Let's Talk Homeschool

In this episode, we encourage families to "Do Family" by taking the first 6-8 weeks of bringing a newborn home and really focusing on them, even if …

In this show, Davis interviews Abbie Halberstadt. She is a homeschooling mama of 10 and author of two books: M is for Mama and Hard is Not the Same …

A recent Washington Post article reports that homeschooling has been the fastest growing form of education in the last three years growing 50% …

We're talking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. How can you lower the stress level and increase the joy? We offer some practical ideas.

In the year 2000, the British Medical Journal set out to list the top medical advances since 1840. Using Kevin Swanson's book EPOCH as a reference (pp 434-441), I summarize the top 8. You will note that all the …

In this episode, we talk about our trip to San Antonio, TX to witness the annular solar eclipse of Oct. 14, 2023. We also discuss the difference …

As we continue this series, in this show we talk about ideas for making the most of projects and responsibilities with your kids. Some keys include doing it with them, not worrying about how long it will take to …

In this show, we talk with Rachael Yunis, co-author of Apologia's advanced biology course - The Human Body.

How long does a typical homeschool last? One year? Two years? Three? For those that make it for the long-haul, when do they come to that decision? …

In this short devotional, we encourage listeners to learn the big picture of the Bible (with its 66 books) in the same way you would want to know the …

In this show, we share a list of 26 words of wisdom (from 26 years of homeschooling) to help you have an awesome homeschool year.

In this show, I interview Doug Powell, author of the iWitness series. There are 8 books in this collection of beautifully illustrated, highly visual, …

We actually have a list with hundreds of good reasons to homeschool. We picked ten of the top ones to share with you in this episode.

We continue the "Doing Family" series by discussing extra-curricular activities and how to practically, intentionally, and best practice Deuteronomy …

In July, I wrote a response to Amazon Prime's Shiny Happy People docuseries. In this podcast episode, Rachael and I talk with Ladd and April Lesh and …

In this show, we talk with David Webb, instructor with Apologia's Live Online Classes. We discuss how to be intentional about movie watching. 

We continue our "Doing Family" series by discussing family traditions - the ones that are started intentionally and the ones that happen naturally.

This is a short devotional based on Luke 5:21

Some of our most listened to shows are the 13 in this series titled: Radically Intentional Parenting. Those shows were aired a long time ago. So we wanted to bring them back to the top with this repeat of the …

In this show, we talk with Rachael Yunis, author of Exploring Creation with Earth Science. Find out why lesson 13 in this course is her favorite. 

In this episode, I ask Rachael (my wife and author of The Word in Motion) six questions about the Bible curriculum she wrote.

Our guest in this show is Sherri Seligson, author of several Apologia courses including Exploring Creation with Marine Biology and General Science, …

This series is titled "Doing Family." In this episode, we talk about one of the 4 Deuteronomy opportunities to "teach your children diligently." This …

This is a conference workshop by Rachael Carman titled "Loving, Learning, Laughing" and is presented in its entirety.

In this episode, we share a presentation in its entirety by Davis from 2016 at the CHEA homeschool conference in Pasadena, CA.

We continue our series titled "Doing Family" with a look at Ephesians 6:1-4, and the importance of getting a handle on teaching our kids to obey. This is very important work for a parent, and you want to get their …

This episode is a short devotional based on 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

In this show, we share six practical ways you can be a super hero parent to your children.

In this episode, we talk with Vicki Dincher, creator of the Apologia Student Notebooks. She tells us how the idea for the Student Notebooks came to …

In this part of the Doing Family series, we discuss family worship. What is it? Why is it important? How can you do it well? And much more. We believe it's one of the most important things you can include in your family …

In this episode, I present a homeschool graduation speech that I've given a few times. It's titled: Learn, Live, and Defend the Faith.

In February, a revival unexpected started at Asbury College - a small college in a sleepy little town of Kentucky. This is great news, and many …

In this show, I interview Rachael Yunis, the author of Apologia's new preschool science course. If you have preschool aged children, then you will …

This is a presentation by Davis given during Apologia's 2017 Home School Teacher Appreciation Day.

We continue our 12-part series called "Doing Family" in this episode. We discuss morning routines and how to get the day started on the right foot by …

In this show, we review big ideas about the Charlotte Mason teaching philosophy. We also explain three key differences between Charlotte Mason and traditional classical education.

In this show, I talk with Kathryn Gomes, author of the Exploring Creation with Mathematics series for grades 1 to 6.

This is a 12-part parenting series titled: Doing Family. In this episode, we discuss the value and importance of making sure you schedule a time each …

We look back at the spring of 2020 when Apologia's vision was realized for two months. And what is our vision? We want to see millions of families …

Homeschooling is hard work. And we want you to be able to do this with confidence. Then there's so many things to keep up with: the kids, the house, …

Kevin Swanson is the author of EPOCH - The Rise and Fall of the West. His book looks at the church, culture, law, science, and other areas of …

This is the introduction to a new 12-part parenting series titled: Doing Family. We give a quick preview to the 10 topics we'll cover between this introduction and the summary (part 12 of 12).

It's a very real temptation to bring your own public or private school experience home. After all, it's all you know. But homeschooling is meant to …

This is a devotional based on Matthew 6:9. Hallowed by Thy Name. How will our daily lives be impacted if we recognize and declare that God is holy? …

In this show, Davis & Rachael share some tweaks you will experience with the podcast this year. They also disclose some of the topics and series you can expect to hear throughout the year.

In this show, we talk about Rachael's other podcast. It's called Real Refreshment. And there are all kinds of changes and big news announcements to make about the show, its content, how often a new show drops, and the …

In this year's goal setting episode, we discuss your one big thing. This is the one goal or action item that you want to get done this week that will make all the difference in the world. Decide what that one thing is, …

In this episode, we talk about why January is a great time to start homeschooling. We also give some practical ways on how to make a January start …

This is our Christmas gift to you. A dramatization of the Nativity story by Rachael Carman. We also include an original song from the perspective of one of Jesus's siblings titled: This Brother of Mine. We hope you …

It's Christmas, which is a gift-giving time of the year. So while people are talking about good gifts to give others, we decided to reveal what we believe is one of the best gifts you can give your kids. See if you can …

The long title for this episode is "Why cooking in the kitchen is a great family and homeschool activity during the holidays." I couldn't think of a …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

In this show, Davis talks with Ladd Lesh, the General Manager of Apologia Educational Ministries. He is a homeschool Dad of 9 kids. They talk about …

The first book Gutenberg produced in his newly invented printing press was the Bible. The primary book the Pilgrims used to teach their children to read was the Bible. In this show, we talk about making Bible reading a …

Our family LOVES the Thanksgiving holiday. In this episode, we share some of the traditions and activities we do to make it fun and memorable.

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

This is a devotional based on 2 Corinthians 9:7.

ON June 22, 2022, Apologia sponsored an article with the Babylon Bee, a satire site run by conservative Christians. They created an info-graphic …

Peer pressure is real and powerful. It can cause a person to think and behave in ways that not in agreement with what they actually think and believe …

This is the first time we've ever listed our top shows. The great thing about podcasts is that you have easy access to the archives. We list the episode numbers for our most listened to shows. Here's a spoiler. One "Top …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

Once upon a time, Reading, 'Riting, and 'Rithmetic were the three Rs of a successful education. Then things got worse. Some might say the current …

In part 1 of this discussion, we looked at 4 reasons the birth rate is declining in America. In this episode (part 2), we look at 4 positions a person can take on the "pro-life" issue. Are you as pro-life as you think …

In part 1 of this discussion, we look at 4 reasons the birth rate is declining in America. In part 2, we look at 4 positions a person can take on the "pro-life" issue. Are you as pro-life as you think you are? Listen …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

Wilbur and Orville Wright were real go-getters. They worked long, hard days, repeatedly persevering though obstacles and setbacks. Both men were passionate, intelligent, and attentive to detail. And it was pretty much …

Are you considering homeschooling? Have you started, but you find yourself struggling? Are you tired, lonely, and don't know where to turn? These are …

This was such a fun episode to record. We love homeschooling, and literally have hundreds of reasons to share why it is the ideal way to raise, …

In this episode I interview Larry Blythe, the director of Apologia's Live Online Classes since 2009. We discuss why this cutting edge technology …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

The homeschool population doubled in the fall of 2020. The main reason can be traced back to the COVID-19 and fears related to the pandemic. In this …

In this show, I talk with David Hazel of My Father's World. We discuss the state of education in American, homeschools, and micro-schools.

On June 2, 2022, I called Rachael into my office, sat her down, and took her hand. Then with tears in our eyes, I clicked "confirm" to officially …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

In the first 142 days of the 2021-2022 Charlotte-Mecklenburg public school district, there were 290 reports of students attacking staff members. One …

Apologia publishes a product line of digital Self-Paced courses. In this show, online instructor Dan Martin joins me to explain how these work, what …

Service companies are experiencing a staffing shortage, which means they can't take care of customers as fast as they would like. Unfortunately, many …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

This is a super short devotional (barely 3 minutes long) based on Job 33:4.

The wide world of education has been changing through the years. Once upon a time, the issues school-age students faced weren't nearly as formidable …

With the not-so-secret news that Disney is going full-blown woke, many people have cancelled their Disney+ subscriptions. This is well and good, but …

When working with people, you should expect that conflict will be inevitable. But combat is optional. So what are some practical tips? I believe that …

Apologia publishes a 4-volume series called the What We Believe series. It's a worldview study endorsed by the late Chuck Colson. The second volume …

You are a homeschool hero. As a matter of fact, you are “da bomb”! (That’s a good thing.) Your family believes in you. Now it’s time to start …

Today is your day: Home School Teacher Appreciation Day. Listen to this presentation that Davis gave in April 2015 titled: Homeschool Teachers Are …

In this episode, I interview Kathryn Gomes, the author of a new elementary level math curricula published by Apologia. It's called: Exploring …

This is #4 in a 4-part series where we are asking questions about culture. In this show, we ask what is bad or evil in culture that we need to stop …

A large number of families have opted out of public school, which we believe is good. Many parents made a decision to send their kids to private …

Many families start their homeschooling journey with a providential two-by-four over the head. In other words...by force. Then doubts and fears creep …

Jeannie Fulbright is the author of 7 elementary level science textbooks published by Apologia. In this show, Jeannie answers several questions about …

This is the 3rd in a 4-part series in which we look at questions related to culture. In this episode, we ask what is broken in culture that we can …

Do you even remember what your opinion on vaccines was prior to COVID? In this show, we take you back to June of 2019 when the New York City school …

This is the last in an 8-part series on missionary biographies. I think we saved one of th best for last. In this show, you will hear about the life of Jim Elliot who was prepared to give his life for tribal Indians in …

In this show, Rachael explains how The Ultimate Homeschool Planner works. They are authored by Deb Bell and published by Apologia specifically …

This is the second in a four-part series where we are asking what's good, missing, broken, and evil in our culture. In this episode we focus on what …

Americans tend to like things to be quick and easy. This certainly applies to meals (think microwaves, cereal, and "instant" oatmeal). What about …

This show is part of a series of missionary biographies presented by Pastor Jerry McCaghren (Rachael's dad). This one is on the life of Amy Carmichael.

What's good in culture today that we can promote, protect, and celebrate? This is the first in a series of four related questions that we'll answer.

This episode is a short devotional based on Matthew 26:27–28.

When it comes to goal setting, have you ever heard of the concept called "Eat the frog?" In this show, we explain what it means and how it works so that you can accomplish your big goals, projects, and tasks.

This is a series of missionary biographies as presented by Rachael's dad and preacher, Jerry McCaghren. In this show, he shares the life of missionary Mary Slessor.

The incarnation may be the biggest mystery of the Christian faith. In this episode, we unpack some thoughts on this topic from author J.I. Packer from his book: Knowing God.

It's the Christmas holiday season. And what could be better than to spend time cooking and baking with family. In this show we share some of what …

IN this show, we continue our conversation with John Basie, the author and general editor of a new book titled: Know. Be. Live.

In this episode, we talk with John Basie, the author and general editor of a new book titled: Know. Be. Live.

Our family loves Thanksgiving. We will have 18 at our house for the week. In this show, we share some of our family plans, activities, and traditions …

Apologia publishes Creation-based science curriculum. But there are other options based on different worldviews. In this show, we give a brief …

This is the 10th and final prayer focused podcast for 2021. In this show, we pray that homeschooling can be a way for the Gospel of Christ to be …

This is part 5 in a series of 8 missionary biographies. This episode covers the life of Hudson Taylor.

The curricula we publish at Apologia has the following components: Textbook, Notebooking Journal, Audio Book, Video, and Book Extras. In this show, …

Have you ever seen those rocks in front of public school buildings with a spray-painted message announcing the news of a kid's birthday? That’s all …

This is #9 in a 10-part series where we are praying for the homeschool community. In this show, we pray specifically for the international homeschool …

The  biography of missionary John Paton. Presented by Pastor Jerry McCaghren. Based on the YWAM series.

On May 23, 2021, Eric Carle passed away after a lifetime of achievements spanning 91 years. He is best known for his illustrated children’s books including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry …

Apologia has launch of a brand new Bible curriculum that they are publishing in partnership with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. Already thousands of …

This is number 8 of a 10-part series where we are praying for the homeschool movement. In this show, we are praying for all the families who are just …

This is a devotional based on Matthew 24:42 through 25:30 with a reference to 1 Peter 4:7-10.

In this episode of our missionary series, Pastor Jerry McCaghren presents a short biography of George Mueller.

You may have heard that the current presidential administration is proposing that the government get into the business of providing “free” preschool. …

I worked in children’s ministries for three decades (the 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s). One of my pet peeves was the trend of introducing the adult …

This month's prayer focus is for the big decision families will be making to start their own homeschool journey, continue for a second year, or …

This is number 2 in an 8 part series about the life of missionaries. This episode is about the life of Adoniram Judson. Jerry McCaghren, a pastor for 50 years, is the presenter. He is Rachael's father and spent time in …

Many parents stepped out in faith and joined the homeschool movement in the fall of 2020. It wasn’t part of their plan, but drastic changes in the …

This year—in 2021—we want to invite you to join us in a new prayer initiative. Each month we’re going to focus on one specific prayer for the …

Apologia just launched a brand new Bible curriculum titled The Word in Motion. Rachael is the author – pretty cool. And one of our sons is the …

When our country locked down in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many jokingly quipped that people will either get fat and lazy, get in …

This is the first of a new 8-part series on Christian Missionaries. Pastor Jerry McCaghren presents a message about the life of William Carey who served in India.

If you’ve been following this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, you know we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much …

In December 2020, a story reported that every student in the Durham, North Carolina, public schools would receive an A on their annual end-of-year …

This year—in 2021—we want to invite you to join us in a new prayer initiative. Each month we’re going to focus on one specific prayer for the …

This episode is a devotional based on Jeremiah 33:3.

This month, on May 19, we celebrated the graduation of our son Joseph. He is the sixth one of our seven kids to graduate from the Carman Family Home …

This year Apologia is launching a brand new Bible curriculum titled The Word in Motion. And our very own Rachael Carman is the author. Today, we want …

This year Apologia is launching a brand new Bible curriculum titled The Word in Motion. And our very own Rachael Carman is the author. Today, we want …

During the summer of 2020, the team at Apologia prayed every day for the homeschooling movement. At the time there were millions of families who were …

If you’ve been following this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, you know we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much …

We listen to the Matt Walsh show. He has a segment where he cancels someone or something. In January he cancelled a mom who recorded her parenting crisis, then posted it for the world to see. We want to add our …

During the summer of 2020, the team at Apologia prayed every day for the homeschooling movement. At the time there were millions of families who were …

A devotional based on Matthew 28:18-20

In this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, we are talking about issues in a chronological order as much as possible. That is, we’re …

During the summer of 2020, the team at Apologia prayed every day for the homeschooling movement. We were focused on four specific prayer requests. …

In this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much as possible. That is, we’re …

The homeschool market doubled from 2019 to 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic was largely the reason for this significant demographic shift. Will all the …

Most reports agree that the homeschool community grew from 3 million to 6 million this last August. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic was largely the …

In this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much as possible. That is, we’re …

Happy New Year. It’s 2021. January is a month when people commonly make resolutions and goals for the year. We love engaging in this annual practice. …

Today is December 21st. Christmas is practically here folks. And we’ve got a special gift for you today. Today’s show includes a dramatization of the …

It’s here. We are officially starting the Advent season. As a matter of fact, we’re already in the second week of Advent. We hope you have plans to …

It’s Thanksgiving. What do you have planned for this week? We love Thanksgiving, and on this show we share some of our  Thanksgiving family …

This is part 7 of a 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting. Part 1 was an introduction. Then in parts 2 through 6, we covered church, meal times, discipline, family size, and K12 Education. Now you are most …

You may have heard homeschooling referred to as a lifestyle. That’s great, but maybe right now you’re just trying to figure out how to have …

In this 12-part series on Radically Intentional Parenting, we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as much as possible. Part 1 was an …

When the shelter-at-home orders were put in place in March of 2020, millions of families suddenly found themselves in a mandatory trial run of …

This show is part of the Radically Intentional Parenting series. This is part 2 where we talk about things you should consider when it comes to …

This is part 5 of a 12 part series titled Radically Intentional Parenting. In this series, we’re talking about issues in a chronological order as …

This episode is a short devotional about TIME with scripture references from Psalm 90:12, Genesis 1:1, Ephesians 2:10, James 4:14, Psalm 90:9, Proverbs 27:1, and Ephesians 5:15-16.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many new homeschooling families. Are you one of the millions of brand new homeschoolers? If so, then this …

Our family loves butterflies. We have had a butterfly bush in our yard for 15+ years, and it definite attracts the butterflies. Several years ago, Rachael planted some milkweed, and eventually raised some Monarch …

COVID-19 has shaken parents and the educational system to their core. The pandemic has proven to be a disruption of epic proportions, interfering with public and private education, health care, government services, …

COVID-19 has shaken parents and the educational system to their core. The pandemic has proven to be a disruption of epic proportions, interfering with public and private education, health care, government services, …

This is a short 6-minute devotional based on Matthew 23:27.

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them …

Homeschooling is often viewed as for the few, a minority, the called. Many homeschooling parents are an independent lot, comfortable with blazing new …

Welcome to part 3 in a series titles RADICALLY INTENTIONAL PARENTING. Today we want to talk about Family Meal Times. In Deut 6, parents are told to …

In March and April, millions of parents faced a mandatory trial run of homeschooling. Literally every family in America was forced to figure out …

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them …

When you homeschool, your kids may be in 3rd grade math, 4th grade science, and 5th grade writing. The point is, assigning a grade level isn’t that …

Here's a timely devotional in light of the coronavirus pandemic and based on Philippians 4:4-13

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work. It’s so hard that some parents essentially throw in the towel and let it happen to them …

Chris Davis passed away in October 2019. He was very instrumental in our own homeschooling journey in so many ways. In this episode, we share some of …

Most kids start school around age 5 or 6 years old. And the first big accomplishment that parents and teachers are tracking is when the student can …

In this episode, I interview my longtime friend Randy McCoy. He is the author of a novel titled Thief of Slaves. If you or any of your kids are aspiring authors, then be sure to listen to this show.

January is often a time when people decide to get in shape, finish those projects, read those books, take that class, you know…get ‘er done. IOW, it’s a good time to set goals. Do you sit down with your kids and help …

Happy New Year. It’s 2020. January is a month when people commonly make resolutions and goals for the year. We love engaging in this annual practice. …

This episode is a devotional based on Psalm 37.

Today is December 23rd. Christmas is practically here folks. And we’ve got a special gift for you today. Today’s show includes a dramatization of the …

Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year. And for good reason. I hope you and your family have been able to slow down some and …

It’s here. We are officially starting the Advent season. We hope you have plans to enjoy this holiday season, remember and ponder the incarnation of …

It’s Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, this episode is being published a week early in order to make sure you have plenty of time to hear it before Thanksgiving Day. We love Thanksgiving, and today we want to share …

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Some people think of it as a mere speed bump on the way to Christmas. We love Christmas, but we also love Thanksgiving. Today, we want to share one of our favorite Thanksgiving …

Homeschooling is hard and scary. You certainly don’t want to mess up your kids worse than they already are and prove to all your critics that you …

Once upon a time, we envisioned our kids getting on a little yellow school bus and going away for 6-7 luxurious hours each week day.  Yet these buses …

This show includes a devotional based on Lamentations 2:21-23 and 3:22-23.

Why is it that so many families stop homeschooling when their kids get to high school? Is it because they don’t think homeschooling in high school is …

Why is it that so many families stop homeschooling when their kids get to high school? Is it because they don’t think homeschooling in high school is …

Has it ever struck you as odd that pets are not allowed in school? I guess it makes sense in many regards. But what kid wouldn’t love to have their …

Who was your favorite teacher? We all have one. We think it’s a shame that students can’t have their favorite teacher for more than one year. As far …

This is a short, five-minute devotional based on Ephesians 3:17-18.

It seems like every year we hear stories of teachers going on strike. It happens in Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, and many other cities, big and small. People often have strong feelings of support or frustration with …

In this show, we talk about what it looks like to customize your family homeschool to each individual child. The result could be that your children …

In this show, we talk about ways to instill a love of learning in the hearts, minds, and attitudes of your children. After all, wouldn't it be great …

This show takes a broad and sweeping look at the idea of celebrating the milestones of homeschooling. Don't miss the big and small moments that  you …

In this episode, we work to inspire you to take full advantage of the opportunity you have to homeschool. Light a fire in the hearts and minds of …

In this show, we assume you are committed to home educating your kids. Now we want to challenge you to take it to the next level and make the most of this amazing opportunity to teach and train your kids at home.

This is a unique episode meant to encourage you. It's a short devotional to fill a week while you wait for the next regularly scheduled show. This …

In this episode, we encourage homeschooling families to persevere. Please don't quit. At least keep at it for 3 or 4 years. Statistics show that you …

In this episode, we AFFIRM your decision to homeschool. There will be plenty of people (family, friends, and strangers) who will not support your …

This is part two (and the conclusion) of the story about how God used a providential two-by-four to get us started in this adventure of home education.

This episode is part one of the story about how we got started homeschooling.

In this episode, we talk about what this show is all about.