Best Data Led Academy Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 375: Overwhelmed by Open Houses? How I Simplified, Scaled, and Finally Found My Flow - How to Plan a Successful Open House That Increases Enrollment Without Burning Out 26:12

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6d ago26:12

26:12

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan your next school open house? 😩 You’re not alone. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the chaos, confusion, and emotional weight that comes with trying to host a meaningful event that actually leads to enrollment. Whether you run a microschool, private school, or homeschool hybrid, this episode will help yo…

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Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

10d ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

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Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

13d ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

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Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

17d ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…

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Ep 371: From Lonely to Thriving: How to Build a Microschool Community To Decrease Overwhlem and Increase Results (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start) 28:47

21d ago28:47

28:47

Feeling alone in your microschool journey? Whether you're just starting or several years in, building a microschool community can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, I’m sharing how I went from homeschooling a few students in my living room to leading a thriving micros…

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Ep 370: Introducing The Microschool Marketing Blueprint! A Course Designed To Attract, Enroll, and Grow Your Educational Program. A Foundational Marketing Course Designed Just For YOU! 33:07

24d ago33:07

33:07

You didn’t start your microschool to become a marketing expert… But without students, your vision can’t grow. 💔 If you’re unsure how to get the word out, or you’ve tried everything from social media to word-of-mouth with little return, you are not alone—and you are exactly who I created the Microschool Marketing Blueprint for. In today’s episode, I…

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Ep 369: Struggling to Find Students in a Small Town? How Becky McNichols Built a Thriving Microschool Business from Her Basement While Homeschooling in Rural Kansas 53:23

27d ago53:23

53:23

Can you really start a microschool in a rural town, homeschool your own kids, and grow an online business—all at the same time? Let me introduce you to Becky McNichols, a former public school teacher from a small town in rural Kansas. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her two children, Becky didn’t stop there. She tra…

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Ep 368: Struggling to Find Students? How Florida Teacher-Turned-Microschool Founder Lori Rubel Grew Bloom Beautiful Academy Into a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid With The Microschool Marketing Blueprint 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

If you’ve ever thought: “I know I’m called to this work… but why aren’t families enrolling?”—you are not alone. In today’s powerful episode, I’m introducing you to Lori Rubel, a former teacher and now the successful founder of Bloom Beautiful Academy, a growing microschool and homeschool hybrid in Florida. Lori didn’t start with a marketing degree.…

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Ep 367: Marketing in the Unknown: Why You Can’t Wait for Certainty to Grow Your Microschool 27:34

1M ago27:34

27:34

Are you holding back on growing your microschool because you don’t have all the answers yet? In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into the reality every founder faces—uncertainty. If you’re stuck waiting for a “perfect time” to market, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take the next bold step. I’m sh…

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Ep 366: The Marketing Mistakes I Made, the Organizational Systems That Saved Me, and How to Avoid Burnout Before You Even Begin 30:44

1M ago30:44

30:44

Are you a teacher or parent building a microschool or homeschool hybrid? Overwhelmed by all the tasks, struggling to stay organized, and unsure how to market your school effectively? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. 🎯 In this powerful episode of the Summer of Clarity series, I’m opening up about the real marketing mistakes I made in …

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Ep 365: You’re Not a Salesperson, but You Still Need Students! How the Microschool Marketing Blueprint Will Change Everything 34:30

1M ago34:30

34:30

Are you a teacher, homeschool hybrid leader, or microschool founder who feels overwhelmed by marketing your school? You’re not alone—and you don’t need to become a full-time marketer to attract the right families. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real, raw struggles of building a microschool from the ground up—juggling curriculum, enroll…

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Ep 364: Getting Financial Flow: From Financial Fog to Freedom! How Microschool Leaders Can Build Systems That Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Create Sustainable Growth 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

Let’s talk about money—but not in a scary or overwhelming way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from financially winging it (and praying the numbers would work) to building a microschool with clear, sustainable financial systems. If you’re a microschool founder, homeschool h…

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Ep 363: When the Building Sells! Legalities 101! How Legalities affect Your Finances! Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Starting a microschool—or even thinking about it—can feel like walking into the unknown. And in May, when reflection, burnout, transition, and anticipation collide, those feelings get amplified. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes truth about what it’s like to start something from scratch as a teacher-turned-entrepreneur. If you…

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Ep 362: If You’re Doubting, Dreaming, or Barely Holding On: Why Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think (And How to Keep Going When It Feels Impossible) 17:43

2M ago17:43

17:43

May has always felt sacred to me. It's the bridge between everything I’ve poured into this school year and the dream that’s still unfolding for the next. And if you’re listening today feeling like you’re doubting, dreaming, or barely holding on… I see you. I’ve been you. And this episode is for you. When I started my microschool, I didn’t have a bl…

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Ep 361: Why May Planning is the Secret to a Peaceful First Month of School: How Early Planning Sets Microschool Leaders and Homeschool Founders Up for a Stress-Free August 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

May is more than a season of endings—it’s the foundation for your next beginning. If you're a microschool founder, homeschool hybrid leader, or education entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed about next year, this episode will change the way you approach your summer. In today's conversation, Makenzie Oliver shares why May is the most strategic month to …

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Ep 360: How to Manage May Money Panic: Smart Enrollment and Financial Strategies for Microschool Leaders 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

May brings a perfect storm of reflection, burnout, transition—and for many microschool founders, serious financial pressure. If you're staring at your re-enrollment numbers, worrying about tuition gaps, or scrambling to figure out summer revenue strategies, this episode is for you. In this practical and encouraging conversation, Makenzie Oliver sha…

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Ep 359: How to Build a Thriving Microschool Without Burning Out: Systems Every Founder Needs Before August to Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Lead with Confidence 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Are you exhausted from trying to do it all in your microschool or homeschool hybrid? You love what you’ve built—but you’re realizing that your dream is starting to feel like a burden. This episode is for the teacher-turned-founder who’s drowning in leadership, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to build a microschool that runs with systems—not str…

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Ep 358: The Dream is Still Alive (Even If You’re Doubting Everything) Feeling Doubt at the End of the School Year? Why You’re Not Failing—You’re Growing 21:55

2M ago21:55

21:55

May is a whirlwind — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re feeling a wave of doubt about your school, your vision, or your leadership right now — you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest Mays in my journey building Lighthouse Learning Microschool. Sitting in m…

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Ep 357: I’m a Tired Teacher, But I’m Not Done: How to End the School Year with Peace, Not Panic 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

May is emotional — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re a teacher, school leader, or microschool founder, chances are you’re feeling all of that at once right now. Today, we’re diving into how to finish your year with purpose — without losing your peace. Have you ever looked up in May and though…

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356: How to Delegate Curriculum Planning and Teaching in Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Systems, Training a Team, and Scaling Instruction Without Burnout 26:38

2M ago26:38

26:38

Are you still teaching every subject, every grade, every day in your microschool? Whether you're just starting out and feel overwhelmed, ready to bring in an assistant, or completely done with teaching and ready to build a team—this episode is your roadmap. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “How do I hand off teaching to someone else?” 👉 “What if my new hi…

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355: Why You Keep Changing Curriculum: How to Teach Multiple Grade Levels Without Chaos Using Layered Tasks, Adaptive Learning Tools, and Multi-Age Curriculum Systems That Actually Work 26:26

3M ago26:26

26:26

Have you changed your curriculum more times than you can count? Do you find yourself saying: “This just isn’t working...” “Maybe I need something different...” “What if this new one is the right fit?” If that’s you, this episode is going to give you clarity and peace of mind. You’re not flaky. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just trying to make i…

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354: How to Choose Curriculum for Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Public and Private School Teachers Transitioning to Multi-Age Teaching and Building Their Own Education Model 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

Are you a teacher thinking about starting your own microschool or homeschool hybrid—but stuck in a swirl of fear and curriculum overwhelm? You're not alone. One of the biggest questions teachers ask when leaving public or private education is: “How do I know what curriculum to use in a microschool?” “What if I mess it up?” “I’ve only taught one gra…

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How NFL Prospects Are Using ArmCare to Throw Harder & Smarter 21:44

3M ago21:44

21:44

In this episode of the More Than Velocity podcast, we sit down with Blaine Jones, performance coach at Velocity Athlete Development in Canton, Georgia, and a rising leader in quarterback training. Blaine shares how he’s integrating the ArmCare system—originally built for baseball—into his quarterback development programs with game-changing results.…

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353: Setting the Tone For Your Microschool After Enrollment. How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students Are you welcoming new families into your microschool… but not sure what to say after they enroll? 🎉 In this heartfelt and strategic episode, Makenzie Oliver shares what most founders overlook: The time between enrollment and Day 1 of school is where trust is either built—or broken. Discove…

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352: Microschool on a Budget! 7 Proven Ways to Save Money While Starting Your Dream School! 23:42

3M ago23:42

23:42

💡 Want to launch or grow your microschool without going broke? In this value-packed episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver reveals 7 smart and budget-friendly strategies to help you save money while building a powerful and purpose-filled learning environment for kids. Whether you're a former teacher starting a microsch…

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Makenzie’s Birthday Bash! 🎉 5 Years of Lessons as a Microschool Owner + 50% Off Our Best-Selling Business Bundle (Today Only!) 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

🎉 It's Makenzie's Birthday! And what better way to celebrate than by giving back to YOU—our amazing community of teacherpreneurs, homeschool moms, and microschool founders! In this special birthday episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver shares the Top 5 Most Valuable Lessons she’s learned from building and running a su…

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351: Feeling Lost with Microschool Finances? Here’s What You Actually Need to Budget, Price, and Plan Without the Overwhelm (+ A Limited-Time Tool to Help You Do It!) 20:32

3M ago20:32

20:32

If You're you a teacher, homeschooler, or microschool founder trying to wrap your head around the financial side of running a school? You're not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck or overwhelmed. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, host Makenzie Oliver breaks down the financial must-knows for educators building or growi…

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350: Systems That Save Your Sanity: How to Stay Organized & Enroll with Confidence in Your Microschool 23:14

3M ago23:14

23:14

This time of year can feel like you’re juggling all the things—wrapping up the school year, planning summer programs, enrolling new families, and trying not to drown in emails and sticky notes. 😅 If you're feeling scattered, behind, or overwhelmed in your microschool journey… this episode is your lifeline. Makenzie recaps a powerful and practical s…

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Dan Cabuling of KPI Drops Knowledge on the Current State of Softball Training 25:50

3M ago25:50

25:50

In this episode of More Than Velocity, we sit down with Dan Cabuling—Director of Strength & Conditioning at KPI (Kinetic Performance Institute)—to break down the current state of softball training. In this episode we discuss: Why many softball players are burning out or quitting before college? The myths about softball throwing and how it's “safe” …

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349: Starting From Scratch? Feel Like Your Marketing is Clunky? The Business Bundle That Will Save Your Sanity and Help You Build and Grow Your Program 28:47

3M ago28:47

28:47

Are you starting your own microschool or learning pod—and feeling overwhelmed with all the documents, forms, and marketing materials you think you need to create from scratch? In today’s episode, Makenzie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Business Bundle was born to help busy, passionate educators start stro…

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348: 5 Tips to Start Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid in 4 Months—Even If You’re Overwhelmed, Scared, or Don’t Know Where to Begin 25:05

3M ago25:05

25:05

So… you want to start a microschool or homeschool hybrid this year—but the clock is ticking. You’re feeling the pressure of the timeline, the weight of your current commitments, and the uncertainty of the road ahead. You’ve probably asked yourself: Where do I even begin? What if I mess this up? Can I actually do this without burning out? Maybe you’…

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347: How I Plan My Microschool as a Teacher Entrepreneur—Creative, Fun, and Totally Doable (Even If You're Overwhelmed!) 34:47

3M ago34:47

34:47

Raise your hand if “planning day” sounds more like a chore than a celebration 🙋‍♀️ But what if I told you it could feel like a creative retreat—a time where your teacher heart, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for students all come together in one beautifully aligned, productive day? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my most recent p…

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346: Planning in the Unknown – Strategies for Teachers and Parents Building Microschools and Making Plans in Uncertain Times 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

Starting or growing a microschool comes with so many unknowns—no set location, uncertainty around staffing, and questions about funding. It’s easy to feel stuck waiting for clarity before making a move. But here’s the truth: You don’t need all the answers to start making progress! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ How to plan & take action when…

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345: How to Build an Engaging Learning Environment – Easy Strategies for Microschools & Homeschool Hybrids (Even If You’re New or Lacking Resources!) 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

Are you ready to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment but feel overwhelmed or underprepared? Whether you're starting a microschool, homeschool hybrid, or alternative education space, this episode is packed with practical, low-cost strategies to bring learning to life—even if you're new to this! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ How t…

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344: Finances & Funding: Making Your Microschool Sustainable! 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

Want to start or grow your microschool but worried about finances? You’re not alone! Funding your homeschool hybrid or microschool can feel overwhelming, but the good news is—you don’t have to figure it out on your own. In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into real-life funding strategies that I’ve used to grow Lighthouse Le…

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343: Building a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid - Do's, Don'ts and how to make it thrive! 25:53

4M ago25:53

25:53

Are you thinking about starting a homeschool hybrid but feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts? Maybe you’ve already launched and want to make sure you’re setting up your program for long-term success. In this episode, I’m sharing: ✅ What a homeschool hybrid is and why it’s so valuable ✅ Who thrives in this learning model (and why families LOV…

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342: Marketing Your Microschool: What Actually Works! 5 Marketing Super Powers to Grow Enrollment and Build Your Confidence 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

🚨 Struggling to enroll students in your microschool? Not sure how to market without feeling salesy? You’re not alone! Many educators-turned-entrepreneurs find themselves stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to start when it comes to attracting families to their microschool. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or fancy ads to successfully gro…

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The Rise of Myles Patton: From the Transfer Portal to Texas A&M Standout 34:05

4M ago34:05

34:05

In this episode of More Than Velocity, we sit down with Texas A&M pitcher Myles Patton along with Jason Smith, the Director of Baseball Recruiting at the Ballengee Group, to discuss the journey of an elite pitcher and what it takes to maximize potential. Myles shares how he developed his process, refined his training, and implemented ArmCare’s data…

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341: How to Prioritize When You’re Pulled in 10 Directions! 31:02

4M ago31:02

31:02

Are you juggling way too many things right now? Maybe you're balancing business, family, life changes—and it all feels like a whirlwind. I get it. With our growing microschool, a major location shift, closing on a new house, and navigating high school and travel sports with my kids, I’ve had to rethink how I prioritize my time. In this episode, I’m…

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340: Empowering Teachers to Revolutionize Education: How Microschools and Bottom-Up Learning Transform Student Success Through Individualized Education 19:12

4M ago19:12

19:12

Are you tired of feeling stuck in a system that prioritizes test scores over real learning? Ready to explore how teachers and parents can reclaim the joy of education through individualized learning? In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What "bottom-up" education really means and how it transforms the learning experience. ✨ Why individualized education…

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Pitching Mechanics vs. Arm Strength, Are You Overtraining?, and a Pitching System by Lou Kolasky. 26:20

4M ago26:20

26:20

In this episode of More Than Velocity, we sit down with pitching coach and ArmCare Elite member Lou Kolasky to discuss how to train pitchers smarter, prevent injuries, and maximize performance. Lou, a National Pitching Association (NPA) coach in the Great Lakes region, has worked with some of the top pitchers in the state—helping them refine their …

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339: Marching Forward: How to Gain Momentum When You Feel Stuck In Your Decisions as a Teacher or on Your Microschool Journey Career 31:57

4M ago31:57

31:57

Are you a teacher feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of what’s next? You’re not alone. March is that time of year when burnout is real, decisions feel heavy, and the path ahead seems unclear. But here’s the good news: momentum comes from movement—not perfection. In today’s episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, we’re tackling the biggest chal…

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338: Don't Want to Run a Summer Camp but Need to Make Money? Revenue Generating Ideas for Teachers and How They Support Your Future 16:14

5M ago16:14

16:14

💡 Think summer means shutting down your school and pausing your income? Think again! If you’re an educator or microschool owner who loves the idea of rest but also needs financial stability, this episode is for you. 💭 What if you could keep families engaged and bring in revenue—without running a full summer camp? Inside this episode, we’re breaking…

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337: March is for Momentum! Why Summer Camps and Programs are a Game Changer for Your Microschool Future and Success! 21:05

5M ago21:05

21:05

Summer is NOT a time to hit pause on your microschool—it’s an opportunity to build momentum that will set you up for long-term success! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✔ Why summer camps & programs can be a game changer for your school’s growth ✔ How summer offerings can increase your revenue and financial stability ✔ The enrollment advantage—h…

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336: Unlocking Funding for Your Microschool: The Power of Fiscal Sponsorship When You are Not a Non-Profit (Yet) 22:42

5M ago22:42

22:42

🚀 What if funding your microschool or homeschool hybrid didn’t have to be so hard? You have a passion for education, a vision for your learning community, and families who believe in what you’re building. But there’s one major challenge—how do you raise the money you need to grow without becoming a nonprofit? 💡 The answer? Fiscal sponsorship. In to…

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335: Empowering Teachers and Families with School Choice: The Key to Education Freedom and Flexibility 20:32

5M ago20:32

20:32

What if education didn’t have to be one-size-fits-all? What if families had the freedom and flexibility to choose an education model that best fits their child’s unique needs, strengths, and future goals? 🎓✨ In today’s episode, I’m diving into the powerful topic of school choice and why it’s more important than ever. Whether you're a parent explori…

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334: Transforming Education Through Microschools: How Innovation Empowers Students, Teachers, and Parents to Break Free From the Traditional System 22:02

5M ago22:02

22:02

Are we preparing students for the future—or just pushing them through an outdated system? If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the limitations of traditional education, this episode is for you. We’re diving into why the current model needs a transformation and how microschools are paving the way for a more personalized, empowering learning experience.…

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333: Unlock Grant Funding for Your Microschool: How to Secure Financial Support with VELA and Educational Philanthropists 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

Are you a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader wondering how to financially sustain and grow your educational vision? The answer might be closer than you think—through grants and philanthropic support! In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of grant funding, explore the opportunities offered by VELA Education Fund, and demystify the …

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How High School Coaches Can Optimize Pitching with ArmCare 26:57

5M ago26:57

26:57

In this episode of More Than Velocity, we sit down with veteran high school baseball coach Ryan Strickland to discuss how he’s transformed his program using ArmCare. With nearly two decades of coaching experience in South Georgia, Ryan shares how he manages two-way players, optimizes pitching rotations, and keeps his athletes throwing harder, longe…

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332: Your Summer Program Playbook to SKYROCKET Enrollment and Grow Your Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid 34:37

5M ago34:37

34:37

Thinking about running a summer camp or program for your microschool or homeschool hybrid? This could be your secret weapon for boosting enrollment, increasing revenue, and building lasting relationships with families! In this episode, I’m sharing why summer programs are a game-changer for microschool founders and homeschool hybrid leaders—PLUS how…