Best Frea Podcasts (2026)

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Naughty or Nice? 2025 Economic Recap & 2026 Resolutions 48:17

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14d ago48:17

48:17

In this special holiday edition, Emmaline Aliff is joined by Equifax Advisors Tom O’Neill, Dave Sojka, Jesse Hardin, and Maria Urtubey for a “Santa Scorecard” look back at what was naughty or nice in the 2025 economy, and what may change in 2026. The group unpacks AI adoption, rate cuts, equity market resiliency, and rising consumer stress signals—…

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Driving Efficiency and Resilience in the Mortgage Industry 19:53

18d ago19:53

19:53

Jennifer Henry of Equifax sits down with Andrew Davidson, president of Andrew Davidson & Co. and a leading voice in mortgage analytics, to unpack one of the most misunderstood elements of housing finance: credit scores. They explore what a credit score actually measures, why different models and bureaus produce different results, how VantageScore’s…

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Classical Homeschooling with Humility and Hospitality with Dr. Joylynn Blake 54:47

1M ago54:47

54:47

In this episode of Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology, I sit down with Dr. Joylynn Blake, Director of Schole Academy at Classical Academic Press, to talk about homeschooling, classical Christian education, parenting through different seasons, and living with hospitality and humility. Dr. Blake shares her unique journey into homesch…

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Credit File Contradiction: Why is Each Different? 26:40

1M ago26:40

26:40

HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins brings together an unprecedented trio — Joel Rickman (Equifax), Michele Bodda (Experian), and Satyan Merchant (TransUnion) — for a first-of-its-kind conversation on how data is redefining the mortgage process. The three leaders also unpack key topics dominating the MBA Annual 25 conference floor — from the tri-merge …

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Homeschooling with Grace: A Conversation with Leilani Melendez on Down Syndrome, Biblical Foundations, and Supportive Communities 48:05

1M ago48:05

48:05

In this episode of Homeschool Conversations, I chat with Leilani Melendez—homeschooling mom of four, experienced teacher, and creator of Living with Eve. Leilani shares her personal journey of transitioning from the classroom to homeschooling, and how her perspective on education has shifted over the years. With warmth and honesty, Leilani talks ab…

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The Tech Reshaping Mortgage Lending 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

How are innovation, data, and AI are transforming the mortgage experience? Wendy Hannah-Olson, SVP of Digital Alliances and Strategy Execution at Equifax, sits down with Jonas Moe, SVP of Marketing at ICE Mortgage Technology to discuss this evolution, from streamlining operations and improving borrower engagement to keeping the human connection at …

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The Real Cost of Credit Reports: Data, Competition & Policy Implications 44:18

2M ago44:18

44:18

Emmaline Aliff of Equifax joins Dr. Amy Crews Cutts, Chief Economist at AC Cutts & Associates, to unpack the real costs and competitive dynamics of mortgage credit reporting. They dig into what the data actually shows about tri-merge pricing, lender negotiation power, fallout loans, and the entry of VantageScore. In this episode: What is the true c…

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The Harmony of Learning: Greg Wilbur on Music, the Quadrivium, and Loving God Through Beauty 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

In today's episode we welcome Greg Wilbur, founder and president of New College Franklin, award-winning composer, and passionate advocate for the recovery of classical education's Quadrivium. Greg Wilbur shares how his lifelong love of music began in his family home where his mother taught piano lessons and his father pastored their church. His jou…

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Mortgage Industry Evolution: Data, Transparency, & the Future of Lending 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

Recorded live at MBA Annual 2025, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins talks with Joel Rickman, SVP of Verification Services/Workforce Solutions at Equifax, and Justin Demola, President of Lenders One, about the ripple effects of FICO’s new pricing model, the rise of VantageScore, and how smarter lending data can drive efficiency, affordability, and inn…

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How Credit Score Competition Is Reshaping the Mortgage Market 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

At MBA Annual 2025, HousingWire CEO Clayton Collins interviewed Rikard Bandebo, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Economist at VantageScore, about one of the biggest industry shifts in decades: the entrance of VantageScore into the mortgage ecosystem. In this episode: Why is credit score competition important? For decades, the mortgage industry has …

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Charlotte Mason, Shakespeare, and Teen Entrepreneurship 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

Homeschooling can open the door to deep connections, joyful learning, and creative opportunities. Just ask Nadia, a teen ballerina and entrepreneur who has been immersed in Charlotte Mason homeschooling since childhood. In this Homeschool Conversation, Nadia shares how her education sparked a lifelong love of Shakespeare, prepared her for college-l…

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MBA Annual25 Day 2: Tri-Bureau, Triggers & Tooling Up 16:14

2M ago16:14

16:14

Recorded live at MBA Annual25 in Las Vegas, host Rebecca Kritzman and guests Ashley Sellers, Elaina McFarland, and Bobby Deery break down what lenders are asking for right now: AI-driven workflow efficiency, expanding use of soft-pull strategies, and dual processing to analyze Vantage Score alongside existing scores. Who are the speakers? Rebecca K…

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MBA Annual25 Day 1: Data, Innovation & the Future of Mortgage Lending 21:25

2M ago21:25

21:25

Recorded live at MBA Annual25 in Las Vegas, host Rebecca Kritzman, SVP of Experience and Partner Marketing at Equifax, sits down with Emmaline Aliff, Tom Ciulla, and Chris Mock to unpack the biggest themes from Day One — from innovation and data-driven lending to the industry’s ongoing dialogue around tri-merge vs. single-bureau credit models. Who …

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Climate, Faith, and Stewardship: A Conversation with Dr. Cal Beisner and Dr. David Legates 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Cal Beisner and Dr. David Legates, co-authors of Climate and Energy: The Case for Realism. Together, we explored the intersection of climate science, biblical stewardship, and how Christian families can think faithfully and rationally about these often controversial topics. Find show notes and full …

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Narration in The Classroom with Classical Educator, Charlene Thompson 48:22

2M ago48:22

48:22

About the Guest Charlene Thompson is a first grade teacher in her fourth year at Founders Classical Academy in Rogers, Arkansas. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Harding University and is a passionate learner of classical education. She believes in cultivating wisdom and virtue through rich literature, narration, and the d…

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Learning and Living Church History with Five Solas Media 54:27

2M ago54:27

54:27

When I sat down with the Lamberth family (parents and kids!) of Five Solas Media, I knew it would be a conversation full of encouragement, creativity, and a contagious love for church history. This homeschool family has turned their passion for history and the gospel into films, podcasts, and resources that are blessing families around the world. F…

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Market Pulse Index: A Holistic View of Consumer and Market Health 35:37

3M ago35:37

35:37

As the U.S. government shutdown delays key economic data, the Equifax Advisors team steps in with deeper insights. Host Emmaline Aliff is joined by Jesse Hardin, Tom O’Neill, and Maria Urtubey to unpack the indicators that matter most when visibility is limited—and to debut the Market Pulse Index, a new holistic measure capturing the intersection o…

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How LEAF Global Arts Turns Life Into a Year-Round Festival Experience 44:09

3M ago44:09

44:09

Just a year ago, fall festivals were disappearing right and left from event calendars in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hurricane Helene may have thrown a wrench in Western North Carolina’s 2024 festival season, but 2025 is back and better than ever. This weekend marks the triumphant return of the LEAF Global Arts Festival for its 30th anniversary at La…

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Simplifying Homeschool with Christine Keys 40:06

3M ago40:06

40:06

Homeschooling is a journey filled with both joy and challenges, and no two families do it exactly the same way. In this episode of Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology, I chat with Christine Keys, a second-generation homeschool mom of three in New Zealand. Christine shares her unique perspective as both a former homeschool student an…

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Daniel Nayeri: Truth, Story, Hospitality, and Hope 1:12:09

3M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Stories shape the way we see the world, connect with others, and find hope in the midst of hardship. In this episode, I had the privilege to interview one of my favorite living authors Daniel Nayeri, whose books Everything Sad is Untrue and The Many Assassinations of Samir the Seller of Dreams have captivated readers with their honesty, humor, and …

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Narration as the Art of Learning: A Conversation with Adrienne Freas 53:21

3M ago53:21

53:21

What is narration in homeschooling, and why does it matter so much in a Charlotte Mason or classical education? In this episode of Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology, I talk with Adrienne Freas (homeschool veteran, grandmother, author, and classical education consultant) about the art of narration. Adrienne shares how narration goe…

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Faith, Story, and a Literary Life with Dr. Carolyn Weber 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

What does it mean to truly love books, raise readers, and read the Bible not only as literature but as the living Word of God? In this conversation, award-winning author and professor Dr. Carolyn Weber, best known for her memoir Surprised by Oxford, joins me to discuss the intersection of faith and literature, Christian homeschooling, classical edu…

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What Lenders Need to Know About a Fast-Changing Regulatory Landscape 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

Host Jesse Hardin sits down with Stephanie Gunselman, head of Federal Government Relations at Equifax, for a wide-ranging look at how Washington is shaping the future of lending and credit reporting. From a cooling labor market and inflation to evolving priorities at the CFPB, they explore the latest legislative and regulatory developments — includ…

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Teaching Asian American History at Home with Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu from Resilient Panda 42:06

4M ago42:06

42:06

Homeschooling parents Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu know firsthand the importance of teaching children a history that reflects the full story of America. When they couldn’t find resources to share Asian American history with their sons, they created Resilient Panda History, guides designed to help families of all backgrounds bring these often-overlooked sto…

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‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Curators’ Panel: ‘Art is the Highest Form of Hope’ 1:09:05

4M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

In the wake of natural disasters, art can serve as a lifeline for communities in urgent need of healing. Today, we’re chatting with the curators behind A Tale of Two Cities, a cross-cultural exhibition commemorating the anniversaries of hurricanes Helene in Asheville and Katrina in New Orleans. Our guests include Kenn Kotara, an artist based in Ash…

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Homeschooling with Grace and Wisdom with Elsie Iudicello 50:41

4M ago50:41

50:41

In this episode of the Homeschool Conversations podcast, I was delighted to chat once again with Elsie Iudicello, a homesteader, homemaker, and homeschool mom to four teenage sons. Our conversation was rich with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights for homeschooling and parenting in the teen years. Elsie shares how her approach has evolved…

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Teaching Teens (and Parents!) Financial Wisdom with Hal Prather 28:17

4M ago28:17

28:17

Are you a homeschool parent wondering how to teach your teens about money, budgeting, and real-world financial responsibility? In this episode of Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology I sit down with financial coach and fellow homeschool dad Hal Prather to talk all things homeschool personal finance. We cover everything from basic bud…

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What’s on Lenders’ Minds in 2025? Insights from Equifax Advisors 38:35

4M ago38:35

38:35

Equifax Advisors Maria Urtubey, Emmaline Aliff, Tom O’Neill, Jesse Hardin, and Dave Sojka share what they’re hearing directly from Equifax lending customers across industries. From student loan repayment impacts to shifting auto lending dynamics and tariff uncertainty, the team highlights the questions lenders are asking, the insights uncovered in …

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Cultivating Discernment and Delight in Children’s Books: A Conversation with Redeemed Reader 59:44

4M ago59:44

59:44

How do we help our kids read with both delight and discernment? In this episode, I chat with Betsy Farquhar and Megan Saben of Redeemed Reader about: Navigating messy book content Cultivating a love for reading Equipping kids to think critically Loving your library and book neighbors How Truth and Story shape young minds We dive deep into books, di…

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Faithful, Capable, and Nerdy Homeschooling (with Rachel from The Nerdy Homeschooler) 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

Welcome back to Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology! In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined once again by one of our most-requested guests: Rachel from The Nerdy Homeschooler (previously Seven in All). So many of you asked to hear more from her, and you’re going to love this encouraging, wisdom-packed conversation. Rachel is …

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The Role of Memory Through Commonplace Notebooking with Dr. John Ahern from The Wilberforce School 41:42

5M ago41:42

41:42

About the Guest Dr. John Ahern holds a PhD from Princeton University in historical musicology. He currently teaches at The Wilberforce School as an Upper School Humanities and Latin instructor. He is also faculty at the Theopolis Institute and directs their Te Deum Fellows Program in Liturgical Music. His writings on a variety of topics have appear…

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Listener Q&A: Season 12 Kickoff! 31:56

5M ago31:56

31:56

Season 12 of Homeschool Conversations is HERE! We’re kicking things off with a special Listener Q&A episode. From “How do I know I’m doing enough?” to college admissions, curriculum overwhelm, struggling readers, and second-gen homeschool reflections, I’m answering your questions with honesty, encouragement, and gospel hope. Come listen and be remi…

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Consumer Wealth Trends: What Financial Marketers Need to Know 26:13

5M ago26:13

26:13

Equifax Senior Advisor Tom O’Neill sits down with Ian Wright, Chief Strategy Officer at IXI, to unpack the shifting landscape of consumer wealth in a post-COVID economy. Drawing on exclusive IXI data, they explore how total U.S. household assets have grown to over $66 trillion—while the median household has actually lost ground. The conversation di…

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What the Latest Economic Signals Reveal About U.S. Consumers 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

Host Emmaline Aliff is joined by economist Amy Crews Cutts, President at AC Cutts and Associates, and a panel of Equifax experts—Maria Urtubey, Tom O'Neill, and Dave Sojka—to unpack the latest signals from both hard and soft economic data. From shifting consumer sentiment to rising tariffs and the ripple effects on credit, lending, and affordabilit…

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North Carolina Glass Center: Exploring the Studio Glass Movement With Executive Director Candace Reilly 35:09

6M ago35:09

35:09

Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Candace Reilly, founder and executive director of the North Carolina Glass Center, as part of our July 2025 coverage themed around the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. This episode is also part of our partnership with the Blue Ridge National Heritage …

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Preserving a Picturesque America With Conservationist Scott ‘Doc’ Varn 44:23

6M ago44:23

44:23

Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in June 2024. We’re revisiting our conversation with Scott “Doc” Varn, founder and executive director of Preserving a Picturesque America, as part of our outdoor art-themed coverage in June 2025. What’s more exciting than an epic treasure hunt, searching for America’s wild places? Today’s guest, …

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A Midyear Check on the U.S. Economy with Moody’s Analytics 12:10

7M ago12:10

12:10

Host Olivia Voltaggio is joined by Shandor Whitcher, Economist at Moody’s Analytics, for a timely check-in on the U.S. economy. They discuss the recent shift from early-year optimism to growing uncertainty driven by shifting trade policy, rising jobless claims, and inflation concerns. Shandor breaks down the latest GDP and consumer credit data, exp…

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Raising Writers, Training Thinkers with Andrew Pudewa 47:18

7M ago47:18

47:18

Are you a homeschool parent wondering how to teach writing effectively, to help your child become a better communicator, and to train them to think deeply? In today’s conversation with Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), we explore practical strategies for developing clear thinking, strong writing skills, and co…

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How Language Works with Philologist Dr Erik Ellis from the University of Dallas 48:44

7M ago48:44

48:44

Dr. Erik Ellis is Assistant Professor of Classical Education at the University of Dallas. After graduating from the University Scholars Program at Baylor University with concentrations in Greek and Latin, Dr. Ellis received an MA in History from the same institution and served as a middle school and high school Latin teacher for five years in Tulsa…

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How Small Businesses and Consumers are Responding to Economic Uncertainty 34:33

7M ago34:33

34:33

In this Small Business Month edition, experts from Fiserv and Equifax unpack how small businesses and consumers are responding to ongoing economic uncertainty. Darryl Tyndorf, Director of Economic and Analytical Insights at Fiserv; Mike Spriggs, Head of Consumer Insights at Fiserv; and David Adams, Head of Commercial Product Marketing at Equifax di…

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Community Through Clay: A Conversation With Sarah Wells Rolland of The Village Potters Clay Center 1:01:46

8M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Editor’s note: This episode was originally published in April 2022. We’re revisiting our conversation with Sarah Wells Rolland, owner, founder, and resident potter of The Village Potters Clay Center, as part of our clay-themed coverage in May 2025. In the face of adversity, creativity has a remarkable way of shining through. No one embodies this sp…

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Homeschool Without Overwhelm with Jenny Hedrick 38:53

8M ago38:53

38:53

Homeschooling can be awesome, but it definitely comes with its own unique set of challenges. From the early days of simple routines to the complexities of managing a growing family's education, it's easy to feel overwhelmed at times. In this conversation with Jenny Hedrick from Super Simple Homeschool, we dive into the practical strategies that hav…

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Teaching Classically & Reading Josef Pieper with Dr. Fred Putnam 1:10:56

8M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

About the Guest: Dr. Fred Putnam Fred Putnam retired after forty years of teaching high school, college, and graduate school; for twelve of those years he was Professor of Bible & Liberal Studies in the Templeton Honors College at Eastern University (2012-2024), where he helped to design, and taught in, the program leading to the MA in Teaching [MA…

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Finding Rest in a Restless World with Eryn Lynum 30:13

8M ago30:13

30:13

What if rest wasn’t a reward for finishing your to-do list, but a rhythm woven into creation itself? In today’s fast-paced culture, biblical rest can feel elusive—especially for homeschooling families juggling responsibilities and expectations. But as Eryn Lynum shared in our recent conversation, true rest is not about doing less, but about being r…

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Helmer in the Dragon Tomb: S. D. Smith & Zach Franzen on the New Green Ember Adventure 1:23:41

8M ago1:23:41

1:23:41

Green Ember friends, you are going to love this one! I had the absolute joy of sitting down with S. D. (Sam) Smith and Zach Franzen to chat about an epic new adventure in the Green Ember universe: Helmer in the Dragon Tomb! For years, readers (including my son Isaac) have been asking for Helmer’s origin story — and now it’s finally here. Not only w…

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Raising Competent, Confident Kids with Katie Kimball 42:47

8M ago42:47

42:47

Teaching kids to cook and help around the house isn’t just about making meals or doing chores—it’s about building independence, confidence, and essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood. In homeschooling, we have a unique opportunity to incorporate life skills into our children’s education, blending practical skills with subjec…

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A Shifting Economic Landscape: Consumer Sentiment, Tariffs, and Risk Mitigation 33:13

8M ago33:13

33:13

Equifax advisors Jesse Hardin, Dave Sojka, Tom O'Neill, and Maria Urtubey explore the disconnect between positive hard data and declining consumer sentiment, rising concerns over tariffs, and their disproportionate impact on households and businesses. They dig into leading indicators to watch—like delinquency rates, employment trends, and consumer …

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Raising Readers and Embracing Creativity: A Conversation with Glenn McCarty 44:16

8M ago44:16

44:16

In this episode of Homeschool Conversations with Humility and Doxology, Amy Sloan sits down with Glenn McCarty—author of The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, Dead-Eye Dan, and a middle school English teacher—to discuss how families can nurture a love of reading, creativity, and shared stories at home. From the early days of toddler read…

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Embracing Challenges and Joys Through Interest-Led Learning with Lydia Rosado 45:17

9M ago45:17

45:17

Homeschooling can be both a rewarding and challenging journey, and many parents find themselves navigating obstacles along the way. From adjusting expectations to fostering a love for learning, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, by embracing flexible learning approaches like interest-led learning, unit studies, and film studies, homeschooling …

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Homeschool Math Success Without Stress with Kate Snow 51:44

9M ago51:44

51:44

Teaching math at home can feel overwhelming, especially if you struggled with the subject yourself. Many homeschooling parents worry about how to make math engaging, effective, and stress-free for their children. I talked recently to Kate Snow, math educator and author of Math with Confidence. We explored practical strategies to help homeschool par…