Épisodes

  • Where Travel Hacking Has Taken Us in 2 Years
    Jan 23 2026

    In this episode, Candace Crompton shares her journey into travel hacking, detailing how her family has managed to travel extensively using points and rewards. She discusses the strategies she employed to accumulate nearly a million points in a short time, the various trips they took, and the benefits of traveling as a homeschool family. Candace also highlights the importance of using resources like the Travel Freely app to maximize travel rewards and offers insights into future travel plans.


    IN THE EPISODE:

    • Use the Travel Freely App to help manage credit cards and manage your points well - ⁠download here.⁠
    • Watch on YouTube ⁠Here⁠
    • Sign up for my Substack newsletter
      • recipe of the week
      • Weekly recap
      • ⁠⁠https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing⁠⁠


    • Travel hacking can significantly reduce travel costs for families.
    • Accumulating points requires strategic planning and understanding of rewards programs.
    • Using points for flights and accommodations can lead to almost free travel experiences.
    • Traveling during off-peak times can maximize point value and savings.
    • The Travel Freely app is a valuable tool for managing travel rewards.
    • Family trips can be both fun and economical with the right strategies.
    • Southwest Airlines offers great options for families traveling with kids.
    • Traveling as a homeschool family provides flexibility in planning trips.
    • Understanding the changes in credit card applications is crucial for maximizing points.
    • Creating memorable family experiences through travel is a key benefit of travel hacking.



    travel hacking, family travel, points, Southwest Airlines, travel tips, budget travel, travel freely app, travel strategies, travel experiences, homeschooling



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    14 min
  • New Year Intentions - And They're Not What You Expect
    Jan 17 2026

    In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton reflects on her intentions for the new year, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal goals with the natural rhythms of life. She discusses the need to slow down during the winter months, allowing for rest and family time rather than succumbing to the hustle culture prevalent in American society. Candace shares her personal resolutions, which include prioritizing health, reading more books, and creating a cozy home environment that encourages creativity and relaxation. She also touches on the significance of saying 'no' to commitments that detract from family time and personal well-being, advocating for a more intentional approach to life and homeschooling.


    Links from Today's Episode

    Ladder App - Free 30 Day Pass

    Whoop - Free Trial and Band

    Izzy Pilates

    Move with Nicole Pilates

    Book: "I Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen...And 10 Lies We Tell Ourselves"

    ShopMy: Fitness Finds

    Podcasts About Travel Hacking: Here, Here & Here

    Travel Freely App

    Instagram

    Tik Tok


    Watch on YouTube Here


    Sign up for my Substack newsletter

    • recipe of the week
    • Weekly recap
    • https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/dontmissathing



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    32 min
  • Let's Talk the Charlotte Mason Method
    Nov 14 2025

    In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the Charlotte Mason method of education, emphasizing the importance of literature, read-alouds, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to learning. She shares her personal experiences with her children, the challenges of traditional schooling, and the benefits of year-round education. Candace also provides resources for parents interested in implementing the Charlotte Mason method and reflects on her journey towards this educational philosophy.


    Ads & Links From the Show

    Whoop Advanced Labs

    Tin Can Landline for Kids - $10 Off

    Charlotte Mason Resources

    Ambleside Online

    Simply Charlotte Mason Website

    Favorite Coil Binding System


    Follow us over on social here & here!

    Subscribe to the Friday Flip Weekly Newsletter Here


    Takeaways

    The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes narration and understanding over rote writing.

    Literature plays a crucial role in fostering a love for reading in children.

    Read-aloud sessions significantly enhance children's vocabulary and comprehension.

    Charlotte Mason education encourages a slower pace to avoid burnout.

    Year-round schooling allows for flexibility and reduces stress for parents and children.

    Resources like 'Honey for a Child's Heart' can help find quality literature for children.

    Ambleside Online offers free resources for Charlotte Mason education.

    The importance of engaging children in a way that fosters a love for learning.

    Transitioning to a new educational method can be daunting but rewarding.

    Taking breaks and enjoying family time is essential during the holiday season.


    Charlotte Mason, homeschooling, education, literature, read-alouds, year-round schooling, resources, parenting, learning methods, curriculum





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    37 min
  • Homeschooling Around the Holidays
    Oct 24 2025

    In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton discusses how to embrace the winter season in homeschooling. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down during the colder months, keeping core subjects alive in a gentle manner, and integrating creative seasonal activities into learning. The conversation highlights the value of family connection, acts of kindness, and the benefits of a slower pace for both children and parents.


    Ads & Links from the Episode

    Whoop Advanced Labs: Skip the Waitlist and Get Your Lab Work Integrated with your WHOOP Device Today: https://app.whoop.com/advanced_labs_early_access?code=B4A971A1


    Snag a holiday gift for yourself or a friend with my code CROMPTONCHRONICLES10 at www.lindsayletters.com


    Sign up for my weekly newsletter & receive the Homeschool Winter BucketList PDF :) https://unexpectedhomeschoolers.myflodesk.com/okqbbv2g26


    Takeaways

    Winter is a time to slow down and embrace a different rhythm.

    Core subjects can be taught in a more comforting and hands-on way during winter.

    Baking and crafting can be integrated into learning as valuable educational activities.

    Acts of kindness during the winter season help teach children empathy and generosity.

    Creating a cozy atmosphere at home enhances the learning experience.

    Using technology like AI can help in planning seasonal learning activities.

    Slowing down allows families to notice and appreciate the little things in life.

    Homeschooling provides the flexibility to opt out of the rush of traditional schooling.

    Memory-making activities can be just as valuable as traditional education.

    Reflecting on family values and education is essential during the winter months.



    homeschooling, winter learning, core subjects, seasonal activities, slowing down, family education, kindness, creative learning, homeschooling tips, education philosophy

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    14 min
  • Outsourcing Your Homeschool
    Oct 10 2025

    In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the benefits of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the teaching process. She highlights that homeschooling is not solely the responsibility of the parent and that involving others can enhance the learning experience for children. Additionally, she stresses the ability to customize education to fit the unique needs of each child, allowing for a more effective and enjoyable learning environment.


    Ads & Links from the Episode

    Hoffman Academy Piano Lessons

    Tin Can Phone - Get $5 off your order here

    Shop All Links Here

    Points and Miles Podcast Episode


    ***Sign up for our weekly newsletter here


    Watch on YouTube Here



    homeschooling, education, collaborative learning, personalized education, teaching methods

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    16 min
  • One Year Since Helene & Acts of Kindness with Your Kids
    Oct 3 2025

    In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, host Candace Crompton reflects on the impact of Hurricane Helene a year later, shares insights from her flood relief drive, and discusses the importance of involving children in acts of kindness. She also introduces two sponsors: Whoop, a fitness tracking device, and Ladder, a fitness app, offering exclusive free trials for listeners.


    Ads and Links

    Ladder Workout App: ⁠30 Day Pass with this link

    Get a free WHOOP and one month free when you join with my link

    Toys for Tots

    Angel Tree

    MUSC Children's Hospital


    Join Our Emails Here! (And receive your free Homeschool Checklist Canva Template)


    Head here or here TODAY, Friday, October 3rd to post your favorite acts of kindness on our social media posts.


    Find every item we share on the podcast here.



    • Reflecting on Hurricane Helene's impact a year later.
    • Insights from the flood relief drive in North Carolina.
    • Involving children in acts of kindness.
    • The importance of community support during disasters.
    • Whoop: A distraction-free fitness tracker.
    • Ladder: Professional training programs in an app.
    • Teaching children about giving and empathy.
    • Creating homeless kits with children.
    • Supporting local charities and community drives.
    • The power of prayer and community support.



    Hurricane Helene, flood relief, acts of kindness, Whoop, Ladder, fitness tracking, homeschooling, community service

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    18 min
  • Things I'll Never Buy Again - Kitchen Edition
    Sep 26 2025

    In this episode of the Unexpected Homeschoolers podcast, Candace Crompton shares her insights on homemade cooking, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and the simplicity of making staples from scratch. She discusses various recipes, including butter, mayonnaise, bread, tortillas, sauces, and more, encouraging listeners to embrace homemade alternatives for better taste and health. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to sign up for her newsletter for recipes and updates.


    **Sign up for our emails to recieve your free Kitchen Staples E-Book HERE! :)


    Ads from Today's Episode:

    • Tin Can Phone: Save $5 with this link


    • Ladder Workout App: 30 Day Pass with this link


    • Thankful Homesteading Recipes (the Oreo one I mentioned) can be purchased here


    • Shop Wholesale at Azure Standard here


    • Shop all the items you heard in today's episode here


    Follow us on social here, here and here! :)


    Please email prayer requests to us here


    homemade cooking, recipes, butter, mayonnaise, peanut butter, bread making, tortillas, sauces, baking, cookies, ice cream, granola bars, chicken nuggets



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    32 min
  • Creating Margin & Slowing the American Hustle
    Sep 19 2025

    In this conversation, Candace Crompton discusses the challenges and strategies of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of creating margin in both home and homeschool life. She shares insights on planning, intentionality, and the significance of family time, while also addressing the need to manage screen time and distractions.


    The conversation highlights the value of reflecting on the purpose of homeschooling and balancing activities to ensure meaningful family interactions. Additionally, Candace provides resources for time management and encourages listeners to safeguard their time for deeper connections with loved ones.


    Ads & Resources from this Episode

    Whoop: Get a free month when you use this link.

    Tin Can Phones: Get $5 off a phone when you use this link

    Shop anything we share here on our LTK

    Write the Word Journals

    Brighter Day Press Planner

    Support Turning Point USA here


    Click here to download my AI Cleaning Schedule


    Takeaways

    • Creating margin in your home and homeschool life is essential.
    • Being intentional with planning can alleviate stress.
    • Family time should be prioritized over extracurricular activities.
    • Outsourcing tasks can help manage overwhelming responsibilities.
    • Setting screen time limits is crucial for maintaining focus.
    • Reflecting on your 'why' for homeschooling can guide your decisions.
    • Planning vacations during off-peak times can enhance experiences.
    • Saying no to unnecessary commitments can free up time for family.
    • Engaging in meaningful conversations with family is vital.
    • Time is a fragile resource that should be cherished.


    homeschooling, family time, planning, margin, time management, screen time, intentionality, resources, parenting, balance


    Chapters

    00:00 The Power of Prayer and Quiet Time

    15:06 Creating a Family Calendar

    21:58 Setting Phone Limits for Better Focus

    26:53 Eliminating Fluff in Education

    32:15 Valuing Time and Family Connections



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    37 min