Explore every episode of the podcast Coffee With Carrie: Homeschool Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeschool Hustle to Homemade Meals: A Conversation With Lori Beth Auldridge | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:54:27 | |
As a homeschool mom, do you feel like you live in the kitchen? Between planning, shopping, prepping, and cooking the meals (and cleaning the mess after each meal), it is hard to find time to finish all the chores and teach the kids! In this week's episode, Carrie talks with fellow foodie, homesteader, and host of Elevating Motherhood podcast, Lori Beth Auldridge. Carrie and Lori share secrets to cooking not only breakfast #1 but breakfast #2 as well as delicious, no-nonsense meals. They share meal prep strategies, favorite recipes, and tips for consistently eating together as a family. It's a coffee break you don't want to miss. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Lori for a little coffee and conversation about making home-cooked meals in the midst of all the homeschool hustle. Elevating Motherhood Podcast & Website: https://www.elevatingmotherhood.com/ Elevating Planning Retreat 2026 https://loribeth.systeme.io/elevating-homeschool Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Mom, Make Time for Personal Reading: A Conversation with Katie Klein | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:37:46 | |
As a mother, especially as a homeschooling mom, reading is one of the most important habits you should form. Why should you make the time when you have so many other things to do? Reading broadens your horizons, enhances your concentration, enables you to view the world from other perspectives, enriches your knowledge, refines your thinking, and strengthens your intellectual abilities. And if those reasons aren't enough, your children learn to value this habit through your example. In this week's episode, Carrie talks with Katie Klein, book-lover, homeschool mom, curriculum creator, and founder of Little House Learning Company, about the importance of making personal reading a life-long habit. Not only do they share tips on how to make time for reading, but they share some of their favorite books and authors. You don't have to read one hundred books a year to be a "reader." You don't have to read what's popular, and you don't have to stick to one genre. Making time for personal reading will change you! Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Katie for a little coffee and conversation about books! **Be patient. The 1st 20 minutes have a little static.** Connect with Katie on Instagram @littlehouselearningco. Check out Katie's Website and curriculum at https://littlehouselearningco.com/. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Today, Did We....? | 08 Jan 2026 | 00:21:34 | |
If you have ever asked "Are my kids doing enough?" or "What does a great homeschool day look like?" then don't miss this week's coffee break! In this week's episode, Carrie gives a preview of her upcoming, new book, A Home Education Handbook: Nine Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning, which answers these questions and more. She also shares how to pre-order the book to get some really great pre-order swag as well as all of the Book Launch events you can join. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. Pre-Order Carrie's new book at www.coffeewithcarrie.org. Book is released on Amazon on January 31st, 2026. Mark Your Calendar and join all of the Book Launch Online Events. Go to www.coffeewithcarrie.org and click on the tab, "Book Launch." Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The 5 Big Ideas of Charlotte Mason: A Conversation With Leah Boden | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:33:43 | |
Carrie has a special treat for you this week! She is talking with Leah Boden, also known as Modern Miss Mason. Leah is the author of Modern Miss Mason: Discover How Charlotte Mason’s Revolutionary Ideas on Home Education Can Change How You & Your Children Learn & Grow Together and the host of Modern Miss Mason Podcast. In this week's episode, Leah shares the five big ideas of using a Charlotte Mason approach. If you are interested in spreading a feast of beautiful things before your children or would like to use a more gentle approach to homeschooling, then don't miss this episode. Pour yourself a cup of tea (Leah is British), put your feet up, and join Leah and Carrie for a little coffee and conversation about Charlotte Mason Home Education. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Five Minute Art Studies: Charlotte Mason Inspired | 22 Feb 2024 | 00:19:49 | |
In this week's podcast, Carrie shares how to do simple and engaging art history lessons in five minutes. What are art studies? Since we are created in God's image, we have a natural desire to create too. Learning about different artists and their artwork is just another way to bring beauty into your home and into your children's lives. (And they are super fun and easy to do too). Carrie even shares how to incorporate writing and read alouds into your art studies too. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a special little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Homeschooling With Grace | 15 Feb 2024 | 00:22:32 | |
What is one of the hardest things about motherhood and homeschooling? It is extending (and receiving) undeserved grace. God calls us to give to others the kind of grace He so graciously gives us. In this week's episode, Carrie is full of candid confessions and transparent talk about being a homeschooling mom. She shares several ways to apply 2 Timothy 1:9 to your hearts and homes and how to fill your homeschooling with grace. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, give yourself some grace, and take a much-needed coffee break with Carrie. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Mid Year Slump: Finding the Door in the February Wall | 08 Feb 2024 | 00:15:27 | |
The midyear slump is real! Every year for almost twenty years of homeschooling, Carrie hit what she called the “February Wall.” If you have been homeschooling for at least a year, you know that "wall" and you know how hard it is to scale it this time of the year. There's no need to scale the February Wall. It will only add more bruises and fatigue. Instead, look for the door in the February Wall; the Lord always provides one. In this week's episode, Carrie shares seven simple and practical tips to help you get past the midyear slump and to conquer the February Wall. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The 7 Habits of a Highly Effective Homeschool Mom | 25 Jan 2024 | 00:21:40 | |
Do you have a calm, cool, and collected homeschool friend? Do you know her secret? She probably has cultivated seven simple habits into her homeschooling routine. In this week's episode, Carrie shares the 7 habits that all highly effective homeschool moms possess and how you can cultivate these habits into your homeschooling too. You might be surprised by a few of them. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, (this is actually one of the 7 habits), and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| A Handbook for Homeschooling High School | 18 Jan 2024 | 00:24:38 | |
Just breathe… You can homeschool the high school years (and enjoy it too)! Carrie's new book, Homeschooling High School: A Handbook for Christian Education, will be released on March 1st, 2024! In this week's episode, Carrie shares what is in the book, gives a sneak peek inside one of the chapters, and explains how you can be a part of the Book Launch Team. Carrie's kids homeschooled through high school, successfully graduated, went on to college (and grad school), and are now pursuing their dreams and living out their God-given purposes. Carrie's new book is full of practical information, real-life examples, and sound advice as well as tips you will need to graduate your teen with a high school diploma. Pour yourself a shot of espresso (you will need the extra caffeine for the high school years), put your feet up, and join Carrie as she shares her heart about homeschooling the high school years. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Your ONE Thing: Homeschool Goal Setting | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:28:15 | |
Have you ever seen the movie, City Slickers, with Billy Crystal? This week, Carrie shares her advice for homeschooling in 2024. It is borrowed from Curly, the crusty old cowboy in the movie: Focus on your ONE Thing. In this week's episode, Carrie helps you figure out what is your one thing and then she shares how to simply set realistic homeschooling goals for the new year. This is the perfect time of the year to evaluate and assess last year. Use the new year and the month of January as a time to reflect and readjust. January is a great time to look ahead and to plan ahead. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, get your pen and pencil ready, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Cultivating Friendships: A Conversation with Torri Oglesby | 04 Jan 2024 | 00:39:28 | |
Moms need real friends on this journey of motherhood and homeschooling. As moms, we may be in different seasons and on different journeys, but we all need a place to belong. God didn't expect us to do this life alone. In the first episode of 2024, Carrie has a transparent (and fun) conversation with her Torri Oglesby of The Womanhood about making community and building friendships a priority in this new year. You don't want to miss the episode! Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Torri for some coffee and conversation about cultivating friendships and meaningful relationships. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| 200th Episode: The Tables Are Turned! | 28 Dec 2023 | 00:38:27 | |
Carrie is celebrating Coffee With Carrie Homeschool Podcast's 200th episode with a fun reversal! The tables are turned! This week, Carrie is the guest, and her friend, Nicole Skeber, a long-time listener and Coffee With Carrie follower, interviews her instead. Get the T on Carrie! In this week's little coffee break, Nicole surprises Carrie with questions about her family, her homeschooling fails, her faith, and so much more. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Nicole for a super fun conversation! Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Attributes of God: A Conversation With Kristi Menashe | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:32:53 | |
Taking time to reflect on the character and nature of God is vital to our spiritual growth. Praying the attributes of God is a simple way to worship and deepen your relationship with the Lord. In this week's episode, Carrie talks with Kristi Menashe, author of Faithful & True: Devotions & Prayers on the Attributes of God, about how to pray and mediate on the character of God. Carrie and Kristi also talk about how to slow down and focus on what is truly important during this Christmas season. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Kristi for a little coffee and conversation. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Will There Be Holes in My Child's Education | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:19:08 | |
If you homeschool, will there be holes in your child's education? Because this is such a common question and fear, Carrie not only revisits this question in this week's episode but she digs deep into it in our new upcoming book. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for this little coffee break. Carrie's new book, A Home Education Handbook: Nine Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning, will be released January 31st, 2026. Go to Amazon to get your copy. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Leadership Education: A Conversation With Heidi Christianson | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:38:36 | |
Most moms are familiar with different homeschooling methods such as Charlotte Mason, classical education, and interest-led learning, but many homeschooling moms are not familiar with the Leadership Education Approach, or A Thomas Jefferson Education. In this week's episode, Carrie sits down with Heidi Christianson of Realizing Genius to discuss the tenets of Leadership Education, which is based on the Thomas Jefferson Education approach (TJED.com), and how to apply it in your homeschooling. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Heidi for some coffee and conversation about Leadership Education. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Homeschool On a Budget! | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:33:30 | |
Is money tight in this economy? Don't give up on homeschooling! Are you a single mom or living off of one income? You can homeschool for free and on a shoestring budget! Don't believe Carrie? Then join her for this week's episode. When Carrie quit her full-time job in order to homeschool her children becoming a one income family was a huge adjustment. Many sacrifices had to be made. Carrie and her husband learned how to rely on God to provide exactly what their family needed exactly when it was needed. During the really lean seasons, Carrie also got real creative and figured out some very thrifty ways to homeschool for next to nothing. Homeschooling does not have to be an expensive endeavor. You can homeschool with little income. Pour yourself a cup of coffee. Don't go to Starbucks. (Save yourself some money). Then sit back, relax, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Friendships & Socialization | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:26:53 | |
What are the most common questions people ask when they are thinking of homeschooling? "If we homeschool, will my child have friends? How will he learn to socialize? I don't want him to be weird!" In this week's episode, Carrie tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about homeschooling: Socialization. She also shares ideas on how to find and make friends while homeschooling. If you are surrounded by friends and family who are concerned about your decision to homeschool, then listen to this week's episode. If you are new to homeschooling or your child hasn't found his best bud yet, then take a deep breath, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and take a little coffee break with Carrie as she shares a few secrets about socialization and friendships. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Entrepreneurship: The Best Math Curriculum Out There | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:21:31 | |
What is the best math curriculum out there? Well, it doesn’t come in a curriculum box and you can't stream it online. The most effective math curriculum is helping your kids become entrepreneurs! The most important real-life math lessons and skills can be taught by starting and running a business. Your kids are not too young! In this week's episode, Carrie shares how to teach your children and teens how to become entrepreneurs while also teaching them biblical lessons and math, reading, writing, communication, and technology skills. This episode is full of business and money-making ideas not just for children but for moms too! Take a break from the formal math curriculum and start applying those math skills in the real world. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| My Little Black Dog: Homeschooling With Depression | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:17:20 | |
It's hard to live life with bouts of depression. When you add in the role of motherhood and the calling to homeschool, life can feel overwhelming. If you suffer from feelings of depression, then this week's episode will encourage you. Carrie talks candidly about the elephant in the room (or in other words, the little "black dog" on the couch). Not everyone deals with depression, grief, or bouts of extreme sadness, but for those who do, it is Carrie's prayer that her story will give you a sense of hope and help you see you are not alone. Take a deep breath, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join Carrie for a truthful conversation about homeschooling with depression. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Another Approach to Writing: A Conversation with Millie Florence | 12 Oct 2023 | 00:28:08 | |
How do you instill a love of writing in your child? In this week's episode, Carrie gets answers to this question from a homeschool graduate who published several novels before graduating high school. Millie Florence published her first book when she was only thirteen years old and her third book comes out next week. Millie shares a few secrets on how to write engaging stories, how to self-publish a book, how to help reluctant writers, and how to encourage young students who are passionate about telling stories. Carrie loves talking with homeschool graduates! They are a source of inspiration and encouragement. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and raise the volume so your kids can also hear this coffee and conversation with Carrie and Millie. They will be inspired too! Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Redeeming the Locust Years: Lessons Learned From Joel | 05 Oct 2023 | 00:19:04 | |
Do you feel like this has been a lost year? If you feel like this has been a year of wasted time, wasted effort, wasted money, or wasted tears, then be reminded that NOTHING is wasted in God’s economy. Join Carrie as she shares encouragement from God’s Word and focuses on Joel 2:18-26. In this episode, Carrie also shares her own experiences of how God has restored and redeemed past homeschooling years that were lost, destroyed, or eaten by the “locust.” God is faithful and mighty to save. Knowing God has faithfully restored and replenished past years, moms can be sure that this year will be no exception. If you need some encouragement from God's Word, then pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for this special little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Simple & Stress-Free Science Studies | 28 Sep 2023 | 00:12:20 | |
If teaching science (or even the idea of teaching science) stresses you out, then pour yourself a cup of coffee and join Carrie for a little coffee break this week. No textbook? No problem! In this week's podcast, Carrie shares how to plan, organize, and implement an entire year of science studies that the entire family will enjoy. No matter what your budget, time restraints, the age of your children, or science knowledge, Carrie will show you how to make your science studies this year simple, stress-free, and super fun. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| American Heritage Girls (AHG): A Conversation With Beverly Wolterbeek | 21 Sep 2023 | 00:29:38 | |
"I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community." ~ American Heritage Girls (AHG) Pledge Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Narration: The Best Homeschooling Idea Ever! | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:14:56 | |
In this week's episode, Carrie shares what she thinks is the best homeschooling idea ever. It's narration! What is narration? Why should you use it? When is a good time to do it? There's no need to overcomplicate the act of narration. In this little coffee break, Carrie shares tips for navigating narration with your children and explains the four important skills children learn through the act of narration. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break about the best homeschooling idea ever! Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Epiphany: Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:16:26 | |
In this week's episode, Carrie gives you permission to put off taking down those decorations a few days more, to start lessons a little later in January, and to keep celebrating Christmas a little longer. Don't just sing the Christmas carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," go ahead and celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas. In this week's coffee break, Carrie shares a ton of fun activities you can do with the entire family to celebrate The Twelfth Night, the Feast of Epiphany, or King's Day, and all the days leading up to them. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie for fun little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Read Your Way Through History: No Textbook Approach | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:19:11 | |
No textbook? No problem! You don't need a formal curriculum to teach history. Actually, it's more fun if you don't. In this week's episode, Carrie shares how to use a literature-based approach to teaching history. All you need to make history come alive is to read historical fictions, biographies, non-fiction picture books, and primary documents. It's simple, it's fun, and it's so doable! Pour yourself a cup of coffee, get your notebook, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| A Podcast To Remember: A Conversation With Amy Sloan | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:24:54 | |
Are you interested in memory work but are not sure how to do it or where to get started? In this week's episode, Carrie revisits a conversation she had with Amy Sloan of Humility & Doxology. Carrie and Amy share ideas about memory work or as Amy likes to call it, "knowing it by heart." In this conversation, Carrie and Amy discuss:
Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Gamify It! A Conversation With Jim Moran | 24 Aug 2023 | 00:28:58 | |
Carrie's learning motto is "Gamify It"! Whatever skill eludes your child, it can probably be explained or taught through a game. Gamify everything: math facts, spelling rules, vocabulary words, science concepts, economic principles, music theory, even History events, the Constitution, and the Electoral College. In this week's coffee break, Carrie talks with one of her favorite game creators, Jim Moran. In an effort to help his daughter learn challenging concepts, he turned those concepts into games. Well, the rest is history! SemperSmart games was created. Carrie and Jim discuss ways to "gamify" just about everything as a way to help students learn more while having fun. Jim also shares the many games he has developed and how moms can use them in their homeschooling. Make sure you listen all the way to the end. You don't want to miss the special offer Jim has for the listeners of this episode. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put those SemperSmart games in your Amazon cart (you will want all of them after this episode), and join Carrie and Jim for a little coffee and conversation about using games to make learning fun. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Homeschooling An Only Child: A Conversation With Jessica Waldock | 17 Aug 2023 | 00:34:16 | |
Many moms educate only one child at home. Homeschooling a single child can be very different from homeschooling multiple children. There are big advantages and some unique challenges too. After Carrie's eldest graduated high school, she found herself homeschooling only one teen for the last four years of their homeschooling journey. In this week's coffee break, Carrie talks with Jessica Waldock, founder of The Waldock Way, about the advantages and blessings of homeschooling only one child. They also delve into some of the unique challenges and how to overcome them in the home education environment. Jessica and Carrie also go down a few rabbit holes about the "art of strewing"! Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Jessica for a little coffee and conversation about homeschooling one child at home. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Change the Narrative With Your Teen: A Conversation with Greta Eskridge | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:29:23 | |
Parents are told it is impossible to have a positive relationship with their teens. It's a lie; don't believe it! It is possible to pursue meaningful relationships with your teen. Spending time with your teen is a gift. Hanging out with your teenager can actually be fun! In this week's episode, Carrie talks candidly with Greta Eskridge about changing this negative, incorrect, and divisive narrative about parent and teen relationships. Greta shares practical ways to pursue relationships with your teens. Even if it seems like your teen doesn't want to be around you, listen to this week's conversation. Don't believe the lies. Don't give up. Change your family's story and the world's narrative. Pour yourself a very large cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Greta for this very important (and fun) conversation. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Hidden Gifts of Homeschooling: A Conversation With Jennifer Pepito | 27 Jul 2023 | 00:33:30 | |
This interview was so good, Carrie wanted to share it again! In this week's episode, Carrie shares a conversation she had with Jennifer Pepito about the many hidden gifts and blessings of homeschooling. As homeschooling moms, not every day feels like a gift. This is why we need a gentle reminder every now that homeschooling really is a gift! If you are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out or you are second-guessing your decision to homeschool and God's calling to home education, you don't want to miss this past coffee break. You will be encouraged and inspired. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, take a deep breath, and join Carrie and Jennifer for some much-needed coffee and conversation. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Preschool Homeschool: A Conversation With Katie Klein | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:35:45 | |
Let them be little! Give your little ones a childhood. Protect their hearts. Keep the wonder years wonderful. The preschool years should not be about academics. It is a time to focus on connections, to explore, and to engage little learners with the world around them! It's a time to build relationships, godly character, and healthy habits. In this week's episode, Carrie talks with Katie Klein, founder of Little House Learning Company and author of the Let Them Be Little Preschool Curriculum. Katie shares the four pillars of early childhood education and how to include them in your homeschooling:
Carrie and Katie also share how to use a gentle approach to learning during the preschool years. Put the toddler down for a nap, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join Carrie and Katie for some coffee and conversation about homeschooling preschool. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Homeschool Planning Simplified (Revisited): A Conversation With Rachael Alsbury | 13 Jul 2023 | 00:33:20 | |
Don't plan your new homeschooling year or finalize your plans until you listen to this week's little coffee break. This week, Carrie is sharing a conversation she had last year with Rachael Alsbury! In this past episode, Rachael and Carrie talk about yearly and weekly planning and how to cook, clean, and keep up with normal mom stuff while teaching too. Rachael also shares her Simple Start Formula, her Planning Schema, and her Daily Anchors. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, pull out your homeschool planner, and join Carrie and Rachael for some coffee and conversation about how to plan and organize your homeschooling this coming school year. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Play, Talk, 'n Dyslexia: A Conversation With Aimee Eucee | 06 Jul 2023 | 00:36:48 | |
This interview was so awesome the first time, Carrie wanted to share again. Carrie revisits a conversation she had with Aimee Eucce, a 2nd generational homeschooler who also struggled with severe Dyslexia growing up. She was told she would never read past a sixth-grade level. She hated reading but that all changed in sixth grade. What happened? Thanks to Aimee's mom and the reading program, Play 'n Talk, Aimee was reading and spelling at a college level by grade six. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Home Education VS Home Schooling: A Conversation with Stephanie Slade | 29 Jun 2023 | 00:27:44 | |
"Don't let schooling get in the way of your education" ~ Mark Twain Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| Christmas Nature Studies Revisited | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:14:24 | |
This December, put all of your books away except for your watercolors and nature journals. Christmas is the perfect time of the year to be outdoors and to do some winter nature studies. There is nothing like fresh air and God’s creation to help us slow down and re-center our focus on the reason for the season, the birth of our Lord and Savior. In this week's episode, Carrie shares a ton of simple, no-prep, nature studies you can do with the entire family. She even shares some nature trivia and tons of picture books to read too. Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little Christmas coffee break. For the list of books mentioned in this episode, check out blog article, "Christmas Nature Studies" at www.coffeewithcarrie.org Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| Speaking It Forward: Sowing Seeds That Will Reap In Another Season | 22 Jun 2023 | 00:32:40 | |
God's Word has eternal power. The words of a mother have power. In this week's episode, Carrie's guest, Jenni Hunt Dowling, shares just how powerful the words of a mother can be. Carrie knew God ordained her to sit next to Jenni at the Wild + Free Speaker luncheon. God knew Carrie needed to hear Jenni's story. Her testimony reminded Carrie of how powerful words are and that moms can speak life into their children by claiming God’s purposes and promises for their lives and for their children's lives.
This is one of the most powerful conversations Carrie has had in the past 3 years. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and join Carrie and Jenni for this little coffee break. You don't want to miss it! Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| A Passion-Driven Education: A Conversation with Connor Boyack | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:39:52 | |
What is interest-led learning? What is a passion-driven education? In this week's episode, Carrie shares a past interview with Connor Boyack, the author of Passion-Driven Education and the Tuttle Twins. In this conversation, Connor discusses two of his 30+ books, The Passion-Driven Education: How to Use Your Child's Interests to Ignite a Lifelong Love of Learning and Skip College: Launch Your Career without Debt, Distractions, or a Degree. Carrie and Connor discuss how to replace standards-based education with interest-led learning and the importance of replacing your "school at home" model with a home education lifestyle. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Homeschool OG: A Conversation With Carolyn & Martin Forte | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:40:23 | |
You really can homeschool outside the box! Let the Homeschooling OG's tell you how! In this week's episode, Carrie shares a past interview with you two of her mentors and favorite people in the southern California homeschooling community, Carolyn and Martin Forte. As homeschool pioneers, they have successfully homeschooled their two daughters and have influenced the direction of the homeschool movement for over 30 years. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| The Sound of Music: A Conversation with Christa Svoboda | 01 Jun 2023 | 00:31:03 | |
Do you do Hymn Studies with your family? Are you curious as to how to get started and what they are? In this week's episode, Carrie and Christa Svoboda talk about doing Hymn Studies as part of your family worship time and morning time lessons. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and praise the Lord during this week's little coffee break. Join Carrie and her guest, Christa, for a little coffee and conversation about hymn studies. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Simplicity of Music: A Conversation With Jenni Hunt Dowling | 25 May 2023 | 00:29:10 | |
"Music speaks what cannot be expressed. It soothes the mind and gives it rest. It heals the heart and makes it whole. It flows from heaven to heal the soul." ~ K.C. Lynn Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| Passport to Learning: Multi-Subject Approach to Learning Geography | 18 May 2023 | 00:25:21 | |
Travel the world without leaving the comfort of your home. The only bag you will need to pack is your library bag. Use books, music, art, history, geography, math, games, food, science, and field trips to explore countries and cultures around the world. In this week's episode, Carrie shares how to spend an entire school year "traveling" the world. Helpful tips are given on how to easily use geography and mapwork as the backbone for an entire year of immersive, integrative, and family-style learning. Carrie also gives a sneak peek preview of the new curriculum resource, Passport to Learning Morning Time Plans digital book, that will be available this summer to order at coffeewithcarrie.org. Pour yourself a cup of Italian espresso or a glass of Thai tea, put your feet up, and join Carrie for a little coffee break and travel talk. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| The Best Homeschooling Advice Ever! | 11 May 2023 | 00:18:44 | |
Carrie asked her listeners to share the best Homeschooling advice that they have ever received. In this week's episode, Carrie shares their answers as well as a few extra pieces of advice from her experiences along the way. You will love these answers! They are very encouraging (and practical). After you listen to this week's episode, you need to share this episode with all of your friends. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| End the Year Strong: Updated | 27 Apr 2023 | 00:22:05 | |
Just breathe... You've got this! The end of the school year can be a stressful time for homeschooling moms. In this week's episode, Carrie asks three simple questions that will help moms end the school year strong and with confidence. Carrie shares how to use a homeschooling mission statement (or yearly goals) to help answer three simple questions and gives suggestions, helpful tips, and much-needed encouragement to ease your fears, relieve your guilt, and hopefully eliminate the stress that usually comes when wrapping up a school year. "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, get a notebook, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| The Gift of Dyslexia: A Conversation With Joseph De Francisco | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:26:46 | |
In this week's coffee break, Carrie talks with one of her favorite people-her son, Joseph! Joseph shares the challenges and blessings of being dyslexic, and Carrie shares the struggles and privileges of teaching a child with learning differences. Last February at Carrie's annual Homeschooling Mom Conference, Joe was on the Homeschool Graduate Panel during the Q & A Session. He was a hit with the moms! Joe's stories, testimony, and transparency encouraged and inspired the moms. Many of the moms in attendance asked Joseph to share even more about his learning differences and his homeschooling journey. In this week's episode, Joe candidly talks about his struggles, what being dyslexic has taught him about life, education, and himself, and how his faith has grown because of it. Carrie and Joe also share from their personal experiences things parents can do to help a child who struggles and then gives words of encouragement to moms who feel they aren’t enough for their child. You don't want to miss this episode! Join Carrie and Joe for a little coffee and conversation about the gift of dyslexia. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
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| The High School Years: A Conversation With Francesca De Francisco | 13 Apr 2023 | 00:40:11 | |
Homeschooling the high school years allows your teen to chart his or her own course. In this week's episode, Carrie talks with one of her favorite people- her daughter, Francesca, who charted her own course for meeting her state's graduation requirements. During her high school years, Francesca traveled, interned, volunteered, started a few businesses, pursued her passions, discovered God's purpose for her life, earned college scholarships, took college classes, choreographed a few children's musicals, and even graduated high school at the age of fifteen. In this coffee break, Carrie and Francesca share the blessings, advantages, gifts, pitfalls, challenges, and freedoms that come with homeschooling through high school. They also share lessons they learned, what they would do differently, and some of their favorite memories. Join Carrie and Francesca for a little coffee and conversation about homeschooling the high school years. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Christmas Schooling With Christmas Carols | 04 Dec 2025 | 00:22:02 | |
"Joy to the world, the Lord has come!" Christmas carols (or hymns for the Advent season) are full of biblical truths, Bible verses, and the gospel. Why not use the sounds of the season for your family devotions or your "lessons" in the month of December? In this week's episode, Carrie shares how you can do some Christmas schooling using only three things: your favorite carols, a Bible, and the book, Then Sings My Soul (Special Edition) by Robert Morgan. Carrie gives you simple, step-by-step directions as well as historical background, Bible passages to read, and even some trivia about four beloved Christmas carols. Pour yourself a cup of peppermint latte, put up your feet, crank up the Christmas music, and take a little coffee break with Carrie. Check out this month's sponsor and Carrie's favorite reading program: https://www.playntalk.com/phonics Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Create a Daily Rhythm (and Find Your Family's Groove) | 06 Apr 2023 | 00:25:00 | |
What is a daily rhythm? If you have been homeschooling for at least six months, you know your family has a certain "groove.” It might be somewhat different each day, but the basic rhythm is the same. In recent years, homeschooling moms refer to their family’s unique groove as their “daily rhythm.” The terminology may have changed but the concept is still the same. Whatever you call it, every family has it. In this week's episode, Carrie gives a glimpse into her family's daily rhythm and shares ideas on how to find and lean into your own family groove. Finding your family's groove will help create peace in your home and creating a daily rhythm will give you a sense of security. Take a deep breath and smell the coffee brewing, pour yourself a cup of joe, and join Carrie for this little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Mending Nets: Take a Sabbatical | 23 Mar 2023 | 00:19:33 | |
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”~ Albert Einstein. In our marriages, parenting, jobs, and homeschooling, moms often discipline the same way, teach the same way, and work the same way and then we are surprised and disappointed when nothing changes. In this week's episode, Carrie shares a few words of encouragement from John 21 and how a simple act of doing something different can reap great and surprising rewards. Sometimes taking a break (short or long) is exactly what our hearts, homes, and homeschooling need. In this little coffee break, Carrie shares how important it is to take time to "mend our nets" before casting them out on the other side of the boat and what that looks like when homeschooling. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, get your journal, and join Carrie for a little coffee break. Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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| Sow the Seeds of Wonder: Homeschool in the Garden | 09 Mar 2023 | 00:22:36 | |
A garden is a magical place! It all began in a garden. Mary, Colin, and Dickon discovered a garden's healing powers. Children find themselves while playing in and tending to a garden. “Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, in our own)" Richard Louv. In this week's episode, Carrie shares simple and inexpensive ways to sow the seeds of wonder in your children by planting a garden. Even if you don't have a yard, the space, the budget, or even a green thumb, starting a garden as part of your homeschooling is possible. Pour yourself a cup of green tea, put your feet up, and take a little coffee break with Carrie.
Purchase A Home Education Handbook: 9 Questions to Ask for Simple & Balanced Home-Based Learning Purchase Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
Schedule a Coffee Date (One-on-One Personalized Coaching Session: Coffee With Carrie
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