Advertise on podcast: The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast

Erin Gaulding is an education entrepreneur and the Founder and Chief Visionary of Fireside Learning Academy International, a K-5 digital campus and growing microschool network built around personalized, whole-child learning. She believes parents should have meaningful choices in how their children are educated and that educators should have the opportunity to create those choices. As an entrepreneur, life and leadership coach, Erin helps teachers, tutors, and other education professionals move from educator to entrepreneur and microschool owner. Through Fireside, they can launch and grow their own schools with academic infrastructure, operational systems, coaching, and an experienced community behind them, turning their expertise into meaningful, sustainable businesses that serve children and families. Her work sits at the intersection of parent choice and educator ownership. When families need better educational options, educators are often the very people equipped to create them. Fireside brings the two together by pairing the heart and vision of local educators with the academic and operational backbone of an established school. Through speaking, coaching, and her work with Fireside, Erin challenges parents and educators to think bigger about what education can become when learning is personal, families are empowered, and educators are free to lead.     Contact info:   [email protected]   Discovery Call Booking Link: (Overview phone call) https://calendly.com/firesidelearningacademy-info/30min   https://www.firesidelearningacademy.org Freebies at the Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

**Share and Subscribe** In This Episode, We Discuss: * Why parents shouldn’t wait for difficult situations before starting important conversations * Sexual risk avoidance and age-appropriate relationship education * Helping children navigate digital safety and online influences * Creating opportunities for open communication between parents and children * Using conversation starters when you don’t know what to say * Incorporating trauma-informed principles into sensitive discussions * How AIM progresses from elementary through high school * Using the curriculum in homeschools, co-ops, Christian schools, and churches * Equipping children to make thoughtful, healthy choices as they grow About Teri White:  Teri White is the author of Acknowledging Integrity Matters (AIM), a Sexual Risk Avoidance program for preteens, teenagers, and young adults — now available in versions for schools, homeschool families, and churches. A Certified SRA Specialist, Life Coach, and Trauma-Informed Care Coach, Teri's teaching experience includes public and private school classrooms as well as homeschooling her own children. She currently serves as an SRA educator, trainer, and private coach with The Still Waters Counseling group, coaching teens and adults nationwide, and is passionate about helping people of all ages understand their God-given value and worth. Teri has been married to her husband, David, for 36 years. They have raised three children and enjoy their new role as grandparents to one granddaughter. Website link: https://stillwaterslife.com/counselors/teri-white   Social Media Links: • Personal Facebook: facebook.com/teri.p.white.9 • AIM Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/994337828938426 • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/teri-white-85771026a • Personal Instagram: instagram.com/teripickardwhite • AIM Instagram: instagram.com/aim_for_integrity   Connect with The Ultimate Homeschool Community:  https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

Like share and subscribe!!!  This podcast episode featured Matthew from Upbeat Global discussing leadership and mindset development for homeschooling families. Matthew, a professor and former public school teacher, shared his journey from transforming a toxic high school band program through student leadership to founding Upbeat Global, which helps high-performing individuals move from exhaustion to energization. He explained his "Upbeat" philosophy, which focuses on choosing positive attitudes and focusing on what can be created rather than what's wrong, and introduced the GET principle (Gratitude, Enthusiasm, Treasure) to help shift perspectives on daily tasks from "have to do" to "get to do." Matthew discussed practical applications for parents and students, including his leadership workbook. About Our Guest: Dr. Matthew Arau is a speaker, author, conductor, and the founder and CEO of Upbeat Global. For more than 30 years, he has helped educators, parents, and leaders shatter limiting beliefs, move from exhausted to energized, and lead with confidence and joy. His bestselling book, Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond, is built on a simple idea: gratitude and joy create lasting change from the inside out. Matthew is an Associate Professor of Music Education and Symphonic Band Conductor at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Before that, he spent fifteen years as a middle and high school band director in Loveland, Colorado, where he learned firsthand what it takes to build a positive culture where young people thrive. He has since led workshops and conducted honor bands in 42 states and on four continents. He lives in Neenah, Wisconsin, with his wife Merilee, a sugar glider named Flash, and two Dachshunds, Savannah and Eli. Links: Website: https://www.upbeatglobal.com/ Take the free G.E.T. Leadership Quiz https://powerofget.com/ Join the free Upbeat Leaders Skool Community https://www.skool.com/upbeat-leaders-7817/about Join the Upbeat! Leadership Academy Membership Group https://joinget.com/academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.arau/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_arau/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-arau-92801346/ Purchase Matthew's Upbeat! book, leadership workbook, journal, and planner at: https://giamusic.com/upbeat and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Matthew%2BArau&crid=1HBMMEXJXCZ23&sprefix=matthew%2Barau%2Caps%2C152&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

**Share and Subscribe* So more families can find our resources!! AI is quickly becoming part of education—but can it actually help children learn without simply giving them the answers? In this episode of The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast, Tiffany sits down with Alex, a former teacher and creator of Bloomy, an AI-powered learning platform designed to personalize instruction in English, math, and writing. Alex shares how Bloomy uses diagnostic assessments to identify where a student is academically and then creates an individualized learning path that adapts as the student progresses. Tiffany and Alex also dig into some of the biggest questions parents have about AI in education, including accuracy, quality control, accommodations for different learners, and whether too much AI could interfere with critical thinking. The conversation also explores how personalized AI tools could fit into homeschooling, microschools, and co-ops while allowing educators and parents to remain actively involved in the learning process. Episode Highlights: How AI can create a more personalized learning experience How Bloomy identifies a student's starting point through diagnostic assessments Adapting lessons based on student performance and mastery Using AI to teach rather than simply give students answers Addressing concerns about AI accuracy and quality assurance Supporting different learning needs, including read-aloud accommodations How Bloomy approaches math, English, and writing instruction Aligning personalized learning with state academic standards The benefits and potential risks of bringing AI into education How AI-powered learning could support homeschools, microschools, and co-ops All About our Guest Alex Southmayd: Website link: bloomylearning.com/families Social media- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bloomy-yc-s26/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590258284564 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomylearning/ X: https://x.com/bloomylearning   Alex Southmayd is the Founder & CEO of Bloomy, which provides AI-powered K–12 curriculum for English Language Arts, math, and writing. He began his career as a 7th-grade ELA and writing teacher with Teach For America before joining Manhattan Prep, where he developed quantitative and verbal curriculum for the GRE and GMAT. Most recently, he served as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where he led AI and digital transformation initiatives. Alex holds a bachelor's degree in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College, a Master of Education from Boston University, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Bloomy serves homeschool families and microschool leaders across the country, including Prenda and Apogee schools. Bloomy is also eligible for reimbursement in most states that provide ESAs. Bloomy is backed by Y Combinator, the founders of Clever, and the co-founder of Rocketship Public Schools. Find out more about The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

Pat Wesolowski is a nationally sought-after homeschool speaker, author, and mentor who has spent more than 30 years helping families homeschool with confidence. As a homeschooling mother of nine, former college admissions counselor, curriculum developer, and homeschool consultant, Pat understands both the daily realities of home-schooling and the long-term goal of preparing students for success beyond high school. Through her podcast and Substack, Homeschooling Doesn’t Have to Be Hard, as well as her workshops and educational resources, she encourages parents to replace overwhelm with confidence and create a homeschool experience their family can truly enjoy. Pat Wesolowski Homeschool Academic Counselor Text:  850-212-1232 Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/pat-hct JOIN TODAY BY CLICKING THIS LINK:  www.homeschoolcounselingteam.com      Links: Homeschooling Doesn’t Have to Be Hard Resources Website Substack Instagram TikTok Youtube Facebook Podcast

**Subscribe and Share! Coming Soon: Our Homeschool Methods Series! There’s no one-size-fits-all way to homeschool! In this upcoming series, we’re sitting down with real homeschool parents and educators to explore different homeschool methods—from Charlotte Mason and Montessori to Classical, Unschooling, Project-Based Learning, Eclectic homeschooling, and more. We’ll talk about what these methods actually look like in everyday life, what works, what doesn’t, and how families adapt them to fit their children and their unique needs. Have experience with a homeschool method and want to share your story? We’re looking for guests! Reach out to join the conversation. Want to join us for the conversation? Email us at: [email protected] Check out our Freebies: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

In this episode of The Ultimate Homeschool Community Podcast, I’m chatting with Shelley Mechette about something so many moms struggle with—the pressure to somehow balance it all. Motherhood, homeschooling, work, relationships, personal goals, and everything in between can leave us constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning. But what if balance isn’t actually the goal? Shelley encourages moms to throw the idea of the perfect balancing act out the window and instead focus on creating harmony—recognizing that different areas of our lives will need more of us in different seasons. We talk about releasing unrealistic expectations, becoming intentional about what deserves our attention, and creating rhythms that allow us to experience more peace instead of constantly feeling pulled in every direction. If you’ve been trying to “do it all” and wondering why you still feel overwhelmed, this conversation is an invitation to stop chasing balance and start building a life that works together in harmony.   Shelley Meche’tte  In'tl Speaker | Certified Coach | Best-selling Author | Mom-life Strategist  As Seen On: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, FoxSoul, Peace of Mind  Grab Your FREE Gift: 7 PowHERful Ways to Fulfill Your Goals and be a GREAT Mom Too Contact: www.ShelleyMechette.com Email: [email protected] Book ME for Your Next Event  [email protected] VIEW MY Speaker Reel   About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool Listen and Subscribe on YouTube! https://youtu.be/TjZy21hoMQA

What if resistance isn’t defiance—but information? In this episode, we explore why true educational success requires more than getting kids to comply, and how parents can create greater buy-in by giving children meaningful choices, understanding what may be behind their resistance, and building an educational ecosystem where they can thrive. From homeschool and microschools to mentors, co-ops, community programs, and traditional schools, the goal isn’t finding the “perfect” model—it’s continually asking, “What does this child need to thrive right now?”  About Deborah: Deborah DeLisle is the founder of Regenerate Education Lab, where she helps families, educators, and schools create optimal learning environments that inspire curiosity, capability, and a lifelong love of learning. With more than 25 years of experience between public education, alternative education, nature-based learning, homeschooling support, and microschool and teacher tool development, Deborah believes that meaningful learning happens when children engage with the real world through authentic experiences, relationships, and purposeful work. She is currently helping launch Foothill Frolic Farm & Forest School in Kingsport, Tennessee, while also coaching homeschooling families and developing innovative tools that make project-based learning and educational documentation more accessible for educators. Leading a movement she calls:  Regenerate Education, her passion is helping adults rethink what education can be—not by adding more curriculum, but by intentionally designing environments where children naturally become curious, confident, capable, and deeply connected to both their communities and the natural world.  Free Resources: https://regen-lab-flow.base44.app/resources About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

**SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE** Tiffany sits down with Wylde to explore how parents can raise creative, confident children in a world increasingly shaped by AI, gaming, and screens. They discuss balancing technology with real-world experiences, helping kids learn through failure, and intentionally building the self-belief they need to thrive. About Wylde Scott: Wylde Scott — A World of Imagination: https://www.wyldescott.com/ Literacy Non-Profit | The Imagination Project: https://imaginationproject.org/ check out our first episode about imagination: https://youtu.be/QY05BkFDWeE?si=ZI2dYPWfac-bWkFM About The Ultimate Homeschool Community plus FREE Resources! https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool About our Podcast Partner the Homeschool Counseling Network: Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com Homeschoolers' Mental Health Toolkit: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/mental-health-toolkit Find Mental Health Providers by Category - homeschool counseling network: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/categories

** Share and Subscribe so more families can find our resources** This is the third episode in the series of what is PDA. Tiffany and Kaitlin discussed the challenges of modern life, including technology overload and increased expectations, which have led to overwhelming perfectionism and difficulty coping with daily demands. They emphasized the importance of addressing personal reactions before trying to solve problems, using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a framework. The conversation highlighted the distinction between mental health issues and reasonable responses to life's challenges, with Kaitlin suggesting that many behaviors labeled as problematic are actually reasonable responses to overwhelming circumstances. About Kaitlin: Kaitlin Wilder is a BCBA of 15 years with experience supporting “problem” behavior across a variety of ages and abilities in public and alternative education, home and community-based ABA therapy, school consulting, and ACT based life-coaching. After burning out as a public school SPED teacher and BCBA, she’s spent the past 5 years integrating ACT into daily life and ABA practice and ditch the force and control for stress reduction and well-being. She’s here to bring “modern day ABA” of ACT to help humans of all ages and abilities end their daily loops and stop fixing their “problems” so they can find meaning in their lives. Podcast Partner: Homeschool Counseling Network  Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com Free Mental Health Resource: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/mental-health-toolkit https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/categories About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: Grab our Freebies https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

** Share and Subscribe so more families can find our resources** Kaitlin and Tiffany discussed how avoidance and attachment patterns from childhood can influence behavior and emotional responses, particularly in parenting situations. They explored how technology, including food and environmental factors, contributes to behavioral issues like PDA, with Kaitlin emphasizing that many technological developments initially intended to help have unintended negative consequences. The number one skill is about using self-awareness as an intervention strategy to address these behavioral patterns. About Kaitlin: Kaitlin Wilder is a BCBA of 15 years with experience supporting “problem” behavior across a variety of ages and abilities in public and alternative education, home and community-based ABA therapy, school consulting, and ACT based life-coaching. After burning out as a public school SPED teacher and BCBA, she’s spent the past 5 years integrating ACT into daily life and ABA practice and ditch the force and control for stress reduction and well-being. She’s here to bring “modern day ABA” of ACT to help humans of all ages and abilities end their daily loops and stop fixing their “problems” so they can find meaning in their lives. Podcast Partner: Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com Free Mental Health Resource: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/mental-health-toolkit https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/categories About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

Tiffany and Kaitlin discussed PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) on their podcast. Kaitlin explained that PDA involves an overwhelming avoidance of demands to a debilitating level, distinguishing it from typical behavior. She emphasized that ACT can be used by behavior analysts to address cooperation challenges in modern society, where humans face difficulties balancing immediate and long-term gratification. The conversation briefly touched on historical comparisons between the 1900s and present day. About Kaitlin: Kaitlin Wilder is a BCBA of 15 years with experience supporting “problem” behavior across a variety of ages and abilities in public and alternative education, home and community-based ABA therapy, school consulting, and ACT based life-coaching. After burning out as a public school SPED teacher and BCBA, she’s spent the past 5 years integrating ACT into daily life and ABA practice and ditch the force and control for stress reduction and well-being. She’s here to bring “modern day ABA” of ACT to help humans of all ages and abilities end their daily loops and stop fixing their “problems” so they can find meaning in their lives.   Podcast Partner: Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com   About The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

**Subscribe and Share so more families can find our resources** Tiffany interviewed Brad "Wylde Scott" about the importance of imagination in homeschool education. Brad, a children's author with over 20 years of experience, discussed how traditional school curriculums have moved away from fostering imagination and creativity, particularly during crucial developmental years from age 5 to 10 when the brain is pruning connections and becoming more focused on efficiency. He emphasized that parents should make imagination and creativity 60-70% of their homeschool curriculum rather than just an afterthought, and shared specific techniques including daily prompting, structured play with missions, project-based learning, and forcing silent time for deep thinking. Brad also addressed concerns about AI in education, arguing that rather than avoiding technology, parents should carefully curate device usage while providing alternative engaging activities like reading and hands-on projects. The conversation covered practical applications of these concepts, including how to implement them in project-based learning and the importance of building confidence through repeated success experiences.   About Wylde Scott: Wylde Scott — A World of Imagination Literacy Non-Profit | The Imagination Project   About The Ultimate Homeschool Community plus FREE Resources! https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool   About our Podcast Partner The Homeschool Counseling Network: Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com Homeschoolers' Mental Health Toolkit Find Mental Health Providers by Category - homeschool counseling network

**Subscribe and Share so more families can find our resources** Tiffany and Kimberly discussed the mass exodus of educators from public schools and the growing homeschool movement. Kimberly shared data on teacher turnover, especially in Texas, and explained how this systemic issue is impacting students, particularly those with special needs. They talked about the increasing demand for service providers in the homeschool community and the role of the Homeschool Counseling Network in connecting families with trained professionals. Tiffany and Kimberly also discussed school choice programs, funding, and the challenges and opportunities these changes bring for both families and educators. The conversation included personal reflections on their experiences in education and homeschooling, as well as the importance of supporting families and providers during this transition.  Resources and Links: Free Masterclass: https://stan.store/UltimateHomeschool/p/educator-exit-plan-masterclass Podcasts about ESA Funds: https://youtu.be/O-Sz2sbF_Qc https://youtu.be/vpKSmdw9OzA https://youtu.be/2Qmtx5dMuTs HCN FREE Homeschoolers' Mental Health Toolkit: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/mental-health-toolkit HCN Preferred Provider Directory: https://www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com/categories Our Podcast Partner: Kimberly Bennett, LPC, is a seasoned clinician (20+ years in professional counseling), a homeschool parent (8 years), a nonprofit leader, and the founder/CEO of the Homeschool Counseling Network, where she champions culturally responsive allied health, mental health, coaching, and consulting support for homeschooling families. The Homeschool Counseling Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to homeschool‑friendly care by training professionals in cultural responsiveness, ethics, and best practices, and supporting families through advocacy, resources, and community education. HCN equips providers with specialized training and offers families practical tools, guidance, and a vetted directory of professionals who understand the homeschool experience. Website: www.homeschoolcounselingnetwork.com about The Ultimate Homeschool Community: https://linktr.ee/ultimatehomeschool

Tiffany and Dan discussed fundraising strategies for microschools and educational learning communities, focusing on alternative funding approaches beyond traditional grants. Dan explained the differences between nonprofits and LLCs, emphasizing that nonprofits serve those who cannot afford full-price services while LLCs focus on making money. He outlined three types of donors: impact donors who give for results, corporate donors who seek sales opportunities, and grantors who invest founders' money wisely. Free Resource: 12 Impact Project examples to start raising funds for nonprofits https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V_WdOeJ7KZDss21mBLRFB_wZIz7qinS6AN_veGsReE4/edit?tab=t.0 Check out Dan and Next Level Nonprofits: Home - Next Level Nonprofits Hey, I’m Dan Johnson. I’m a 4x nonprofit executive director, fundraising consultant, and former impact evaluator. In my work with small nonprofits, the number one thing that keeps them small and unsustainable is consistent, unrestricted funding. Grants don’t do it, and neither does the yearly fundraiser. Creating sustainable funding is the number one thing that will move your nonprofit out of DIY mode and into lasting impact.