Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Jacob Gooden
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Welcome to the Club! This is a place to discuss the Good, Bad, & Ugly of Growing Up a Homeschooler. Every week, you'll hear from me and my childhood friends as we share stories from growing up with our parents for teachers.

  1. APR 10

    We Reunited After 7 Years… And Got Really Honest About Homeschooling

    Join the Newsletter for the latest Ex-Homeschooler News: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe I can't believe it's been over 7 years... on today's podcast I reconnect with my longtime friend Katrin McGoogan (formerly Frantz). We dive deep into our shared homeschooling past, her experience navigating adulthood and motherhood, and her recent ADHD diagnosis. Katrin opens up about what it was like growing up in a highly creative homeschool family, her time in ministry, and how that shaped her view on faith, parenting, and education. We talk about the challenges of re-evaluating childhood beliefs, raising independent kids, and the real-life mental load that comes with being a mom. Whether you were homeschooled, are a parent considering education options, or someone who just loves a good reflective convo—this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: What it’s like reconnecting after years apart—and how much life changes The ups and downs of growing up homeschooled in a creative, flexible environment Navigating an ADHD diagnosis as an adult and learning to work with your brain, not against it How motherhood shapes your view of your own upbringing and education choices Letting go of fear-based beliefs, questioning narratives, and giving your kids room to growResources & Mentions: Pomodoro Timer technique: https://pomofocus.io/ KONOS and Group Solutions (homeschool co-ops) Mrs. Yip (legendary writing teacher in our community!) Tools for ADHD (timers, breaks, multi-sensory learning strategies) Loved this episode? Subscribe to The Ex-Homeschoolers Club wherever you listen to podcasts! Leave us a review, share this episode with a friend, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for updates, resources, and behind-the-scenes goodness.

    54 min

  2. APR 3

    Am I Still a Homeschooler? Let’s Talk About It | #32

    Join the Newsletter for the latest Ex-Homeschooler News: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe In this solo episode I'm taking a deep dive into the definition of an "ex-homeschooler." Is it someone who has left homeschooling behind with negative feelings, or simply anyone who has experienced it? I'm sharing my personal journey—hiding my homeschool background in college, rediscovering its impact on my identity, and launching this podcast to connect with fellow ex-homeschoolers. I reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of homeschooling and how it has shaped his life today. Whether you were homeschooled for a short time or your entire education, this episode is for anyone who has ever wondered what it truly means to be an ex-homeschooler. Resources Mentioned: The Ex-Homeschoolers Club social media pages (@exhsclub on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok). Email: exhsclub@gmail.com for sharing stories or reaching out. Jacob’s newsletter (subscribe via the first link in the show notes). If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to The Ex-Homeschoolers Club podcast, leave a review, and follow on social media! Have a homeschool story to share? Reach out via email or social platforms—we’d love to feature you on a future episode. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for exclusive updates, recommendations, and behind-the-scenes content.

    12 min

  3. MAR 27

    The Truth About Life After Homeschooling | #31

    Today I'm sitting down with Korbs to explore his unconventional path from homeschooling to navigating life beyond structured education. We discuss the quirks of homeschool culture, how it shaped his worldview, and the challenges of transitioning into traditional social and professional settings. Korbs shares his experiences adapting to new environments, the lessons he’s learned, and his perspectives on what homeschooling did (and didn’t) prepare him for. Whether you were homeschooled or just enjoy hearing unique life experiences, this episode is packed with relatable stories and insights into personal growth and resilience. Key Takeaways: How homeschooling influenced Korbs’ perspective and approach to life. The challenges of adapting to social norms after homeschooling. The impact of self-directed learning on real-world success. Insights into overcoming obstacles and embracing change. Funny and bizarre homeschool stories that shaped Korbs’ outlook. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:02 Korbs' Homeschooling Journey 02:15 Religious Upbringing and Isolation 03:08 Transition to DVDs and Gaming 10:14 Challenges of Post-Homeschool Life 14:17 Questioning Faith and Finding New Paths 21:46 Realizing the Love for Learning 22:37 The Impact of Self-Help 23:48 Navigating Education Independently 24:52 College and Social Skills 26:42 Reflecting on Homeschooling 30:31 Embracing Differences and Unique Stories 32:55 Finding Balance After Restrictive Upbringing 36:24 Letting Go of Past Resentments 41:27 The Power of Community 42:10 Final Thoughts and Outro Resources Mentioned: Korbs’ social media and personal projects. Recommended books on personal development and adapting to new environments. Support communities and resources for homeschool alumni. If this episode resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going! 📩 Sign up for my newsletter for podcast updates & book recommendations – https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe 📌 Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on social media (@EXHSClub everywhere) ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform – it helps others find the show! 📧 Share your thoughts or your own story at ⁠⁠⁠exhsclub@gmail.com #Homeschooling #LifeAfterHomeschooling #ExHomeschoolers #PersonalGrowth #NavigatingChange #Podcast

    45 min

  4. MAR 20

    Would YOU Survive Our Homeschool Experience? | #30

    In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with Jenève, host of Homeschooled, a podcast exploring alumni experiences. We discuss our eerily similar homeschooling journeys, from big families and unconventional education styles to the chaos of homeschool theater and religious mime performances. Jenève shares her transition from stage management to business, the realities of navigating life post-homeschooling, and the importance of re-evaluating personal beliefs as an adult. If you're curious about how homeschooling shapes identity—or just want to laugh about our past drama group experiences—this one’s for you! 🎧 Key Takeaways: How homeschooling varies based on parental teaching styles and family dynamicsThe role of arts in homeschool education, including theater, choir, and (yes) religious mimeThe challenges of transitioning from homeschooling to college and career lifeNavigating personal identity and belief shifts after growing up in a religious homeschool environmentAdvice for parents considering homeschooling—what to think about beyond the idealized version⏰ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Ex Homeschoolers Club 00:14 Introducing Geneve and Her Homeschool Experience 01:24 Homeschooling Dynamics and Family Life 04:05 Extracurricular Activities and Homeschool Community 08:12 Theater and Drama in Homeschooling 13:34 College Journey and Career Path 17:04 Reflections on College and Career Choices 21:15 Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience 33:06 Starting a Podcast on Homeschooling 34:52 Idealistic Views on Homeschooling 35:20 Challenges Faced by Homeschool Moms 37:02 Balancing Roles: Mom vs. Teacher 38:35 Emotional Impact on Children 47:12 Community and Support Systems 52:39 Advice for Prospective Homeschooling Parents 56:14 Reflecting on Personal Homeschool Experiences 57:47 Navigating Religious Reasons for Homeschooling 01:05:33 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 📚 Resources Mentioned: Homeschooled Podcast by Jenève (find it on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube!): https://solo.to/homeschooled"Lifehouse Everything" SkitVarious homeschool groups like NJHSA, co-ops, and theater programs If this episode resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going! 📩 Sign up for my newsletter for podcast updates & book recommendations – https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe 📌 Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on social media (@EXHSClub everywhere) ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform – it helps others find the show! 📧 Share your thoughts or your own story at ⁠⁠exhsclub@gmail.com #Homeschooling #ExHomeschoolers #HomeschoolAlumni #ParentingChoices #Education #IdentityShift #LifeAfterHomeschool

    1h 8m

  5. MAR 13

    Why We’re All Struggling with Relationships & Connection | #29

    In this episode I’m sitting down with Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye, hosts of 7 on Sundays, a podcast focused on sex, relationships, and mental health for young adults. We dive into the challenges of relationships, loneliness, and navigating connection in today's world. From the impact of homeschooling, social media, pornography, and dopamine addiction, to actionable steps for fostering real, meaningful connections—we cover it all. If you’ve ever struggled with loneliness, relationship skills, or finding your community, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: The social impact of homeschooling: How growing up homeschooled affects friendships and relationships.Pornography and its influence on relationships: How it shapes unrealistic expectations and the way young people approach intimacy.Dopamine addiction & digital distraction: How social media and instant gratification impact our ability to build deep relationships.Practical steps to combat loneliness: How to actively seek community and build fulfilling relationships in adulthood.Men’s mental health and connection: The rise of men’s groups and the importance of emotional support for young men. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Ex Homeschoolers Club 00:17 Introducing Special Guests: Dr. Chez Leeby and Stephanie Boye 02:08 Homeschooling Experiences and Challenges 05:33 The Importance of Social Interaction in Homeschooling 09:04 7 on Sundays: The Podcast for Young Adults 18:06 Discussing Pornography and Its Impact 20:15 The Power of Group Therapy and Human Connection 31:53 Building Healthy Relationships 34:37 Staying Connected and Finding Community 37:29 The Importance of Genuine Connection 38:02 Combating Loneliness in Modern Society 39:02 Building and Maintaining Friendships 39:53 Finding Community Outside Traditional Spaces 42:25 The Role of Men's Groups in Mental Health 45:41 Navigating Relationships and Communication 46:34 Books and Resources for Personal Growth 51:53 The Impact of Social Media on Happiness 57:15 Creating a Balanced and Fulfilling Life 01:01:16 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Resources Mentioned: 7 on Sundays Podcast (Listen here: 7onsundays.com)Indistractable by Nir Eyal (Book on overcoming digital distractions)Build the Life You Want by Oprah Winfrey & Arthur C. Brooks (Book on happiness and fulfillment)The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Book on intentional happiness strategies)Libby App (Free library audiobooks & e-books) If this episode resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going! 📩 Sign up for my newsletter for podcast updates & book recommendations – https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe 📌 Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on social media (@EXHSClub everywhere) ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform – it helps others find the show! 📧 Share your thoughts or your own story at ⁠exhsclub@gmail.com

    1h 4m

  6. FEB 27

    What Do You Do When Religion Hurts You? | #28

    In this solo episode of I'm diving into the book When Religion Hurts You by Laura E. Anderson. This book explores the psychological effects of high-control religious environments and offers insights into healing from religious trauma. Inspired by my own deconstruction journey, I unpack key concepts from the book, including the nervous system’s response to fear, different types of grief, and the challenge of rebuilding self-trust. I also share personal stories of how religious trauma shaped my experiences growing up and how I'm learning to set healthier boundaries. Whether you’re currently deconstructing or just curious about the mental health impact of religion, this episode is packed with insights. Key Takeaways Understanding Trauma Responses – The fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, and how high-control religions keep people in a state of constant fear. Grieving Life After Religion – The different types of grief that come with leaving faith, including lost community, altered worldviews, and shifts in self-identity. Rebuilding Self-Trust & Compassion – How religious environments discourage self-trust and how we can reframe our internal dialogue. Setting Healthy Boundaries – Moving from rigid, externally imposed boundaries to self-defined, evolving ones. The Good in Religion – Recognizing that not everything about faith was harmful, and processing the loss of positive aspects like community and structure.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Solo Episode Announcement 00:26 Book Introduction: When Religion Hurts You 00:41 Newsletter Launch Announcement 01:29 Impactful Insights from the Book 03:14 Understanding the Nervous System 04:51 Personal Experiences with Religious Trauma 09:06 Grieving the Life You Once Had 18:22 Different Types of Grief 19:35 Grieving Childhood and Adolescence 24:37 Grieving Our View of Others and the World 26:06 Recognizing the Pull Away from God 27:05 Grieving the Good in Religion 30:00 Trust and Vulnerability Post-Religion 32:23 Building Self-Trust and Compassion 42:55 Redefining Boundaries 45:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources Mentioned When Religion Hurts You by Laura E. Anderson Brene Brown’s The Anatomy of Trust (Super Soul Sessions) If this episode resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going! 📩 Sign up for my newsletter for podcast updates & book recommendations – https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe 📌 Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on social media (@EXHSClub everywhere) ⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform – it helps others find the show! 📧 Share your thoughts or your own story at exhsclub@gmail.com

    48 min

  7. FEB 13

    Purity Rings, Weird Analogies, and Why Sex Felt Wrong | #27

    Real stories. Real conversations. If you want the latest episodes of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club podcast, plus bonus insights and community highlights, sign up for the newsletter. https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with my longtime friend, Aaron MacDonald, to talk about his homeschool experience, the unique quirks of growing up in a religious homeschooling community, and how it shaped his perspective on life, art, and relationships. We dive deep into topics like group learning, purity culture, and navigating personal growth beyond the homeschool bubble. Aaron also shares insights into his artistic journey, how he overcame self-doubt, and the unconventional ways he connects with his creativity. Key Takeaways Homeschooling & Socialization – How co-ops like Group Solutions impacted our childhood and social skills.Religious Influence – The role faith played in our upbringing and how it shaped our views on relationships, sex, and adulthood.Purity Culture & Dating – Breaking down the "purity ring" experience and unlearning unhealthy narratives about sex.Self-Discovery & Healing – Aaron’s powerful method of visualizing younger versions of himself to work through personal growth.The Artistic Journey – Aaron's evolution as an artist, his preferred mediums, and how he now teaches art to others.Resources Mentioned Aaron's artwork on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronmacdnldart/Books on art & creativity from the Bauhaus SchoolI Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris (discussed critically)Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:57 Introducing Aaron MacDonald 01:46 Aaron's Homeschool Journey 04:30 Homeschool Curriculum and Methods 08:07 Group Solutions and Social Aspects 14:53 Religion and Homeschooling 21:27 Dating and Purity Culture 28:13 Sexuality and Cultural Impacts 33:54 Healing the Internal Voice 34:55 Meeting the Expert 35:55 Challenging Childhood Beliefs 38:26 Therapy and Self-Reflection 50:40 Artistic Journey 01:02:51 Memorable Homeschool Experiences 01:06:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to: ✅ Subscribe to The Ex-Homeschoolers Club on your favorite podcast app. ✅ Leave a review – it helps others find the show! ✅Email me at:exhsclub@gmail.com ✅ Join the discussion on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/exhomeschoolersclub/ ✅ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter:https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe

    1h 8m

  8. FEB 6

    Is Homeschooling Easier Today Than It Was Back Then? | #26

    I'm always striving to make this show better and I want to hear from you. If you've got a few minutes, would you mind answering a few questions? ⁠https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/forms/ecd981ec-ed4e-4b22-a15d-ae3b2858c757⁠ On this weeks Ex-Homeschoolers Club, we welcome Ruth Brooks, a former homeschooler turned homeschool mom of four, to explore her unique educational journey. From hiding from truant officers in the early days of homeschooling to navigating modern resources, Ruth shares how her experiences shaped her homeschooling style, including how she balanced structure and flexibility, adapted to her children’s unique learning needs, and handled the transition from teaching to rediscovering herself. They discuss navigating curriculum challenges, managing large families, and fostering emotional health in both parents and children. This episode is packed with insights for parents, homeschoolers, and those curious about the homeschool experience. Key Takeaways • Ruth’s early days as a homeschooler in the 1970s and how it shaped her parenting approach. • How she addressed learning challenges like dyslexia within her family. • The value of group learning and how literature-based curricula enriched her children’s education. • Her advice for parents on following their gut instincts and prioritizing emotional health. • Insights on the emotional challenges of transitioning out of homeschooling. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:48 Ruth Brooks' Early Homeschooling Experience 02:20 Transition to Structured Homeschooling 03:34 Family Dynamics and Responsibilities 06:27 Deciding to Homeschool Her Own Kids 08:08 Homeschooling in the 2000s 09:38 Joining Homeschool Groups 13:22 Adapting Curriculum for Different Learning Styles 19:54 Parental Reflections and Challenges 27:33 Hands-On Learning in Homeschooling 27:56 Reading Aloud: A Non-Traditional Approach 29:05 The Value of Story-Based Learning 31:55 Transitioning to College Classes 37:46 Balancing Homeschooling and Emotional Health 41:29 The Transition Out of Homeschooling 46:27 Reflecting on Homeschooling Experiences 50:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

    53 min
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About

Welcome to the Club! This is a place to discuss the Good, Bad, & Ugly of Growing Up a Homeschooler. Every week, you'll hear from me and my childhood friends as we share stories from growing up with our parents for teachers.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacob Gooden
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jacob Gooden
  • Show Website
    Ex-Homeschoolers Club

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