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Ever wondered what the real difference is between "homeschooling" and "home education," and why making that distinction could completely transform your family's learning experience? In this inspiring episode of the Show Me Homeschool Podcast, Erin sits down with Carrie De Francisco—author, podcaster, coach, and seasoned homeschool mom—to dive deep into simplifying home education. Together, they tackle the exhaustion and overwhelm that many parents face, unpacking practical steps to shift from a rigid school-at-home mentality to embracing a more flexible, life-giving approach to learning.

Throughout the conversation, Carrie De Francisco shares insights from her latest book, including her nine essential questions for a meaningful day, honest advice about educational gaps, and ways to tailor learning to fit your unique family. Whether you're new to homeschooling, feeling stuck, or just searching for encouragement to keep going, this episode is packed with wisdom, grace, and actionable strategies. Show Me Homeschool is your go-to resource for guidance and fresh perspective—reminding you that you are not alone, and that a fulfilling, connected home education is within reach.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

Books by Carrie De Francisco

• Just Breathe and Take a Sip of Coffee: Homeschool Simply and Enjoyably
• Homeschool High School: A Handbook for Christian Education
• A Home Education Handbook (New book, released January 31st)

Podcast: Coffee with Carrie Homeschool Podcast, find it wherever you listen to podcasts. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Website: Coffee With Carrie, coffeewithcarrie.org

Social Media

• Instagram:
  @coffeewithcarrieconsulting
• TikTok:
  Find her “Cook and Chat” reels, where Carrie De Francisco answers homeschool questions while cooking.

Carrie De Francisco is also a contributor to the Wild + Free homeschool community.

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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How can homeschooling parents harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to make their homeschool journeys more efficient, creative, and manageable? In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, host Erin is joined by longtime homeschooling leader and event planner Nancy Manos, who brings 20+ years of experience encouraging home-educating families. Nancy shares practical insights into how busy homeschool parents—and even their students—can utilize AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to help brainstorm lesson plans, summarize information, automate tasks, and even solve everyday household challenges like meal planning and organization.

Throughout the conversation, Erin and Nancy dive into thoughtful discussion around the ethical use of AI, the importance of a strong foundation in critical thinking and biblical truth, and ways to ensure these technological tools are used wisely in home education. Nancy emphasizes how AI can serve as a productivity booster without diminishing the value of real books, hands-on activities, and authentic learning experiences.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• nancymanos.com – Nancy Manos’ website, including her blog and free homeschool resources.
• Nancy Manos on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• ChatGPT – AI chatbot tool referenced for brainstorming, summarizing, and lesson planning.
• Claude – AI tool mentioned for its user-friendly summarization and brainstorming capabilities.
• Grok – Another AI chatbot discussed as a potentially helpful homeschool tool.
• Social Media Marketing World – Learn more about the conference and its AI-focused sessions.
• AI Business Society – Resource for learning about AI in business contexts, as referenced by Nancy.
• Midjourney – AI image-generation tool briefly mentioned in the discussion.

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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Are you a homeschool parent searching for genuine connection, encouragement, and practical resources to support your journey? In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, host Erin welcomes back Christina Carpenter—homeschool mom of four, founder of Authentic Joy in the Journey, and the visionary behind the Bloom and Blossom conference. Together, they dive deep into the heart behind Christina's mission to empower and inspire fellow homeschooling mothers, sharing how her conference has grown from a local event to an exciting new West Coast location. Christina opens up about building community, running a thriving conference, and the personal and family growth that comes from serving others.

Listeners will hear Christina’s journey from simply meeting a need in her local area to building a team that’s now taking Bloom and Blossom all the way to California. Hear insights about the unique, mom-centered focus of the conference, how her work has benefited her family and marriage, and practical encouragement for moms who feel lonely or overwhelmed. Whether you’re craving local connection or inspiration to step out and serve, this conversation is packed with motivation and wisdom for your homeschool adventure.

Resources & Links

• Christina Carpenter’s Website & Contact Form (sign up for updates and her newsletter)
• On Instagram: Authentic Joy in the Journey | Bloom and Blossom Conference
• On Facebook: Authentic Joy in the Journey | Bloom and Blossom
• Bloom and Blossom Conference: details, registration, and location info via Christina’s website
• Nature School by Laura Stroop
• Words Like Honey by Amy Hughes
• Carrie De Francisco ("Coffee with Carrie" podcast/collaborator)
• Greta Eskridge (speaker/panelist for CA event)
• Bloom and Blossom West Coast: October 10-11 in San Diego, CA

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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Are you a homeschool parent wondering how to effectively equip your kids to stand strong in today’s rapidly changing culture? In this powerful episode of the "Show Me Homeschool" podcast, host Erin sits down with Andrea Crum—biblical worldview apologetics expert, author, and leader of Genuine Family Ministries—to unravel the importance of raising children with a rock-solid Biblical foundation in a postmodern world. With over 25 years of experience in Corporate America and credentials from the Colson Center, Andrea shares her personal journey from secular work to ministering alongside her husband, Matt, providing families with the tools they need to navigate cultural chaos with wisdom and faith.

Listeners will gain practical advice on how to start meaningful conversations about identity, gender, and truth with their kids at any age, from toddlers to teens. Andrea explains why parents can no longer afford to avoid tough topics and how knowledge of both Biblical truth and cultural worldviews is essential for helping children discern right from wrong. She also offers hope and guidance to parents feeling overwhelmed or worried they’ve missed the boat, emphasizing that it’s never too late to foster restoration and resilience in your homeschool environment.

Links & Resources:

• Andrea Crum’s Genuine Family Ministries: genuinefamilyministries.com
• Raising Biblical Kids Conference: raisingbiblicalkidsconference.com
• Andrea’s book: “Christ Over Culture”
• Follow Andrea on Instagram: @genuinefamilyministries

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, Erin sits down with Kristen Pratt—homeschool expert, mother of nine, and the creative force behind the award-winning Language Lessons for a Living Education series and the Master Books Method. Kristen shares her personal journey from being a curious parent seeking educational options, to pulling her daughter out of private school midyear, and eventually becoming a curriculum developer and founder of Kingsway Learning. She opens up about the challenges and joys of homeschooling through different seasons, learning to trust God with both the big and small moments, and how practical decisions (like used curriculum sales and budget-friendly resources) shaped her family’s educational journey.

Listeners will find encouragement as Kristen reflects on finding community, practicing discernment in curriculum choices, and embracing the seasons of motherhood and education. She offers practical advice for new and seasoned homeschool parents alike, discussing the importance of authentic local support, the pitfalls of relying only on online influencers, and how to persevere through burnout. Kristen also talks about her newest venture, Kingsway Learning, where she aims to curate and share time-tested, faith-based educational resources. Whether you’re beginning your homeschool journey or navigating its later years, Kristen’s wisdom and stories will inspire and reassure you.

Links & Resources:

• Kristen Pratt’s Kingsway Learning, http://www.kingswaylearning.com
• Kingsway Learning on Instagram
• Kingsway Learning on Facebook
• Language Lessons for a Living Education
• Master Books Method
• Curriculum Bundles at Kingsway Learning

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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Are you wondering how to create a homeschool experience that truly fits your family’s unique needs—especially if you're juggling work, neurodiversity, or the realities of everyday life? In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, host Erin sits down with Carrie Lindquist, a second-generation homeschooler, bestselling curriculum author, and mom of three energetic boys. Carrie shares her journey from being pulled out of private school to becoming both a homeschool mom and curriculum developer, highlighting how her own childhood fears and challenges have influenced the joy and flexibility she now brings to her own children's education.

Listeners will hear practical, encouraging advice on finding the right curriculum, integrating biblical truth across subjects, coping with burnout, and building supportive homeschool communities—whether in person or online. Carrie provides hope for moms who feel overwhelmed, emphasizing that homeschool doesn’t have to look perfect and that every family’s path will be different.

Links & Resources:
Carrie Lindquist’s website, www.theeverydayhomeschool.com
Instagram, @theeverydayhomeschool

Carrie’s curriculum at Master Books, including Foundations Phonics

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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Are you wondering if you’re truly equipped to homeschool your children, especially in a world where public education often feels at odds with your family's values? In this episode of Show Me Homeschool, Erin speaks with John Stamper—Christian author, former public and private school teacher, and host of the State of State Schools podcast—to answer that question and more. John shares his unique perspective, having been both homeschooled himself and later teaching in one of the nation’s largest public school systems. He candidly discusses the challenges Christian parents face in today’s educational landscape, the pressures within public schools to compromise core beliefs, and why he believes parents, equipped with faith and support, are more than capable of providing a robust education at home.

Links & Resources:

John Stamper's website, www.johnstamper.org and podcast, The State of State Schools with John Stamper

Find John on social media at:
Instagram, @thestateofstateschools
Youtube, @johnathandstamper2357
LinkedIn, @john-stamper

Find John’s Books at
Master Books author page
Amazon Author page

John’s courses at MasterBooksAcademy.com:

Physical Education:

• Grades K-1
• Grades 2-3
• Grades 4-6
• Grades 7-8

Strength & Conditioning

Intro to Geocaching

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com

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Ready to change your family’s tech habits? In this episode of the Show Me Homeschool podcast, host Erin chats with Erin Loechner, founder and author of the Opt-Out Family and Other Goose, a flexible, all-in-one program with 3 daily pillars for kids ages 2-7. Erin shares her journey from social media influencer to embracing a low-tech lifestyle, emphasizing authentic connections over screens.

Discover her family's "roots and wings" philosophy that fosters a balanced homeschooling environment. Erin offers practical strategies for setting tech boundaries and nurturing meaningful interactions, making this episode a must-listen for parents looking to strengthen family ties and create screen-free spaces.

Links & Resources:
Opt-Out Family website: optoutfamily.com
Other Goose: A screen-free activity program for kids, othergoose.com
Erin Lochner’s Book: The Opt-Out Family
Protect Young Eyes by Chris McKenna
"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlis at Amazon

Connect with Erin & Joe at Show Me Homeschool:

• Show Me Homeschool Website
• On Instagram, @show.me.homeschool
• On X, @ShowMeHomeSch
• On Pinterest, @showmehomeschool

Be sure to leave a rating and review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode! For questions or comments email us: info@showmehomeschool.com