In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Christy Shipe, one of the founders of the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA), who continues to serve as chair of its board of directors. They explore Christy's experience growing up in a pioneering homeschool family and how joining a college debate team helped shape her path. Christy shares how an effort to bring speech and debate opportunities to homeschool students grew from a small beginning into a nationwide organization while she started a family and homeschooled her own children. Together, they discuss how speech and debate build confidence, practical ways parents can help nervous students prepare, and why every young person has a message worth sharing.

Contact Information

• Website

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

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In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Karim Morato, founder of Spanish Educational Solutions, a homeschool Spanish curriculum, and a bilingual educational specialist and Hispanic outreach coordinator for the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. They explore Karim's journey growing up in Guatemala and starting a new life in the United States without knowing the language. Karim shares how she overcame personal challenges and drew on her experiences to help other Hispanic families and homeschool leaders navigate similar obstacles. Together, they discuss the power of perseverance, the importance of finding solutions and how personal challenges can inspire a meaningful purpose.

Contact Information

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Abbie Emmons, creative writing coach and bestselling author of "Make Your Story Matter." They explore Abbie's lifelong passion for writing and the importance of having parents who encourage children to pursue what they love and believe in their ability to make their dreams a reality. Abbie also shares her journey as a writing coach and discusses the psychology and neuroscience behind helping others connect with their natural storytelling instincts. Together, they explore her approach to helping writers discover the stories they are meant to tell and learn how to make those stories truly matter.

Contact Information

• Website

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Jenni Stahlmann and Jody Hagaman, founders of From Cradle to Calling, a homeschool and parenting resource focused on raising and educating children with long-term goals in mind. They explore how they came to know one another and discovered their shared calling to help families navigate parenting and homeschooling with purpose. Jenni and Jody also share their personal stories and discuss how the experiences that shape our lives do not have to define who we become. Their journeys are a powerful reminder that our stories can be redeemed and used to encourage and inspire others.

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with John Conner, founder of Breaking the Barrier, a unique approach to language learning. They explore how learning a new language can open the door to new experiences, cultures and, most importantly, authentic connections with others. John shares his lifelong passion for languages, beginning with his childhood fascination with learning and understanding different languages and cultures. He also discusses his mission to help others discover that same joy and use language as a pathway to deeper cultural experiences.

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Felicia Joscelyn, founder of Grains and Grit. Together, they explore how relationships can shape the course of our lives and how seemingly small decisions can lead to unexpected opportunities and new directions. Felicia also shares her journey to discovering the benefits of whole grains and the inspiration behind Grains and Grit. It's an engaging and insightful conversation filled with wisdom, encouragement and practical takeaways.

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Emily Eaton, founder of Education Next Steps, to discuss how homeschool students can make the most of their high school years while preparing for life beyond graduation. Together, they explore ways to reduce the stress and pressure often felt by both parents and students, while emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships during these formative years. Emily also shares her personal journey to earning enough scholarships to attend college debt-free and offers practical tips to help homeschool families identify scholarship opportunities.

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Monica Irvine, founder of the Etiquette Factory. They explore the richness of growing up surrounded by extended family and the joy of play, along with the lasting impact of creating a beautiful, welcoming home regardless of circumstances. Monica shares how involving children in meaningful ways and serving others can spark unexpected passions, and she offers insight into the inspiration behind the Etiquette Factory. The conversation also highlights how teaching children to honor and respect others can truly set them apart.

_______________________________________

Thanks for listening to the (Not) By the Book podcast.

Listen to every episode at fpea.com/podcast.

Enjoying the conversation? Please share this episode.

Love the show? Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts.

About the Podcast
The (Not) By The Book podcast from the Florida Parent Educators Association explores the stories behind the people shaping the homeschooling, education, parenting, faith and leadership communities.

Hosted by FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn, each episode features conversations with guests who share the experiences, influences and defining moments that helped shape who they are today. They discuss where their journey began, the challenges they faced, the opportunities they embraced and the lessons they learned along the way.

Through honest conversations about family, purpose and perseverance, guests offer encouragement and insight for anyone pursuing a dream of their own.

Explore the full episode archive at fpea.com/podcast.

About the Florida Parent Educators Association
The Florida Parent Educators Association exists solely to serve homeschooling families in Florida. It executes that mission through support for the legal right to homeschool, local school board education and interaction, support group networking, a state convention, local conferences and events, informative communications and individual encouragement, all in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles.

FPEA serves thousands of homeschooling families in Florida, delivering a wealth of support, guidance and information to both new and longtime home educators. The "FPEA Experience" involves a banding together of homeschoolers to accomplish the task of developing academic and personal excellence by sharing resources, creating connections, enhancing relationships and breaking down barriers. Acknowledging there is no one "right" way to educate, the FPEA acts as an ambassador and champion, serving and protecting the rights and choices of all homeschoolers.

Learn more about the Florida Parent Educators Association at fpea.com.

Subscribe to (Not) By the Book

Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube