PODCAST · education
Empowering Homeschool Conversations
by Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder
Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your authority in navigating the world of homeschooling diverse learners. Featuring Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool, Annie Yorty from AnnieYorty.com, Leilani Melendez from Living with Eve, Stephanie Buckwalter from ELARP Learning, and Dawn Jackson from Dawn Jackson Educational Consulting & Tutoring.With over 75 years of combined homeschooling expertise, experiences, and perspectives, this group is eager to share their wealth of wisdom to empower your homeschooling journey.So, grab your favorite mug, settle in and get ready for insightful discussions, valuable insights, and practical tips as these experts and their guests dive into the hottest topics in homeschooling. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, just considering this path, or anywhere in between you don't want to miss a minute of these enlightening conversations that will empower your child to thrive in their homeschool environment.Join us to give your homeschool the pow
Episodes
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Homeschool Strategies That Help Kids Make Sense of the World
Why do some students struggle to see math and science as more than just flashcards and formulas? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar talks with Christian mom, certificated physics teacher, and innovative educator Margaret Shawver, who shares how one simple...
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Smarter Learning Strategies for Homeschool Challenges
How can homeschoolers move beyond rigid curriculum to craft meaningful, curiosity-driven learning experiences? In this powerful conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Matt Bowman, co-founder of OpenEd and co-author of Open Education, to explore how personalized learning can empower...
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Raising Faith-Filled Kids When Parenting Feels Overwhelming
In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by pastor and author David Sunde to discuss how Christian parents can disciple their children even in the midst of exhaustion, uncertainty, and learning struggles. Drawing from his new book Homegrown...
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Helping Your Child Find Their Words on Paper and in Life
If your child dreads writing or struggles to express themselves, you're not alone. In this heartfelt conversation, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Julie Bogart—educator, author, and creator of the Brave Writer program—to explore how parents can gently guide their children toward confidence in...
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Parenting Highly Sensitive Kids in a High-Stimulation Culture
In this timely and compassionate conversation, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by child and adolescent development expert Sarah Boyd (M.Ed. Psych.), founder of Resilient Little Hearts and author of the upcoming book Turn Down the Noise: A Practical Guide to Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in…
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Teaching Kids Life and Social Skills with Confidence
Teaching life and social skills doesn't come with a tidy checklist—and for homeschool parents of unique learners, it can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and even lonely. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-hosting team opens up about their own homeschooling...
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The Secret to Helping Your Child Feel Seen and Supported
What if the key to helping your child feel truly supported lies in how they connect with the older generation? In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar talks with Isabel Tom—author, mom of three, and expert in senior care—about how parents can teach their...
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How Online Learning is Changing Homeschooling for Unique Learners
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Amir Nathoo, CEO and co-founder of Outschool, to explore how online learning is transforming the homeschool experience—especially for unique learners. Amir shares Outschool’s mission to spark curiosity and...
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Helping Kids Write, Dream & Lead in a Changing World
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson sits down with Chad Stewart—award-winning author, creativity advocate, and founder of the prestigious Devonfield creative writing program—to explore how writing and storytelling can equip the next generation to...
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Overcoming Emotional Overwhelm in Homeschooling
Homeschooling can be deeply rewarding, but let’s be honest—it can also feel like a lot. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, our co-host team opens up about the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with homeschooling, especially when you're juggling unique learning needs,...
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How a Disney Animator’s Creative Vision Transformed Learning at Home
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, we sit down with Chad Stewart, a veteran Disney and Sony animator whose pencil brought characters to life in Tarzan, The Emperor’s New Groove, The Polar Express, and more. But beyond the studio, Chad spent 20 years homeschooling his eight...
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Homeschooling by Faith Not by Comfort
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez sits down with Dani Ward, a homeschooling mom of two and creator of a practical family Bible study on the fruit of the Spirit. Dani shares how a single quote—“Comfort should not be our core value”—transformed...
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Choosing the Best Homeschool Co-op for Your Child’s Needs
In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson chats with Pam Kafer, host of the Lead Your Homeschool Co-op podcast and a seasoned co-op leader with a heart for inclusion. In "Choosing the Best Homeschool Co-op for Your Child’s Needs," Pam shares practical...
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Homeschooling Autism with Hope and Healing
In this inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heather Anderson, founder of The Autism Oasis and Nonverbal Autism Homeschool, for a powerful discussion on Homeschooling Autism with Hope and Healing. As a former journalist and mother to a...
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Finding Hope in the Hard Moments of Homeschooling and Parenting
In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Dawn Jackson welcomes award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll for a powerful discussion titled "Finding Hope in the Hard Moments of Homeschooling and Parenting." Clarissa, a former homeschool mom and widow of four...
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Swift Solutions for Your Child’s Reading Success
Is your child struggling to read, despite your best efforts? You’re not alone! This week, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Dr. Joe Lockavitch, a renowned reading expert and the creator of Failure Free Reading, to share breakthrough strategies for helping nonreaders and struggling readers succeed. With...
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Homeschooling Hacks for Neurodivergent Families
Homeschooling children with neurodivergent needs can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it can also be incredibly rewarding. In today’s episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Leilani Melendez is joined by Felicia Johnson, a seasoned homeschooling mom of eight, to...
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Managing Parent Overload & Modeling Calm at Home
Homeschooling is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and downright overstimulating! If you find yourself losing patience, feeling constantly drained, or struggling to stay calm amid the chaos, you’re not alone. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool...
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Teaching a Nonverbal Child Without Reading or Writing
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Stephanie Buckwalter, a fellow co-host, experienced homeschooling mom, and mentor with over 20 years of expertise in helping families navigate unique learning challenges. Stephanie has developed innovative...
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A Home-Schooling Guide for Parents with ADHD
Parenting and homeschooling come with unique challenges—especially when you’re a parent with ADHD. In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, homeschooling moms with ADHD, offer wisdom, strength, and understanding for families navigating a similar path. Join us as we open up about…
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Insider's Guide to Simple Online Safety for Kids
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Jack Hughes, an expert in online safety, to provide parents with an insider's guide to protecting their kids in the digital world. As an 18-year-old who has grown up navigating the internet, Jack shares...
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Teaching Kids About the World Through Food
Join us for an exciting episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations featuring Rowena Scherer, Founder and CEO of eat2explore, an award-winning experiential cooking kit company designed to bring cultural education alive through food. Drawing inspiration from her Malaysian roots, love for…
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Parenting with Faith When Your Child Hurts
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Stephanie Buckwalter welcomes Emily Assell, a nurse educator, homeschooling mom, and bestselling author of the Generation Claimed board book series. Emily has a heart for equipping parents with biblical tools to help children through...
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Neurodevelopmental Movements for Strong Learning Foundations and Success
Join host Peggy Ployhar for an enlightening conversation with Sonia Story, M.S., creator of the Brain and Sensory Foundations program. Sonia shares how innate rhythmic movements, primitive reflex integration, and postural reflexes can help children build strong foundations for learning and...
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Embracing Nature's Classroom in Homeschooling
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Annie Yorty welcomes Joy Burns, a retired homeschooling mother and garden educator at the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. With her combined expertise in education, communication, and nature programming, Joy is passionate...
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Understanding Your Learner to Avoid Teaching Pitfalls
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Dawn Jackson dives into the critical topic of learning dispositions and modalities with Educational Therapist and Learning-Success™ Coach Mariaemma Willis. Discover how understanding your child’s unique approach to learning can help you...
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Alternative Education Models for Homeschool
In this episode, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Jonas Koblin, award-winning education innovator and founder of the Sprouts YouTube channel. Jonas shares insights from his book, The Unschooler’s Educational Dictionary, a must-read guide for parents exploring alternative education models. Discover...
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Brain-Based Solutions for Executive Functioning Success
Join host Peggy Ployhar on Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Dr. Jan Bedell, a master NeuroDevelopmentalist, experienced educator, and Board Chair of SPED Homeschool. Dr. Jan’s journey began as a homeschooling mom seeking solutions for her struggling learner, leading her to...
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Sensory Solutions for Helping Unique Learners Thrive at Home
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Anne Laure Jackson, a seasoned Occupational Therapist with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated Sensory Health Coach. Anne Laure shares her passion for equipping families with the tools and knowledge to...
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Playing to Thrive: Building Essential Skills for Today's World
Could play be the key to helping homeschoolers thrive? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Alan Tang, founder of CoLab, an innovative online program that uses games, discussions, and escape rooms to equip kids with essential skills for the…
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Whole-Child Readiness: Simple Steps to Prepare Kids for Learning Body, Mind & Soul
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive? Join us as we explore Whole-Child Readiness—Body, Mind & Soul! In this insightful episode, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Heidi Tringali, an experienced pediatric Occupational Therapist, speaker, and founder of Tringali Occupational Therapy Services (T.O.T.S)....
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The Nervous System Puzzle: Chiropractic Solutions for Autism and ADHD
Join host Dawn Jackson from the Empowering Homeschool Conversations podcast as she sits down with Dr. Selena Coffman, a nervous system-based chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, to explore how chiropractic care can support children with autism and ADHD. Dr. Coffman shares her...
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Restoring Joy: A Biblical Approach to Bullies, Forgiveness, and Healing
In this powerful episode, host Peggy Ployhar and guest Elizabeth Urbanowicz delve into the journey of overcoming bullying through a lens of faith. With Elizabeth’s rich background in Christian education and her passion for developing critical thinking and biblical worldview in children, they...
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Beyond Words: How Learning a Second Language Can Transform Struggling Learners
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar and guest Suzanne Gose explore how learning a second language can be a powerful tool for struggling learners. Suzanne, a former public school teacher, transitioned to homeschooling over two decades ago when her love for...
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Celebrating the Savior: How to Throw a Birthday Party for Jesus
Join host Peggy Ployhar on this festive episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she welcomes Annie Yorty, a wife, mother, writer, and speaker known for offering hope and encouragement to families navigating life's challenges. Together, Peggy and Annie share creative ideas and heartfelt...
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Advocating for Your Child: Navigating Co-ops, Field Trips, and Public Spaces on Your Homeschool Path
Join the Empowering Homeschool Conversations team as they dive into practical ways to support your unique learner in all settings. From finding your voice in co-ops to addressing challenges on field trips and handling interactions in public spaces, this episode provides practical real-life tips…
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Unlocking Literacy: Empowering Kids with Disabilities to Read
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar is joined by Stefanie Hohl, M.Ed., an experienced educator and reading specialist, to discuss "Unlocking Literacy: Empowering Kids with Disabilities to Read." Stefanie, who has spent years teaching children to read, holds...
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Homeschooling with What You Know: Meeting Unique Needs in an Uncertain Journey
Join host Peggy Ployhar for an inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations as she chats with Christine Zell, a homeschooling mom to four, wife to her high school sweetheart, and creator of the Rabbit Trails Homeschool curriculum. Christine shares her journey of embracing a relaxed...
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Nurturing Creativity: How Parents Can Empower Unique Learners at Home
Another inspiring episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations with host Peggy Ployhar dives into the topic of "Nurturing Creativity: How Parents Can Empower Unique Learners at Home" with Chad Stewart, a prolific writer, creativity specialist, and founder of Devonfield. Chad shares why…
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Happy Mothering: Embracing God’s Love and Navigating the Chaos of Your Calling
Welcome to another episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations! Join host Peggy Ployhar, the Founder and CEO of SPED Homeschool, as she welcomes two incredible guests: Tricia Goyer and Sherri Seligson, MEd, for an inspiring conversation on "Happy Mothering: Embracing God’s Love and Navigating...
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Thankful in Trials: Trusting God’s Work Through Your Family’s Struggles
In this heartfelt episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar welcomes Sharon Jaynes, international speaker and bestselling author of twenty-six books, including Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe. Sharon, formerly the vice president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and…
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Being Brave-Lessons Learned from Guide Dogs
What can we learn about bravery and trust from a guide dog? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, co-host Stephanie Buckwalter sits down with Michael Hingson, New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog, to explore the incredible story of his survival on 9/11 and the...
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Building Strong Voices, Speech Strategies for Social Skills, Self-Regulation and Learning Success
In this enlightening episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, Peggy Ployhar sits down with Kristy Anderson, an ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Together, they dive deep into effective speech strategies that can help homeschool parents support…
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Passion-Led Learning-Empowering Homeschool Success through Coaching
In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder and CEO, is joined by Uzma Akser—homeschool mom, Executive & Leadership Coach (ACC), Certified Autism Specialist, and Neuroinclusion Advocate. Uzma shares her unique coaching strategies that…
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Thinking Beyond the Book: Creative Strategies for Language-Based Learning Challenges
In this insightful episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar, Founder & CEO of SPED Homeschool, sits down with Marianne Sunderland, a seasoned homeschool mom and creator of Homeschooling with Dyslexia. Marianne, a mother of eight children—seven of whom are dyslexic—has...
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Screen-Savvy Parenting: Navigating Tech with Biblical Boundaries
In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, how can parents ensure their children navigate the digital landscape with wisdom and faith? Join us for a powerful discussion that offers practical advice and spiritual guidance for today’s tech-savvy families. In this episode of Empowering...
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The Key to Maximizing your Home Education Budget
Are you stretching every dollar to make your homeschool budget work? In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with Krisa Winn, a seasoned homeschooling consultant and the new SPED Homeschool Director of Consulting and Partnerships, to explore the key to...
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The Top Approach for Homeschool Success with Struggling Learners
Are you homeschooling a struggling learner and searching for strategies that really work? In this must-listen episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, host Peggy Ployhar sits down with co-host Dawn Jackson to delve into the top approach for achieving homeschool success with your child.…
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Heartfelt Connections: Deepening Parental Prayers for Special Needs Blessings
Join us for a moving conversation as co-host Stephanie Buckwalter from Empowering Homeschool Conversations sits down with Jenn Soehnlin, a devoted mother of two precious boys with special needs. Jenn shares her heartfelt journey of faith, the power of praying Scripture, and the unique challenges...
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Smooth Transitions: Easing Special Needs Kids Back into Homeschool Routines
In this enriching episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations, four of our five dedicated hosts, experienced special education homeschooling moms, come together for a power-packed discussion on a pertinent seasonal topic: Smooth Transitions: Easing Special Needs Kids Back into Homeschool...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your authority in navigating the world of homeschooling diverse learners. Featuring Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool, Annie Yorty from AnnieYorty.com, Leilani Melendez from Living with Eve, Stephanie Buckwalter from ELARP Learning, and Dawn Jackson from Dawn Jackson Educational Consulting & Tutoring.With over 75 years of combined homeschooling expertise, experiences, and perspectives, this group is eager to share their wealth of wisdom to empower your homeschooling journey.So, grab your favorite mug, settle in and get ready for insightful discussions, valuable insights, and practical tips as these experts and their guests dive into the hottest topics in homeschooling. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler, just considering this path, or anywhere in between you don't want to miss a minute of these enlightening conversations that will empower your child to thrive in their homeschool environment.Join us to give your homeschool the pow
HOSTED BY
Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Empowering Homeschool Conversations have?
Empowering Homeschool Conversations currently has 252 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Empowering Homeschool Conversations about?
Welcome to Empowering Homeschool Conversations, your authority in navigating the world of homeschooling diverse learners. Featuring Peggy Ployhar from SPED Homeschool, Annie Yorty from AnnieYorty.com, Leilani Melendez from Living with Eve, Stephanie Buckwalter from ELARP Learning, and Dawn Jackson...
How often does Empowering Homeschool Conversations release new episodes?
Empowering Homeschool Conversations publishes regularly with 252 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Empowering Homeschool Conversations?
You can listen to Empowering Homeschool Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Empowering Homeschool Conversations?
Empowering Homeschool Conversations is created and hosted by Peggy Ployhar, SPED Homeschool Founder.
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