The Homeschool Connections Podcast

homeschoolingsaints

Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's homeschool together! ๐๐ˆ๐† ๐๐„๐–๐’: ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ• ๐ข๐ฌ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐‡๐„๐‘๐„โ€”๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐š ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค, ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐‹๐Ž๐•๐„! Say hello to The Homeschool Connections Podcast (formerly Homeschooling Saints)โ€”your new Monday-morning must-listen! And leading the way? Our new host, Kaitlin Zaraโ€”a joyful, faith-filled Catholic homeschool mom who's bringing energy, encouragement, and real talk straight to your earbuds. Kaitlin's here to walk with you through all things Catholic homeschoolingโ€”big questions, little wins, messy days, and moments of grace. Season 7 launches Monday, August 18 New episodes every Monday Letโ€™s do this, mamas. Season 7 is all about YOU!

  1. 3D AGO

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

    Yes, You Can Homeschool for High School | A Teen Entrepreneurโ€™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 youโ€™re nervous about homeschooling through high school or looking for encouragement to keep going, Anthonyโ€™s story will remind you that success looks differentโ€”and brighterโ€”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 letโ€™s homeschool together!

    32 min
  2. NOV 3

    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 โ€” not just โ€œentertainingโ€ Tips for hosting with simplicity and joy (even when life is messy!) How authenticity builds deeper friendships Finding grace and community around the table โ€œHospitality isnโ€™t about perfection โ€” itโ€™s about love.โ€ 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 juniorsโ€”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 letโ€™s homeschool together!

    33 min
  3. OCT 27

    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 planningโ€”and why it doesnโ€™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 parentโ€”new or veteran. In this episode: Why homeschool planning isnโ€™t about rigid structure How to identify your โ€œnon-negotiablesโ€ 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. Sheโ€™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: โ€‹โ€‹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 letโ€™s homeschool together!

    35 min
  4. OCT 20

    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 familyโ€™s transformation. If youโ€™ve ever wondered whether you can homeschool, live your faith boldly, and pursue creative dreamsโ€”you wonโ€™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/  Donโ€™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!

    37 min
  5. OCT 13

    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 Dโ€™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: โ€‹โ€‹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 Dโ€™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. Donโ€™t forget to subscribe for more faith-filled encouragement each week. And, LEAVE a comment to let us know how we're doing!

    34 min
  6. OCT 6

    Can Homeschoolers Get Into College? YESโ€”Hereโ€™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. Youโ€™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/  Donโ€™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/

    38 min
  7. SEP 29

    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 kidsโ€™ writing voice in the age of AI How to truly motivate reluctant writers without worksheets Why spelling and grammar donโ€™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 oppositesโ€”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).

    37 min
  8. SEP 22

    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 joyโ€”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 doesnโ€™t come from controlling your schedule Ways to reconnect with your purpose and identity in Christ How to begin againโ€”even if you feel like youโ€™re failing โ€œWe are made for greatness, not perfection.โ€ ~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.

    32 min
4.7
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Grab your coffee, hit play, and let's homeschool together! ๐๐ˆ๐† ๐๐„๐–๐’: ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐Ÿ• ๐ข๐ฌ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐‡๐„๐‘๐„โ€”๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐š ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ก ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค, ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐š ๐ง๐ž๐ฐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ซ๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐จ ๐‹๐Ž๐•๐„! Say hello to The Homeschool Connections Podcast (formerly Homeschooling Saints)โ€”your new Monday-morning must-listen! And leading the way? Our new host, Kaitlin Zaraโ€”a joyful, faith-filled Catholic homeschool mom who's bringing energy, encouragement, and real talk straight to your earbuds. Kaitlin's here to walk with you through all things Catholic homeschoolingโ€”big questions, little wins, messy days, and moments of grace. Season 7 launches Monday, August 18 New episodes every Monday Letโ€™s do this, mamas. Season 7 is all about YOU!

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