If Homeschool Walls Could Talk

Holly and I are friends, our kids are friends, and we've talked many times, but yet, I never knew her homeschool story. I knew she was homeschooled growing up, but beyond that, I had never heard her journey. We finally were able to sit down and record our conversation about how she went from a non-ideal homeschool situation to striving to do better for her own family. Holly is sincere, kind and earnest in helping her kids develop a love of learning.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

With a background in education and a husband who was an educator, Rebecca Altman never thought of homeschooling. However, when her adopted daughter struggled in school due to issues related to her traumatic background, she knew something needed to change. Rebecca shares her experience pulling her kids out of school, then putting them back into public school years later. She talked about her experiences with both and how her primary mission was to help her children heal. She also shared where her kids are now and ended with a plea for compassion for all parents who are struggling to find their way forward. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Amy Wilson has three dyslexic children, two who have graduated college and one who is college-bound. She shared with me her decision to homeschool when her children were failing to thrive in public school. Being a mom to dyslexic kids, we had so much in common, but I think you'll find many aspects that relate to your situation, whether or not your kids are divergent learners. We talked about so many great parts of parenting, like getting out of your kids' ways and believing in their potential. She is a wonderful example of advocating for your children and finding resources. We referenced these resources in the interview: Susan Barton, Laura Rogen and Wired for Reading, The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan, Brain Integration Therapy, Rate My Professor, and the books Mindset, Grit, Presence, and Outliers. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Meredith is my younger sister, so it won't be a shock to hear how invested I am in helping her feel successful in her first attempt at homeschooling. We discussed her experience with distance learning and why she's thinking of homeschooling this fall. To help her prepare for the possibility of homeschooling, I grilled her with the questions she potentially could be asked. Hilarity ensues. Find me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Sia is one of my oldest friends here in Washington. We've taught classes together, worked together as leadership for our commonwealth school, and spent countless hours talking about what we're passionate about. I'm so excited that it worked out for us to sit together and talk about she's learned over the years. Sia is inspiring, hard-working, and always striving to be better and learn more. Learn more about leadership education at www.tjed.org and read the LOLIPOP book by Amy Edwards. You can also learn more about North Star Commonwealth. Find me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Get your paper and pen handy, because you're going to be taking notes with this one. I heard through the homeschool grapevine that Edie Ahrens was a wonderful person, but I still was surprised by her depth, wisdom, and perspective. She shared with me her unexpected decision to homeschool and the faith-filled choice she made every day to teach her son, Robert. Edie is also so relatable! This interview was beautiful. Listen and enjoy.  If you know someone I should interview or follow on social media, email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com or follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Jennifer taught me so much in this episode. She shared about her journey to homeschooling and how she uses the resources of the public school system to help her boys. She has a son who receives speech therapy, and another son with Sensory Processing Disorder. She talks about having her family in both the homeschool and traditional school worlds, and balancing being a provider and a parent. I think you'll enjoy listening to her journey so far.   Follow me on Instagram: @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me: homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Kray Blanding is the oldest child of Doreen Blanding, who I interviewed in episode 8. After her interview, Kray reached out with a desire to share his perspective on being homeschooled through high school. Kray is married to his high school sweetheart, Alysia and they have a two-year-old daughter. Today, Kray works as the Lead Technical Recruiter for a midsized tech company in the Seattle area. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Zoie Norris and Lucy Hahn are two amazing young women. Zoie (16) is a family friend and Lucy (17) is my daughter, but both are also homeschooled teens who I've taught over the years. I plan to do a series of these podcasts because I think while it's becoming more common to be homeschooled, it's even less common to do it through high school. They generously shared their experiences and thoughts on friends, dating, Shakespeare, math, social media, and more.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Doreen Blanding came on the podcast to share her experiences from homeschooling for more than 20 years.  She started in the mid-90's and her youngest of six kids will graduate college in just over a year.  I loved hearing about Doreen's resourcefulness in the pre-Google and pre-Facebook era.  Our lives had a lot of parallels and it was so interesting to compare our experiences.  I learned so much for Doreen and feel grateful she shared her story.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

My kids think Zac Morris is the coolest parent at our commonwealth school, but I have only heard snatches here and there of his story.  I knew from the start of this podcast that I wanted to interview him, partly because he's a homeschool dad in a world of moms, but also because I knew he'd be honest and straightforward.  He's dealt with addiction, self-destructive behavior, and a difficult upbringing.  He had some crazy stories to share from his time living and working in Alaska. What he shared reminded me of the power of the individual to have faith in God and change for the better.  I also learned how incredible his wife, Courtney, is and how I should have had her on the podcast as well! Zac would probably laugh at me for saying I was moved by his story, but I was. This podcast does reference drug and alcohol use and sexual behavior, but nothing is explicit.  Please use your judgment on what is suitable for kids under 18. To understand more about Zac's reference to patriarchal blessings, go here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

In this episode, I list my personal pros and cons list for homeschooling. Which ones resonate with you? Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

This guest is near and dear to my heart since she's my 19-year-old daughter! We talk about her experiences being homeschooled and also explore her mental health journey. She's amazing, but I'm biased. Follow me on Instagram or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Stacey Riggs is a homeschool mom to one energetic, social boy. She's on the podcast to share her strategies for homeschooling an only child. She also shares her negative experience being homeschooled as a young teen, and how she's been able to overcome that and create a beautiful environment in her home. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

With the social distancing dominant on all our minds, I address the grieving of our normalcy and the distinction between quarantine and isolation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

Erin Edwards is a dear friend of mine. We've worked together in commonwealth schools, our kids have adopted each other as cousins, and we talk books as much as possible. She's on the podcast to share how she's helping friends who are now homeschooling due to COVID-19, her journey to love homeschooling and how she's managed to make self-care a priority. There is some unapologetic gushing on both our parts toward the end, so be forewarned. We all need support and encouragement in this life so I hope you find your own Erin to inspire and challenge you. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

I'm Jenny Hahn, host of If Homeschool Walls Could Talk. In this first episode I tell the short version of my homeschool journey over the last 14 years and explain my intention of starting a podcast, which is to help create connections and build understanding. I'm looking forward to interviewing people for future episodes and learning from their experiences. I'm so glad you decided to join me. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at homeschoolwalls@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenny-hahn/message