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Episodes
18 hours ago
18 hours ago
What role do grandparents play in a homeschool family?
In this heartfelt episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Homeschool Connections co-founder and grandmother of eleven, Maureen Wittmann, to discuss the unique and beautiful ways grandparents can support homeschooling families. From reading books and teaching life skills to offering practical help, prayer, encouragement, and simply being present, grandparents have an incredible opportunity to strengthen family culture and enrich a child’s education.
Maureen shares personal stories from her own homeschooling years, practical ideas for grandparents who live both near and far away, and encouragement for families navigating relationships with skeptical relatives. This conversation is a touching reminder that homeschooling is about far more than academics—it’s about building strong, loving family relationships across generations.
Show Notes
Thank You to Our Sponsor!
John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs within creative arts, digital media, theology, and business in a faithfully Catholic environment.
Apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses at:
https://jpcatholic.edu/homeschool
Resources Mentioned
- Catholic Family Crate Subscription Boxes
https://catholicfamilycrate.com/ - Homeschool Connections Articles for Grandparents
https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/grandparents-homeschooling/
What We Cover in This Episode
- Why grandparents are such an important part of homeschooling
- Practical ways grandparents can support homeschool families
- How grandparents can help even when they live far away
- Using books, nature, cooking, and family traditions to enrich learning
- Why homeschooling strengthens intergenerational relationships
- Helping homeschool parents avoid burnout
- Supporting family culture through shared experiences
- Encouraging grandparents who feel unsure how to help
- Navigating relationships with skeptical grandparents or relatives
- Why homeschooling is more than academics: it’s a way of life
- The importance of prayer and mentorship within the family
- How grandparents can pass down faith, stories, and family history
- Respecting parental authority while remaining involved and supportive
About Our Guest
Maureen Wittmann is the co-founder of Homeschool Connections, a veteran homeschool mom of seven, grandmother of eleven, author, speaker, and longtime advocate for Catholic homeschooling families. Through her writing, speaking, and work at Homeschool Connections, she has spent decades helping families homeschool with confidence, joy, and a strong Catholic family culture.
Monday May 18, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Choosing homeschool curriculum can feel overwhelming. There are endless options, strong opinions, shiny new programs, and the constant fear of making the “wrong” choice.
In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with veteran homeschool mom and consultant Jenny Bales to help parents simplify the curriculum selection process and homeschool with more confidence and peace. Jenny shares practical advice for discerning what your family truly needs, avoiding comparison traps, and building a homeschool that actually works for your unique children and season of life.
Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or reevaluating what’s working in your current routine, this conversation will help you step away from pressure and move toward clarity, freedom, and joy.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
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 the Happy, Holy Mama Membership here:
https://fiatlifecoaching.ontralink.com/tl/6
Show Notes
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Why choosing curriculum feels so overwhelming today
- The biggest mistakes homeschool parents make when selecting curriculum
- Why there is no “perfect” curriculum
- How to discern what your child truly needs
- Avoiding comparison and homeschool pressure
- The importance of understanding your homeschool goals first
- What to prioritize in the early years
- How personality and learning style affect curriculum choices
- Why flexibility matters more than perfection
- When to stick with a curriculum—and when to pivot
- Practical tips for simplifying your homeschool planning
- Encouragement for moms who feel behind or uncertain
Resources Mentioned
Jenny Bales / Heart of a Mother
- Website: https://www.heartofamother.net
- The Heart of a Mother Mega Catholic Homeschool Curriculum List: https://www.heartofamother.net/curriculum/
- Free Resources & “Jenny’s Curriculum Picks”: https://www.heartofamother.net/ (Go to Free Resources → Homeschool Guides)
- Summer Planning Help & “Discerning Curriculum Bootcamp”: https://www.heartofamother.net/homeschool-planning/
Catholic Homeschool Curriculum mentioned:
- Catholic Heritage Curricula, https://chcweb.com/
- Homeschool Connections, https://www.homeschoolconnections.com/
- Kolbe Academy, https://www.kolbe.org/
- Mater Amabilis, https://materamabilis.org/ma/
- Mother of Divine Grace School, https://modg.org/
- Seton Home Study School, https://www.setonhome.org/
About the Guest
Jenny Bales is a Catholic homeschooling mom of four, homeschool consultant, and speaker who has homeschooled for 19 years, including graduating two students who were homeschooled K–12. Her mission is to help homeschool moms gain confidence, grow in peace, and homeschool with joy through the support and resources she offers at Heart of a Mother.
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 May 04, 2026
Monday May 04, 2026
Homeschooling gives us more time with our children. But what happens when that time is filled with frustration, conflict, or constant correction?
In this episode, Kaitlin sits down with Catholic homeschool mom of seven and life coach Emily Brown to explore the powerful role of connection in peaceful parenting. Emily shares practical, faith-centered strategies to help moms navigate difficult behaviors, reduce overwhelm, and build stronger relationships with their children.
From handling meltdowns and defiance to shifting your own mindset and responding with calm confidence, this conversation offers real encouragement for moms in the trenches. If you’ve ever wondered how to discipline without damaging your relationship, or how to find peace in the middle of a hard season, this episode is for you.
Sponsor
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. High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit through online dual enrollment.
Learn more at: franciscan.edu
Show Notes
Key Takeaways:
- Behavior is often a form of communication
- Calm, connected parenting is more effective than reactive discipline
- Small moments of attention can transform relationships
- You are not failing—you are being formed alongside your children
Resources Mentioned:
- Free PDF: 30 New Thoughts to Think
https://fiatlifecoaching.com/30-new-thoughts-sign-up - Fiat Life Coaching:
https://fiatlifecoaching.com/ - Homeschool Better Together:
https://homeschoolbettertogether.com/ - Happy, Holy Mama Podcast:
https://fiatlifecoaching.com/podcast
About Our Guest
Emily Brown is a Catholic homeschooling mother of 7, including her first homeschool graduate this year, with a second graduating soon, down to a rising second grader. She’s a former youth leader turned certified life coach with a deep passion for building up the kingdom of God, one family at a time, starting with the mother.
Emily runs a life-coaching membership for Catholic homeschool moms called Happy, Holy Mama, where you can learn practical tools to think, feel, and serve God better through your family.
She is also now the proud owner and CEO of Homeschool Better Together, an online curriculum and homeschool support provider that helps families homeschool multiple children with more joy and connection.
You can listen to her on the Happy, Holy Mama Podcast. And you can learn more about her work at fiatlifecoaching.com and homeschoolbettertogether.com
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Why homeschooling can make behavior feel both easier and harder
- The real reason behavior issues feel overwhelming (hint: it’s not just the kids)
- Why “connection before correction” changes everything
- How your thoughts shape your reactions, and your homeschool atmosphere
- What to do in the moment when emotions are high (for both mom and child)
- Why logic doesn’t work during meltdowns, and what does instead
- Simple ways to calm yourself and your child (including “Holy Spirit breaths”)
- The importance of daily connection to prevent repeated outbursts
- How to respond when a child pushes you away
- Encouragement for moms who feel like they’re “not enough.”
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 Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
What is a Charlotte Mason education? And is it really as overwhelming as it seems?
In this episode, Kaitlin sits down with veteran homeschool mom and educator Jen Mackintosh Weaver to break down Charlotte Mason homeschooling in simple, practical terms. Jen explains what this philosophy truly is (and what it isn’t), why it’s far more flexible than most parents think, and how it can be adapted to any season of family life.
From living books and narration to building attention and fostering meaningful relationships, this conversation will help you cut through the confusion and discover whether Charlotte Mason might be a good fit for your homeschool.
Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or looking to simplify what you’re already doing, this episode is a must-listen.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
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. High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit through online dual enrollment.
Learn more at: https://franciscan.edu/advantage/
SHOW NOTES
Resources Mentioned:
- Jen’s website: https://wildflowersandmarbles.com
- The Morning Basket (article):
https://wildflowersandmarbles.com/2009/08/05/the-morning-basket/ - The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald:
https://amzn.to/4tSfQyF - Mater Amabilis (free Catholic Charlotte Mason curriculum):
https://materamabilis.org/ma/ - Catholic Charlotte Mason Primer:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholic-charlotte-mason/ - Homeschool Connections Reading Lists:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/reading-lists/
What We Cover in This Episode:
- What a Charlotte Mason education actually is—and common misconceptions
- Why Charlotte Mason is simpler and more flexible than it appears
- The difference between “living books” and textbooks
- How narration works (and why it’s a powerful form of assessment)
- What a typical Charlotte Mason homeschool day looks like
- The importance of short lessons and building attention
- How this method fosters independence and lifelong learning
- Why relationships are at the heart of Charlotte Mason education
- How to start small without becoming overwhelmed
- Adapting your homeschool during difficult seasons (illness, grief, major life changes)
- The importance of margin, flexibility, and trusting the process
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 Apr 20, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Is Latin really a “dead language” or is it one of the most powerful tools you can give your child?
In this episode, host Kaitlin Zara talks with Homeschool Connections instructor Debbie Gaudino about why Latin still matters today. From strengthening vocabulary and grammar to building discipline, perseverance, and even deepening faith, Latin offers far more than most parents realize.
Debbie shares practical advice for getting started (even if you’ve never studied Latin yourself), how to motivate reluctant learners, and why learning Latin can connect students to their cultural and spiritual heritage in a profound way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether Latin is worth it for your homeschool, this conversation will change the way you think about it.
Thank You to Our Sponsor!
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. High school juniors and seniors can also earn college credit through online dual enrollment.
Learn more at: https://franciscan.edu/advantage/
Resources Mentioned:
- Latin Tutorial YouTube Channel (great starting point):
https://www.youtube.com/@latintutorial - Debbie Gaudino Instructor Page:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/instructors/debbie-gaudino/
What We Cover in This Episode:
- Is Latin really a “dead language”? Why it’s actually everywhere today
- How Latin strengthens vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills
- Why Latin is especially helpful for science, law, medicine, and Romance languages
- The best age to introduce Latin (and why younger is often better)
- How Latin builds discipline, patience, and perseverance in students
- Why Latin is like solving a puzzle—and why that matters in today’s fast-paced world
- How Latin connects students to history, culture, and the Catholic faith
- Real-life examples of Latin in everyday language (like “veto” and “etc.”)
- Practical tips for parents who feel unprepared to teach Latin
- How to motivate reluctant learners
- The importance of doing hard things—and the long-term rewards
To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
John Paul the Great Catholic University offers hands-on programs in creative arts, digital media, theology, and business in a faithfully Catholic environment. Apply for free and explore free storytelling courses: https://jpcatholic.edu/landingpages/homeschool-connections/
Thinking about starting a homeschool co-op—but worried about overwhelm? Lindsay Carpenter shares her real-life journey from burnout in a large co-op to building a simple, thriving, faith-centered homeschool community. Learn how to balance service and family life, avoid common pitfalls, and create something that truly works for your family.
Show Notes:
- Lindsay’s journey from public school teacher to homeschool leader
- Why bigger isn’t always better
- The “year of no” and resetting priorities
- How to discern your community’s real needs
- Why simplicity is key
- Avoiding burnout while serving others
- Encouraging parents to step into teaching roles
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 Apr 06, 2026
Monday Apr 06, 2026
Today's sponsor is Franciscan University of Steubenville.
What if opening your home could transform an entire community?
In this inspiring episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Kathleen Billings—Catholic speaker, author, and homeschool mom—to share the incredible story of how her family began hosting small gatherings that grew into monthly events of 200–300 people.
Kathleen shares how a leap of faith led her family to a new state, how simple acts of hospitality turned into a powerful ministry, and how prayer, marriage, and trust in God sustain it all. If you’ve ever longed for deeper community or felt called to something more, this episode will encourage you to take that first step.
Show Notes:
Resources Mentioned: Smart Martha’s Catholic Guide for Busy Moms by Tami Kiser: https://amzn.to/4bXXwMP
Your Holy Family Ministries: https://yourholyfamily.org/
Troy & Kathleen Billings’ ministry and book Simply Love: https://godsplan4u.info/
Additional Resources:
Go on pilgrimage with the Billings: https://selectinternationaltours.com/troy-and-kathleen-billings/
Kathleen’s son David’s website: https://godsplan4u.info/
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 https://franciscan.edu/advantage/
In this episode, we discuss:
- Kathleen’s family's move and a leap of faith during COVID.
- How a simple rosary gathering grew into a 300-person monthly event.
- Building Catholic community through hospitality and consistency.
- Practical ways to create connection in your own homeschool life.
- The role of marriage and prayer in sustaining family ministry.
- Trusting God’s call—even when you don’t have all the details
Kathleen's Biography:
Kathleen Billings is a national Catholic speaker and an award-winning author. She and her husband, Troy, have five children, one son-in-law, one grandchild on the way, and 4 souls in Heaven.
She resides with her family on their 5-acre homestead in South Carolina. Kathleen has written for Catholic Mom, WINE- Women in the New Evangelization, and had a blog entitled “Two to Tango” in the For Your Marriage section of the USCCB Website.
She is also a contributing author to the book, Amazing Grace for Mothers (Ascension Press) and Called by Name - 365 Daily Devotions for Catholic Women (Ave Maria Press).
Kathleen and her husband, Troy, are the co-authors of the award-winning book Simply Love: Catholic Marriage Day by Day, published by Our Sunday Visitor. Kathleen and her husband Tory’s website where you can learn more about their ministries: troyandkathleenbillings.com
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 Mar 30, 2026
Monday Mar 30, 2026
Should politics be part of your homeschool curriculum?
Many parents hesitate to introduce political discussions at home, especially in today’s polarized culture. However, avoiding the topic entirely may leave our children unprepared to understand the world they are inheriting.
In this episode, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Catholic journalist Erika Ahern, producer and host of The Deep and co-host of Catholic Vote’s LOOPcast, to discuss how homeschooling parents can thoughtfully introduce politics and current events into their family life.
Erika shares practical advice for helping children develop a healthy understanding of politics while keeping their formation rooted in faith, truth, and Catholic principles.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Catholic Classical Homeschool Curricula:
- Mother of Divine Grace School, https://modg.org/
- Kolbe Academy, https://www.kolbe.org/
- Homeschool Connections, https://homeschoolconnections.com/
The Story of Civilization – Phillip Campbell: https://tanbooks.com/homeschool/shop-by-product-line/story-of-civilization/
Zeale – A teenager-safe news source: https://zeale.co/
The LOOPcast Podcast (CatholicVote): https://catholicvote.org/podcast/
The LOOPcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theLOOPcast
Articles by Erika Ahern (CatholicVote): https://catholicvote.org/author/erika-ahern/
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by John Paul the Great Catholic University.
John Paul the Great Catholic University in California offers hands-on programs within creative arts, digital media, theology, and business in a faithfully Catholic environment.
Apply for free and explore free online storytelling courses at:
👉 jpcatholic.edu/homeschool
About Our Guest
Erika Ahern is a Catholic journalist and media professional. She is the producer and host of The Deep and co-host of CatholicVote’s LOOPcast.
Her writing has appeared in:
-
USA Today
-
Washington Examiner
-
National Catholic Register
-
RealClear Politics
-
RealClear Religion
-
The Daily Caller
-
Crisis Magazine
Erika regularly appears on podcasts, talk radio, and television programs, including Newsmax, Relevant Radio, and EWTN.
She lives outside New Haven, Connecticut, with her husband and their seven children.
In this episode we discuss:
-
Why Catholic families should not avoid political conversations
-
How to introduce current events in an age-appropriate way
-
Safe news sources for teens and older students
-
How history helps children understand today’s political landscape
-
Practical resources for integrating current events into your homeschool
If you’ve ever wondered when and how to begin discussing politics with your children, this episode will give you thoughtful guidance and helpful resources.
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 Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Feeling overstimulated, exhausted, or like you have nothing left to give by midday?
You’re not alone.
In this encouraging conversation, Kaitlin sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and homeschooling mom Stephanie Weinert, founder of Mother & Home, to talk about how moms can build a life-giving morning routine that supports their body, mind, and soul.
Stephanie shares the lessons she learned through years of homeschooling during difficult seasons—including miscarriages, exhaustion, and burnout—and how God led her to a more ordered and grace-filled way of living.
Instead of chasing the latest “mom hacks” or social media trends, Stephanie explains how Catholic mothers can anchor their days in prayer, healthy habits, and hope.
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by 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:
About Our Guest
Stephanie Weinert is the founder of Mother & Home, a ministry and marketplace dedicated to encouraging mothers in the dignity and importance of their vocation within the home.
She is a Catholic wife, mother, writer, and media personality who previously served as a radio host for EWTN Global Catholic Network before stepping away from her career to focus on her family.
A convert to Catholicism and second-generation homeschooler, Stephanie is passionate about Scripture study, Catholic motherhood, and encouraging women in their spiritual lives.
She speaks nationally and internationally on topics including faith, homeschooling, family life, and suffering as part of the Christian journey.
Learn more and follow Stephanie here:
🌐 Website: https://motherandhome.co
📷 Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanieweinert
Key Takeaways from This Episode
• Small habits build powerful momentum
• Good routines start the night before
• Exercise improves mood, energy, and resilience
• Social media routines rarely reflect real life
• The “next right step” approach reduces overwhelm
• Hope is essential when navigating difficult seasons
To discover more support for your Catholic homeschool adventure, here are some valuable resources for you:
Grab your coffee, and let’s homeschool together!