Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich Homeschool Rhythms: Rest Time Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli Con…

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Essential Rhythms for Busy Days 13:42

2y ago13:42

13:42

With the holidays around the corner, there are bound to be some busy days that will rock your normal homeschool routine. Those days are not lost, though. There's a simple way to stay productive and relaxed when a hectic schedule demands it. Tune in to see how we do it. SHOW NOTES Homeschool Rhythms: Get Ready Zone Work…

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How to Read A Lot Even As a Busy Mom 43:50

2y ago43:50

43:50

If you've ever struggled to fit reading into your life as a busy homeschool mom, this is the episode for you! Join me as I tell you how to fit a true feast into the nooks and crannies of your day. Show Notes Homeschool Rhythms: Morning Time Homeschool Rhythms: Rest Time Wild + Free Bundle Subscription Subscribe and get access to the booklists…

1
The Autumn Episode 27:23

2y ago27:23

27:23

Bring on the sweaters and boots and pumpkin spice lattes! Autumn is in full swing by now with falling leaves, crisp mornings, and night creeping in earlier and earlier. I like to take time to reflect as fall begins in earnest; what changes do we need to make in routines and atmosphere to get ready for a new season? Which traditions are we looking f…

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How to Grow a Homeschool Group (and if you should) with Danielle Easley, co-founder of Connect 1:22:24

2+ y ago1:22:24

1:22:24

If you've listened to Part I of this episode (How to Start a Homeschool Group and why you should), you'll be delighted to hear this continuation on what to do when the group starts to grow and take on a life of its own! IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL HEAR: How teens make a difference for the group How privacy plays into your group's growth Communicating wi…

1
The Summer Episode 19:27

2+ y ago19:27

19:27

Doesn't summertime bring out the child in us all? Swimming in the scorching heat, drinking lemonade, inhaling the wafting scent of the grill, listening for cicadas, watching for fireflies…there is a sense of wonder that comes with summer. Use this month to tap into your inner child: Stop and smell the gardenias and jasmine. Take time. Slow down. Pl…

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I'm Back! 11:30

2+ y ago11:30

11:30

It's been a while...but I'm back and I'm so excited to be with you again! Catch up on what's new and what to look forward to. Or, if you're brand new, get to know a little more about Homeschooling Outside the Box. You are very welcome here! You can also check out the new Nature Journal and sign up for my free monthly "Everything" guides.…

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Homeschool Rhythms: Rest Time 23:44

4y ago23:44

23:44

So far in this "Homeschool Rhythms" series we've talked about morning time, narration, getting ready, group work, individual work, and read alouds. We've moved our way through morning activities and lunch so today we're going to talk about rest time! I know some of you might have the urge to check out right now thinking your children have aged out …

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How to Start a Homeschool Group (and why you should) with Danielle Easley, co-founder of Connect 1:20:38

4y ago1:20:38

1:20:38

For decades homeschoolers have been plagued by the question, "what about socialization" from well-meaning (and let's be honest, sometimes not so well-meaning…) neighbors, family, and friends. The question chafes at us because it assumes that the minute we begin homeschooling, we hole up in our homes and avoid all contact with any other humans. That…

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Homeschool Rhythms: Reading Aloud 21:35

4y ago21:35

21:35

So far in this "Homeschool Rhythms" series we've talked about morning time, narration, getting ready, group work, and individual work. We've moved our way through morning activities and today we're going to talk about reading aloud! I want to talk to you today about making read-aloud time a family activity for all time – no matter what your child's…

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Homeschool Rhythms: Individual Work 31:08

4y ago31:08

31:08

When you ask a seasoned homeschooler about structuring the day, you will often hear the same refrain: "combine as many subjects as you can." But what about the subjects that require a certain set of skills for children to master? You can generally look at academics in two categories: skill-based subjects and non-skill-based subjects. Skill-based su…

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The Critical Skill of Creativity, with Chad Stewart, award-winning and bestselling author of Britfield & the Lost Crown 53:56

4+ y ago53:56

53:56

What if I told you there was a skill that would help prepare your child for any job he might pursue in the future? And what if this skill was so attainable, that you wouldn't have to purchase a fancy curriculum or join an elite co-op to access it? The pandemic that rocked 2020 has thrown us many curveballs but one positive consequence has been a ri…

1
Homeschool Rhythms: Group Work 30:34

4+ y ago30:34

30:34

When you ask a seasoned homeschooler about structuring the day, you will often hear the same refrain: "combine as many subjects as you can." Academics can generally be broken into two categories: skill-based subjects and non-skill-based subjects. Anything that is skill-based really is best taught 1-on-1 or in a very small group of kids at a similar…

1
Homeschool Rhythms: Get Ready 24:37

4+ y ago24:37

24:37

I have no doubt that when my children are grown people, making their way in the world, they will hear the faint refrain of my voice when they roll out of bed and get ready for their day: "Attitude-dressed-bed" And again after they have breakfast: "Teeth-face-hair-deodorant-zone" These have been the anthems of our mornings for years and my goal has …

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The Importance of Humor in our Homeschools with Betsy Jenkins 31:14

5y ago31:14

31:14

Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart. It requires endurance and initiative. It requires sacrifice and diligence. But it also requires something you might not realize…a sense of humor. We homeschool moms can be so serious; the stakes are high! We're going against the grain! What if we mess up…this is our kids we're talking about, after all?! …

1
Homeschool Rhythms: Narration 19:19

5y ago19:19

19:19

If there is a quintessential practice in Charlotte Mason's approach to education, it is the act of narration. You can pick and choose which living books you want to read, you can use watercolors or not in your nature journaling, and you can dictate your own routine in a way that best fits your family, but you simply cannot reap the full benefits of…

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Homeschool Rhythms: Morning Time 18:13

5y ago18:13

18:13

"Morning time" is a phrase coined by the great Cindy Rollins. She may not be the first person to ever put those two words next to each other, but the idea that it represents, the "coming together"-ness of it, can largely be attributed by the homeschool community to her. Pam Barnhill calls it "Morning Basket" and has an entire website dedicated to t…

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Seeing Dyslexia as a Strength 43:17

5y ago43:17

43:17

If given the option, would you choose for your child to have dyslexia? Dyslexia is widely thought of as a challenge that gets in the way of learning but what if we've got it wrong? What if dyslexia is a gift? What if dyslexia helps your child to think in a way that many people cannot, therefore, providing an angle of creativity that this world real…

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10 Favorite Family Christmas Traditions (with special guests!) 39:39

5y ago39:39

39:39

Christmas is no ordinary time of year. It intoxicates our senses; the air smells of pine and sugar. The days are filled with music and stories. The soft, warm sleeves on our arms and thick mittens on our hands, and hat on our head triggers our mind to think cozy thoughts despite the biting cold. Our taste buds crave cocoa and peppermint. Our childr…