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.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Dola Dasgupta | Unschooling in India: Embracing Choice and Navigating Challenges

Send us a text How does homeschooling fit into India’s diverse cultural and educational landscape? In this episode, Dola Dasgupta shares her perspective on the challenges and freedoms of homeschooling and unschooling in a country where formal education is highly valued. We examine the legal uncertainties, cultural factors, and personal decisions that lead families to choose alternative education. The conversation explores unschooling as a lifestyle focused on personal growth and curiosity, by fo...

Jan 22, 202547 minSeason 1Ep. 104

Peter Gray | Rethinking Education: The Power of Play and Self-Directed Learning

Send us a text Together with Peter Gray, we explored the concept of self-directed education. Peter Gray emphasizes the importance of play and independence in children's learning. The discussion highlights the shortcomings of the traditional school system and encourages parents to embrace unconventional educational approaches that foster curiosity and resilience in their children. Subjects we. cover: • Education is more than just formal schooling • Children naturally possess curiosity and a desir...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 31 minSeason 1Ep. 103

Naomi Fisher | Changing Our Minds: How children can take control of their own learning

Send us a text Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist, writer, and speaker with a focus on self-directed learning, unschooling, and child development. A mother of two, she draws on her professional expertise and firsthand parenting experiences to challenge conventional educational models and help families nurture children’s natural curiosity and autonomy. Together, we explore self-directed learning, the nature of freedom in education, and what happens when children are trusted to follow their o...

Jan 08, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 102

Jacob Nordby | Embracing Change and Creative Living through Self-Discovery

Send us a text Jacob Nordby grew up in a strict Christian cult, isolated and homeschooled. He’s an author, creative guide, and advocate for living authentically. Jacob Nordby’s story is one of transformation; he shares how he found freedom and purpose by embracing vulnerability and creativity. We explore his journey through life’s crossroads, the lessons he learned about living authentically, and how he now helps others ignite their creative spark. 🗓️ Recorded December 16th, 2024. 📍The Addison...

Jan 01, 202553 minSeason 1Ep. 101

Amrit Sandhu | The Power of Consistency, Meaningful Conversations, and Gratitude.

Send us a text We celebrate our 100th episode by welcoming back our first guest, Amrit Sandhu, for a journey through our podcasting evolution. Reflecting on early challenges and triumphs, Amrit shares insights on how consistency and passion can elevate creative endeavors. Together, we explore meaningful conversations, inspired by "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and discuss the balance of cherishing personal moments while sharing stories. Our chat also delves into unschooling's potential to sh...

Dec 25, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 100

Meryl Danziger | Unlocking Musical Potential: Following Joy, Not Rules

Send us a text Meryl Danziger, founder of Music House and author of Sing It! A Biography of Pete Seeger , has redefined music education through curiosity-driven exploration. With a Master’s in Music from Goddard College and a career as a professional violinist, she focuses on helping children connect with music in personal and meaningful ways. Her unique approach emphasizes freedom, creativity, and the intrinsic joy of musical discovery. Together, we explore the deep connections between self-dir...

Dec 18, 20241 hr 35 minSeason 1Ep. 99

Rebecca Jean-Charles | It Takes a Village: Community Building and Unschooling

Send us a text Traditional schooling isn't the only path to socialization for children. In this conversation with Rebecca, we explore how homeschooling and unschooling empower families to build communities that align with their values. We discuss how these approaches encourage children to form meaningful, inclusive social networks across diverse age groups. Our talk delves into neighborhood dynamics and the idea of intentional living as an alternative to traditional setups. Rebecca shares her pe...

Dec 11, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 98

Marta Obiols Llistar | How Unschooling Transforms Teens: Self-Discovery & Resilience

Send us a text What happens when you step outside traditional education to empower teenagers to discover their true selves? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Marta to explore her journey into unschooling and its profound impact on her children and family. We go into how alternative education fosters individuality, emotional resilience, and self-expression in teens, offering a striking contrast to conventional schooling and how unschooling helps raise confident, self-assured teens. T...

Dec 04, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 97

Rebecca Jean-Charles | Edugenic Harm: The Hidden Abuse of the School System

Send us a text In this episode, Cecilie & Jesper Conrad sit down with Rebecca Jean-Charles to explore the concept of Edugenic Harm —how traditional education systems inadvertently harm children by normalizing control, disconnection, and compliance. Through personal stories and reflections, we unpacks our journeys from the conventional school system to homeschooling and unschooling. Edugenic Harm refers to the subtle, systemic ways in which traditional schooling undermines children's autonomy...

Nov 27, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 96

Marta Obiols Llistar | Teacher Turned Unschooler

Send us a text Marta Obiols Llistar, a former teacher, explains why she left the traditional classroom to embrace unschooling. Marta shares how John Holt's philosophy reshaped her parenting and life, from rejecting rigid educational systems to trusting her children’s natural ability to learn. We discuss the challenges of unlearning as a teacher, building deep family connections, and thriving outside conventional education. As an unschooling advocate and author of 18 , Marta shares personal stori...

Nov 20, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 95

Charlotte Addison | Finding Freedom Through Unschooling

Send us a text Charlotte Addison is among our favorite people: A fellow traveler, unschooler, and someone with whom we have co-lived for an extended period and more to come. Together with Charlotte, we delve into how unschooling and lifelong learning can redefine educational choices and personal growth. We challenge the idea that formal qualifications are the only markers of success. Instead, passion and real-world experiences can unlock doors to opportunities often reserved for those with degre...

Nov 13, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 94

Dr. Michael Greger | How Not to Age & How Not to Die: Unlock Longevity with Nutrition Insights

Send us a text In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Greger, the best-selling author of How Not to Die and How Not to Age , who has revolutionized our understanding of nutrition and longevity. Dr. Greger dives into the transformative journey that led him to lifestyle medicine, inspired by his grandmother’s miraculous health recovery. He shares actionable tips for extending both lifespan and healthspan through plant-based nutrition, tackling chronic diseases, and making empowered health choices...

Nov 06, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 93

Christie Ogden | What If It’s Amazing? Nomadic Life & Worldschooling

Send us a text In this episode, Christie Ogden shares her remarkable journey of embracing world schooling and creating a life of freedom and adventure for her family. As a single mother of six, Christie boldly moved her children from Canada to the Dominican Republic, transforming a challenging situation into an empowering opportunity. Her story is filled with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to living on her terms. Christie discusses the highs and lows of nomadic living, from living in a...

Oct 30, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 92

Carla & David | Worldschooling, Van living and Building Global Community

Send us a text "The amount of uncertainty you can hold is the amount of freedom you have."​ - Carla Martinez. We met Carla and David at the Worldscchool Summit in 2019. So many friendships formed. It was life-changing. In this episode, we talk with Carla and David, who share their unique journey of nomadic living. From their first transformative experience at the World School Summit in Granada to establishing a vibrant Spanish-speaking community, Carla and David opens up about the joys and chall...

Oct 23, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 91

Louisa Andrea | Finding Home in Egypt - A Conversation on Family, Homeschooling, and Growth

Send us a text Louisa Andrea is a retreat host, educator, and worldschooling advocate based in Egypt. She specializes in creating transformative experiences for families and teens, blending education, conservation, and cultural immersion on Egypt's Red Sea coast while drawing on her mindfulness, spiritual coaching, and energy work background. In this episode, we talk with Louisa Andrea about her move from the UK and Cyprus to Egypt, where she has built a life focused on education and adventure f...

Oct 16, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 90

Jack Stewart | Unplug from the Internet: Homeschooling, Plato, Boundaries & Boardgames

Send us a text Jack Stewart is a grown-up homeschooler who now homeschools his kids. We met Jack at HEFF in 2024 and enjoyed talking with him. This is our second episode with Jack, and you should consider starting with the first episode we recorded together. In this episode, we sit down with Jack Stewart to discuss how technology affects our daily lives and how setting boundaries around internet use can improve emotional well-being. Jack introduces the idea of technology as a "social appetite su...

Oct 09, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 89

Jack Stewart | Homeschooling and Unplugging for Deeper Human Connections

Send us a text Jack Stewart is a grown-up homeschooler. We explore how self-paced learning has shaped his social life and personal development. Jack’s upbringing was guided by his mother’s approach to homeschooling, which fostered meaningful friendships and an entrepreneurial spirit that set the stage for his success. These early experiences of forming deep connections outside traditional settings have carried through to his adult life. Jack also shares his thoughts on the balance between struct...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 1Ep. 88

Erin Loechner | Opting Out of Technology

Send us a text Erin Loechner is a writer, speaker, and the founder of The Opt-Out Family , a movement dedicated to helping families reduce screen time and foster deeper connections. She is the author of The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t , a guide offering practical strategies to reclaim family life from the grip of technology. Erin's other books include Chasing Slow , a memoir about embracing mindfulness. A former social media influencer, Erin now lives a low-tech l...

Sep 26, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 87

Shannon Hayes | Sustainable Living and Homeschool Adventures

Send us a text Shannon Hayes is a sustainable farmer, author, and chef from Sap Bush Hollow Farm in Upstate New York, where she and her family raise grass-fed livestock using regenerative agriculture. In addition to managing the family farm and café, Shannon homeschools her children and explores themes of slow living, sustainability, and joyful living in her writings and podcast. In this episode, Shannon shares her unique perspective on balancing family life, homeschooling, and running a farm wh...

Sep 18, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 86

Lily Nichols | Real Food Strategies for Maternal and Infant Health

Send us a text Lily Nichols is a renowned dietitian and best-selling author, an expert in prenatal nutrition, and advocates for real food and evidence-based approaches that empower parents to take control of their health. We explore the critical link between a mother's metabolic health during pregnancy and her child's long-term wellness, including the irreplaceable role of long-term breastfeeding. Are you struggling with blood sugar spikes and persistent cravings? Learn how a protein-rich breakf...

Sep 11, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 85

Marc Wallert: Strength Through Crises: Surviving 140 Days Kidnapped in the Jungle

Send us a text Marc Wallert is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, and author best known for surviving a 140-day hostage ordeal in the Philippine jungle in 2000. Drawing on this life-changing experience, he helps individuals and organizations build resilience and thrive through crises. Marc shares insights on leadership, mental strength, and stress management through his keynotes and his book, "Strength Through Crises ," where he emphasizes the power of acceptance and optimism in overcoming ch...

Sep 04, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 84

Rob Brinded | Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: Healing Trauma and Reconnecting with the Body

Send us a text Rob Brinded is an experienced performance coach and healer specializing in the intricate connections between the mind, body, and spirit. With a background in elite sports, including football, ballet, and combat sports, Rob developed a unique approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation, focusing on the holistic integration of physical and emotional health. Over the past 25 years, he has explored how thoughts and emotions influence physical well-being, leading to his innovative...

Aug 28, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 83

Katia Dimova | Chateau Co-Living

Send us a text In 2023, we spent a month at a castle in Normandy with over 30 other worldschooling families. There, we met Katia Dimova, the founder of Chateau Co-Living. We spend many long nights talking, laughing, sharing moments, and creating friendships. Katia founded Chateau Coliving, where she combines her passions for travel, history, and community. Originally from Bulgaria, she has lived in over 50 countries, often alongside her partner Emmanuel and their rescue cat Gipsy. Katia's journe...

Aug 21, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 82

Ken Honda | Happy Money. The Japanese art of Gratitude, Generosity, and Money Mindset

Send us a text Ken Honda is a renowned Japanese author and speaker celebrated for his personal finance and happiness expertise. Known as the "Zen Millionaire," he combines Eastern philosophies with practical financial advice to help individuals find peace and abundance. Ken has written over 50 books, including the bestseller "Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money," which explores transforming one's emotional relationship with money into a source of joy. His latest book, "...

Aug 15, 202445 minSeason 1Ep. 81

Michaeleen Doucleff | Hunt, Gather, Parent - What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Raising Children

Send us a text Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and the author of the bestselling book Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. In her book, Doucleff explores parenting practices from indigenous cultures worldwide, offering insights into raising cooperative and independent children. Her work blends scientific research with personal experience and provides a fresh perspective on modern parenting techniques. Dou...

Aug 07, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 80

Tim Feldmann | Ashtanga Yoga: Do Your Practice and All Will Come

Send us a text Tim Feldmann is the director of Miami Life Center, which he co-founded with Kino MacGregor and Matt Tashjian. He embarked on his yoga journey after a near-fatal accident in 1992 and is authorized to teach by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois. With a professional dancer and choreographer background, Tim integrates extensive anatomy and meditation knowledge into his Ashtanga yoga teachings. Known for his humorous and profound teaching style, he travels extensively to share hi...

Jul 31, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 79

Golden Harper | Barefoot Running with Nature's Secrets

Send us a text Golden Harper co-founded Altra Running, renowned for its innovative zero-drop shoes, promoting natural foot movement and reducing injuries. We are a barefoot family and love our barefoot sandals, but when it comes to running on manmade structures, we need some cushion, and Harper has created a great shoe for runners with natural feet. Our curiosity led us to invite him as a guest to determine where that passion originated. We love people who are passionate about changing the world...

Jul 24, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 78

Genevieve Simperingham | Pathways to Peaceful Parenting

Send us a text Genevieve Simperingham is a leading parenting educator and founder of the Peaceful Parent Institute. With over two decades of experience, she specializes in attachment-based parenting and emotional intelligence, offering workshops and coaching to help parents build deep, trusting relationships with their children. Her work has profoundly impacted many families, promoting harmony and connection. We discuss the importance of community, compassion, and meaningful family connections. ...

Jul 17, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 1Ep. 77

Special Episode: Brendan Kane: How to stand out in a 3 second world

Send us a text Jesper recorded this episode with Brendan Kane almost two years ago. Initially, we decided not to air it, as it didn't fit with our podcast's direction with both of us as hosts. After our recent episode with Sue Elvis, where she asked us about how we started our podcast, Jesper revisited the recording and decided to share it. It was Jesper's first podcast interview, so please excuse his nerves during the recording. Despite this, Brendan Kane's marketing advice remains invaluable. ...

Jul 14, 202448 min

Sue Elvis | The Art of Conversation and Lifelong Learning

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcasts? Join us for a unique twist as Sue Elvis steps in as our interviewer, flipping the script on your usual hosts, Jesper and Cecilie. Sue brings heartwarming feedback from new listeners who love our open-minded and conversational style. Together, we reminisce about the origins of our podcast, the nervous excitement of recording our un-aired Episode Zero, and the inspirations and motivations that fueled ou...

Jul 10, 20241 hr 29 minSeason 1Ep. 76
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android