Education

Welcome to all things focused on education! Whenever we do a podcast episode and blog post (yep, we cover both written and audio for a full experience however you process best), it'll show up here when the focus is on learning and education in your home. And, if you haven't yet looked into what "Functional Education" means, you can check that out here.

For free inspiration, and a way to get to know me better before you work with me, here are plenty of episodes to weed through. Check out the titles and summaries and start with what resonates with you at this moment. It may open up a door to a new insight you can apply today! And, if you have any questions, shoot me a note - I'd love to be a support for you. 


Taking A Pause and Digging Deep (Episode 344)

Well, last week I talked about having a flourishing life, and the reality is, sometimes it’s a season to soak it in and really live in it. This week is the last podcast episode for a while, as we take a bit of a hiatus and focus on some big shifts in our family. I’ll …dig deeper

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Taking A Pause and Digging Deep (Episode 344)

The Compassionate Heart Philosophy (Episodes 112 and 342)

The “Compassionate Heart Philosophy” has become a way of life for us over the past few years, so it was time to go back to this podcast episode and do another update! So what do we mean by the compassionate heart philosophy?Love without ownership. It is a willingness to love another being without a say …dig deeper

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The Compassionate Heart Philosophy (Episodes 112 and 342)
life long learner

Why I Believe In Functional Education For Our Future…and what that even is (Episode 338)

You may have heard of functional medicine; a mind/body/soul approach to looking at healing and optimal function in our bodies based on our overall lifestyles. Well, I’m here to tell you that we need a rise in what I call functional education. In our desperate attempts to perfect and control, we try to compartmentalize so much of …dig deeper

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Why I Believe In Functional Education For Our Future…and what that even is (Episode 338)

Why Kids Lie…and What To Do About It (GUEST Episode 267)

At some point in parenting, it’s pretty much a given that your child is going to tell a lie. Why do kids lie? Does it mean you’ve failed them as a parent?  Of course not! I talked with Kimball Lewis of Empowering Parents all about lying – this oh-so-common issue that every family deals with at …dig deeper

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Why Kids Lie…and What To Do About It (GUEST Episode 267)

3 Screen-Free Family Activities (Episode 263)

Oh the frustrations with screen time and how quickly it can take over a household! Just like we can get into a rut of “dinner and a movie” for every date night, we can get into the same ruts in our home. And I can completely relate to “Friday Family Movie Night” trickling over to …dig deeper

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3 Screen-Free Family Activities (Episode 263)

Are You A Parent? Step Into The Spotlight (Episode 262)

There are many people who don’t care for being in the spotlight. They aren’t seeking the attention of being on center stage and all eyes on them. Yet, the truth of it is, every one of you is in the spotlight. Yes, especially you parents.  Your children are watching you. They are soaking in your habits, …dig deeper

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Are You A Parent? Step Into The Spotlight (Episode 262)
resilient

Get Used To Disappointment (Episode 261)

As we build on our conversation from last week about our children not being the center of the universe, we’re going to discuss another biggie: disappointment. Yes, your children will be disappointed in their lives, and it’s actually a very important part of developing their emotional resilience toolkit!  When we have a change of plans, so …dig deeper

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Get Used To Disappointment (Episode 261)

Your Children Are Not The Center Of The Universe! (Episode 260)

Ah, children. They believe the world revolves around them. Think about it – it only makes sense, when they are just discovering the world! As our children approach everything with first-time eyes, it’s directly related to what revolves around them. We celebrate every discovery and step forward they make, and they delight and amuse us …dig deeper

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Your Children Are Not The Center Of The Universe! (Episode 260)

Snakes, Unschooling, and Fear of the Unknown (GUEST Episode 255)

It’s been brewing on my mind lately how many adults are quick to shut down my daughter and her love of snakes. And, how often we can write off something as “not for me” without allowing space for growth and discovery. I was that mom who said I’d “never” have a snake in my house. …dig deeper

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Snakes, Unschooling, and Fear of the Unknown (GUEST Episode 255)

What To Do When Your Child Acts Out (GUEST Episode 252)

Why do kids act out? How do you eliminate battles and toxic behavior? Do you know what to do when your child acts out…or how to prevent the battles to begin with? I’m thrilled to have had a special guest this week who is an expert in this arena – Kimball Lewis:   James Lehman was a …dig deeper

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What To Do When Your Child Acts Out (GUEST Episode 252)

The Four Styles of Childhood Learning (Episode 251)

Knowing what kind of teacher you are – what motivates you and how you best take on learning new things – is huge. This, however, is simply the first step. Knowing what kind of child you are working with is critical. No matter how excited you are about something, if you don’t present and communicate …dig deeper

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The Four Styles of Childhood Learning (Episode 251)

The Four Types of Parent – How Do You React? (Episode 250)

As a parent first and foremost, we want our children to learn and grow as much as possible.  I’ve addressed how to raise life-long learners by not just being “teachers”, but “awakeners” already, so we know the term “teacher” is simply the traditional label we put on whomever our children are learning from. I want to …dig deeper

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The Four Types of Parent – How Do You React? (Episode 250)
build credibility - have an open conversation with your child

I’m Not a Teacher, I’m A Parent! (Episode 249)

When you first bring your little babies home, you’re typically lost in the parent haze of adoration and exhaustion, and there is one focus – it’s on being a parent! Yet, like it or not, you are also a teacher from day one. In reality, all of us “homeschool” to some extent. Our children are always …dig deeper

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I’m Not a Teacher, I’m A Parent! (Episode 249)

How Do I Get My Kids To Think Like An Unschooler? (Episode 248)

“How do I get my kid to think like an unschooler?” This was a listener question I got in recently that tied in perfectly with our discussion this week! As we discussed 4 Steps to Motivate Your Child With Curiosity last week, we laid out ways to engage with our children…yet how can you really …dig deeper

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How Do I Get My Kids To Think Like An Unschooler? (Episode 248)

4 Steps to Motivate Your Child With Curiosity (Episode 247)

How are we internally motivated?  True learning comes from that desire and hunger to acquire a skill or knowledge based on an area of interest or need to know.  As we dig into the concept of delight-led learning, it’s looking at how we are internally motivated that is the best fuel for true growth and …dig deeper

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4 Steps to Motivate Your Child With Curiosity (Episode 247)
deschooling

Deschooling and the Myths of Education (Episode 246)

Deschooling – The Education of Letting Go So you want a new perspective on education? It may be your first step isn’t school at all, but “deschooling”.  In this episode we debunk the myths of what we deem as “successful education” and talk about going back to the root of what you desire with your …dig deeper

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Deschooling and the Myths of Education (Episode 246)

Mama Says Namaste Podcast Highlights Part 2 (Episode 232)

Last week we started our Mama Says Namaste Podcast highlights with the bottom five of our top ten episodes of all time. Here we cover the top five, and our take now, looking back.  We’re brewing up some great ideas for the new year, and a biggie is that we want to hear from you! You’ll …dig deeper

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Mama Says Namaste Podcast Highlights Part 2 (Episode 232)

Mama Says Namaste Podcast Highlights Part 1 (Episode 231)

Over this week and the next, Nathan and I have pulled the top ten podcast episodes of all time, and we are diving in to discuss them and our perspectives now.  We’re brewing up some great ideas for the new year, and a biggie is that we want to hear from you! You’ll hear sweet Jules …dig deeper

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Mama Says Namaste Podcast Highlights Part 1 (Episode 231)

Meaningful Conversations: Interview with Tara Miko of Bright Littles (Episode 227)

How to you have meaningful conversations in your home? In light of the past two years, especially, there has been plenty of opportunity for heavy topics that can be a bit overwhelming or intimidating to navigate with your children.  How do you bring up or discuss something deep with a child, or what if they ask …dig deeper

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Meaningful Conversations: Interview with Tara Miko of Bright Littles (Episode 227)

Real Talk with an 8-Year-Old Unschooler (Episode 198)

Are you ready for some real talk with an 8-year-old unschooler? This week for both the podcast and this blog post below, our daughter Juliet joins me for an honest conversation from her perspective on what unschooling is and how she’s been learning.   Listen to this episode on Apple Music, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, TuneIn, YouTube, iHeartRadio or your RSS Feed  *Now also on …dig deeper

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Real Talk with an 8-Year-Old Unschooler (Episode 198)

The Unschooling Parent (Episode 194)

When it comes to our relationship with our children, there are many, many ways to parent. Throwing in alternative education magnifies the role as educator in your home and can make it even more overwhelming to figure out how to be both parent and teacher. That’s why an unschooling model isn’t just for kids – it’s …dig deeper

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The Unschooling Parent (Episode 194)

Is Schooling Like Religion? (Episode 185)

How do you navigate the muddy post-covid waters of the educational world? How has homeschooling become like religion, nuanced and personal while also trying to be labeled and identified?In this post and episode, we hash out three big questions about unschooling and share a bit more about why de-schooling is so, so important. With kids in …dig deeper

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Is Schooling Like Religion? (Episode 185)

Juliet Talks Feelings: Wisdom from an 8-year-old (Episode 165)

This week our youngest daughter, Juliet, turns 8 years old. I asked her what we should talk about on the podcast this week, and she wanted to share how she personally has learned to navigate the ups and downs of her emotions. We’ve talked about how to communicate effectively, both in how to talk to others, …dig deeper

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Juliet Talks Feelings: Wisdom from an 8-year-old (Episode 165)

How To Recharge Beyond Vacation (Episode 164)

 How do you recharge on a regular basis…or, do you just cram it all in to that 2-week vacation and hope that’ll cover it?  We’ve talked about how to communicate effectively, both in how to talk to others, and how to listen well. Do you make space to recharge in your life, or just hope you will …dig deeper

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How To Recharge Beyond Vacation (Episode 164)

The Secret To Active Listening (Episode 163)

 We’ve been focusing in on having a connected conversation with our children – and beyond – and this episode is all about active listening. We don’t always naturally listen well, and the art of active listening is a practice and habit you can create. Active Listening requires setting down the agenda and truly wanting to hear.Listen …dig deeper

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The Secret To Active Listening (Episode 163)

It’s Not About The Strawberry Ice Cream (Episode 162)

You want a connected conversation with your children; they just like strawberry ice cream, end of story. So where do you go from there? Building on last weeks’ theme of having a connected conversation with our children, we elaborate a bit more this week on how to do this…especially when you’re dealing with short attention spans …dig deeper

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It’s Not About The Strawberry Ice Cream (Episode 162)

How Do I Talk To My Kids? (And Beyond) Episode 161

How do you talk to your children? Do you talk with them…to them, or at them? Yes, having a connected conversation has some specific protocols – three, to be exact. How to have a connected conversation…in your home, and beyond. Special thanks to Jodey Smith for helping me with my new podcast intro! Listen to this …dig deeper

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How Do I Talk To My Kids? (And Beyond) Episode 161

5 Tips To Focus For Frazzled Families (Episode 160)

The school year is looming and, more than anything else, what I’m seeing are some seriously frazzled families! My heart goes out to the teachers trying to navigate their own homes, their classrooms, and now an online version as well. So how can you find any focus for frazzled families? As we move forward with whatever …dig deeper

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5 Tips To Focus For Frazzled Families (Episode 160)

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