It's Not That Hard to Homeschool - podcast cover

It's Not That Hard to Homeschool

Homeschooling can be scary and overwhelming to think about, but it doesn't have to be that hard! Lisa has 25+ years of homeschooling experience, including graduating multiple kids. In this podcast, she will reassure you, inspire you, and empower you with the information you need to feel confident and successful as you homeschool your teen. Includes interviews with experts as well as their own practical advice.
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Episodes

Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling

Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life. 🏭 The Four Industrial Revolutions 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work. 2nd...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 7 min

What About These Times? Why World Geography Matters More Than Ever

We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news. From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite g...

Jun 27, 20258 min

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers

🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsored by: CTC Math 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects. Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands...

Jun 24, 202521 min

Identity Tools: Teaching Kids How to Think

Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math . With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at ctcmath.com – and breathe easier. Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool —tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids...

Jun 10, 202533 min

The Academic Fix for Teen Anxiety and Identity Confusion

📋 Show Notes: Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think. In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools li...

Jun 02, 202518 min

The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking

📝 Show Notes: What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything ? In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics —an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids. It’s no...

May 30, 202532 min

College Is Changing—Is Your Teen Ready for What’s Next?

📝 Show Notes: The college world has changed. Costs are skyrocketing, transfer credits are a gamble, and many campuses no longer align with your family’s values. So what do you do when you want your teen to thrive in today’s economy—without drowning in debt? In this episode, Lisa Nehring introduces a game-changing alternative : the Dual Degree Program from True North Academy. It’s a revolutionary opportunity for homeschool students to earn a fully accredited 4-year bachelor’s degree while still ...

May 29, 20257 min

Credits Are the Currency of High School—Here’s How to Make Every Hour Count

📝 Show Notes: If you’ve ever wondered, “How many hours = one high school credit?” or “Am I giving my teen credit for all they’re doing?” — this episode is for you. Lisa Nehring breaks down what a high school credit really is, how to track them properly, and why credits matter more than ever in a world where college admissions, scholarships, and transcripts all speak the same language: credit hours. You’ll also hear how to build a standout factor , what’s changing in how credits are awarded, and...

May 28, 202518 min

Anxiety Is Rising—Here’s One Simple, Proven Way to Help Your Teen

📝 Show Notes: We’ve all heard it: this is the Anxious Generation . Teen mental health is at an all-time low—and many parents feel powerless to help. But what if there were a simple, research-backed practice that reduces anxiety, improves decision-making, and even strengthens identity? In this episode, Lisa Nehring shares the surprising impact of regular Bible reading on mental health and emotional development—and how you can harness this powerful tool in your homeschool. Whether you're looking ...

May 27, 202514 min

The #1 Skill Teens Need That’s NOT on the Transcript

Are you unintentionally holding your teen back from independence? Discover how to build grit, resilience, and self-advocacy—three skills every teen needs to thrive in their defining decade. Foster Independence, Build Grit, and Raise Self-Advocating Teens Does your teen struggle with responsibility or constantly lean on you to solve their problems? This episode is your call to action. In today’s installment of the Defining Decade series, Lisa Nehring tackles the powerful trio every teen needs to ...

May 26, 202524 min

The Money Mindset That Sets Teens Up for Success

The Money Mindset That Sets Teens Up for Success What if your teen’s financial habits now could determine their freedom later? In today’s episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down one of the most critical (and often overlooked) skills teens need before they hit their 20s: financial literacy. From budgeting basics to lifestyle-based planning, we’ll explore practical ways to teach your homeschool teen how to think clearly—and biblically—about money. Whether your family leans toward Dave Ramsey or believes...

May 24, 202520 min

The #1 Habit Teens Need Before 20 (That Most Don’t Learn)

🎙 Episode 3: Goal Setting for the Defining Decade In today’s episode of our “Defining Decade” series, Lisa Nehring dives deep into one of the most practical — and powerful — tools we can equip our teens with: goal setting . From planners and family check-ins to lifestyle vision casting and project management, this episode will help you understand how to cultivate real-world planning skills in your homeschool teens that will set them up for success in their 20s and beyond. 🔑 In This Episode: Wh...

May 23, 202524 min

The Power of Networking: Preparing Teens for a Strong Start in Their 20s

🎙️ EPISODE TITLE The Power of Networking: Preparing Teens for a Strong Start in Their 20s 📝 SHOW NOTES In this follow-up episode based on The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay, Lisa Nehring shares a vital life skill that’s too often overlooked in today’s digital age: networking . While social media may dominate teen life, Lisa reminds us that true opportunity often comes from real-world relationships—especially what sociologists call “ weak ties .” She breaks down: ✅ Why networking matters more t...

May 22, 202519 min

The Defining Decade: How to Set Your Teen Up for a Thriving 20s

🎙️ Episode Title: The Defining Decade: How to Set Your Teen Up for a Thriving 20s 📝 Show Notes: Your teen years aren’t just for “figuring it out”—they’re for setting the trajectory of your entire adult life. Inspired by Dr. Meg Jay’s powerful book The Defining Decade , Lisa Nehring shares why your 20s matter more than you think—and how intentional parenting during the teen years can launch your kids into a decade of success instead of struggle. In this jam-packed episode, Lisa gives you 7 acti...

May 21, 202519 min

The Hidden Factor in Choosing to Homeschool: Social Role Selection

🎙️ Episode Title: The Hidden Factor in Choosing to Homeschool: Social Role Selection 📝 Show Notes: In this episode of Not That Hard to Homeschool , Lisa Nehring uncovers a concept you've likely experienced—even if you’ve never had a name for it: social role selection . It's the reason why many families—both decades ago and today—decide to homeschool their children. Lisa shares insights from her master’s thesis, exploring how social dynamics in school settings—bullying, exclusion, pecking order...

May 20, 202526 min

Duty, Deployment & Daily Lessons: Homeschooling as a Military Family

🎙️ Homeschooling Around the World with Military Mom Natalie Mack | It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Podcast (REPLAY) In this inspiring episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool , host Lisa Nehring sits down with Natalie Mack—a powerhouse of experience, wisdom, and encouragement for homeschoolers everywhere. Natalie is a military wife, TEDx speaker, and veteran homeschool mom who has spent 23 years educating her five children while serving alongside her husband in the U.S. military. From navig...

May 06, 202529 min

How to Homeschool Elementary—It’s Really Not That Hard (Replay)

🎙️ Not That Hard to Homeschool Podcast Episode Title: How to Homeschool Elementary—It’s Really Not That Hard Host: Lisa Nehring Episode Type: Replay 💬 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down the essentials of homeschooling elementary-aged kids. With over 30 years of homeschooling experience, Lisa shares practical advice, developmental insights, and real-life examples to help you build a strong, confident foundation for your child’s early education. Whether you're new to homes...

Apr 23, 202525 min

Out With The Old & In With The New

Hey there, homechool heroes! We're trying out some new equipment and moving around our recording spaces so thanks for your patience as we're growing the podcast & True Noth. Today, we’re talking about tossing out that old factory-style education. You know, the one with desks in rows, bells every 45 minutes? We're gonna walk through why that system just doesn’t cut it anymore in a world buzzing with AI, remote work, and endless possibilities. Then, we’ll chat about what forward-thinking schoo...

Mar 05, 20258 min

Peaceful Homeschooling: Heal Your Home's Educational Chaos

Learn how to bring peace back to your home through education. This episode tackles the challenges of balancing school, health, and family harmony. Discover: How to spot when your educational setup isn't working. Tips for choosing the right learning path for your child's unique needs. Why education is an investment in your family's future. Overcoming the fear of educational changes with real-life examples. Get the guidance you need to transform your home into a place of learning and tranquility. ...

Feb 04, 202511 min

Layers of Learning: Beyond the One-and-Done Approach

In today's episode, we're unpacking the myth of the "one-and-done" educational approach and introducing you to the concept of "Layers of Learning." We'll discuss how to implement this in your homeschooling journey, from teaching phonics to exploring higher-level math and history, using a variety of learning techniques like auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods. Learn how to create a rich learning environment that builds academic confidence, supports different learning styles, and prepares yo...

Jan 21, 202511 min

Cheryl Daley on Why She Chose Homeschooling.

What makes someone trade a steady career in government for the unknown world of homeschooling? Cheryl Daley, host of the Home School How To podcast, shares her remarkable journey from career woman to homeschool advocate. Hear how 2020 changed her perspective, the challenges she faced navigating speech delays and masking mandates, and how her determination to find a better path for her family led to starting her own podcast. Cheryl opens up about her fears, her triumphs, and why she believes in t...

Jan 08, 202532 min

Surprising Trends Reshaping Education: Are you ready?

Subscribe to the It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Podcast. https://www.notthathardtohomeschool.com/homeschool-high-school-podcast/ It's 2025, how we teach and learn is getting a major shakeup—and parents who understand these changes now will help their kids soar later. In my latest podcast episode, I break down the must-know trends and how you can get ahead of the curve. Here’s what’s inside: The rise of autodidacts (self-directed learners) : Fostering your child’s natural curiosity. SEL (Social...

Jan 02, 202529 min

The God-Shaped Brain: Dr. Jennings on Neuroscience, Faith, & Learning

Ever wonder how faith and neuroscience come together to shape our mental health and learning? On this episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool , Lisa chats with Dr. Timothy Jennings, a board-certified neuroscientist, psychiatrist, and bestselling author of The God-Shaped Brain and The God-Shaped Heart . Dr. Jennings shares how understanding the brain’s design can build resilience, foster growth, and transform the way we think about education. Don’t miss this fascinating exploration into how f...

Dec 24, 202433 min

The SAMR Model Cont. - Modication and Reinvention Part: 2

We’re continuing our exploration of the SAMR Model in this episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool . Lisa Nehring focuses on redefinition , the transformative stage where technology enables entirely new types of learning experiences. With the online education market surpassing $435 billion, understanding what separates a great program from a mediocre one is more crucial than ever. Lisa shares how to identify programs that move beyond basic tech integration to foster creativity, collaboration...

Dec 11, 202414 min

Are You Preparing Your Teens for a Future That’s Already Here?

Are You Preparing Your Teens for a Future That’s Already Here? Discover why traditional paths to success no longer work and how homeschooling parents like you are ahead of the curve in preparing kids for an unprecedented future. Lisen now to learn actionable steps and grab your audio resource from 'It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool' to help your teens thrive in this rapidly changing world. Episode Summary: In a world where technology, education, and the economy are evolving at lightning speed, tr...

Dec 10, 202412 min

The SAMR Model Cont. - Modication and Reinvention Part: 1

Lisa Nehring picks up where she left off with the SAMR model, diving deeper into how it can transform online learning. She explains the key "Modication" and "Redefinition" stages, where technology moves beyond simple substitutions to create entirely new, dynamic learning experiences. Discover how this model integrates creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into education, helping parents and educators identify truly exceptional online programs. Lisa continues to guide homeschoolers and...

Nov 26, 202414 min

The Game Changing SAMR Model

In today's episode, Lisa explores the SAMR Model, a game-changer for integrating technology in education. From simple digital substitutions to redefining learning experiences, the SAMR Model—developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura—guides educators on transforming tech usage in ways that enhance student engagement. Lisa breaks down each step: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition, showing how this framework leads to impactful learning. Whether you're an educator, homeschooler, or j...

Nov 12, 202413 min

Sam Sorbo Join Us to Talk About Slaying Dragons in Education

Join Lisa Nehring on It's Not That Hard to Homeschool as she welcomes actress, author, and homeschool advocate Sam Sorbo. Known for her fierce stance against the traditional education system, Sam shares her mission to help parents reclaim their children’s education. In this episode, Sam talks about her new book, The Parents Guide to Homeschool , a transformative workbook designed to help parents rethink education, and how she began her homeschooling journey. Tune in to hear Sam’s insights, exper...

Oct 30, 202433 min

Lisa Nehring Speaks on How the Carnivore Diet Transformed Her Health and Homeschooling Approach

Lisa Nehring takes a different approach as she shares her personal eight-month journey with the Carnivore Diet and how it unexpectedly connects to homeschooling. Lisa opens up about her health struggles, the surprising benefits of the carnivore lifestyle, and how it has transformed not only her body but also her mindset. She explains how trying something radically different has taught her valuable lessons that can be applied to education choices. Join Lisa as she dives into the parallels between...

Oct 15, 202410 min

Adam Roberts Joins Us to Share How Scriptive Encourages a Love for Reading and Writing

In this episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool , host Lisa welcomes Adam Roberts, co-founder of Scriptive, a company dedicated to fostering a passion for reading and writing in children. Adam discusses Scriptive’s mission and its first product, Write Stories , which uses beautiful illustrations to inspire kids to create their own stories. With a unique approach to education, Scriptive aims to reach homeschoolers and families by encouraging creativity and literacy in an increasingly technolo...

Oct 04, 202418 min
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