Homeschool Talks: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Homeschool

Nicole Kardoes began homeschooling while her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kardoes, served in the Air Force. Frequent moves and long deployments were simply part of life, and homeschooling became a way to bring consistency to their ever- changing world. In 2022, Michael passed away from burn pit exposure. Homeschooling quickly became much more than an educational choice, it became a lifeline. Nicole and her children were given the gift of the flexibility and stability they needed to grieve, heal, and rebuild. In this episode, Nicole shares her story of love, loss, and resilience, and how the military homeschooling community and organizations like the Tunnel to Towers Foundation helped her family find hope and strength through it all. "Resiliency, being part of a community, academics—they all play a part in homeschooling. I have kids that are married with their master's degree, and they had scholarships all the way through. I have other kids that did community college. I have two that aren't sure they even want to go to college. (My 15-year-old wants to be a farrier, so she wants to go trade school.) There is room for all these things within homeschooling! Whether it's the kid who absolutely hates academics and they just want you to hurry up and count the credits and be done, [or] the kid who aspires for graduate school or maybe becoming a professor themselves someday and getting that PhD, there's room for [both]. That's the beautiful thing. We can tailor it to that while we are giving them other skills as well."—Nicole Kardoes

From beginning homeschooling in the early 1990s to a grand vision for a community that uplifts and empowers Black homeschool families with resources, representation, Joyce Burges has probably seen it all. In this episode, Joyce opens up to HSLDA Attorney Amy Buchmeyer to discuss the origins of National Black Home Educators and the impact they are making today, her curriculum, why preserving family traditions is important, and how building strong parent–child relationships are at the heart of homeschooling. If you're looking for encouragement and a reminder that homeschooling is about more than academics, Joyce's story will inspire you! "I was reading Little House on the Prairie books to my daughter [when] she asked the question, 'Mama, is there someone in our family who quilts, who make jams and jellies, who has a farm, you know, who lives in the country, who's a pioneer?' I was blessed to be around my grandparents and to be raised on their farm and to see all of the great things that my grandmother did. That put me on the journey to finding books that align with Little House on the Prairie to let her see herself as a black little girl that other black children have done this as well other than just me, her mom, to see young girls that partake of these things. And why was that important? It was important because it brought family together."—Joyce Burges

Parenting can feel like a balancing act of love, discipline, and endless patience. Dr. Daniel Huerta, a licensed counselor and homeschool dad, reminds us that the journey isn't just about shaping our children, it's also about the transformation happening in us. In this episode, Dr. Huerta unpacks the seven traits of effective parenting and offers encouragement for parents to lean into these values while adapting to each child's unique personality and needs. "Parents are doing the best they can with what they have, and I encourage them to look at that. Are you bringing the best you can with what you've got?. . .With that, you get to guide your kids, you get to have a relationship with them. You can give your kids the investment of time and the investment of your attention. That is hard in homeschooling because you've got so many things grabbing for your attention, you have multiple kids that are needing your attention your guidance, then you've got the chores of the house that are right there in front of you. . .that's where the intentionality comes in of how you're going to invest that time to have a relationship. They need you to know who they are."—Dr. Daniel Huerta

Davy Liu, former Disney animator (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Mulan), walked away from Hollywood at the height of his career. In this episode, Davy joins Jim Mason, HSLDA President, to discuss how leaving Disney fueled his passion to launch Kendo Films, an animation studio to create high-quality, biblically based films for kids. Learn how Davey is inspiring homeschool parents to nurture creativity in their children, why every child is a "diamond," and get a sneak peek at his upcoming film, The Giant Leaf. "Davy Liu, as a kid, he was a troublemaker because he loved to scribble on textbooks. Now he grew up and found his creativity; his innovations, and he's able to connect his faith with his Maker. I just want to give parents hope, saying that your kids at home [might not be able to] sit still, and that doesn't follow the perfect rhythm of academic studies. There's hope."—Davy Liu

What does it look like to raise children who can stand firm in their faith—while also engaging the culture with grace and truth? In our latest Homeschool Talks episode, Jonathan Noyes from Stand to Reason shares his own journey from atheism to Christianity and how that transformation fuels his passion for equipping families. In this discussion with HSLDA President Jim Mason, they explore how to introduce varying worldviews while planting seeds of the gospel in your children. "We don't just keep our kids in these little bubbles and then suddenly when their adults throw them out, because they won't survive. What we should be doing is inoculating our kids with the truth. Teaching our kids. in the context of our homeschool communities, teaching them about evolution, and not just the Christian perspective of evolution. Teach them from the naturalistic, the "true evolution", and then you teach them what it really means to be an evolutionist. You teach them why [it is] wrong. . .we should be exposing our kids in appropriate ways to worldview issues at a young age because they're going to get exposed. Once your kid gets a phone, once your kid get access to online stuff, it's already too late. So we should be exposing our kids in order to inoculate, not isolate, in order expose them to the wind so they don't just get pushed over."—Jon Noyes

Protecting homeschool freedom takes constant vigilance, strategic action, and strong relationships with lawmakers. In this episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA Attorney and Director of HSLDA International, Kevin Boden, joins HSLDA President Jim Mason to share how HSLDA's advocacy is making a difference. From opposing harmful bills to building trust in state legislatures to rallying constituents at the grassroot level, you'll discover why the work HSLDA is doing today (and the last 40+ years!) is essential to preserving hard-won freedoms while advancing homeschool liberty for generations to come. "I don't know where my kids will live when they're educating their own children. But what I do hope is that the freedom that they have is greater than the freedom I have now. And I personally have an opportunity potentially to shape the future of home education that my own kids may operate in. And so, when I wake up in the morning and you're tired and you go, "okay, here's another day, another set of issues to deal with"—you realize that there's a whole generation of kids that will benefit from the work that we're doing. And so that's really, to me, I'll do this another day, I'll this another week, I will send out another alert, I'll make another phone call, I'll drive to another meeting. Because the freedom that I want to hand my kids—I hope—is greater than the one that was handed to me."—Kevin Boden

Fresh off a trip to Puerto Rico, Andrew Pudewa (Founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing) shares stories from his time with local homeschoolers. Hosted by HSLDA President Jim Mason, they reflect on the growing global homeschool movement and the necessity of homeschool freedom. Together, they dive into the heart of why HSLDA's work matters more than ever—and how emerging technologies like AI are shaping the future of education. "A lot of the people I meet are not aware of the fact that there are people out there who are continuously trying to bring in legislation or influence [against homeschooling]. There are some people who don't like the freedoms that other people have. And it's hard for us to understand. Like, why would you want to interfere with my freedom to be free? And as long I'm doing decently well; I'm not hurting anybody, but no, there's an ideology there. Part of what I've tried to do is get out there and tell people, 'Hey, you know if you want to keep these freedoms, and have your children be free to homeschool their children without government interference or even big restrictions, you've got to be aware, you've got to fight.'"—Andrew Pudewa

Representative Timothy Wesco, a homeschool graduate and Indiana state representative, tirelessly introduced his legislative proposal for 5 consecutive sessions. His bill? Explicitly recognize that a parent has the full legal authority to execute any document necessary to demonstrate their child's education, whether that be a transcript or a diploma. Join Timothy and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) as they discuss Timothy's homeschool experience, how the bill was passed, and the importance of developing relationships proactively with your state legislators. "Often times it's the most conservative and the most liberal members that come together—maybe for slightly different philosophical reasons, but supportive of freedom. And having constituents that are utilizing that freedom really helps to change that dynamic, right? If [a legislator] recognizes that a vibrant homeschool community in their district, that's going to affect their vote on these issues. It's so imperative for homeschool families to develop relationships with their legislators, no matter what the political party their legislator is. We can't make assumptions about their views based on their party"—Timothy Wesco

For Darren Jones (HSLDA Attorney), a single day of playing hooky from public school began as a spontaneous break but turned into a deep realization: there had to be a better way to learn, grow, and live. Darren shares his experiences from becoming a homeschool student to becoming a passionate home education. He became a legal assistant for HSLDA in 1996, and is now an Attorney and Director of Group Services. Explore historical HSLDA processes, notifying members about legal issues in their states through snail mail and answering 75 member phone calls in one day! Darren and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) reminisce about the past and chat about previous legal cases and the busy 2025 legislative season at HSLDA. "I was in public high school. This was 1989. Our church put on a panel about raising kids to be Christians. [The panels featured] parents who were sending their kids to public school, parents who had their kids in private school, and parents who were homeschooling. My parents actually let me play hooky that day. I got to go and watch the panels and came home and told them, I want to be homeschooled. And they decided, sure!"—Darren Jones

What do submarines and science fair projects have in common? They both require strategy, patience, and a solid sense of humor. In our latest episode of Homeschool Talks, HSLDA President Jim Mason dives deep (pun fully intended) with Rear Admiral James Waters about being a homeschool father while navigating a high-stakes military career. This episode features: • Why Admiral Waters and his wife chose homeschooling for their kids, even with a life full of relocations and duty stations • What the military taught him about leadership and how those lessons show up at the kitchen table • Real opportunities for homeschool grads in the military (hint: it's more than marching and mess halls) • How military service can open unexpected doors for careers, education, and personal growth Whether you're a homeschool parent, a student weighing post-grad options, or just love a good sea story—this episode delivers insight and inspiration! "I am so grateful that my wife and I chose to homeschool our kids. And I am really excited that there continues to be a flourishing culture of homeschooling. I encourage you to keep the United States Navy in mind. As you're thinking about options—as your children graduate from high school—college is great, but it's not the only choice. The trades, the military—I would keep the military in mind because it can lead to all these other options later in life."—Rear Admiral James Waters

Will Estrada, Senior Counsel at HSLDA, shares his journey as a homeschool graduate and his ongoing work defending homeschool freedom nationwide. He and HSLDA President Jim Mason discuss recent legislative developments—celebrating a victory in Wyoming, where the annual letter of intent requirement for homeschoolers was repealed, while raising concerns about a proposed bill in Illinois (HB 2827) that would impose burdensome regulations and even criminal penalties for noncompliance. In these unprecedented times, homeschool families and state organizations are uniting to make their voices heard at state capitols across the country. Please note that this interview was recorded on April 16th, 2025. "We were not going to even try and fight HB 2827 in the [Illinois State] House. [We thought], 'It's going to pass the House, let's focus on the Senate where we've got a better shot.' I was talking to an Illinois Senate Staffer the other day and he was telling me it's amazing that the bill is struggling so much in the House. I have seen so many people who have risen up to fight this bill. It's a powerful reminder that as we read in Ephesians 6, that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. And so, take on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. And I love that here at HSLDA, we get to pray together, to pray for homeschool parents in Illinois, Virginia, Wyoming, and other states, because it really is a reminder that what we do matters in eternity"—Will Estrada

Homeschool freedom came under threat in Virginia earlier this year, and hundreds of families quickly stepped up to defend it—proving that the price of freedom is constant vigilance. In this episode of Homeschool Talks, Callie Chaplow, Director of Government Affairs for the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) joins Jim Mason, President of HSLDA, to discuss how families rallied at the Virginia statehouse to defend homeschool rights during an active legislative season, particularly families new to homeschooling! Join the conversation on how Virginia's homeschool community made their voices heard—and what we can all learn from their advocacy. "[This bill] was an attack on all homeschoolers. It [attempted to] change the homeschooling process and it added a whole bunch of requirements. [Homeschool families] rallied. In Virginia, about 40% of homeschoolers in Virginia were not homeschooling pre-COVID. That's a gravitational shift in culture of people who have never had to defend their homeschool freedom. This was an opportunity for all these new homeschoolers to really value what we have. And they did. People who had never been involved in the political process, never have come down to the Capitol, never written or called a legislator—they [rose up]."—Callie Chaplow

Homeschool fathers and advocates, Chris Butler and Abraham Hamilton, share their perspectives on the role of government in education. Join them in this episode to explore the positive impact homeschooling has had across the United States, and recent threats including a new bill in Illinois that threatens to impose additional restrictions on homeschooling families (including jail penalties for non-compliance). Chris and Abraham highlight how restrictive legislation can harm disadvantaged communities and how parents from all backgrounds are coming together to protect homeschool freedom, transcending party lines at the capitol steps! "No matter who you are and what your political leanings are, if you are really concerned about the cause of justice, you should be acutely concerned about this idea. . .that with such a quick reaction to different communities accessing [homeschool] freedom for themselves, now there is this move to restrict that freedom, and to lock children, especially children from disadvantaged communities, into a public school system that is not working for them. I think that the high aim of this legislation [in Illinois] is to make it too hard to homeschool so that folks who have been choosing to do it will just default to stay in the public system that has failed multiple generations now of children from our communities on multiple levels. And so for me, and I think for a lot of people, wherever they fall on the political spectrum, it is a justice issue."—Chris Butler

What does it mean to live a successful life? For the women featured in Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth, it means embracing the beauty and challenge of raising a large family. Economist, author, and mother of eight Dr. Catherine Pakaluk sheds light on college-educated women across diverse backgrounds choosing to raise large families in an era of declining birth rates. Through her research, Pakaluk reveals a worldview where children are embraced as these women's purpose, their contribution, and their greatest blessing. Join this thought-provoking, faith-filled vision of family and our future with Catherine and HSLDA President, Jim Mason. They highlight the crucial role of the homeschooling movement, which enables families to educate their children affordably while fostering strong values at home. "The three biggest blessings that God wants to send us are children, good health, and prosperity. The Jewish woman I talked to said, 'the tradition says that the biggest of these three is children. . .that God really wants to bless us.' If you really believed that children were the greatest blessing that God could send you. . .you would arrange your life to have another child. . .they fit their careers and their professional work around their families rather than fitting their the timing of their children around their careers."—Dr. Catherine Pakaluk

Homeschooling can bring a broader vision for your family and deeper engagement with your community. Join Vince Loparo Jr. (homeschool dad) and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) in an encouraging conversation about Vince's holistic approach to parenting. You will walk away knowing how to define your family's core values to create an unshakable foundation, even when faced with challenges. Homeschooling can knit your family together and make your family stronger! "There's something in your life that is your core value, and you're not going to give on that. I think you need to know what that is. Write it down. If you have to, look each other in the eye as a family and say, 'this is what we stand for.' In our home, we stand for unconditional love and hospitality, welcoming people, bringing them into an environment of unconditional love. Regardless of what the day's adventures might bring, that's the foundation we stand on."—Vince Loparo Jr.

Homeschool graduate Kaitlyn Bajek shares her experience as a homeschool student. Enabled to pursue her passions, she started her own company! Now, she helps current and future homeschool families navigate the high school years as they plan for their student's future. Join Kaitlyn and Jim Mason (HSLDA President) as they discuss all the benefits homeschooling has to offer! "I was homeschooled starting in second grade after the holiday break. I remember that day very well. I was sitting on the playground outside in our backyard, and my mom looked at me and said, "Kaitlyn, how would you like to stay home and be homeschooled?" I was absolutely thrilled. It was such an exciting experience for me to be able to choose my own destiny and to be able to really learn about things that were passionate to me. I loved learning about music and science. Being able to foster that love for learning throughout my academic career was truly a wonderful experience."—Kaitlyn Bajek

Homeschooling has the power to shape not just families, but entire communities. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Myles Wertz (associate professor of theology and director of Baptist Studies at Abilene Christian University) joins HSLDA Attorney Will Estrada to explore Dr. Wertz's recent article in Christianity Today and his own personal homeschool journey. When parents choose homeschooling out of a desire to do what's best for their children, the ripple effects extend far beyond the family—fostering individuals who enrich their communities and drive positive change in society. "When we allow families to pursue homeschooling, we find that certain practices or ways of educating begin to bubble up from the surface that wouldn't have been discovered or wouldn't have been understood had there not been the room for homeschooling to exist. . .I think education needs to be more personalized and more attentive to the particular needs of students in nature. I think that's something that homeschooling can naturally do."—Dr. Myles Werntz

Homeschool graduate and World Magazine journalist Grace Snell believes homeschooling afforded her unique opportunities for community and exploration of her passions! Join Grace and Jeremiah Lorrig (HSLDA Director of Media Relations) as they discuss her military family upbringing and highlight how homeschooling fostered Grace's passion for storytelling, preparing her for a career in journalism. "I think sometimes, people who are considering homeschooling [face] a lot of fears: "what if this doesn't turn out," or "what if they don't have social skills". Instead, think, "what is it that I want for my family? What is my vision for our flourishing together, and what's the best way to reach that?" And if it seems like homeschooling is the best way to realize that, then don't be afraid to take that step or to jump in or to ask more questions. It could be a really beautiful opportunity!" —Grace Snell

In an increasingly interconnected world, we risk losing touch with the roots of our local communities. We've traded face-to-face mentorship and the wisdom of our elders for fleeting digital interactions and virtual acquaintances, while also creating a uniform education system. Nicholas Ellis, Founder of Christian Halls, is on a mission to change that. Through his program, he fosters local mentorships and engagement. By pairing youth with seasoned, knowledgeable advisors, Christian Halls helps to create thriving relationships that will positively impact communities, be rooted in trust, and foster shared experiences and generational wisdom. Join HSLDA President and host, Jim Mason, for an inspiring conversation with Nicholas about higher education and the vital role of passing wisdom from one generation to the next generation. "We've never had a generation that has more access to content and data in the history of the world. Data access, knowledge—access is no longer our problem. And so why, when we look around, do we see foolishness everywhere that we look? I think that a lot of that is coming down to vacating our communities—the natural, multi-generational transfer of wisdom from one generation to the next, by basically sidelining our elders. Our professional structures prefer that the retired elder community not be involved because they frankly take away [time] from that next 35-year-old PhD that's coming up through the system. Our model says that they are the absolute gold of our communities"—Nicholas Ellis

Homeschooling can start at any point in your child's education. For Heidi St. John's family, their journey started after noticing detrimental effects public school was having on sibling relationships. One fateful day, she missed the cut off period to enroll her second daughter in school, and the rest is history! Now with only one homeschool student left, Heidi is helping other homeschool parents find community through her organization, the Firmly Planted Family Homeschool Resource Center. "I would say that my favorite place to be is home. It's sitting around the campfire with our kids and grandkids at the end of a long day and people, you know, bring in whatever leftovers they have in their fridge and hang out. And I think that those things don't happen by accident! They happen because of intentionality. And, and we just love spending time with our kids. It breaks the narrative of the culture, right? [They believe] your kids are this interference and 'we can't wait to send them to school and all the things.' Homeschooling really changed the way we saw family, and I think it did it for the better"—Heidi St. John