Advertise on podcast: Making The Leap

After three years and over 150 episodes, we’re saying goodbye to Making The Leap. In this final episode, we reflect on our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the incredible community that has joined us along the way. From the early days of discovering Christian education to the many inspiring guests we've had, this podcast has been a life-changing experience. While this chapter ends, the mission of supporting parents and Christian educators continues. Thank you for being a part of this journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite episodes to keep the conversation going! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making The Leap, we’re back with Part 2 from the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) Convention in Dallas, Texas! Join us for conversations with inspiring guests who are shaping the future of faith-based education and digital outreach. First, we talk with Abby Sexton from Christians Engaged to discuss her personal journey through homeschool, private school, and public education — and how her faith grew through it all. Abby also shares how Christians Engaged is equipping the next generation to pray, vote, and engage in civic life through a biblical worldview. Next, we talk with Tim Matthews, Principal of Covenant Journey Academy, about the rise of online Christian education. Tim shares how Covenant Journey Academy combines strong academics, faith-filled curriculum, and personalized support to help families succeed — whether they homeschool or need supplemental courses. Finally, we catch up with Jill Simonian from PragerU Kids, who explains how PragerU is helping parents teach American history, values, and biblical truth to kids in a fun and engaging way. Whether you’re homeschooling, attending private school, or just want to counter what’s being taught in public education, PragerU Kids offers free, high-quality resources for your family. This is a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of faith, education, and civic engagement in America. 🔗 *Links to Guests & Resources:* Christians Engaged: https://christiansengaged.orgCovenant Journey Academy: https://cj.academyPragerU Kids: https://pragerukids.comFollow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Join us for a special episode of Making The Leap, recorded live from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention! We had the incredible opportunity to speak with inspiring leaders, content creators, and change-makers in Christian media. From discussing the impact of faith-driven education and parental rights to media innovation and cultural shifts, this episode is packed with insightful conversations. Special guests include Moms for America’s Debbie Kraulidis on the power of engaged mothers, Daniel Cohen on faith-based media in Israel, and author Cecil Taylor on biblical parenting. Stay tuned for part two next week! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making The Leap, we reflect on the journey of Christian parenting, faith, and education. As we navigate challenges with our teenage daughter’s Christian school experience, we openly discuss doubts, lessons learned, and the role of faith in raising independent, spiritually grounded children. Join us as we explore: ✅ The struggles of Christian parenting ✅ The impact of faith-based education ✅ The importance of community in spiritual growth ✅ Trusting God’s plan despite uncertainty 📍 Find us at NRB! If you’re attending the National Religious Broadcasters convention, come say hi at Booth 405! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making the Leap, Christine Stigall sits down with Angela Swain, Christian school mom and professor of music at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss faith, motherhood, and education. Angela shares her journey from music ministry to academia, her family’s experience with Christian education, and how she navigated a cancer diagnosis while teaching her children. She also dives into the importance of mentoring women and cultivating a life of worship. This is an inspiring conversation for any parent, educator, or believer looking for encouragement - Making the Leap: Mom to Mom. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making the Leap, Chris and Christine Stigall sit down with Josh Mann, managing editor of The Lion, to explore how faith-based journalism is equipping parents with the truth about education, culture, and policy. From the rise of school choice to a landmark Supreme Court case on religious education, they discuss the key issues shaping the future. Plus, Josh shares exciting updates on The Lion’s expansion into video, radio, and coverage in the heart of Washington D.C. Stay informed and don’t miss this conversation! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making the Leap, we sit down with Erika Donalds, founder and chairwoman of Optima Ed, to discuss the groundbreaking innovations reshaping education. From virtual reality classrooms to the benefits of school choice and dismantling outdated systems, Erika shares her journey as a reformer and advocate for parental empowerment. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Our annual deep-dive into the core of what the Herzog Foundation is really all about: growing Christian education and helping it thrive.   If you're a Christian school teacher, administrator, board member, donor, or simply interested in the nuts and bolts of what makes a successful school work as opposed to one that ultimately closes its doors - this is your show!  The Stigalls walk through the various training opportunities all over the country - totally free to you if you apply - that will give you the insights and the resources you need on multiple levels of Christian school operation and instruction.  This show is what is at the heart of the mission of the Herzog Foundation.  Share this episode with others you think would benefit from these impressive, and again - totally free opportunities to help your school grow!  Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Chris and Christine take today's show through some of the headlines in education that caught their eye. A brand new member of Congress stopped by to read to some elementary school kids. But just who it was and what was read and who sponsored the event will drop your jaw. An undercover journalist poses as a mother trying to enroll her "trans" daughter in girls sports in a Dallas school district. Hear how the district flouts Texas' law banning it. And an update from a past guest of Making the Leap in southern California with an uplifting perspective on the fire-ravaged landscape.  Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Chris and Christine profiled the Mackey family back in 2023 who found themselves in very similar circumstances as the Stigalls.  They made a full leap from public education to homeschool in their personal lives.  The Herzog Foundation featured the Mackeys in our Instagram stories as well and you can still find them there.  Today's conversation - mom to mom - is a deep dive into the life of a Christian mother's personal growth and how it ultimately pushed her to change the way she led most of her life.  From parenting, to marriage, teaching her own kids, and exploring her own Christian walk - you'll love this special, candid conversation - Making the Leap: Mom to Mom.  Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Join us as we look back on a year of inspiring conversations and thought-provoking moments on Making the Leap. From creating a culture of giving to innovative educational models, hear highlights from our most impactful episodes of 2024. Featuring insightful clips with guests like Cyra Loman, Elizabeth Urbanowicz, and Tony Perkins, we explore topics like donor development, biblical worldviews, and the role of churches in education. Plus, reflections on the power of truth, the importance of parenting with intention, and personal stories of transformation. Start 2025 with us as we continue to inspire and learn together! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

In this episode of Making the Leap, host Chris Stigall sits down with Roger Erdvig, author and director at Summit Ministries, to explore what it means to provide a truly biblically based Christian education. They discuss practical ways to evaluate Christian schools, integrate faith into every aspect of education, and navigate challenges like rapid school growth and cultural pressures. With insights for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about shaping a biblical worldview, this conversation highlights actionable strategies and valuable resources to enrich both classrooms and homes. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Off the top, Chris and Christine discuss the shocking news of a Wisconsin Christian school shooting this week. How in the world did a Christian school miss a troubled young woman like this? The Stigall explore why a lack of scrutiny and a "take all comers" policy of Christian schools may be a dangerous mistake. Then, it wasn't too long ago Pete Hegseth was a host on Fox News and had authored a book on his deep concerns about America's education system and how he and his wife have chosen to make aggressive moves in educating their blended family. In some cases, even removing them from certain private Christian education for falling just as short as public education. Now, Hegseth is considered a "highly controversial" pick for President-elect Trump's next Secretary of Defense. While the Stigalls don't debate his qualifications for his appointment, you'll get a good sense of who Hegseth is as a father. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Saint Mary's College, an all women's Catholic school not far from the University of Notre Dame is the lone female-only school left in the United States.  19-year-old sophomore Macy Gunnell who worked in the admissions office while taking classes at St. Mary's stumbled across something shocking in student recruitment literature.   The words "consistently live or identify as a woman" jarred the officer of St. Mary's College Republicans and Turning Point USA chapter.  That's when Macy sprung into action.  Hear the story of one bold, young woman's fight to preserve and protect her all-women's Catholic school and the lengths to which she went to eliminate "woke-ism" from her campus with the help of the local bishop, the media, and a lot of determination. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

We're trying a new feature here at Making the Leap.  The concept is simple.  Now that the Stigalls have "made the leap" to Christian education and have a better understanding of all that goes into the decision, Christine decided to talk with moms she knows who've also made the leap and how they arrived at the decision.  How is it working?  What would they do differently?  How is God moving in their family life.  We find the simplest way to reach others and encourage them in making the leap is to hear stories of others who've done it.  Once a month, we have a personal conversation - just "Mom To Mom."  Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.