Self Directed

Cecilie & Jesper Conrad

Free yourself so you and your family can live a self-directed life that resonates with your beliefs and aspirations.
Cecilie & Jesper Conrad, parents to 4, have been full-time traveling since 2018 & unschooling for +10 years. Every Thursday, they host insightful conversations with their expert guests, exploring topics such as Personal Freedom, Parenting, Unschooling, Traveling, Money, Personal Development, and what it means to live a self-directed life.
Tune in weekly for a refreshing dose of inspiration and practical wisdom. And witness the Conrads' unwavering commitment to living life on their own terms.

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Top 10 Self Directed Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Self Directed episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Self Directed for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Self Directed episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#70 Laura Grace Weldon | Rethinking Education: Unschooling and Parenting in a Digital Age.

Self Directed

05/29/24 • 68 min

Laura Grace Weldon is an acclaimed author and educator known for her book "Free Range Learning." She advocates for holistic, learner-centered education and promotes the benefits of creative, unstructured learning environments. Laura's work emphasizes nurturing curiosity and fostering lifelong learning outside traditional classroom settings.
▬ About this Episode ▬
Discover how to nurture your child's curiosity and potential with Laura, an expert in alternative education methods like unschooling and homeschooling. We’ll explore how stepping away from traditional schooling can benefit toddlers in a more relaxed environment.

Join us as we discuss parenting, fear, and cultural influences. With her background in child protective services, Laura emphasizes trusting our instincts over societal pressures. We'll also tackle balancing screen time and real-world experiences for our kids in today’s tech-driven world.

The episode wraps up with insights into different parenting styles and the role of technology. We’ll look at balancing structure and freedom in play and the importance of nurturing critical thinking, encouraging people to give themselves grace in parenting and exposing their children to diverse viewpoints to help them grow into open-minded and resilient individuals.

▬ Connect with Laura Grace Weldon ▬
Website: https://lauragraceweldon.com/
Free Range Learning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeRangeLearningCommunity
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.euphoria
X: https://twitter.com/earnestdrollery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earnestdrollery/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LauraGraceWeldon/
Bit of Earth Farm: https://bitofearthfarm.wordpress.com/
🗓️ Recorded April 26th, 2024. 📍Belton, Missouri, United States

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PODCAST INFO
Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast
YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365
Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple
Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify
RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss

SUPPORT & CONNECT
Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily
Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily
Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

#51 Akilah S. Richards | Raising Free People - Unschooling from a Black Perspective

Self Directed

01/17/24 • 47 min

Akilah S. Richards guides us through her transformative journey, highlighting the significance of unschooling seen from a Black perspective.

We navigate the challenges faced in the unschooling journey, especially within the context of Black families. Akilah underscores the importance of nurturing creativity, autonomy, and play in education and how these elements are critical in fostering a liberated and holistic learning environment.
In 2016, Akilah published the first episode of Fare of the Free Child, a podcast for anyone considering parenting and leadership from a liberation lens. The podcast focuses on Black people, Native|Indigenous people, and People of Color (BIPOC) families who practice unschooling and other forms of self-directed, decolonization-minded living and learning. Akilah also gave a TEDx talk on Raising Free People, sharing the now widely-celebrated philosophy, “We can’t keep using tools of oppression and expect to raise free people.” In 2020, she released her book 'Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work.'

Join us as we delve into this enlightening discussion with Akilah S. Richards, exploring the impactful and healing world of unschooling from a Black perspective.
🗓️ Recorded January 9th, 2024. 📍Playa Dorada, Lengüeta Arenosa, Baja California, Mexico

Episode Links

Support Akilahs work: https://www.patreon.com/akilah
Personal leadership sanctuary: https://schoolishness.com/
Coaching: https://schoolishness.com/coaching/
Unschooling/Deschooling Coaching: https://schoolishness.com/savorade-coaching/
Buy 'Raising Free People: Unschooling as Liberation and Healing Work.'

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#47 Dean Bokhari | Balancing Work, Values, and Fulfilment: A Life's Manual

Self Directed

12/20/23 • 95 min

Dean Bokhari, the innovative creator of Flash Books. Dean shares his journey from avid reader to pioneering a new way of consuming literature, offering a lifeline for those strapped for time but eager to dive into self-help and business books.

Our conversation takes a significant turn as we address the topic of masculinity and its impact on childhood education. As fathers and entrepreneurs, we delve into our personal experiences, discussing the challenges of contemporary society and our aspirations to be exemplary role models for our children.

We also explore the realms of self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of habits, values, and personal development. This episode isn't just about reading efficiently; it's about fostering personal fulfillment.

Prepare for an enlightening journey through personal growth, adaptability, and the concept of sequential success. We highlight the criticality of embracing challenges and committing to change, reinforcing the idea that self-development is essential for living a self-directed life. Whether it's about finding equilibrium between work and personal life or reevaluating life values, this discussion is designed to motivate and guide you towards the path you desire.
🗓️ Recorded November 16th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Episode links

Dean's Website: https://www.deanbokhari.com/
See You At The Top- Dean's awesome summary of Zig Ziglars book. Seriously, get it.
https://www.getflashnotes.com/
https://www.meaningfulhq.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@Dean_TV
https://twitter.com/DeanBokhari
https://www.facebook.com/Dean.Bokhari/

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#44 - Randall Hardy | Breaking Barriers: How to Have a Respectful Approach to Parenting

Self Directed

11/29/23 • 98 min

Randall Hardy joins us for a conversation on the complexities of parenting and the journey to adulthood. Randall shares insights from his own parenting journey; and together, we promise to redefine your understanding of 'childism', family dynamics, and preparing children for adulthood. You'll learn to identify and rectify the problematic ways we sometimes communicate with children and reflect on whether perfection is truly the goal in parenting or simply being 'good' is enough.
We'll take you through a discussion on the challenges modern society presents in nourishing strong family bonds and the implications of mandatory schooling. Randall's perspective on these topics will make you question conventional thinking on parenting and family life. Creating a family-friendly space at home, the significance of family meal times, and the importance of making family time a positively memorable experience are just a few of the many aspects we cover.
This episode doesn't shy away from challenging the status quo of child-rearing norms, from the necessity of children having their own rooms to the assumption that children become the state's responsibility after a certain age.
With a deep dive into the financial implications of schooling and discussions on parental responsibility, we aim to provoke thought and encourage listeners to make informed decisions. Above all, you'll gain an understanding of how our ultimate job as parents is to equip our children with the skills they need to become capable adults, making this episode invaluable for anyone on the intricate path of parenthood.
🗓️ Recorded October 25th, 2023. 📍Playa del Carmen, Mexico

▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬

Randall's blog: "No Nationalisation of our Kids": https://northshropshe.wordpress.com/
HEFF2023 Talk by Randall: https://northshropshe.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/when-governments-are-not-listening/
Randall is also a team member of The HE Byte – Commenting on the UK EHE political scene: https://he-byte.uk/
Book recommendation: Michaeleen Doucleff - Hunt, Gather, Parent:
https://michaeleendoucleff.com

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Special: Cecilie Conrad on raising Worldschoolers

Self Directed

09/19/23 • 54 min

This is a repost of an interview Lizz Quain from Trailblazing Families did with Cecilie Conrad.
The conversation moves beyond the typical travel tales; we plunge into the depths of unschooling and how it complements the nomadic lifestyle beautifully. Cecilie shares the roller-coaster ride of transitioning to unschooling, navigating the pandemic, and choosing to stay in mainland Europe. We'll also discuss the importance of emergency preparedness and the inherent challenges of this alternative form of education. Expect to hear rich anecdotes and get a sneak peek into our current life and future plans.
The final segments of our conversation venture into the future of world-schooled children. Cecilie and Lizz engage in a meaningful dialogue about unschooling and how it equips children to the demands of the 21st century. We delve into the realms of self-directed learning and the significance of children designing their own life paths. Hear about Cecilies own experiences with her daughter, who became a writer at 11, and my son, who's on his own unique journey. We close our conversation by engaging in the challenges of world schooling, from financial hiccups to socializing on the road and facing health issues. Get ready for an episode packed with real, relatable, and inspiring stories from a world-schooling family!
🗓️ Recorded August 30th, 2023. 📍Chateau Jasmine, Passais-Villages, France
▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬
Cecilie Conrad's blog in Danish: https://cecilieconrad.dk
Cecilie Conrad's blog in English: https://cecilieconrad.com
Cecilie Conrad on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ceciliefelumbconrad
Cecilie Conrad on FB: https://www.facebook.com/Ceciliefelumbconrad
Lizz Quain and Trailblazing Families on FB: https://www.facebook.com/TrailblazingFamilies
Lizz Quain on IG: https://www.instagram.com/trailblazing_families
Trailblazing Families on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trailblazingfamilies

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#15 - Martin Cooke | Navigating Fatherhood and being a Stay-at-Home Dad

Self Directed

05/10/23 • 97 min

Have you ever felt the weight of loneliness or struggled to find your place in the world? Join us for an insightful conversation with homeschool dad Martin Cooke. Together, we discuss the impact of creating safe spaces for men to open up, share their experiences, and form connections that can combat feelings of isolation.
Martin Cooke is a stay-at-home day we got to learn at World School Summit in Granada, Spain in 2019. It was fascinating to meet so many like-minded people. And many a strong bond was created. Martin Cooke is one of the homeschool dads we met and fell in love with.
During the summit, Martin created a Men’s Circle, where dads could get together and talk about how it is to be a husband, dad, and homeschool father. Martin finds that men often find it harder to vocalize their emotions, making it difficult to connect with others and find support. So for him, it felt natural to create a safe space where we men could get together. It allowed us to be vulnerable and share our struggles and challenges without fear of judgment or shame.
The experience of attending the Men’s circle helped me to see myself in a new light, and it has since grown in me that I want to help more men to find a better balance in their life. To help them to break down the toxic societal norms that often prevent men from seeking help and support when they need it most. To help them become better husbands, fathers, and friends.

The first step is to have more open, honest talks about how it is to be a man and a father. I hope you will enjoy this episode. I know I enjoyed the talk, and I am still on a journey to becoming a better dad.
Martin's journey into men's circles is just the beginning - in this episode, we also explore the intertwining of identity with work, the value of embracing change, and the serendipitous moments that lead us on unexpected paths. We delve deeper into topics such as masculinity, vulnerability, and the unique challenges of parenting - touching on the joys, the struggles, and the educational experiences that come with raising children.
Lastly, we venture into the world of alternative education as Martin shares his experiences with homeschooling and the power dynamics at play in traditional schooling systems. We discuss the importance of giving our children the freedom to explore their passions and the courage necessary to question societal expectations.
See show notes at TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected15
Read about the Wilderness Woods:

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#24 - Sari González & Becka Koritz | Radical Learning, Change & Challenging the norm

Self Directed

07/12/23 • 83 min

Sari González and Becka Koritz: unschooling moms and hosts of the podcast Radical Learning Talks. They share a passion for unschooling and have created a Self Directed Learning center in Mexico.
Their focus lies at the intersection of unschooling, parenting, relationship building, and community development, all aimed at nurturing children's self-directed learning, autonomy, and freedom. As advocates for children's rights and freedom, they also run Explora ALC, an Agile Learning Community in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.

In their view, the world is undergoing profound changes, and they firmly believe that active participation in this transformation is necessary for societal evolution. By questioning and challenging outdated beliefs and practices that disempower children and others, they create space for new opportunities and tools that embrace connection and freedom.

This episode is a celebration of their journey and an inspiration to families seeking alternative education routes.
🗓️ Recorded June 21st, 2023. 📍Skolstugan, Sweden
EPISODE LINKS

https://www.radical-learning.org/
https://www.instagram.com/radical_learning/
https://www.facebook.com/radicallearningtalks

OUTLINE

Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.

(0:00:00) - From Sweden to Mexico - How Sari & Becka ended up in Mexico
(0:08:32) - Challenges With Mandatory Schooling in Sweden
(0:14:21) - Exploring Agile Learning and Unschooling
(0:24:23) - Reimagining Education and Creating Community
(0:35:56) - Podcast Evolution and Impact
(0:46:05) - Unschooling and Dismantling Systems of Oppression
(0:50:58) - Unschooling, Healing, and Collective Perspectives
(0:58:29) - Challenges and Considerations in Homeschooling
(1:04:18) - Exploring Critical Thinking in Unschooling
(1:09:43) - Unschooling and Radical Learning Discussion

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#20 - Ronni Abergel | The Human Library - Unjudge Someone - Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue

Self Directed

06/14/23 • 84 min

Imagine sitting down with someone you think you don't like and realizing, after just two hours, that they're actually an ally.
In a powerful conversation, we chat with our longtime friend and Human Library founder, Ronnie Abergel, about how his unique project has the remarkable ability to break down barriers and change people's perspectives. We journey through Ronnie's passion for helping others, from his days working at a hospital to starting the Stop the Violence movement, and learn how that passion eventually led him to create the Human Library.
Together, we explore the importance of respecting everyone's right to be in the library and dive into the complexities of our humanity. Ronnie shares his personal experiences with grief, relationships, and finding happiness, emphasizing the importance of staying present and appreciating the moments we have. We also discuss the power of volunteering and how it can dismantle fear and create connections in our lives.
Join us as we reflect on the impact of the Human Library and the beautiful stories of transformation that have come from it. We discover the opportunities it offers for personal growth and finding common ground with those we might have once dismissed. Embark on this inspiring journey with us as we learn from Ronnie Abergel and the incredible impact of the Human Library movement.
Connect with The Human Library
Website: https://humanlibrary.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @humanlibraryorganization5724
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanlibraryorg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanlibraryorganization/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehumanlibrary
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/human-library-organization/

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EP99 Meryl Danziger | Unlocking Musical Potential: Following Joy, Not Rules

Self Directed

12/18/24 • 93 min

Meryl Danziger, founder of Music House and author of Sing It! A Biography of Pete Seeger, has redefined music education through curiosity-driven exploration. With a Master’s in Music from Goddard College and a career as a professional violinist, she focuses on helping children connect with music in personal and meaningful ways. Her unique approach emphasizes freedom, creativity, and the intrinsic joy of musical discovery.
Together, we explore the deep connections between self-directed learning, unschooling, and Meryl Danziger’s approach to music education. We discuss how allowing children to explore music on their terms fosters genuine passion, curiosity, and lifelong creativity.

Meryl shares how she built Music House based on a belief that music is best learned through personal engagement rather than rigid lessons. Her stories of students finding their musical voices through play and experimentation mirror the core values of self-directed learning: trust, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation.

Together, we reflect on how art, love, beauty, and personal expression intersect in learning—music and life. We also discuss how parents can create supportive musical environments at home, embracing exploration without formal training.

This conversation is for anyone passionate about fostering creativity, questioning traditional education, and seeking new ways to learn through joy, freedom, and personal connection.
▬ Episode links ▬
http://www.nycmusichouse.org/site/
https://www.meryldanziger.com/

🗓️ Recorded December 15th, 2024. 📍 The Addisons, Withyham, United Kingdom

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#94 Charlotte Addison | Finding Freedom Through Unschooling

Self Directed

11/13/24 • 59 min

Charlotte Addison is among our favorite people: A fellow traveler, unschooler, and someone with whom we have co-lived for an extended period and more to come.
Together with Charlotte, we delve into how unschooling and lifelong learning can redefine educational choices and personal growth. We challenge the idea that formal qualifications are the only markers of success. Instead, passion and real-world experiences can unlock doors to opportunities often reserved for those with degrees. This conversation is a testament to the magic of continuous learning through formal courses or self-directed pursuits and the importance of letting children explore life freely.

In a world full of societal norms and expectations, we ponder what it truly means to lead a life aligned with one's values. This episode is an invitation to reflect on parenting and lifestyle choices, embrace emotional and spiritual fulfillment over societal pressures, and cherish the ongoing journey of growth with gratitude for every shared moment.

🗓️ Recorded November 10th, 2024. 📍 Krakow, Poland
Follow Charlotte on IG: https://www.instagram.com/magickalhealingmama

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FAQ

How many episodes does Self Directed have?

Self Directed currently has 117 episodes available.

What topics does Self Directed cover?

The podcast is about Homeschooling, Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts, Digital Nomad, Self-Improvement and Education.

What is the most popular episode on Self Directed?

The episode title 'Da Ladies #3 | Navigating Social Challenges in the Unschooling Journey' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Self Directed?

The average episode length on Self Directed is 68 minutes.

How often are episodes of Self Directed released?

Episodes of Self Directed are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Self Directed?

The first episode of Self Directed was released on Feb 2, 2023.

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Self Directed

Cecilie & Jesper Conrad

Top 10 Self Directed Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Self Directed have?

What topics does Self Directed cover?

What is the most popular episode on Self Directed?

What is the average episode length on Self Directed?

How often are episodes of Self Directed released?

When was the first episode of Self Directed?

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