Self Directed – Details, episodes & analysis

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Marta Obiols Llistar, a former teacher, explains why she left the traditional classroom to embrace unschooling. Marta shares how John Holt's philosophy reshaped her parenting and life, from rejecting rigid educational systems to trusting her children’s natural ability to learn. We discuss the challenges of unlearning as a teacher, building deep family connections, and thriving outside conventional education.

As an unschooling advocate and author of 18, Marta shares personal stories that amplify the unschooling community. Originally from Catalonia and now based in the US, Marta continues raising awareness about the values of self-directed education. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about unschooling or alternative education.

🔗 Want to know more about Marta? 

• https://www.instagram.com/unschoolingstory18 
• https://www.tiktok.com/@unschoolingstory18 
• https://x.com/unschooling1 
• https://www.asuccessfuleducation.com 

Check out Martas Books

• 18: An Unschooling Experience 
• A Successful Education: How to tailor an education to perfectly fit your unique child's needs

Spanish links

• https://www.instagram.com/vidasinc0le 
• https://www.tiktok.com/@vidasincole 

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
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Charlotte Addison is among our favorite people: A fellow traveler, unschooler, and someone with whom we have co-lived for an extended period and more to come. 

Together with Charlotte, we delve into how unschooling and lifelong learning can redefine educational choices and personal growth. We challenge the idea that formal qualifications are the only markers of success. Instead, passion and real-world experiences can unlock doors to opportunities often reserved for those with degrees. This conversation is a testament to the magic of continuous learning through formal courses or self-directed pursuits and the importance of letting children explore life freely.

In a world full of societal norms and expectations, we ponder what it truly means to lead a life aligned with one's values. This episode is an invitation to reflect on parenting and lifestyle choices, embrace emotional and spiritual fulfillment over societal pressures, and cherish the ongoing journey of growth with gratitude for every shared moment.

🗓️ Recorded November 10th, 2024. 📍 Krakow, Poland

Follow Charlotte on IG: https://www.instagram.com/magickalhealingmama

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
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Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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Shannon Hayes is a sustainable farmer, author, and chef from Sap Bush Hollow Farm in Upstate New York, where she and her family raise grass-fed livestock using regenerative agriculture. In addition to managing the family farm and café, Shannon homeschools her children and explores themes of slow living, sustainability, and joyful living in her writings and podcast.

In this episode, Shannon shares her unique perspective on balancing family life, homeschooling, and running a farm while reflecting on her daughters’ passion for sustainable fashion. Raised with thrift shopping and creative expression, her daughters have embraced fashion as an artistic and ecological statement.

Together, we dive into how they challenge mainstream consumerism and what this means for our families' homeschooling journey.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on slow travel, family farming, and how to create a meaningful life rooted in joy, sustainability, and personal contentment.

🗓️ Recorded September 12th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom

Connect with Shannon Hayes:

• Website: http://theradicalhomemaker.net/
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005ZD9C6U/allbooks

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

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What if you could form a connection so deep with an animal that it changes your entire perspective on life? 

Our friend Rohit Wadwadi joins us to share his incredible journey working with animals at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone, where he raised a baby chimp named Flavor and formed a bond like no other. 

Rohit's story is a testament to the profound impact animals can have on our lives and the incredible connections we can make with them.

In this heartwarming conversation, we explore Rohit's journey of giving back through volunteering and how it led him to a life of minimalist living and joy. 

Rohit also shares how his upbringing has inspired him to help others. 

Finally, Rohit opens up about facing fears and embracing freedom as he shares his experience of overcoming childhood fears and applying the same approach to his adult life. 

In this podcast episode, you will learn how taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to personal growth and even greater opportunities. 

From volunteering for bird conservation to learning AI in European hubs, Rohit's story is an inspiration for us all to take action and follow our dreams.

The adventure is the people. This is what we tell people when they ask about our travels. And one of our biggest interpersonal adventures has been meeting Rohit, who has traveled the world, working for NGOs and helped save migrating birds as a human shield against hunters on Malta, caring for a baby chimp in Sierra Leona, and working with wolves in Scotland.  Besides this - he is a wonderful human being who has inspired us on many levels. 

Now it is time for you to meet Rohit and hopefully be inspired.

🗓️ Recorded March 9th, 2023. 📍Garrufo, Provincia di Teramo, Italy

Connect with Rohit
If you work with an NGO and need some AI work, then you can reach out to Rohit at http://toraktech.com/

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the wild?

This episode features an incredible conversation with Lucy AitkenRead, a nomadic adventurer who shares her family's journey from London to off-grid living in New Zealand.

Lucy AitkenRead is a mother, activist, bestselling author, and an unschooling advocate and runs Disco Learning.

After living in London for years, Lucy and her husband felt the desire to break away from societal expectations and fulfill a deeper calling. They drove off in a van and explored Europe before settling down in New Zealand, where her husband is from. Lucy shares her story in her book: '30 Days of Rewilding’, which is a collection of daily readings that will inspire families to fall in love with nature.'

We dive into their experience on the road, the balance between work and family, and the lessons they've learned along the way.

We also tackle the topic of unschooling, discussing the need to dismantle the traditional school system and empower children to thrive outside of those institutions. Lucy offers her insights on the social implications of unschooling, the healing potential of this journey, and the systemic injustice it seeks to address. This conversation will challenge your perspectives on education, relationships, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life.

We hope you will enjoy this episode and be inspired to follow your own calling, even if it means breaking away from societal norms and expectations, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating a life that aligns with your values.
See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected12

🗓️ Recorded February 15th, 2023. 📍Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Connect with Lucy Aitkenread
Unschooling course: https://discolearning.com
Blog: https://lulastic.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LulasticAndTheHippyshake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_aitkenread

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast
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Join us as we chat with Pat Farenga, who shares his journey with John Holt and Growing Without Schooling Magazine. 

We first met Pat Farenga when he interviewed us for the John Holt Growing Without Schooling website in 2018. Since then, we have become friends, and now it is our pleasure to introduce you to this wonderful man who has done so much for spreading the knowledge of unschooling and for John Holt’s work in particular.

Pat Farenga met John Holt in the 1970s and became a close collaborator and friend. Together, they worked on several projects aimed at promoting unschooling and helping parents navigate the challenges of homeschooling. Pat was an integral part of John Holt's organization, Growing Without Schooling, which provided resources and support for parents interested in unschooling.

After John Holt passed away in 1985, Pat Farenga continued publishing the Growing Without Schooling magazine. A magazine he today is re-editing into books, so the many great stories of how you can live a life without school are available for even more people.

In this engaging conversation, we explore the challenges and rewards of homeschooling and unschooling, as well as the societal implications of these alternative approaches. Pat offers valuable insights on navigating the noise of modern life while staying true to your educational values, whether you're a homeschooler, unschooler, or simply a lifelong learner. Learn how to balance personal passions, family responsibilities, and social expectations.

We hope this episode will help you to reflect on your own educational experiences and explore the vast possibilities of alternative education. 

Get inspired by Pat's unique perspective on the homeschooling movement and learn how you can empower yourself and your family through unschooling.

Thank you, Pat, for all the work you are doing to help families live their lives - free from school and free to learn.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected11

🗓️ Recorded January 24th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with Patrick Farenga:

• Website: https://johnholtgws.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoltGWS

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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Shannon Hayes, from Sap Bush Hollow Farm, holds a Ph.D. in sustainable agriculture and community development from Cornell University and a bachelor's in creative writing from Binghamton University. She is the author of seven books, including The Grassfed Gourmet, Radical Homemakers, and Redefining Rich. Shannon is also a fantastic unschooling advocate.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected10

🗓️ Recorded January 26th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy.

Connect with Shannon Hayes:

• Website: http://theradicalhomemaker.net/
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005ZD9C6U/allbooks

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

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Imagine traveling the world for over 1,680 days with your family – exploring new cultures, learning from unique experiences, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Sounds like a dream, right? 

Join us as we chat with Sarah and Massey, world travelers and parents to three amazing kids, who've done just that! From navigating tricky roads in Costa Rica to living in a van during the pandemic, we dive deep into their journey and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Massy & Sarah has been traveling full time since June 2018. They are an Italian family that, in 2010, sold everything to move to the States. After eight years, they decided it was time to take another big step! In June 2018, they sold everything again and started exploring the world with their three kids: Cosimo, Emma, and Luca. 

Traveling with children comes with its own set of challenges, but Sarah and Massey share how their kids have quickly adapted to new environments and made friends despite language barriers. We also discuss the concept of 'unschooling,' which has allowed their family to break free from the traditional education system and embrace learning through real-world experiences. But how do they manage their budget and create a passive income while on the go? Find out their secrets and strategies.

Lastly, we reflect on the advantages of being a nomad and how it allows us to truly connect with people from all walks of life.

We explore ways to overcome common obstacles that prevent people from traveling long-term and how to immerse oneself in the local culture of each destination. From forging incredible bonds with locals to inspiring others to explore the world outside their comfort zones, Sarah and Massey's story is one episode you won't want to miss.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected9

🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with  @the5worldexplorers  

• Website: https://www.the5worldexplorers.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@the5worldexplorers 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the5worldexplorers
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5worldexplorers

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
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What happens when you step off the beaten path of traditional schooling and embrace the world as your children's classroom?

In this episode, we are joined by Robin Robertson, a homeschooling and unschooling mom who shares her family's journey into alternative education. Discover how Robin and her husband were inspired to pull their children out of the conventional school system and provide them with unique learning experiences through travel and unschooling.

Robyn is the host of the popular podcast "Honey, I'm Homeschooling the Kids," which is dedicated to providing resources, support, and inspiration to parents who have decided to homeschool their children. Through her podcast, Robyn has created a platform where parents can come together to learn, grow, and connect, all with the ultimate goal of giving their children the best education possible.

Explore the ever-changing landscape of homeschooling in Canada and the challenges that come with choosing this unconventional path. In this episode, Robin offers insightful perspectives on the differing regulations across the country and emphasizes the importance of sharing stories and encouraging others to explore alternative education methods. Dive together with us into the unschooling philosophy, the challenges of explaining this lifestyle to others, and the necessity for adults to let go and allow children to lead their own lives.

Robin also shares her children's successes and how they've thrived in leadership roles through their one-of-a-kind learning experiences. We discuss the significance of giving teenagers the space and time to grow, explore, and mature on their own terms.

We hope you will enjoy the episode as we challenge the traditional structure of schooling and celebrate the boundless possibilities of alternative learning paths.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected8

🗓️ Recorded January 17th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with Robyn

• Website: https://imhomeschooling.com
• Podcast: https://imhomeschooling.com/podcast-episodes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeyimhomeschoolingthekids
• Clubhouse:

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PODCAST INFO
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YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
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Listen to our conversation with Juliet Silveira, a mother of three, unschooler, and former educator, as we delve into her journey from teaching in charter schools to discovering the world of unschooling and alternative education.

Juliet is a consultant in parenting, education, and organizational culture, and she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master's in Education Research. We stumbled over Juliet's work on Instagram, where she is active as JulietLearns..

In this podcast episode, Juliet shares her struggles with the disparities in the American school system and her quest to find a free school that aligns with her parenting values.

We also discuss the challenges she faces in advocating for change on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and explore the differences between European and American school systems, including the issues surrounding standardized testing and the limitations it places on Montessori schools.

Prepare to have your perspective on education transformed as we uncover alternative approaches to serve our children's needs and development better.

See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected7

🗓️ Recorded December 30th, 2023. 📍Casa Nina, Sampieri, Sicily, Italy

Connect with Julia
Website: https://www.julietsilveira.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/julietlearns
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/julietlearns

Support the show

PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
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