Best Relaxed Homeschooling Podcasts (2025)

1
283: The Impact of AI on Learning and Literature: Concerns and Guardrails for Families 32:50

Play Pause

7d ago32:50

32:50

As technology continues to develop, you may feel more and more like we're living in a brave new world. With AI becoming more prevalent in everyday life, we want to talk about how we as parents can pursue wisdom while guiding our children through using new technologies. In this episode, Rachel Winchester sits down with Rachel Reeves, a homeschool mo…

1
282: Must-Read Books for Boys and Equipping Books For Their Parents 28:47

14d ago28:47

28:47

Finding engaging books for boys can be a real challenge for parents. But after listening to this episode, you'll have a treasure trove of recommendations to explore! J.J. Seid shares more than 20 book suggestions that captured his imagination as a child and continue to captivate his own sons today. Beyond entertainment, he also discusses his favori…

1
281: The Miraculous Power and Science of Reading Aloud 26:11

21d ago26:11

26:11

One of our core values at Homeschool Made simple is to help families make their children lovers of books. In this episode from the archive, Carole shares about a book called The Enchanted Hour which is written by Wall Street Journal columnist, Megan Cox-Gurdon. Megan writes about the scientific research of the impact of screens versus picture books…

1
280: Why Outdoor Play and Strength Challenges Are Both Needed to Grow Strong Kids 34:12

28d ago34:12

34:12

We regularly talk about getting our kids outside to play but do you know the benefits of regular strength training for our kids? How can we encourage this without it becoming a chore? Carole and Rachel sit down with Pilates instructor and homeschool mom, Lauren Wilson, to discuss what inspired her to create the OTP Kids Strength Challenge program w…

1
279: Treasures of the Snow and Beyond: The Gift of Patricia St. John's Stories 27:26

1M ago27:26

27:26

In this episode from the archive, Carole Joy Seid spotlights Patricia St. John, one of the best Christian children's authors of all time. Patricia beautifully incorporates biblical truth into her writing that leaves a lasting impression on children and adults alike. Carol shares a biographical sketch of Patricia St. John and some of her favorite bo…

1
278: Simple, Affordable Nature and Life Skill Projects with Curiosity Untamed’s Badge System 23:54

1M ago23:54

23:54

Carole Joy Seid sits down with Kerry Cordy, the founder of Curiosity Untamed, Frontier Girls, and Quest Clubs. Kerry shares how her disappointment with the changing direction of Girl Scouts led her to create a badge-based, interest-led learning programs that encourage hands-on discovery, outdoor activities, and character development for homeschoole…

1
277: What’s On My Nightstand: Inspiring Books For You and Your Family 27:02

2M ago27:02

27:02

Need a fresh stack for your family’s read-alouds and personal reading time? In this episode, host Carole Joy Seid shares her current reading stack and other related, trusted favorites. Discover beautiful books for yourself, from novels like "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson and "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton, to classic child…

1
276: Why Your Family Needs Your Local Church to Be a Priority 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

Our spiritual development cannot thrive apart from our involvement in the local church. Unfortunately, other commitments often compete for many families time these days. In this episode from the archives, Carole and Pastor Dean Inserra discuss why active participation in a church community is crucial—not only for your children’s godly development b…

1
275: Encouraging Work, Reading Widely, and Other FAQs 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

In this episode from our archive, Carole and J.J. share some of the important questions they’ve been asked in their seminars. These are questions that many parents have as they are learning about Homeschool Made Simple’s method. Some of the questions addressed: using HMS method in a single parent household the purposes around the our method alignin…

1
274: Starting to Homeschool? Practical Steps to Planning Your Year & Daily Routine 24:42

2M ago24:42

24:42

So you’ve got decided it's time to start homeschooling and you've learned a lot from the podcast or seminars. But you're wondering what this looks like in your everyday life. How do you plan a school year? Today, in this episode from the archive, we talk practicalities from the rhythms of the year to a family’s daily routine. From history’s yearly …

1
273: How Dorothy Moore’s Practical Approach Transforms Homeschooling for Families 21:35

3M ago21:35

21:35

In this archive episode, Carole Joy Seid reflects on the remarkable wisdom of Dorothy Moore, wife of Dr. Raymond Moore, two pioneers often referred to as the grandparents of American homeschooling. Carole shares Dorothy’s practical strategies—like building a strong daily routine and focusing young learners on Bible, nature, and hands-on work—became…

1
272: Why Do You Homeschool? The Real Benefits For Your Family 29:30

3M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with her son J.J. to discuss knowing the “why” behind your decision to homeschool. Whether you're considering homeschooling or you're two decades into this adventure, today we're talking about what would cause you to educate your kids at home, and what will sustain you through the years. This epis…

1
271: Transforming Your Home with a Loving Presence and Encouraging Words 18:46

3M ago18:46

18:46

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation with Mellany Zepelak, start there! This episode begins with Mellany sharing the fruit of speaking blessings and encouragement to her children and her husband, noting how these efforts have shifted the tone of her household toward encouragement and empathy. Parents play a powerful role in modelin…

1
270: The Gift of Margin When Life Feels Like Chaos 24:48

3M ago24:48

24:48

Homeschooling and family life can drain the life out of us. How do we maintain a right attitude and perspective in our families for the long haul? Carol talks with consulting client Mellany Zepelak about how learning to create margin in her life and receive God's love has transformed her family life. They discuss how adding personal downtime, encou…

1
269: Home Anchors a Preschool Child’s Growth Through Intentional Rhythms 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

The early years of a child's life are crucial for their long term development and success. In this archive episode, Carole, Rachel and her husband, Jesse, discuss how home is the best nest, especially in the preschool years. They share their family’s practical rhythms—like meaningful work, daily nature walks, and lots of read-aloud time—all focused…

1
268: Homeschooling with Books Really Works with Veteran Jennifer Stowe 23:32

4M ago23:32

23:32

Today Carole sat down with Jennifer Stowe, a veteran homeschool mom of six with 27 years of experience. Jennifer shares her journey from reluctant homeschooler to advocate, inspired by Dr. Raymond Moore and Charlotte Mason. She gives practical tips for using great books, embracing time outdoors, and documenting the activities you do each day. This …

1
267: Embrace Simplicity to Build Strong Families 24:41

4M ago24:41

24:41

In the second part of our conversation with Leila Lawler, author and homeschool mom, we get practical! How do build a strong and wise family bond that will last for our children’s lives? We discuss a healthy mindset around Christmas, Sabbath rest, seeing children as blessing and making connecting a priority. Join us! RESOURCES +Leila Lawler Blog +T…

1
266: "Tradition is a Bridge to the Past, a Foundation for the Future.” With Leila Lawler 24:43

4M ago24:43

24:43

Each memory and value we build within our family adds to the bridge our children are building for their adult life. Our guest, author and blogger Leila Lawler, has written a three-volume set on the value of building a home. In this episode, she shares about how her past informed her writings and the concept of collective memory in this 2-part inter…

1
265: Exploring the Globe Simply with Literature 39:27

4M ago39:27

39:27

In this episode from the archives, Carole sits down with the owner of Yellow House Story Shoppe, Chelsea Jacobs, to talk about books that we can use to give our children "Windows and Mirrors" into the world and other cultures. The Windows: seeing through the windows to other cultures and stories The Mirrors: children seeing themselves represented i…

1
264: Cultivating a Love of Reading with Classics and Trusted Authors with Jan Bloom 24:15

5M ago24:15

24:15

In this second episode with Jan Bloom, Carole and Jan remind us that true classics—books that have stood the test of time—are far more than relics of the past. These are the stories filled with innocence, joy, and the richness of family life, the very things our modern world sometimes seems to have lost. Whether it’s Wind in the Willows, Winnie the…

1
263: Discovering Living Books: Jan Bloom’s Journey to Building a Rich Library 22:32

5M ago22:32

22:32

This week, we continue our little series on literature because we believe in the power of books to shape us. Carole sat down with Jan Bloom, the author behind “Who Should We Then Read,” to talk about how knowing the stories behind our favorite authors brings even more richness to homeschooling. Jan shared her journey from not growing up around book…

1
262: Why Literature and Being a Well-Read Mom Matters 30:44

5M ago30:44

30:44

Carole sits down with founder of the Well-Read Mom ministry, Marcie Stokman, to chat about how her ministry got started and the purpose behind these communities. Their mission says it all! “Well Read Mom accompanies women in the reading of great books and spiritual classics to encourage personal growth, friendship, and meaningful conversations in o…

1
261: Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Socialization 26:44

5M ago26:44

26:44

One of the first questions many homeschooling families hear at family events or from public school friends is how will your children be socialized?" In this replay episode, Kristi Woodard, homeschool mom of eight, joins us to share her and her husband, Jason, experiences with raising children who perfectly answer this question of socialization with…

1
260: Why Waiting Can Benefit Your Child's Learning Journey 27:45

6M ago27:45

27:45

While the world presses in on us for children to learn to read in preschool and be able to do high-level math early on, the research shows it's actually better to slow down and wait for developmental readiness. In this encore episode, Carole shares about the work of Dr. Raymond Moore and his idea that late is better than early. You'll hear: - Why w…

1
259: Why Breastfeeding Is Worth Pursuing Even While Homeschooling 23:26

6M ago23:26

23:26

Sometimes we lose steam for homeschooling but we also can lose steam for breastfeeding. Both, it turns out, are so beneficial to our children! In the second part of our discussion with Lactation Consultant and Homeschooling Mama, Jill Seberger, we discuss the benefits of breastfeeding and how Jill has maintained this while homeschooling her large f…

1
258: Nurturing Strong Bonds From Birth: Breastfeeding and Beyond 25:41

6M ago25:41

25:41

The early years of a child's life are crucial for bonding. Carole and Rachel sit down with Lactation Consultant and homeschool mom of 5 Jill Seberger. They discuss the importance of eye contact and skin-to-skin contact to the diverse ways of nurturing a strong parent-child connection, whether you are breastfeeding or not. This will surely encourage…

1
257: Following the Lord In Our Marriages 23:36

6M ago23:36

23:36

While an ideal marriage can't be guaranteed, we can learn to live with faithfulness in the covenant we have made as a husband or wife. In this replay episode, Carole and one her best friends, Anne Storm talk about part of Carole’s marriage journey to her husband, John. Truly, each of us carries a burden with us in life, and Carole is a walking test…

1
256: Becoming a Screen-Free Family 22:34

7M ago22:34

22:34

As Carole continues her conversation (see Episode 255) with homeschooling parents David and Audrey Ryan, she learns about their journey into doing life screen-free and how they initially struggled to unplug their children. However, they have seen real benefits in their children’s attitudes and behavior, such as improved family bonding and less conf…

1
255: How Homeschooling Transformed Learning for a Special Needs Child 23:13

7M ago23:13

23:13

Does homeschooling work for a child with special needs or learning differences? Carole sits down with David and Audrey Ryan to talk about their experiences with public school and their transition to homeschooling. They share how they have moved past standardized tests and rigid benchmarks, to create a custom, nurturing educational environment tailo…

1
254: Homemaking and Finding Joy in Everyday Tasks with Your Kids 32:01

7M ago32:01

32:01

The thing about being home all day with your family is that your house gets a lot of use and that can be a challenge. Rachel and Carole discuss homemaking and the importance of passing the skills on to our kids. They discuss focus, “baking therapy,” hospitality, and the whys behind shifting our attitudes about home-keeping. Join us! RESOURCES +Home…

1
253: Standardized Tests and Homeschooling Q & A 26:42

7M ago26:42

26:42

Some states require state testing to happen every year for homeschooling families. In this episode, Carole and Rachel address families' concerns about standardized testing, especially in states where it is mandatory, and offer practical advice for preparing children without inducing anxiety. And reading to your children is a game-changer for doing …

1
252: Nature Study Made Simple by Encouraging Curiosity and Awe with Eryn Lynum 22:10

7M ago22:10

22:10

In this second conversation with Eryn Lynum of the Nat Theo Podcast, we discuss how to be outside in nature with our children. Is better to be in awe without much guidance or to point out all kinds of things in our natural world? Eryn encourages new naturalists with some helpful tips to take your first few experiences into nature. She offers practi…

1
251: Nurture Faith and Curiosity with Nature-Focused Learning 20:32

8M ago20:32

20:32

Rachel Winchester speaks with Eryn Lynum, naturalist and podcast host of the Nat Theo show, about how nature points us to our creator God. They discuss the origins of modern scientific thought and how we as homeschool parents struggle with “teaching” or over-explaining nature. This first of a two-part conversation gives you the whys behind Eryn’s f…

1
250: Character Development is at the Heart of Homeschool Made Simple 34:39

8M ago34:39

34:39

What a joy to be celebrating our 250th episode of Homeschool Made Simple with you. We so appreciate our listeners and our families! In this episode, Carole reminds us of that guiding our children to be people of good character and to follow the Lord is the foundation of the HMS method. Character is grown by being consistent in parenting, and encour…

1
249: Preserving Great Literature with Private Lending Libraries 28:15

8M ago28:15

28:15

As our culture shifts and time goes on, it can be tough to find the great books we most love. Prepare yourself for a wonderful resource: Private Lending Libraries! Carole and Kathleen Seeger from Madison, Wisconsin, discuss how these affordable treasure troves are assisting our homeschooling efforts with carefully curated collections of quality boo…

1
248: What Did I Get Us Into? Curriculum Regrets and Learning From Your Mistakes 28:04

8M ago28:04

28:04

Are you feeling full of regret because of your curriculum choices this year? Carole and Rachel discuss this common scenario for us as homeschoolers. It’s time to cut your losses and carefully consider why the curriculum doesn’t work. Carole believes that not giving in to FOMO and taking a longer look at the curriculum before hitting the BUY button …

1
247: No Two Families Are Alike- Diversity and Fostering Our God-Given Purpose 17:50

9M ago17:50

17:50

In part 2 of Rachel’s conversation with homeschool mom of 4, Hanni Go shares her journey of breaking free from the pressure of following other homeschooling families. She has chosen to value relationships and nurturing her children over the academic rigor that others might expect. Carole’s proven teaching methods and the example of the many familie…

1
246: Why Your Presence Matters the Most in Homeschooling 28:19

9M ago28:19

28:19

Today Rachel talks with Hanni Go, a homeschooling mom of 4. Hanni talks us through the balancing act between nurturing relationships and academic pursuits. They discuss Hanni’s takeaways from one of Carole’s seminars that she attended because she needed a fresh perspective on homeschooling. We know you will relate to Hanni and hope this brings you …

1
245: The Crucial Role of Dads in Homeschooling, Part 2 25:10

9M ago25:10

25:10

Carole Joy Seid and her son J. J. Seid continue their conversation about how dads, as servant leaders, play a vital role in setting the tone for the family. J.J. shares some wonderful stories and practical ideas about teaching kids to appreciate nature regularly, tackle hard work with enthusiasm, and build character through outdoor adventures. Fath…

1
244: The Crucial Role of Dads in Homeschooling, Part 1 26:52

10M ago26:52

26:52

Oftentimes we think of homeschooling as mom's gig, which is really unfortunate. It is so important for dads to be on board and for both husband and wife to have a shared vision for their children's education. In this episode, we discuss the variety of roles that dads can play in support of mom and as a model for our children. Share this episode wit…

1
243: Flexible, Freedom-Loving Homeschool with the Reyna Family 27:25

10M ago27:25

27:25

Carole Joy Seid welcomes Cindy Reynas, a mom who went to public school and now is a firm believer in homeschooling. She shares her interesting journey of embracing simplicity and interest-led education for each of her four children. Cindy and her husband Joseph, a tattoo artist-turned-policeman, are all in on the Homeschool Made Simple method, and …

1
242: Homeschooling For the Win! with the Barba Family 24:42

10M ago24:42

24:42

In the second of this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers Arnold and Claudia Barba discuss the sacrifice and rewards of homeschooling. The Barbas discuss work as a key part of homeschooling, along with academics and service, and how homeschooling allows us to model life skills and values to our children. We hope liste…

1
241: From Law School to Homeschooling: The Barba Family's Story 17:47

10M ago17:47

17:47

In this 2-part interview, Homeschool Made Simple board members and lawyers, Arnold and Claudia Barba talk with Carole about their journey to our method. They went from being unbelievers to homeschoolers and haven’t looked back. Hear how Arnold and Claudia handled homeschooling through the years and where their young adults are now. Let this be an e…

1
240: Nightly Family Reading for Building Memories, Imaginations, and a Calming Routine 22:41

11M ago22:41

22:41

In the second part of Carole’s conversation with Rylee and Ben Applebee, they share how this method has captured the children’s heart as they have developed a love of books. Their routines are a necessity for this family of 11 children and reading nightly has really bonded them together over the characters in the books that Ben reads. They touch on…

1
239: Can You Use the Homeschool Made Simple Method with A Large Family? 18:23

11M ago18:23

18:23

Yes! You really can homeschool your 11 children! Carole sits down with Rylee and Ben Applebee to unpack how they do this with their growing family. They talk about adoption, how they started to homeschool "the Carole Way," how they manage with such a span of ages, and how both parents participate in their children’s education. This is a fun episode…

1
238: Discipling Our Children in a Social Media Culture 27:53

11M ago27:53

27:53

In this replay episode, Carole and her son, J. J. discuss social media exposure for children amidst the digital age, drawing thoughts from Andy Crouch's "The Tech Wise Family." He recommends several books for parents to read and some as a family to develop your children’s discernment and your teen's Christian ethics about today’s culture. For a ful…

1
237: Discipling Our Kids Through Faith and Cultural Questions 35:23

11M ago35:23

35:23

Parental discretion is advised in this replay episode as we discuss gender identity. We want our kids to be a peaceful presence, proclaiming the gospel with their lives despite growing up in this divided age. They need to be confident enough in their own hearts, and settled in their convictions. J. J. Seid sits down with Carole Joy Seid to talk abo…

1
236: Guiding Our Children Through Gender Issues: Biblical Insights and Practical Advice for Parents 47:15

11M ago47:15

47:15

In this replay episode, we will be covering gender and transgender issues. Listener discretion is advised. As LGBTQ+ advocacy groups push for full inclusion and affirmation, how do we best care for youth and teenagers who find themselves confused in the midst of these times? Student Pastor in Wheaton, IL, Will Chester shares his expertise on gender…

1
5: The REAL Reason Rich Kids Stay Rich (It's NOT Inheritance) 32:45

12M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode of the Leeds to Success podcast, Russell and Anna Leeds delve into the complexities of raising children in a wealthy environment. They discuss the challenges of instilling drive and work ethic in children who have never experienced financial hardship, drawing from personal anecdotes and societal observations. The couple explores the…

1
235: God’s Way is Always Best with Jani Ortlund 23:21

12M ago23:21

23:21

In this replay episode, Carole talks to Jani Ortlund, author of the book, A Child’s First Book About Marriage: God’s Way is Always Best. Amidst so much turmoil and confusion over marriage and sexuality in our day, parents needed a tool to talk with their children about God’s design for marriage. Jani Ortlund has provided that tool! Jani shares her …