What if the key to raising resilient, grounded children isn't found in more activities, more technology, or more structured programs—but in less? In Part 2 of last week’s episode, William Durant—father of seven and founder of St. John Paul II Independent School—dives deeper into classical education through the lens of the “common arts.” He shares why hands-on work, good books, and a clear pursuit of truth are essential to forming thoughtful, grounded children in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

William also offers practical resources for families curious about classical education and simple steps for setting technology aside and learning to notice the beauty of everyday life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The "common arts" philosophy: combining liberal arts (mind), fine arts (heart), and common arts (hands) to form the whole child
• How a fourth grader's struggle with chain mail weaving taught him perseverance—a lesson he couldn't learn from academics alone
• Why students are "evangelizing" to their parents about sourdough starters, leather work, and vegetable gardening
• The difference between surface-level modern education and the deep, integrated approach of classical learning
• How JP2 measures success: not through test scores, but through families saying "we wouldn't do it any other way"
• Why the school has no computers for students K-8, and how this prepares them better for the future
• Teaching students to question everything—even the historical inaccuracies in famous paintings like Washington Crossing the Delaware
• The reality of "dewiring" children's brains when they transition from public school to a slower, deeper pace of learning
• Practical first steps for parents: turn off the TV, read a story, look at the stars together
• Why it's never too late to change your parenting approach, even if your older children had a different experience

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:15 - Homeschooling and Common Arts

01:02 - Student Engagement and Family Impact

01:30 - Traditional Values and Project-Based Learning

01:33 - Growth and Family Dynamics

02:49 - Hands-On Learning and Perseverance

05:27 - Founding a Classical School

08:25 - Classical vs. Modern Education

11:42 - Technology in Education

17:10 - The Role of Technology in Education

19:35 - Artistic License in Historical Representation

23:45 - Classical Education: Philosophy and Approach

27:00 - Integrating Classical Education into Modern Life

29:16 - Parental Guidance and Faith in Education

32:10 - Encouraging Ownership in Learning

35:05 - Practical Steps for Parents Interested in Classical Education

40:54 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Classical U
• Classical School Wichita
• St. John Paul II Independent School (JP2)

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What if the key to raising resilient, grounded children isn't found in more activities, more technology, or more structured programs—but in less? In this episode, William Durant—a father of seven and founder of St. John Paul II Independent School—shares how faith and family shape the way he lives and educates his children. He explains the principles behind his Catholic classical school and why simplicity matters at home. William also shares why his family chose a tech-free household—and how life without TV or cell phones has opened the door to more connection, creativity, and play.

Highlights

• How a group of seven families launched a classical Catholic school during COVID out of a desire to have a voice in their children's education
• Why William and his wife Katie chose a no-TV, no-phone household and how they protect family time over organized sports
• The hybrid school model: Monday-Thursday in-person learning with homeschool Fridays to keep parents integral in their children's education
• What "discipline out of love" really means and why clear boundaries help children become good human beings
• The three-legged stool of education: liberal arts (shaping the mind), fine arts (shaping the heart), and common arts (shaping the hands)
• Hands-on learning experiences at JP2: tapping maple trees, extracting honey from beehives, tanning deer hides, and growing vegetables in hoop houses
• How reading aloud as a family—from The Hobbit to Little House on the Prairie—creates lasting memories and models what matters
• Why knowing who you are in God's eyes is the ultimate goal of childhood formation

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Welcome

00:13 - Founding of St. John Paul II Independent School

01:37 - Educational Philosophy and Curriculum

05:18 - Balancing Homeschool and Traditional School

05:27 - Daily School Routine and Structure

07:58 - Family Values and Home Life

13:05 - Faith as the Foundation of Family Life

16:37 - Discipline and Parenting Approach

19:51 - The Role of Discipline in Parenting

24:41 - Intentional Parenting and Family Activities

26:20 - Classical Education and Its Importance

28:30 - Unique Aspects of J2 School

33:16 - Integrating Common Arts into Education

34:13 - Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Resources Mentioned

Books:

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Schools & Organizations:

• St. John Paul II Independent School (JP2)
• Classical U
• Diocese of Wichita

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.

For many families, sending children to school full time at a young age isn’t the best fit. Some want a more active role in their children’s education, while others simply want more time together during childhood. In this week’s episode, moms Ali and Taylor share why they chose hybrid homeschooling and how it’s the perfect blend of structure and freedom for their families. If you’re curious about homeschooling but uncertain about doing it full time, this episode is for you.

Highlights

• Why two families chose hybrid homeschooling over traditional school
• The meaning and value of “slow living” for busy families
• How hybrid models provide both structure and flexibility
• Overcoming fears and misconceptions about homeschooling
• The role of community, accountability, and family involvement
• Adapting to challenges: juggling younger kids, changing routines, and embracing chaos
• Encouragement for parents considering alternative education paths
• Debunking myths: Homeschooling isn’t about fear or sheltering—it’s about opportunity and freedom
• The importance of sibling relationships and real-life learning moments

Chapters

00:35 – Meet the Families: Ali and Taylor

01:41 – The Concept of Slow Living

02:45 – Choosing Hybrid Homeschooling

04:01 – Homeschooling Curriculum and Accountability

06:07 – Parental Involvement and Challenges

10:16 – Making the Decision to Homeschool

15:20 – Children’s Interests and Future Plans

18:59 – Screen Time and Family Activities

20:03 – Family Interests and Outdoor Activities

21:02 – Gardening and Teaching Moments

22:00 – Homeschooling and Family Involvement

23:21 – Challenges and Adaptations in Homeschooling

25:30 – Balancing Education and Family Life

27:52 – Embracing Chaos and Creativity

32:06 – Advice for Parents Considering Homeschooling

35:33 – Debunking Myths About Homeschooling

38:13 – Personal Growth Through Homeschooling

39:37 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Light Academy (the hybrid homeschool program discussed): https://www.lightacademywichita.com/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

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Join us for a candid conversation with Cassie Tinsmon, founder of Lily Lake Play Cafe and Homeschool Collective who unpacks what it means to “unschool” your kids. Cassie shares how she came to embrace a curriculum-free approach and tap into her community to create a rich lifestyle of learning centered on her children’s unique talents and interests. For Cassie, some rules are made to be broken—and a little risk is part of the equation, too. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler, just curious, or somewhere in between, you’ll find inspiration and practical wisdom in this episode.

Highlights

• Cassie’s personal story: from a family of independent thinkers to launching Lily Lake
• The vision and evolution of Lily Lake Play Cafe and Homeschool Collective
• What “unschooling” really looks like in practice
• How to build a supportive, flexible learning community
• Letting go of perfection and embracing real-life learning
• The role of parents as facilitators, not just teachers
• Navigating family, work, and education in a changing world
• Myths and realities about socialization and nontraditional education
• Encouraging risk-taking, critical thinking, and kindness in kids
• Practical tips for parents considering homeschooling or alternative education

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
01:07 – Cassie's Background in Homeschooling
02:11 – Founding Lily Lake Play Cafe
02:54 – The Concept of Lily Lake
04:39 – Flexible Membership Model
04:42 – Cassie's Parenting Style
07:56 – Vivian's Role at Lily Lake
09:53 – Homeschooling Journey
14:43 – Unschooling Philosophy
16:38 – Learning Through Real-Life Experiences
19:03 – Interactive Learning at Lily Lake
21:23 – Current Focus as a Parent
21:44 – Struggles with Unschooling Expectations
22:27 – Play Cafe Adventures
23:23 – Aspiring Attorney Dreams
24:30 – Campaign Finance Career
26:21 – Creative Compliance
26:21 – Critical Thinking and Rules
27:57 – Community and Shared Spaces
35:53 – Homeschooling Myths
38:20 – Learning Through Real-Life Situations
44:13 – Encouraging Risk-Taking in Kids
44:35 – Importance of Play
47:39 – Questioning Everything

Resources Mentioned

• Lily Lake Play Cafe & Homeschool Collective
  https://www.lilylakecollective.com
• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
  https://www.harpercollins.com/products/tuesdays-with-morrie-mitch-albom
• Reverie Coffee Roasters (local coffee served at Lily Lake)
  https://reverieroasters.com

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or leave a review to help others find the show.

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.

Own Your Education is part of the ICT Podcast Network. For more information, visit ictpod.net.

What if the best path for your child isn’t the one you expected? Today’s conversation explores the real-life journey of a family who made the leap into homeschooling during high school, navigating neurodiversity, family dynamics, and the search for the right educational fit. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice, and the surprising ways that flexibility and faith can transform a family’s story.

Highlights

• The unexpected decision to homeschool a high schooler—and how it changed everything
• Navigating a blended family and the unique challenges of parenting older kids
• Discovering and supporting a child’s neurodiversity (autism and ADHD)
• Overcoming doubts and finding the right curriculum through trial and error
• Balancing work, homeschooling, and family life as a working mom
• The importance of community, socialization, and letting kids lead their own learning
• How spiritual life coaching and setting boundaries shaped one parent's homeschooling journey
• Honest advice for parents considering a big educational change

Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
• 00:46 – Meet Cheryl and Her Blended Family
• 01:28 – Challenges of Parenting Older Kids
• 02:24 – Jordyn’s Homeschooling Journey Begins
• 03:50 – Deciding to Homeschool Jordyn
• 05:54 – Adjusting to Homeschooling
• 07:22 – Finding the Right Curriculum
• 10:13 – Balancing Homeschooling and Work
• 11:45 – Struggles and Support in Homeschooling
• 13:18 – Homeschooling Flexibility and Opportunities
• 14:08 – Family Dynamics and Homeschooling
• 17:08 – Spiritual Life Coaching and Parenting
• 20:06 – Advice for Parents Considering Homeschooling
• 21:10 – Looking Ahead: Jordyn’s Future

Resources Mentioned

• Seton Home Study School – The first curriculum Cheryl and Jordyn tried for homeschooling
• BJU Press Homeschool – The curriculum that ultimately worked best for Jordyn
• VELA – Supporting families in finding educational freedom and community

Take the first step by downloading the VELA app in the App Store or Google Play.

Are you ready to redefine education? This holiday season, join us for the launch of the Own Your Education podcast. Starting on Christmas Eve, we will bring you weekly conversations centered around a holistic lifestyle of freedom in education. Hear real stories from brave parents who are tailoring education to fit their values and their lives.