Join us for the Demme Learning Show, where the goal is to help families build lifelong learners.
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Math U See Podcasts
Welcome to Making Everyday Magic, the podcast where we explore the ins and outs of homeschooling, family life, and finding joy in the everyday moments. Join Shanna as she shares real-life experiences, tips, and insights on navigating homeschool with a secular perspective, making family memories, and balancing the highs and lows of home education. From practical advice to mindset shifts, each episode is designed to inspire and empower you to create a fulfilling and magical life that's uniquel ...
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Forks is a podcast about what happens when life doesn’t go as planned — and how we find our way forward. 🎧 New here? Start with our intro episode: on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Each week, longtime friends and hosts Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde sit down with people who’ve faced tough situations: mental health struggles, addiction, incarceration, divorce, job loss, grief, identity shifts — and chose to build something honest and meaningful in the aftermath. Whether you’re standing at your own ...
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The Proven Math U See Strategy That Actually Works for 4th Grade
19:12
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19:12If you've been wondering whether Math U See is the right fit for your homeschool, this episode dives into the honest, real-life breakdown you've been looking for. Today, I'm sharing the proven strategy that's been helping our 4th grade math routine click — and why this curriculum continues to surprise me in the best ways. Math doesn't have to be st…
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Why I Started Making Everyday Magic: Our Homeschool Story
24:51
24:51
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24:51If you've ever wondered how Making Everyday Magic began, this episode is the heart of it all. Today, I'm opening up about who I am, why I started this journey, and how our homeschool story shaped everything I share here. From the early days of figuring things out, to the messy, real-life moments that pushed me toward creating a space for honest, en…
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Enduring Success: Why Your Child’s Math Placement Matters
1:03:52
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1:03:52For over 35 years, Math-U-See’s placement specialists have helped students chart a course to lasting success through accurate placement. Hear inspiring stories and see how the right start, or a well-timed course correction, can transform your student’s math journey. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/math-placement-show…
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From Start to Spectacular: A Year of Growth and Insights from Demme Learning
1:03:04
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1:03:04Gretchen and guest host Amber Didden deliver an exclusive, high-impact review of The Demme Learning Show year. You'll walk away with a curated list of must-see episodes, a deeper understanding of the show's transformative listener impact, and the critical, actionable takeaways you need to power your planning for 2026. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelea…
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Surprising Lessons From Week One of Homeschool
17:20
17:20
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17:20Week one of our homeschool year is officially in the books — and wow, did it come with some surprises. In this episode, I'm sharing our honest first impressions of the new homeschool routines, the curriculum we're testing out, and the little lessons that already shifted how we're approaching this year. If you love real-life homeschooling without th…
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Why I Stopped Chasing Goals And Started Actually Living
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17:37If you've been chasing achievements, checking boxes, or waiting for the perfect moment to finally feel "ready," this episode is your reminder that real life is happening right now. Today, I'm sharing the mindset shift that's been changing everything in my heart, home, and homeschool: I stopped chasing goals for someday and started living with inten…
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Why the ASVAB Could Be the Key to Your Student’s Success Story
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35:11
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35:11Although the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a standardized test used to determine a person’s aptitude for military service and potential career paths within the armed forces, it is not just for those considering the armed forces. It is an excellent tool for determining student aptitude. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.…
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Are You Overcommitting Your Kids? Simplifying Extracurriculars for Sanity + Balance
13:15
13:15
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13:15Ever feel like your family calendar is running you instead of the other way around? 🙋♀️ In this episode, I'm getting real about how easy it is to overcommit our kids — and ourselves — with endless activities, lessons, and events. We recently hit that wall of exhaustion and decided it was time to simplify. Let's talk about how to spot the signs of …
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Surviving Homeschool Mornings Is Easier Than You Think: Simple Routines That Work
13:40
13:40
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13:40If your homeschool mornings feel more like chaos than calm, you are not alone. But here's the good news — it doesn't have to be that way! In this episode, I'm sharing how a simple, realistic morning routine has completely changed the tone of our homeschool days. From building habits that actually stick to creating peaceful starts that set the tone …
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Rubin: Bridging Skills Gaps for Future Careers
38:36
38:36
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38:36Enjoy this conversation with Danny Rubin, founder of Rubin Education, to explore essential resources for developing communication and business etiquette skills vital for today’s students entering the workplace. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/skills-gaps-showBy Demme Learning
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Why I Stopped Seeking Validation from Other Parents (and Found Real Confidence Instead)
18:03
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18:03Let's be honest — it's easy to get caught up in what other parents are doing, saying, and posting. But at some point, you have to ask yourself: who am I really doing this for? In this episode, I'm sharing why I finally stopped seeking validation from other parents — and how that decision changed everything. We'll talk about trusting yourself, letti…
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Master Flexible Thinking: Future-Proof Your Career Today
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35:14How do you cultivate flexible thinking and adapt to an ever-changing world, especially when pursuing a career? In this episode, we have an insightful discussion with software engineer Dan Chimento, who, having begun his career as a software engineer, has journeyed from programming aspirations to mastering essential soft skills for business adaptabi…
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Plan With Me: Simple + Flexible 4th Grade Homeschool Setup That Actually Works
12:32
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12:32Ready to plan your homeschool year without the stress? In this episode, I'm walking you through how I set up our 4th grade homeschool plan — the simple, flexible way. If you've been craving structure without feeling boxed in, this one's for you. We'll chat about how to build a schedule that flows with your family, how to keep your homeschool adapta…
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The Ghostwriter’s Guide: Insider Tips for Aspiring Writers
32:31
32:31
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32:31In this episode, we explore the world of ghost writing with Maggie Mills. Learn how to step inside someone else’s thoughts to help them tell their story. For a parent intimidated by editing your student’s writing, this will be a not-to-be-missed discussion. This is a terrific episode for every aspiring writer or anyone who has a story yearning to b…
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High School Transcript Tips You NEED To Know | 15 Mistakes To Avoid
16:22
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16:22Homeschool high school transcripts can feel intimidating—but they don't have to be! As we head into 8th grade, I'm already looking ahead to the world of high school records, and today I'm sharing 15 common transcript mistakes you'll want to avoid. If you've ever worried about "messing it up," you're not alone. In this episode, I'll walk through the…
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Vanessa Vakharia — From Failing Math to becoming The Math Guru, a Rock Star, and a Mission to Heal Math Trauma
39:46
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39:46In this episode of Forks, we sit down with Vanessa Vakharia, founder of The Math Guru, bestselling author of Math Hacks and Math Therapy, and frontwoman of the indie rock band Goodnight Sunrise. After failing math twice in high school, Vanessa was convinced she “just wasn’t a math person.” Years later, she’s built a movement around proving that bel…
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How To Start Your Homeschool Week Without Stress | Mom And Me Monday
10:17
10:17
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10:17Starting the homeschool week doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Say hello to my favorite secret weapon—✨ Mom And Me Monday! ✨ In this episode, I'm sharing how this simple shift completely changes the way we start our week. By frontloading the big, high-demand lessons on Monday, we set the tone for smoother days ahead while keeping things stress-fre…
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Simple Homeschool Year Planning Made EASY | Stress-Free Homeschool Tips
13:53
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13:53Homeschool year planning doesn't have to feel overwhelming—I promise! In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I plan our entire homeschool year without the stress, the chaos, or the endless second-guessing. From setting realistic goals to building a schedule that actually works for real life, I'll break it all down into simple, manageable steps th…
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How Outdoor Adventure Revolutionizes Homeschooling for Kids
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34:34In this episode, we spoke with Jess Alfreds, founder of Carolina Kids Co-Op, an outdoor academic, secular, hybrid program with dozens of locations throughout the country. CKC has reimagined education, teaching in their unique environments academics, art, music, physical fitness, theater, and dance. Taking a holistic view of students and emphasizing…
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Beyond the Job Title: Career Coach Lynn Unger on Mindset, Change, and Redefining Success
43:18
43:18
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Guiding Children Through Change: The Power of Self-Regulation
36:28
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36:28In this engaging conversation, occupational therapist and author Sarah Collins explores how sensory processing and declarative language intersect to help children build self-awareness and emotional regulation. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/self-regulation-showBy Demme Learning
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Plan With Me: Stress-Free 8th Grade Homeschool
13:58
13:58
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13:58Ready to peek behind the curtain of how I'm planning our 8th grade homeschool year—without the stress? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how we're ditching the rigid hour-by-hour grind and embracing a flexible homeschool flow that actually works for our family. I'll walk you through our planning process, the colorful charts that keep us on track…
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Easy Homeschool Portfolio & Record Keeping | Save TIME & Stay Organized
13:54
13:54
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13:54Homeschool record keeping doesn't have to be stressful—or take up all your time. In this episode, I'm sharing my easy homeschool portfolio and record keeping system for 2025–2026, plus the digital tools and resources I'm using to stay organized this year. Whether you're brand new to homeschool organization or just looking for a simpler way to manag…
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Seaside to Mountains: Worldschooling Through Brazil
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44:32Discover how the Dawson family navigated a new environment, including attending a Brazilian private school, exploring, and immersing themselves in the culture. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/worldschooling-brazil-showBy Demme Learning
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50th Episode Special! 🎉 Confessions Every Homeschool Parent Needs to Hear | Letting Go of Guilt & Finding Joy
18:40
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18:40Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Can you believe this is the 50th episode of Making Everyday Magic? 🎉 To celebrate, I'm getting extra real with you about something every homeschool parent struggles with but doesn't always admit—confessions. If you've ever felt homeschool guilt, compared yourself to others, or worried you're not doing enough, you're not …
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Homeschoolers and Heroes: Creating Compelling Comics
27:59
27:59
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27:59Join us as we examine how these homeschoolers developed their storytelling skills during neighborhood walks, which led to creating comics and speaking at conferences. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/homeschool-comics-showBy Demme Learning
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What I Wish I Knew Before Secular Homeschooling | 5 Realities No One Talks About
14:52
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14:52Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Thinking about starting secular homeschooling? Before you dive in, let's talk about the 5 realities I wish someone had told me when we first began. Secular homeschooling isn't less—it's just different. It means teaching with evidence-based resources, critical thinking, and academic excellence without faith-based content.…
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Hey friends, Shanna here! 🌟 Today's episode is extra special—I'm joined by our resident dad to share his honest take on why we homeschool. You've heard my side of the story, but what does Dad really think about kitchen-table science, pajama math lessons, and the rollercoaster ride of learning at home? 🤔 We're diving into the ups, downs, and unexpec…
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Mz. Grundy: Alaskan Storyteller Extraordinaire
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37:49
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37:49Don't miss Mz. Grundy's remarkable tall tales from the Alaskan frontier, or Nancy Winniford's equally fascinating story of how her alter ego came to be. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/alaskan-storyteller-showBy Demme Learning
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🔥 Hot Takes: Secular Homeschool History That Actually Works | Homeschool History Resources I Recommend
17:44
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17:44Alright friends—let's talk history. If you've ever felt like homeschool history is either boring, overwhelming, or impossible to find without the fluff—this episode is for you. I'm sharing my Hot Takes: History I Would Recommend—the secular, smart, and actually engaging resources that are making a real difference in our homeschool. No busywork. No …
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Exploring Human Behavior with Neuropsychologist Dr. Mary Saczawa [Show]
44:21
44:21
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44:21We had an insightful conversation about neurospychology with Dr. Mary Saczawa, an assistant professor of Neuropsychology at Hanover College. Discover what ignited Dr. Saczawa's passion for this field and how she leverages her interests and research to guide future psychologists in their exploration of human behavior. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelear…
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Is It A Privilege? | Honest Talk on Privilege in Homeschooling & Real Life (Not for Kids)
20:23
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20:23Alright friends, let's get real—is it a privilege? Today, I'm digging into a tough but necessary conversation about privilege: how it shows up in homeschooling, how it shapes our choices, and the role it plays in everyday life. This isn't the fluffy side of homeschooling—it's the real talk we need if we're going to be honest about the blessings, bl…
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Unlocking Adventure: Stories Boys Will Love
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36:25
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36:25We had a wonderful discussion with Jan Bloom, where we explored how to encourage our boys to find and embrace the themes they cherish. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/stories-boys-will-love-showBy Demme Learning
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My First Time Organizing a Homeschool Science Class (And What I Learned!)
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18:18So… I did a thing. I organized my very first homeschool science class—and I lived to tell the tale! 🧬🌍 In this episode of Making Everyday Magic, I'm spilling all the details about pulling together a group for homeschool science classes at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. We've been attendees before, but being the one coordinating everything? …
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We had an insightful conversation with Francie Black about the rise of artificial intelligence and its potential applications for our students’ learning and development. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/ai-homeschooling-showBy Demme Learning
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🎒Would I Recommend This Homeschool Field Trip? The Good, The Wild, and The "Maybe Not Again" Moments
34:20
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34:20Just wrapped up a whirlwind homeschool road trip through the South—and I'm giving you the full download. From feeding parrots in the Smokies to rafting, go-karts, and yes… Buc-ee's bathrooms, this trip had everything—adventure, learning, and a bit of chaos. So would I recommend this homeschool field trip? Well… there were some wins, a few surprises…
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Minding the Gaps: Why Foundational Math Skills Matter to Student Success [Show]
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1:03:28Foundational math skills are essential for student success. When a student faces difficulties, the root cause often lies in weak and disconnected basic knowledge rather than the current lesson. We had an insightful discussion of the reasons behind these struggles and how remediation may only require a temporary pause rather than a permanent setback…
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Homeschool Record Keeping: Catching Up + Planning Ahead Without the Stress
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11:30Let's talk about record keeping for this school year—or in my case, playing some serious catch-up. 😅 If you're behind on logging hours, organizing your homeschool year, or just trying to remember what actually happened… you're in good company. In this episode, I'm diving into: 📚 what record keeping looks like in our homeschool 🧠 why I'm finally shi…
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[Bonus] From Keyboard to Trail: ChatGPT's Unique Role in Preparing Me for the Continental Divide
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38:35Hear a compelling real-life example of AI's positive impact. Listen as Duncan Roe explains how he leveraged AI to prepare for his long-distance hike on the Continental Divide Trail. This is a follow-up to our 10/27/23 episode on hiking the Continental Divide Trail. We recommend listening to that episode and reading the show notes first: https://dem…
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Life on the Edge: Joy Ng’s Inspiring Journey
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35:30We had an engaging conversation with Joy Ng, the wife of a Coast Guard rescue helicopter pilot in remote Alaska. Her compelling book Even There recounts her exciting journey, including unexpected ventures into commercial fishing, business entrepreneurship, homeschooling, and authorship—all interwoven with a profound thread of faith. 🗒️ Show Notes h…
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Year End Review Of Our Homeschool | The Flexibility That Saved Us
21:45
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21:45We made it, friends! 🎓 In this Year End Review Of Our Homeschool, I'm reflecting on what might've been our most unpredictable—and most meaningful—year yet. Life got messy, but homeschool let us breathe through the chaos and come out stronger. This episode dives into: 📚 What actually worked (and what totally didn't) 🔁 How flexibility carried us thro…
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LEGO + Learning? Creative Science Options for Next Year's Homeschool Plan 🧱🔬
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26:25
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26:25Let's talk homeschool science—and yes, we're bringing LEGOs to the lab. 🧪✨ In this episode, I'm sharing the hands-on, curiosity-sparking science options we're seriously considering for next year, including how we're planning to use LEGOs to explore physics, engineering, and STEM in our secular homeschool. We'll dive into: 🧱 Why LEGO might be our fa…
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From Bedside to Byte: Navigating the Nursing to Informatics Transition
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20:04We had a fascinating conversation with Duncan Lawrence, a homeschool graduate and experienced registered nurse. Duncan will share insights into how his passions have evolved, the skills he's gained along the way, and his current career goals within the rapidly growing field of informatics. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/nursing-inform…
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Budget With Me for Next Year 💸 Real Homeschool Numbers + Spreadsheet Walkthrough
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15:53Let's get real about homeschool budgeting—because it's not just about receipts and rows on a spreadsheet. It's about building the life and learning we actually want. In this Budget With Me for Next Year episode, I'm breaking down every dollar we've spent (and are planning to spend) on homeschooling. Yep, real numbers, real categories, and a full wa…
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Homeschooling with Unique Learners: An Encouraging Conversation with Dr. Patti Stoudt
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32:26While our conversation will focus on educating students at home with unique learning needs and how parents can provide positive, encouraging support, Dr. Stoudt will also provide insight into a deeper understanding of when standardized testing is helpful and how much weight it should have in a parent’s homeschool world. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmel…
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Order With Me: 2025–2026 Homeschool Curriculum Picks (4th & 8th Grade Favorites!)
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17:38It's that time again—Order With Me for next school year! 🎉 I'm walking you through our 2025–2026 homeschool curriculum picks for 4th and 8th grade: what we're sticking with, what we're trying new, and how I'm keeping things simple, structured, and still flexible. Because let's be honest—clicking "place order" is both terrifying and deeply satisfyin…
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The Mathematics of a Career in Biological Research [Show]
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43:42Discover how Shelby Roe transformed her love of animals into a career at the forefront of biological research. Experience the excitement of scientific discoveries as Shelby candidly shares her path into the molecular biology field, navigating the challenges of the often-intimidating landscape of STEM. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/bi…
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Plan With Me For Next Year | Real-Life Homeschool Planning for 2025–2026 (4th & 8th Grade!)
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10:20Hey friends! ✨ It's that time again—Plan With Me For Next Year! I'm diving headfirst into our 2025–2026 homeschool plans for 4th and 8th grade, and you're coming along for the ride. 📚🗓️ I'm sharing how I map out our homeschool year—from curriculum picks to building in flexibility and creating a rhythm that actually fits real life. Because let's be …
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Cultivating Attentiveness and Contemplation
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1:01:45As we increasingly depend on external stimulation for diversion, our ability to reflect, remember, compare, and contemplate seems to wane. This discussion addresses this need as well as practical ways we can help our students develop these essential thinking skills. 🗒️ Show Notes https://demmelearning.com/blog/cultivating-attentiveness-contemplatio…
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Are You Confusing School With Learning? The Truth Most People Miss
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20:15Hey friends, Shanna here! 💖 Today we're talking about a BIG mindset shift: Are you making the mistake of confusing school with learning? Because let's be real—school and learning are not the same thing. 📚❌ Just because a kid checks all the boxes or sits through all the lessons doesn't mean they're actually learning something that sticks. And that p…
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