The Homeschool Connections Podcast

From Hollywood Insiders: Kid Shows You Can Feel Good About | Ep. 254

Grab your coffee, press play, and be inspired!

Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 254: From Hollywood Insiders: Kid Shows You Can Feel Good About with Nathan and D’Lytha Myers.

Dive into a heartfelt conversation with Kaitlin Zara and the Myers family as they explore the challenges of raising children in a media-saturated world. Learn how they champion faith-based content and homeschooling to nurture a Christo-centric childhood.

Together, they explore:

• How media habits have shifted for kids over the years
• Why faith-based, family-friendly storytelling is more important than ever
• Creative ways to reduce screen time while still engaging curious minds
• What it's like to homeschool while working in Hollywood

Plus: movie recommendations, rapid-fire questions, and real encouragement for Catholic parents.

Thank you to today's episode sponsor: Party Like a Saint. Make sure to check out their website at https://www.partylikeasaint.com/

Show Notes:

Clean Streaming:

Formed (Catholic): https://formed.org/ (often free through your parish)

Angel: https://www.angel.com/

Clean Movie Reviews:

Dove Review: https://dove.org/family-friendly-movie-film-reviews/

Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Movie Guide: https://www.movieguide.org/

Shows to Consider:

Aria Appleton Shines is available on Prime Video: https://amzn.to/42v5rxc

Wingfeather Saga free on Angel: https://www.angel.com/watch/wingfeather-saga

Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street: https://amzn.to/4oa7uil

Studio C on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioCtv

Wondla: https://amzn.to/4o5lJoC

Tuck Everlasting: ​​https://amzn.to/4n30yTj

Note: Bluey introduced its first same-sex couple in the season three finale, "The Sign," when the character Pretzel mentions his "mums" when talking about his pet.

Find Nathan and D’Lytha Myers on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlythamyers/ and https://www.instagram.com/nathandmyers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NathanDMyersActor/

Fort Worth Actors Studio: https://fortworthactors.square.site/

Email: nathan@graftedstudios.com

In this episode of the Home School Connections podcast, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes Nathan and D'Lytha Myers, a dynamic husband and wife duo. Nathan, an actor and director, and D'Lytha, a director and producer, share their experiences as homeschool parents navigating the challenges of media consumption in today's digital age. They discuss the importance of curating content for their children, the impact of faith-based media, and their journey in creating the film "Aria Appleton Shines." The conversation offers valuable insights for parents seeking to balance screen time with enriching, family-friendly activities.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-filled encouragement each week. And, LEAVE a comment to let us know how we're doing!

 

Can Homeschoolers Get Into College? YES—Here’s How | Ep. 253

Grab your coffee, press play, and be inspired!

Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 253: Can My Homeschooled Kid Get Into College with Natalie Williams

In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, Kaitlin Zara sits down with Natalie Williams, a Catholic homeschool graduate and admissions counselor at the University of Dallas.

You’ll learn:

• What college admissions teams look for in homeschool students
• Tips for preparing transcripts and recommendation letters * How Catholic colleges are welcoming homeschool families
• What makes homeschoolers stand out academically and personally

This conversation is packed with wisdom for Catholic parents navigating the college admissions process!

Show Notes:

Contact Natalie Williams: nataliew@udallas.edu

More about Natalie: https://udallas.edu/admissions-aid/contact/admission-counselor/natalie-williams.php

Read: Why Homeschool Connections is Not an Academy: https://homeschoolconnections.com/catholic-homeschool-academy/ 

Presented by: HomeschoolConnections.com | Catholic Online Courses for Homeschoolers. You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-filled encouragement each week. And, LEAVE a comment to let us know how we're doing!

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/ 

Help! My Kid Hates Writing: Save Your Homeschool from Essay Anxiety | Ep. 252

Join host Kaitlin Zara and beloved homeschool leader Julie Bogart (author of Help! My Kid Hates Writing) for a fun, deep, and freeing conversation about how to teach writing the right way at home. They dive into:

• The dangers of losing kids’ writing voice in the age of AI

• How to truly motivate reluctant writers without worksheets

• Why spelling and grammar don’t need to be taught the way you were taught

• Tips for homeschooling high schoolers without killing creativity

• Why creative and academic writing are not opposites—and how to make the essay process feel natural

Whether you're a parent of a budding comic book author, a teen blogger, or a child who flat-out refuses to write, this episode is packed with practical tools, encouraging stories, and a whole lot of homeschool joy.

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Benedictine College, located in the small, picturesque town of Atchison, Kansas. Benedictine College is Newman Guide recommended, as well as a top college according to the US News and the Wall Street Journal. It is Homeschool Friendly, with a very family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, and outstanding ministry & student life programming. Go to https://www.benedictine.edu/ to learn more!

SHOW NOTES:

Purchase Help! My Kid Hates Writing at https://amzn.to/3KiMgjV 

Meet Julie Bogart and learn more about Brave Writer at https://bravewriter.com/about/about-julie 

You can find Julie and Brave Writer on social media at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bravewriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/ 

Substack: https://juliebogart.substack.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bravewriter

Read Why Learn Creative Writing in High School? at https://homeschoolconnections.com/why-learn-creative-writing-in-high-school/ 

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

For additional help with joyful writing instruction, see Aquinas Writing Advantage (AWA) at https://awa.homeschoolconnections.com/ (AWA is a Homeschool Connections program).

Homeschool Without Burnout: Secrets to Sanity | Ep. 251

Are you feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by homeschooling, and struggling to find peace in your daily vocation?

In this encouraging episode, host Kaitlin Zara welcomes Sterling Jaquith, Catholic speaker, author, and founder of Catholic Mom Calm. Sterling shares her powerful story as a convert to Catholicism, mother of six, and creator of a ministry that helps Catholic moms ditch overwhelm and live with peace, purpose, and joy—right in the middle of their busy vocation.

With warmth, humor, and spiritual insight, Sterling offers practical mindset tools and faith-filled encouragement to help you embrace the beauty (and chaos) of Catholic motherhood with confidence and calm. In this episode:

• What Catholic moms really need to hear about burnout and balance
• How mindset work can transform your homeschool and your family life
• Why peace doesn’t come from controlling your schedule
• Ways to reconnect with your purpose and identity in Christ
• How to begin again—even if you feel like you’re failing

“We are made for greatness, not perfection.” ~Sterling Jaquith

You can learn more about Catholic Mom Calm at https://catholicmomcalm.com/. Make sure to check it out today!

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Benedictine College, located in the small, picturesque town of Atchison, Kansas. Benedictine College is Newman Guide recommended, as well as a top college according to the US News and the Wall Street Journal. It is Homeschool Friendly, with a very family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, and outstanding ministry & student life programming. Go to https://www.benedictine.edu/ to learn more!

You can also find Sterling online at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catholicmomcalm/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@catholicmomcalm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catholicmomcalm

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnnjLbRM5Bab0wqVsomQvEg 

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

How to Raise Faith-Filled Kids in a Broken World | Ep. 250

What if your imperfections as a parent could actually lead your children closer to God?

In this heartfelt and hope-filled episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Catholic psychologist and homeschooling father of seven, Dr. Greg Bottaro, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute. Together, they dive deep into what it means to parent with intention, rooted in faith and attachment, in a chaotic and secular world.

Dr. Bottaro shares practical wisdom and spiritual insight on:

• Building deep emotional trust with your children.
• Balancing sacrifice and self-care in homeschooling
• Reframing failure as a path to grace
• Embracing the messy, beautiful truth: "Thank God we have a Savior."

If you're feeling stretched thin or worried you're falling short, this conversation will offer peace, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on parenting as a path to sainthood.

You can learn more about Dr. Bottaro and CatholicPsych Institute at https://catholicpsych.com/

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Benedictine College, located in the small, picturesque town of Atchison, Kansas. Benedictine College is Newman Guide recommended, as well as a top college according to the US News and the Wall Street Journal. It is Homeschool Friendly, with a very family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, and outstanding ministry & student life programming. Go to https://www.benedictine.edu/ to learn more!

Dr. Greg Bottaro is a Catholic psychologist, founder of the CatholicPsych Institute, and creator of the CatholicPsych Model of Applied Personalism (CPMAP). Before he was married, he was a Franciscan Friar for 4 years under the mentorship of Fr. Benedict Groeschel. He's now married with 7 kids under 11.

 

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

 

Holiness in the Laundry Pile: How to Find Joy in Motherhood | Ep. 249

What if the very challenges of motherhood—laundry, meals, endless to-dos—were actually stepping stones on the road to sainthood?

In this week’s episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Emily Wilson Husom, author of Sincerely Stoneheart. Together they talk about embracing motherhood without bitterness, breaking free from the culture of complaint, resisting the lies of the enemy, and rediscovering joy in the daily duties of family life.

Emily also shares the personal awakening that inspired her book, practical steps to be more present in a phone-driven world, and encouragement for moms navigating self-image, social pressures, and the unique challenges of Catholic homeschooling.

If you’re a Catholic mom who needs a reminder that God is at work in the mess and the mundane, this conversation will uplift your heart and encourage your homeschool journey.

Sponsored by Saint Sprouts: Make every homeschool day a little more fun with Saint Sprouts! These cute, hand-drawn Catholic stickers and magnets are perfect for lesson plans, feast days, and inspiring your kids with the saints. Durable, waterproof, and made for joyful learning. Visit https://saintsprouts.com and use code CONNECTIONS for 10% off your first order!

Emily Wilson Hussem is an author, speaker, YouTuber, wife, and mom who shares her faith online and travels the world sharing her witness of faith at conferences and events across the globe.

You can purchase Emily's book, Sincerely, Stoneheart: Unmask the Enemy’s Lies, Find the Truth That Sets You Free, here: https://amzn.to/41HtcSh

You can find Emily online at:

Website: https://emilywilsonministries.com/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emwilss

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilywilsonministries

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/emilyywilsonn 

 

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

 

Screen Time Showdown: Reconnecting with Your Kids | Ep. 248

Join host Kaitlin Zara as she welcomes bestselling author and mom of six, Molly DeFrank, to discuss the challenges and joys of intentional parenting in the digital age. Discover practical wisdom from Molly's books, "Digital Detox" and "Mothering Boys," as they explore the importance of family connections, the impact of digital devices on children's development, and strategies for maintaining strong relationships with kids as they grow. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with heart-centered insights and actionable tips for parents navigating today's fast-paced world.

Sponsored by Wyoming Catholic College: Steeped in Wonder, Formed in Wisdom https://wyomingcatholic.edu/

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

You can find Molly at:

Website: https://mollydefrank.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollydefrank/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030004031935

Molly DeFrank is a mom, author, and digital detox expert who helps families reclaim peace and connection in a tech-saturated world. She’s the author of Digital Detox: The Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids and Mothering Boys: A Guided Journal to Raise Future Men with Confidence and Grace, offering practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for parents navigating modern family life. Molly has been featured in major outlets like Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, and Fox News, sharing her no-nonsense, grace-filled approach to parenting. She lives in California with her husband and their six children, where they’re living proof that life is better with less screen time and more real connection.

Marriage and Homeschooling: Thriving Together | Ep. 247

In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara and her husband Joe discuss the dynamics of maintaining a thriving marriage while navigating the challenges of homeschooling. They share their personal experiences, the importance of support, and the joy found in everyday moments with their children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication, connection, and the unexpected blessings that come from their homeschooling journey. They also offer advice for overwhelmed homeschooling parents, highlighting the importance of grace and teamwork in family life.

Grab your coffee, press play, and let’s homeschool together!

Sponsored by Party Like a Saint — bringing faith and fun into your homeschool with saint-themed school supplies and rewards your kids will love. Check out their website at https://www.partylikeasaint.com/.

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/ 

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

Also, make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

 

Praise God for the Calling: Lisa’s Farewell and Final Message of Hope | Ep. 246

Today, we pass the torch, as Kaitlin Zara—our new host for next season—interviews Lisa, as she retires from the show!

Contact Lisa Mladinich:
lisa@wonderfullymade139.com 

Lisa’s website:
https://wonderfullymade139.com

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor is Homeschool Connections: Catholic Homeschool Classes Online

Homeschooling Saints theme music was composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice is Dave Palmer, Catholic radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host is Lisa Mladinich

Visit our Podcast page at Homeschooling Saints: Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

You can follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints

Also, make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Schooling the Last Few in the Nest | Ep. 245

You’ve finally got just one or two children left at home, after years of schooling your family. What’s it like to be in this season of—more time and fewer people in the house? Veteran homeschooler, Mary Ellen Barrett, is here to talk about Schooling the Last Few in the Nest.

Find Mary Ellen Barrett on Substack: https://maryellenbarrett.substack.com/  

The Stay-at-Homeschooling Mom Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/stayathomeschoolingmom 

Discipline That Lasts a Lifetime by Ray Guarendi https://amzn.to/44LpmK7 

Mary Ellen Barrett’s educational books for children:

Passport to the World for Young Catholics
https://setonbooks.com/home/2365-passport-to-the-world-for-young-catholics.html 

Art and Poetry for Young Catholics
https://setonbooks.com/home/2364-art-and-poetry-for-young-catholics.html 

Our very first episode ever—with Mary Ellen!

Busting Myths About Homeschooling:
https://youtu.be/MHWv05vdY4I

Thank you to the following contributors who made this podcast possible:

Our Sponsor is Homeschool Connections: Catholic Homeschool Classes Online

Homeschooling Saints theme music was composed by Taylor Kirkwood

Intro voice is Dave Palmer, Catholic radio personality and author of St. Thomas Aquinas for Everyone

Our host is Lisa Mladinich

Visit our Podcast page at Homeschooling Saints: Catholic Homeschool Podcast.

You can follow us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints

Also, make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!