Self Directed - podcast cover

Self Directed

Cecilie & Jesper Conradwww.theconrad.family

Self Directed - A Podcast on Life, Learning, and Raising Free Thinkers. Hosts Cecilie and Jesper Conrad, full-time travellers since 2018 and parents of four, invite a new guest on the podcast every Thursday.

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Episodes

Reem Raouda | Parenting Peacefully: Reducing Shouting & Encouraging Cooperation

Send us a text With a background in early childhood education and experience in overcoming personal parenting struggles, Reem Raouda helps parents build authentic, cooperative relationships with their children. Reem's approach focuses on moving away from controlling behaviors to foster deeper connections and harmony within families. In this episode, we dive deep into transformative parenting with Reem Raouda. Reem shares her journey from being a "recovering yeller" to fostering a home filled wit...

Jul 03, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 75

Emily Sonsie's Journey: From Primary Teacher to Homeschooling Advocate

Send us a text Emily Sonsie is an Australian educator and homeschooling advocate. Formerly a primary teacher, who chose to homeschool her children, embracing a lifestyle focused on togetherness, nature, and deep connections. Emily aims to inspire others on their homeschooling journeys, promoting education as a natural part of a meaningful, connected life. Emily shares her transition from traditional education to a child-led approach for her children, driven by disillusionment with the school sys...

Jun 26, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 74

Deborah MacNamara | Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids

Send us a text Deborah MacNamara, author of "Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for Our Kids (And Everyone Else We Love)," emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical nourishment in child development. As a clinical counselor and educator, she is known for her work on emotional health and her previous book, "Rest, Play, Grow," which explores attachment-based developmental approaches influenced by Dr. Gordon Neufeld. Deborah is also on the faculty of the Neufeld Institute, helping fam...

Jun 19, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 73

Nikolaj Astrup Madsen | Traveling village

Send us a text When you think of family vacations, you might envision crowded theme parks or beachside resorts. But what if the journey itself became a communal adventure? Joining us on the show is Nikolaj Astrup Madsen, one of the founders behind the fascinating Traveling Village concept. He unfolds the story of 20 families who traded the conventional holiday for a four-month exploration of Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, not as mere tourists but as a village on the move. Nikolaj walks us through...

Jun 12, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 72

Sue Elvis | Intuition and Independence: Unschooling Tips and Practical Advice

Send us a text Sue Elvis is an Australian author, blogger, and podcaster renowned for her work in the unschooling community. She runs the blog "Stories of an Unschooling Family," where she shares her experiences and insights about unschooling and radical parenting. Join us as we welcome Sue Elvis back for her third visit and discuss the ins and outs of unschooling. We dive into this educational approach's everyday challenges and triumphs, from getting kids to brush their teeth to planning for co...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 71

Laura Grace Weldon | Rethinking Education: Unschooling and Parenting in a Digital Age.

Send us a text Laura Grace Weldon is an acclaimed author and educator known for her book "Free Range Learning." She advocates for holistic, learner-centered education and promotes the benefits of creative, unstructured learning environments. Laura's work emphasizes nurturing curiosity and fostering lifelong learning outside traditional classroom settings. ▬ About this Episode ▬ Discover how to nurture your child's curiosity and potential with Laura, an expert in alternative education methods lik...

May 29, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 70

Ashley Logsdon | Mama Says Namaste: Nurturing Mindful Connections in Family Life

Send us a text Ashley Logsdon, founder of "Mama Says Namaste," is a family coach, podcaster, and blogger dedicated to helping families create intentional, meaningful connections. She provides practical advice on parenting, marriage, homeschooling, and work-life balance, emphasizing communication, personal growth, and aligning family life with core values. Join us for an inspiring podcast episode where Ashley shares her journey, focusing on the intersection of parenting, relationships, and intent...

May 22, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 69

Gregory B. Sadler | Self-Directed Learning in Philosophy: Bridging Ancient and Modern Wisdom

Send us a text Gregory B. Sadler has taught and designed Philosophy, Humanities, Religious Studies, Literature, and Critical Thinking courses for over 20 years. Jesper became interested in Greg's work when he searched for Self-Directed Learning and, by chance, found Greg's YouTube channel dedicated to self-directed learning in Philosophy. Greg Sadler brings a fresh perspective to our lively discussion on how ancient wisdom parallels modern self-help and the ever-evolving education journey. We pe...

May 15, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 68

Laura Grace Weldon | Free Range Learning

Send us a text Join us for an in-depth talk with Laura Grace Weldon, who has written a handbook on natural education titled Free Range Learning . Together, we dive into the transformative world of free-range learning. Laura shares her profound insights on how natural learning processes can significantly benefit children, contrasting it with the restrictive norms of traditional schooling. The discussion explores the concept of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of preserving a child's innate...

May 08, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 67

Sue Elvis | Live a radical life of unconditional love

Send us a text Discover the essence of unconditional love and its profound impact on parenting and education as we welcome back Sue Elvis for another heartening conversation. This episode peels back the layers of what it truly means to love our children without conditions, exploring the intersection of this powerful emotion with the unschooling philosophy. Sue delves into how respecting our children's individuality and passions is not just about meeting homeschooling legalities but about nurturi...

May 02, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 1Ep. 66

Sue Elvis | Stories of an Unschooling Family

Send us a text Sue Elvis from StoriesOfAnUnschoolingFamily.com shares her fascinating journey through unschooling her children. Sue shares how she strikes a balance between fostering her children's individual passions and engaging in collective family activities, creating a harmonious learning environment free from the constraints of traditional education. Listen in as she describes the significance of being present, especially in the mornings, and how she integrates her interests in blogging an...

Apr 24, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 65

Sue Patterson | UnschoolingMom2Mom - Connect more with your kids

Send us a text As I watched the light gradually fade from my child's eyes with each passing school day, I knew a change was necessary. This episode chronicles Sue's own metamorphosis from a traditional suburban parent trapped within the confines of the schooling system to a fervent unschooling evangelist. Sue bravely shares the trials and triumphs of her journey, offering a raw and insightful look at the necessity of preserving a child's innate curiosity and zest for learning that conventional s...

Apr 17, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 64

Rachel Rainbolt (Sage Family) | The Art of Parenting and Learning Without a Classroom

Send us a text When the world we've carefully crafted for our children comes into full bloom, it's nothing short of magical. Rachel Rainbolt joined us to share the rich tapestry of her family's journey through attachment parenting to the liberating philosophy of unschooling. Her reflections give us a window into how her children flourished as they pursued their passions, transitioning into traditional education with the resilience and self-reliance that unschooling fostered. As the Rainbolts' fu...

Apr 10, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 63

Dr. Gordon Neufeld | Hold On To Your Kids: Unveiling the Power of Parental Attachment

Send us a text We celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dr. Gordon Neufeld's seminal book, "Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Matter More Than Peers," which he co-wrote with Dr. Gabor Maté. Gordon's work has transformed our understanding of child development through the lens of parental attachment. In this episode, Gordon shares the critical importance of maintaining strong, nurturing connections between parents and children. His insights delve into the complex dynamics of family and educational sys...

Apr 03, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 62

Patricia Lohan | Fun with Feng Shui: A Path to Harmony and Empowerment for Self-Directed Living

Send us a text Do you respect yourself and the places you spend time in? Jesper shares his own journey from skepticism to "Hey, that is cool." When Jesper first heard about feng shui, he thought it was a weird mumbo jumbo since he had learned to love it. It is a great way to use the energy in your house. For this episode, we have invited Feng Shui expert Patricia Lohan, and we will explore the fascinating world of Feng Shui. This ancient practice harmonizes living spaces to promote balance and e...

Mar 27, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 61

What about the social life of an unschooler | Sam KingDavis asks us anything

Send us a text In this special Ask Us Anything episode, we welcome back Sam KingDavis, the renowned street artist from Prague whom we interviewed for episode #17. Sam had many questions about unschooling, so we invited him to ask us anything for this episode. Together with Sam, we embark on a detailed exploration of how unschooling impacts socialization, family dynamics, and child development. This discussion delves into the unique social experiences of unschooled children compared to those in t...

Mar 20, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 60

Four Arrows | Embracing Indigenous Wisdom, Sustainable Living, and the Journey to 'Enoughness'

Send us a text Join us for a riveting episode that journeys into the heart of Indigenous wisdom with Don Trent Jacobs, known affectionately as Four Arrows, a beacon of Lakota teachings and a profound advocate for American Indian rights. Four Arrows invites us into his world, sharing the story behind his evocative Lakota name, Wahinkpe Topa, and how it has guided his journey through life, education, and activism. His tales are a testament to the deep connection with Earth's rhythms and the transf...

Mar 13, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 59

Dr. Karin Lubin & Randy Crutcher | Shaping a Purposeful Life Through Passion and Health

Send us a text Jesper met Dr. Karin Lubin and Randy Crutcher when he worked as the marketing director for The Passion Test. Working on this wonderful project has been a life-changing journey of finding and following our true passions. Cecilie and Jesper probably wouldn't be full-time travelers without The Passion Test . It's life-changing—go check it out. This episode is very cozy. It is a reuniting of long-time friends. Together, we explore what Karin and Randy are up to today. The focus is on ...

Mar 06, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 58

Lucy Aitkenread | Being a parent is a gateway to Self-Discovery: A Journey Towards Community, Connection, and Healing

Send us a text When Lucy AitkenRead swapped the serenity of her yurt for the lively hum of town life, it wasn't just a change of scenery—it was a pivotal shift in her family's journey. Our conversation with Lucy delves into how this move, prompted by a craving for community and connection, wasn't solely for her children's benefit. It also marked a turning point in her own healing process, intertwining the principles of unschooling with the intricate dance of parental self-discovery. Throughout t...

Feb 28, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 57

Jessica Jacobs | Ditchschool: Passion-Driven Learning and Early College Experience

Send us a text Ditch School, where unschooling meets early college, challenging educational norms. Jessica Jacobs is the founder of Ditch School. Jessica's sons' quest for knowledge led them beyond the confines of traditional schooling to embrace unschooling, paired with early college experiences. She challenges the status quo, advocating for education that aligns with a child’s curiosity and passion rather than rigid curricula. Our discussion sheds light on the flexibility and innovation at the...

Feb 21, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 56

Sandra Dodd | The Unforeseen Benefits of Unschooling - Healing past traumas

Send us a text Unschooling profoundly impacts both children and parents. For many parents, the process of deschooling themselves is a journey of personal growth and healing. By allowing your children to thrive free from academic pressures, you also foster a unique space for parental reflection and development. Together with Sandra Dodd, we delve into 'The Unforeseen Benefits of Unschooling: Healing Past Traumas.' Sandra draws intriguing parallels between the care we offer to our children and the...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 55

Special: Becoming a Better Dad - Conflicts and how we solve them!

Send us a text Jesper Conrad and Martin Cooke have started The Better Dad Institute. This episode is the first of their podcast series, which is simply called 'Better Dad Podcast.' The goal is to explore topics together, daring to be vulnerable and sharing. A Podcast version of what goes on in The Better Dad Circles. Details about this episode: As a father, I've often found myself locked in a silent battle over who's right, especially with my kids. My co-host Martin and I tackle a struggle head-...

Feb 12, 202452 min

Sandra Dodd | Unschooling thoughts on gaming, YouTube and the internet

Send us a text Where do you stand on gaming, YouTube, and the internet? It is a difficult subject. So many thoughts and strategies. Together with Sandra Dodd, we explore the complexities of the digital age with an open mind. We hope this episode will help you redefine parental boundaries, encourage independent thinking, and cultivate a relationship with technology that allows your children to thrive. 🗓️ Recorded January 17th, 2024. 📍Playa Dorada, Lengüeta Arenosa, Baja California, Mexico Episo...

Feb 07, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 54

Jo Isaac | The Transformative Power of Self-Directed Education

Send us a text "I remember the day I threw the school bell out the window – figuratively, of course. It marked my family's leap into unschooling." Jo Isaac shares her journey through the transformative world of self-directed learning, where children lead, and education is as dynamic as the rhythms of life itself. Stepping away from the conventional classroom, we share how our roles evolved from enforcing lessons to fostering a nurturing environment ripe for curiosity and growth. Unschooling isn'...

Jan 31, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 53

Robyn Coburn | From Doubt to Devotion The Unschooling Transformation

Send us a text Robin Coburn shares her journey from doubting to advocating the unschooling movement. Together, we uncover the beauty of reshaping family dynamics and nurturing a bond with children that is rooted in patience, openness, and understanding. Through Robin's narrative, you'll witness how unschooling paves the way for a non-authoritarian approach to parenting that abandons fear and control in favor of proactive solutions and a deeply supportive community. Tune in to hear how unschoolin...

Jan 24, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 52

Akilah S. Richards | Raising Free People - Unschooling from a Black Perspective

Send us a text Akilah S. Richards guides us through her transformative journey, highlighting the significance of unschooling seen from a Black perspective. We navigate the challenges faced in the unschooling journey, especially within the context of Black families. Akilah underscores the importance of nurturing creativity, autonomy, and play in education and how these elements are critical in fostering a liberated and holistic learning environment. In 2016, Akilah published the first episode of ...

Jan 17, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 51

Eric Balance | Crafting a Conscious, Intentional Life - From Addiction to Purpose

Send us a text We received an email asking if we were up for recording an episode with Eric Balance. We are living in a yes mode, so here is our talk with Eric. Eric has been through a transformative journey from a heavy addiction to dedicating his life to helping people live a more spiritual life. To embrace his own big life changes, he changed his name to 'Eric Balance,' reflecting his search for equilibrium. In this episode, we dive into the role of authenticity and conscious choice-making in...

Jan 10, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 50

Q&A Episode with Just Josie | Journey into Unschooling and the Heart of Parenting

Send us a text We got an email with great questions from a listener. Instead of a long email answer, we invited Josie to interview us for an episode. Josie doesn't use her last name, so we lovingly call her Just Josie :) Josie is navigating the tides of raising young children while embracing the principles of unschooling. Josie's tale of transition from the simplicity of van life to the rich complexities of family life in California unfolds, offering listeners a glimpse into the world of alterna...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 49

Blake Boles | Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids To School?

Send us a text Blake Boles is an unschooling advocate and author of the book 'Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids To School' he also runs transformative teen programs called Unschool Adventures. In this episode, we also explore the transformative power of alternative education. We examine the conventional education system's limitations and champion personalized learning paths, inspired by notable educational theorists. As Blake, we have diverged from traditional career paths, and together we sha...

Dec 27, 20231 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 48

Dean Bokhari | Balancing Work, Values, and Fulfilment: A Life's Manual

Send us a text Dean Bokhari, the innovative creator of Flash Books. Dean shares his journey from avid reader to pioneering a new way of consuming literature, offering a lifeline for those strapped for time but eager to dive into self-help and business books. Our conversation takes a significant turn as we address the topic of masculinity and its impact on childhood education. As fathers and entrepreneurs, we delve into our personal experiences, discussing the challenges of contemporary society a...

Dec 20, 20231 hr 36 minSeason 1Ep. 47
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