Best Microschools Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 400: The Rebirth of a Dream: How ReDream Education and Microschool Masterminds Begin a New Era 27:37

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5d ago27:37

27:37

Today is Episode 400… a milestone I never imagined when I sat at my dining room table with six children during the pandemic, simply trying to create safety and stability for kids who needed a place to learn. But 400 episodes later, I have grown. You have grown. The entire movement has grown. And in this episode, I’m sharing a full-circle moment: th…

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From Homeschooling to Microschooling: Bonnie Bradshaw on Building Royal Oak Academy 34:52

9d ago34:52

34:52

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Bonnie Bradshaw, a longtime homeschool mom and the founder of Royal Oak Academy, a student-centered K-7 microschool in Suffolk, Virginia. Bonnie shares how her years of homeschooling shaped her educational philosophy and ultimately inspired her to create a learning environment that…

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292. Advancing Early College IT Pathways Through Microschool Innovation with Lisa Huffman 30:22

10d ago30:22

30:22

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we sit down with Lisa Huffman, Dean of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. Together, we explore the university’s long-standing Early IT program and the powerful new Microschool partnership designed to bring multiple districts, diverse…

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Changemaker Education - Love-based microschools 36:20

20d ago36:20

36:20

David K Richards is the Founder & CEO of Changemaker Education, a national network of affiliate love-based microschools and an incubator for founders who want to usher in a new paradigm for the future of education. He is also the host of the Changemaker ED“U” podcast. Previously, he was Founder & CEO of Growth Public Schools, and a founding teacher…

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Episode 84: The Power of On-Campus Microschools. A Conversation with Robby Meldau. 41:26

25d ago41:26

41:26

We trace a principal’s journey from Teach For America to a nine-year commitment leading a high-need neighborhood school, then dive into how a microschool inside the campus turned behavior crises into growth and engagement. The result: fewer labels, more joy, and a practical path other schools can follow. • why labels from tests and adults damage mo…

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2026 AI Proficiency Lesson 2: The Invisible Assistant: AI Integration in your Life 15:19

1d ago15:19

15:19

In this episode, Brett Hanson speaks directly to the "Sunbather"—the skeptic who believes they don't need or want AI in their life. Brett challenges the myth that you can "opt-out" of artificial intelligence by revealing the "Invisible Assistant" that has been quietly curating your world for the last decade. From FaceID to your spam folder, we expl…

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From High School to Homeschool | Cheryl's Journey with Jordyn 35:07

4d ago35:07

35:07

What if the best path for your child isn’t the one you expected? Today’s conversation explores the real-life journey of a family who made the leap into homeschooling during high school, navigating neurodiversity, family dynamics, and the search for the right educational fit. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice, and the surprising ways …

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Launching Christmas Eve | Welcome to the Own Your Education Podcast 0:20

5d ago0:20

0:20

Are you ready to redefine education? This holiday season, join us for the launch of the Own Your Education podcast. Starting on Christmas Eve, we will bring you weekly conversations centered around a holistic lifestyle of freedom in education. Hear real stories from brave parents who are tailoring education to fit their values and their lives.…

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Designing A Life—and a School—Around Family, Farm, and Forest 42:01

2d ago42:01

42:01

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Talon and Travis Holleman, co-founders of Roots Farm and Forest School in Delaware. What began as a small homeschool co-op during the pandemic has grown into a thriving, nature-based learning ecosystem serving more than 1,000 students through microschool programs, homeschool enrichment, after…

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Podcast 64 The Summer Holiday Survival Guide for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids 16:09

3d ago16:09

16:09

Send us a text The holiday season is meant to be joyful — but for many families with neurodivergent children, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and anything but relaxing. In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, we talk honestly about why holidays are so hard for neurodivergent kids — and what actually helps. You’ll learn: why chan…

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Navigating the Complexities of Autism and Education: Insights from Victoria Lenormand 47:47

6d ago47:47

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Victoria Lenormand is a former police detective turned holistic coach, Reiki master, and passionate advocate for alternative education and social justice. With a 28-year career in public service behind her, Victoria’s lens is both compassionate and sharp: she’s witnessed firsthand how institutions can sometimes fail those they claim to serve. Her j…

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2026 AI Proficiency Lesson 1: Creating an AI Workflow - Starting to Cultivate AI Taste 19:57

6d ago19:57

19:57

Episode 1 of the new Season and Series: 2026 AI Fluency Lessons Are you doing the work you love, or just managing the business of it? In this kickoff episode of the 2026 AI Fluency Series, Brett Hanson explores the "Admin Debris" that suffocates our best work—and how to clear it using AI. Brett shares a real-world case study of a professional execu…

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Episode 85: Removing Education Barriers in Arkansas. A Conversation with Laurie Lee and Emmy Henley. 35:43

9d ago35:43

35:43

We explore how a mother and daughter helped turn Arkansas into a leading state for school choice, sharing hard-won lessons from family needs, policy battles, and the explosive growth of microschools. Stories, strategy, and straight talk show how parents and educators can build options that fit real kids. • personal journey from limited options to s…

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Lessons from a Multiracial Family on Navigating Racism and Other "isms"; with Joe-Joe McManus 42:18

9d ago42:18

42:18

In this Episode you will learn about: Navigating bigotry as part of a multiracial, multi-religious and multi-ethnic family The power of parental values Why all "isms" are actually connected The role of fear in amplifying all "isms" How to be actively antiracist in your everyday life Why we should not be afraid of sharing true history with our kids …

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Podcast 63 How to Make School Feel Safe: 3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know 19:41

10d ago19:41

19:41

Send us a text How Can We Make School Feel Safe? Safety is the number one concern for families of neurodivergent children — and it goes far beyond locked gates and supervision. In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, Ruth Smoker-Cornell explores what real school safety looks like and what parents need to notice when choosing or review…

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Ep 399: Kayse Morris - TPT and Online Teacher Business Discussing Fear, Mindset, Teacher Burnout & Rebuilding Your Life + Business 51:54

12d ago51:54

51:54

(An exclusive interview on the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast) After a two-year pause from podcast interviews, Kayse Morris — former classroom teacher turned CEO, bestselling podcaster, and one of the most influential online business coaches for teachers is on the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast for her first interview in almost two year…

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Revolutionizing Toilet Policies: A Toolkit for Period Equity 31:30

13d ago31:30

31:30

In the summer of 2024, Irise brought together a diverse group of young people from across the UK, alongside their allies and educators to directly inform a ‘Toilet Policy Toolkit’, to equip schools with the tools they need to create a Toilet Policy that works for everyone. https://www.irise.org.uk/uk-schools-toilet-policy-toolkit Kelly Greenaway is…

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Promly: Social Media for Gen Zs by Gen Zs: With Jen Libby 38:31

16d ago38:31

38:31

In this Episode you will learn about: Promly: Social media for Gen. Zs by Gen. Zs Public Benefit Corporations The Gen. Z suicide crisis Why the Gen. Z voice is pivotal in policy impacting Gen. Zs The Kid Online Safety Act Shadow's Edge – Gaming for Mental Health Stockpile – A money app for families How parental values shape changemakers How loss ca…

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From Fighter Pilot to Founder: How Ali Ghaffari Is Advancing Classical Catholic Education 35:07

16d ago35:07

35:07

In this week's episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald interviews Ali Ghaffari, founder of Divine Mercy Academy, a K–8 classical Catholic school in Pasadena, Maryland, and now Executive Director of the St. John Henry Newman Institute, an organization dedicated to accelerating the renewal of Catholic education worldwide. Ali's path to schoo…

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Ep 398: When the Dream Isn’t Big Enough Anymore? What It Really Means to ReDream Education and How it Impacts YOU as a Teacher 29:10

19d ago29:10

29:10

When I started my microschool at my dining room table with six children during the pandemic, I thought that was the dream. I thought my purpose was simply to create a safe space for a handful of kids while the world felt uncertain. What I didn’t realize then—what I can see so clearly now—is that the school I started wasn’t the dream. It was the see…

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Podcast 62 Preventing Family Burnout - Making School sustainable for Everyone 26:52

19d ago26:52

26:52

Send us a text In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, Ruth Smoker-Cornell tackles a topic every family needs to hear: burnout and how to prevent it. Burnout doesn’t happen because families aren’t trying hard enough — it happens when the emotional, sensory, behavioural, and scheduling demands of school exceed the support available. An…

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The Fresh Air Fund: A Conversation With Lisa Gitelson 29:10

25d ago29:10

29:10

In this Episode you will learn about: The history of the Fresh Air Fund Not defining children based on the communities from which they come The Fresh Air Fund camps and summer curriculum How the Fresh Air Fund serves children year-round How the Fresh Air Fund develops young leaders How families influence the work of the Fresh Air Fund Corporate par…

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Starting A Church To Start A School: The Magnolia Schoolhouse Story 47:41

23d ago47:41

47:41

This week on the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald speaks with Tara Famularo-Del Bianco, a former attorney who spent nearly 15 years representing abused and neglected children in New York City before making a dramatic shift into education entrepreneurship. Today, she is the founder of The Magnolia Schoolhouse, a thriving Montessori-inspired microsc…

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Ep 397: Why Teacher, Let Your Light Shine is ReDreaming Education! My Origin Story, the Rise of Microschools, Future of Learning, & How Teachers, Parents, & Founders Can Build a Better System Together 32:22

26d ago32:22

32:22

In today’s deeply personal and powerful episode, I’m sharing the full story behind why I am officially rebranding Teacher Let Your Light Shine to ReDream Education—and why this evolution matters for teachers, parents, founders, and families who know deep down that the traditional system is no longer working. I take you back to the beginning—my livi…

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Podcast 61 Preparing for Next Year: A Parent’s Guide to Smooth Transitions, Teacher Handovers & Setting Your Child Up for Success 36:18

26d ago36:18

36:18

Send us a text The start of a new school year can feel overwhelming for neurodivergent children — and for the parents supporting them. New teachers, new routines, new expectations… and all the uncertainty that comes with Term 1. In this episode of Navigating Neurodiverse Education, I break down how to make next year calmer, smoother, and safer for …

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291. Building Learner-Centered Ecosystems Through Community Partnerships with Coi Marie Morefield 30:57

25d ago30:57

30:57

What does it look like to build a truly learner-centered school from the ground up—and do it by activating the full power of the surrounding community? In this episode, we welcome Coi Marie Morefield, founder of the Lab School of Memphis, a PK–8 learner-centered environment blending Waldorf, Montessori, unschooling, and constructivist approaches. C…

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The Pearl Remote Democratic High School 52:08

27d ago52:08

52:08

Dr. Robin Harwick is the founder and director of The Pearl Remote Democratic High School—an international, online school reimagining education for youth pushed out of mainstream systems. A lifelong educator, researcher, and creator of healing-centered programs, she combines lived experience with academic rigor to disrupt the status quo. Her work ch…

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Episode 83: Partnering for Innovation. A Conversation with Amy McGrath. 36:56

1M ago36:56

36:56

We challenge the assumption that boredom is a student problem and show how design, mentorship and partnerships can make school feel alive. Amy McGrath shares the path from Florida Virtual to ASU Prep’s Digital Plus microschools, mastery learning and the new Tempe Levitt Lab. • student-centered models that treat boredom as a design signal • lessons …

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Building A Vermont Microschool: Susan Yao's Journey From Teacher to Founder 26:34

1M ago26:34

26:34

This week on the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Susan Yao, founder of Vermont Village School in Brattleboro, Vermont, about her inspiring journey from progressive educator to microschool creator. After earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard College, Susan worked for several years as a teacher and school administrator in a variet…

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Ep 396: Building a Microschool Through Life’s Biggest Transitions: Maddie Baird’s Story of Faith, Family, and Fearless Leadership 56:07

1M ago56:07

56:07

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a microschool while managing major life transitions—or if fear of stepping away has kept you from taking the leap—this episode will encourage and empower you to move forward with faith and clarity. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of talking with Madeline Baird, founder of Peak Learning Microschool i…

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Podcast 60 End-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore) 26:20

1M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text End-of-Year School Reports: What Parents Really Need to Look For (and What to Ignore) It’s report review season — and for parents of neurodivergent children, this time of year brings stress, confusion, and a LOT of questions. Does “emerging” mean my child is behind? Is this report even accurate? What should I be asking for before the…

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Jez Alborough: Children's Author on Creativity & Inspiration 48:52

1M ago48:52

48:52

Jez Alborough is the author and illustrator of over 45 books for children. His Eddy and the Bear trilogy (which began with the much loved WHERE’S MY TEDDY in 1992) has sold nearly four and a half million copies and was made into a Bafta award-winning animated television special and series. DUCK IN THE TRUCK (1999) heralded the start of another best…

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Ep 395: From Overwhelmed to Organized: How Lisa Woodruff of Organize 365 Helped Me Transform My Home, School, and Business Systems 1:11:44

1M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

If you’ve ever felt buried under to-do lists, school planning, paperwork, and the constant pressure to do it all — today’s episode is your breath of fresh air. 🌿 In this deeply personal and transformative conversation, I sit down with Lisa Woodruff, the brilliant founder and CEO of Organize 365, and the woman who completely changed the way I struct…

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Inside A Wildflower School: Imani Jackson on Opening Poinciana Montessori 47:03

1M ago47:03

47:03

This week on the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with educator-turned-entrepreneur Imani Jackson, founder of Poinciana Montessori in Philadelphia and part of the Wildflower Montessori Network. Imani shares her remarkable journey from a classroom teacher in both public and private schools, to Montessori microschool founder—sparked by her own…

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Episode 82: School Choice: The Great Debate. A Conversation with Mike McShane. 1:14:13

1M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

We trace the rise of school choice from early voucher experiments to modern ESAs, unpack how funding actually follows students, and use fresh data to separate myths from reality. Mike McShane shares trends on parent preferences, teacher morale, and why safety and fit now drive decisions. • defining vouchers, ESAs, tax credits and open enrollment • …

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Microschooling: A Conversation with Shiren Rattigan 27:17

1M ago27:17

27:17

In this Episode you will learn about: The Microschool movement Colossal Academy Non-traditional learners and microschools How every learner can thrive in microschools How microschool students perform on standardized test The global education gap Why Microschooling may be the future of learning "Optimistic Edu-futurists"…

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Podcast 59 Surviving the End-of-Year Chaos: How to Support Your Neurodivergent Child Through Fatigue, Change, and Big Feelings” 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

Send us a text Term 4 is here… and for many neurodivergent children, the final weeks of school feel overwhelming. Sensory overload, unpredictable routines, assemblies, excursions, tired teachers, and emotional burnout combine into the perfect storm — leaving parents exhausted, kids dysregulated, and homes feeling tense. In this episode, I share pra…

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For Dyslexic Parents: A wordless picture book making StoryTime fun - Silent Snow 46:22

1M ago46:22

46:22

Kirsty Heap is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and neurodiversity advocate who helps individuals and organisations create environments where people can truly thrive. Drawing on her lived experience of dyslexia, she empowers business owners and leaders to understand their strengths, build confidence, and grow sustainably. Kirsty is also the aut…

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Episode 81: Embracing your Child's Uniqueness. A Conversation with Matt Bowman. 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

We explore how to choose schooling with intention and build an “open education” that taps every resource that fits your child. Matt Bowman shares five building blocks that move families from one-size-fits-all to agency, community, and practical pathways beyond high school. • partnering with parents as primary educators • the myth of the average stu…

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Crossover Special: LiberatED & Teacher, Let Your Light Shine! 56:41

1M ago56:41

56:41

In this special LiberatED and Teacher, Let Your Light Shine! crossover episode, Kerry McDonald and Makenzie Oliver share how teachers are transforming from classroom educators to microschool founders. Hear Makenzie's inspiring story and Kerry's insights from Joyful Learning on freedom, entrepreneurship, and reimagining education. *** Sign up for Ke…

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Ep 394: The Future of Joyful Learning: A Conversation with Kerry McDonald, Host of The Liberated Podcast and Author of Joyful Learning 56:52

2M ago56:52

56:52

This isn’t just an interview! Today’s podcast is an inspiring dialogue between two passionate women who are transforming education from the ground up in numerous ways. 🌟 In this episode, Makenzie Oliver, founder of Lighthouse Learning Microschool and host of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, sits down with Kerry McDonald — Senior Fellow at the Foundati…

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The Onyx Family 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

In this Episode you will learn about: The Onyx Family origin story How Onyx built a multi-million-dollar YouTube franchise The role of faith in building a business for positive impact AI and the entertainment industry Opportunities to have positive impact on social media The importance of "finding your lane" Beyond YouTube – how to build a sustaina…

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Podcast 58 The Future of Education Choice – Why hybrid models, microschools, and online learning are redefining traditional schooling and what this means for families 1:16:30

2M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Send us a text This week, we sit down with Cassie Olguin — an inspiring mum of three and a passionate advocate for education choice. With 11 years of homeschooling experience, including supporting a neurodiverse learner, Cassie has seen firsthand how tailoring education to a child’s strengths can transform their confidence and engagement. Now the A…

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290. Building Math Confidence Through Strategy and Sensemaking with Mike Kenny 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

What if we taught math facts through understanding instead of memorization? In this episode, we welcome Mike Kenny—Vermont fifth-grade math teacher and creator of MathFactLab—who shares how strategy-based practice grounded in number sense transforms fluency and confidence. Inspired by the Vermont Mathematics Initiative, Mike reframed "flashcards" i…