The One Tool Every Homeschooler Needs to Teach Critical Thinking
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Release Date: 05/30/2025
The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
The Drumbeat of Disruption: Why Homeschooling Matters More Than Ever Sponsored by The world feels heavy right now. The headlines are filled with tragedy, confusion, and cultural chaos. From heartbreaking school shootings to online radicalization, parents are left wondering: How do I raise my kids in a world like this? In this episode of It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool, Lisa Nehring tackles these difficult questions head-on. She calls today’s environment what it is—a drumbeat of disruption—and explains why homeschooling is one of the most powerful ways to reclaim influence in our...
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Career Exploration Field Day with Julia Jinks
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Equip your teen for the future! Julia Jinks shares how career exploration builds clarity, confidence, and real-world skills in high school. How do you help your teen discover a career path that actually fits who they are—and saves them years of wasted time and money? In this episode, I sit down with Julia Jinks to talk about the power of intentional career exploration during the high school years. Julia shares why one short meeting with a career counselor can’t compare to a semester-long class that gives teens the tools, resources, and space to dig into their strengths, interests, and...
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The Trades Are Calling: Why College Isn’t the Only Smart Option Anymore
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Summary College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work. Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are...
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The College Dilemma: Why Dual Degrees & Trades May Beat the Traditional Path
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Episode Sponsor CTC Math – The no-prep, self-paced homeschool math curriculum that takes the pressure off parents and actually makes sense to kids. Try it free at ctcmath.com. Episode Snapshot College costs are soaring, ideological climates are shifting, and more students than ever are graduating late—or not at all—with mountains of debt. In this candid info-session, Lisa Nehring (director of True North Academy) unpacks the “college dilemma” and lays out two practical alternatives: Dual Degree High School – earn an accredited bachelor’s while you finish high school. Tech...
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Thinking About Homeschooling? Transcripts, Skills, and Future-Ready
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
🎬 Episode Title: Thinking About Homeschooling? Freedom + Accreditation with True North Academy The Math Homeschool Families Love. 🔔 Description Ready to homeschool without the fear of “messing it all up”? Lisa Nehring, Director of True North Academy, shares how an accredited online program can give you: Cognia accreditation – the safety net that validates credits for colleges & ESAs. Expert teachers – small, interactive classes with real-time feedback (no late-night algebra grading for you). Future-ready, faith-driven learning – electives & dual-degree options...
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Workshop Replay: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Future of Homeschooling
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Overview: This workshop outlines how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)—defined by rapid advancements in AI, robotics, biotech, and digital technologies—is disrupting every aspect of life, including education and work. As homeschooling parents, we have a powerful opportunity to prepare our children not just for a diploma, but for an adaptable, resilient, and purpose-driven life. 🏠The Four Industrial Revolutions 1st IR (1760–1840): Steam and mechanization revolutionized travel and work. 2nd IR (1870–1914): Mass production and electricity; origins of the factory-model...
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What About These Times? Why World Geography Matters More Than Ever
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
We’re living in disruptive times—and our kids need to understand the world to understand what’s going on. In this powerful episode, Lisa Nehring dives into why world geography isn’t just a school subject—it’s essential for critical thinking, global citizenship, and navigating today’s news. From the headlines in the Middle East to global gig economies and biblical prophecy, we unpack how understanding place and culture helps our students build discernment and purpose. Plus, Lisa shares favorite geography resources, how to talk to your kids about current events, and why True North...
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🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
🎙️ Rethinking College: Smart Alternatives for Homeschoolers Podcast: It's Not That Hard to Homeschool Host: Lisa Nehring Sponsored by: 🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Nehring encourages homeschool parents to rethink the college experience and consider smarter, more affordable alternatives that align with their students' values, goals, and future career prospects. Lisa shares why the traditional 4-year college pathway is no longer the default and how families can save thousands by combining dual enrollment, CLEP, and strategic degree planning—all while preparing...
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Identity Tools: Teaching Kids How to Think
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
Sponsor Shout-Out: Homeschooling math doesn’t have to end in tears—yours or your kids'. Our favorite math solution? CTC Math. With short, clear video lessons and a self-paced, no-prep format, it’s the curriculum we wish we’d started with sooner. Try it free at – and breathe easier. Episode Summary: In this lively episode, Lisa and Gina—your trusty admin team from It's Not That Hard to Homeschool—tackle a big question that’s come up often in our community: How do you teach your kids how to learn? The answer? The Five Common Topics—a powerful, flexible tool you can use across...
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The Academic Fix for Teen Anxiety and Identity Confusion
It's Not That Hard to Homeschool
📋 Show Notes: Teens today are facing a full-blown identity crisis. As parents, we’re watching our kids grow up in a world where anxiety, confusion, and cultural chaos are becoming the norm. But there is a solution—and it may be simpler than you think. In this episode, Lisa Nehring breaks down how solid academic foundations and intentional education can restore a teen’s sense of identity, purpose, and direction. She explains why our tweens and teens are feeling so lost—and how classical tools like reading, writing, critical thinking, and worldview exploration can ground them in truth...
info_outlineđź“ť Show Notes:
What if you had a simple, flexible, powerful tool that could teach your kids to think deeply about anything?
In this episode, Lisa Nehring and Gina Glenn dive into the Five Common Topics—an ancient method (thank you, Aristotle!) that works beautifully in modern homeschooling. Whether you’re classically inclined or just want a stronger framework for conversation and learning, this method is your go-to for developing thinking, reasoning, and relational skills in your kids.
It’s not a curriculum. It’s a mindset shift—and one that works across ages, subjects, and life itself.
🔑 In This Episode:
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What the Five Common Topics are (and how to use them across any subject)
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Why “define your terms” may be the most underrated thinking tool of all time
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How to talk about worldview, authority, and context without heated debates
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The difference between relationship and circumstance (and why your teen needs both)
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Why comparing and contrasting builds deep understanding—not just trivia
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How to start applying these topics today, even if you’re using textbooks, printables, or unit studies
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How to help your kids become resilient thinkers, not just good test takers
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Stories from real homeschooling moms who’ve used these tools successfully
đź“š Want to Go Deeper?
Check out our mini guide:
Five Common Topics: Not So Common Anymore
(co-authored by Lisa and her son—a great family project!)
Use it to create conversations, unit studies, and critical thinking moments across your homeschool.