This Golden Hour

In this podcast, we specifically serve new homeschool families through engaging conversations with homeschool parents and families at all levels of experience and expertise. Listeners will increase their confidence and assurance about their children's education and future while diminishing their fears. This podcast helps you know how to begin homeschooling, navigate challenges, and answer questions for all stages of the journey.
The name “This Golden Hour” has meaning. First, this name refers to the years parents have to raise and teach their children from birth to when they leave home to be on their own. As parents, we have a golden opportunity to teach and learn alongside our children during these formative and essential years of growth and development. Second, “This Golden Hour” points to this same period of childhood as the children’s chance to read, explore nature, and enjoy an inspiring atmosphere of family, love, and learning.

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Top 10 This Golden Hour Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best This Golden Hour episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to This Golden Hour 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 This Golden Hour episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

57. S.D. Smith and The Green Ember Series

This Golden Hour

03/26/24 • 54 min

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
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

51. Gena Suarez and The Old Schoolhouse

This Golden Hour

02/23/24 • 90 min

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
thisgoldenhour.org

68. Shelley Woon and Arrowsmith

This Golden Hour

07/20/24 • 53 min

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
thisgoldenhour.org

12. Heeding the Call to Homeschool

This Golden Hour

07/29/23 • 66 min

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

61. Cori Dean and The Learning House

This Golden Hour

05/07/24 • 50 min

In this episode, we get to spend time with Cori Dean from Bradford, Ontario. Cori is a veteran homeschool mother, author, speaker, and owner of Learning House and Maple Tree Publications. She loves books, dark chocolate, and tea! Cori shares about her extensive experience in homeschooling her four children and the role of faith in education. In our conversation, we explore the value of community support, the significance of parent-led education, and practical tips for new homeschooling families. Cori's journey from skepticism to embracing homeschooling, and the growth she has undergone in business, give us a view of the possibilities and challenges of homeschooling families.
Connect with Cori
learninghouse.ca
Books
A Charlotte Mason CompanionFor the Children's SakeModern Miss MasonResources
Simply Charlotte Mason

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

66. Sam Sorbo and The Broken Institutional System

This Golden Hour

06/07/24 • 43 min

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Sam Sorbo. A successful Hollywood film actress, writer, and producer, Sam stepped back from her own career to immerse herself in the home education of her three young children for over a decade. Recognizing the brokenness of our institutional system led Sam to understand there is much more to education than academics. As a prolific author, podcast and radio host, international public speaker, and home education mentor, Sam is dedicated to teaching families how to educate differently.

Connect with Sam
sorbostudios.compatriot.tvSam's Books
Teach From LoveWords for WarriorsBooks
The Naked Communist

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

67. Yesenia Faiella and Mama of Both Worlds

This Golden Hour

06/29/24 • 51 min

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Yesenia Faiella, founder and creator of Mama of Both Worlds. Yesenia shares her journey from being an attorney to becoming an entrepreneur by passion, while homeschooling her three boys in the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. She discusses the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, the importance of community support, and how she balances her professional and personal life. Yesenia also provides valuable insights for new homeschool families and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of aligning your work with your passions and values.
Connect with Yesenia
Mama of Both Worlds
mamasnextmove.comBooks
Wild and Free

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

43. Nadine Lauffer and How to Homeschool in High School Podcast

This Golden Hour

01/17/24 • 74 min

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Nadine Lauffer from Pennsylvania. Nadine is a current homeschool student and the host of the How to Homeschool in High School podcast. When she was in fourth grade, Nadine's mom decided that she was going to homeschool Nadine and her little sister along with several friends from church. Eventually, the Lauffer's moved to a new state and did not have the same co-op community they were used to in Florida; but they had grown in their philosophy and loved the time and relationship-building that homeschooling afforded. One of the biggest challenges that Nadine has experienced as a homeschool student is the fear of missing out on all the glamorous things depicted about school in books and movies and among her friends. However, Nadine has outgrown this fear and recognizes how much the homeschool option and lifestyle has blessed her life. Presently, she is taking two dual enrollment courses at a local college, and Nadine is learning how homeschooling has helped her to be adaptable. She is confident because she has learned to love learning and how to learn. To show how unafraid she is to learn, Nadine started a podcast in 2022 to help people, specifically her homeschool high school peers, to learn and understand more about homeschooling. Nadine counsels new homeschool families to expect the journey to be challenging and even inconvenient, but completely worth the struggle.

Connect with Nadine
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2045736

Books
The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home
Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child's Education
God's Smuggler

Curriculum
https://iew.com/
https://diveintomath.com/shormann/
https://bereanbuilders.com/ecomm/

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

24. Vanessa Wright and Big Life Journal

This Golden Hour

11/01/23 • 78 min

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Vanessa Wright from Raleigh, North Carolina. Although she never imagined homeschooling her children, after Vanessa attended a holistic meeting for moms where she hoped to learn about kombucha and sourdough bread, she found herself ready to take the plunge into homeschooling. Vanessa's friends wondered why she would choose homeschooling because they lived close to excellent schools near Washington D.C, but Vanessa just wanted her kids to be free and play. As she progressed on the homeschooling journey, Vanessa realized that what she really wanted for her children was for them to be able to process information, think critically, and have opinions of their own. Her networking and research eventually led Vanessa to connect with Big Life Journal, a fantastic company and resource that helps children focus on growth mindset, resilience, emotional intelligence, grit, and perseverance, through journaling. Vanessa has been working for Big Life Journal for several years and assumes many roles, including homeschool specialist. Because so many moms risk diminishing their individual identity while being so consumed with homeschooling their children, Vanessa writes and speaks often about the importance of self-care and not waiting to pursue personal interests as homeschool moms.

Connect with Vanessa
https://www.vanessanwright.com/

Websites
Big Life Journal
https://fiveinarow.com/

Books
Farmer Boy
The Art of Self-Directed Learning

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

27. Mary Prather, Homegrown Learners, and SQUILT

This Golden Hour

11/17/23 • 67 min

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Mary Prather from Atlanta, Georgia. Mary is a homeschool mother of two who have both graduated and are currently working on their respective degrees in university. When her children were young, Mary was a public school music teacher and advocated for parents sending their kids to school. But things changed when her daughter was in second grade. Mary’s homeschool friend helped her get started and the Prather’s have never looked back. At first, Mary’s parents were quite concerned, but after only a year they saw the benefits of homeschooling and the progress of their grandchildren. Throughout our conversation, Mary shares countless tips and resources for homeschool families. Among these resources are Mary’s own materials from her business called Squilt, which stands for “super quiet uninterrupted listening time.” Squilt evolved from Mary’s husband encouraging Mary to start a blog which led to many people requesting her lessons on music appreciation for their families. Mary continues to nurture her blog, Homegrown Learners, and enjoys working with her husband in Squilt.

Connect with Mary
https://www.squiltmusic.com/
https://www.homegrownlearners.com/

Books and Curriculum
For the Children's Sake
The Well-Trained Mind
Saxon Math
Foundations in Personal Finance

Websites
www.sonlight.com
https://classicalconversations.com/
https://ihomeschoolnetwork.com/
https://pambarnhill.com/
https://ourjourneywestward.com/ and https://ourjourneywestward.com/product-category/no-sweat-nature-study/
https://chalkpastel.com/

This Golden Hour
Free eBook Course
thisgoldenhour.org

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