What’s holding our country together? Our nations shared values and principles. These shared values and principles were picked out by our founding fathers and lead our nation to be where it is today. On today’s episode, we’ll hear from True Corrective's Founder, Patrick Garrison, about how our shared values and principles shaped our nation and are important to the continuation of our nation. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE: Check out True Corrective's website, www.info.truecorrective.com E...
May 26, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Our guest today is Jack Appleby, an educator of 46 years with experience both nationally and internationally. His answers tap into the “magic” of the teacher-student relationship, the benefits of students having a clear career path throughout their high school years, the reasons behind high-stakes testing, and much more. GET CONNECTED WITH NWEF Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwef.org/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWEF_org Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram....
Nov 01, 2023•51 min
Can parents remain neutral any longer as their children buy into the transgender lie? Today, Erin Friday unpacks some concerning facts: transgenderism doesn’t work and most parents don’t have the knowledge or support to stand up for their kids. But Erin doesn’t believe the situation is hopeless. She has some timely words of hope and many tips and resources to share. Plus, she answers questions such as: How do parents and teachers find the courage to do the right thing? What should you do to prot...
Oct 18, 2023•24 min
Erin Friday is a California attorney and a mom. She was very involved in her daughter’s school—but that didn’t keep her safe from the long arm of gender ideology. Listen in today as she and Melvin talk about modern parenting challenges, how schools are sneaking radical indoctrination into the classroom, and most importantly, Erin’s story of rescuing her daughter from the spiral of mental illness and the transgender lifestyle. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Learn more about Erin’s missio...
Oct 11, 2023•31 min
As a former homeschool and public school student, Josiah Gaiter has a well-rounded perspective on education choice. But his expertise doesn’t stop there—he’s also a teacher with experience in the classroom and one-on-one tutoring. In today’s episode, Josiah and Melvin explore the separate, yet complimentary, roles of parents and teachers. Understanding the distinction of each role helps parents and teachers do their jobs more effectively and sets children up for success. GET CONNECTED WITH NWEF ...
Oct 04, 2023•47 min
Jenny Clark is—first and foremost—a mom. But she’s also the founder of Love Your School, a non-profit in Arizona that empowers parents and educators to make choices about the education plan that works for them and their kids. Today on this throwback episode of The State of Education With Melvin Adams, Jenny talks with us about the incredible strides she and others have made to get a universal ESA passed in Arizona. Listen in to learn more. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Check out Jenny’...
Sep 27, 2023•41 min
What’s keeping our country from accomplishing great things? Maybe it’s because we stopped fostering community. On today’s episode, we’re finishing our conversation with author and teacher Paul Skousen. We’ll explore America’s isolationist attitude, why he believes religion is critical to a healthy nation, and how to surround yourself with a community right where you are. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE: Check out Paul’s books, The Federalist Papers Made Easier and How to Read the Constitu...
Sep 20, 2023•30 min•Ep. 85
How can Americans maintain their freedoms? How can they prevent the loss of their rights and liberties in a country that seems determined to undermine their very identities? In this episode, we’re talking with Paul Skousen, author of The Federalist Papers Made Easier. Paul is a father of ten, journalist, and professor. Before his current career, he worked for President Reagan and in the CIA as an intelligence officer. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE: Check out Paul’s books, The Federalist...
Sep 13, 2023•23 min•Ep. 84
Music influences almost every aspect of our lives, especially in our childhoods. Virginia Delegate Chris Head is not only a government official, but he has immersed himself in music from a young age and is a professional vocalist. In this episode, he talks to Melvin about music’s power to bring our country together, to help our children learn and grow, and to touch all of our lives in incredible ways. Are we losing many of the beautiful and foundational principles of music along with the breakdo...
Sep 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 83
Is history and social studies doing more harm than good these days? America appears to have lost sight of its original values, as schools are promoting agendas and young people are becoming increasingly disheartened. Patrick Garrison, a high school teacher and the founder of The True Corrective, joins the podcast to delve into various aspects of American history and social studies. He discusses how we can initiate steps to navigate away from the prevailing ideological trends that pose a threat t...
Aug 30, 2023•37 min•Ep. 82
Contemporary education needs to look different than it did thirty years ago because the world is different. Technology has changed the academic landscape for good. Colleges can’t keep up to date with the enormous changes that are happening by the day. That’s why Jonathan Brush created Unbound, a project-based education curriculum that puts young people in real-world learning situations. Tune in to this episode where Jonathan talks about all this and more! Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: ...
Aug 23, 2023•31 min•Ep. 81
Our guests today on The State of Education with Melvin Adams, are Eloise Smith and Lauren Bowen of Freedom Foundation. Following their first annual teacher’s conference, Eloise and Lauren are excited to talk about the incredible support their attendees found in coming together and learning. They also discuss the problem with teachers unions and how teachers can find their freedom, despite overwhelming pressures and aggressive ideologies. RESOURCES : Learn more about Freedom Foundation’s 2023 con...
Aug 18, 2023•42 min•Ep. 80
A college degree isn’t what makes you really successful in life. Rather, it’s your skill and motivation. Today, Jonathan Brush, a former college administrator turned educational innovator, joins the podcast to talk about the problems he has identified with traditional higher education and how he’s countering those with innovative hands-on schooling via his organization, Unbound. Many young people today are missing out on a well-rounded educational experience. Non-traditional higher education may...
Aug 16, 2023•25 min•Ep. 79
Daniel Buck is back for part two of our conversation on classical education. This time, he speaks directly to teachers and parents: How can we bring the classroom back to a state of productivity? How are teachers supposed to deal with the chaos and ineffective discipline in public schools? Can parents better partner with teachers and schools to make sure their kids are getting a good education? And, most importantly, what are we doing to help children succeed in the real world? Resources Mention...
Aug 09, 2023•33 min•Ep. 78
Progressive education isn’t working. Kids are graduating school without basic knowledge of math, reading, and history. Daniel Buck, our guest today, says it’s time for a change. Join us on this episode as we explore the weaknesses of modern instruction, how teachers can restore order to their classrooms, and how classical ideas—while old-fashioned—may be just the thing we need to save our kids and our schools. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Learn more about Daniel’s new book, What Is Wr...
Aug 02, 2023•35 min•Ep. 77
Aly Legge’s story is an inspiring example of empowerment. Her journey of motherhood has looked vastly different depending on the seasons in her life, yet she persevered to give her kids the best. She’s also been a school board member, advocate, and mentor. Join us today as Aly talks about why parents must look to themselves to create change, pushing through challenges and criticisms, and becoming your child’s greatest advocate. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Check out Moms For America a...
Jul 26, 2023•43 min•Ep. 76
On The State of Education with Melvin Adams, we talk a lot about school choice and school reform. Today we have a guest that shares that passion. We’re back with Frederick M. Hess, commentator and scholar, to talk through his book The Great School Rethink. Frederick has studied education for decades and has some ideas about how we can restore vitality and productivity back into America’s schools. Join us today for a discussion on choice, parenting, and how we can forge good relationships between...
Jul 19, 2023•23 min•Ep. 75
On this episode of The State of Education, Frederick M. Hess encourages us to really think about public education. Why is the system the way it is? What are kids doing in school all day? Does the public school model still work? Frederick believes parents and communities are in the best position to answer these questions and begin to change the narrative. The only question is, how do we start? Listen in to find out. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Check out Frederick Hess’s new book, The ...
Jul 12, 2023•22 min•Ep. 74
How can parents protect their kids from a world that wants to feed them lies? How can teachers stand strong in the midst of difficult moral dilemmas? Jeff Keaton addresses both these points in today’s episode, reminds us of some inspiring truths, and gives his thoughts on how parents that want to can create a generation of healthy, Biblically-minded kids. Jeff is the founder and president of RenewaNation, an organization dedicated to spreading Christian education through America and around the w...
Jul 05, 2023•31 min•Ep. 73
What is the purpose of education? Today’s guest on The State of Education answers that question. Jeff Keaton has an approach to education that is rare in today’s America: he believes the basis for a good education should start with a Christian worldview. Listen in as he breaks down his thoughts on Christianity, education, and society at large, details his work as president of RenewaNation, and gives us an exciting new perspective on the spread of Christian schooling in the U.S. Resources Mention...
Jun 28, 2023•26 min•Ep. 72
Do kids really benefit from a “classical” education? Are homeschoolers antisocial? How can parents have real conversations with their kids? Katy Gallegos answers these questions and many more on the show today. Katy is a homeschool mom and has been influential in her local homeschool community through a curriculum called Classical Conversations. Listen in as she and Melvin discuss the ins and outs of homeschooling, as well as the way Classical Conversations is helping kids get well-rounded educa...
Jun 21, 2023•37 min•Ep. 71
Can parents remain neutral any longer as their children buy into the transgender lie? Today, Erin Friday unpacks some concerning facts: transgenderism doesn’t work and most parents don’t have the knowledge or support to stand up for their kids. But Erin doesn’t believe the situation is hopeless. She has some timely words of hope and many tips and resources to share. Plus, she answers questions such as: How do parents and teachers find the courage to do the right thing? What should you do to prot...
Jun 14, 2023•23 min•Ep. 70
Erin Friday is a California attorney and a mom. She was very involved in her daughter’s school—but that didn’t keep her safe from the long arm of gender ideology. Listen in today as she and Melvin talk about modern parenting challenges, how schools are sneaking radical indoctrination into the classroom, and most importantly, Erin’s story of rescuing her daughter from the spiral of mental illness and the transgender lifestyle. Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Learn more about Erin’s missio...
Jun 07, 2023•30 min•Ep. 69
Every child is unique and deserves high-quality education tailored to their needs. Homeschooling is a great way to give them that. But what if your child has needs that are a little more “special?” Does that bar you from homeschooling? On the podcast today, Melvin is talking with Dr. Rochelle Somerville, who has a few children with special needs of her own. Not only does Dr. Somerville think homeschooling is a great option for any family, she believes it is one of the best ways for children with...
May 31, 2023•31 min•Ep. 68
As a father himself, Alvin Lui has a personal stake in the fight against childrens’ indoctrination. That’s why he created Courage Is A Habit, which has a goal to expose the dangers of SEL, or Social Emotional Learning. In today’s episode, he talks about some of the resources his foundation offers to parents, school board members, teachers, and anyone who desires to take a stand. Do parents have the option to opt out of SEL? How does the school system really sneak Critical Race Theory and gender ...
May 24, 2023•21 min•Ep. 67
Has your child taken a survey in school that touched on inappropriate topics? Have they come across vulgar books in their school library? LGBTQ and Critical Race Theory talking points are everywhere in schools these days, even down to the earliest grades. That’s no secret. What is hidden from parents is that most of this teaching comes under the guise of Social Emotional Learning programs. In this episode, we’re doing a deep-dive into what SEL really stands for with our guest, Alvin Lui, and the...
May 17, 2023•23 min•Ep. 66
Today is Noah Webster Educational Foundation’s second birthday. In honor of that, we’re excited to have our host, Melvin Adams, switch seats and share his own story this week! Our content manager, Catherine D. Kent, joins him on the show this week to ask questions about Melvin’s life and the founding of NWEF. Melvin talks about his childhood in Africa, what it was like being homeschooled before homeschooling was popular, what led him to work in education, why he chose the name “Noah Webster,” an...
May 10, 2023•38 min•Ep. 65
There aren’t a lot of good decisions being made by school board members. Some don’t even know that they have the power of decision. Why is that? On today’s episode, Sherri Story and Cheryl Facciani give us an answer to that question. They believe school board members can and should be empowered to act on behalf of their communities, not be silenced by associations and superintendents. They also have some incredible personal stories to share with us that illustrate the importance of standing firm...
May 03, 2023•35 min•Ep. 64
Today on The State of Education , Melvin talks to Sherri Story and Cheryl Facciani, who are part of the team behind Virginia’s new School Board Member Alliance. Sherri and Cheryl have very different life stories, but they share a common experience—being the dissenting voices on their local school boards. Plus, they love their kids and want to do what they can to create safe educational spaces for the next generation. The SBMA was founded to empower other school board members to do the same. List...
Apr 26, 2023•36 min
Are America’s school boards too far gone? Are we fighting a losing battle? Veronica Gemma has faced it all: discouragement, accusations, and pushback from her community and local school board colleagues. But she wanted transparency, so she decided to step up and challenge the Critical Race Theory and gender ideology that was creeping into her district, as well as the board’s failure to implement standards of teaching handed down from the state school board. Tune in to today’s episode to hear mor...
Apr 19, 2023•27 min•Ep. 62
