Ex-Homeschoolers Club

If you want to support the channel, like, comment, share, or consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

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Join Book Club

• Grab a copy of the book "A Well-Trained Wife" by Tia Levings: https://bookshop.org/a/128680/9781250898050
• Follow for updates on the email newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Join the discussion over on the Fable App: https://fable.co/club/ex-homeschoolers-book-club-with-jacob-gooden-585330795145

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On today's show, I dive deep into my personal journey growing up as a homeschool kid in Southern California. From starting out in public school to transitioning into home education for 2nd grade and going all the way through high school, this is a candid reflection on how my upbringing shaped my independence, routine, and confidence. I open up about the positive aspects (such as building strong time-management skills and thriving in unique extracurriculars like swing dancing and mime troupe) while addressing the flaws, including creationist-focused science curricula and a lack of exposure to diverse worldviews. Finally, I share my current perspective on the homeschool debate, advocating for common-sense regulations to protect children while emphasizing the need for nuanced, open conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning to homeschooling requires intentional structure, but finding the right curriculum and building a strong local community are key to long-term social and academic success.
• Experiencing home education can foster strong self-reliance, time-management capabilities, and the flexibility to pursue unique hobbies or business ventures.
• A lack of diverse perspectives in faith-based curricula, particularly around science and contrasting worldviews, can create significant knowledge gaps later in life.
• Evaluating homeschooling should be done on a case-by-case basis, with an emphasis on common-sense regulations to ensure child safety and educational standards.

Favorite Quote

"It's not as simple as yes regulation, no regulation. Like, it's not as simple as just saying, 'Let's take existing rules and slap them on this thing.' It's not that easy. It's very much a conversation that needs to continue to happen and evolve with lawmakers, with alumni, with current homeschool families, with the education systems that are building the curriculums that are being used for kids." — Jacob Gooden

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Support the Show

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/exhsclub
• Check out our Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com
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Message Me On Socials

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

01:33 Support The Show and Join Book Club

03:30 My Homeschool Experience

18:39 Homeschooling Is A Privilege

19:47 Getting Into College

24:41 If You've Got Questions, Ask Them

25:12 Would I Have Succeeded In Public School?

27:24 3 Thing I Liked About My Homeschool Experience

33:17 Some Things I'd Change About My Homeschool Experience

39:55 Where Do I Stand Today With Homeschooling?

47:48 One Of The Biggest Criticisms Of The Show

48:55 Do You Want To Be A Guest On The Show?

54:13 Recap and Wrap Up

Help financially support Jodie's Documentary: https://gofund.me/0c4256b53

Jodie was homeschooled from preschool through high school in a very Christian, Independent Baptist environment. Her mom gave her a lot of freedom to explore subjects she was interested in, but often relied on textbooks and self-teaching instead of actually teaching the material. Over time, Jodie fell behind academically (especially in math) and entered college realizing just how many educational gaps she had to overcome.

In this episode, Jodie shares what it was like discovering that college was even an option, catching up academically as an adult, and realizing how homeschooling had affected her. We also talk about religious deconstruction, coming out as gay, family reactions, and the supportive role her wife has played. Jodie also shares her plans for a documentary exploring homeschooling, its lack of regulation, and the stories of people affected by it.

In this episode, we talk about...

• Growing up in a strict Christian homeschool environment
• The challenges of self-teaching and falling behind academically
• Entering college and discovering just how much catching up was necessary
• Religious deconstruction and coming out as gay
• Why Jodie believes homeschooling requires community, accountability, and support
• Her upcoming documentary about the realities of homeschooling

Connect with Jodie

Jodie is currently looking for people to participate in her documentary, including homeschool alumni, educators, people with experience in law or politics, and anyone with relevant experience to share.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie_justice/

Support Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Have a story or thoughts you'd like to share? Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

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• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
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• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
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If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Jodi and the Show

00:31 Newsletter and Episode Setup

01:08 Jodi Homeschool Background

01:41 Curriculum Chaos and Sale Bins

03:50 Co-ops and the Church Bubble

05:34 Religion in the Mix

08:05 I Got To Pick My Electives But No One Was Teaching Me

11:05 Self-Teaching Lead To Me Falling Behind

16:46 Finding Motivation For College And Catching Up

22:17 Discoverying My Career Direction

24:39 The Making Of A Homeschool Documentary

26:24 Unregulated Homeschooling Reality

29:10 Realizing How Homeschool Harmed Me

30:20 Finding Ex-Homeschool Support

31:16 How Educated By Tara Westover Radicalized Me

34:06 Grieving The Past And Rebuilding For The Future

36:59 Partner Support System

41:18 What Did Coming Out Look Like For You?

49:29 Family Reactions To Coming Out

52:42 Where Do You Stand With Homeschooling Today?

56:40 Documentary Call For Help

59:41 Final Thanks And Wrap Up

If you want to support the channel, like, comment, share, or consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

Today, I'm sitting down with Rachael to unpack her experience growing up homeschooled in a deeply evangelical Christian environment. Rachael shares how undiagnosed ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia made school difficult while the pressure to be a “perfect” homeschool kid led her to blame herself rather than question the system. She also talks about purity culture, rigid gender roles, the pressure to discover God’s perfect plan for her life, and why she felt completely unprepared to launch into adulthood after graduation. Her journey eventually took her to YWAM and overseas to Thailand, where new experiences helped her begin recognizing emotions she had spent years denying (including anger). Today, Rachael is working through years of religious deconstruction and therapy while reconnecting with the creativity and artistic identity she once felt ashamed to embrace.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:41 Meet Rachel

02:02 How Cancer Traumatized A Family

05:19 What The Early Years Of Homeschooling Looked Like

08:28 The Struggle Of Undiagnosed Learning Struggles

11:23 How Faith Fostered An Environment Of Perfectionism

15:00 What Did Homeschool Community Look Like For You?

19:11 What Role Did Gender Roles And Purity Culture Play In Your Life?

22:11 Moving To Colorado

26:50 Finding Homeschool Friends Via Seminary

29:25 Taking Public School Classes As A Homeschooler

33:36 Homeschool Hierarchy Pressure

36:19 Preparing Your Kids To Launch Into Adulthood

37:50 Rachael Was Unprepared To Launch

41:47 Crashing After High School Graduation

43:42 What Is Gods Will In My Life

47:35 Finding YWAM And Launching Into Adulthood

54:32 Red Flags Of YWAM

58:11 Discovering Anger

01:02:41 Find Myself And Reclaiming Creativity

01:08:35 Where Do You Stand With Homeschooling?

01:14:00 Find Your Self-Autonomy

01:16:19 Thanks For Tuning In

If you want to support the channel, like, comment, share, or consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

After growing up between Switzerland and the United States, Bradley Wyss had a homeschool experience that was anything but conventional. He moved between public school and homeschooling, eventually earning a Swiss education, starting college, and then returning to the U.S. where he had to complete high school all over again. But the biggest changes came after leaving the tightly connected Christian homeschool community he grew up in. Bradley shares what it was like to question the religious beliefs he had been raised with, deal with purity culture and the fear of breaking the rules, and eventually build a life based more on curiosity, independence, and taking chances. Today, he works in the wind industry, travels extensively, and embraces an adventurous approach to life.
What I especially loved about this conversation was Bradley's perspective on fear. He's faced plenty of uncertainty, from being medically discharged from the Marine Corps because of his degenerative vision condition to figuring out a career and navigating life outside of his childhood religion. Instead of waiting until he feels completely confident, Bradley has learned to take the leap and figure things out along the way.

In This Episode

• Growing up between Switzerland and the United States and moving between public school and homeschooling
• The role of ACE/PACES and the homeschool community in Bradley's childhood
• Why leaving a religious community can be just as difficult as questioning the beliefs themselves
• Breaking down the guilt and fear surrounding purity culture and religious rules
• How Bradley went from an unexpected Marine Corps setback to working in renewable energy
• Building a life around travel, adventure, hobbies, and taking chances
• Why fear doesn't necessarily have to disappear before you make a big change
• Finding community and meaningful relationships after leaving the religious environment you grew up in

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:38 Support The Show

01:27 Meet Bradley

02:43 Swiss To US Schooling

03:57 Back To Switzerland Shift

05:42 Divorce And US Return

08:01 ACE Program And ACHEV

12:32 Homeschool Community Life

16:58 Graduating High School A Second Time

17:33 Marine Corps Setback

18:33 Vision Loss Reality

21:15 Finding A Career In Wind

22:39 Goals Travel And Freedom

27:35 Taking Risks Pays Off

33:38 Questioning Faith Begins

39:20 Leaving Religion And Rules

43:44 Tithing and Credit

46:41 Gods Will and Free Will

48:11 Purity Culture Guilt

49:45 Leaving the Church

53:23 Telling Your Parents

57:20 What Do You Think Of Homeschooling Now?

01:01:18 Tough Talks Not Bubbles

01:06:01 Finding Zest for Life

01:12:25 Freedom Through Travel

01:15:31 Hobbies and Adventure Mindset

01:18:20 Small Joys and Farewell

If you want to support the channel, like, comment, share, or consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

Check out Part 1 of our convo: https://youtu.be/mUWjdOu6y5w

Support some fellow homeschool alum and grab a copy of Mixed-Up Metaphors: https://a.co/d/0bueQkeT

Wait no longer, part two of my conversation about friendship with Cari, Jenève, and Noah is here! Find out what happens to friendships as we grow up, move away, get married, have kids, change our beliefs, and become different versions of ourselves. We talk about how adult friendship often looks less like perfectly planned nights out and more like helping a friend clean the house, running errands together, or simply eating pizza and playing cards. We also dig into why shared values and the willingness to let people change can matter more than having identical beliefs. You’ll also here as we compare our homeschool experiences, talk about AWANA and Adventures in Odyssey, share creative projects we made together, and reflected on some of the "glow ups" we've experienced since leaving homeschooling. Ultimately, this conversation comes back to one thing: find the people who will keep showing up as you grow and change.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How homeschool communities can create friendships that feel more like family.
• Why some childhood friendships naturally deepen while others don’t become close until adulthood.
• Maintaining friendships across distance, college, relationships, and major life changes.
• The strange pressure many homeschoolers experienced around boys and girls being friends and the assumption that friendship must mean dating.
• How purity culture and fear of romantic relationships affected the way we understood attraction, dating, and physical affection.
• Why protecting kids from every painful experience can leave them unprepared for adulthood — and how supportive friendships can give young people a safe place to learn from difficult experiences.
• The healing that can happen when adult children and their parents finally have honest conversations about the past.

Wanna Join Book Club?

Grab a copy of Educated by Tara Westover: https://tarawestover.com/book

If you want to join our virtual Zoom meeting on August 29th 1pm EST - 10am PST, sign-up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxCrsDpgTFGNvsWVgVdHXA

Check Out My Previous Episodes With Cari, Jenève, and Noah!

• Cari: https://youtu.be/8cizKkNyLSo?si=5Y6IScdbDOnio0DJ
• Jenève: https://youtu.be/bxf9T5GFk4A?si=_eoI2xsjBCgi1ewV
• Noah: https://youtu.be/trh9iD3SvvA?si=8PTTowtUtKWG78se

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:22 Ways You Can Support The Show

01:04 Why Adult Friendships Are Hard

02:06 Leaning Into Mom Friends

05:10 Errands As Hangouts

08:47 Friendship Phases And Adapting

10:17 Kids As A New Hobby

12:02 Values Keep Friends Close

14:54 Sticking Through Big Changes

17:58 Homeschool Similarities

20:55 Mime Memories And Odyssey

22:15 Nostalgia Versus Deconstruction

24:54 Mime Confidence And Showman

26:03 Showman Song Tangent

26:52 Their Book Plug

27:54 Mixed Metaphors Origin

29:37 How The Book Works

30:23 Old Songs And Videos

31:09 Three Hour Movie Story

33:21 Creating Together Lessons

35:20 Homeschool Glow Up Talk

36:53 Glow Up Stories

46:42 Wrapping Up And Community

If you want to support the channel, like, comment, share, or consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

What happens to the friendships you make as a homeschooled kid once you grow up? In this episode of Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with three longtime friends, Cari, Noah, and Jenève, to talk about the friendships that started through homeschool groups, co-ops, extracurriculars, and family connections — and how those relationships changed as we became adults. We talk about childhood memories, long-distance friendships, reconnecting after college, and what it means to have someone who understands where you came from. We also get into the complicated rules many of us grew up with around opposite-sex friendships, dating, physical affection, and the pressure to avoid anything that might look romantic.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How homeschool communities can create friendships that feel more like family.
• Why some childhood friendships naturally deepen while others don't become close until adulthood.
• Maintaining friendships across distance, college, relationships, and major life changes.
• The strange pressure many homeschoolers experienced around boys and girls being friends and the assumption that friendship must mean dating.
• How purity culture and fear of romantic relationships affected the way we understood attraction, dating, and physical affection.
• Why protecting kids from every painful experience can leave them unprepared for adulthood — and how supportive friendships can give young people a safe place to learn from difficult experiences.
• The healing that can happen when adult children and their parents finally have honest conversations about the past.

Wanna Join Book Club?

• Grab a copy of Educated by Tara Westover: https://tarawestover.com/book
• If you want to join the conversation during the month, follow along on Fable: https://fable.co/club/ex-homeschoolers-book-club-with-jacob-gooden-585330795145
• And lastly, if you want to join our virtual Zoom meeting on August 29th 1pm EST - 10am PST, sign-up here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxCrsDpgTFGNvsWVgVdHXA

Check Out My Previous Episodes With Cari, Jenève, and Noah!

• Cari: https://youtu.be/8cizKkNyLSo?si=5Y6IScdbDOnio0DJ
• Jenève: https://youtu.be/bxf9T5GFk4A?si=_eoI2xsjBCgi1ewV
• Noah: https://youtu.be/trh9iD3SvvA?si=8PTTowtUtKWG78se

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with Me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 A Few Things Before We Get Into The Episode

02:10 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

03:09 Cari's Homeschool Elevator Pitch

05:20 Jenève' Homeschool Elevator Pitch

07:19 Noah's Homeschool Elevator Pitch

09:37 How We First Met

15:00 Favorite Memories Together

25:35 Post College Friendship Shift

33:55 Opposite Sex Friend Stigma

38:36 Prom Night Pressure

41:27 Homeschool Dating Rules

44:16 Rumor Mill Trauma

45:30 Taboo And Modesty

50:46 Side Hugs And Shame

54:39 Friend Zone In College

01:01:33 Protection Vs Preparation

01:12:36 Healing With Parents

01:14:45 Hugging Younger Self

Check out CRHE's Research: https://crhe.org/research/research-resources/
Growing up homeschooled across multiple countries, experiencing homelessness, transitioning into public school, and eventually earning a PhD, Dr. Jonah Stewart has a story unlike most. In this episode, I sit down with Jonah to talk about their unconventional homeschool experience, the challenges of adapting to traditional education, and how those experiences ultimately shaped a career researching education and advocating for homeschool reform through the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE). We also discuss ADHD, social development, college, and why every homeschool story is unique.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Jonah Stewart shares what it was like being homeschooled across the U.S. and Australia.
• How Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum shaped—and limited—their learning experience.
• The difficult transition from homeschooling to public school during a period of family instability.
• Living with ADHD and discovering learning strategies that actually worked.
• Why social development is just as important as academic success.
• The mission of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education and why responsible oversight matters.
• Lessons learned from college, graduate school, and building an independent adult life.

Resources Mentioned

• Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE)
• Accelerated Christian Education (ACE)
• Duke University

Listener Question

Have you ever transitioned from homeschooling into public or private school? What was the biggest surprise for you? Share your story in the comments!

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps more homeschool alumni discover these conversations and join the community.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Listen on Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/exhsclub/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club

01:21 Jonah Homeschool Background

03:22 Curriculum and Daily Routine

08:22 How Our Parents Built Structure with ADHD Students

11:29 Did You Find Homeschool Community or was it Isolating

16:15 Why did you Switch to Public School

19:20 Adjusting to Public School

25:53 Finding Stability and Good Teachers

32:04 The Different Forms of Intelligence and Social Skills

35:57 Launching into Independence and College

39:25 Leaving Home Reality Check

43:31 Hiding Homeschool Roots

44:24 Stereotypes and Self Proof

49:40 Reinvention in Grad School

50:28 Coming Out and Finding Belonging

55:42 Turning 30 Confidence Shift

01:00:49 Finding CRHE and Purpose

01:05:54 Research Gaps and Regulation

01:12:58 Key Studies to Read

01:19:39 Future Research Questions

01:26:05 Why Lived Experience Matters

01:28:35 Wrap Up and Resources

If you're loving the show and want to show some support, consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub

This week's episode is a little different. Instead of sitting down with a guest, I'm celebrating two major milestones: turning 30 and the Ex-Homeschoolers Club officially passing its second anniversary. I reflect on the challenges of my late twenties, the pressure of reaching a new decade, and why I'm choosing hope instead of fear as I step into this next chapter. I also share my gratitude for everyone who has listened, supported, and trusted me with their stories over the past two years.

Join the Book Club

• Grab a copy of Educated by Tara Westover: https://tarawestover.com/book
• Join the Fable discussion group: https://fable.co/club/ex-homeschoolers-book-club-with-jacob-gooden-585330795145
• Register for our Zoom meeting on August 29th 1pm EST - 10am PST: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/bxCrsDpgTFGNvsWVgVdHXA

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Listen on Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/exhsclub/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:22 It's My Birthday!

03:06 Happy Birthday To The Show

06:52 August Book Club Announcement

08:31 Thanks for Supporting

If you're loving the show and want to show some support, consider buying me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub*Trigger Warning:* This episode contains discussions of suicide, depression, trauma, and mental health.What happens when homeschooling, isolation, and identity all collide? In this episode, I sit down with Beau to talk about growing up homeschooled in a deeply religious environment, navigating gender identity, struggling with severe mental health challenges, and ultimately finding purpose through helping others heal. Beau shares an incredibly honest story about the realities of loneliness, recovery, and becoming a Recovery Support Specialist after surviving some of life's darkest moments.*Connect with Beau*• Substack: https://substack.com/@healingkind• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/healingkind.bsky.social*Resources Mentioned*• CRHE: https://crhe.org• Homeschool Alumni Group Sessions: https://crhe.org/homeschool-alumni-groups/If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. *Connect with me*• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com• Listen on Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/exhsclub/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com*Chapters*00:00 Welcome Back to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club00:57 Let's Meet Beau02:17 Was Homeschooling Structured For You?05:58 How Much Responsibility Did You Hold At Home?08:38 Where Did You Grow Up?10:06 The Push To Get Into College Early12:59 Socializing As A Homeschooler17:17 What Was Making You Feel Out Of Place In School?22:06 When Did You Know You We're Trans?27:26 What Did Early Adulthood Look Like?30:45 Why Is Mental Health So Stigmatized In The Homeschool World?32:26 Trigger Warning: We're Talking About Suicide41:08 What Did It Take To Become A Recovery Support Specialist?51:06 How To Connect With Other Homeschool Alumni?58:06 What Do You Think About The Current State Of Homeschooling? 01:01:35 It's Always Ok To Change Your Mind01:02:42 Don't Be Afraid To Share Your Story01:05:44 Taking Care Of Yourself After Being Vulnerable01:10:04 Connect with Beau01:11:16 Do All The Internet Things

Audra is offering 50% discount on your first individual coaching session. Book a time at https://mamaaudra.com/oneonone and be sure to mention this podcast. Just a reminder, Audra coaches woman navigating faith transition after leaving a high control organization (not just Mormons).

What happens when your entire identity is built around a high-control religion, and you begin to question it? This week, I sit down with Audra Phelps, an educator, former member of the LDS Church, and coach who helps people navigate life after leaving high-control religions. We discuss the overlap between homeschooling and religious environments, why questioning your beliefs can feel terrifying, and the long process of rebuilding your identity after deconstruction. Whether you've left religion yourself or are simply curious about how people reclaim their lives after high-control systems, this conversation is full of empathy, nuance, and hope

Connect with Audra

• Website: https://mamaaudra.com
• Check Out Audra's FREE Masterclass: https://mamaaudra.com/training
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamaaudraofficial/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mama-Audra
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mamaaudra

Resources Mentioned

• When Religion Hurts You: https://drlauraeanderson.com/book
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.org

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.

Connect with me

• BuyMeACoffee: buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:58 Meet Audra Phelps

01:35 Audra's Teaching Journey

02:57 Homeschooling Pros and Cons

03:41 Teacher Training Respect

05:46 Homeschool Outcomes Seen

07:40 Teamwork With Schools

10:40 Why Move Overseas

13:14 Homeschool Bubble Effects

14:48 Jacob Leaving the Bubble

16:51 Growing Up in the Mormon Church

18:24 High Demand Religion Explained

20:36 Church Taught Me To Distrust Myself

24:03 How Mormonism Adds Prophets and Extra Scripture To The Bible

26:05 Comparing Faith Traditions

28:47 Deconstruction Starts Small

29:55 Exiting High-Controlled Religion

33:11 Anxiety And Panic From Gender Roles

35:13 Finding Independence Through Teaching

36:56 Going Overseas Changed My Perspective

39:06 Pandemic and Stepping Back

41:21 Are These Sacred Spaces Evil?

42:41 An Awakening In Sagrada Familia

44:09 Saying It Out Loud

44:53 Religious Trauma Resurfacing

46:42 Identity Loss and Mom Guilt

48:54 Leaving Leads To Loneliness and Family Fallout

51:33 Marriage Through Deconstruction

57:29 Grieving for the Unlived Life

01:00:47 How To Get Out Of The Confusion

01:05:02 Becoming A Coach For The Ex-Mormon Moms

01:11:37 Regulating the Nervous System

01:14:04 Body Based Belief Work

01:16:56 Finding Your Voice Again

01:19:17 Connect with Audra

Check out Liliana's Poetry on Amazon: https://bit.ly/4eYOJve

In this episode, I sit down with Liliana to talk about growing up homeschooled in a conservative Christian environment, navigating a sheltered childhood, and learning how to build a life on her own terms. We dive into culture shock after leaving home, making friends outside the homeschool bubble, questioning long-held beliefs, receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis, and finding healing through writing and poetry. Liliana also shares how creativity helped her process emotional abuse, difficult relationships, and rebuilding confidence. It's an honest conversation about growth, identity, and discovering who you are after homeschooling.

Key Takeaways

• Growing up homeschooled in a highly religious and sheltered environment.
• Navigating culture shock and expanding your worldview after leaving home.
• Building a chosen family and meaningful friendships as an adult.
• How an adult ADHD diagnosis answered lifelong questions.
• Using poetry and creative writing to process trauma and healing.

Connect with Liliana

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valiantiaqueen/
• Poetry Books: https://bit.ly/4eYOJve

Connect with me

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• BuyMeACoffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/exhsclub
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Meet Liliana

01:06 Homeschool Background

01:46 Homeschool Normalization

03:58 Typical School Day

05:52 Co-ops and Classes

09:27 Siblings and Dual Enrollment

10:16 College Culture Shock

13:58 Leaving Home and Work

16:29 Marriage Roles Pressure

19:32 New Friends New Views

24:46 Trying Forbidden Things

28:41 Homeschooling Today

29:49 Homeschool Pros And Cons

30:53 College Worries And Bigger Goals

32:24 Chosen Family As Adults

33:32 How To Make New Friends

36:41 Writing And Self Publishing

38:55 Why Poetry Hits Different

41:39 Creativity Through Breakups

44:30 Adult ADHD Diagnosis Story

49:26 ADHD Coping Tools That Work

52:04 Therapy Help

53:27 Wrap Up

Want to join our Purity Culture Livestream? Follow Kate on Substack: https://substack.com/@katejohnsonwrites or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katejohnsonwrites

Kate Johnson joins me to share one of the most powerful and difficult stories we've featured on the podcast. We talk about growing up homeschooled in a conservative Christian environment, navigating life after her father's arrest for child sexual abuse material, and how isolation, purity culture, and parentification shaped her childhood. Kate also reflects on finding her voice, questioning long-held beliefs, and rebuilding her identity as an adult. This conversation is heavy at times, but it's ultimately about healing, resilience, and why protecting vulnerable children must be part of the homeschool conversation.

In this episode we discuss:

• Kate's experience growing up homeschooled using Abeka, Calvert, Classical Conversations, and other Christian curricula.
• How her father's arrest shattered the sense of safety her family had built around homeschooling and church.
• The hidden dangers of isolation, parentification, and secrecy within some homeschooling environments.
• Purity culture, consent, and the long-term impact those teachings had on both girls and boys.
• Finding healing, embracing authenticity, and reclaiming her own voice.

Connect with Kate Johnson:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@katejohnsonwrites
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katejohnsonwrites
• Threads: https://www.threads.com/@katejohnsonwrites
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katejohnsonwrites
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katejohnsonwrites

Resources Mentioned:

• Coalition for Responsible Home Educators: https://crhe.org

If this conversation resonated with you, subscribe to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it. If you'd like to support the show, be sure to join the newsletter for updates and future episodes.

Connect with me:

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Trigger Warning

00:39 Invitation To Purity Culture Livestream

01:20 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:28 Kate’s Homeschool Origins

02:43 First Day Was 9/11

08:15 Finding a Homeschool Rhythm

11:05 Classical Conversations Explained

17:32 Curriculum Nostalgia and Resources

23:16 Siblings and Public School Switch

25:38 High School Culture Shock

28:51 Pastor’s Kid Pressure

31:21 TW: Dad’s Arrest and Fallout

36:38 TW: Isolation and System Gaps

39:36 TW: Silence, Control, Parentification

44:04 TW: Healing and Purity Culture

46:46 Guys Taught No Control

50:17 Consent And Worthlessness

52:45 College Identity Shifts

57:27 Politics And Deconstruction

01:01:32 Trusting Inner Intuition

01:03:41 TW: Dad Arrested Again

01:08:42 Somatic Healing Journey

01:15:50 Ritual Of Letting Go

01:23:20 Values And Bodywork Tools

01:29:22 Where To Follow Kate

01:31:45 Homeschool Safety Advocacy

01:34:25 Final Thanks And Wrap

Where does online school fit into the homeschooling conversation? In this week's episode, I sat down with Mindy to explore that question while unpacking the similarities and differences between public online education and traditional homeschooling. We discuss educational gaps, socialization, student safety, and why the rapid growth of homeschooling is forcing us to rethink how we define home-based education.
We also dive into the broader cultural and political influence of the homeschooling movement, the role of regulation, and why nuanced conversations are essential if we want to improve educational outcomes without losing the flexibility that makes alternative education valuable. Whether you were homeschooled, attended online school, or are simply interested in education policy, this episode offers plenty to think about.

Resources we mentioned

• Lifetime Prevalence of Investigating Child Maltreatment Among US Children: https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303545?journalCode=ajph
• How a true believer’s flawed research helped legitimize home schooling: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/12/11/brian-ray-homeschool-student-outcomes/
• The Christian home-schooler who made ‘parental rights’ a GOP rallying cry: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/aug/31/the-christian-home-schooler-who-made-parental-righ/
• Ten Homeschooling Parent Myths Debunked: https://rlstollar.com/2025/06/06/ten-homeschooling-parent-myths-debunked/
• Online schools 'worse than traditional teachers': https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34671952
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education: https://crhe.org
• Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t

Connect with Me

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ex-HomeschoolersClub
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com
• Substack: https://exhsclub.substack.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:14 Mindy’s Early Schooling
01:47 Middle School Pressures
05:23 Bullying and High School Fears
07:57 Homeschool vs Online School
10:28 Online School Day to Day
11:21 Tutoring Center Realities
13:11 Did Online School Work
15:55 Why Study Homeschooling Now
22:15 Guardrails and Learning Gaps
26:22 Homeschooling Political Pipeline
30:45 Shiny Happy People Connections
32:54 Homeschool Political Grooming
33:24 Lobby Days And Fake Scores
35:14 HSlda And Child Safety Gaps
39:20 Online School Under Homeschooling
40:44 Mandated Reporters And CPS Fear
43:32 Bullying And Queer Panic
46:58 Unlearning Homophobia
51:31 Defining Laws And New Models
55:51 Parental Rights And Anti Vax Roots
01:02:06 Research Myths And Data Needs
01:04:29 Former Homeschoolers Speak Up
01:07:37 Wrap Up And Community Invite

Want to hear Liz's homeschool experience? Check out this episode: https://youtu.be/rvHUlhOM9hI?si=j7JGWwCJAMwtrChb

Liz is back in the clubhouse to explore the role religion played in our homeschool upbringings and how those beliefs shaped our identities long after childhood. Liz shares what it was like growing up in an intensely Catholic homeschool environment, from her involvement in the Legion of Mary to embracing modesty culture, purity culture, and the expectation that she might one day become a nun.

Together, we unpack the complicated process of questioning long-held beliefs, navigating religious trauma, and separating personal faith from the cultural expectations that surrounded us. We discuss purity culture, the lack of sex education in many homeschool environments, the experience of deconstruction, and the grief that can accompany rebuilding your worldview. Whether you're still religious, no longer religious, or somewhere in between, this conversation is about finding space to ask questions, heal, and better understand the stories that shaped us.

Resources We Mentioned

• When Religion Hurts You: https://drlauraeanderson.com/book
• Homeschooled: A Memoir: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t
• The Body Keeps the Score: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score
• Interview with D.L. Mayfield: https://youtu.be/ohzrQqPq0Dw?si=vi3cp1QPt8fy3wfi

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back Liz

01:07 Homeschooler Connection

03:32 Catholic Roots And Belonging

06:21 Evangelical Upbringing

08:33 Confirmation And Commitment

11:11 Legion Of Mary Explained

13:30 Conference Culture And War Talk

19:37 Performing Faith Publicly

21:29 Christian Mime And Evangelism

24:00 Modesty Purity And Shame

28:29 Deconstruction And Questioning

31:55 Where Beliefs Came From

33:11 Silence Around Sex And Expectations

34:56 Nunhood and Holiness

35:41 Purity Books Osmosis

36:40 Period Shame Lesson

37:51 Apple Pie Purity Talk

41:06 No Sex Ed Basics

43:27 Bridgerton Level Ignorance

45:20 Study Abroad Cracks Bubble

47:43 Grief and Quiet Deconstruction

54:34 Naming Religious Trauma

01:01:30 Inner Child Healing

01:04:20 Finding Community Through Stories

01:06:50 Closing Thoughts and Resources

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Me

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Grab a copy of Homeschooled for yourself: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t

This week I have the honor of sitting down with author Stefan Merrill Block to discuss his memoir Homeschooled, his years in an isolating homeschooling environment, and the complicated relationship he shared with his mother.

Stefan opens up about being pulled out of public school at age nine, the isolation that followed, the pressure of being told he was a prodigy, and the difficult transition back into traditional school after four and a half years of homeschooling.

We also explore themes that will resonate with many former homeschoolers: loneliness, identity, friendship, family enmeshment, educational neglect, and the long-lasting effects of childhood narratives. Beyond homeschooling, Stefan shares how books became a lifeline, how writing helped him process grief after his mother's death, and why he believes storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for healing.

Whether you're an ex-homeschooler, current homeschool parent, educator, or simply interested in memoir and family dynamics, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the complicated realities behind one family's homeschool experience.

Connect with Stefan

• Grab a copy of the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t
• Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanmblock/
• Check out his website: https://www.stefanmerrillblock.com

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with me

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:35 How Homeschooling Began

02:53 Bluff Called Leaving School

04:57 Unschooling Day to Day

07:30 Math CDs and Drifting

09:05 Isolation and Genius Myth

12:02 Decision to Return

16:06 High School Culture Shock

20:01 Success Versus Scars

24:35 Friendship After Homeschool

25:54 2020 Isolation Flashbacks

31:16 Owning the Homeschool Identity

33:03 Sanity Is Consensus

34:34 Finding A Writer Voice

35:45 Books As Empathy

39:35 Fiction Versus Memoir

42:47 Writing After Loss

47:42 Choosing Homeschooled Title

52:18 Calling For Homeschool Reform

53:54 Finding CRHE Community

57:14 Hate Mail And Defensiveness

59:15 Next Novel New Focus

01:03:11 Stories Change Laws

01:04:16 Wrap Up And Farewell

If you wanna support the work of CRHE, consider a donation: https://crhe.org/support-crhe/

Today we're talking homeschool legislation. And who better to do that than Tess Ulrey, director of the Coalition for Responsible Home Education.

Together, we're breaking down major legislative victories in Nebraska and Connecticut, explaining the goals behind the Make Homeschool Safe Act, and exploring the complicated balance between parental rights, children’s rights, and educational freedom. The conversation also dives into public school sports access, mandated reporters, homeschool stigma, and why reliable homeschool data matters more than ever.

Key Topics Covered

• Nebraska’s LB1224 and what it changes for homeschool oversight
• Connecticut’s new homeschool registration requirements
• Why CRHE advocates for homeschool accountability
• Suspicious withdrawal during CPS investigations
• Access to public school sports and extracurriculars
• Homeschooling and children’s rights
• Why homeschool data and registration matter
• Legislative pushback from both homeschool and public school communities
• The future of homeschool reform in the U.S.

Resources Mentioned

• CRHE Website: https://crhe.org
• Make Homeschool Safe Act: https://crhe.org/make-homeschool-safe-act/
• Homeschooling's Invisible Children: https://hic.crhe.org

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Me

• Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back Tess Ulrey from CRHE

01:08 What Is CRHE? And What Do They Do?

02:27 Big Wins In Nebraska And Connecticut

03:55 Make Homeschool Safe Act

07:50 Nebraska LB1224 Breakdown

11:36 Kids Rights Bipartisan Shift

14:21 Connecticut HB5468 Changes

16:18 Why Registration Matters

20:16 Access Bills Sports Resources

25:23 Pushback and Practicalities

27:48 Homeschoolers on Teams

28:21 Proms and Shared Events

30:04 Breaking Homeschool Stigma

32:49 What Bills Are Next

34:13 How Laws Spread Statewide

38:38 Federal Graduation Recognition

43:58 Parents Rights Debate

45:10 How Alumni Can Help

53:15 Local Outreach and Wrap Up

You can try out Podspun for yourself here: https://podspun.com/@Ex-HomeschoolersClubToday I’m sharing something a little different, it's a bonus episode/demo of a new tool called Podspun that lets you search through podcast episodes to find the golden nuggets you might have forgotten. If you’ve ever remembered a conversation from the show but couldn’t remember which episode it came from, this tool is designed to solve that problem. You can search topics, keywords, and even ask questions that pull answers directly from past episodes and guest conversations.I walk through how the tool works, show a few real examples from the podcast, and explain how it can help both longtime listeners and brand-new audience members explore the show in a completely new way.After you test it out, I’d genuinely love to hear what you think. Whether you have ideas for new features, feedback on how it works, or topics you’d like to explore through the tool, send me your thoughts at exhsclub@gmail.com. I’ll be sharing listener feedback directly with the creators as they continue improving the platform.Connect with meInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.comChapters00:00 Welcome To A Special Announcement Episode00:33 Podcast Search Problem01:05 Meet Podspun01:24 Search Captions Demo02:27 Ask a Quesion Demo03:33 Try It and Share Your Feedback

What happens when homeschool parents actually listen to homeschool alumni?In this episode, I'm sitting down with homeschool mom and former teacher Kim Andrysczyk for a thoughtful conversation about homeschooling, parenting, emotional health, and accountability. Instead of getting defensive about criticism from homeschool graduates, Kim shares why listening matters — and how those conversations can help shape healthier homeschool experiences for future generations.Kim opens up about raising three homeschooled children, navigating learning disabilities and dyslexia, struggling with the blurred lines between parent and teacher, and eventually deciding to send one child back to public school when homeschooling stopped working. Together, Jacob and Kim explore authoritarian parenting, emotional regulation, testing and accountability, homeschool legislation, and why alumni voices deserve to be heard.This episode is a nuanced, compassionate discussion about growth, mistakes, and how families can do better moving forward.*Connect with Kim*• The South Carolina Homeschool Connection: https://www.homeschoolingsc.org• Cola City Homeschoolers Convention: https://www.colacityhomeschoolers.com*Resources Mentioned*• The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Good-Christian-Parenting-Evangelical/dp/1587436647• Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Inside-Guide-Becoming-Parent/dp/0063159481• Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t• Stories Behind Stances: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Behind-Stances-Creating-Empathy/dp/B0C6W15LK7• Rachel Denhollander: https://rachaeldenhollander.comIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!*Connect with me*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com*Chapters*00:00 Welcome Back to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club01:24 Why Kim chose homeschooling04:23 Extracurriculars and co-op learning12:16 Dyslexia testing and support resources17:14 When homeschooling stops working18:49 Parent vs teacher role conflict24:39 Parenting style and emotional regulation29:53 Listening to alumni and handling criticism36:43 Authority triggers and accountability39:34 Kids Need A Voice41:17 Authoritarian Backlash42:26 Common Sense Safeguards43:45 Testing Builds Confidence46:13 Training DSS Agents48:48 South Carolina Accountability Work54:20 Prevention And Protective Factors01:01:46 Community Over Isolation 01:03:23 Transcripts And College Prep01:08:15 Homeschool Expo Details01:13:30 Final Thanks And Wrap

This week in the clubhouse, I'm sitting down with Lydia to unpack what it was like growing up homeschooled in a large “Fundy-lite” Christian family deeply influenced by Vision Forum culture, purity culture, and Quiverfull-adjacent ideology.

Lydia shares her experience being the oldest of seven children, navigating homeschool co-ops, modesty culture, conservative Christian college, and the immense pressure of becoming the “obedient oldest daughter.” Together, Jacob and Lydia explore how homeschool isolation can exist even inside large communities, the hidden emotional burden placed on oldest daughters, and the long process of deconstructing beliefs that shaped adulthood.

This conversation dives into homeschooling culture, Christian nationalism, purity culture, social isolation, and the struggle to build an identity outside of the expectations placed on homeschool kids.

Some Of The Things We Referenced

• I Kissed Dating Goodbye
• Homeschool Legal Defense Association
• Doug Phillips
• Shiny Happy People

Connect with Lydia

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@90shomeschooler
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/90shomeschooler/

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Jacob

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Let's Meet Lydia

01:03 Growing Up On A Fundie Lite Homestead

03:42 Is Virginia The Homeschool Hub

05:33 Why Lydia's Family Homeschooled

09:48 Did Your Homeschool Curriculum Prepare You For College

13:12 I Went To College To Meet My Husband

14:35 What Is Vision Forum

19:00 Were Are Parents Even Reading What They Were Giving Us

22:05 Did You Have A Homeschool Community

27:17 Socialization Isn't The Same As Real Friends

28:50 Did Big Family Dynamics Lead To Parentification

33:22 Was College A Culture Shock

37:58 Why College Didn’t Change Me

40:43 Moving Out Was The Catalyst For My Deconstruction

45:16 My Therapist Made Me Start A TikTok

50:31 Today's Risks Of Homeschooling

53:05 Embrace the Weird

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Jaycie to unpack what it was like growing up K–12 homeschooled in a deeply religious environment shaped by ACE curriculum, church culture, and isolation. From role-playing public school in her bedroom as a kid to struggling with depression and culture shock during college, Jaycie shares an honest look at how homeschooling shaped her relationships, faith, and transition into adulthood.

In this episode, we covered:

• ACE curriculum often prioritized religious ideology over deep academic learning
• Homeschool isolation can make transitions into adulthood and college extremely difficult
• Many homeschoolers develop strong self-teaching and research skills
• Fear-based religious messaging can make social connection feel unsafe
• College became both liberating and emotionally overwhelming
• COVID gave many former evangelicals space to reevaluate faith and church culture
• Public school and homeschooling both have tradeoffs, but involvement from parents matters most
• Creative freedom and independent learning were meaningful positives from homeschooling

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:35 Jaycie's Homeschool Rundown

01:36 ACE Curriculum Breakdown

03:09 Pros and Cons of ACE

09:45 Church as Social Life

11:02 Moving Missouri to Texas

13:59 Senior Year Depression

16:35 College Culture Shock

26:39 Gods Not Dead Mindset

30:23 Dropping Out and Marriage

32:50 Faith Shift During COVID

36:49 Homeschooling Reconsidered

40:22 Choosing Public School

44:33 Art Career and Reading

50:40 Cringey Co Op Puppets

53:04 Wrap Up and Goodbye

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with me:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

This week on the podcast, I sat down with D.L. Mayfield for one of the most intense and thought-provoking conversations we’ve ever had on the Ex-Homeschoolers Club. We unpacked the influence of Focus on the Family, James Dobson, purity culture, and authoritarian parenting on an entire generation of homeschool kids — and what it means to revisit those ideas as adults.

Resources

• STRONGWILLED Project: https://www.strongwilledproject.com
• Coalition for Responsible Home Education

Chapters

00:00 Content Warning

00:14 Meet DL and Homeschool Roots

02:38 Pastor Kid Life and Moving Often

03:33 Reading Escape and Uneven Schooling

06:17 Public School Transition and Doomsday Prep

07:20 Host Reflections and Shared Homeschool Vibes

09:46 Focus on the Family in Childhood

10:31 Dobson Parenting and Abuse Enablers

13:38 Adventures in Odyssey Nostalgia vs Critique

16:49 Fascism Framework and Why Dobson Matters

21:48 Dobson Origins and Eugenics Links

24:06 Deconstruction Reaction and New Thesis

27:05 Porn Commission and Ignored Child Abuse

32:26 Predator Profiles and Forgiveness Culture

37:05 Wit as Trusted Authority

39:29 Imagination Station Lessons

42:53 Parenting Against Blind Trust

44:54 Authority and Homeschool Myths

46:26 Incest Denial and Epstein Parallels

50:45 Purity Culture and Male Lust

54:40 Girls Modesty and Predators

57:21 Forgiveness Without Justice

01:02:17 Stop Hitting Children

01:06:05 Listen to Kids and Reform

01:07:45 Strong Willed Resources

01:09:48 Late Bloomer Hope

01:11:42 Closing Thanks and Wrap

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Jacob

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Want to be alerted when new episodes drop? Join the newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/RB returns to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club to share how his life has changed since his first appearance. After years of trauma therapy, RB opens up about receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of his past, his behaviors, and his identity. From navigating burnout after a “manic phase” of newfound freedom to finding the right medication and building healthier systems, RB offers an honest look at what healing actually looks like in real life. The conversation also explores homeschooling, generational trauma, digital boundaries, and how to live in the “gray” instead of black-and-white thinking. This episode is a deep dive into growth, self-awareness, and what it really means to move forward.Connect with RB:• RB on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flyerbrown/⁠If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.comChapters00:00 Welcome Back: RB Returns to the Ex Homeschoolers Club00:46 RB’s Homeschooling “Elevator Pitch” (States, Groups, and Religion)02:00 Homeschool Accountability & Why State Rules Matter04:40 Life Update: Adult ADHD Diagnosis—Why Get Tested Now?05:32 Trauma Therapy to “Manic Phase”: Freedom, Overcommitment, and Burnout12:24 Getting Evaluated: 6 Hours of Testing + Inattentive ADHD Explained17:55 Medication Journey: Non‑Stimulants, Ritalin Fears, and Doctor Oversight23:38 Dialing In Adderall + ADHD Coaching: Sleep, Phones, and Focus Loops28:28 Digital Boundaries & Circles of Trust (Notifications, Slack, After‑Hours)37:41 Reframing Childhood Through ADHD: The Pearl Harbor Paper & Healing the Story42:12 Trauma Isn’t the Event: Validating Your Past and Tracking Real Progress46:35 Seeing Parents as People: Generational Trauma, Estrangement, and Limits49:20 Breaking the Cycle: Becoming a Better Parent Than You Had49:42 From Black-and-White Faith to Living in the Gray52:13 Political Deconstruction: 2016, Voting, and the Right to Change57:26 Reframing the Past: Homeschooling Through Trauma & Poverty58:47 Pick Your Boat: Choosing a Cause Without Carrying Every Issue01:02:04 Healthcare Access 101: The ‘Boat’ He’s On and Why It Matters01:03:39 Fixing the System: Data Portability, QR Codes, and Killing the Fax Machine01:09:57 Owning Your Health Data: Consent, Walled Gardens, and Trust01:11:15 Crypto, AI, and Creativity: Where Tech Helps—and Where It Hurts01:24:25 Real Connection in a Digital World: Friends, Touch, and Sandlot Baseball01:28:20 Wrap-Up: Gratitude, Annual Check-Ins, and How to Share Your Story

Subscribe to Un•Religiously on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnReligiously

What happens when a homeschooled teenager raised in a deeply evangelical environment suddenly enters a community college classroom filled with new ideas, identities, and worldviews?

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with YouTuber Lauren Howe, creator of the Un•Religiously channel, to talk about growing up homeschooled in a highly religious environment and navigating the massive culture shock of entering public education and college.

Lauren shares how her family originally started homeschooling due to learning challenges like ADHD, but over time became immersed in the evangelical homeschool culture of the early 2000s. She reflects on everything from joking that school buses were “prison buses” as a kid to grappling with evolution, gender identity, and even yoga classes for the first time in college.

The conversation explores both the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling, the influence of homeschool culture beyond parents themselves, and the complicated process of reconciling faith with new perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Sneak Peek

00:50 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club

01:52 Lauren’s Background

04:09 Is Public School Really That Bad?

07:11 Homeschool Culture Influence

08:35 Homeschooling Pros and Cons

10:27 What Parents Did Well

11:51 Testing Out and Dual Enrollment

13:43 Transition and Socialization

17:03 Faith vs Evolution

20:45 Yoga and Moral Panic

22:48 Four Year College Next

24:18 Pop Culture Catch Up

26:59 College Culture Shock

27:53 Hiding Homeschool Roots

29:27 Spotting Fellow Homeschoolers

30:16 Unreligiously Channel Mission

33:06 Deconstruction First Dominoes

37:26 Fear Silence And Fallout

40:09 Seeing Prayer As Love

43:00 Catching Up On Pop Culture

45:20 Homeschooling X Factor

47:38 Advice For New Homeschoolers

51:51 Religious Liberty Commission Warning

53:26 Final Thanks And Wrap

Connect with Me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Want to be alerted when new episodes drop? Join the newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with my cousin Amanda, a second-grade public school teacher with 13 years of classroom experience, to explore education from the “dark side.” Haha!

Amanda shares what it’s really like inside today’s public schools: what works, what’s frustrating, and what’s changed over the last decade. From student teaching stories to advocating for kids who need services, she offers an honest look at the realities teachers face, including funding challenges, inclusion classrooms, and navigating parents who are (and aren’t) involved.

We also talk candidly about homeschooling; the myths, the shifts in perception, and the surprising reality that even a public school teacher might consider homeschooling her own children.

Key Points

• Why Amanda believes second grade is the “sweet spot” 
• What student teaching really looks like (including full classroom takeover)
• How public education has shifted in the last 13 years
• The reality of funding and where resources actually go
• Why parental involvement makes a massive difference
• The biggest myth Amanda had about homeschooling
• Why she’s now reconsidering homeschooling for her own kids
• What kids actually remember about school (hint: not the standards)

If this episode hit home, share it with a parent, teacher, or anyone who's ever wondered what's really going on in our schools. Leave a comment and tell Jacob what landed for you.

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Why She Loves Teaching the Little Ones (Kinder–3rd Vibes)

00:42 Growing Up Public Schooled: Favorite Teachers & Loving School

02:40 When the ‘I Want to Teach’ Lightbulb Turned On

05:15 College Path + Getting Credentialed (5-Year Track)

06:36 Student Teaching Stories: Kindergarten, 6th Grade & Full Class Takeover

09:43 13 Years in the Classroom: Landing in 2nd Grade for Good

10:47 Why Second Grade Is the Sweet Spot: Independence & Interests Bloom

13:23 Which Grades Are ‘Best’ to Teach? (And Why Junior High Is a No)

15:19 Homeschooling From the Other Side: Myths, Social Life & Changing Views

18:19 Homeschool Reality Check: Isolation, Co-ops, and Different Kids Thrive Differently

20:00 How Public School Has Changed: Funding, Services, and Advocating for Kids

23:14 Fighting for Students Without Support at Home

23:40 Where the Money Goes: New Schools vs. Student Services

25:32 Is Public Education ‘Broken’? Advocacy & Community Support

26:21 Parents: Get Involved, Ask Questions, Know Your Rights

29:39 Beyond Parents: Voting, Bonds, and Showing Up to Board Meetings

32:03 Has a Public School Teacher Considered Homeschooling?

34:10 Homeschool Reality Check: Space, Structure, and the Mom/Teacher Blur

36:44 How Much Freedom Do Teachers Have? Standards, Pacing, and Customization

40:57 What Kids Actually Remember: Hands-On Learning Over Test Prep

42:36 Final Takeaway: Whatever You Choose, Stay Involved

44:29 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Call to Action

Get on the newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

What happens when homeschooling meets full-time travel, nature-based learning, and a family determined to break out of traditional education models? In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, Jacob sits down with Kayla Mathieu to explore her family’s roadschooling journey, how travel shaped her children’s education, and why reconnecting with nature has become a central pillar in their homeschooling philosophy.

Kayla shares how her family successfully visited all 50 states while educating their children on the road, the challenges of adapting to different learning styles, and how stepping outside conventional classroom structures helped her kids thrive. She also discusses the importance of flexibility, community, and self-grace for families navigating homeschooling.

From nervous system regulation through outdoor experiences to practical advice for parents considering homeschooling, this episode offers a thoughtful and balanced look at alternative education through lived experience.

Quick Hits

• Kayla’s family traveled to all 50 states while roadschooling their children
• How travel and experiential learning shaped her children’s education
• Adapting homeschooling methods to accommodate different learning styles
• The role of nature in supporting emotional regulation and mental health
• The realities of transitioning from traditional education structures to flexible learning
• Advice for parents considering homeschooling and finding educational approaches that fit their family
• The importance of homeschool communities and support networks

Connect with Kayla Mathieu

• Wandering Past Limits Blog: https://www.wanderingpastlimits.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wanderingpastlimits

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:56 Meet Kayla: A Homeschooling Journey Begins

01:18 Challenges in Traditional Schooling

10:44 A Turning Point: Deciding to Homeschool

11:46 First Year of Homeschooling: Learning the Ropes

14:52 Finding the Right Curriculum

19:32 Integrating Travel with Learning

21:10 Revolutionary War History and East Coast Travels

21:54 Navigating ADHD and Autism in Homeschooling

22:45 Socialization and RV Homeschooling Groups

26:02 Favorite Travel Destinations

27:12 Individualized Homeschooling Approaches

29:24 Reconnecting with Nature

34:00 Advice for New Homeschooling Families

36:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Join the newsletter here: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/

What happens when homeschooling leaves the house and hits the open road? In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I'm sitting down with Robin (aka BG Barnstormer), a former homeschooling mom who spent three years educating her kids while living full-time in an RV. Robin shares how a rotating pilot schedule led her family to homeschooling, how community support shaped their early years, and what really happens when learning differences, sensory needs, and emotional regulation collide in 350 square feet. Whether you’re a homeschool parent, an ex-homeschooler, or just curious about alternative education paths, this episode is packed with practical insight and lived experience.

*Key Topics Covered*

- Why a nontraditional work schedule pushed the family toward homeschooling

- Building community through Classical Conversations and homeschool co-ops

- Recognizing reading challenges, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and tracking issues

- The power of audiobooks for kids with learning differences

- Emotional regulation tools and “quiet corners” for kids (and adults)

- How homeschooling in an RV forces flexibility and creativity

- Why getting a diagnosis can be empowering, not limiting

- Transitioning from homeschooling into online public school

*Connect with Robin*

- Website: https://bgbarnstormer.com

- Blog Post Mentioned: https://bgbarnstormer.com/autism-spectrum/snowflakes-understanding-our-unique-self/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bgbarnstormer

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BGBarnstormer

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

*Connect with Me*

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub

Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

*Chapters*

00:00 Introduction to the Ex Homeschoolers Club

00:45 Meet Robin: The Homeschooling Mom on the Road

01:55 The Decision to Homeschool

04:34 Early Homeschooling Days and Community Building

11:50 Homeschooling Challenges and Learning Difficulties

28:36 Homeschooling in an RV: Strategies and Adaptations

31:53 Creating Quiet Spaces for Emotional Regulation

33:33 The Importance of Regulation Tools

49:02 Navigating Public Online Schooling

55:54 Experiential Learning Through Travel

01:00:07 Robin’s Book and Blog

01:03:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Wanna be on the podcast? Email your homeschool experience to exhsclub@gmail.com

In this end of year episode I'm reflecting on the incredible year of conversations, stories, and community we've creating in the ex-homeschoolers club. Get a little sneak peek of what's coming in early 2026 and some of the ideas I've got percolating.

Resources & Links

- Email the show: exhsclub@gmail.com

- Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

- Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub- Learn more about the Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE): https://crhe.org

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back To The Ex-Homeschoolers Club

00:23 Thank You For Coming On The Journey

00:53 Happy Holidays

01:26 Sneak Peek of 2026

03:01 What's Changing in 2026

04:34 I Need Your Feedback

06:59 That's All Folks

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Former public school teacher turned world traveler Patti Hunt joins Jacob to unpack what teachers really think about homeschoolers, why she eventually wished she homeschooled her own kids, and how road-schooling families are reshaping modern education. Patti also shares her journey from the classroom to RV life, and the powerful lesson that pushed her to stop waiting and start living.

Key Points

• What 20 years in public schools taught her about kids, parents, and the system
• Myths homeschoolers believe about public school — and what’s actually true
• Patti’s honest experience growing up in Philadelphia’s school system
• How teacher bias shows up in classrooms (even unintentionally)
• Why she now believes homeschooling can be powerful...but not for everyone
• Patti’s transition from teaching to entrepreneurship to RV travel
• The road-schooling families she met and the hilarious moment she told one she was a public school teacher
• The urgent lesson from her mother’s final days: don’t wait to live your life
• Practical encouragement for parents who feel guilty about their choices

Connect with Patti

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredTravelsWithPatti
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/10YFZMzAmwA305cI4W5Db5?si=1a0d269337d44814
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspiredtravelswithpatti/

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:21 Meet Patti Hunt: A Journey from Teaching to Traveling01:43 Patti's Teaching Career: From Business to Education04:28 Homeschooling vs. Public School: Myths and Realities13:46 Parental Involvement in Education16:28 The RV Life: From Classroom to Open Road19:21 Road Schooling: Educating on the Move22:00 Parental Guilt and School Choices22:26 Homeschooling Success Stories24:11 Rethinking College Education26:41 The Value of Hands-On Learning28:53 Exploring the United States33:47 Encouraging Spontaneous Travel39:12 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Education

This week on the pod, I sit down with long-time friend Hannah to unpack her deeply personal journey through homeschooling, neurodivergence, and self-discovery. Growing up in a chaotic Christian homeschool environment with six siblings, Hannah reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and how a lack of structure and support shaped her sense of self-worth. She opens up about entering adulthood feeling unprepared, navigating community college with massive anxiety, and later discovering she’s neurodivergent, a revelation that reframed her entire childhood. Now working in education and pursuing behavioral-tech certification, Hannah shares how therapy, understanding, and self-compassion have helped her rebuild confidence and reclaim her love of learning. This conversation is raw, insightful, and incredibly validating for anyone who felt “behind” growing up homeschooled.

Key Points

• Big family life, AWANA memories, and mime team culture
• How chaos, parental conflict, and lack of structure shaped her education
• Feeling “behind” and “dumb” the long-term effects of educational neglect
• Navigating college without foundational skills
• Discovering she’s neurodivergent at 30 & how therapy reframed everything
• Sensory issues, coping strategies, overstimulation, and emotional regulation
• Homeschooling today vs. “the bubble” we grew up in

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Ex Homeschoolers Club

00:32 Childhood Memories and AWANA Days

07:39 Homeschooling and Family Dynamics

12:10 Struggles with Education and Self-Worth

16:23 College Challenges and Career Choices

20:39 Discovering Neurodivergence and Therapy

29:42 Managing Overstimulation

30:30 Dealing with Everyday Frustrations

33:10 Understanding Neurodivergence

37:06 Homeschooling Reflections

43:29 Big Family Dynamics

46:39 Advice for Future Homeschoolers

49:48 Pursuing New Learning Opportunities

53:20 Homeschool Memories

55:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

This week I sit down with Ashley Peek, a current homeschool parent, content creator, and founder of the Secular Homeschool Revolution. Ashley shares her journey from navigating a broken public school system to creating a thriving secular progressive homeschool community in Texas. She opens up about her daughter’s challenge getting the IEP services she needed, the struggle to find inclusive co-ops, and how she built a space that celebrates diversity, social justice, and child-led learning.Together, we unpack the evolution of homeschooling beyond religion—covering everything from micro schools and anti-racist curriculum to sex education and the role of community in raising curious, confident kids.🔑 Key Points- How Ashley transitioned from frustrated parent to homeschooling advocate- What “secular progressive homeschooling” really means—and why it matters- The challenges of finding (and creating) inclusive co-ops for families of color- Building child-led education through clubs, field trips, and micro schooling- The importance of sex education, open conversations, and justice-centered learning- How homeschooling parents can still advocate for better public schools- Why mutual aid and community support are essential for homeschool success🔗 References & Guest Links- Podcast “Secular Homeschool Revolution”: https://open.spotify.com/show/5O8R301kT316E67DOf6y17?si=df7803f117334631- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secular_homeschool_mama- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secular_homeschool_revolution⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Secular Progressive Homeschooling00:22 Meet Ashley Peek: Homeschool Parent and Content Creator02:03 Ashley’s Homeschooling Journey: Challenges and Decisions08:25 Building a Secular Progressive Homeschool Community15:59 Defining Secular Progressive Homeschooling25:34 Co-op and Micro Schooling: A New Approach40:23 Experiential Learning at Home41:18 The Role of Curriculum in Homeschooling42:14 Unschooling: Pros and Cons45:27 Encouraging Deep Dives into Interests46:42 Real-Life Skills vs. Academic Knowledge48:55 The Importance of Play and Exploration49:47 Parental Responsibility in Education59:20 Community Support in Homeschooling01:01:12 Advocacy for Public Education01:01:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

This week I'm reconnecting with longtime friend Stephanie to unpack her full-circle journey through homeschooling, early marriage, motherhood, and now parenting kids in public school. Stephanie shares candid reflections on growing up in an unstructured homeschool environment, her surprising enrollment into El Camino, and the decision to homeschool her own children—before realizing public school was the right fit. We explore the tension between faith, education, and identity in the homeschool world, revealing how breaking away led to personal growth, renewed curiosity, and healthier family dynamics.🔑 *Key Points*- Stephanie’s experience growing up in a large, loosely structured homeschool family- Transitioning from homeschool to El Camino and earning her GED- Early marriage, motherhood, and the challenges of homeschooling her own kids- Letting go of the “public school is evil” mindset- Rediscovering a love for learning as an adult through podcasts and books🔗 *References & Mentions*- Adventures in Odyssey- Group Solutions Homeschool Co-op- El Camino Independent Study Program- Ken Ham / Answers in Genesis (mentioned critically)⏰ *Timestamps*00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:55 Meet Stephanie: A Lifelong Homeschooler01:46 Homeschooling Dynamics and Family Life06:52 Extracurricular Activities and Group Solutions12:45 Transition to El Camino and GED Journey20:07 Homeschooling Her Own Kids24:17 Rethinking Education Choices25:42 Public vs. Homeschooling: A Personal Journey26:18 Challenging Public School Stereotypes28:39 Parental Involvement in Public School30:22 Balancing Exposure and Protection35:12 Advice for Prospective Homeschoolers38:42 Rediscovering the Love of Learning42:20 Unique Homeschool Memories45:19 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Hey everyone—it’s Jacob Gooden, and I’m back with an update on the Ex-Homeschoolers Club! In this solo episode, I open up about why the show has been quiet for the past month, what’s been happening behind the scenes, and how I’ve been dealing with burnout, anxiety, and social media overload. I share the changes I’ve made to prioritize my mental health, including stepping back from social platforms, cutting down on caffeine, and making time for rest and fun. I also give you a sneak peek at the exciting new interviews coming soon—ranging from conversations with a sex education expert to homeschooling parents and college prep specialists. Finally, I ask for your feedback on the future direction of the show, possible community spaces, and ways we can grow together as ex-homeschoolers.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Why the Ex-Homeschoolers Club is not canceled and what’s coming next
• My personal journey with burnout, overwhelm, and how I’m working through it
• The importance of mental health practices: less caffeine, better sleep, stepping away from social media
• Sneak peek at upcoming guest interviews covering sex education, college prep, and modern homeschooling perspectives
• Call for listener feedback on building community (book clubs, Zoom hangouts, Reddit/Discord, etc.)

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 WE ARE BACK BABY

00:30 Where have I been?

04:28 What is happening with the show

05:53 I need your feedback

The Ex-Homeschoolers Club isn’t going anywhere—but I want your help shaping its future! Share your thoughts in the YouTube comments, on Spotify, or by emailing me at exhsclub@gmail.com. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who needs it. And if you’re new here, check out past episodes to get caught up. Let’s keep building this space for ex-homeschoolers together.

Get signed up for the newsletter here: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/
In this solo episode of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I, Jacob Gooden, turn the mic on myself to share my full homeschooling journey. From starting in second grade to navigating private Christian homeschool co-ops in Southern California, I unpack the curriculum choices, the socialization opportunities, the challenges, and the lessons I carried into college and adulthood. I reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of Christian-based education, the role of extracurriculars like swing dance and theater, and how homeschooling shaped my worldview, work ethic, and career. This is a candid look at my personal story and what I’ve learned about education, growth, and identity along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into different types of homeschooling: private, charter, and unschooling.

• Curriculum that worked (Math-U-See, Story of the World) and what fell short (Spanish with Rosetta Stone).

• The role of co-ops, church groups, and extracurriculars in building socialization skills.

• How Christian-based curriculum shaped my early worldview—and where it left gaps.

• Transitioning from homeschool to college: challenges, growth, and learning to adapt.

Resources Mentioned:

• Math-U-See (math curriculum)

• Story of the World (history curriculum)

• Exploring Creation (science curriculum)

• Rod & Staff English

• Rosetta Stone (language learning)

• CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association)

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend, leave a review on your favorite podcast app, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club newsletter for updates, resources, and community stories. Join the conversation with me on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok at @exhsclub.

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Ex-HomeschoolersClub

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with Julius, one of 12 siblings, to unpack what it was like growing up in a massive homeschool family led by a pastor dad. From the chaos of daily life in a household of 14 to navigating the isolating years of COVID, Julius shares candidly about academic challenges, sibling dynamics, extracurricular outlets, and ultimately, a journey of questioning faith and identity. We explore the highs and lows of homeschooling in a big family, the tension between church and education, and how discovering a love of learning outside those boundaries shaped Julius into who they are today. This conversation is raw, real, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s grown up homeschooled, in faith-heavy environments, or simply searching for identity beyond the structures they were raised in.

Key Takeaways:

• Life inside a homeschool family of 12 kids: chaos, support systems, and sibling dynamics.

• Balancing academics with church commitments under a pastor parent.

• The impact of COVID on socialization, isolation, and extracurricular opportunities.

• Julius’ journey of self-discovery, questioning faith, and embracing identity.

• Why cultivating curiosity and a love of learning matters beyond traditional schooling.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:13 Meet Julius: Growing Up in a Big Homeschool Family

01:50 Homeschooling Dynamics and Daily Life

06:06 Academic Challenges and Achievements

14:08 Socialization and Extracurricular Activities

16:53 Impact of COVID-19 on Homeschooling

27:14 Deconstructing Faith and Personal Growth

33:59 Realizing the Fallibility of Beliefs

35:33 Exploring Other Religions

36:44 Questioning Faith and God's Existence

39:28 Controlling the Narrative of Personal Beliefs

44:43 The Importance of Learning and New Experiences

53:41 Balancing Extracurriculars and Church Commitments

58:30 Advice for Homeschooling Parents

01:04:19 Cherishing Sibling Bonds

01:06:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to The Ex-Homeschoolers Club on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend who’d connect with Julius’ story. Don’t forget to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Threads at @EXHSClub to join the ongoing conversation.

This week on the podcast, we’re throwing a birthday party! It's the one-year anniversary of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, and to celebrate, I brought back my very first guest and longtime friend Cari Frantz for a fun and nostalgic conversation. We dive deep into the media, books, movies, and music we weren’t allowed to consume growing up as Christian homeschoolers—and the surprising ways we found our way to them as adults. From Harry Potter to Pitbull concerts, purity culture to Plugged-in reviews, we talk about the weird rules we lived by, what we now enjoy guilt-free, and how we're making peace with our past.

Whether you're a fellow ex-homeschooler or just curious about the quirks of conservative upbringings, this episode will have you laughing, nodding along, and maybe even dusting off your old Adventures in Odyssey tapes.

Key Takeaways:

• The irony of being banned from Harry Potter but encouraged to read Narnia
• PluggedIn, Christian DVD players, and other evangelical tools for "safe" media
• Watching or reading forbidden content as adults and learning to trust our own boundaries
• How music like Pure NRG, Backstreet Boys, and even Pitbull shaped our teenage rebellion
• Respecting our parents' intentions while forging our own relationships with pop culture

Resources Mentioned:

• PluggedIn.com
• Adventures in Odyssey by Focus on the Family
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis
• Crossroads Guitar Festival
• Pure NRG, Jump5, Charlie Puth (early covers), Christina Grimmie

Did you grow up homeschooled with strict media rules? What were you not allowed to read, watch, or listen to? Drop a comment with your story. And if you’ve been with the podcast from the beginning, help us celebrate one year by sharing your favorite episode!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the Ex-Homeschoolers Club for more stories every week. And share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com

I read "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris—so you don’t have to. This is Part 1 of a multi-episode series where I unpack the book’s harmful messages, its connection to purity culture, and its deep roots in the Christian homeschooling world. From courtship myths to repressed sexuality and emotional confusion, I explore how this 1997 “dating manual” shaped a generation—and how Harris himself eventually walked it all back.

I also share personal experiences growing up in a conservative Christian homeschool setting, including my early encounters with the Harris family’s broader influence. Whether you're deconstructing your upbringing or just want to understand how purity culture warped an entire generation’s view of relationships, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

- The origin and impact of I Kissed Dating Goodbye

- Why purity culture thrived in the homeschool movement

- My own history with the Harris family’s teachings

- Courtship vs. dating: myths, harms, and personal pushback

- Emotional, sexual, and developmental confusion caused by purity messaging

Resources & Mentions:

- I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris (now retracted)

- Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris

- Sex Isn’t the Problem (Lust Is) by Joshua Harris

- HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association)

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Ex Homeschoolers Club

01:09 Overview of 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'

02:39 The Harris Family and Homeschooling

03:30 Personal Experiences with the Harris Family

05:17 Initial Thoughts on 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye'

06:34 Courtship vs. Dating

07:35 Navigating Teenage Years and Sexuality

12:38 Chapter One: Smart Love

22:14 Chapter Two: 7 Habits of Highly Defective Dating

28:20 Introduction to Defective Dating Habits

29:12 Intimacy Without Commitment

32:14 Physical Relationship vs. True Love

34:44 Dating as a Distraction

36:46 Artificial Environment in Dating

41:25 Chapter Three: A New Attitude Towards Dating

42:20 The Gift of Singleness

47:22 Purity and Boundaries in Relationships

51:48 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub

Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Join the Newsletter for the latest Ex-Homeschooler News: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribeIf you’re an ex-homeschooler with a story to tell—this episode is your invitation to share it. Today I’m breaking down everything you need to know about becoming a guest on the show. Whether your homeschooling experience was amazing, traumatic, or somewhere in between, your voice matters here. In this episode, I walk you through the kind of stories I’m looking for, the interview process (spoiler: it’s super chill), and even give you a sneak peek at the types of questions I ask. If you’ve ever thought, “Could I be on a podcast?”—this episode invites you to find out. Let's get to know each other. Shoot me an email at exhsclub@gmail.com.💡 Key Topics Covered:- Why your homeschool story is definitely worth sharing- The types of guests and topics I’m looking for (neurodivergence, purity culture, curriculum wins/fails, LGBTQ+ experiences, and more)- What the interview process looks like from start to finish- Sample questions I’ll likely ask in your episode- How this show helps shape the next generation of homeschoolers📌 Takeaways:- Your story matters. Even if it feels ordinary to you, it could mean the world to someone else.- Everyone’s homeschool experience is different. I want to highlight the full spectrum—from big families to agnostic households.- You don’t need to be a pro. The process is designed to be low-pressure, flexible, and collaborative.- This podcast is more than therapy. It’s a way to connect, validate, and impact future homeschoolers and parents.- We edit the episodes. So don’t worry about messing up—we got you.

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:49 Why You Should Be a Guest

01:47 Topics of Interest

08:11 Interview Process Overview

13:07 Sample Questions

16:16 Upcoming Episodes and Closing Remarks✅ Call to Action:Think you’ve got a story worth telling? You do. Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com and let’s make it happen. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the show, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and join the newsletter to stay in the loop.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub

On today's show I'm joined by Mia Brooks, a longtime family friend. We dive into Mia's unique homeschool upbringing as the youngest of several siblings, her early leap into community college at age 14, and her reflective journey as a neurodivergent adult. From a less structured homeschool experience to discovering her ADHD as an adult, Mia shares candidly about burnout, creativity, and finding her voice through music.

If you're a former homeschooler navigating adulthood, neurodivergency, or the creative grind, this one's for you. We discuss everything from educational gaps to emotional growth, and how embracing one's uniqueness can unlock surprising paths.

Key Takeaways:

• Mia's flexible homeschool education fostered independence but masked underlying struggles.
• Community college at 14 gave Mia early access to higher learning but came with social culture shock.
• Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult reframed many of Mia's childhood behaviors and coping methods.
• Burnout and shame were lingering effects from trying to "overachieve" in a neurotypical world.
• Today, Mia channels her experience into music, releasing indie work under the name "Babi Manatee."

Stream Jeremy's New Album Here: https://www.blondemedicine.com/bm142-almost-a-grown-man

In this episode of, I sit down with comedian Jeremy Alder to unpack his wild and winding journey from fundamentalist Christian homeschooling in rural Texas to releasing his debut stand-up comedy album, Almost a Grown Man. Jeremy shares what it was like to be one of the only homeschoolers in South Texas during the 1980s, his early curriculum of Bible studies and Highlights magazines, and how his world expanded through music, friendship, and eventually a dive into philosophy. We discuss his later-life entry into stand-up comedy, how preaching prepared him for the stage, and the ups and downs of crafting a career in comedy. This episode is filled with laughs, insights, and nostalgia for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider trying to make sense of their past.

Key Takeaways:

• Jeremy was homeschooled starting in the mid-80s with no local community or support network.

• His early education relied on Highlights magazines and Bible memorization.

• A shift occurred in the '90s when homeschooling became more accepted and structured.

• Jeremy's path included Christian rock dreams, a dip into philosophy, and eventually stand-up comedy.

• He uses humor to process and reflect on his strict religious upbringing.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to the Ex Homeschoolers Clubhouse

00:09 Introducing Jeremy Alder: From Rural Texas to Stand-Up Comedy

03:05 Jeremy's Homeschool Journey: Early Years and Challenges

12:48 The Evolution of Homeschooling: Community and Acceptance

24:44 High School and Beyond: Navigating Adulthood

36:42 Exploring Faith and Philosophy: A New Path

38:23 Connecting with the Intelligent Design Community

39:42 Transition to University Life

40:14 Challenges and Triumphs of Homeschooling

40:44 Applying to College as a Homeschooler

44:35 Embracing the Homeschool Identity

47:30 Journey into Comedy

54:19 The Art and Struggle of Stand-Up Comedy

01:08:21 Reflections on Homeschooling and Public Education

01:16:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Jeremy Alder

• Vist his website for the most up to date information: https://www.jeremyalder.com
• See his previous special: https://youtu.be/i9OmDo5Weoc?si=nBFGW9emmrnVr5hM

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

• Join the Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/subscribe
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com