The Homeschool Connections 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!

 

Cultivating a Healthy Masculinity in Our Sons | Ep. 244

Masculinity is a precious gift from God to the Church, and this special combination of talents, charisms, and characteristics has been much-maligned in the modern world. So, what’s a father to do? Stay tuned for our Dads’ Panel: Cultivating a Healthy Masculinity in Our Sons.

For more on this topic, see our blog articles on homeschooling dads, https://homeschoolconnections.com/category/homeschool-dads/

And our podcast episodes on homeschooling boys, https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts_category/homeschooling-boys/ 

Find Walter Crawford:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/waltercrawford 

Find Tom Weishaar:
https://catholiccounselors.com/tele-counseling-services 

Find Dr. Sam Nicholson:
https://homeschoolconnections.com/instructors/sam-nicholson

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!

 

My Best Friend in Homeschooling | Ep. 243

There’s nothing like a best friend, and it’s my joy today to welcome the person who really made our homeschooling experience in many ways. Stay tuned to meet My Best Friend in Homeschooling, Annette Scarpa.

Contact Annette at: annette.scarpa@yahoo.com

Also check out: Episode 43: Annette Scarpa: Creating Group Activities That Benefit Your Kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqFEV7-f-Cg 

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!

 

Grow in Virtue Through Homeschooling | Ep. 242

Catholic homeschooling can bear so many fruits—both earthly and eternal. Veteran homeschooler Jennifer Smarsh is here to teach us how to Grow in Virtue Through Homeschooling.

You can reach Jennifer Smarsh here:  byhisgracejs@gmail.com 
 
Jen’s website: https://www.teachingtowardeternity.com 

More Resources Jen Recommends:
The Catechism on Virtue from the Vatican:
THE VIRTUES: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one/article_7/the_virtues.html 

I. The Human Virtues: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one/article_7/i_the_human_virtues.html 

II. The Theological Virtues: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one/article_7/ii_the_theological_virtues.html 

The Compendium of the Catechism: https://amzn.to/4iwMXRP 
or online: https://www.vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html (Virtues begin at #377)

Some helpful websites:
Catholic Education Resource Center (CERC): https://catholiceducation.org (many articles here on virtue)

The 15 Promises of the Rosary: https://dominicanfriars.org/the-15-promises-of-the-rosary 

All the Mysteries of the Rosary: https://ascensionpress.com/blogs/articles/all-the-mysteries-of-the-rosary 

List of moral and theological virtues: https://sensustraditionis.org/Virtues.pdf 

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!

Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House | Ep. 241

Homes with children can get out of order easily, but a house full of homeschoolers takes that to a whole new level! Today, Kaitlin and Lisa are talking with Dena K. White, the author of Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House!

Find Dana K. White: https://www.aslobcomesclean.com

Buy her new book: Jesus Doesn’t Care About Your Messy House: He Cares About Your Heart, by Dana K. White, https://amzn.to/4jfvEWG

For more on this topic, see our episode Messy Hospitality with Maureen Wittmann at https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts/messy-hospitality/

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!