When Homeschooling Feels Overwhelming: Finding Your Way Through
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Robert Bortins: Multi-Generational Homeschooling and Educational Independence
Everyday Educator
Join Delise Germond as she sits down with Robert Bortins, CEO of Classical Conversations and homeschool dad of three, for an engaging conversation about family legacy, educational freedom, and his new book Woke and Weaponized. Robert shares his personal journey from being one of the first 11 students in Classical Conversations to leading the organization for over 13 years. He opens up about the family values that shaped him—hard work, self-discipline, and carrying the family name with honor—and how he's now passing these principles to his own children through practical strategies like job...
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Identity Formation Through Challenge IV Senior Thesis
Everyday Educator
What if the biggest moment in your child's classical education isn't just about academics—but about stepping into their God-given identity? Join host Kelli Wilt and special guest Charity Miner for an in-depth conversation about one of the most transformative experiences in the Challenge years: the senior thesis. Charity, a veteran Challenge IV director and homeschool mom who has shepherded three children through this process, shares the beauty, purpose, and profound impact of this capstone event. Discover why senior thesis is so much more than a research paper—it's a culmination of years...
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Mock Trial: Fruit Being Borne
Everyday Educator
Why do Challenge B graduates consistently name Mock Trial as their favorite memory—even the ones who cried through every rehearsal? Join host Lisa Bailey and guests Jennifer Hester and Emma Bortins for an encouraging conversation about Mock Trial—the pinnacle Challenge B experience that graduates remember most fondly, even when the journey is rocky. Jennifer shares her journey from terrified new director to confident guide, watching her son improvise courtroom testimony on the fly. Emma opens up about the drama, tears, and her infamous courtroom phrase repeated 15+ times: "That's not in my...
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From Diapers to Division: Homeschooling Multiple Children at Different Stages
Everyday Educator
Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling kids at different stages? You're not alone—and we've got the encouragement (and practical tips) you need! Join Delise Germond and Kelli Wilt, two full-time working homeschool moms at different stages of the journey, as they share honest, grace-filled advice for homeschooling young children. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in the daily grind, this conversation is packed with wisdom you can use today. Kelli opens up about her early years of hypercritical self-assessment, thinking she had to prove homeschooling was the right choice by...
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Reset and Refocus: A Homeschool Family's Guide to New Beginnings
Everyday Educator
Feeling ready for a reset after the holidays? Discover how to transform post-holiday blahs into purposeful new beginnings that energize your entire homeschool family. Join Lisa Bailey as she welcomes Alicia Clark and Ginny Tran for an encouraging conversation about embracing fresh starts after the holiday season. Whether you experience post-holiday letdown or sail smoothly into January, this episode offers practical wisdom for families ready to refocus. The conversation explores how different families navigate the transition from busy holidays into a new year. Alicia shares how her family...
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Christmas Across Borders
Everyday Educator
What if the most magical Christmas memories have nothing to do with the number of gifts under the tree? In this heartwarming episode, we're taking you on a journey across borders to discover how families in the United States and Mexico celebrate Christmas—and what we can learn from their beautiful, Christ-centered traditions. Join host Lisa Bailey as she sits down with Amy Jones (Classical Conversations curriculum developer and grandmother of ten) and Araceli Day (Academic Advisor for CC Mexico) for an intimate conversation about childhood memories, family traditions, and keeping Jesus at...
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When Your Best Isn't Enough (And Why That's Okay)
Everyday Educator
Feeling overwhelmed by homeschooling? You're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Delise Germond sits down with Kamilah Carter for an honest discussion about the challenges of homeschool motherhood—and the God who equips us for every moment. Kamilah opens up about a recent crisis that left her feeling helpless, sharing how she learned to lean on community, trust God in the fire, and recognize her daily need for grace. Together, they explore: Why the gap between our expectations and reality can leave us feeling like we're drowning The importance of Christian community in our...
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Confessions of a Homeschooler – What I Wish I'd Known
Everyday Educator
What happens when homeschool moms and their almost-grown kids get brutally honest about the best, worst, and most surprising moments of their classical education journey? Join Lisa Bailey for a heartfelt journey through the homeschool years with special guests Kelli Wilt, her daughter Libby, and Lisa's daughter Stephanie Meter. In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, three generations share their unfiltered perspectives on Classical Conversations, from favorite years and best assignments to honest regrets and surprising lessons learned. Whether you're a brand-new homeschool parent or...
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1000 Hours Outside: Why Nature is Essential for Homeschooling with Leigh Bortins and Ginny Yurich
Everyday Educator
What if the best thing you could do for your child's education today is to send them outside? Join Lisa Bailey for an inspiring conversation with Classical Conversations founder Leigh Bortins and Ginny Yurich, creator of the 1000 Hours Outside movement and author of "Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It." Discover how unstructured outdoor play develops every facet of child development—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Ginny shares research-backed evidence that complex outdoor movements literally build brain structure and protect against cognitive decline. Both...
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Family Traditions to Start Today
Everyday Educator
What if the simple act of cutting paper hearts or eating cinnamon rolls could become a cherished memory that lasts a lifetime? Join Lisa Bailey and Emma Bortins for a heartwarming conversation about the power of family traditions during the holiday season and beyond. As a young mother expecting her second child, Emma shares insights on starting new traditions while honoring those from both her and her husband William's families. Lisa brings decades of experience creating meaningful moments that have shaped her daughters' lives—including a 38-year Christmas tradition that will make you...
info_outlineFeeling in over your head with homeschooling? You're not alone.
Every homeschool parent hits that wall—when the toddler is pulling everything off the shelves, five kids are asking questions at once, and you're wondering if you're failing everyone, including yourself. In this honest and hope-filled conversation, veteran homeschool moms Courtney Bradshaw and Karin Carpenter join host Amy Jones to talk about the seasons when homeschooling feels overwhelming. In this episode, you'll discover:
- · Why those "in over my head" moments are actually normal (and might even be necessary)
- · How to recognize when you're spread too thin—and what to do about it
- · The surprising antidote to homeschool loneliness (hint: it's not just about finding time)
- · Practical strategies for recalibrating when everything feels like too much
- · Why celebrating others' victories can sustain you through your own hard days
- · How to assess whether the problem is your curriculum, your schedule, or your heart
Both Courtney (mom of seven, including three adopted from foster care) and Karin (veteran of 15+ years homeschooling four children) share vulnerable stories from their own journeys—the days they wanted to quit, the moments they crashed at Jesus' feet, and the unexpected ways God met them in their weakness. Their wisdom is hard-won and deeply encouraging.
This episode of the Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Judson College
Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden.
Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/
The Classical Learning Cohort
Are you ready to invest in your own education? Would you like to learn alongside others? Check out the Classical Learning Cohort!
Learn More! Register for a free online event at www.classicalconversations.com/cohort