172.3K
Downloads
277
Episodes
Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's homeschool together!
Episodes
33 minutes ago
33 minutes ago
Episode Description
Creative subjects are often the first to get pushed aside in education—but they may be some of the most important.
In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with online instructor and professional photographer Victoria Cerise to discuss why creative outlets like photography play a vital role in a student’s development.
Victoria explains how creative subjects help students slow down, become more aware of the world around them, and grow in confidence. She also shares how photography can strengthen academic learning across subjects—from science and history to literature—and encourage curiosity about God’s creation.
The conversation also includes practical advice for parents who want to introduce photography into their homeschool, even if they have no experience themselves.
Whether your child is interested in photography, writing, art, or another creative pursuit, this episode offers encouragement and ideas to nurture those passions and help students develop skills that last a lifetime.
Show Notes
Resources Mentioned
Victoria’s Photography Website
https://mysticalrosephotos.com/
Victoria’s Homeschool Connections Instructor Page
https://homeschoolconnections.com/instructors/victoria-cerise/
Victoria’s Photography Courses
https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/table?tableSearch=photography
Recommended Camera: Canon T3i (Canon Rebel Series)
https://amzn.to/4sGwkbP
Thank You to Our Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University.
John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs in creative arts, digital media, theology, and business within a faithfully Catholic environment.
Students explore storytelling, filmmaking, animation, and entrepreneurship while growing in their faith.
You can apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses at:
jpcatholic.edu/homeschool
About Our Guest
Victoria Cerise is a Homeschool Connections instructor and professional Catholic wedding photographer.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The College of New Jersey and previously worked as an emergency department nurse. Today, she combines her passion for science education and photography to help students see the beauty of God’s design in the world around them.
Victoria, who was homeschooled herself, teaches science and photography courses through Homeschool Connections. She is also active in pro-life advocacy and enjoys learning new homemaking skills in her log cabin home.
In This Episode We Discuss
Why Creative Subjects Matter
-
How creative outlets support emotional and mental health
-
Why recreation and creativity are essential for human flourishing
-
Building healthy alternatives to passive entertainment like social media
How Photography Builds Confidence
-
Why photography is an accessible creative skill for beginners
-
How quick success encourages students to keep learning
-
The role of encouragement and feedback in building confidence
The Hidden Educational Benefits of Photography
-
Learning to slow down and observe the world more intentionally
-
Developing situational awareness and attention to detail
-
Discovering beauty in God’s creation
Photography Across the Curriculum
-
Using photography in science lessons (erosion, nature observation)
-
Creative assignments tied to literature and faith
-
Exploring historical locations and visual context
Encouraging Student-Led Learning
-
How photography sparks curiosity about the natural world
-
Letting students follow their interests and ask questions
-
Turning everyday observations into learning opportunities
Practical Tips for Parents
-
Starting photography, even if you have no experience
-
Using YouTube tutorials and structured courses
-
Bringing cameras along on hikes, zoo trips, and family outings
Choosing a Beginner Camera
Recommended starter camera:
Canon Rebel series (such as the Canon T3i)
Affordable options can often be found on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Encouraging Creative Career Paths
-
Why parents should nurture creative passions rather than discourage them
-
The value of mentorship and shadowing professionals
-
Remembering that hobbies themselves are valuable, even if they never become careers
Grab your coffee and let's homeschool together!
Monday Mar 09, 2026
Monday Mar 09, 2026
How do you homeschool when your family keeps growing?
In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Chantal Howard, founder of Catholic Finishing School and mother of seven, to talk about the joys and challenges of homeschooling a large family.
Chantal shares practical wisdom from her own homeschooling journey—raising children from newborn to college age while managing family life, work, and faith. She discusses how to cultivate independence in children, adapt to different learning styles, and maintain peace in a busy household.
From anchoring the day with prayer to embracing the flexibility that homeschooling provides, Chantal encourages parents to see family life itself as a powerful school of virtue and formation.
If you’ve ever wondered how homeschooling works with a big family—or felt overwhelmed by the idea—this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that God provides the grace needed for the vocation of parenthood.
Show Notes
Thank You to Our Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.
At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background.
High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.
Learn more at Franciscan.edu
About Our Guest
Chantal Howard is the founder of Catholic Finishing School, a formation movement devoted to helping young Catholic women and their mothers grow in virtue, beauty, and authentic femininity.
A seasoned life and business coach with more than ten years of experience, Chantal integrates her passion for Catholic culture, natural living, entrepreneurship, and family life to inspire women to flourish body, mind, and soul.
She is also the author of The School of the Family: A Renaissance of Catholic Formation, which explores how families can become centers of virtue and culture in the modern world.
Chantal lives in Sandpoint, Idaho with her husband, Dr. Peter Howard, and their seven children.
Resources Mentioned
Catholic Finishing School (Special discount link for listeners):
https://catholicfinishingschool.com/connections/
Chantal Howard Website:
https://www.chantal-howard.com/
Chantal Howard Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coach.chantal.howard/
Homeschool Connections Course Catalog:
https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog
In This Episode, We Discuss
Starting the Homeschool Day with Faith
-
Why the family rosary anchors their homeschool day
-
Creating a spiritual rhythm in family life
-
Integrating prayer into everyday routines
Homeschooling Multiple Ages at Once
-
Managing learning for children from infants to teens
-
Creating “pods” of learning within the home
-
Encouraging independent study
Fostering a Love of Learning
-
Why homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home
-
How curiosity and freedom cultivate motivated learners
-
Encouraging children to pursue their interests
Adapting to Different Learning Styles
-
Why no single curriculum works for every child
-
Being flexible with educational approaches
-
Letting go of perfection and trusting the process
Homeschooling During Pregnancy and Postpartum
-
Embracing seasons of life
-
Allowing older children to help with family responsibilities
-
Letting “life itself” become a teacher
Managing the Chaos of a Large Family
-
Creating “zones” for focused learning
-
Using technology wisely when needed
-
Allowing homeschool schedules to remain flexible
Teaching Responsibility at Home
-
Why chores are part of a child’s formation
-
Creating a family team mentality
-
Raising capable and responsible young adults
Self-Care for Homeschool Moms
-
Establishing daily routines and rhythms
-
The importance of prayer and spiritual habits
-
Finding small moments of peace in a busy day
Encouragement for Parents Homeschooling Large Families
-
Why parents shouldn’t fear the challenge
-
The value of family culture and formation
-
Trusting that God fills the gaps in our efforts
Monday Mar 02, 2026
Monday Mar 02, 2026
In this energizing episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with online history instructor and newly certified personal trainer Phillip Campbell to talk about the vital role of health and fitness in homeschooling.
Phillip shares his personal transformation journey—from struggling with fatigue and poor bloodwork in his late 30s to becoming a certified trainer through the American Council on Exercise.
They discuss:
-
Why sedentary lifestyles are quietly damaging our kids’ health
-
How diet affects focus, mood, and academic performance
-
The importance of building muscle and bone density early
-
Practical, low-cost ways to implement cardio and strength training at home
-
How tracking fitness progress builds agency and self-esteem
If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate intentional physical training into your homeschool day, or how to help your teen build lifelong healthy habits, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville.
At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!
High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.
Learn more at Franciscan.edu
Show Notes
About Our Guest
Phillip Campbell is a longtime history instructor for Homeschool Connections and author of the popular Story of Civilization series from TAN Books. He holds a degree in European history from Ave Maria University and a degree in Secondary Education from Madonna University. Recently, Phillip completed the American Council on Exercise certification program and is now a certified personal trainer.
Resources Mentioned
Phillip’s HSC Author Page:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/author/?n=228687
Helping Teens Understand Real Nutrition:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/helping-teens-understand-real-nutrition/
Finding Happiness article: https://catholicexchange.com/happiness-is-close-at-hand-using-the-sermon-on-the-mount-as-an-antidote-to-anxiety/
More Health & Fitness Articles:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/physical-education-pe/
Phillip’s Website:
https://phillipcampbell.net/
Phillip’s Online Courses:
https://caravel.homeschoolconnections.com/catalog/table?tableFilters[instructors][value]=43
In This Episode, We Discuss
Phillip’s Personal Health Transformation
-
His wake-up call in his late 30s
-
Reversing poor bloodwork and chronic pain
-
The power of incremental progress
-
Becoming ACE certified
Mental Benefits of Exercise for Homeschoolers
-
Improved focus and sustained energy
-
Reduced lethargy and depressive symptoms
-
Increased confidence and self-esteem
-
Building a sense of personal agency
The Sedentary Culture Problem
-
The health risks tied to inactivity
-
Why “just running around” isn’t enough
-
The need for intentional strength and cardio training
Nutrition & Academic Performance
-
Why teens need sufficient calories (especially girls)
-
The danger of under-eating and hidden eating disorders
-
Simple vs. complex carbohydrates
-
Avoiding fad diets and food demonization
-
Simple, realistic meal strategies for busy homeschool families
How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?
-
A practical rule of thumb for sedentary hours
-
Structuring weekly fitness: cardio + strength + flexibility
-
Why progressive overload matters
Simple At-Home Fitness Ideas
-
Walking + sprint intervals
-
Jump rope
-
Push-ups, planks, and calisthenics
-
Dumbbells and kettlebells
-
Tracking progress with written logs
-
Making fitness interdisciplinary (math + science + data tracking!)
Building Agency Through Fitness
-
Why measurable progress matters
-
How strength training builds confidence
-
Competing against yourself, not others
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Monday Feb 23, 2026
Can Shakespeare come alive in your backyard?
In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Kaitlin Zara talks with Mary Ellen Barrett, founder of the Front Lawn Players—a homeschool theater troupe that performed Shakespeare plays on backyards for 14 years.
From handmade costumes and thrifted sets to children memorizing complex scripts and growing in confidence, Mary Ellen shares how homemade theater became a transformative educational and spiritual experience for her family and community. She offers practical advice for homeschool moms who want to incorporate drama into their learning, without needing Broadway budgets or perfect homes.
You’ll be inspired to embrace creativity, community, and even a little chaos for the sake of something beautiful.
Sponsor
Thank you to our sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville
At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!
High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.
About Our Guest: Mary Ellen Barrett
Mary Ellen Barrett is a homeschooling mother from Long Island and a founder of the Front Lawn Players, a backyard Shakespeare troupe that performed 14 plays over 14 years.
Mary Ellen also serves as the Chairman of the Board at Seton Home Study School, editor at Seton Magazine, and podcaster at Stay at Homeschooling Moms
Follow Mary Ellen on Substack:
https://maryellenbarrett.substack.com/
Explore Homeschool Connections’ online Shakespeare courses.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
-
How six homeschool moms started performing Shakespeare on their front lawns.
-
Why seeing and hearing Shakespeare first makes it accessible to kids.
-
The difference between reading Shakespeare and performing it.
-
How performance builds confidence and lifelong public speaking skills.
-
The interdisciplinary power of theater (literature, history, math, art, music).
-
Creating elaborate productions on a homeschool schedule.
-
Why May became “Shakespeare season” in their homes.
-
Hosting public backyard performances (and even performing at Westbury Gardens!).
-
The deep community formed among the moms and families.
-
The powerful story of Mary Ellen’s son Ryan and the gift of acceptance through theater.
-
Making space for neurodivergent and differently-abled children in creative work.
-
Letting go of perfection (yes—even the sticky kitchen floor).
-
Practical advice for starting your own homeschool theater group.
Key Takeaways
1. Start Small
Begin with simple costumes, a backyard, and a short play. Grow gradually each year.
2. Performance Makes Shakespeare Click
Watch it. Hear it. Experience it. Once children see it performed, the language becomes accessible.
3. Theater Builds More Than Academic Skills
Drama fosters poise, moral imagination, confidence, friendship, and belonging.
4. Play to Your Strengths
Sew, cook, build, direct, organize—every mom can contribute in her own way.
5. Community Changes Everything
The Front Lawn Players wasn’t just about Shakespeare—it created lifelong friendships for moms and children alike
Encouragement for Homeschool Moms
You don’t need a stage.
You don’t need perfection.
You don’t need a spotless house.
You do need creativity, courage, and community.
As Mary Ellen beautifully reminds us, no one will remember the messy kitchen floor—but your children will remember the magic you created together.
To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Monday Feb 16, 2026
Monday Feb 16, 2026
With so many homeschool philosophies to choose from—Charlotte Mason, classical, unschooling, eclectic—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you choose the right approach, especially when you’re raising multiple children with very different personalities?
In this encouraging and practical episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschooling mom of seven, Bonnie Landry. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and shares how she built a peaceful, relationship-first home without rigid rewards, pressure-heavy academics, or fear-based decision-making.
From teaching bookish learners and high-energy boys under one roof to prioritizing connection over conflict, Bonnie offers wisdom for homeschooling moms who want confidence, clarity, and joy—especially in large families.
If you’ve ever worried about falling behind, choosing the “wrong” philosophy, or losing your identity as a nurturing mom while becoming the “teacher,” this conversation will renew your courage.
Show Notes
Sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville
At Franciscan University, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major. Twenty percent of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!
High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s dual enrollment program.
About Our Guest: Bonnie Landry
Bonnie Landry is a Catholic wife and mother of seven, living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Five of her children are now married, and she is a grandmother to twelve. Bonnie homeschooled for 32 years and now hosts the podcast Make Joy Normal: Cozy Homeschooling, where she shares encouragement on homeschooling, community, babies, and cultivating joy in family life.
Her mission is simple: Make joy normal.
Podcast: https://makejoynormal.buzzsprout.com/
Recommended Book: The Three R’s by Ruth Beechick
In This Episode, We Discuss:
-
Bonnie’s 32-year homeschooling journey, raising seven children
-
Teaching multiple personalities under one roof
-
Multi-sensory learning in a large family
-
Why relationship comes before academics
-
A peaceful alternative to rewards and consequences
-
How removing pressure can increase academic success
-
Creating independent learners without a rigid curriculum
-
Balancing bookish children with high-energy kids
-
Managing one-on-one time when toddlers are underfoot
-
Why “falling behind” may not be what you think
-
Being fearless in your homeschool decisions
-
The importance of real-life community for homeschooling moms
Key Takeaways from Bonnie
-
Connection fuels cooperation.
Prioritizing relationship over control creates long-term trust and willingness. -
You don’t need pressure to produce strong academics.
Bonnie’s children thrived in college and university without a heavy academic hand. -
Homeschool philosophy should serve relationships, not the other way around.
The real question isn’t “Which curriculum?” but “How can I foster strong relationships in my home?” -
Large family homeschooling can be peaceful.
Short lessons, shared family studies, and intentional breaks make it sustainable. -
Be fearless.
God gave you your children and the grace to educate them.
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
"Different” doesn’t mean broken. It means beautifully designed.
In this heartfelt and deeply affirming episode, Kaitlin is joined by Ginny Kochis, neurodivergent parent coach, author, and founder of Quirky Catholic Kids, for an honest conversation about raising neurodivergent children with confidence, compassion, and faith. Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, homeschool mom, and mother of three twice-exceptional children, Ginny guides listeners through the journey from fear and shame to understanding, acceptance, and peace.
Together, they explore evaluations, homeschooling myths, accessing services, social challenges, and the profound blessings that come with raising “quirky” kids. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating neurodiversity—especially Catholic homeschooling families seeking encouragement, clarity, and hope.
Show Notes
In this episode, we discuss:
- What it really means to be a “quirky” or neurodivergent child
- Why being different does not mean being broken
- Ginny’s personal journey raising three twice-exceptional children
- The emotional reality parents face after a diagnosis—and why diagnosis is a tool, not a label
- When (and why) parents should consider evaluations, even if they plan to homeschool
- How homeschooling, public school, and private school can each support neurodivergent kids
- What services (IEPs, 504s, therapies) are available—and how homeschoolers can still access them
- How to navigate homeschool meetups, co-ops, and social situations with confidence
- Practical tips for preventing and managing sensory overload and meltdowns
- Common myths about homeschooling neurodivergent children—and why they’re wrong
- The unexpected blessings, growth, and joy that come with raising neurodivergent kids
Sponsor
Fiat Life Coaching
Emily Brown from Fiat Life Coaching offers premium support for Catholic homeschooling moms to learn essential skills to manage their time, other people’s behavior, and their own mental and emotional well-being.
Learn more about her signature program, the Happy, Holy Mama Membership, at https://fiatlifecoaching.ontralink.com/tl/6
You can also find Emily and Fiat Life Coaching on social media at:
- Happy Holy Moma Podcast, https://www.youtube.com/@happyholymama
- Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/fiatlifecoaching/
- Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072621575204
- YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/@happyholymama
Featured Guest
Ginny Kochis is a Catholic wife and mom to three twice-exceptional children. A former high school English teacher and adjunct professor, she holds an MA in Teaching Writing and Literature and has over 20 years of experience educating children of all ability levels. Through Quirky Catholic Kids, Ginny offers practical support and prayerful encouragement to Catholic families raising neurodivergent children. She believes God gives curious, creative, intense children the exact mother they need to thrive.
Resources & Links:
-
Ginny’s Website: https://ginnykochis.com/
-
Books by Ginny: https://amzn.to/4s33xPh
-
Homeschool Connections: https://homeschoolconnections.com/
-
Dual Enrollment with Franciscan University at Homeschool Connections:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/resources/college-credit/
If you’ve ever felt isolated, unsure, or overwhelmed raising a neurodivergent child, this episode will meet you right where you are—and remind you that you are not alone.
To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
- Catholic Homeschool Blog, https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/
- Catholic Homeschool Podcast, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/
- The Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com
- Homeschool Connections Community, https://community.homeschoolconnections.com/
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Why do so many students find history boring, and how can we change that?
In this episode, Kaitlin sits down with Zack Edwards, educator, game designer, and CEO of Historical Conquest, to explore how storytelling and gamification can completely transform the way children learn history. Drawing from his own negative experiences with traditional history education, Zack shares how interactive games, emotional connection, and goal-oriented learning dramatically improve engagement and retention.
This conversation is especially encouraging for homeschool parents who want to move beyond textbooks and worksheets and help their children love learning. From understanding learning styles to creating meaningful educational experiences that stick, Zack offers practical insights—and inspiring examples—of what education can look like when it’s fun, personal, and purposeful.
Show Notes
In this episode, we discuss:
-
Why history is often taught in a way that disconnects students from real people and real stories
-
How storytelling creates emotional attachment—and why that matters for long-term retention
-
The difference between true gamification and “educational junk food” apps
-
How games can boost retention rates far beyond lectures and rote memorization
-
Why homeschoolers are uniquely positioned to personalize education
-
The role of competition, goals, and rewards in motivating learners
-
Understanding and supporting different learning styles at home
-
How gamified learning can strengthen family connection—not replace it
-
Why safe, values-aligned alternatives to mainstream gaming platforms matter
Featured Guest:
Zack Edwards is an educator, game designer, and CEO of Historical Conquest, as well as President of Xogos Gaming—an educational gaming platform offering a safe, standards-aligned alternative to mainstream online games. His mission is to make learning engaging, memorable, and meaningful through play.
Resources & Links:
-
Email Zack: historicalconquest@gmail.com
-
Xogos Gaming: https://www.xogosgaming.com/
-
Historical Conquest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricalConquest
Whether you’re a homeschool parent, educator, or simply someone who wants kids to love learning again, this episode will leave you inspired—and full of practical ideas you can use right away.
To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Grief looks different for everyone—but no one is meant to carry it alone.
In this deeply moving episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes back Catholic author, speaker, and homeschooling mother of ten, Kendra Tierney Norton, for a candid and compassionate conversation about walking through grief while homeschooling.
Kendra shares reflections from her family’s 16-year journey through her husband Jim’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, hospice, and passing, all while continuing to homeschool and raise their children. Rather than offering formulas or platitudes, Kendra speaks honestly about what sustained her: faith, community, Catholic tradition, and the quiet strength of daily responsibilities.
Together, Kaitlin and Kendra discuss:
-
Why grief cannot—and should not—be rushed or standardized
-
How homeschooling can foster resilience during seasons of hardship
-
The irreplaceable role of Catholic community in times of loss
-
Why accepting help is not weakness, but humility
-
How liturgical living and prayer anchor families during uncertainty
Whether you are navigating grief, caregiving, chronic hardship, or emotional exhaustion, this episode offers reassurance, wisdom, and gentle encouragement to lean into the support God has already placed around you.
Sponsor
Franciscan University of Steubenville
At Franciscan University of Steubenville, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major.
✨ Did you know? Nearly 20% of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background.
🎓 High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit online through Franciscan’s Dual Enrollment Program.
Learn more at franciscan.edu
About Our Guest
Kendra Tierney Norton is a Catholic author, speaker, and the voice behind Catholic All Year. She is a homeschooling mother of ten and has been a longtime advocate for liturgical living and faith-filled family culture.
🔗 Connect with Kendra:
-
Previous podcast episodes:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts_category/kendra-tierney-catholic-homeschooling/ -
Website: https://catholicallyear.com/
To discover support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Catholic Homeschool Blog, https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/
Catholic Homeschool Podcast, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/
The Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com
Homeschool Connections Community, https://community.homeschoolconnections.com/
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
What happens when the school that once seemed perfect suddenly isn’t working anymore?
In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with author and speaker Rachel Bulman to talk about her family’s decision to begin homeschooling during the middle school years—and why making the switch midstream was one of the best decisions they ever made.
Rachel shares the real story behind leaving a rigorous charter/IB environment, how “deschooling” helped ease the transition, and what she learned about her children’s learning styles once they were home. She also offers practical encouragement for moms who worry about rigor, socialization, and structure—especially when homeschooling wasn’t part of their original plan.
If you’ve been thinking about homeschooling (even if it’s midyear), this conversation will give you clarity, peace, and confidence to take the next step.
✅ Show Notes
Sponsor: Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS)
At Franciscan University of Steubenville, students live the truth of the Gospel in a vibrant Catholic community that unites faith and reason in every major.
✨ 20% of Franciscan students come from a homeschool background!
Plus, high school juniors and seniors can earn college credit online through Franciscan’s Dual Enrollment program.
Learn more at Franciscan.edu.
Meet Our Guest: Rachel Bulman
Rachel Bulman is an author, speaker, and homeschooling mom who began homeschooling her children during the middle school years after discovering that their rigorous school environment wasn’t providing the support, communication, or enrichment her family needed.
In this episode, Rachel shares her family’s honest journey from traditional schooling into homeschooling—and the spiritual, emotional, and practical blessings that followed.
In This Episode, You’ll Hear
✅ Why Rachel’s family chose to homeschool during middle school
✅ The role “deschooling” played in helping the transition go smoothly
✅ How homeschooling revealed each child’s unique learning style
✅ How to create rigor at home without copying a school model
✅ How her children stayed socially connected without daily classroom interaction
✅ Why intentional friendships are real-world socialization (not a “homeschool weakness”)
✅ The biggest challenges: accountability, motivation, and consistency
✅ The greatest blessing: forming virtue, responsibility, and real family life skills
Links & Resources
🌐 Rachel’s website: https://www.rachelbulman.com/
📚 Rachel’s books: https://amzn.to/4bFNtgD
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelbulman
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelbulman
Helpful Homeschool Connections Blog Articles
📌 Deschooling: https://homeschoolconnections.com/how-to-deschool/
📌 How to Start Homeschooling Midyear: https://homeschoolconnections.com/how-to-start-homeschooling-midyear/
📌 Middle School Articles: https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/middle-school/
📌 Unschooling Articles: https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/unschooling/
To discover support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Catholic Homeschool Blog, https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/
Catholic Homeschool Podcast, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/
The Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com
Homeschool Connections Community, https://community.homeschoolconnections.com/
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Monday Jan 12, 2026
Monday Jan 12, 2026
What is classical education—and why are more Catholic and homeschool families turning to it right now?
In today's episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Jeremy Tate, founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), to explore why classical education is making a major comeback and how it forms students not only academically, but morally and spiritually.
Jeremy explains what sets classical learning apart from modern schooling, how the CLT serves as a powerful alternative to the SAT/ACT, and why cultivating virtue, critical thinking, and a love for truth matters more than ever in a culture shaped by technology and AI.
Show Notes
Sponsor: Fiat Life Coaching
Emily Brown from Fiat Life Coaching offers premium support for Catholic homeschooling moms to learn essential skills to manage their time, other people’s behavior, and their own mental and emotional wellbeing.
Learn more about her signature program, the Happy, Holy Mama Membership, at fiatlifecoaching.com.
Meet Our Guest: Jeremy Tate
Jeremy Tate is the founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test (CLT), a standardized testing alternative rooted in classical education and the Great Books tradition. The CLT is accepted by a growing number of colleges and universities and is increasingly popular among homeschool families and classical schools.
Links & Resources
🌐 CLT Website: https://www.cltexam.com/
🐦 Jeremy Tate on X: https://x.com/JeremyTate41
📸 CLT on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cltexam/
📘 CLT on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLTexam/
🎙 Anchored Podcast (CLT): https://www.cltexam.com/podcasts/
In This Episode We Discuss
✅ What “classical education” actually means—and why it matters today
✅ How classical learning forms virtue, reasoning, and wisdom
✅ The difference between education for formation vs. education for outcomes
✅ Why more families are moving away from conventional school models
✅ How the CLT compares to the SAT/ACT
✅ Why standardized testing doesn’t have to undermine Christian formation
✅ The rise of AI in education—and why it makes classical learning more relevant
✅ Encouraging Catholic homeschoolers to stay focused on enduring truths