Podcast · Learning

Homeschool Moms Unfiltered

by Homeschool Moms Unfiltered · English · Learning

Welcome to Homeschool Moms Unfiltered, where we keep it real for modern homeschoolers. We're not your typical podcast. Tired of the shiny, perfect facade? So are we. Join us as we dive into the messy, unfiltered reality of homeschooling. From navigating curriculum chaos to dealing with daily life ch

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 10 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 3 minNew

⏰ PLEASE HELP! Only two days left!! ⏰

We're finalists for a Signal Award - which is a huge honor and a big freaking deal! We would super duper appreciate your support for the Listener's Choice Award. At the time we are posting this we are just 2% down. Voting takes 2 minutes and costs nothing. Spread the word. We'd be super grateful for all the help we can get! Head here to vote ⬅️ Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! We have the greatest community and we appreciate each and every one of you so much! Meagan & Amanda

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E1 · 6 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
S5, Ep1: Finding the Sweet Spot Between Structure and Flexibility
⚠️⚠️⚠️ TIME SENSITIVE ⚠️⚠️⚠️ We are finalists for a Signal Award - which in the world of podcasting is incredibly exciting!! We’d be SO grateful if you’d take a moment and toss your vote our way for the Listener’s Choice award. It takes two minutes and costs nothing, but we’ll express ship our eternal gratitude your way for the effort. Click here to vote: https://bit.ly/awardvotehmu — Voting ENDS October 15th!! Wow! It has been a doozy of a week for each of us. So today, we have some fresh updates for you, followed by some classic Homeschool Moms Unfiltered content. We’ll be digging into the…
S4 · E30 · 29 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
S4, Ep30: Stop Overthinking Your Homeschool Portfolio
Portfolio reviews, work samples, district meetings… how much proof of homeschooling do you actually need? This week, we’re talking about what’s worth documenting, what you can stop saving, how requirements can vary wildly depending on where and how you homeschool, and why your portfolio should reflect the education your child actually received… not manufacture a school-shaped version of it. Whether you live in a low-regulation state or a high-regulation state, our goal for you is the same - meet the requirements without letting documentation take over your homeschool. Our current book club…
S4 · E29 · 22 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
S4, Ep29: Homeschool Socialization From Elementary Through the Teen Years
Homeschool socialization… everyone has an opinion, but what does it actually look like in real life? This week, we’re talking about how much socialization kids really need, close friends vs. acquaintances, avoiding the urge to overschedule, and how we’ve helped our own kids find their people from the elementary years through the teens. Our next book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? And the best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d love to…
S4 · E28 · 15 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
S4, Ep28: BOOK REVIEW - The Yes Brain
This week, we’re recapping The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, our latest Homeschool Moms Unfiltered Book Club pick. We’re sharing the bits we loved, the parts that got us thinking, and how the book’s approach to resilience, flexibility, and emotional growth might be relevant on your homeschooling and parenting journey. Our next book club pick is The Self-Driven Child. Want to join us? And the best part is… we don’t judge you if you show up and haven’t read the book! Join our Bookworm or All-Access Patreon membership if you’d like to participate in the book club. We’d…
S4 · E27 · 8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
S4, Ep27: How Much Does Homeschooling REALLY Cost? - The Expenses You Might Not Be Considering
How much does homeschooling really cost? Spoiler: the curriculum is only the beginning. This week, we’re digging into potential hidden costs of homeschooling. We’ll explore lost income, extracurriculars, co-op fees, gas, subscriptions, testing, and teen expenses. We’ll also talk about things that are harder to quantify like time, energy, and mental load. They never show up on the receipt, but we feel them alright! This isn’t about scaring anyone away from homeschooling; it’s about knowing the real cost so you can plan for it and build a homeschool life that’s actually sustainable for your…
S4 · E26 · 1 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
S4, Ep26: Making Learning Stick: The Difference Between Doing It and Knowing It
Your kid finished the lesson, completed the worksheet, and checked every box... but did they actually learn it? This week, we’re talking about what makes learning stick, why simply doing more practice isn’t always the answer, and how mistakes and meaningful feedback can turn practice into real understanding. We’ll also share simple ways to spot the difference between completing the work and actually mastering what they’re learning. (And - in a most scandalous turn of events - we’ll share instances where mastering content might not necessarily be the goal.) Did you know Homeschool Moms…
S4 · E25 · 25 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
S4, Ep25: My Kid Is Behind. Now What? How to Close Learning Gaps
Discovering that your child has a significant gap in reading, writing, math, or another foundational skill can send even the most seasoned homeschool parent into a panic spiral. In this episode, we’re talking about how to figure out what’s actually missing, address learning gaps without turning “catching up” into your child’s entire education, and protect their confidence along the way. Because sometimes you don’t need to lower the ceiling… you just need to build the missing stairs. Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a podcast? We’ve built the tools, resources,…
S4 · E24 · 18 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 21 min
S4, Ep24: Helping Neurodivergent Kids Struggle Less and Learn More
We were recently asked to talk about homeschooling neurodivergent kids who struggle, and it got us thinking about why struggle isn't always the part of our homeschool lives you hear us talking about most these days. Our kids absolutely do struggle, and there have been seasons when those struggles were incredibly difficult, but we've also spent years learning how their brains work and intentionally designing their education around them. In this episode, we're talking about how we got here and what a strengths-based approach can look like in practice, from leaning into interests and supporting…
S4 · E23 · 11 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
S4, Ep23: Our 2026–2027 Homeschool Plans & Curriculum Picks
For many homeschoolers, this time of year means a fresh start and new planning cycle. In this episode, we’re sharing our real-life homeschool plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including the curriculum we’re using, the classes and activities on the calendar, what we’re changing from last year, and how we’re thinking through it all. We’re inviting you behind the scenes to hear what we chose, what we skipped, and why. ***** At the time this episode drops, Meagan has two spaces left in her 2026-2027 Unschooling Confidence Cohort. It’s for homeschool parents who want to recognize learning…
S4 · E22 · 4 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
S4, Ep22: The Homeschool Parent's Guide to Phonics and Teaching ReadingThe Homeschool Parent's Guide to Phonics and Teaching Reading
Reading instruction has become one of the biggest conversations in education, but what does the research actually say? In this episode, we explore the science behind phonics, how reading instruction shifted away from explicit phonics, and why so many schools are returning to evidence-based practices. We also share practical, play-based ways to introduce phonics at home, favorite resources for different ages, and why teaching children to decode words doesn't have to come at the expense of a love of books. Whether you're homeschooling a preschooler, supporting a struggling reader, or trying to…
S4 · E21 · 28 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
S4, Ep21: How to Make Any Homeschool Resource More Engaging
This week we're sharing one of our favorite homeschool "superpowers"... turning one simple resource into weeks or even months of rich, meaningful learning. Whether you're using a curriculum, a library book, a documentary, or a unit study, we'll show you how to follow your child's curiosity, make natural connections across subjects, and build unforgettable learning experiences without buying more curriculum. If you've ever wondered how experienced homeschoolers seem to make learning come alive, this episode is for you. Did you know Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is SO much more than just a…
S4 · E20 · 21 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
S4, Ep20: The Power of Interest-Led Learning: Building an Education Around Your Child
What if your child's biggest interest wasn't a distraction from learning, but the key to deeper, more meaningful education? In this episode, we explore how to leverage your child's passions - from trucks and horses to astronomy and beyond - to build a rich, academically rigorous homeschool without sacrificing curiosity. We share practical ideas for every stage, from preschool through high school, discuss how interest-led learning can look very different depending on your homeschool style, and offer simple ways to start customizing your homeschool without feeling overwhelmed. If you've ever…
S4 · E19 · 14 Jul 2026 · 55 min
S4, Ep19: Stop Second-Guessing Yourself - 10 Confidence Boosters for Homeschool Adults
Feeling like you have no idea what you’re doing? You're not alone. In this episode, we share 10 practical ways to build confidence as a homeschool parent. We’ll review topics like understanding how children actually learn and what's developmentally appropriate to finding your homeschool philosophy, tuning out comparison, embracing flexibility, and knowing when to pivot. We also talk about why self-doubt is a normal part of the journey and how the right knowledge, community, and mindset can help you spend less time second-guessing yourself and more time enjoying the freedom homeschooling…
S4 · E18 · 7 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
S4, Ep18: Homeschooling a Dyslexic Child: Real Talk, Real Strategies
What does it really look like to homeschool a dyslexic learner? In this episode, we're joined by a homeschool mom who shares her family's firsthand experience navigating dyslexia… the challenges, the victories, the resources that helped, and what she wishes every parent knew. Even if dyslexia isn't part of your homeschool journey, this conversation is well worth a listen. Whether you organize homeschool events, volunteer at a co-op, lead classes, or simply want to better support the diverse learners in your community, understanding dyslexia helps create spaces where every child and family…
S4 · E17 · 30 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
S4, Ep17: The Play-Based Learning Conversation We Need to Have
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase play-based learning ? If you're picturing chaos, endless toys, and children running wild with no real education happening, you're not alone, but that picture couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode, we unpack what intentional play-based education actually looks like, why it's backed by decades of research, and how parents can nurture literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social-emotional development through age-appropriate play. We'll explore structured versus free play, themed learning, the physiology of young children, common…
S4 · E16 · 23 Jun 2026 · 57 min
S4, Ep16: What If Podcasts Are More Educational Than We Think?
Are podcasts just entertainment, or have we been underestimating their educational value? In this episode, we dig into the research on listening, reading comprehension, knowledge retention, accessibility, and learning through audio. We explore what the science says, why podcasts can be a powerful tool for many learners, and how homeschooling gives us the freedom to rethink what learning can look like beyond traditional textbooks and worksheets. Join us as we share the data, our favorite family podcasts, and a little encouragement to challenge some deeply ingrained ideas about education. ***…
S4 · E15 · 16 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
S4, Ep15: Homeschooling and Life Skills: My kid can do Algebra... but will they be able to adult?
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ Preorder by June 23rd and we’ll send you a signed copy of The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need . Now… on to the episode… Most of us know life skills matter. The problem is that teaching them is often slower, messier, and far more frustrating than just doing the thing ourselves. In this episode, we're talking about chores, independence, problem-solving, and the reality of raising capable humans while juggling curriculum, appointments, grocery runs, and the seventeen other things demanding your attention. We'll explore…
S4 · E14 · 9 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
S4, Ep14: Book Review - How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ Preorder by June 23rd and we’ll send you a signed copy of The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need . Now… on to the episode… In this episode, we unpack our most recent book club selection, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk . Long story short, some of this very old book has aged like spoiled milk. But tune in for the good, the outdated, and the surprisingly helpful. We talk about cycle breaking, respectful parenting, autonomy, punishment, generational trauma, passive-aggressive communication, and…
S4 · E13 · 2 Jun 2026 · 1 hr
S4, Ep13: What Every Nervous Homeschool Parent Needs to Hear
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ At the time we are posting this episode, we have precisely EIGHT preorder bundles left!!When you preorder, you’ll get our limited launch bundle: a signed copy of The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need , a free themed unit study, access to a live author Q&A, and the limited-edition Proud Woke Homeschooler sticker. But the full bundle is only available for the first 100 preorders (and for full transparency, they’re 75% sold), so if you want the extras, this is the moment to grab your copy. And… if you miss the preorder…
27 May 2026 · 9 min
The Book Update + 8 Reasons We Think This Resource Matters
We’re dropping a quick update into your feed today to share a little behind-the-scenes book launch news and share a bit about why we wrote The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need. Whether you're new to homeschooling or been at it for a while, we'll share 8 reasons we genuinely think this resource can make homeschooling feel less overwhelming and more sustainable. At the time we’re posting this, our preorder bundles are already 75% sold out (!), and we are so incredibly grateful for the support this community has shown us. If you’ve been thinking about grabbing one, now is probably the…
S4 · E12 · 26 May 2026 · 56 min
S4, Ep12: Why Your Homeschool Test Run Isn’t Telling You the Truth
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ When you preorder, you’ll get our limited launch bundle: a signed copy of The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need , a free themed unit study, access to a live author Q&A, and the limited-edition Proud Woke Homeschooler sticker. But the full bundle is only available for the first 100 preorders (and for full transparency, they’re 75% sold), so if you want the extras, this is the moment to grab your copy. Now… on to the episode… Thinking about “testing out” homeschooling over summer break, weekends, or school holidays?…
S4 · E11 · 19 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
S4, Ep11: Grade Levels & Homeschooling: How It Actually Works
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 https://homeschoolmomsunfiltered.com/ When you preorder, you’ll get our limited launch bundle: a signed copy of The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need , a free themed unit study, access to a live author Q&A, and the limited-edition Proud Woke Homeschooler sticker. But the full bundle is only available for the first 100 preorders, so if you want the extras, this is the moment to grab your copy. Now… on to the episode… In this episode, we’re talking about one of those seemingly simple questions that can make homeschooled kids freeze: “What grade are you in?”…
S4 · E10 · 12 May 2026 · 59 min
S4, EP10: Are homeschooled kids missing out... really? (Play this during your next panic spiral.)
🚨 BOOK PREORDER ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨 Our book, The Only Homeschool Book You Actually Need , will officially be available for pre-order THIS WEEK! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Patreon (links below) so you’re among the first to know when it drops. Our earliest pre-orders will get special bonus goodies and we are ridiculously excited to finally share this thing with you after pouring oodles of time, caffeine, experience, and passion into it. OK, onto the episode… Have you ever seen a cute school photo online and suddenly spiraled into, “Oh my god… are my kids missing out?” You’re not alone.…
S4 · E9 · 5 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
S4 Ep9: IEPs, 504s & Diagnoses: What Still Matters When You Homeschool
In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most nuanced (and often confusing) parts of homeschooling: diagnoses, IEPs, and 504 plans. Do homeschooled kids actually need them? When do they matter? When do they not? We break down how these supports function in traditional school settings, what changes when you homeschool, and why documentation can still be critical for things like SATs, APs, and dual enrollment. We also get real about the barriers to getting evaluated, the cost, the emotional side of diagnosis, and the current political climate that’s making all of this feel even more…
S4 · E8 · 28 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
S4, Ep8: Logged In, Tuned Out: Rethinking Online Homeschooling
We were about to say something like, “Online programs aren’t the problem, but how we use them can make or break a homeschool experience.” But then we had to pause for a beat because some are seriously problematic and we need to talk about that too. So… in this episode, we talk about why the “log in and call it a day” approach often falls flat, even though we totally understand the appeal. We unpack how to use online tools strategically, what actually works (and what doesn’t), and how to balance independence with connection so learning actually sticks. If you’ve ever wondered whether your…
S4 · E7 · 21 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
S4, Ep7: But You’ll Send Them Back for High School… Right?
If you haven’t been asked, “but you’ll send them back to real school for high school, right?” yet… consider yourself lucky. And also know it’s probably just a matter of time. In this episode, we’re unpacking where that mindset comes from, why it sticks around, and whether there’s actually any truth to it. We’ll talk about what homeschooling high school really looks like today, how families handle more advanced subjects, and what happens socially when you don’t follow the expected path. As promised in the episode, here’s an excerpt from the book co-written by Meagan and her daughter Astrid.…
S4 · E6 · 14 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
S4, Ep6: Unschooling: The Version No One Talks About
Unschooling gets talked about like it’s one thing, but in reality, it’s a whole spectrum. In this episode, we’re digging into what unschooling actually looks like across that range, from fully hands-off to intentionally supported, and everything in between. We talk about the balance between freedom and support, why exposure and access matter more than people realize, and how unschooling can be incredibly powerful - especially for neurodivergent kids - when it’s done thoughtfully. This isn’t a “you’re doing it wrong” conversation. It’s a real one. Because the goal isn’t perfection or…
S4 · E5 · 7 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
S4, Ep5: That’s Bullsh*t: Education Edition
We’re playing our own version of the game Bullsh*t, but it is our very own education edition. We’re taking a hard look at the things we’ve all been told about school, learning, and success and asking… are they actually true? From “kids learn best sitting still” to “more hours = more learning” to “college is the only path,” we’re unpacking the assumptions that shape how we think about education and calling out what doesn’t hold up. If you’ve ever found yourself second-guessing your homeschool choices or wondering if you’re doing it “right,” this episode is your reminder that a lot of what…
S4 · E4 · 31 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
S4, Ep4: Homeschooling with Chronic Illness (And How to Support Families Who Are)
Chronic illness and homeschooling… can they actually coexist? In this episode, we’re digging into the reality of homeschooling with limited energy, unpredictable health, and a whole lot of societal pressure to “do it all.” We talk about what it really looks like, how to build a sustainable rhythm that works for your family, and why flexibility isn’t just helpful… it’s essential. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation is about redefining success, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and creating a homeschool life that actually…

About Homeschool Moms Unfiltered

Homeschool Moms Unfiltered is a English learning podcast from Homeschool Moms Unfiltered. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Homeschool Moms Unfiltered
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 10 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1746633244
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