This Golden Hour

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with S.D. Smith from West Virginia, author of The Green Ember Series, Mooses with Bazookas, and co-author with his son, Josiah, of Jack Zulu and the Waylander’s Key. Best known for The Green Ember Series , Smith opens up about his creative process, the foundations of his storytelling, and his journey from being a homeschool father sharing stories with his kids to becoming a globally recognized author. The discussion spans a variety of intriguing topics, including Smith's unique background, the roots of his imagination, and his insights into homeschooling. Whether you're an avid fan of S. D. Smith, an aspiring writer, or someone interested in the values and virtues of homeschooling, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and wisdom.
Connect with S. D. Smith
StoryWarrenS. D. Smith's Books
Mooses with Bazookas
Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key
S. D. Smith Store
The Green Ember Series

This Golden Hour
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In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Gena Suarez from Tennessee. Gena is a homeschool mother of 7, and she also has 9 grandchildren who are homeschooled. She is the founder and creator of The Old Schoolhouse, which started out in 2001 as a homeschool newsletter on eBay. Initially, The Old Schoolhouse was principally a magazine to connect homeschool families, but it has grown tremendously and offers a wide variety of resources and products. Unlike many couples who decide to homeschool, it was Gena’s husband, Paul, who wanted to homeschool, to which Gena was initially opposed. Soon, Gena began to observe the benefits of homeschooling, like having a wide circle of friends and being able to relate and interact with people of all ages without becoming anxious. In our discussion, we emphasized the blessing of enjoying more freedom through the choice to homeschool. Gena helps listeners understand that there are many options when it comes to education, postsecondary studies, and one’s general lifestyle. Her experience and wisdom encourage and embolden all of us who are seeking alternatives to the traditional, conventional path.
Connect with Gena
theoldschoolhouse.comschoolhouseteachers.comtryhomeschooling.comTOSMagazine.comTOSApps.comBooks and Curriculum
McGuffey ReadersHomeschooling Methods: Season Advice on Learning Styles

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
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In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Shelley Woon, the head of Arrowsmith School in Toronto. We discuss Arrowsmith's innovative approach to addressing learning disabilities through cognitive exercises based on neuroplasticity principles. Arrowsmith’s mission is to harness neuroplasticity to change brains and transform lives. Shelley shares her personal journey in education, insights into the Arrowsmith program, and practical advice for parents and educators, especially those in the homeschooling community.
Connect With Shelley
arrowsmith.ca
Resources
Limitless Mind
Growth Mindset
Limitless
The Woman Who Changed Her Brain - TED Talk
The Woman Who Changed Her Brain

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
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In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Marie Morphis from Alberta, Canada. After having three of her eventual eight children, Marie left being a police officer in Quebec to explore homeschooling. As a devout believer in God and Jesus Christ, Marie prayed often on her own and with her children to know if they should homeschool and to be guided in their decisions along the journey. They started with a consistent structured morning routine of singing, praying, reading scripture, and writing in their journals. Then they moved on to music and Math and reading the classics and going outside to play and enjoy nature. Marie shares how they were led to write a family mission statement, and how they were invited initially to Taiwan to play 37 concerts there, and eventually traveled to Tahiti, France, California, and Philippines to share their musical talents with the people in those places. Marie stresses the importance of finding joy in homeschooling and playing with your children and having fun with them. She also encourages homeschool mothers and parents to find time for themselves and be replenished to do the important work of homeschooling.

Education Philosophy and Curriculum
https://tjed.org/
https://www.williamsburgacademy.org/

Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families
Drawing On the Powers of Heaven

Music Education
Suzuki Method

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Ashley Forin from Alberta, Canada. Ashley is a homeschooling mother of four children, ranging from 4 to 12. Ashley conveys her personal journey, from her childhood in British Columbia to her current life in Alberta. We discuss the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, the importance of creating a nurturing family environment, and balancing academic rigor with fostering creativity and curiosity. Ashley also talks about the emotional highs and lows of being a homeschool parent and addresses common concerns, such as socialization and the pressure of educating one's own children.

Books
The Call of the Wild and Free
The Wonder of Boys
Hold onto Your Kids
Resources
Brave Learner
Math U See
Teaching Textbooks
Five in a Row
Story of the World
The Good and the Beautiful

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org