Explore every episode of the podcast Self Directed
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 127: Why We Chose Nomadic Freedom for Our Family | The Conrads & Jamie Rumble | 03 Jul 2025 | 01:24:25 | |
We got an email from Jamie Rumble... "I’m a Master of Education student at Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia, Canada. For my thesis, I’m researching how digital nomads are adapting their lifestyles in response to climate change, and what insights their experiences might offer for future education and planetary citizenship." We thought it could be an interesting talk and said yes, given that we could use the recording for our podcast. In this episode, we, Cecilie and Jesper Conrad, sit down with researcher Jamie Rumble to discuss our seven years as a nomadic family. We explain why we sold our house and chose to travel full-time with our three kids and two dogs, sharing what freedom really means to us. We delve into the details of world schooling, explaining why we prioritise values, ethics, and adaptability over traditional school subjects. We talk about building and maintaining community while always on the move, and why we often say that “the adventure is the people.” We challenge the Instagram version of digital nomadism and share the practical realities of this life, from constant planning to the sacrifices involved. We also discuss privilege and the reasons we chose not to follow the conventional school system. This episode offers a glimpse into what it's like to live as a nomadic family and the deliberate choices we make about engaging with the world. 🗓️ Recorded June 27th, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 126: Vanessa Woozley | Single Mom, Van Life, and Worldschooling | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:57:53 | |
What happens when a single mom chooses to reject conventional norms, embraces van life, and takes her daughter out of traditional education? Vanessa Woozley joins us to share her inspiring story of courage, resilience, and transformation. Vanessa’s adventure began with short trips, gradually evolving into full-time worldschooling in a van. She dispels myths about needing significant resources or a traditional two-parent household to pursue a life of travel and alternative education. Vanessa reveals how her daughter thrived after leaving conventional schooling, becoming self-motivated and deeply engaged in learning through genuine interests. We explore the practicalities of single-parent van life, covering everything from managing online education and co-parenting arrangements to handling van troubles and finding community through worldschooling hubs. Vanessa's insights on facing fears, handling uncertainty, and embracing resilience offer powerful encouragement to anyone considering a similar journey. Vanessa also shares her holistic approach to health and well-being on the road, highlighting the simplicity and importance of maintaining healthy routines and nutrition despite the nomadic lifestyle. 🗓️ Recorded June 19th, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Connect with Vanessa Woozley
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| 125: Jack Stewart | What I Learned When I Turned Off the Internet: Real Life Begins | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:54:30 | |
When Jack Stewart turned off the internet, he discovered that digital connection often acts as a “social appetite suppressant”—satisfying on the surface, but not deeply nourishing. In this conversation, Jack explains how removing online distractions led him to seek out in-person connection, from literally knocking on neighbors’ doors to organizing his own book and writing salons. We discuss the qualitative difference between digital admirers and real friends, and why meaningful conversations rarely happen through casual online chat. Jack outlines how he created formal spaces—book clubs, writing groups, salons—to foster intellectual depth and genuine community. The discussion moves to Jack’s research on “common pool resources,” and the practical lessons from Nobel Prize winner Eleanor Ostrom’s work on how communities can successfully govern shared spaces. We explore what makes a community sustainable, including trust, collective rule-making, and how conflict is resolved without defaulting to authority or privatization. Cecilie and Jesper share their own experiences with offline community-building and the Scandinavian tradition of “hygge” as an egalitarian way of sharing space. The episode finishes with a reflection on what it really takes to build trust, give comfort, and create belonging in a world shaped by digital isolation. 🗓️ Recorded June 17th, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Links from our talk
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| 124: Jennie Germann Molz | The World Is Our Classroom: Extreme Parenting and the Rise of Worldschooling | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:52:34 | |
Sociologist Jennie Germann Molz joins the podcast to discuss her book The World Is Our Classroom: Extreme Parenting and the Rise of Worldschooling. Jennie is a professor at the College of the Holy Cross whose research explores mobility, technology, and alternative forms of family life. Drawing on both academic insight and her own experience traveling the world with her ten-year-old son, she examines what happens when families move beyond traditional education models and choose to learn through travel. We talk about how worldschooling challenges conventional ideas of parenting, risk, and education. The term itself includes a wide range of practices, from part-time educational travel to fully nomadic living. What connects them is a shared belief that learning happens outside institutional classrooms. Jennie also describes how both worldschooling and more conventional approaches like helicopter parenting can respond to the same concerns about preparing children for the future. The conversation looks at worldschooling through the lens of a sociologist, covering how travel shapes emotional adaptability in children, how standardized testing limits our understanding of learning, and how digital tools and post-COVID shifts have expanded possibilities for mobile education. For listeners interested in alternative education, digital nomad families, or learning outside school systems, this episode offers a grounded academic view of the worldschooling movement. 🗓️ Recorded June 10th, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Learn more about Jennie Germann Molz
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| 123: Corianda Shepherd | Creating a Worldschooling Community in Spain | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:04:53 | |
After her eight-year-old son was expelled from school in the UK, Corianda Shepherd and her partner Joel left behind a life that no longer worked. They moved to rural Spain, bought the first house they saw, and slowly built Shepherd’s Rest—a worldschooling community where families live together, learn in nature, and reject the idea that difference needs to be managed or corrected. This episode is not just about homeschooling. It’s about what happens when the social structure becomes too rigid, when families are stretched thin, and when children who don’t fit are sidelined. We talk about creating a different rhythm, not as an escape, but as a deliberate response to a system that has forgotten its purpose. Corianda shares how her sons began to thrive in a quieter environment, how a diagnosis doesn’t have to define a life, and why she believes family—not institutions—should be the foundation for raising children. Together, we reflect on how the box society offers has become too small, and what it takes to build something more human outside it. 🗓️ Recorded June 3rd, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Connect with Coriandra and Shepherd’s Rest PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 122: Kute Blackson | The Magic of Surrender: Ego, Intuition, and the Power of Trust | 27 May 2025 | 00:58:33 | |
What if the real magic happens not when you push harder, but when you let go? We explore surrender as a powerful, often misunderstood key to living a fuller life. Kute Blackson is a transformational teacher and bestselling author of The Magic of Surrender. Known for his dynamic presence and multicultural background, he’s guided thousands worldwide through teachings on surrender, purpose, and authentic living. Kute shares how walking away from his father’s Ghanaian mega-church, following his intuition, and embracing the unknown led him to unexpected success and deeper fulfillment. We dig into the nature of ego, why surrender doesn’t mean weakness, and how paying attention to life’s subtle signs can open doors you never imagined. For anyone curious about living more in alignment with their soul, this conversation offers both practical tools and surprising insights. 🗓️ Recorded May 21st, 2025. 📍 Prague, Czechia 🔗 Connect with Kute Blackson
Free masterclass: www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com Eight Levels of Gratitude (free video course): www.8levelsofgratitude.com PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 121: Lenore Skenazy | Free Play: The Lost Key to Childhood Development | 21 May 2025 | 00:37:12 | |
In this episode, we explore how modern culture has stripped childhood of the freedom it needs to thrive—and what can be done to bring it back. Our guest is Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, launched with Jonathan Haidt, Peter Gray, and Daniel Shuchman to champion independence, resilience, and real-world learning. Together, we unpack how fear, measurement, and control have come to dominate parenting and education. From the rise of isolated family units to the spread of enrichment culture, today’s children are surrounded by adults who often confuse supervision with support. The result is a generation of kids with less room to explore, solve problems, and grow on their own. We talk about how Let Grow is working to change this—by making it normal again for kids to walk to the store, play unsupervised, and take age-appropriate risks. Lenore shares the story of a high school that gave students one week of unstructured play, and the surprising transformation that followed. The spark of self-direction wasn’t lost—it was just waiting for space to reappear. Visit letgrow.org to explore free programs, school initiatives, and policy work that supports childhood independence. 🔗 Connect with Lenore Skenazy
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| 120: Anna Vestlev Sandfeld | Why We Choose Unschooling | 14 May 2025 | 00:49:50 | |
What happens when your child simply won't fit inside society's educational box? When Anna Vestlev Sandfeld realized her son didn’t fit into the structure of kindergarten—and likely never would fit into traditional school—she and her husband chose unschooling. In this conversation with her cousin Cecilie and co-host Jesper, Anna reflects on the first year of stepping away from the system. Anna shares how the loss of her first child shaped her parenting values, what it meant to leave a job she loved, and how her son’s strong will and focused interests made conventional paths feel impossible. We explore what unschooling looks like when a child is, as Anna puts it, a “force of nature.” She shares how they’ve let go of routines around food, sleep, and learning, and how screen time—especially a Paw Patrol obsession—became a mirror for her own discomfort. We also discuss emotional availability as a form of parenting work, and why being present can be more powerful than teaching. 🗓️ Recorded May 13th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 119: Amir Nathoo | Outschool: Passion, Not Curriculum, Is the Future of Education | 06 May 2025 | 00:28:15 | |
Outschool founder Amir Nathoo explains why education built on passion—not curriculum—may be the only way to truly prepare kids for a rapidly changing world. We talk about his shift from traditional schooling in the UK to building Outschool, how becoming a parent deepened his beliefs, and why interest-led learning offers more than just flexibility—it offers resilience. Amir shares the emotional challenge of stepping away from conventional paths, how Outschool helps parents manage fears without compromising child-led learning, and why AI is forcing us to rethink what human intelligence really is. We also get into the science of farts, cat anatomy, and mock stock trading—and why those classes matter more than you think. 🔗 Connect with Amir Nathoo 🔗 Outschool
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| 118: David Cole | Questioning Normal – Our Offbeat Life as a Full-Time Traveling Family | 01 May 2025 | 00:41:05 | |
Ever wondered what life could look like if you broke free from the conventional 9-5? David Cole and his family sold their home in Chicago in 2019 and haven’t stopped moving since. Cecilie and Jesper talk with him about how they made the shift from occasional travellers to full-time nomads. "I think what stopped us the most was mindset," David reveals, reflecting on their journey from dreaming to doing. After years of passionate but occasional travel, they finally made the leap—starting with house-sitting across the US before boarding a 22-day cruise to Singapore and continuing through Southeast Asia. What began as a shared love for exploration evolved into a complete lifestyle redesign that prioritizes presence, connection, and curiosity. This isn’t about escaping; it’s about deciding how to live and taking the next step—even if it’s not perfect. 🔗 Connect with David Cole
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| 117: Dr. Cam Caswell | Why Control Fails and Connection Works with Teens | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:49:29 | |
Dr. Cam joins us to discuss parenting teenagers and why efforts to control them often create more distance. She explains how control can undermine trust and why focusing on connection leads to better results. We discuss the difference between respect and obedience, and how letting teens say “no” builds confidence and self-trust. Jesper shares his shift from being a “parenting by volume” dad to being more present and connected, and how time made the biggest difference. Dr. Cam describes how many dads step back from parenting teens because they feel disconnected or uncertain about how to relate. She talks about why focusing on influence, not authority, helps parents stay close to their teens even in moments of conflict. We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Cam
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| 116: Jacob Nordby | Rethinking Freedom: Purpose, Ritual, and the Value of Being | 16 Apr 2025 | 01:15:08 | |
In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper? While many consider freedom to be about doing whatever they want without constraints, Jacob challenges this perception. "A lot of people assume that freedom means the ability to do whatever they want," he reflects, "but we're learning that most of what we think and believe happens pretty unconsciously." True freedom, it seems, requires the difficult work of self-awareness and introspection. Jacob challenges common ideas about success, self-determination, and meaning. Together, we dive into how societal norms shape our values, why unpaid or “unproductive” work (like parenting or crafting) is deeply meaningful, and how rituals in everyday life can reconnect us to purpose. Jacob shares tools for navigating difficult times and reclaiming inner freedom. “The great victory isn’t avoiding difficulty—it’s knowing we can respond with resilience.”🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program 🔗 Connect with Jacob Nordby
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| 115: Yasmin & Andy | Beyond Boundaries: One Family's Journey from England to Jungle Living in Belize | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:57:56 | |
Yasmin and Andy left a comfortable life in the UK to join a small off-grid community in the jungles of Belize. Fifteen years after cycling through Central America, Yasmin and Andy returned—this time with three kids and a desire for a different kind of life. What began as a plan to visit intentional communities in Europe shifted during the pandemic, eventually landing them in a small permaculture community in Belize. They describe the emotional and practical steps behind leaving the UK, the grief of letting go, and the clarity that comes from recognizing how little time we have. Loneliness in early parenthood, especially within the isolation of the nuclear family, sparked a deeper search for connection. Now, they live alongside five other families where support is built into everyday life. This isn’t a story about escaping—it’s about building. From self-directed education to shared celebrations and infrastructure, Yasmin and Andy reflect on what it takes to live more freely and cooperatively. To learn more about Yasmin, Andy, and Sattvā Land or plan a visit, check the links below. 🔗 Learn more about Yasmin, Andy and SattvaLand
🗓️ Recorded April 5th, 2025. 📍 Somewhere in France, on a highway heading towards Monaco PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 114: Amanda Diekman | Radical Acceptance and Low Demand Parenting | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:50:18 | |
In this episode, we speak with Amanda Diekman about how her parenting changed when her six-year-old son went into autistic burnout. He lost verbal communication, stopped eating most foods, and couldn't follow basic routines. Faced with a crisis, Amanda chose to stop trying to fix him and instead removed demands to create safety. She explains how this shift became the foundation of low-demand parenting—an approach that prioritizes accommodation, reduces expectations, and gives children more agency. We discuss the fear many parents feel when stepping outside conventional norms, how control-based parenting damages relationships, and why even “high-functioning” children may be silently struggling. Amanda also shares how living in a community centered around disability shifted her perspective on independence and success. We cover specific strategies, including how her family uses language like “you’re forcing me” to signal power imbalances, and how she reframed daily routines to support healing. Low-demand parenting isn’t just for neurodivergent children—it challenges the broader parenting culture and offers a different way to relate to our kids. 🔗 Learn more about Amanda Diekman
🗓️ Recorded March 21th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 113: Luz Olid and David Caballero | Education Evolution: Beyond Traditional Schooling | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:51:13 | |
Luz and David from Evolving Education left careers in biotechnology to explore and document alternative education models worldwide. Frustrated by rigid schooling systems, they traveled to over 170 learning centers to understand how children learn best outside the traditional classroom. In this episode, we talk about how compulsory schooling originated in 19th-century Prussia as a system designed to produce obedient soldiers and workers, a model later exported worldwide as a tool for colonization and cultural suppression. We discuss how education has been shaped by these historical forces and why so many modern schools still emphasize conformity over curiosity. Luz and David explain the “Expedition Methodology” they developed, which focuses on exploration, experimentation, and community as key components of meaningful learning. Rather than pushing a single solution, they emphasize the importance of cross-pollination between different educational approaches and the need for families, teachers, and learning communities to collaborate in rethinking how children grow and learn. Instead of waiting for top-down reforms, they work directly with those already creating change—educators, parents, and pioneers looking for alternatives. Their mission is to make these models more accessible, providing tools and resources to help others implement child-led, passion-driven learning environments. Visit evolvingeducation.org to access their free ebook, watch their documentary films, and join their community. They also host monthly “Voices of Change” webinars featuring educators working at the forefront of alternative learning. 🔗 Learn more about Evolving Education
🗓️ Recorded March 18th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 112: Iris Chen | Untigering: From Control to Connection – Peaceful Parenting for the Tiger Parent | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:57:02 | |
Iris Chen, author of Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent, shares how she shifted from a strict, high-expectation parenting style to a trust-based approach. Raised in a Chinese-American household, Iris grew up with academic pressure and obedience as the norm. She carried those expectations into her own parenting—until she saw how control and punishment were harming her relationship with her children. A parenting workshop on neuroscience led her to rethink discipline, ultimately guiding her toward unschooling. This conversation looks at how tiger parenting is often rooted in intergenerational trauma, especially in immigrant communities where educational success is tied to security and acceptance. Instead of accepting these methods as “cultural,” Iris encourages parents to examine their origins and whether they truly serve their children today. 📚 Learn more about Iris Chen and Untigering
🗓️ Recorded March 17th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 111: Anne Kirketerp | Craft Psychology: The Link Between Crafting & Wellbeing | 13 Mar 2025 | 01:12:54 | |
The moment you carve, knit, bake or start folding paper, something remarkable happens in your brain. The anxious spiral of thoughts quiets, stress hormones recede, and you enter a state that Dr. Anne Kirketerp calls "meaningful self-forgetfulness." Formerly a professor and research director, Anne left academia to focus on studying the link between crafting and mental health. Her work combines scientific research with practical insights, showing how structured and free-form creative activities can foster flow, resilience, and psychological wellbeing. She is the author of Craft Psychology and runs craftpsychology.com, where she shares research-based insights and exercises designed to help people integrate craft into their daily lives. 📚 Learn more about Anne Kirketerp and Craft Psychology:
🗓️ Recorded February 27th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 110: Asger Leth | Beyond the 9 to 5 – Finding Freedom & Creating a Space for Deep Conversations & Real Connections | 05 Mar 2025 | 01:06:35 | |
What does it mean to truly connect in a world that’s becoming more digital by the day? Asger Leth is a Danish filmmaker, writer, and creative visionary known for his documentary and feature filmmaking work. He gained international recognition for Ghosts of Cité Soleil (2006), a gripping documentary set in Haiti, and later directed the Hollywood thriller Man on a Ledge (2012). Asger has spent years living and working globally with a background deeply rooted in storytelling and cinema. In this episode, filmmaker and creative visionary Asger Leth shares his journey from a restless nomadic life to creating Lakehouse,a cultural and community space in Copenhagen designed to unite people through dialogue, creativity, and shared experiences. We dive into:
From filmmaking to philosophy, from travel to deep discussions, this episode is an exploration of what it means to be truly present, connected, and engaged with the world.
📚 Learn more about Asger Leth:
🔗 Lake House:
🗓️ Recorded February 20th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 109: Dennis Nørmark | Are We Really Free? Pseudo-Work & Unfreedom: How Work & Society Keep Us Trapped | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:57:12 | |
Much of modern work is defined by routine, efficiency targets, and the need to appear productive. But how much of it is actually necessary? Dennis Nørmark, Danish anthropologist, author, and speaker, argues that a significant part of today’s work culture is built on pseudo-work—tasks that maintain appearances rather than create real value. As the co-author of Pseudo-Work: How We Ended Up Being Busy Doing Nothing, he examines why unnecessary work persists and how it shapes our perception of productivity. In I Wish My Boss Was a Chief, he applies leadership lessons from indigenous cultures to modern management, questioning whether our current systems are as effective as we assume. This conversation explores how unfreedom has become a feature of work and society, limiting personal agency and reinforcing structures of control. Predictions from a century ago suggested that technological progress would reduce working hours, yet most people today work as much as ever. Why has this happened? How do schools, workplaces, and governments encourage dependence rather than autonomy? And what can be done to reclaim control over our time and choices? Key Topics
Dennis Nørmark challenges assumptions about work and productivity, raising questions about what it means to contribute meaningfully in a system that values busyness over results. 🗓️ Recorded February 20th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France 📚 Connect with Dennis Nørmark
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| 108: Manisha Snoyer | Unschooling, Community & Rethinking Education | 19 Feb 2025 | 01:01:32 | |
Traditional education often fails to nurture curiosity, creativity, and deep engagement. In this episode, we explore a different path—one that is flexible, self-directed, and built around each child’s unique interests. We discuss homeschooling, unschooling, and modular education, breaking down how families can step away from rigid school structures and embrace learning that feels natural and meaningful. Our guest, Manisha Snoyer, is an entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Modulo, a curated online community that helps homeschooling families access expert resources and support. With experience teaching over 2,000 students worldwide, running a foreign language theater school, and launching education startups like CottageClass and MasteryHour.org, Manisha is passionate about building personalized, project-driven learning environments that prioritize compassion and children’s rights. We discuss how education can be more flexible and connected to real life, the role of community and mentorship in homeschooling, and how platforms like Modulo are making personalized learning more accessible than ever. Join us for a conversation on rethinking education, trusting kids to learn, and creating an environment where curiosity thrives. 🗓️ Recorded February 5th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France 📚 Learn more about Manisha Snoyer’s work:
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| 107: Jessica Joelle Alexander | Danish Parenting Secrets: Raising Happy & Confident Kids | 12 Feb 2025 | 01:28:28 | |
What makes Danish parenting unique, and how does it raise happy, resilient kids? In this episode, we talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander, bestselling author of The Danish Way of Parenting, about Denmark’s highly regarded child-rearing approach. The Danish approach to raising children is shaped by principles from Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783–1872), a Danish pastor, philosopher, and educator who emphasized personal formation ("Dannelse") as equally important as academic education ("Uddannelse"). In the second half of our conversation, we shift into the digital world, where Jessica introduces her latest project, RaisingDigitalCitizens.com. She explains how parents can foster healthy relationships with technology, build trust, and guide children in navigating the online world safely. 🗓️ Recorded January 29th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark 📚 Learn more about Jessica Joelle Alexander’s work: 🔗 Jessica Joelle Alexander
🔗 Raising Digital Citizens
🔗 The Danish Way PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 106: Essie Richards | Breaking Free: Unschooling and Reimagining Education in the UK | 05 Feb 2025 | 01:01:19 | |
How can unschooling create a safe and empowering educational path for children? In this episode, we talk with Essie Richards about her transformative journey from traditional schooling to unschooling in rural Cornwall, UK. Essie shares how her family chose this path after her son faced bullying, leading them to embrace self-directed education as a way to foster curiosity, confidence, and emotional well-being. Our conversation delves into the principles of unschooling, focusing on its power to nurture children’s natural interests and foster stronger family connections. Essie discusses the role of respectful parenting in creating a supportive environment where children can thrive without the constraints of conventional schooling. We also explore the practicalities of this lifestyle, from adjusting family routines to finding a community of like-minded parents, highlighting how unschooling can redefine education as a safe, fulfilling, and flexible process tailored to each child’s unique needs. 🗓️ Recorded January 27th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark https://www.instagram.com/unschoolingcircle PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 105: Sugata Mitra | How Learning Emerges Naturally Through Self-Organizing Systems | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:07:59 | |
Sugata Mitra is a renowned educational researcher and innovator best known for his revolutionary "Hole in the Wall" experiment, which demonstrated the incredible capacity of children to teach themselves when provided with access to technology. A TED Prize winner and creator of the "School in the Cloud," Sugata’s work challenges traditional educational systems and advocates for self-organized and emergent learning as the future of education. After a lighthearted opening about weather and cultural quirks, we transition to the ideas that underpin Sugata’s groundbreaking research.
🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark
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| 104: Dola Dasgupta | Unschooling in India: Embracing Choice and Navigating Challenges | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:47:07 | |
How does homeschooling fit into India’s diverse cultural and educational landscape? In this episode, Dola Dasgupta shares her perspective on the challenges and freedoms of homeschooling and unschooling in a country where formal education is highly valued. We examine the legal uncertainties, cultural factors, and personal decisions that lead families to choose alternative education. The conversation explores unschooling as a lifestyle focused on personal growth and curiosity, by following genuine interests—whether gaming or philosophy—families can build stronger connections and redefine education as a flexible, meaningful process tailored to their needs. We also discuss the practical aspects of homeschooling, including career adjustments and the role of parents. Through shared experiences, we provide insights for families considering this path and highlight the impact unschooling can have on creating a more fulfilling approach to learning. 🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark
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| 103: Peter Gray | Rethinking Education: The Power of Play and Self-Directed Learning | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:31:09 | |
Together with Peter Gray, we explored the concept of self-directed education.
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| 102: Naomi Fisher | Changing Our Minds: How children can take control of their own learning | 08 Jan 2025 | 00:48:18 | |
Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist, writer, and speaker with a focus on self-directed learning, unschooling, and child development. A mother of two, she draws on her professional expertise and firsthand parenting experiences to challenge conventional educational models and help families nurture children’s natural curiosity and autonomy. Together, we explore self-directed learning, the nature of freedom in education, and what happens when children are trusted to follow their own interests. We talk about the impact of traditional schooling on a child’s autonomy, the challenge of parental expectations, and the importance of empowering children—at any age—to discover their true wants. Naomi also shares insights from her books and professional work with families, offering a fresh perspective on how to nurture independent, confident lifelong learners. 🗓️ Recorded January 8th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark
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| 101: Jacob Nordby | Embracing Change and Creative Living through Self-Discovery | 01 Jan 2025 | 00:52:37 | |
Jacob Nordby grew up in a strict Christian cult, isolated and homeschooled. He’s an author, creative guide, and advocate for living authentically. 🗓️ Recorded December 16th, 2024. 📍The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom Website: https://www.jacobnordby.com/ PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 100: Amrit Sandhu | The Power of Consistency, Meaningful Conversations, and Gratitude. | 25 Dec 2024 | 01:07:43 | |
We celebrate our 100th episode by welcoming back our first guest, Amrit Sandhu, for a journey through our podcasting evolution. Reflecting on early challenges and triumphs, Amrit shares insights on how consistency and passion can elevate creative endeavors. Together, we explore meaningful conversations, inspired by "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," and discuss the balance of cherishing personal moments while sharing stories. Our chat also delves into unschooling's potential to shape society and emphasizes gratitude's role in success. Drawing from Marianne Williamson's thoughts on love and power, we highlight the value of presence and service. Join us as we celebrate this milestone, honoring dedication, teamwork, and our listeners who inspire us to continue crafting content that uplifts and connects. PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 99: Meryl Danziger | Unlocking Musical Potential: Following Joy, Not Rules | 18 Dec 2024 | 01:34:34 | |
Meryl Danziger, founder of Music House and author of Sing It! A Biography of Pete Seeger, has redefined music education through curiosity-driven exploration. With a Master’s in Music from Goddard College and a career as a professional violinist, she focuses on helping children connect with music in personal and meaningful ways. Her unique approach emphasizes freedom, creativity, and the intrinsic joy of musical discovery. Meryl shares how she built Music House based on a belief that music is best learned through personal engagement rather than rigid lessons. Her stories of students finding their musical voices through play and experimentation mirror the core values of self-directed learning: trust, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation. Together, we reflect on how art, love, beauty, and personal expression intersect in learning—music and life. We also discuss how parents can create supportive musical environments at home, embracing exploration without formal training. This conversation is for anyone passionate about fostering creativity, questioning traditional education, and seeking new ways to learn through joy, freedom, and personal connection. 🗓️ Recorded December 15th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 98: Rebecca Jean-Charles | It Takes a Village: Community Building and Unschooling | 11 Dec 2024 | 01:02:37 | |
Traditional schooling isn't the only path to socialization for children. In this conversation with Rebecca, we explore how homeschooling and unschooling empower families to build communities that align with their values. We discuss how these approaches encourage children to form meaningful, inclusive social networks across diverse age groups. Our talk delves into neighborhood dynamics and the idea of intentional living as an alternative to traditional setups. Rebecca shares her perspective on how flexibility in diverse communities allows families to adapt their lifestyles without rigid constraints. We also discuss the unique experiences of unschooled children and the importance of fostering inclusivity in creating supportive environments. 🗓️ Recorded December 4th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom Follow Rebecca Jean-Charles:
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| 97: Marta Obiols Llistar | How Unschooling Transforms Teens: Self-Discovery & Resilience | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:59:20 | |
What happens when you step outside traditional education to empower teenagers to discover their true selves? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Marta to explore her journey into unschooling and its profound impact on her children and family. We go into how alternative education fosters individuality, emotional resilience, and self-expression in teens, offering a striking contrast to conventional schooling and how unschooling helps raise confident, self-assured teens. Together, we delve into modern teenage psychology, uncovering teens' struggles balancing societal expectations and authentic identities. Marta recounts personal anecdotes, including the challenges and triumphs of raising teenagers who thrive without the pressure of conformity. 🔗 Want to know more about Marta?
Spanish links 🗓️ Recorded November 20th, 2024. 📍 Krakow, Poland PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 96: Rebecca Jean-Charles | Edugenic Harm: The Hidden Abuse of the School System | 27 Nov 2024 | 00:43:31 | |
In this episode, Cecilie & Jesper Conrad sit down with Rebecca Jean-Charles to explore the concept of Edugenic Harm—how traditional education systems inadvertently harm children by normalizing control, disconnection, and compliance. Through personal stories and reflections, we unpacks our journeys from the conventional school system to homeschooling and unschooling. Key Points Discussed:
🗓️ Recorded November 18th, 2024. 📍 Krakow, Poland Follow Rebecca Jean-Charles:
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| 95: Marta Obiols Llistar | Teacher Turned Unschooler | 20 Nov 2024 | 00:43:02 | |
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. 🔗 Want to know more about Marta?
Check out Martas Books
Spanish links PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 94: Charlotte Addison | Finding Freedom Through Unschooling | 13 Nov 2024 | 01:00:16 | |
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. 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 PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 93: Dr. Michael Greger | How Not to Age & How Not to Die: Unlock Longevity with Nutrition Insights | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:32:39 | |
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Greger, the best-selling author of How Not to Die and How Not to Age, who has revolutionized our understanding of nutrition and longevity. Dr. Greger dives into the transformative journey that led him to lifestyle medicine, inspired by his grandmother’s miraculous health recovery. He shares actionable tips for extending both lifespan and healthspan through plant-based nutrition, tackling chronic diseases, and making empowered health choices. Highlights include the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric, the impact of stress on cravings, and the importance of Vitamin B12 for those on plant-based diets. Dr. Greger also gives us a glimpse into his upcoming research projects on pain management and mental health. Tune in to uncover the keys to healthy aging and the vital role our dietary choices play in living a longer, vibrant life. 🗓️ Recorded October 17th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom ▬ Episode links ▬
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| 92: Christie Ogden | What If It’s Amazing? Nomadic Life & Worldschooling | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:49:31 | |
In this episode, Christie Ogden shares her remarkable journey of embracing world schooling and creating a life of freedom and adventure for her family. As a single mother of six, Christie boldly moved her children from Canada to the Dominican Republic, transforming a challenging situation into an empowering opportunity. Her story is filled with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to living on her terms. Christie discusses the highs and lows of nomadic living, from living in a converted school bus to capturing stunning photos of kite surfers to make a living. She also explores the concept of world schooling, highlighting its diversity and adaptability while emphasizing the importance of creating space for children’s growth and passions. Throughout the episode, Christie encourages listeners to embrace change and keep an open mind about life's possibilities. ▬ Episode links ▬
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| 91: Carla & David | Worldschooling, Van living and Building Global Community | 23 Oct 2024 | 01:01:10 | |
"The amount of uncertainty you can hold is the amount of freedom you have." - Carla Martinez. Together, we explore how worldschooling nurtures lifelong connections, fosters cultural exchanges, and encourages a spirit of openness and flexibility. Carla and David reflect on their experiences, from serendipitous encounters with other home-educating families to creating opportunities and resources for fellow travelers. We dive into the logistics of traveling in camper vans, maintaining relationships across continents, and how technology plays a vital role in staying connected. Their insights also touch on the evolving landscape of world schooling and the balance between structure and freedom, embracing change, and finding joy in life’s unexpected turns. Whether you’re curious about nomadic living or passionate about community building, this episode offers a rich tapestry of reflections, tips, and heartfelt stories. And ... We are forever grateful for David's help in finding the right Van for us. If you are on the lookout for a van yourself, then check out his services at geckocamper.com :)
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| 90: Louisa Andrea | Finding Home in Egypt - A Conversation on Family, Homeschooling, and Growth | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:51:21 | |
Louisa Andrea is a retreat host, educator, and worldschooling advocate based in Egypt. She specializes in creating transformative experiences for families and teens, blending education, conservation, and cultural immersion on Egypt's Red Sea coast while drawing on her mindfulness, spiritual coaching, and energy work background. In this episode, we talk with Louisa Andrea about her move from the UK and Cyprus to Egypt, where she has built a life focused on education and adventure for families and world schoolers. Luisa co-leads community adventures and teen retreats, blending learning with hands-on experiences like conservation with Turtle Watch and cross-cultural exchanges with the local Ababda Bedouin community. We also discuss the practical challenges of balancing personal aspirations with the evolving needs of children, mainly through homeschooling and unschooling. Luisa shares her journey of adapting her approach to education as her teenage son’s needs change, and we talk about the importance of giving children the freedom to explore their own paths. Toward the end, we touch on future plans, including a shared interest in solar eclipses, with a focus on the upcoming event in Egypt in 2027. This episode provides practical insights into worldschooling, family life, and creating educational opportunities outside traditional systems. 🗓️ Recorded October 9th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom ▬ Episode links ▬
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| 89: Jack Stewart | Unplug from the Internet: Homeschooling, Plato, Boundaries & Boardgames | 09 Oct 2024 | 01:02:02 | |
Jack Stewart is a grown-up homeschooler who now homeschools his kids. We met Jack at HEFF in 2024 and enjoyed talking with him. This is our second episode with Jack, and you should consider starting with the first episode we recorded together. In this episode, we sit down with Jack Stewart to discuss how technology affects our daily lives and how setting boundaries around internet use can improve emotional well-being. Jack introduces the idea of technology as a "social appetite suppressant," explaining how it can fill emotional gaps but also lead to a lack of real-world connection. Together, we explore strategies for creating healthier habits around technology. We also dive into homeschooling and unschooling, focusing on how families can manage education outside of the traditional system. Jack shares his passion for Plato’s philosophy and explains how it inspired the development of his educational board game. The game combines art, languages, and math to help learners connect different subjects and holistically explore education. If you’re interested in improving your tech habits, learning more about homeschooling, or curious about using educational philosophy in creative projects like game design, this episode offers practical insights and real-life examples. 🗓️ Recorded October 4th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom ▬ Episode links ▬ Jack is no longer active on the internet. If you want to connect, then write to him at jackstewartcontact@gmail.com. If you want to sneak peek at some of Jack's old stuff from when he was active on the internet, then you can check out:
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| 88: Jack Stewart | Homeschooling and Unplugging for Deeper Human Connections | 02 Oct 2024 | 01:08:09 | |
Jack Stewart is a grown-up homeschooler. We explore how self-paced learning has shaped his social life and personal development. Jack’s upbringing was guided by his mother’s approach to homeschooling, which fostered meaningful friendships and an entrepreneurial spirit that set the stage for his success. These early experiences of forming deep connections outside traditional settings have carried through to his adult life.
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| 87: Erin Loechner | Opting Out of Technology | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:49:24 | |
Erin Loechner is a writer, speaker, and the founder of The Opt-Out Family, a movement dedicated to helping families reduce screen time and foster deeper connections. She is the author of The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, a guide offering practical strategies to reclaim family life from the grip of technology. Erin's other books include Chasing Slow, a memoir about embracing mindfulness. A former social media influencer, Erin now lives a low-tech lifestyle with her husband and three children, sharing insights on her blog, Design for Mankind. In this episode, Erin shares her journey of opting out of the technological influences and the American dream to form a family life centered around what they truly value. She discusses how her previous life as a social media influencer led her family to reevaluate their relationship with technology, resulting in a substantial reduction in tech use. Erin shares advice on creating engaging family activities free from screens, encouraging intrinsic motivation, and fostering a community supportive of low-tech living. This conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a balanced family life in an increasingly digital world. PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 86: Shannon Hayes | Sustainable Living and Homeschool Adventures | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:58:30 | |
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.
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| 85: Lily Nichols | Real Food Strategies for Maternal and Infant Health | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:36:24 | |
Lily Nichols is a renowned dietitian and best-selling author, an expert in prenatal nutrition, and advocates for real food and evidence-based approaches that empower parents to take control of their health. The episode was recorded on the breathtaking Holy Island of Lindisfarne, United Kingdom, where the Vikings first invaded the UK, an island you can only drive to in low tide. It was a great experience to visit, but it had a poor internet connection, so unfortunately, the audio quality of this episode is a little inadequate. ▬ Episode links ▬
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| 84: Marc Wallert: Strength Through Crises: Surviving 140 Days Kidnapped in the Jungle | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:54:40 | |
Marc Wallert is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, and author best known for surviving a 140-day hostage ordeal in the Philippine jungle in 2000. Drawing on this life-changing experience, he helps individuals and organizations build resilience and thrive through crises. https://marcwallert.com/en PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||
| 83: Rob Brinded | Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: Healing Trauma and Reconnecting with the Body | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:51:21 | |
Rob Brinded is an experienced performance coach and healer specializing in the intricate connections between the mind, body, and spirit.
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| 82: Katia Dimova | Chateau Co-Living | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:47:06 | |
In 2023, we spent a month at a castle in Normandy with over 30 other worldschooling families. There, we met Katia Dimova, the founder of Chateau Co-Living. We spend many long nights talking, laughing, sharing moments, and creating friendships. ▬ Episode links ▬
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| 81: Ken Honda | Happy Money. The Japanese art of Gratitude, Generosity, and Money Mindset | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:44:37 | |
Ken Honda is a renowned Japanese author and speaker celebrated for his personal finance and happiness expertise. Known as the "Zen Millionaire," he combines Eastern philosophies with practical financial advice to help individuals find peace and abundance. Ken has written over 50 books, including the bestseller "Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money," which explores transforming one's emotional relationship with money into a source of joy. His latest book, "True Wealth," delves into redefining wealth beyond material possessions, including emotional and spiritual prosperity. Ken Honda inspires people worldwide to achieve financial well-being and personal happiness through his writing and seminars. Jesper first encountered Ken Honda through "Maro Up," co-authored with Janet Attwood. This book explores the Japanese concept of Maro, which signifies an open-hearted and generous spirit. Inspired by Wahei Takeda's philosophies, it delves into how embracing gratitude, kindness, and emotional intelligence can lead to greater happiness and success. 🗓️ Recorded August 6th, 2024. 📍 Pointe aux Oies, France
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| 80: Michaeleen Doucleff | Hunt, Gather, Parent - What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About Raising Children | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:55:35 | |
Michaeleen Doucleff is a science journalist and the author of the bestselling book Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans. In her book, Doucleff explores parenting practices from indigenous cultures worldwide, offering insights into raising cooperative and independent children. Her work blends scientific research with personal experience and provides a fresh perspective on modern parenting techniques.
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| 79: Tim Feldmann | Ashtanga Yoga: Do Your Practice and All Will Come | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:54:30 | |
Tim Feldmann is the director of Miami Life Center, which he co-founded with Kino MacGregor and Matt Tashjian. He embarked on his yoga journey after a near-fatal accident in 1992 and is authorized to teach by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath Jois. With a professional dancer and choreographer background, Tim integrates extensive anatomy and meditation knowledge into his Ashtanga yoga teachings. Known for his humorous and profound teaching style, he travels extensively to share his expertise worldwide. Jesper met Tim back in Kovalam some twenty-something years ago. Yoga has been a very on-and-off thing in our lives, but our interest in pursuing a daily practice has grown over the last couple of years. Jesper has had a daily Astanga Practice for the last three years, and in this episode, we dive into the wonderful wonders of yoga and what it does for us. We love people who live by their passions, and Tim is certainly doing this. Starting out with a passion for dance, he moved towards yoga, which has been his life for the last 25+ years. Listen in and do your practice, and all will come. 🗓️ Recorded July 22th, 2024. 📍 At Tempelhofer Feld, Berlin, Germany ▬ Tim Feldmann - Relevant links ▬
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| 78: Golden Harper | Barefoot Running with Nature's Secrets | 24 Jul 2024 | 01:06:11 | |
Golden Harper co-founded Altra Running, renowned for its innovative zero-drop shoes, promoting natural foot movement and reducing injuries. After stepping away from Altra, Golden Harper continued his mission to help runners improve their form and reduce injuries. His latest project is the FloatRun Harness, a simple tool that acts like a form coach, promoting efficient, low-impact running form. It encourages compact arms, tall posture, higher cadence, and proper footstrike. In this episode, we discuss the intricacies of foot health, the joys of trail running and forest bathing, and the 'float running' technique designed to minimize impact and enhance enjoyment. We explore the benefits of barefoot running, minimal footwear, and the evolution of running shoe technology. Harper shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes maintaining natural movement and proper running form. Connect with Golden Harper PODCAST INFO SUPPORT & CONNECT | |||