Join us for an inspiring conversation with second-generation homeschooler Amelia Murdock, who has homeschooled her four daughters for over a decade and turned her love of art and reading into Dash Into Learning – a phonics-first, story-rich early reading program that’s now loved by thousands of families. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, real-life encouragement, and proof that you really can run a thriving business while keeping homeschool mornings sacred.

• How a homeschool mom created one of the most beloved beginner reading programs on the market
• Why phonics + beautiful stories is the magic combination that turns reluctant readers into kids who beg for “just one more book”
• The pandemic story: how Dash Into Learning exploded when parents suddenly needed simple, joyful, at-home learning tools
• The superpower of individualized learning and why most kids never experience it in traditional school
• Real talk on flexible schedules, weaving arts and music into the week, and protecting focused homeschool time even while running a company
• How Amelia structures her days so her four daughters still get rich, unhurried mornings of learning and creativity
• Straightforward, no-fluff encouragement for anyone who’s feeling the “homeschool tug” right now

• Phonics is non-negotiable for confident reading – but it doesn’t have to be dry or boring
• You don’t need complicated manuals or a teaching degree to give your child an excellent education
• Individual pacing + passion-led learning unlocks talents traditional school often misses
• It’s possible (and incredibly rewarding) to build a business and still put your family’s rhythm first
• Arts, music, and real books are not “extras” – they’re essential fuel for a child’s soul

• Parents who are curious about homeschooling or have recently pulled their kids out of traditional school
• Anyone struggling to teach early reading and wanting a joyful, proven approach
• Families looking for screen-free, literature-based curriculum that feels like snuggling up with beautiful books (not worksheets)
• Homeschooling parents who dream of starting a side business or turning a passion into income
• Anyone needing a big dose of “you’ve got this” from a veteran mom who’s walked the road for 10+ years

If you’ve ever wondered whether homeschooling could actually be joyful, sustainable, and even lead to something bigger than you imagined, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to help your kids fall deeply in love with learning.

Be sure to check out the Homeschool Start program here.

You can watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube or listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

Episode Summary:

In this heartwarming episode of the Homeschool Curious podcast, host Morgan Bergstrom sits down with Dr. Melanie Wilson—a former clinical psychologist turned homeschooling veteran and curriculum creator. Melanie opens up about her unexpected leap from a thriving career in psychology, writing, and speaking to homeschooling her six children for over 20 years (all of whom graduated and pursued college).

She candidly shares how she initially resisted homeschooling but discovered profound fulfillment in it. The secret to her success? Structure and routines that kept chaos at bay while juggling family and her growing passions.

Melanie dives into the passion behind Grammar Galaxy, her story-based language arts curriculum designed to make learning fun and engaging for elementary kids. She also reflects on launching The Homeschool Sanity Show, her podcast packed with practical parenting and homeschooling tips.

The conversation tackles real homeschooling challenges—like discipline, teaching multiple ages, and overcomplicating things—while offering hope: kids are resilient, parenting mistakes don’t define outcomes, and reading aloud remains one of the most powerful tools in any homeschool.

• Melanie transitioned from clinical psychology to full-time homeschooling—and never looked back.
• She was once homeschool curious herself.
• Structure is non-negotiable, but homeschooling can (and should) be simpler than we make it.
• Grammar Galaxy turns language arts into an adventure.
• Discipline trips up most parents—Melanie shares how to stay consistent without losing joy.
• The Homeschool Sanity Show is your go-to for sanity-saving advice.
• “Kids are very resilient.” (Yes, even after our parenting fumbles.)
• “Reading to my kids is the best.” — A daily habit that builds bonds and brains.
• Enjoy the journey—homeschooling works best when it’s fun for everyone.

Whether you’re burned out, just starting, or simply curious—this episode is a masterclass in keeping homeschooling sane, simple, and joyful.

Get Grammar Galaxy and start training your aliens at Fun to Learn Books

For your weekly dose of sanity, listen to The Homeschool Sanity Show

Follow Melanie on Instagram

You can watch this podcast on Spotify or YouTube

What if history class felt more like an epic battle royale than a dusty monotonous textbook? In this episode, homeschooling game innovator Zack Edwards flips the script on boring education.

From his own school-day dread of dates and timelines to crafting Historical Conquest—a card game where historical heroes, villains, and disasters clash in custom societies—Zack’s all about gamification that sticks. We dive into his college dorm brainstorm, the family-friendly multiplayer magic, and how it pairs with custom curricula to spark real excitement for history.

Then, enter Xogos, Zack’s digital playground expanding the fun into interactive learning with safe, community-driven rewards (think: coins for real-world service gigs!). Safety first—no sketchy chats here—and it’s built for homeschool crews craving engagement without the screen-time guilt. Whether you’re battling mom-burnout or just want kids who love learning, Zack’s got the playbook: fun > force, every time.

• Zack’s Origin Story Fuels the Fire: His school-time disdain for history? Total inspiration. Now, he crafts tools that turn “boring” into “battle-ready” for kids everywhere.
• Historical Conquest: Card Game Meets History Heroics: Born in his college dorm room, it’s all about mixing real figures/events into wild strategies—perfect for 2-6 players and family game nights that teach without preaching.
• Fun First, Facts Follow: Zack’s mantra? Engage ’em with play, and history sticks. The companion curriculum’s designed to thrill, not drill.
• Xogos: Safe, Rewarding Digital Deep Dive: This platform amps up the game with interactive modules, strict chat controls, and incentives like earning for volunteer hours—blending education with real-life impact.
• Gamification = Engagement Gold: From homeschool co-ops to solo quests, Zack proves fun learning connects families, builds skills, and makes history meaningful. No more myths about “screen time bad”—done right, it’s revolutionary.

• Grab Historical Conquest: Starter decks, expansions, and how-to vids at historicalconquest.com. QR code tutorials make setup a breeze!
• Dive into Xogos: Explore the platform and snag free trials for educators at xogos.com (or check Zack’s YouTube @myXogosGames for demos).

Watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube

Join Morgan Bergstrom as she chats with Raven Kramer, a fierce mom who’s been homeschooling her four kids for 5 years—blending philosophies as an “unschooling homeschooler.” From a tough childhood that fueled her fire to be a better parent, Raven reveals how outdoor play supercharges development, why kids need hours outside for real learning, and how socialization in homeschooling beats traditional schools with diverse, real-world connections.

Discover how the pandemic exposed schooling flaws, why building community is homeschooling‘s secret sauce, and pro tips for working parents eyeing the leap. Plus, the surprising truth: marriage gets stronger with effort, communication, and family-first vibes!

Key Takeaways:

• Outdoor play = brain booster
• Diverse socialization wins
• Community support is everything
• Pandemic wake-up call for education.

If you’re into unschooling, homeschooling, parenting, family dynamics, outdoor adventures, marriage growth, or community building—this episode will ignite your rethink on raising resilient kids! 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

For inspiring motherhood and homeschooling content, follow Raven on Instagram

Watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube

Podcast: The Homeschool Curious Podcast
Host: Morgan Bergstrom
Guest: Meryl van der Merwe, founder of Fundafunda Academy and host of Homeschooling with Technology podcast

Can you homeschool confidently in today’s tech-driven world—without a tech degree? Absolutely. In this energizing episode of The Homeschool Curious Podcast, host Morgan Bergstrom sits down with veteran homeschool mom and tech-savvy educator Meryl van der Merwe to explore how families can use everyday technology to make learning more engaging, flexible, and future-focused.

Meryl shares her journey from reluctant homeschooler to digital innovator, revealing how she turned free tools like Google Maps, Canva, live webcams, and even AI into powerful teaching allies. Her message to parents is simple but profound: you don’t need to be an expert to raise curious, capable, tech-ready kids—just willing to learn alongside them.

• Necessity sparked innovation: Meryl began homeschooling because of limited school options, but it became a passion for lifelong learning.

• Homeschool success stories: Her kids earned college acceptances, proving that homeschoolers can thrive academically with creativity and consistency.

• Tech as a co-teacher: Discover how tools like Google Earth and AI writing assistants make lessons interactive and real-world relevant.

• Free tools, big impact: Turn everyday apps like Canva and Google Maps into virtual field trips and creative project studios.

• Creativity over memorization: The future belongs to problem-solvers—so let your kids design, build, and explore their way to understanding.

• Parent as learner: You don’t need to know it all—just model curiosity, flexibility, and a growth mindset.

• Parents who feel “non-techy” but want to introduce digital tools with confidence

• Families looking for creative, hands-on learning ideas

• Anyone preparing their kids for a tech-driven future while keeping education personal and purposeful

• Fundafunda Academy – Online classes for homeschoolers in coding, science, graphic design, and more

• Homeschooling with Technology Podcast – Meryl’s show offering 15-minute tech tips for homeschool parents

• Tools: Google Maps, Google Earth, Canva, AI writing tools, and live webcams for real-time exploration

“You don’t have to be a tech expert to help your kids thrive—you just need to be curious enough to explore the tools together.” – Meryl van der Merwe

🎥 Watch on YouTube or 🎧 Listen on Spotify and your favorite podcast apps.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Homeschool Curious Podcast for more inspiring conversations that help you homeschool with confidence, creativity, and curiosity.

In this episode of the Home School Curious podcast, Morgan interviews Felice Gerwitz, a seasoned homeschooling mother of five and a pioneer in the homeschooling podcasting space. Felice shares her journey of homeschooling, the challenges she faced, and the triumphs she experienced along the way. She discusses the importance of building a supportive community, the entrepreneurial spirit that led her to start various businesses, and the joy of creating lasting memories with her family. Felice also offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and couples navigating the decision to homeschool. This conversation is filled with insights, encouragement, and heartfelt stories that resonate with homeschooling families.

• The decision to homeschool was influenced by her children’s needs and her husband’s support. If there is resistance in a marriage regarding whether or not to homeschool, Felice also offers great advice for these couples. They should communicate openly about homeschooling decisions and attend conferences together.
• Building a community of like-minded friends is crucial for homeschooling success.
• Entrepreneurship runs in Felice’s family, influencing her journey into business. Felice started podcasting to address common questions in the homeschooling community, and this eventually was the inspiration behind her podcasting empire, The Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
• Felice offers great tips for parents who also want to homeschool and start a business. Starting small is key for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially with young children.
• Family traditions and bonding activities are essential for a strong family unit. She offers tips and tricks for creating joyful experiences in homeschooling to help maintain enthusiasm and engagement.
• One of the best quotes Felice says: “The worst day of homeschooling can still be better than the best day in traditional school.”

Watch this episode on Spotify or YouTube, or listen to the audio version anywhere you get your podcasts!

Keywords: homeschooling, family dynamics, podcasting, entrepreneurship, parenting, education, family traditions, homeschooling community, support, advice

🎙 Homeschool Curious Podcast | Hosted by Morgan from Basecamp Ed

What does it look like to homeschool your kids and work full-time? In this inspiring episode, Morgan sits down with Stephanie Cavin, better known as @ThatCalTeacherLife on Instagram — a second-generation homeschool mom, California-certified teacher, and thriving content creator with nearly 500,000 followers. Stephanie recently made the bold leap from public school teaching to full-time entrepreneurship as the founder of Homeschoolers Connect, a platform built to support working parents who want to homeschool without burning out.

• Stephanie shares her story of growing up homeschooled before it was popular — and how that free-range, hands-on learning shaped her entrepreneurial spirit.

• She opens up about what it was like to work as a public school teacher, witnessing the system’s limitations, and how that experience reaffirmed her choice to homeschool her own kids.

• Discover how she and her husband creatively balanced work schedules to homeschool their children — and why “homeschooling in just two hours a day” actually works.

• Stephanie reveals her two-hour school day model, helping parents ditch burnout and focus on what truly matters in education.

• She also talks about the freedom of entrepreneurship, working with her husband full-time, and empowering other families to design a flexible lifestyle that works for them.

Stephanie Cavin is passionate about helping working parents homeschool with confidence and balance. Through her Working Parent Homeschool Network, she offers coaching, community, and practical guidance on how to make homeschool fit real life — not the other way around.

Listeners can DM @ThatCalTeacherLife on Instagram with the code Network25 for $25 off her Working Parent Homeschool Network lifetime membership!

Homeschooling doesn’t have to mean giving up your career or spending six hours a day on worksheets. With the right mindset, creative scheduling, and supportive community — you can work, homeschool, and thrive.

🔗 Connect with Stephanie:
Instagram: @ThatCalTeacherLife
Website: Homeschoolers Connect

🎧 Connect with Basecamp Ed:
Find your homeschool community, local co-ops, tutors, and educators at basecamped.com.
Follow @BasecampEdApp on Instagram and Facebook.

I’m thrilled to kick off our first interview in a lineup of incredible guests on The Homeschool Curious Podcast.

Through launching BaseCampEd and joining the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, I’ve connected with some of the best minds in homeschooling—and today, we’re starting with a powerhouse: Lisa Nehring.

She homeschooled all five of her kids, built a thriving business, and now leads True North Academy while hosting the podcast, ‘It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool’. In this episode, we dive deep into what sparks that ‘homeschool curious’ flame. As a parent of young kids, I left this chat energetic with excitement about our future homeschool journey—and Lisa’s insights will inspire you too, especially if you’ve got middle or high schoolers. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Video version available on YouTube

This episode is sponsored by BaseCampEd-   BaseCampEd is intended to help parents build a community in their area, whether they homeschool their children, are curious about it or simply want to build extracurricular based groups. The app also features a way for teachers and coaches to create profiles and list their credentials for parents to use as a way to supplement their children’s education with other subjects and extracurricular activities. Even non-homeschool families could enjoy this feature of the app. If you are a parent (homeschooler or not!), BaseCampEd will be your new best friend to help create your community.

Check out True North Academy– At True North Academy, your family gets more than just online classes. You get real teachers who know their stuff, a support system that keeps you on track, and transcripts you don’t have to stress over.

Listen to Lisa’s Podcast It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool – Give your teen the high school education you want for them — while maintaining your own sanity in the process! Confidiently. Competently. Contentedly.

For parents of youngers:  It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool K-8 Practical advice and an online community for homeschool parents with kids in K-8.

It’s Not That Hard to Homeschool High School An online community for parents who don’t want to face the highschool scaries alone.

Blue Collar Homeschool An online group for parents looking for outside-the-box educational opportunities.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Homeschool Curious Podcast! I’m Morgan, your host, and I am so excited to kick off this journey with you. In today’s episode, I want to set the stage for what’s to come and introduce you to my family and a little bit more about me.

This podcast is all about real, unfiltered stories from parents and business owners navigating the wild, wonderful world of parenting and education. Whether you’re deep in the homeschooling world or just curious about new ways to nurture your kids’ learning, this is your space to find inspiration, practical tips, and a community that just gets it.

Each week, I will bring you authentic conversations, bold ideas, and stories that remind us we’re all in this together. Through this podcast and the BaseCampEd App, I am building a community where we can share stories and grow together. Let’s get curious together!

• I left my corporate job for a more fulfilling path.
• I was tired of sending my kids to daycare.
• Homeschooling doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
• Flexibility in education allows for personalized learning.
• Homeschooling provides freedom to live life on our own terms.
• Saying goodbye to one-size-fits-all education is crucial.
• Fostering passions in children is a key goal.
• Building a community is essential for support.
• Each family’s journey in education is unique.

Video version is on YouTube

Check out BaseCampEd and download the app today!

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for fun homeschool, app and podcast updates.