What if the key to helping your child feel truly supported lies in how they connect with the older generation? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar talks with Isabel Tom—author, mom of three, and expert in senior care—about how parents can teach their children to value, engage with, and build meaningful relationships with grandparents and other elders. You’ll walk away with practical tips, faith-based encouragement, and creative tools like the Grandkid ...
Jul 08, 2025•49 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, to explore how online learning is transforming the homeschool experience—especially for unique learners. Amir shares Outschool’s mission to spark curiosity and self-directed learning through innovative, interest-based live classes, and how the platform has become a powerful tool for families seeking flexible, personalized education. Drawing on new research, Amir and P...
Jul 01, 2025•55 min
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson sits down with Chad Stewart—award-winning author, creativity advocate, and founder of the prestigious Devonfield creative writing program—to explore how writing and storytelling can equip the next generation to become visionary leaders. Together, they discuss how cultivating imagination, critical thinking, and purpose-driven creativity empowers students to find their voice, chase their dreams, and influence the w...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like a lot. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-host team opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with homeschooling, especially when you're juggling unique learning needs, everyday family life, and your own personal expectations. Join us as we talk candidly about how emotional overwhelm shows up, share the real moments we’ve struggled (and grown), and offer practical, grace...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, we sit down with Chad Stewart, a veteran Disney and Sony animator whose pencil brought characters to life in Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Polar Express, and more. But beyond the studio, Chad spent 20 years homeschooling his eight children, blending creativity, character training, and practical skills into a powerful, personalized education model. Chad shares how animation principles—like storyboarding, iteration, and character deve...
Jun 10, 2025•50 min
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez sits down with Dani Ward, a homeschooling mom of two and creator of a practical family Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. Dani shares how a single quote—“Comfort should not be our core value”—transformed her perspective on motherhood, homeschooling, and faith. From embracing rhythm over balance to choosing obedience over ease, Dani opens up about the discomfort that often precedes growth and how stepping...
Jun 03, 2025•58 min
In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson chats with Pam Kafer, host of the Lead Your Homeschool Co-op podcast and a seasoned co-op leader with a heart for inclusion. In "Choosing the Best Homeschool Co-op for Your Child’s Needs," Pam shares practical guidance for families navigating the often-overwhelming world of homeschool co-ops—especially those with children who have special needs. Drawing from years of hands-on experience, Pam offers encouragin...
May 27, 2025•59 min
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heather Anderson, founder of The Autism Oasis and Nonverbal Autism Homeschool, for a powerful discussion on Homeschooling Autism with Hope and Healing. As a former journalist and mother to a nonspeaking son with autism, Heather shares how her journey led her to create a research-based, parent-supported curriculum now used by over 800 families worldwide. With practical insight and a deep well of co...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson welcomes award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll for a powerful discussion titled "Finding Hope in the Hard Moments of Homeschooling and Parenting." Clarissa, a former homeschool mom and widow of four years before remarrying into a blended family of nine, shares from her deep well of personal experience walking through grief while raising and homeschooling children. Together, Dawn and Clarissa explore...
May 13, 2025•59 min
Is your child struggling to read, despite your best efforts? You’re not alone! This week, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a renowned reading expert and the creator of Failure Free Reading, to share breakthrough strategies for helping nonreaders and struggling readers succeed. With over 30 years of experience training teachers, parents, and administrators, Dr. Joe believes that reading failure is not the fault of the student but rather the instructional approach. In this episode, ...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Homeschooling children with neurodivergent needs can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it can also be incredibly rewarding. In today’s episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez is joined by Felicia Johnson, a seasoned homeschooling mom of eight, to discuss “Homeschooling Hacks for Neurodivergent Families.” With over two decades of experience, Felicia shares her best tips for tailoring education to fit each child’s unique needs, from navigating challeng...
Apr 29, 2025•54 min
Homeschooling is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and downright overstimulating! If you find yourself losing patience, feeling constantly drained, or struggling to stay calm amid the chaos, you’re not alone. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Whitney Whitten, a pediatric occupational therapist turned mom coach, to share practical strategies for managing parent overload and modeling calm at home. Tun...
Apr 22, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Stephanie Buckwalter, a fellow co-host, experienced homeschooling mom, and mentor with over 20 years of expertise in helping families navigate unique learning challenges. Stephanie has developed innovative approaches, including the ELARP™ Method and Spell As U Go™ curriculum, designed specifically for students who struggle with communication or are behind grade level. Together, Peggy and Stephanie discuss eff...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Parenting and homeschooling come with unique challenges—especially when you’re a parent with ADHD. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, homeschooling moms with ADHD, offer wisdom, strength, and understanding for families navigating a similar path. Join us as we open up about the lessons they’ve learned over the years in life, homeschooling, and motherhood. They’ll discuss practical strategies for staying organized, managing expectations, and embracing grace in the midst of str...
Apr 08, 2025•57 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Jack Hughes, an expert in online safety, to provide parents with an insider's guide to protecting their kids in the digital world. As an 18-year-old who has grown up navigating the internet, Jack shares simple, effective strategies for setting up parental controls and staying ahead of the latest digital risks. With firsthand knowledge of the loopholes kids use to bypass restrictions, this episode offers pra...
Apr 01, 2025•54 min
Join us for an exciting episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations featuring Rowena Scherer, Founder and CEO of eat2explore, an award-winning experiential cooking kit company designed to bring cultural education alive through food. Drawing inspiration from her Malaysian roots, love for travel, and professional culinary training, Rowena shares how food can be a powerful tool for teaching children about culture, geography, and history. Discover how your family can explore global cuisines while...
Mar 25, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Stephanie Buckwalter welcomes Emily Assell, a nurse educator, homeschooling mom, and bestselling author of the Generation Claimed board book series. Emily has a heart for equipping parents with biblical tools to help children through emotional struggles. As someone who deeply believes in the power of scripture, she shares how speaking God’s Word over a child can bring comfort, healing, and strength during difficult times. Join us as Em...
Mar 18, 2025•57 min
Join host Peggy Ployhar for an enlightening conversation with Sonia Story, M.S., creator of the Brain and Sensory Foundations program. Sonia shares how innate rhythmic movements, primitive reflex integration, and postural reflexes can help children build strong foundations for learning and thriving. With years of experience teaching these evidence-based techniques, Sonia explains how they support sensory processing, improve focus, and foster better coordination. Whether you're navigating sensory...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Annie Yorty welcomes Joy Burns, a retired homeschooling mother and garden educator at the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. With her combined expertise in education, communication, and nature programming, Joy is passionate about helping families embrace nature’s classroom as a powerful learning environment. Join us as Joy shares practical ways to incorporate outdoor learning into homeschooling, from hands-on garden activiti...
Mar 04, 2025•58 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson dives into the critical topic of learning dispositions and modalities with Educational Therapist and Learning-Success™ Coach Mariaemma Willis. Discover how understanding your child’s unique approach to learning can help you avoid common teaching pitfalls and create a more effective and enjoyable homeschool experience. Mariaemma shares practical strategies to tailor your teaching to fit your child’s strengths and preference...
Feb 25, 2025•59 min
In this episode, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Jonas Koblin, award-winning education innovator and founder of the Sprouts YouTube channel. Jonas shares insights from his book, The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary, a must-read guide for parents exploring alternative education models. Discover practical tips and inspiring ideas to navigate homeschooling and beyond, as we dive into approaches like Montessori, Waldorf, Unschooling, and more. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to exp...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Join host Peggy Ployhar on Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Dr. Jan Bedell, a master NeuroDevelopmentalist, experienced educator, and Board Chair of SPED Homeschool. Dr. Jan’s journey began as a homeschooling mom seeking solutions for her struggling learner, leading her to discover the Neuro-Developmental Approach, which optimizes brain function for better learning. With decades of experience helping children, teens, and adults strengthen cognitive abilities without labels or ...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Anne Laure Jackson, a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Sensory Health Coach. Anne Laure shares her passion for equipping families with the tools and knowledge to understand, assess, and manage sensory needs, helping unique learners thrive in their homeschool environments. Together, they’ll explore practical strategies to support sensory health, create a harmonious l...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Could play be the key to helping homeschoolers thrive? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Alan Tang, founder of CoLab, an innovative online program that uses games, discussions, and escape rooms to equip kids with essential skills for the modern world. Alan’s journey—from corporate finance and culinary arts to education—has inspired his unique approach to engaging, hands-on learning. Tune in as we dive into how play-based learning can empower ...
Jan 28, 2025•58 min
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive? Join us as we explore Whole-Child Readiness—Body, Mind & Soul! In this insightful episode, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heidi Tringali, an experienced pediatric Occupational Therapist, speaker, and founder of Tringali Occupational Therapy Services (T.O.T.S). Heidi’s 30+ years in OT have equipped her with simple, effective strategies to prepare kids for success in learning by nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Tune in to discover ...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Join host Dawn Jackson from the Empowering Homeschool Conversations podcast as she sits down with Dr. Selena Coffman, a nervous system-based chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, to explore how chiropractic care can support children with autism and ADHD. Dr. Coffman shares her expertise in addressing root causes of nervous system dysregulation and practical ways to promote calm, focus, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent or simply curious about holistic app...
Jan 14, 2025•52 min
In this powerful episode, host Peggy Ployhar and guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz delve into the journey of overcoming bullying through a lens of faith. With Elizabeth’s rich background in Christian education and her passion for developing critical thinking and biblical worldview in children, they explore practical ways to help young hearts and minds heal, forgive, and find joy rooted in Christ. Join us to discover a restorative path forward that equips kids to move beyond hurt and thrive in their fai...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar and guest Suzanne Gose explore how learning a second language can be a powerful tool for struggling learners. Suzanne, a former public school teacher, transitioned to homeschooling over two decades ago when her love for teaching inspired her to offer local Spanish classes. Since that first small offering, Suzanne has taught Spanish and public speaking to homeschool students weekly, believing in the transformative potentia...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Join host Peggy Ployhar on this festive episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Annie Yorty, a wife, mother, writer, and speaker known for offering hope and encouragement to families navigating life's challenges. Together, Peggy and Annie share creative ideas and heartfelt inspiration on how to throw a meaningful birthday party for Jesus, helping families keep Christ at the center of their Christmas celebrations.Annie, whose journey as a special needs advocate began with t...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations team as they dive into practical ways to support your unique learner in all settings. From finding your voice in co-ops to addressing challenges on field trips and handling interactions in public spaces, this episode provides practical real-life tips and encouragement for parents. Discover strategies to help your child feel understood, confident, and empowered no matter where learning takes you! To join in the after-show conversation, join the Empower...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min
