The OpenEd Podcast

"I think the biggest why is love really. I love my children. I love children in general. It's what got me into education in the first place." – Keri MaeWhat if personalized education wasn't just for stay-at-home parents? In this eye-opening episode, former public school teacher and single mom Keri Mae shares how she crafts individualized learning experiences for her three boys while working full-time (at OpenEd).From navigating Montessori to homeschooling, Keri Mae challenges the notion that alternative education requires a traditional two-parent, stay-at-home setup. She reveals practical strategies for balancing work and education, advocating for your children's needs, and creating rich learning experiences even with time and resource constraints. Learn why she implemented a strict no-homework policy for her elementary-aged children, and how this decision created more time for family connection and real-world learning.Learn:- How to personalize education while working full-time, including creative scheduling and resource management- Why homework policies should be questioned and how to advocate for your child's after-school time- The power of practical skills and hands-on learning versus traditional worksheets- How to blend different educational approaches (Montessori, homeschool, etc.) based on each child's needs- Real-world strategies for staying involved in your children's education as a working parent- Why age 12 can be the perfect transition point for homeschoolingChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:15 Starting the Journey: Public School Experience01:45 Challenges with Public Schooling02:49 Transition to Homeschooling03:14 Current Educational Setup04:49 Pandemic and Homeschooling Realizations09:08 Daily Homeschool Routine11:48 Balancing Work and Homeschooling12:37 Personalizing Education for Each Child15:36 Values and Family Activities16:36 Challenges and Adjustments in Homeschooling19:48 Monitoring and Accountability21:29 Staying Involved with Montessori22:52 Engaging with Your Child's Education24:20 The No Homework Policy26:54 Alternative Learning Methods30:57 The Importance of Context in Learning36:31 Fostering Independence and Practical Skills38:14 The Motivation Behind Open Education40:36 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

Featuring Cassie Shepard of Home Centered Learning Just when you figure out how to teach one way, everything changes - it's like having a baby. You have to adjust to different stages, but that's the beauty of homeschooling." – Cassie Shepard When Cassie Shepard noticed her twin daughters' spirits dimming in first grade, she took an unexpected leap into homeschooling. Five years later, she shares her evolution from rigid schedules to a flourishing, flexible approach that lets each child's unique light shine. In this deeply personal conversation, Cassie reveals how she transformed from a traditional-school mindset to embracing an eclectic, child-led approach to education. She discusses the emotional journey of leaving the school system, overcoming initial fears, and discovering that education can be customized to nurture each child's innate curiosity and talents. Learn: - How to recognize when your child's "light goes out" and trust your parental instincts - Why transitioning from traditional school structure to homeschool flexibility is like having a baby - constant adjustment and growth - The power of "Tell me more about that" in understanding your child's needs and interests - How to balance teaching multiple children while maintaining individual attention and growth - Why creating a customizable lifestyle is key to sustainable homeschooling success Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:08 Cassie Shepard's Homeschooling Journey 01:49 Making the Decision to Homeschool 03:10 Pros and Cons of Homeschooling 04:37 Initial Challenges and Adjustments 06:19 Emotional and Social Impact on Children 08:42 Balancing Homeschooling and Family Life 17:59 Adapting and Evolving the Homeschooling Approach 20:32 Homeschooling: Adapting to Different Learning Stages 21:31 Eclectic Homeschooling: Mixing and Matching Curriculums 22:15 Nurturing Individual Passions in Homeschooling 24:53 Managing Multiple Children in Homeschooling 30:00 Creating a Customized Homeschooling Lifestyle 34:42 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Tips

Featuring Sandy Grant, Homeschool Mother of Six"Sometimes you have to put the relationship before your desire to have them meet all of your check boxes."– Sandy GrantFrom a $50 total budget for three kids to navigating high school calculus, veteran homeschool mom Sandy Grant shares her raw, unfiltered journey of educating six very different children over two decades. After seeing five graduate (three through college), she reveals the surprising truth about what actually matters in home education. Whether you're worried about teaching advanced subjects, balancing multiple kids' needs, or maintaining your parent-child relationship, Sandy's practical wisdom and honest insights illuminate a path forward.Learn:- Why the parent-child relationship should come before academic checkboxes- How to balance structure and flexibility in your homeschool day- The truth about socializing homeschool teenagers vs. younger children- Why leaving free time for self-directed interests is crucial for development- How to adapt your approach for different learning styles and personalities- The surprising benefits of letting kids choose their own learning pathChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:53 Sandy's Homeschooling Journey Begins03:03 Adapting Homeschool Methods05:32 Creating Effective Checklists07:30 Evaluating Curriculum Effectiveness09:52 Balancing Parent and Teacher Roles18:38 Transitioning from Young Kids to Teens23:51 College and Career Paths27:06 Encouraging Self-Led Interests33:06 Social Aspects of Homeschooling37:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

With Special Guest Andrea Fife, ADHD Education Specialist"Try different, try again. Don't just try harder, try something different."– Andrea FifeIn this packed Q&A episode, we tackle the tough questions parents face in alternative education. Special guest Andrea Fife delivers a masterclass on supporting ADHD learners, revealing why traditional approaches often fail and how technology, dopamine, and understanding executive function are key to success. Plus, Isaac and Matt explore finding community, essential subjects, and knowing when to push vs. when to let go.Learn:- Why executive function age in ADHD learners is typically 2/3 of their chronological age and what this means for expectations- How to help kids develop social skills in the age of screens (hint: model it yourself!)- The "three R's plus entrepreneurship" approach to essential subjects- When to let kids quit activities vs. pushing through challenges- Why sharing your own struggles and vulnerabilities builds trust with teens- How alternative education creates unique opportunities for multi-age relationships and real-world learningChapters00:00 Welcome Back to the Open Ed Podcast00:46 Addressing ADHD in Homeschooling02:06 Expert Insights with Andrea Fife11:43 The Role of Exercise and Dopamine19:32 Finding Community and Socialization26:27 A Radical Approach to Education26:54 The Importance of Basic Skills27:57 Connecting Learning to Real Life29:21 Nurturing Natural Aptitudes30:32 Alternative Math Learning Methods31:54 Addressing Parental Concerns32:32 Raising Resilient and Responsible Adults38:14 Balancing Fun and Learning39:35 Encouraging Perseverance in Kids47:18 Success Stories and Final Thoughts

When Krystle's daughter was struggling to read at a first-grade level at age 10, multiple diagnoses and years of Orton-Gillingham programs weren't helping. Then she discovered something surprising: it wasn't dyslexia at all - it was a treatable vision problem called convergence insufficiency. Today, her daughter reads 800 words per minute at college level.In this eye-opening episode, learn how vision problems are often misdiagnosed as dyslexia, and discover a promising solution that's helping students worldwide overcome reading challenges. Perfect for parents whose children are struggling with reading or have been diagnosed with dyslexia.Visit Vision Reading Academy: https://visionreadingacademy.comChapters:00:00 - Introduction01:17 - Krystle's Daughter's Story04:16 - What is Convergence Insufficiency?07:53 - How to Identify Vision Problems vs. Dyslexia11:33 - The Assessment Process13:55 - How the Program Works16:45 - How Screen Time Affects Vision20:45 - When to Worry About Reading Struggles25:35 - The Problem with Labels and Diagnoses29:30 - Success Stories and Transformation34:30 - How to Get Help37:18 - Final Thoughts and Resources

When Jamie Lesko - a former special education teacher, first started homeschooling, she did what many teachers-turned-homeschoolers do: she recreated school at home. Desks. Rigid schedules. Planners. Her son regularly melted down on the floor.Then one day, she found all three kids doing schoolwork atop a closet loft.Her first instinct? Worry. But then she had an epiphany: "Why do they have to learn at a desk?"Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we stop trying to replicate what we know and start building what works.In this episode, Jamie Lesko takes us through her family's unexpected journey into homeschooling, and how the pandemic led her to a more personalized approach for her three children.We explore:- Why traditional teaching credentials aren't always the most important qualification- How to transition from "bringing school home" to true homeschooling- The power of letting children choose when and where they learn- Creating an "educational cocktail" unique to each child- Managing full-time work while homeschooling- Building independence and problem-solving skillsChapters00:00 Introduction to OpenEd Podcast00:35 Jamie's Family Educational Journey01:45 Transition to Homeschooling03:55 Homeschooling Challenges and Discoveries05:24 Charter School Experience08:29 Homeschooling Realizations and Community Support11:29 Adapting to Homeschooling16:33 Balancing Homeschooling and Family Life16:59 Flexibility and Autonomy in Homeschooling18:27 Choosing the Right Curriculum20:40 Adapting to Individual Learning Styles24:35 Teaching Problem-Solving Skills27:13 Parental Roles in Homeschooling34:10 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights

You don't have to choose between work and customized learning. Build around the system, not against it.Sunny Simkin, a single working mom reveals how she transformed her children's education without leaving public school. After struggling with math herself, she refused to let her daughter face the same challenges. Instead of fighting the system, she built around it - combining public school with targeted programs like Mathnasium, Ninja Warrior classes, and specialized music education.Learn how she:- Identified her children's unique learning styles- Found creative alternatives to traditional sports- Improved her daughter's math performance- Balanced work and educational enrichment- Discovered hidden local resourcesPlus: Get specific recommendations for after-school programs that actually work, including Let's Play Music, Soccer Shots, and more. Perfect for working parents who want to personalize their kids' education without homeschooling.Follow for more practical education tips for working parents!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Personalized Education00:31 Meet Sunny Simkin01:19 Sunny's Educational Journey03:11 Challenges with Math05:27 Interventions and Solutions11:44 Extracurricular Activities19:27 Balancing Public School and Personalization25:18 Resources and Recommendations28:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Charlynn Chambers didn't set out to revolutionize education. She just wanted to help her kids learn. But somewhere between the pandemic and pancakes, she stumbled upon a profound truth: education isn't separate from real life.For her children, traditional schooling had been a struggle. Sitting still, focusing on worksheets, and regurgitating facts for tests seemed to dim their natural curiosity. At home, though, a different story unfolded.Charlynn found learning opportunities everywhere. Division wasn't just numbers on a page; it was splitting Stormtrooper armies in Star Wars scenarios. Fractions weren't abstract concepts; they were measurements in a favorite recipe. Leadership wasn't a buzzword; it was taking charge of making breakfast for the family."Education isn't about being able to just score all the right things on all the right tests," Charlynn realized. "It's about really being more of a whole individual."This wasn't a rejection of academic rigor. Rather, it was an expansion of what "education" could mean. By integrating learning into daily life, Charlynn's children weren't just memorizing facts – they were developing skills to navigate the real world, pursue their passions, and continue learning long after any test was over.In Charlynn's kitchen classroom, education became more than preparation for life. It became life itself.Resources mentioned:• OpenEd• Math Base Camp• Education.com• Reading EggsChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:22 Transition from Charter to Homeschool01:24 Pandemic's Impact on Education Choices03:12 Homeschooling and Neurodivergence04:20 Parental Involvement and Curriculum Concerns08:45 Homeschooling Journey and Adjustments12:19 Customizing Education for ADHD16:24 Hands-On Learning and Life Skills18:34 Balancing Curriculum and Life Lessons22:39 Intentional Living and Learning27:11 Fostering Lifelong Learning at Home28:28 Challenges and Rewards of Homeschooling31:41 Essential Resources for Homeschooling35:47 Homeschooling in Oregon: Insights and Trends46:09 Practical Tips for New Homeschooling Parents47:15 Balancing Challenges and Growth51:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

From factory settings to farm life, Apogee Strong founder Matt Beaudreau reveals why traditional schooling may be holding your child back. Learn how real education happens outside the classroom and why parents are better equipped than "experts" to guide their children's learning. Matt shares insights from his journey founding his microschool network, working at Stanford, and transforming education for thousands of families.Learn more: https://apogeestrong.com/apogee-schoolsChapters:00:00 Introduction02:38 Education Isn't Political05:11 Individualized Education09:29 Fundamentals of Education14:29 Defining Success18:51 Simplifying Education26:11 Lightbulb Moments34:07 Transfer of a Way of Life37:00 Socratic Conversations at Home44:41 Parents Are the Experts48:43 The Value of Experience

Chapters00:00 Understanding Negative Thinking in Kids00:21 Introduction to the OpenEd Podcast00:23 Meet Joey Mascio of Sidekick to Hero01:07 The Importance of Open Education01:53 Joey's Journey from Teacher to Sidekick to Hero02:36 The Missing Piece in Education: Self-Development04:35 Teaching Self-Development Through Humor and Stories05:18 Joey's Disney and Improv Background07:05 The Impact of Sidekick to Hero on Kids09:20 The Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)14:14 From Sidekick to Hero: Teaching Teens to Reframe Their Mindset17:06 Introduction to the Hero Arenas17:15 Exploring the Four Hero Arenas18:07 Gamification and Real-World Application19:34 Balancing Screen Time and Real Life20:49 Teens and Technology: A Deep Dive29:22 Improv Game: One Sentence Summaries30:47 Wrapping Up and Final ThoughtsIn this episode of the OpenEd podcast, we sit down with Joey Mascio, founder of Sidekick to Hero, a program designed to teach self-development skills to teenagers. Joey, a former middle school teacher and Disneyland performer, shares his insights on the importance of teaching cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other personal growth techniques to young people.Key Themes The gap in traditional education around self-development and resilience Using storytelling and gamification to engage teens in personal growth The impact of technology on teen mental health and productivity Reframing negative thoughts and building self-confidence The importance of real-world action in learning and growthHighlightsThe Missing Piece in EducationJoey reflects on his time as a teacher: "There's no education, no class, no curriculum that really teaches self-development, resilience, or anything like that. We find this stuff as adults, and we always say, 'I wish I knew this when I was a teen.'"Rewriting Our StoriesDrawing from his own experiences with bullying, Joey explains: "I was rewriting my unhelpful thoughts that weren't getting me the results I wanted. Teens are capable of doing this, but they don't know they can. They're not aware of the difference between the facts around them and their stories or thoughts about those facts."The Hero's Journey in Personal DevelopmentJoey describes his approach: "Sidekick to Hero is my way of teaching CBT and other self-development concepts to teens. The hero is the person in the story who rises up to change the ending. Nobody else in the story does that – it's the hero."Technology as a Tool, Not a LifestyleOn the impact of excessive screen time, Joey notes: "If you play Fortnite for four hours and get to level 95, when you turn it off and look around in your real life, there's been no change, no improvement. It doesn't transfer over, and your real life is not improving."Closing Thought:"Teens can do so much more than they're currently doing. They just have to change their mind about themselves so they can change their story."This episode offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and teens themselves on the importance of self-development skills and how to cultivate them in a world full of distractions. Joey Mascio's Sidekick to Hero program presents an innovative approach to teaching these crucial life skills, emphasizing real-world application and personal growth.