The BIG Home Ed Conversations

Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education for Kids
  • Updated Weekly

The BIG Home Ed Conversations is one of the top active 'home education' podcasts for parents who want to move past the myths and dive deep into what we actually want to talk about as alternative educators. Join Kelly (home ed mum of 2 and home education coach & mentor) and Ashley (ex-primary teacher & home ed mum of 3) as they debunk myths, tackle real challenges, and share honest, empowering, mindset-shifting conversations for families choosing alternative education. Whether you’re new to home educating or looking for fresh perspectives to support your child’s learning journey, this podcast offers practical advice, mindset shifts, and heartfelt stories from UK-based parents and experts. We go beyond the basics—helping you handle the ups and downs of home education, break free from generational patterns, and build confidence in your own path. Tune in for weekly episodes packed with reassurance, motivation and community for mums, dads, and anyone passionate about holistic, alternative, project-led, or eclectic education. Find out why we’re one of the top-rated home ed podcasts, and feel less alone on your journey. Find us at www.bighomeedpodcast.com Ps. We only use the term homeschooling from time to time to help US, European and new to home ed families find us!

  1. State of Mind: Mental Health and Education. Guest Episode - Dr Chris Bagley

    1d ago

    State of Mind: Mental Health and Education. Guest Episode - Dr Chris Bagley

    In this bonus episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations, Kelly Rigg is joined by Dr. Chris Bagley — educational psychologist, musician, author, and co-founder of States of Mind (with B. Herbert). Together, they unpack why so many young people are “not ok at school” — and what happens when an education system prioritises compliance, metrics, and control over human development, agency, and real connection. Chris shares why States of Mind is “allergic” to tokenistic ideas like “pupil voice” when they’re used as a fake listening exercise — where young people are asked for their opinions, but nothing actually changes. He explains how this can mirror an unhealthy relationship dynamic: being invited to be vulnerable, then ignored. Kelly reflects on her own experience of being a “good student” who learned to tick boxes, impress adults, and stay quiet — and how that conditioning can follow us into adulthood, shaping our self-worth, relationships, and mental health. They explore how many parents in transition to home education are realising the same thing: school was supposed to be “good for them”… so why is their child anxious, distressed, or shutting down? In this conversation we explore: Why “normal” is a social construction (and why there may be no such thing as a “typical” brain) How labels and diagnoses can sometimes become the only route to compassion — and why that’s complicated The difference between genuine participation and performative “student voice” Why young people need space to talk about their lives and the world without being controlled or shut down How fear of uncertainty drives institutions to narrow, label, measure, and punish Why agency, belonging, and autonomy matter (for children and adults) Chris’s powerful reminder: you can’t have harmony without difference Chris also shares what young people consistently ask for when they’re truly listened to: more agency, more authentic connection, and spaces to explore real life, mental health, and meaning — not just performance and compliance. Links Chris Bagley’s book: States of Mind - https://www.statesofmind.org/  Sponsor: Strew is an online home education logging app that helps you capture what you’re doing day-to-day (photos, notes, tags), and optionally uses AI to reflect back the skills and areas of development you’ve covered — which can be especially helpful when you need to pull everything together later. Use code: BigHomeEd when you download it! https://strew.app/

    1h 1m
  2. Home Educating UK Topic Challenge: Raising Brave Kids — Activism, Justice & Quiet Protest

    Jun 28

    Home Educating UK Topic Challenge: Raising Brave Kids — Activism, Justice & Quiet Protest

    In this week’s episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio dive into a big question many home educating UK families wrestle with: how do we teach our children about activism, justice, and using their voice — without overwhelming them? We talk honestly about: Why “quiet protest” (like choosing elective home education) is still activism How kids can learn courage, integrity, and a strong moral compass through everyday life Exploring activism through books, documentaries, and values-led conversations (including learning about Greta Thunberg) How to handle tricky conversations with people who don’t “get” home education (and the judgement that can come with it) Practical ideas you can try at home: writing letters to companies, researching issues together, and building confidence through small actions A fun evolution-inspired activity that sparked brilliant conversations about climate, deforestation, and change Whether you’re fully in flow or just finding your feet with Home Education, these home education resources will help you to find your way through this topic. This episode is a reassuring reminder: our children’s opinions matter, and they’re never “too young” to care. Sponsor note: This season is sponsored by Strew (the home education logging app). Strew are running a survey right now and they genuinely want your feedback on what features you want, what you love, and what you’d change. There’s also a chance to win £25 Amazon vouchers. Survey link: https://strew.app/the-2026-strew-survey-prize-draw/ Keyword section: home education uk, home educating uk, elective home education, homeschooling uk, home schooling, home educating, home education resources uk, alternative education, deschooling, unschooling, child-led learning, neurodivergent families, adhd, autism, mindset, values education, kids activism, teaching kids activism, social justice for kids, climate change education for kids, writing letters to companies, raising socially conscious kids, parenting outside the school system

    44 min
  3. Summer Home Education: Letting Go of the Pressure (and Trusting Real-Life Learning)

    Jun 14

    Summer Home Education: Letting Go of the Pressure (and Trusting Real-Life Learning)

    In this chatty catch-up episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio reflect on what home education can look like as summer approaches — when clubs pause, routines shift, and the calendar suddenly feels wide open. Together, they explore the different ways families plan (or don’t plan) through summer, how guilt can creep in around “what we’ve achieved this year,” and why many home educating parents eventually find a calmer rhythm — especially when they start trusting that learning doesn’t stop just because the school year ends. What we cover Why summer can feel either freeing or overwhelming (and why both are valid) How Strew’s tracking insights can reassure you about progress and balance Socialisation pressure and the reality of home educated kids’ social skills “Traditional” learning vs real-world learning (and why the distinction can be unhelpful) Planning styles: structured curriculum planning vs going with the flow Why boredom can be a catalyst for creativity, independence, and resilience Gentle “check-in” moments that help you notice progress without formal testing A reminder that home education is allowed to be sustainable (and imperfect)   If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend — it genuinely helps more home educating families find the podcast. Website:  www.bighomeedpodcast.com  Follow us on socials: @bighomeedpodcast Try Strew (our Season 5 Sponsor) We’ve loved trying Strew as a simple way to log learning and spot patterns over time. If you’re signing up, mention the referral code “bighomeed” so they know you came from us.  SEO keywords: home education UK, home educating, elective home education, homeschooling UK, home schooling UK, unschooling, deschooling, home education, socialisation, alternative education UK.

    45 min
  4. Topic Challenge: Thoughts and Feelings, Fostering Emotional Maturity in Children

    May 31

    Topic Challenge: Thoughts and Feelings, Fostering Emotional Maturity in Children

    Welcome back to The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast with Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio.   This week’s topic: Feelings and journaling (real life edition) We recorded in the middle of a heatwave, so we’re talking dysregulation, grumpy kids, and how hard it can be to “do the right thing” when everyone’s overstimulated.   What we actually found helpful:   A feelings wheel (free printable) to help kids find more precise words than just “angry/sad” A simple empathy prompt: “How do you think your sibling feels?” Journaling alternatives for kids who hate writing: drawing feelings, scribble pages, talking, creativity, movement, baking A reminder that feelings aren’t just cognitive — sometimes kids regulate best through safe physical outlets               Schedule note: We’re taking a short one-week break, then we’ll be back with a general catch-up episode (summer plans and a bit of a chat). After that, we’ll return to the topic challenge with protest and social change.   Season 5 Sponsor: Strew (home education logging app) This week we’re sharing a quick behind-the-scenes feature: Study Points settings. In the Study Points area you can choose an education style (child-led learning, Waldorf/Steiner, Charlotte Mason, unschooling/deschooling, or general home ed) which can change how the Study Points categories are shown. It’s totally optional, but a handy way to get an at-a-glance view of what you’ve been logging over time. Use code 'bighomeed' if you try Strew. https://strew.app/  Thanks for listening — subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend. Find us on Instagram and TikTok, and at  www.bighomeedpodcast.com .

    40 min
  5. Town Planning & Street Furniture (Home Education UK Topic Challenge)

    May 24

    Town Planning & Street Furniture (Home Education UK Topic Challenge)

    In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley continue their weekly home education UK “topic challenge” — choosing a theme and exploring it with their children through real-life learning, conversation, and curiosity-led activities. This week’s topic: Town planning and street furniture — and it turns into a brilliant mix of project-based learning, local community awareness, and practical thinking about how towns work (and who decides what gets built). Whether you’re home educating, (homeschooling for our US friends), this episode is packed with ideas you can adapt for your own family. What we cover in this episode: Town planning basics: how towns evolve, what problems they’re trying to solve, and why infrastructure matters. Street furniture in everyday life: benches, lamp posts, traffic lights, junctions, road layouts — and the “why” behind them! A fun “run the town” council game (decision-making, teamwork, budgeting, environment, and community trust.) Learning through videos and visuals: what’s underneath major cities (including hidden infrastructure) how cities change over time (including a London evolution-style video) how heating, water, and energy systems can work at city scale. Real-life community learning moments: conversations sparked by local elections and meeting a local candidate talking about leadership, values, and why voting matters (and why kids can’t vote yet!) Hands-on play: building a town at home using toys (roads, emergency services, zoo, trains, role play and storytelling) So whether your home education journey is eclectic, unschooling, project led or otherwise - you can draw some great ideas from this episode and as usual - we would love to hear yours too!  Share with us on Instagram or TikTok - @bighomeedpodcast or visit our new website - www.bighomeedpodcast.com This season is sponsored by Strew, a home education logging app created by a UK home educating mum and her brother. To try Strew, head to www.strew.app or Search “Strew Home Ed app” on your apple or android phone and use code: bighomeedpodcast

    48 min
  6. Special Guest: Jenn Hodge Interview: The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Now the Act) — What Home Educating Families Need to Know

    May 17

    Special Guest: Jenn Hodge Interview: The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill (Now the Act) — What Home Educating Families Need to Know

    In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly shares a powerful interview with Jenn Hodge, founder of Doing Education Differently. Jenn is a leading voice in neurodiversity and education reform, and has been at the forefront of challenging the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill — which has now become the Act. Together, Kelly and Jenn talk through what’s happening, why it matters, and what families should be paying attention to as the Act begins to come into effect. This conversation is especially relevant for: Home educating families in the UK Families navigating “children not okay at school” Neurodivergent families and those supporting SEND needs Anyone concerned about how policy changes could impact autonomy, rights, and day-to-day home education life What we cover: Who Jenn Hodge is and why her work matters in this space The shift from the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to the Act What the proposed changes mean in real life for families (not just in theory) Why neurodivergent children and families are often disproportionately affected by education policy The importance of staying informed, connected, and empowered (without spiralling into fear) How advocacy works behind the scenes — and why community voices matter What to watch for next as the Act is implemented, and how families can prepare Kelly’s intention with this episode: This isn’t about panic or pressure — it’s about clarity, empowerment, and making sure families have access to grounded information as things change. This season is sponsored by Strew, a home education logging app created by a UK home educating mum and her brother. To try Strew: Search “Strew Home Ed app” (iOS + Android) and use code: BIGHOMEEDPODCAST

    48 min
  7. Topic Challenge: Lesser Known Sports (Weird & Wonderful Games, What Counts as a Sport, and Why Movement Matters)

    May 10

    Topic Challenge: Lesser Known Sports (Weird & Wonderful Games, What Counts as a Sport, and Why Movement Matters)

    In this episode of The BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley explore this week’s “topic from the hat” challenge: lesser known sports.   They start by going down the rabbit hole of strange and wonderful sports from around the world (and even a few from right here in the UK), and it quickly opens up bigger conversations about creativity, culture, community, and what sport is actually for.   We chat about: The weird and wonderful sports humans have invented (and why some of them are genuinely shocking) Chess boxing (yes, really): alternating rounds of chess and boxing, and what that says about “mental” vs “physical” sport The difference between a sport and a game (and using the dictionary to define it properly) How quickly a sport can grow once people actually see it (media, Olympics, exposure, and suddenly everyone wants to try it) Why “lesser known” doesn’t mean “less valuable” — it might just mean it hasn’t had the PR yet How sport can be about fun, community, identity, tradition, and entertainment (not just winning) Making space for movement in other areas of their education (especially for neurodivergent kids), and why physical activity supports mental health too How this topic can branch into loads of learning: history, geography, PE, science (heart rate/pulse), maths (scoring), literacy (writing rules), and even coding-style logic (if this happens, then what?) Kelly and Ashley also share some of the real-life ways this topic showed up in their week — from hobby horsing and play-based competitions, to watching Paralympic sport and noticing how many different bodies and abilities can be included in athleticism.   If you’re joining in with the weekly topic challenge, we’d love to hear what you did with it — and remember, this is never about pressure or “doing enough”. It’s just a fun way to spark ideas, follow curiosity, and bring a bit of variety into your home ed rhythm.   To try Strew (our Season 5 sponsor), head here: Strew home education logging app - on IOS and Android and use code: bighomeed   Don't forget to subscribe, share an episode with a friend or drop us a rating - every one helps more people like you to find us!

    49 min
  8. Topic Challenge: Food Around the World

    May 3

    Topic Challenge: Food Around the World

    Welcome back to another episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast. Kelly and Ashley are continuing Season 5’s “topic from a hat” home education challenge — where they pick a theme, explore it with their kids for the week (without telling each other what they’re doing), then come back to compare notes, resources, and real-life learning.   This week’s topic: Food Around the World — and it takes them way beyond “trying new recipes”, into geography, history, climate, farming, food miles, hunger relief, and how food choices impact communities and the planet.   Season 5 Sponsor: Strew (and the feature we’re loving this week) This season is sponsored by Strew — a home education logging app developed by a UK home educating mum and her brother. They’ve given us access to the app and we’re using it to track what we’re doing and share what we’re enjoying as we go.   This week, Ashley has been focusing on the book tracking function: You can scan a book and log it as an activity (great for read-alouds and independent reading) Ashley created a “dummy child” called Library to track her home education book collection She tags books with keywords (country, geography, history, etc.) so she can quickly see what she already owns It helps prevent over-buying or borrowing loads from the library when you don’t need to Kelly’s also using Strew to support a reading challenge with her kids and to look back over time at: What they’ve read How their reading level and text complexity is developing You can download Strew on iOS and Android. https://strew.app/  Use code bighomeed when you subscribe (so it links back to where you found it).   In this episode, we chat about: Why “Food Around the World” can go in a million directions (and why that’s the magic of it) Food, travel, culture, and how communities grow/produce food differently How climate, geography, and environment shape what people eat How food connects to history (including Roman influences in Britain) Why this topic can be tricky with neurodivergent / selective eaters — but still totally doable Food miles, carbon impact, and the surprising footprint of an everyday breakfast Soil health, farming, and how modern agriculture affects nutrients, rivers, and habitats Hunger relief, food banks, and how food distribution works behind the scenes Local economy: where your food money goes (and why local matters)   Listen to find out next weeks topic! Follow + connect Instagram + TikTok: @bighomeedpodcast Website + weekly blog/resources: bighomeedpodcast.com   If you’re joining in with our weekly topic challenge, come and tell us what you did — we’d love to hear your ideas and share them with the community.

    48 min
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About

The BIG Home Ed Conversations is one of the top active 'home education' podcasts for parents who want to move past the myths and dive deep into what we actually want to talk about as alternative educators. Join Kelly (home ed mum of 2 and home education coach & mentor) and Ashley (ex-primary teacher & home ed mum of 3) as they debunk myths, tackle real challenges, and share honest, empowering, mindset-shifting conversations for families choosing alternative education. Whether you’re new to home educating or looking for fresh perspectives to support your child’s learning journey, this podcast offers practical advice, mindset shifts, and heartfelt stories from UK-based parents and experts. We go beyond the basics—helping you handle the ups and downs of home education, break free from generational patterns, and build confidence in your own path. Tune in for weekly episodes packed with reassurance, motivation and community for mums, dads, and anyone passionate about holistic, alternative, project-led, or eclectic education. Find out why we’re one of the top-rated home ed podcasts, and feel less alone on your journey. Find us at www.bighomeedpodcast.com Ps. We only use the term homeschooling from time to time to help US, European and new to home ed families find us!

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The BIG Home Ed Conversations
  • Show Website
    The BIG Home Ed Conversations

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