Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Homeschooling by Faith Not by Comfort

Tuesday, May 27th at 12:30pm Central

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez sits down with Dani Ward, a homeschooling mom of two and creator of a practical family Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. Dani shares how a single quote—“Comfort should not be our core value”—transformed her perspective on motherhood, homeschooling, and faith.

From embracing rhythm over balance to choosing obedience over ease, Dani opens up about the discomfort that often precedes growth and how stepping outside her comfort zone led her to create resources for meaningful family discipleship. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or unsure about what God is asking of you in your homeschooling journey, this episode will encourage you to lean into faith and trust that God equips those He calls.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Unlock Your Child’s Unique Learning Blueprint for Homeschool Success

Tuesday, June 3rd at 12:30pm Central

Feeling stuck or second-guessing how your child learns? You don’t need to guess anymore.

Discover how the MindPrint cognitive assessment can transform your homeschool approach by unlocking how your child learns best. Join host Peggy Ployhar, representatives from MindPrint Learning, and consultants from Homeschool Heroes to explore how this tool provides personalized insights and strategies to support unique learners. Hear how Peggy and her guests' own results reshaped how they work and plan—and how it can do the same for your family.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Overcoming Emotional Overwhelm in Homeschooling

Tuesday, June 10th at 12:30pm Central

Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like a lot. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-host team opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with homeschooling, especially when you're juggling unique learning needs, everyday family life, and your own personal expectations.

Join us as we talk candidly about how emotional overwhelm shows up, share the real moments we’ve struggled (and grown), and offer practical, grace-filled strategies for finding peace in the chaos. Whether you're in the thick of a hard season or just looking for encouragement from moms who’ve been there, this conversation is here to remind you: you're not alone, and you can homeschool from a place of hope, not burnout.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Helping Kids Write, Dream & Lead in a Changing World

Tuesday, June 17th at 12:30pm Central

In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson sits down with Chad Stewart—award-winning author, creativity advocate, and founder of the prestigious Devonfield creative writing program—to explore how writing and storytelling can equip the next generation to become visionary leaders.

Together, they discuss how cultivating imagination, critical thinking, and purpose-driven creativity empowers students to find their voice, chase their dreams, and influence the world around them. Whether you’re raising a budding author or just looking for ways to ignite meaningful learning at home, this conversation will leave you with powerful insights and practical tips to help your child write, dream, and lead boldly in today’s ever-changing world.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

How Online Learning is Changing Homeschooling for Unique Learners

Tuesday, June 24th at 12:30pm Central

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, to explore how online learning is transforming the homeschool experience—especially for unique learners. Amir shares Outschool’s mission to spark curiosity and self-directed learning through innovative, interest-based live classes, and how the platform has become a powerful tool for families seeking flexible, personalized education.

Drawing on new research, Amir and Peggy discuss the shift in parental expectations post-pandemic, the rise in homeschooling and microschooling, and why more families are turning to alternative models that prioritize safety, creativity, and real-world readiness. Whether you’re homeschooling a neurodiverse learner, exploring ESAs, or just curious about the future of education, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and possibilities.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

The Secret to Helping Your Child Feel Seen and Supported

Tuesday, July 1st at 12:30pm Central

What if the key to helping your child feel truly supported lies in how they connect with the older generation? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar talks with Isabel Tom—author, mom of three, and expert in senior care—about how parents can teach their children to value, engage with, and build meaningful relationships with grandparents and other elders.

You’ll walk away with practical tips, faith-based encouragement, and creative tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit to help your child grow in empathy, communication, and support.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Teaching Kids Life and Social Skills with Confidence

Tuesday, July 8th at 12:30pm Central

Teaching life and social skills doesn't come with a tidy checklist—and for homeschool parents of unique learners, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and even lonely. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-hosting team opens up about their own homeschooling journeys—sharing what worked, what took longer than expected, and how they found peace in the process.

Most of our team now has teens or adult children, so we’re looking back to offer perspective and encouragement for those of you still in the trenches. Whether you’re trying to teach daily hygiene, basic chores, social boundaries, or emotional self-regulation, we hope this conversation gives you practical ideas, honest insight, and a whole lot of grace.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Parenting Highly Sensitive Kids in a High-Stimulation Culture

Tuesday, July 15th at 12:30pm Central

In this timely and compassionate conversation, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by child and adolescent development expert Sarah Boyd (M.Ed. Psych.), founder of Resilient Little Hearts and author of the upcoming book Turn Down the Noise: A Practical Guide to Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in a Chronically Overstimulated World. Together, they explore how modern life’s constant noise—from screens to schedules—can overwhelm both children and parents, especially in homeschooling families.

Sarah unpacks the neuroscience behind overstimulation, shares how to recognize and support the trait of high sensitivity in children (and ourselves), and offers practical strategies for simplifying family life to foster connection, resilience, and emotional health. This episode is packed with empathy, insight, and actionable steps for parents raising children in a chronically overstimulated world.

Whether you're homeschooling a highly sensitive child or just feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will leave you equipped and encouraged.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs

Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations Group Discussion to submit your questions ahead of time for the show AND to join us for a post-show conversation on this topic.  

(You must have a Navigator Membership or higher to be part of this group. Click HERE to upgrade your membership.)

Helping Your Child Find Their Words on Paper and in Life

Tuesday, July 22nd at 12:30pm Central

If your child dreads writing or struggles to express themselves, you're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Julie Bogart—educator, author, and creator of the Brave Writer program—to explore how parents can gently guide their children toward confidence in both writing and communication.

Learn practical strategies, encouraging mindsets, and simple tools to help your child find their voice—on paper and in life.

On YouTube, click 'Notify Me' to be alerted when this episode airs