Best Ditch That Textbook Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 15: “Tech That Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of CI” 1:08:08

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6h ago1:08:08

1:08:08

If you've ever wondered which tech tools actually support CI and which ones slowly drain your will to teach, this episode breaks down the essential truth about “Tech That Doesn’t Suck the Life Out of CI.” Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, we unpack the wild world of edtech through real …

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Episode 14: “Do They Actually Like Class? Student Feedback, Fear, and Facts” 1:14:23

15d ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Student feedback, CI teaching, and classroom engagement collide in this brutally honest, funny, and relatable episode for world language teachers featuring Jackie Deming-Plunk and Karla McCann, a French teacher and native Spanish speaker who has cracked the code on language acquisition, high-frequency vocabulary, reading strategies, story-telling, …

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Episode 13: “CI Burnout Is Real — Let’s Talk About It” 1:15:43

22d ago1:15:43

1:15:43

CI teacher burnout is real, messy, and wildly relatable, especially when you’re trying to stay comprehensible while running on caffeine and sheer force of will. Before you dive in, take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your actual CI level (no judgment, promise) at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode, we’re tackling the emotional chaos of C…

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Teaching Made Human: Piedad Gutiérrez on the Magic of Story 59:56

29d ago59:56

59:56

Piedad Gutiérrez, a veteran Spanish teacher and CI consultant now teaching in Israel, shares her inspiring journey from grammar-heavy lessons to joyful, story-based communication through Comprehensible Input. Want ready-to-use CI lessons, stories, and activities that make language learning effortless? Grab the CI Survival Kit today at https://imim.…

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Christmas School for the Soul 12:56

24d ago12:56

12:56

Are you overwhelmed by the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect holiday memories in your homeschool? (Spoiler: so was I, and I’ve got some epic fails to share as proof!) If you’re feeling weighed down by Christmas school plans, elaborate crafts, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s, this episode is your permission slip to do less and experience mor…

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Episode 12: “Wait, Am I Doing This Right?” — CI Impostor Syndrome 1:17:43

1M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Feeling like a fraud in your CI classroom? You’re not alone — welcome to CI Impostor Syndrome. Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and see where you stand on the CI journey: https://imim.us/ciquiz In this hilarious and brutally honest episode, Scott sits down with Monique Francis and Peter Riehl to talk about why even experienced teachers question themsel…

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Episode 11: “CI with THAT Class: When It’s All Chaos and Side-Eye” 47:00

1M ago47:00

47:00

Ever tried staying comprehensible while teaching that class — the one fueled by chaos, sarcasm, and an Olympic-level side-eye game? Yeah, this one’s for you. 🎯 Ready to see how your CI skills stack up? Take the CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. You might surprise yourself… or confirm everything you’ve suspected …

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Trade Overwhelm for Joy 28:00

2M ago28:00

28:00

Ready to trade overwhelm for joy this homeschool year? If you’ve ever wished for a homeschooling break that actually refills your cup without the speaker overload of a massive conference or the pressure to “do it all,” this episode is your permission slip. I’m sitting down with Barbara Cozens to talk about what really happens at a We Gather Togethe…

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Episode 10: “CI in the Wild: My Big Takeaway” 1:11:16

2M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

When it comes to Comprehensible Input teaching, nothing beats real teachers sharing real classroom takeaways — from epic CI wins to wild “this actually works!” moments. 🎒 Ready to level up your CI game? Grab the CI Survival Kit, now with Ask-a-Story Slides in French, German, and Spanish — your monthly lifeline for fresh, ready-to-teach CI lessons a…

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When Handwriting Isn’t Clicking (And What Really Matters) 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

What’s the real story behind “bad” handwriting? Is it just a phase, or a red flag? And what should you actually do when your kid melts down every time you pull out a pencil? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Collins, a homeschool mom, licensed occupational therapist, and founder of Homeschool OT, to debunk some common OT myths and offer practica…

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Episode 9: “Equity & CI: Why This Matters” 1:16:29

2M ago1:16:29

1:16:29

Comprehensible Input isn’t just about language—it’s about equity, access, and giving every student a fair shot at success in your classroom. 🎯 Take our free CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your Comprehensible Input teaching level at https://imim.us/ciquiz. In this episode of Comprehend THIS! we’re diving into Equity & CI: Why This Matters with two…

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Adaptability Is Your Homeschool Superpower 13:17

3M ago13:17

13:17

How many times have you set out to have a “consistent” homeschool, only to get derailed by spilled cereal, a surprise dentist appointment, or, let’s be real, your own epic meltdown? (Just me? Didn’t think so.) Let’s bust this myth right up front: Consistency in homeschool is NOT about never missing a day, nailing every lesson, and marching through …

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Episode 8: “CI Burnout? Been There.” 1:17:38

3M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Struggling with CI teacher burnout? Learn how to stay sustainable with Comprehensible Input strategies that actually work. 👉 Grab your free CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, Scott Benedict sits down with guests Tracey Collazos and David Rice to talk honestly about the not-so-magical side of teaching…

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CI Stories - The Easy Way David Rice Turned Spanish Class Into Real Proficiency 1:07:27

3M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

Discover how Spanish teacher David Rice transformed his classroom with Comprehensible Input (CI) and made proficiency feel achievable for every student. 👉 Want ready-to-use strategies, lesson plans, and tools for YOUR classroom? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival The CI Story Series highlights everyday language teachers who hav…

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One Small Habit That Transforms Your Homeschool 25:09

3M ago25:09

25:09

Are you drowning in interruptions, curveballs, or the chaos of real-life homeschooling—and wondering if you’ll ever get back to consistent days? You’re not alone, friend! This week on the Homeschool Better Together Podcast, I’m joined by DaLynn DeWitt—a South Texas homeschool mom of three, rodeo wife, and self-confessed “all or nothing” personality…

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Episode 7: “Assessment Without the Headache” 1:14:21

3M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Tired of grading overload? Discover how to make assessment in the world language classroom stress-free, proficiency-based, and actually useful for students with guests Andy Dykema and Pat Rolfes. 🎒 Want more sanity-saving tools? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we dive into “Assessment Wit…

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Homeschool Off Track? Time for a Reboot 13:40

3M ago13:40

13:40

Raise your hand if your homeschool year already feels like it’s veering off course. (Don’t worry, mine’s up too.) Let’s be real: there’s no such thing as one smooth, perfectly consistent homeschool year. Enter…the homeschool reboot. This episode is your practical pep talk for starting over, with zero guilt. I break down why a homeschool reboot isn’…

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Episode 6: “When Your Department Side-Eyes Your CI” 1:05:08

4M ago1:05:08

1:05:08

When your department side-eyes your comprehensible input teaching, it can feel isolating—this episode shares real strategies, survival tips, and encouragement for CI teachers. 🎁 Grab your free CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival — your go-to resource for staying confident and effective with comprehensible input in the classroom. In this …

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Bonus: "What If They Just. Won’t. Talk?" 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

Ever wonder what to do when your students just won’t talk in your world language classroom? 👉 Take our free CI Proficiency Quiz and assess your CI Proficiency Level here: https://imim.us/ciquiz In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we dive into the universal teacher struggle: student silence. You’ll learn why forcing output usually backfires, how to…

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High School Foreign Language Credit, No Textbook Required 40:46

4M ago40:46

40:46

Ready to actually use a foreign language in your homeschool—and give your high schooler credit for it? This episode is a breath of fresh air for every parent who’s ever tried to check the “foreign language” box…and wondered if anything was actually sticking. Today, I’m joined again by Adelaide Olguin, founder of Talkbox Mom, whose innovative progra…

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CI Stories: From Textbooks to Total Engagement—Vicki Schrader’s CI Story 1:27:18

4M ago1:27:18

1:27:18

Discover how veteran ELL teacher Vicki Schrader transformed her classroom from grammar-heavy to fully Comprehensible Input (CI) and published four CI novels along the way. Get your monthly lifeline of ready-to-use CI lessons, activities, and assessments with the CI Survival Kit: https://imim.us/survival In this inspiring CI Story episode, Vicki Sch…

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Episode 5: “Reading Is My Secret Weapon” 1:19:12

4M ago1:19:12

1:19:12

Discover why reading is the secret weapon for language teachers using Comprehensible Input, with insights from A.C. Quintero and Pat Rolfes. 📦 Want ready-to-use CI lesson plans, activities, and strategies? Grab the CI Survival Kit here: https://imim.us/survival In this episode of Comprehend THIS!, we’re joined by A.C. Quintero (teacher & author) an…

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Rabbit Trails and Real Life: One Mom’s Journey 26:18

4M ago26:18

26:18

Are you homeschooling a neurodivergent child, or just feeling like the “typical” homeschool advice doesn’t fit your real life? This episode is for all the mamas who secretly (or not-so-secretly) wish for a blueprint, but end up building a rollercoaster every single day. Today, I’m joined by Amie, a veteran mom of one, homeschooling her neurodiverge…

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Episode 4: “My Favorite CI Moves (When I Have Zero Prep Time)” 1:10:39

4M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Master zero-prep CI activities and emergency teaching strategies to save your language lessons when you have absolutely no time to plan. 🎯 Take our CI Proficiency Quiz and assess your CI Proficiency Level: https://imim.us/ciquiz In this episode, we share our favorite no-prep CI activities, quick fixes, and teacher survival moves for those inevitabl…

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Episode 3: “No Grammar Drills, No Cry” 1:16:40

5M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Discover how to teach grammar in a CI classroom without boring drills or endless worksheets in this episode of Comprehend THIS! featuring Spanish teacher Chelsea Woodruff and French teacher Tara Ellsley. 🎯 Take our CI Proficiency Quiz and find out your CI Proficiency Level now: https://imim.us/ciquiz In Episode 3, No Grammar Drills, No Cry, we tack…

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Ditching the Overwhelm for Family Learning 23:39

5M ago23:39

23:39

Are you craving more joy, flexibility, and real connection in your homeschool? Today’s episode is a deep-dive with Angela Huber, one of our own Homeschool Better Together community moms. Angela’s homeschool journey began like so many: She swore she’d never do it, then got thrown into elearning during 2020 (which, spoiler, did NOT spark joy). Fast-f…

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Episode 2: “First Wins, Weird Fails, and What I’d Do Again” 1:10:59

5M ago1:10:59

1:10:59

Curious about how real teachers survive (and sometimes totally fail at) using Comprehensible Input? This episode delivers hilarious stories, first wins, and must-try strategies for your CI classroom. 🎉 Ready to kick off the year with clarity and confidence? Join our Back-to-School Bootcamp and get practical, CI-friendly tools to start strong: https…

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Special Episode: 5 Signs You’ve Got a Ho Hum Homeschool 11:58

5M ago11:58

11:58

Is your homeschool running on autopilot and losing its spark? You're not alone, and you’re definitely not failing. In this special episode, I’m getting real about a syndrome I call the “Ho Hum Homeschool.” You know, when you’re doing all the things, color-coded planners, checklists, math, and reading, but somehow, none of it feels like actual learn…

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Episode 1: “How I Fell Into CI (and Survived)” 1:18:57

5M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

If you’ve ever wondered how language teachers survive the messy switch to comprehensible input, this episode is your new teacher therapy. Ready to level up your teaching this year? Join our Back-to-School Bootcamp for practical CI strategies, fresh ideas, and real talk: https://imim.us/bootcamp In Episode 1, How I Fell Into CI (and Survived), I’m j…

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How to Anchor Your Homeschool in Changing Times 31:10

5M ago31:10

31:10

Are you facing a move and feeling completely overwhelmed about starting over with your homeschool? Maybe you’re wishing for some sense of rhythm and comfort when everything else around you is shifting. In this episode, I talk with Melaney Smith, a pastor’s wife and homeschool mom of three, about what it’s like to leave everything behind and begin a…

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Comprehend THIS! - Trailer 1:14

6M ago1:14

1:14

Welcome to Comprehend THIS!, the podcast for language teachers who are tired of the same old textbook chatter and want the real talk instead. Every episode is like pulling up a chair in the copy room or leaning on the hallway wall at your favorite conference — except it’s not awkward, the coffee’s better (yours, not mine), and nobody’s grading you.…

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Homeschooling Through The Hardest Year Ever 27:23

6M ago27:23

27:23

Ever feel like “life” is just too much to keep homeschooling going? This one’s for you. I sat down with Karissa Martin, a mom of four, seasoned homeschooler, and expert juggler who, this year alone, faced one family crisis after another: illness, caretaking, and more than a few emotional curveballs. But you know what? Not only did her family make i…

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Juggling Big Life Changes and Homeschool 35:15

6M ago35:15

35:15

Are you in a season where homeschooling just feels… well, impossible? Juggling toddlers, moving houses, job changes—or maybe even facing heart surgery for your baby? Deep breath—friend, this episode is proof you really can keep going, even in the crazy! Today I’m joined by my friend, marketing pro, and veteran homeschool mom Tracey Matney. Tracey’s…

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EP 100 | Listener Q&A: Real Answers to Your Email Marketing and Copywriting Questions 21:06

6M ago21:06

21:06

It's the 100th episode of Copy That Converts and I’m celebrating by answering YOUR most pressing questions about email marketing and copywriting.🥳 Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with tactical tips, smart strategy, and honest answers that will help you write copy that actually converts into sales…

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CI Stories: CI Success Unlocked! D’Lisa McBride’s Simple, Powerful Journey 59:31

7M ago59:31

59:31

D’Lisa McBride’s CI journey proves that teaching multiple languages—English, German, Italian, and Spanish—can be simple, effective, and engaging with comprehension-based methods! 🚀 Want to level up your CI teaching this summer? Join us at CI Summer Camp for hands-on training, expert insights, and a supportive community of like-minded teachers! Sign…

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EP 99 | 5 Simple Ways to Add More Personality to Your Emails 9:25

7M ago9:25

9:25

Are your emails feeling a little ‘blah’? What if there was a way to take your emails from 'meh' to memorable? In a world full of AI-written content and crowded inboxes, what makes someone actually want to read your emails? The answer: personality. In this episode, we’re talking about how to bring more of the secret sauce behind your online business…

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Which Homeschool Schedule Actually Works for You? 41:17

7M ago41:17

41:17

Are you ready to break out of “school-at-home” thinking and finally build a homeschool rhythm that fits YOUR real life—not just the one in the curriculum guide? This week, I invited our two resident schedule-geeks—Laney Homan and Dawn Garrett—into the studio for a lively, practical (and very honest) roundtable on all things homeschool schedules. We…