Self Directed

Cecilie & Jesper Conrad

Self Directed - A Podcast on Life, Learning, and Raising Free Thinkers. Hosts Cecilie and Jesper Conrad, full-time travellers since 2018 and parents of four, invite a new guest on the podcast every Thursday.

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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.

105: Sugata Mitra | How Learning Emerges Naturally Through Self-Organizing Systems

Self Directed

01/29/25 • 67 min

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Sugata Mitra is a renowned educational researcher and innovator best known for his revolutionary "Hole in the Wall" experiment, which demonstrated the incredible capacity of children to teach themselves when provided with access to technology. A TED Prize winner and creator of the "School in the Cloud," Sugata’s work challenges traditional educational systems and advocates for self-organized and emergent learning as the future of education.

After a lighthearted opening about weather and cultural quirks, we transition to the ideas that underpin Sugata’s groundbreaking research.

The incredible story of the "Hole in the Wall" experiment, where children in a New Delhi slum mastered computer skills and explored the internet without formal teaching.
The difference between self-directed, self-organized, and self-organizing systems in education—and why it matters.
Reflections on unschooling and redefining education as self-directed learning, breaking away from rigid curricula.
The role of technology, including the rise of generative AI, and how it impacts what it means to "know" in the 21st century.
A philosophical discussion on truth, learning as an emergent phenomenon, and the importance of nonsense and unanswerable questions in human development.
Reflections on communal learning and human connection.

🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark
🔗 Relevant links

Sugata Mitra's TED Talks: Build a School in the Cloud (TED Prize Talk) and The Child-Driven Education
Hole in the Wall Project: Learn more about the famous "Hole in the Wall" experiment: Hole in the Wall Project Overview
School in the Cloud: Explore Sugata’s initiative that empowers children to self-organize and learn: School in the Cloud Website
Sugata Mitra’s Website: https://www.cevesm.com/
Sugata Mitra on X.com: https://x.com/Sugatam
Order Out of Chaos by Ilya Prigogine: The book that influenced Sugata’s thinking on self-organizing systems: Order Out of Chaos on Amazon

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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
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SUPPORT & CONNECT
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44: Randall Hardy | Breaking Barriers: How to Have a Respectful Approach to Parenting

Self Directed

11/29/23 • 99 min

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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

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09/19/23 • 57 min

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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

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05/10/23 • 97 min

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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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116: Jacob Nordby | Rethinking Freedom: Purpose, Ritual, and the Value of Being

Self Directed

04/16/25 • 75 min

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In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper?

While many consider freedom to be about doing whatever they want without constraints, Jacob challenges this perception. "A lot of people assume that freedom means the ability to do whatever they want," he reflects, "but we're learning that most of what we think and believe happens pretty unconsciously." True freedom, it seems, requires the difficult work of self-awareness and introspection.

Jacob challenges common ideas about success, self-determination, and meaning. Together, we dive into how societal norms shape our values, why unpaid or “unproductive” work (like parenting or crafting) is deeply meaningful, and how rituals in everyday life can reconnect us to purpose. Jacob shares tools for navigating difficult times and reclaiming inner freedom.

“The great victory isn’t avoiding difficulty—it’s knowing we can respond with resilience.”

🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program

🔗 Connect with Jacob Nordby
Website: https://www.jacobnordby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobnordby
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.jacobnordby
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobnordby/

📚 Books mentioned:
Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl
Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer
Modern Man in Search of a Soul – Carl Jung
Prometheus Rising – Robert Anton Wilson
🗓️ Recorded April 16th, 2025. 📍Vienna, Austria

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117: Dr. Cam Caswell | Why Control Fails and Connection Works with Teens

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04/23/25 • 49 min

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Dr. Cam joins us to discuss parenting teenagers and why efforts to control them often create more distance. She explains how control can undermine trust and why focusing on connection leads to better results.

We discuss the difference between respect and obedience, and how letting teens say “no” builds confidence and self-trust. Jesper shares his shift from being a “parenting by volume” dad to being more present and connected, and how time made the biggest difference.

Dr. Cam describes how many dads step back from parenting teens because they feel disconnected or uncertain about how to relate. She talks about why focusing on influence, not authority, helps parents stay close to their teens even in moments of conflict.

We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Cam
Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell/
Dr. Cams podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-with-dr-cam/id1524209790

🗓️ Recorded April 23th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary

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97: Marta Obiols Llistar | How Unschooling Transforms Teens: Self-Discovery & Resilience

Self Directed

12/04/24 • 59 min

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What happens when you step outside traditional education to empower teenagers to discover their true selves? In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Marta to explore her journey into unschooling and its profound impact on her children and family. We go into how alternative education fosters individuality, emotional resilience, and self-expression in teens, offering a striking contrast to conventional schooling and how unschooling helps raise confident, self-assured teens.

Together, we delve into modern teenage psychology, uncovering teens' struggles balancing societal expectations and authentic identities. Marta recounts personal anecdotes, including the challenges and triumphs of raising teenagers who thrive without the pressure of conformity.

🔗 Want to know more about Marta?

Spanish links

🗓️ Recorded November 20th, 2024. 📍 Krakow, Poland

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67: Laura Grace Weldon | Free Range Learning

Self Directed

05/08/24 • 50 min

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Join us for an in-depth talk with Laura Grace Weldon, who has written a handbook on natural education titled Free Range Learning. Together, we dive into the transformative world of free-range learning.
Laura shares her profound insights on how natural learning processes can significantly benefit children, contrasting it with the restrictive norms of traditional schooling.
The discussion explores the concept of unschooling, emphasizing the importance of preserving a child's innate curiosity and individuality.
Laura's personal stories and practical examples shed light on fostering an environment where children learn through exploration and real-life experiences rather than structured education.
This episode challenges conventional educational paradigms and encourages parents to embrace a more intuitive and playful approach to learning, ensuring that children grow into well-rounded, creative 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 16th, 2024. 📍Belton, Missouri, United States

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107: Jessica Joelle Alexander | Danish Parenting Secrets: Raising Happy & Confident Kids

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02/12/25 • 88 min

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What makes Danish parenting unique, and how does it raise happy, resilient kids? In this episode, we talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander, bestselling author of The Danish Way of Parenting, about Denmark’s highly regarded child-rearing approach.

The Danish approach to raising children is shaped by principles from Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783–1872), a Danish pastor, philosopher, and educator who emphasized personal formation ("Dannelse") as equally important as academic education ("Uddannelse").

In the second half of our conversation, we shift into the digital world, where Jessica introduces her latest project, RaisingDigitalCitizens.com. She explains how parents can foster healthy relationships with technology, build trust, and guide children in navigating the online world safely.

🗓️ Recorded January 29th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark

📚 Learn more about Jessica Joelle Alexander’s work:

🔗 Jessica Joelle Alexander

🔗 Raising Digital Citizens

🔗 The Danish Way

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

Self Directed

12/18/24 • 94 min

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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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FAQ

How many episodes does Self Directed have?

Self Directed currently has 136 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 67 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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