From the Florida Parent Educators Association, this is the (Not) By The Book podcast. In each episode, we feature conversations between FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn and guests from the worlds of homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership who share their journey to what they are known for today. They discuss how the dream started, their influences, challenges they overcame and opportunities they took advantage of to get there. Guests also share how this process has impacted their life and family and offer advice for those determined to follow their own dreams.
FPEA (Florida Parent Educators Association)
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with RuthAnn Zimmerman of Homesteading with the Zimmermans. RuthAnn has a fantastic story that will encourage you to embrace change while still holding on to the good things we learned from our childhood and our culture. We talk about homesteading, parenting, family, and the family table.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Aubrey and Jen McGowan. They are an awesome singer-songwriter, storytelling duo who have a pretty amazing story of their own that they share with us today. We talk about love and loss, togetherness and really all the things it takes to build a beautiful family.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Sue Becker, co-owner of Bread Beckers and founder of the ministry Real Bread Outreach. If this is your first time hearing Sue, prepare to be blown away by the vast wealth of the knowledge this amazing lady carries around in her head. You will certainly be inspired and challenged to go eat some real bread.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and the voice of Larry the Cucumber. They talk about Mike's interests and passions that led him to his creative journey and the rewards and challenges of pursuing his passion. We also get to talk about his more recent creative adventures with The Dead Sea Squirrels. This one is sure to stir up that inner child.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Jan Reelitz, founder of Food Forest DIY. They talk about Jen's journey to becoming self-reliant and the passion she has for helping others become self-reliant and teach the next generation these lost skills.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Nicole Thomas, better known to many as Nicole the Math Lady. Nicole and Suzanne talk about what it looks like to recognize your passion and have the courage to step out in faith to do the hard things, even when you aren't sure what the end result will look like.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Nick Adams, bestselling author, presidential appointee and founder of FLAG, the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness. Nick is an Australian immigrant with an amazing story of survival, determination, boldness and a great love for America.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Jim Hodges, storyteller and creator of Jim Hodges Audio Books. It's not surprising to find out that Jim loved stories and telling them from a very young age. But you will enjoy learning so much more about the man behind the voice of these wonderful audiobook creations.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Sherri Seligson, marine biologist and author of many of the Apologia science books, and more recently, other fun projects. Sherri talks with Suzanne about her amazing experiences exploring nature and making learning about science fun, too!
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Hal and Melanie Young, authors of Raising Real Men and creators of Craftsman Crates. They share the story of how they met, their dreams and aspirations, challenges and how ultimately everything converged in a beautifully intentional family and family business that has become an inspiration to so many families today.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with author Trisha Goyer. Trisha shares her story of finding a life that is filled with love. Isn't that what you would expect from an author who writes romance? But Trisha's story is anything but what we might expect to hear. Her real-life journey is so much better than the fiction.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Jannique Stewart, speaker and apologist at Life Training Institute. Jannique shares her story of how growing up in Europe had a profound impact early in her life on how she interacts with others and the world around her. We talk about the importance of strong family foundations and about using your talents and gifts to impact your culture in a meaningful way.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Yvette Hampton, producer and host of Schoolhouse Rocked - The Homeschool Revolution. Yvette shares her story of how she went from being the mom who would never homeschool, to taking to the road with her family as a homeschool mom and traveling the country to document and share the amazing opportunities for those who choose to homeschool their own children.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Andrew Pudewa, founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Many of you will be familiar with his great writing program, but his journey to IEW is truly an amazing story of pursuing your passions boldly and embracing each lesson learned along the path to finding exactly what your life's work will be.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Rick Green, founder of Patriot Academy, whose mission in part is to equip and educate a generation of citizen leaders to champion the cause of freedom and truth in every sector of society. Rick and Suzanne have a great conversation about what it looks like to pursue your passion boldly and yet be open to seeing those passions bloom in unexpected places.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with S.D. Smith, author of the best-selling adventure saga, The Green Ember series, and founder of Story Warren. Sam's tales captivate readers across the globe who are hungry for new stories with an old soul. Not merely safe stories with old-school virtue and moral imagination, but stories that are bold and daring – truthful tales of light that help shape children who become dangerous. Dangerous to the darkness. You'll be encouraged by Sam's own story of finding his way to becoming the well-loved author he is today, as well as his advice to storytellers who may be hesitant to brave putting pen to paper.
In this special Christmas mini-episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn shares very personal thoughts on why this season is truly wonderful. And she reminds us that the greatest story ever told begins with a cast of characters led by a God whose perfect (but certainly unexpected) plan results in the savior of the world arriving in a manger. Wishing you a joyous and blessed Christmas from your friends at FPEA.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with author, speaker and podcaster Heidi St. John. They discuss how Heidi found her way to homeschooling, her seven children and how the need for community in her own life became the impetus for building community where she lives and across the nation – a community that provides practical resources for families and for busy moms everywhere. Listen in to hear Heidi's story.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Joel Salatin, known in some circles as the lunatic farmer. His bio reads, “Others who like him, call him the most famous farmer in the world, the high priest of the pasture, and the most eclectic thinker from Virginia since Thomas Jefferson.” Joel shares the story of how he became this farmer that we all know and love. We hear his amazing story and talk about the freedom that comes from living a life that embraces difference.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Israel Wayne. Israel is an author, speaker and founder and director of Family Renewal. He has an incredible story of family, renewal and how a young man's journey through his childhood and teen years has led to a life of passion to help families be strong in their faith and relationships. Listen in to hear his inspiring story.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Sam Sorbo. Sam is a leading advocate for parental freedom and the protection of children. Her story takes us from a background of challenging experiences with the public education system to studying biomedical engineering at Duke University until her transition to a successful international modeling career. Sam moved on to become an award-winning film star and TV actress, and she lived her own fairy tale in the process as she met and married her husband on the set of Hercules. Now join us as she shares the rest of her story.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Joel Grewe, former director of Generation Joshua and the executive director of HSLDA Action. Joel's journey to who he is and what he does today highlights the power of how crucial decisions made by others in a moment can pave the way to us finding the place that we are meant to be. A place where we can impact the lives of others around us. Listen to hear Joel's story.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Davy Liu, founder of Kendu Kids and a former Disney animator for many of the company's most successful films such as The Lion King and Aladdin. His journey is a challenge to the culture he grew up in and a testament to how each of us is created uniquely to impact the world we live in. Listen now to Davy's incredible story.
In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with award-winning author and speaker Jenny Cote. Jenny is best known for The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and the Epic Order of the Seven series. She is an adventurer, a committed researcher and has an amazing story to tell about the impact of three simple words on her life as a child: “I love you.” Listen now as Jenny and Suzanne talk about what it means to grow up with big dreams and exciting futures ahead.
In this episode, host FPEA Chair Suzanne Nunn speaks with Connie Albers. Connie is a podcaster, author, speaker, TV and media contributor, and a connector dedicated to equipping parents and students to discover who they were created to be and how to cultivate lasting relationships. Connie is a small-town Florida girl who discovered a big world. Her story is both encouraging and exciting and is sure to inspire you.
In this episode, host Suzanne Nunn speaks with Sarah Janisse Brown. Sarah is the creator of Thinking Tree Books, the “Fun-School” Method and is a mom of 15 kids. She has a passion for guiding the next generation of homeschoolers toward free thinking and guilt free learning. They talk about Sarah's journey into motherhood, how her fun schooling method was birthed, and what kind of impact her decision to pursue her dreams has had on her life and the life of her family. Listen in as Sarah shares about her childhood dreams and how her personal struggles and the struggles of her own children helped those dreams to become a reality.
FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Zan Tyler, popular homeschool speaker and author. Zan shares her amazing story of how she started homeschooling, almost landed in jail and ultimately battled for homeschooling freedom and the establishment of landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina. They talk about how Zan's journey has convinced her that a parent should never have to homeschool alone without the freedoms, tools and encouragement they need to be successful.
FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Todd Wilson, founder of Familyman Ministries, which he started with a mission to remind dads about what's most important. Todd shares about how he came to have the vision for Familyman Ministries, relationships that influenced this vision and how he ultimately put feet to it all.
FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Dennis DiNoia, also known as Mr. D, the founder of Mr. D Math, a trusted resource for online math curriculum, SAT/ACT test prep, and courses in a variety of key subjects for students around the world. Dennis talks about how to follow your dreams and live the life you dream of and how his decision to take the leap of faith has impacted his life and his entire family.
FPEA Chair Suzanne Nunn speaks with Ginny Yurich, the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside, a global platform to reclaim childhood and reconnect families. Ginny is a mother of five, published author, speaker and a self-proclaimed Zinnia enthusiast. They talk about Ginny's childhood without screens, her journey into motherhood, how 1000 Hours Outside was birthed and what impact her decision to take the leap of faith has had on her life and the life of her family.