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PODCAST

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool

by Erica Harrell of Homeschool For Freedom

Sending voice notes to all my homeschooling besties! Listen in on my personal and guests" reflections, learnings, advice, stories of homeschooling, and more. We"ll chat getting and staying organized, planning lessons, activities, playdates, prepping for the day and anything else homeschooling that comes up! theorganizedhomeschool.substack.com

kids & family parenting

All Episodes

81:15

From Principal to Homeschooling for Freedom — My...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/11/13

In this episode of The Torch Mom Podcast with Tia Lilley, I share my story of walking away from a career in education to build a life of freedom through homeschooling.I open up about my journey from being a 26-year-old principal and workaholic to becoming a homeschool mom who finally found peace, purpose, and joy at home. We talk about the fears I faced leaving the system, how motherhood completely changed my definition of success, and what freedom truly looks like for our family today.Tia and I

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54:05

Voice Note 32: Dream Big, Start Small: Casondra...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/30

What happens when a teacher-turned-homeschool-mom decides to create the kind of learning environment her kids actually need?In this episode, I chat with Casondra Radford, a mom of four, lifelong educator, and founder of Rad Arts Academy—a creative, culturally-rooted homeschool co-op that began with just four kids and has grown to serve more than 30 families in one year.Casondra shares her journey from teaching across five continents to homeschooling her daughters, unlearning traditional structures,

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32:34

Voice Note 31: Homeschooling with Confidence: Yarelly...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/27

What happens when you follow your intuition and build a homeschool that truly fits your family?In this episode, I chat with Yarelly Briceno, a homeschooling mom of two and psychology student who’s passionate about helping families create peaceful, individualized learning at home. She shares how she started homeschooling in 2019, what it’s like raising a neurodivergent child, and how she balances motherhood, study, and self-care with grace and intention.You’ll hear:* Why Yarelly decided to homeschool

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8:46

Introducing the Homeschool for Freedom Expo: A New...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/24

It’s official—the Homeschool for Freedom Expo is happening!In this solo episode, I share the vision behind one of the biggest projects I’ve ever taken on: organizing and hosting a brand-new homeschool expo for families in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area in summer 2026.If you’ve ever wished for an event that celebrates all homeschoolers—secular and religious, new and experienced, eclectic and traditional—this is for you.You’ll hear:* Why I decided to create the Homeschool for Freedom Expo* How my

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66:58

Voice Note 30: Just Start: Melissa Garcia on Finding...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/23

Can you really homeschool with four little ones—and no support system?In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Garcia, a mom of four who started homeschooling her oldest at four years old after feeling called to keep her kids home. Melissa shares her honest, faith-filled journey of overcoming fear, finding confidence, and creating peace in the middle of motherhood chaos.You’ll hear:* Why a long commute and a tragic school shooting confirmed her decision to homeschool* How she built confidence

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62:02

Voice Note 29: From Classroom to Kitchen Table:...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, I chat with Kelsey Schaffer, a former preschool and elementary school teacher turned homeschooling mom of two. From lesson planning with a baby on her hip to unlearning the need for perfection, Kelsey shares her honest journey of building a homeschool that’s rooted in faith, play, and flexibility.You’ll hear:* Why she left the traditional classroom and chose homeschooling for her kids* How she plans preschool lessons that are simple, fun, and flexible* What “unlearning” looks like

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94:16

Voice Note 30: From Classroom to Consulting: JeTua...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/10/03

What happens when a passionate teacher leaves the classroom to homeschool her own children?In this episode, I sit down with JeTua Amos, a former middle school science teacher and now homeschool mom of four boys, ages 12–19. Since 2013, she’s been creating an eclectic but intentional homeschool rooted in planning, flexibility, and community. Along the way, she founded Amos Homeschool Consulting, where she helps families with planning, documentation, and transcripts.You’ll hear:* Why JeTua left

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64:12

Voice Note 32: Breaking Cycles & Building Freedom:...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/09/29

What happens when a seasoned educator decides the school system no longer aligns with her values—and chooses to homeschool instead?In this episode, I talk with Angela McDonald, a former teacher and consultant turned homeschool mom, about her decision to homeschool her 9-year-old daughter Hazel. Angela shares how she shifted from a boxed curriculum to teaching through life experiences, how she organizes lessons with skill-based planning, and the role of faith and obedience in her journey.You’ll

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97:59

Voice Note 28: From Marine Corps to Homestead:...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/09/22

What does it look like to go from military life to homeschooling, homesteading, and holistic health coaching?In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, I chat with Shanielle Pabon, a Marine Corps veteran turned homeschooling mom of three, who now lives on 40 acres in Texas with her family. Shanielle opens up about her evolving “why” for homeschooling, the realities of homesteading, and her passion for helping other moms thrive in health and wellness.You’ll hear:Why Shanielle’s

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56:06

Voice Note 26: Creating What You Can’t Find -...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/09/12

What do you do when you can’t find the homeschool or community your family needs?You create it.In this episode, I sit down with Vanita Wells, founder of Little Bean Learning—a nature-based micro school and virtual program that grew out of her own homeschool journey with her two young boys.Vanita shares how she balances teaching, running a program, and homeschooling her kids—all while staying grounded in her “why.” Her story will encourage you to take the leap, trust your instincts, and create what

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8:57

Voice Note 23: Stay Ready - Small Habits That Keep...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/09/11

What if the secret to a calmer homeschool day wasn’t a brand-new system, but simply staying ready?In this solo episode, I share my new mantra for the school year: stay ready. From pepper grinders to co-op prep, I unpack how small, simple actions—done ahead of time—can eliminate overwhelm, reduce stress, and make homeschooling feel more peaceful.You’ll hear:* The simple kitchen metaphor that sparked my “stay ready” mindset* Why doing small things now beats waiting until they pile up* How prep habits

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70:43

Voice Note 24: From Bookstore to Homeschool: Jordan's...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/28

What does it look like to homeschool and run a bookstore, and lead a nonprofit?In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Anderson, a homeschool mom of four from Wyoming who is also the owner of Blue Mountain Bookstore and the founder of Four Angels, a nonprofit supporting families who’ve experienced stillbirth and miscarriage.Jordan’s story is raw, real, and encouraging. She shares how she navigated starting homeschool during COVID, returning to public school, and then coming back to homeschooling

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73:45

Voice Note 22: How Megan Built a Joyful Homeschool...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/22

What if homeschooling didn’t have to feel like checking boxes or living up to someone else’s standards?In this episode, I send voice notes back and forth with Megan O’Malley, a homeschool mom of three, who has built her homeschool rhythm around joy, curiosity, and connection. Megan shares how she let go of comparison, embraced a flexible yet intentional rhythm, and created a home learning environment that truly fits her family’s values.You’ll hear:* How Megan blends structure with freedom to keep

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13:32

Voice Note 21: Planning for Week 1 of Back to School

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/22

In this week’s solo episode, I’m letting you listen in on a real voice note I shared with my homeschool planning group. We’re talking all about how to plan for the very first week of school—keeping it simple, fun, and confidence-building for our kids.I’ll walk you through:* My week-one academic plan (hint: it’s review-heavy and joy-filled).* The back-to-school traditions I’ve mapped out for each day.* How I’m setting up rhythms, routines, and independent learning spaces to make the year run more

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62:48

Voice Note 20: How Tam’s Kids Took Charge of Their...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/14

In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, I am thrilled to chat with Tam, a seasoned homeschool mom of three from Georgia. We talk all about her experiences, from the accidental start of her homeschooling journey to the organized, community-oriented approach she embraces today. Tam shares invaluable insights on managing different grade levels, utilizing technology for organization, and fostering a love of learning in her kids. We also discuss the importance of finding the right

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10:06

Voice Note 19: Get Your Plans Down on Paper

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/14

Hey, welcome back to Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool! I just wrapped up a fun-filled weekend celebrating my son's Star Wars-themed birthday party. Now, I'm jumping back into school planning mode. Today, I want to share some tips and personal experiences on getting organized for the new homeschool year. I finally transitioned my planner from summer to fall, wrote down my 25-26 school year curriculum picks, and completed my vision section for the year. If you're still on the hunt for the

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41:46

Voice Note 18: From Challenges to Triumphs with Mama Yo

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/07

In this episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Yoni, also known as Mama Yo. She shares her 33-year-long homeschooling story, starting from her early days as a young mom on the South Side of Chicago, overcoming societal stereotypes, to nurturing her children's growth through different stages of life.Mama Yo opens up about the challenges she faced, including societal misconceptions about urban homeschooling and integrating into the community

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11:50

Voice Note 17: Why I switched to a homeschool umbrella

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/08/06

📣 THIS WEEK ONLY! Homeschool For Freedom Planner Sale Today, I'm recording from my car right after a busy morning of camp drop-off and Starbucks run. Tune in as I talk about juggling client work with homeschooling, the joys of having a babysitter, and my switch from portfolio reviews to using an umbrella organization for homeschooling compliance. If you've ever wondered about Maryland's homeschool laws or debated between portfolio reviews and umbrella organizations, this episode is for you. Plus,

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71:30

Voice Note 16: Building Community and Flow in...

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/07/31

Join me and guest Destiny McCoy as we chat about her journey of homeschooling her three kids while managing multiple communities and a business. Destiny shares her invaluable insights into creating a balanced, nurturing environment for both children and moms.Learn about her local homeschool group in Maryland, D.F.G. Homeschooling, The Mom Collective virtual community, and her tips on how to stay organized amidst the chaos. We also touch on the importance of listening to your kids, supporting each

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16:35

Voice Note 15: The Organized Homeschool Habits Blueprint

Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool ·

2025/07/28

[FREE] Join our Back to School Prep Community Welcome to another episode of Voice Notes from the Organized Homeschool! In this episode, I’m sharing something I’m prioritizing this year - habits! I recently returned from a vacation and have been focused on engaging with my back-to-school prep community on Telegram, which has about 35 members. Today, I'm excited to dive into three categories of habits that help keep my homeschool life organized and stress-free: school habits, home habits, and anchor

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