The Homeschool Connections Podcast

Yes, You Can Homeschool for High School! | Ep 258

Yes, You Can Homeschool for High School | A Teen Entrepreneur’s Success Story with Anthony Gugliucci

Can homeschooling in high school really set your teen up for success? In this inspiring episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Anthony Gugliucci, founder of AG Cooks and a business student at Penn State University.

Once a Catholic school student, Anthony made the bold leap to homeschool during high school and found the freedom to discover his passions, launch a thriving meal prep business, and grow in discipline and faith. He shares how homeschooling gave him real-world experience, deep family connections, and the courage to follow his calling.

Whether you’re nervous about homeschooling through high school or looking for encouragement to keep going, Anthony’s story will remind you that success looks different—and brighter—outside the traditional classroom.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

This episode is sponsored by Fiat Life Coaching. Learn more about the Happy, Holy Mama Membership at https://fiatlifecoaching.com/.

Connect with Anthony:

Website: https://www.agcooksfood.com/

Instagram: @agcooksfood 

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! 

Building Community Through Hospitality | Ep. 257

In this heartfelt episode of Homeschool Connections, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with author and speaker Emily Stimpson Chapman to talk about how hospitality, shared meals, and authentic friendship can transform our homes and communities.

Emily shares from her own experience as a busy mom of three, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfect homes, messy tables, and genuine connection as part of living out the Christian call to love. From the beauty of family meals to the importance of inviting others into our everyday lives, this conversation will leave you inspired to open your heart and your home.

In this episode:

• How shared meals foster faith and connection
• Why hospitality is a Christian mandate — not just “entertaining”
• Tips for hosting with simplicity and joy (even when life is messy!)
• How authenticity builds deeper friendships
• Finding grace and community around the table

“Hospitality isn’t about perfection — it’s about love.”

Where to find Emily:

Instagram: @emilystimpsonchapman

Substack: emilystimpsonchapman.substack.com 

Books by Emily:

• Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends: https://amzn.to/4o1ituZ
• The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics, https://amzn.to/4nTojOV
• Mary, Mother of All (co-authored with Scott Hahn), https://amzn.to/43uEFoT
• The Catholic Table: Finding Joy Where Food and Faith Meet, https://amzn.to/46ZDSP1

This Episode is sponsored by Christendom College: High school juniors—want to discover college life like nowhere else? Join Christendom College for The Best Week Ever: a unique summer program with classes, adventure, and new friends, all grounded in the Catholic faith. Apply by December 1 and save 25%! Learn more at www.thebestweekever.com  

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! 

 

The Power of a Plan: Practical Homeschool Strategies | Ep. 256

Host Kaitlin Zara sits down with beloved homeschool coach and author Pam Barnhill to talk all things planning—and why it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

If you're feeling the pressure of homeschooling without a clear direction, this episode is your lifeline. Pam shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and small but powerful strategies to help you create a homeschool plan that works for your family without sacrificing peace or relationships.

From designing the school year around real priorities to understanding the rhythm that works best for your family, this episode is filled with down-to-earth wisdom and encouragement for every homeschool parent—new or veteran.

In this episode:

• Why homeschool planning isn’t about rigid structure
• How to identify your “non-negotiables”
• The power of one good plan (and how to start)
• Encouragement for parents who feel overwhelmed
• What Pam wishes she had known earlier in her homeschool journey

Thank you to our sponsor Cluny Media! Explore timeless Catholic literature with over 400 titles in history, fiction, and spiritual reading. Visit https://clunymedia.com/titles and save 15% off your first order!

About Pam Barnhill: Pam is a homeschool mom, award-winning educator, and the host of the Homeschool Better Together podcast. She’s the author of Better Together and Plan Your Year, and the founder of Your Morning Basket.

Learn more about Pam at:

Website: pambarnhill.com

FREE Homeschool Planning Pages: freehomeschoolplanner.com

FREE Morning Basket Plans: pambarnhill.com/month

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

Podcast: https://pambarnhill.com/homeschool-better-together-podcast/

Blog: https://pambarnhill.com/hsbt-blog/

YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@PamBarnhill/videos 

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! 

The Homeschool Mom and Entrepreneur Life | Ep. 255

You Can Have It All: The Heart of the Working Homeschooling Mother

The Homeschool Connections Podcast Episode 255: The Homeschool Mom and Entrepreneur Life.

This week, host Kailin Zara sits down with Therese Desilet, a former attorney turned homeschooling mom and the founder of Lovely Lady Linens. Therese shares her powerful journey of discerning her true vocation, walking away from a successful legal career, and creating a home life rooted in beauty, faith, and purpose.

From the emotional tug-of-war between career and motherhood to the joyful chaos of homeschooling and running a business, Therese invites us into the real, raw, and rewarding moments that led to her family’s transformation. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can homeschool, live your faith boldly, and pursue creative dreams—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation.

SHOW NOTES:

Special Offer for Our Listeners: Get 25% off at lovelyladylinens.com with code homeschoolconnections

Follow Therese on Instagram: @lovely_lady_linens

Saints Alive Podcast, https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/ 

Article: Can I Be a WAHM and Homeschool? https://homeschoolconnections.com/can-i-be-a-wahm-and-homeschool/ 

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/ 

Grab your coffee, and let's homeschool together! 

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.