Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Want to hear Liz's homeschool experience? Check out this episode: https://youtu.be/rvHUlhOM9hI?si=j7JGWwCJAMwtrChbLiz is back in the clubhouse to explore the role religion played in our homeschool upbringings and how those beliefs shaped our identities long after childhood. Liz shares what it was like growing up in an intensely Catholic homeschool environment, from her involvement in the Legion of Mary to embracing modesty culture, purity culture, and the expectation that she might one day become a nun.Together, we unpack the complicated process of questioning long-held beliefs, navigating religious trauma, and separating personal faith from the cultural expectations that surrounded us. We discuss purity culture, the lack of sex education in many homeschool environments, the experience of deconstruction, and the grief that can accompany rebuilding your worldview. Whether you're still religious, no longer religious, or somewhere in between, this conversation is about finding space to ask questions, heal, and better understand the stories that shaped us.Resources We MentionedWhen Religion Hurts You: https://drlauraeanderson.com/bookHomeschooled: A Memoir: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=tThe Body Keeps the Score: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-scoreInterview with D.L. Mayfield: https://youtu.be/ohzrQqPq0Dw?si=vi3cp1QPt8fy3wfiChapters00:00 Welcome Back Liz01:07 Homeschooler Connection03:32 Catholic Roots And Belonging06:21 Evangelical Upbringing08:33 Confirmation And Commitment11:11 Legion Of Mary Explained13:30 Conference Culture And War Talk19:37 Performing Faith Publicly21:29 Christian Mime And Evangelism24:00 Modesty Purity And Shame28:29 Deconstruction And Questioning31:55 Where Beliefs Came From33:11 Silence Around Sex And Expectations34:56 Nunhood and Holiness35:41 Purity Books Osmosis36:40 Period Shame Lesson37:51 Apple Pie Purity Talk41:06 No Sex Ed Basics43:27 Bridgerton Level Ignorance45:20 Study Abroad Cracks Bubble47:43 Grief and Quiet Deconstruction54:34 Naming Religious Trauma01:01:30 Inner Child Healing01:04:20 Finding Community Through Stories01:06:50 Closing Thoughts and ResourcesIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Connect with MeNewsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Join the newsletter here: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/What happens when homeschooling leaves the house and hits the open road? In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Robin (aka BG Barnstormer), a former homeschooling mom who spent three years educating her kids while living full-time in an RV. Robin shares how a rotating pilot schedule led her family to homeschooling, how community support shaped their early years, and what really happens when learning differences, sensory needs, and emotional regulation collide in 350 square feet. Whether you’re a homeschool parent, an ex-homeschooler, or just curious about alternative education paths, this episode is packed with practical insight and lived experience.*Key Topics Covered*- Why a nontraditional work schedule pushed the family toward homeschooling- Building community through Classical Conversations and homeschool co-ops- Recognizing reading challenges, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and tracking issues- The power of audiobooks for kids with learning differences- Emotional regulation tools and “quiet corners” for kids (and adults)- How homeschooling in an RV forces flexibility and creativity- Why getting a diagnosis can be empowering, not limiting- Transitioning from homeschooling into online public school*Connect with Robin*- Website: https://bgbarnstormer.com- Blog Post Mentioned: https://bgbarnstormer.com/autism-spectrum/snowflakes-understanding-our-unique-self/- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgbarnstormer- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGBarnstormerIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!*Connect with Me*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com*Chapters*00:00 Introduction to the Ex Homeschoolers Club00:45 Meet Robin: The Homeschooling Mom on the Road01:55 The Decision to Homeschool04:34 Early Homeschooling Days and Community Building11:50 Homeschooling Challenges and Learning Difficulties28:36 Homeschooling in an RV: Strategies and Adaptations31:53 Creating Quiet Spaces for Emotional Regulation33:33 The Importance of Regulation Tools49:02 Navigating Public Online Schooling55:54 Experiential Learning Through Travel01:00:07 Robin’s Book and Blog01:03:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Former public school teacher turned world traveler Patti Hunt joins Jacob to unpack what teachers really think about homeschoolers, why she eventually wished she homeschooled her own kids, and how road-schooling families are reshaping modern education. Patti also shares her journey from the classroom to RV life, and the powerful lesson that pushed her to stop waiting and start living.Key PointsWhat 20 years in public schools taught her about kids, parents, and the systemMyths homeschoolers believe about public school — and what’s actually truePatti’s honest experience growing up in Philadelphia’s school systemHow teacher bias shows up in classrooms (even unintentionally)Why she now believes homeschooling can be powerful...but not for everyonePatti’s transition from teaching to entrepreneurship to RV travelThe road-schooling families she met and the hilarious moment she told one she was a public school teacherThe urgent lesson from her mother’s final days: don’t wait to live your lifePractical encouragement for parents who feel guilty about their choicesConnect with PattiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/10YFZMzAmwA305cI4W5Db5?si=1a0d269337d44814Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/ If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.comTimestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:21 Meet Patti Hunt: A Journey from Teaching to Traveling01:43 Patti's Teaching Career: From Business to Education04:28 Homeschooling vs. Public School: Myths and Realities13:46 Parental Involvement in Education16:28 The RV Life: From Classroom to Open Road19:21 Road Schooling: Educating on the Move22:00 Parental Guilt and School Choices22:26 Homeschooling Success Stories24:11 Rethinking College Education26:41 The Value of Hands-On Learning28:53 Exploring the United States33:47 Encouraging Spontaneous Travel39:12 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Education

This week I sit down with Ashley Peek, a current homeschool parent, content creator, and founder of the Secular Homeschool Revolution. Ashley shares her journey from navigating a broken public school system to creating a thriving secular progressive homeschool community in Texas. She opens up about her daughter’s challenge getting the IEP services she needed, the struggle to find inclusive co-ops, and how she built a space that celebrates diversity, social justice, and child-led learning.Together, we unpack the evolution of homeschooling beyond religion—covering everything from micro schools and anti-racist curriculum to sex education and the role of community in raising curious, confident kids.🔑 Key Points- How Ashley transitioned from frustrated parent to homeschooling advocate- What “secular progressive homeschooling” really means—and why it matters- The challenges of finding (and creating) inclusive co-ops for families of color- Building child-led education through clubs, field trips, and micro schooling- The importance of sex education, open conversations, and justice-centered learning- How homeschooling parents can still advocate for better public schools- Why mutual aid and community support are essential for homeschool success🔗 References & Guest Links- Podcast “Secular Homeschool Revolution”: https://open.spotify.com/show/5O8R301kT316E67DOf6y17?si=df7803f117334631- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secular_homeschool_mama- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secular_homeschool_revolution⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Secular Progressive Homeschooling00:22 Meet Ashley Peek: Homeschool Parent and Content Creator02:03 Ashley’s Homeschooling Journey: Challenges and Decisions08:25 Building a Secular Progressive Homeschool Community15:59 Defining Secular Progressive Homeschooling25:34 Co-op and Micro Schooling: A New Approach40:23 Experiential Learning at Home41:18 The Role of Curriculum in Homeschooling42:14 Unschooling: Pros and Cons45:27 Encouraging Deep Dives into Interests46:42 Real-Life Skills vs. Academic Knowledge48:55 The Importance of Play and Exploration49:47 Parental Responsibility in Education59:20 Community Support in Homeschooling01:01:12 Advocacy for Public Education01:01:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Hey everyone—it’s Jacob Gooden, and I’m back with an update on the Ex-Homeschoolers Club! In this solo episode, I open up about why the show has been quiet for the past month, what’s been happening behind the scenes, and how I’ve been dealing with burnout, anxiety, and social media overload. I share the changes I’ve made to prioritize my mental health, including stepping back from social platforms, cutting down on caffeine, and making time for rest and fun. I also give you a sneak peek at the exciting new interviews coming soon—ranging from conversations with a sex education expert to homeschooling parents and college prep specialists. Finally, I ask for your feedback on the future direction of the show, possible community spaces, and ways we can grow together as ex-homeschoolers.🔑 Key TakeawaysWhy the Ex-Homeschoolers Club is not canceled and what’s coming nextMy personal journey with burnout, overwhelm, and how I’m working through itThe importance of mental health practices: less caffeine, better sleep, stepping away from social mediaSneak peek at upcoming guest interviews covering sex education, college prep, and modern homeschooling perspectivesCall for listener feedback on building community (book clubs, Zoom hangouts, Reddit/Discord, etc.)⏰ Timestamps00:00 WE ARE BACK BABY00:30 Where have I been?04:28 What is happening with the show05:53 I need your feedbackThe Ex-Homeschoolers Club isn’t going anywhere—but I want your help shaping its future! Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments, on Spotify, or by emailing me at exhsclub@gmail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs it. And if you’re new here, check out past episodes to get caught up. Let’s keep building this space for ex-homeschoolers together.

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Ex-HomeschoolersClubIn this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with Julius, one of 12 siblings, to unpack what it was like growing up in a massive homeschool family led by a pastor dad. From the chaos of daily life in a household of 14 to navigating the isolating years of COVID, Julius shares candidly about academic challenges, sibling dynamics, extracurricular outlets, and ultimately, a journey of questioning faith and identity. We explore the highs and lows of homeschooling in a big family, the tension between church and education, and how discovering a love of learning outside those boundaries shaped Julius into who they are today. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s grown up homeschooled, in faith-heavy environments, or simply searching for identity beyond the structures they were raised in.Key Takeaways:Life inside a homeschool family of 12 kids: chaos, support systems, and sibling dynamics.Balancing academics with church commitments under a pastor parent.The impact of COVID on socialization, isolation, and extracurricular opportunities.Julius’ journey of self-discovery, questioning faith, and embracing identity.Why cultivating curiosity and a love of learning matters beyond traditional schooling.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:13 Meet Julius: Growing Up in a Big Homeschool Family01:50 Homeschooling Dynamics and Daily Life06:06 Academic Challenges and Achievements14:08 Socialization and Extracurricular Activities16:53 Impact of COVID-19 on Homeschooling27:14 Deconstructing Faith and Personal Growth33:59 Realizing the Fallibility of Beliefs35:33 Exploring Other Religions36:44 Questioning Faith and God's Existence39:28 Controlling the Narrative of Personal Beliefs44:43 The Importance of Learning and New Experiences53:41 Balancing Extracurriculars and Church Commitments58:30 Advice for Homeschooling Parents01:04:19 Cherishing Sibling Bonds01:06:18 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to The Ex-Homeschoolers Club on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who’d connect with Julius’ story. Don’t forget to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Threads at @EXHSClub to join the ongoing conversation.

This week on the podcast, we’re throwing a birthday party! It's the one-year anniversary of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, and to celebrate, I brought back my very first guest and longtime friend Cari Frantz for a fun and nostalgic conversation. We dive deep into the media, books, movies, and music we weren’t allowed to consume growing up as Christian homeschoolers—and the surprising ways we found our way to them as adults. From Harry Potter to Pitbull concerts, purity culture to Plugged-in reviews, we talk about the weird rules we lived by, what we now enjoy guilt-free, and how we're making peace with our past. Whether you're a fellow ex-homeschooler or just curious about the quirks of conservative upbringings, this episode will have you laughing, nodding along, and maybe even dusting off your old Adventures in Odyssey tapes.Key Takeaways:The irony of being banned from Harry Potter but encouraged to read NarniaPluggedIn, Christian DVD players, and other evangelical tools for "safe" mediaWatching or reading forbidden content as adults and learning to trust our own boundariesHow music like Pure NRG, Backstreet Boys, and even Pitbull shaped our teenage rebellionRespecting our parents' intentions while forging our own relationships with pop cultureResources Mentioned:PluggedIn.comAdventures in Odyssey by Focus on the FamilyThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisHarry Potter series by J.K. RowlingThe Space Trilogy by C.S. LewisCrossroads Guitar FestivalPure NRG, Jump5, Charlie Puth (early covers), Christina GrimmieDid you grow up homeschooled with strict media rules? What were you not allowed to read, watch, or listen to? Drop a comment with your story. And if you’ve been with the podcast from the beginning, help us celebrate one year by sharing your favorite episode! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Ex-Homeschoolers Club for more stories every week. And share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com