Outside the Box Education Podcast

Outside the Box Education
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Outside the Box Education is a podcast for homeschool parents who are ready to let go of the pressure to recreate school at home and discover a more meaningful way to learn. Hosted by Melissa Whittaker, each episode brings you real homeschool stories, practical ideas, and honest conversations about the challenges and joys of educating your children differently. We’ll talk about everything from choosing curriculum and helping struggling learners to overcoming comparison, building confidence, and creating a homeschool that fits your unique family. Because there isn’t one right way to homeschool—and sometimes the best learning happens when we’re willing to think outside the box.

Episodes

  1. 10h ago

    Homeschooling Changed Me More Than It Changed My Kids (feat. Angie Blad)

    “I was a really good drill sergeant. But that is not who I wanted to be or who my children needed.” Does homeschooling sometimes feel like a cycle of pushing harder, raising your voice, and worrying you aren’t doing enough? You’re not alone—and change is possible. In this episode of the Outside the Box Education podcast, host Melissa Whittaker talks with homeschool mom of six Angie Blad about her journey from “drill sergeant mom” to a more peaceful, relationship-centered approach to learning. With honesty and encouragement, Angie shares how faith, support from friends, and a willingness to grow helped her change the atmosphere in her home. She also reflects on raising children with different needs, navigating busy seasons, and watching her older children step into adulthood. In this conversation, we explore: • Putting relationships at the heart of your homeschool • Finding an educational path that fits each child • Facing fears about learning gaps and preparing for college • Recognizing when to seek help or outsource a subject • Saying no to good things when your family needs a slower season • Caring for yourself while caring for your children • Making room for curiosity, connection, and the beauty of ordinary days Whether you’re considering homeschooling or have been at it for years, this conversation offers reassurance that you can keep learning and growing alongside your children. Explore homeschool guidance and free resources at https://outsidethebox.education/. #Homeschooling #HomeschoolEncouragement #OutsideTheBoxEducation Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GTDGL9SC5JFEAVGD

    Homeschooling Changed Me More Than It Changed My Kids (feat. Angie Blad)

  2. Oct 29

    22 Years of Homeschooling: Was It Worth It? | #6 with Suzanne Lindsay

    Is homeschooling worth it? After 22 years of homeschooling six children, Suzanne Lindsay looks back on the challenges, sacrifices, and lasting relationships that shaped her family. In this episode of the Outside the Box Education Podcast, host Melissa Whittaker talks with Suzanne about beginning homeschooling in 1992 after her daughter struggled with reading and begged to learn at home. Now that her children are adults, Suzanne shares what she values most about their experience—and what she wants parents who are new to homeschooling to know. In this conversation, we discuss: Starting homeschooling even when you feel scared or uncertain Giving children a voice in their education Learning together through books, games, and thematic teaching Finding community and opportunities for social connection Teaching cooking, cleaning, gardening, and other life skills Learning alongside your children without knowing every answer Building family relationships while navigating difficult days Suzanne also speaks honestly about the pressure she felt and the preparation homeschooling required. Her story offers encouragement for parents wondering whether the time and effort they invest today will make a lasting difference. What is your biggest hope—or biggest worry—about homeschooling? Share in the comments. Explore homeschool guidance, our free digital library, and more: https://outsidethebox.education/ Subscribe to Outside the Box Education for real homeschool stories, practical ideas, and encouragement for your family’s learning journey. #Homeschooling #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolPodcast Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU

    22 Years of Homeschooling: Was It Worth It? | #6 with Suzanne Lindsay

  3. Oct 22

    What 15 Years of Homeschooling Taught This Mom of 5 | #5 with Heather Robison

    Is homeschooling worth it? After 15 years of homeschooling five children, Heather shares what she’s learned about flexibility, family relationships, and helping each child find their own path. In this episode of the Outside the Box Education Podcast, Melissa Whittaker talks with Heather about moving beyond a school-at-home mindset and building a homeschool that fits her children’s needs. They discuss teaching multiple ages, encouraging independent learning, participating in high school sports, and preparing for college athletics—including her oldest son’s journey to a college wrestling scholarship. Heather also shares the heartfelt note her grown son left as he moved away from home—and how his words answered a question she had carried for years: Would her children be grateful they were homeschooled? Whether you’re considering homeschooling or already in the middle of it, this conversation offers practical ideas and encouragement for the days you wonder if your efforts are making a difference. Explore homeschool resources and support: https://outsidethebox.education Subscribe for more honest conversations with homeschooling families. #Homeschooling #HomeschoolAthlete #HomeschoolHighSchool #CollegeWrestling #OutsideTheBoxEducation Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU

    What 15 Years of Homeschooling Taught This Mom of 5 | #5 with Heather Robison

  4. Oct 8

    I Thought I Was Failing at Homeschooling— Until I Saw This | #4 with Bethany Deardeuff

    Have you ever worried you’re failing at homeschooling because your days don’t look the way you imagined? In this episode of the Outside the Box Education Podcast, host Melissa Whittaker talks with Bethany Deardeuff, a homeschool mom of five, about letting go of guilt and finding an approach that fits her family. Bethany shares her experience homeschooling in a neurodivergent family, navigating her own ADHD and mental health challenges, and supporting children with different needs. She reflects on the surprise of watching her oldest graduate with knowledge, curiosity, and abilities that grew—even when their homeschool never looked like her ideal. Together, they explore: • Finding a natural rhythm instead of forcing someone else’s routine • Recognizing learning in everyday life • Approaching math with curiosity rather than fear • Building a supportive homeschool community • Helping children feel safe and supported while doing hard things If you’ve wondered whether you’re doing enough, this honest conversation offers encouragement to notice what’s growing in your family and make room for your own way of learning. For more great homeschool articles, videos, podcasts, and more, visit https://outsidethebox.education. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU

    I Thought I Was Failing at Homeschooling— Until I Saw This | #4 with Bethany Deardeuff

  5. Oct 1

    She Homeschooled 7 Kids—Here’s How They Learned to Teach Themselves » Michelle Jones

    How do you homeschool seven children without trying to teach them all the same way? In this episode, Melissa talks with Michelle Jones, who began homeschooling more than 30 years ago and now has seven adult children. Michelle shares how she moved from rigid schedules and workbooks toward an education shaped by each child’s needs and interests. She talks about the spelling tests she let go of, the family routines that helped her manage a busy home, and the health crisis that pushed her older children to become independent learners. They also discuss homeschooling through high school, preparing for college, and the question that kept Michelle awake for years: “Am I ruining my children?” Her story offers practical ideas and reassurance for parents who want their children to love learning and feel ready for what comes next. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU Visit us at Website: outsidethebox.education Instagram: / the.mindful.heart Facebook: / outside.the.box.ed

    She Homeschooled 7 Kids—Here’s How They Learned to Teach Themselves » Michelle Jones

  6. Sep 24

    Why a Teacher Chose Homeschooling (And What She Learned) » with Genevieve Arnold

    What changes when a teacher chooses homeschooling? Genevieve Arnold shares her journey from the classroom to helping families learn at home. We talk about following a child’s interests, finding support, and why homeschooling doesn’t have to look like school at home. If you’re curious about homeschooling—or worried you’re not qualified to do it—this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned: https://curriculumsquare.com/ Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU Visit us at Website: outsidethebox.education Instagram: / the.mindful.heart Facebook: / outside.the.box.ed

    Why a Teacher Chose Homeschooling (And What She Learned) » with Genevieve Arnold

  7. Sep 16

    The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned in 12 Years of Homeschooling » with Mindi Eldredge

    After 12 years of homeschooling, Mindi Eldredge has learned that successful homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional school. In this episode, she shares her family’s homeschool journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why letting go of expectations and trusting your child can make all the difference. Whether you’re just considering homeschooling or have been doing it for years, this conversation offers encouragement to create a homeschool that truly fits your family. Resources Mentioned: Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie Explore more homeschool encouragement and resources: https://outsidethebox.education Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: FX5MZDNBAVHFJVPU

    The Biggest Lessons I’ve Learned in 12 Years of Homeschooling » with Mindi Eldredge
  • 7 Episodes

About

Outside the Box Education is a podcast for homeschool parents who are ready to let go of the pressure to recreate school at home and discover a more meaningful way to learn. Hosted by Melissa Whittaker, each episode brings you real homeschool stories, practical ideas, and honest conversations about the challenges and joys of educating your children differently. We’ll talk about everything from choosing curriculum and helping struggling learners to overcoming comparison, building confidence, and creating a homeschool that fits your unique family. Because there isn’t one right way to homeschool—and sometimes the best learning happens when we’re willing to think outside the box.

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