Making The Leap
by Herzog Foundation
Making The Leap is a weekly podcast hosted by Christine and Chris Stigall. The Stigalls recently made the leap to Christian education, pulling their daughter out of a public school and sending her to a private Christian school. The Stigalls want to empower other families to choose the school that’s best for them and break free from the status quo. They speak with society experts, educators, legislators, psychologists, and other parents to uncover the hidden truths in education and lay the groundwork for change. Learn more at MakingTheLeapPodcast.com. This podcast is produced by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.
Episodes
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The Final Leap: Wrapping Up 3 Years Of Making The Leap
After three years and over 150 episodes, we’re saying goodbye to Making The Leap. In this final episode, we reflect on our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the incredible community that has joined us along the way. From the early days of discovering Christian education to the many…
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LIVE From NRB 2025 - Part 2
In this episode of Making The Leap, we’re back with Part 2 from the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) Convention in Dallas, Texas! Join us for conversations with inspiring guests who are shaping the future of faith-based education and digital outreach. First, we talk with Abby Sexton from...
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LIVE From NRB 2025 - Part 1
Join us for a special episode of Making The Leap, recorded live from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention! We had the incredible opportunity to speak with inspiring leaders, content creators, and change-makers in Christian media. From discussing the impact of faith-driven education and...
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The Challenges Of Christian Parenting
In this episode of Making The Leap, we reflect on the journey of Christian parenting, faith, and education. As we navigate challenges with our teenage daughter’s Christian school experience, we openly discuss doubts, lessons learned, and the role of faith in raising independent, spiritually...
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SPECIAL EDITION 3: Mom To Mom
In this episode of Making the Leap, Christine Stigall sits down with Angela Swain, Christian school mom and professor of music at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to discuss faith, motherhood, and education. Angela shares her journey from music ministry to academia, her family’s…
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Straight From The Lion's Mouth
In this episode of Making the Leap, Chris and Christine Stigall sit down with Josh Mann, managing editor of The Lion, to explore how faith-based journalism is equipping parents with the truth about education, culture, and policy. From the rise of school choice to a landmark Supreme Court case on...
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Revolutionizing Education: Virtual Reality, School Choice, and the Fight for Reform | Erika Donalds
In this episode of Making the Leap, we sit down with Erika Donalds, founder and chairwoman of Optima Ed, to discuss the groundbreaking innovations reshaping education. From virtual reality classrooms to the benefits of school choice and dismantling outdated systems, Erika shares her journey as a...
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2025 Brings Big Opportunities For Christian Educators
Our annual deep-dive into the core of what the Herzog Foundation is really all about: growing Christian education and helping it thrive. If you're a Christian school teacher, administrator, board member, donor, or simply interested in the nuts and bolts of what makes a successful school work as...
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Public Schools Hiding "Trans"-actions
Chris and Christine take today's show through some of the headlines in education that caught their eye. A brand new member of Congress stopped by to read to some elementary school kids. But just who it was and what was read and who sponsored the event will drop your jaw. An undercover journalist...
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SPECIAL EDITION 2: Mom To Mom
Chris and Christine profiled the Mackey family back in 2023 who found themselves in very similar circumstances as the Stigalls. They made a full leap from public education to homeschool in their personal lives. The Herzog Foundation featured the Mackeys in our Instagram stories as well and you…
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Reflecting On 2024: Highlights From Making The Leap Podcast
Join us as we look back on a year of inspiring conversations and thought-provoking moments on Making the Leap. From creating a culture of giving to innovative educational models, hear highlights from our most impactful episodes of 2024. Featuring insightful clips with guests like Cyra Loman,...
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Is Your Christian School Truly Biblical?
In this episode of Making the Leap, host Chris Stigall sits down with Roger Erdvig, author and director at Summit Ministries, to explore what it means to provide a truly biblically based Christian education. They discuss practical ways to evaluate Christian schools, integrate faith into every...
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The Next Secretary of Defense Knows Christian Education
Off the top, Chris and Christine discuss the shocking news of a Wisconsin Christian school shooting this week. How in the world did a Christian school miss a troubled young woman like this? The Stigall explore why a lack of scrutiny and a "take all comers" policy of Christian schools may be a...
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Meet The Woman Who Kept Men Out Of Her Women-Only College
Saint Mary's College, an all women's Catholic school not far from the University of Notre Dame is the lone female-only school left in the United States. 19-year-old sophomore Macy Gunnell who worked in the admissions office while taking classes at St. Mary's stumbled across something shocking in...
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SPECIAL EDITION: Mom To Mom
We're trying a new feature here at Making the Leap. The concept is simple. Now that the Stigalls have "made the leap" to Christian education and have a better understanding of all that goes into the decision, Christine decided to talk with moms she knows who've also made the leap and how they...
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The Only Christian School In Town
This episode might reflect one of the biggest "leapers" we've ever featured. Both geographically and in terms of educating her kids. Stephanie Murray was a young mother in Boston whose husband's work to her to Park City, Utah. She began by placing her kids in a Montessori school, before pulling...
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The Poison Politics Of Public School
It's no secret the presidential election of 2024 simply broke some people. But what if it broke one of your kids' school teachers? The Stigalls react to some headlines in the days and weeks surrounding this election. They also unpack what seems to be an attempt by some "red states" and their...
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Who Says You Can't Have A Job And Homeschool?
Are you a professional who thinks you don't have the time or resources to make a change in your child's education? One of the most impressive stories we've heard on the show is that of Constance Bradley. She began with a son in public school who was so bright he was simply left aside in the...
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Church, School, And Home. How Do Yours Compare?
Have you heard of RenewaNation? They are an organization near and dear to our hearts. They share many of the same objectives of our parent organization, The Herzog Foundation. In addition to impacting schools with a Biblical worldview, theirs expands into the church and the home as well. They say...
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These Moms Carry A Big Political Stick
If you're a concerned parent about the state of your community's schools, odds are you've heard of Moms for Liberty. They've played a big roll in the presidential election cycle, with candidates since the primaries attempting to court their support. They aren't a partisan group. They don't pledge...
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Elections, The Church, And Your Kids
With a major, national election just around the corner, the Stigalls contemplate with their pastor, Dr. Ken Parker the role of the church and its leaders' in discussing civics, voting, and education with our school-aged kids and how they do or don't compliment our primary focus - Jesus, and the...
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Could Your Kids Be Our Next Ambassador?
Chris and Christine have a pretty cool job at the Herzog Foundation getting to talk to you every week on this podcast. But if you know anyone headed for college or is currently enrolled in, or about to finish their college education - you should let them know about THE coolest job inside our…
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Does Your Child's School Make The Grade?
We bring back a familiar voice to Making the Leap this week. Ginny Gentles - a senior fellow at Independent Women's Forum - has now joined with a fairly new D.C. based organization called the Defense of Freedom Institute where she serves as the Director of Education Freedom and Parental Rights....
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How One Christian School Literally Rose From The Ashes
Sometimes we hear churches find reasons why opening their doors to Christian schools or homeschool programs doesn't work for them. We've never heard of a church totally destroyed, only for the leadership to declare - "We must rebuild, and this time with a school!" That's the story of Victory…
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Creating A Pod School - One Year Later
Join Chris and Christine this week as they talk with Joelle Fortin and Kelly Lyman, a dynamic pair of moms who have been working to create a pod school in southeast Pennsylvania. Joelle and Kelly share their experiences, success and strategies related to curriuculum and the day-to-day challenges...
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Christian Media Is Booming!
While there's never been a bigger selection and menu of Christian media options today, there's also never been a more aggressive push to silence those products. That's why the National Religious Broadcasters exist as an organization - to advocate for and defend Christian programming. President of...
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Surprise Episode with Special Guest SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS
The 47th Governor of Arkansas drops by to discuss how she championed school choice in her state. Don't miss it! Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email [email protected]. To learn more about the Herzog...
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Homeschool Or Christian School - Part 2
Last week, Christine joined Emilie Lunt of "Heart and Soul Homeschool" to discuss the pioneering work of Bitterroot Heritage Academy. This week, the conversation continues as the Stigalls explore how a highly degreed professional educator and church administrator - Megan Gesler - weathered the...
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Homeschool Or Christian School - Make It Kingdom Focused
In a Herzog Podcast Network first, Christine Stigall of "Making the Leap" and Emilie Lunt of "Heart and Soul Homeschool" join forces for an important conversation for believers, no matter how you choose to educate your kids. The ladies discuss the importance of Kingdom education. Christine and...
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The Best In Christian Education - Part 3
In part three of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards. Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in...
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The Best In Christian Education - Part 2
In part two of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards. Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in...
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The Best In Christian Education - Part 1
In part one of this three-part series, the Stigalls interview this year's recipients of the 2024 Excellence In Christian Education Awards. Hear why these exemplary teachers from all over the country have been nominated and ultimately chosen by the Herzog Foundation for the highest honor in...
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Fighting For Family
If you're a parent, it's no secret the secular world is working overtime to drive a wedge in between you and members of your family. Chris and Julie Bennett have one of the most extraordinary stories of trying to listen and follow God's will for their lives while at the same time coming up…
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Christian School Conquers Student Anxiety
What can Christian school do for a child struggling with mental health challenges? Meet Janie Wilson - a young woman who convinced her parents before entering kindergarten she knew she needed Christian school. But it was not without challenges. Hear how she battled mentally, with parents somewhat...
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2023 Christian Teachers Of The Year - Where Are They Now?
Christine sits down with five recipients from last year's Teacher of the Year class to discuss where they are now twelve months after their honor and how their lives have changed since winning. Their stories continue to inspire, but also demonstrate that even when you're awarded Christian...
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When Tragedy Strikes, Who Tells Your Kids?
The news of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last Saturday got the Stigalls thinking about the different national tragedies that have befallen the United States over the years and who are our kids spending time with when they happen? How can we discuss these tough events with our kids...
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Embrace Change If Your School Isn't Getting Through To Your Kids
Dr. Allison Lassiter is one of the more interesting examples of someone whose life in education is one full of change. She's a community college professor who also homeschools but has also placed some of her kids in a classical Christian school. She's also willing to revaluate if it appears her...
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Taking The Reigns Of Administration At A Young Age
Chris and Christine sit down with Jonathan Houpe and Nia Thompson Campbell, administrators of Harvest Christian School in Kansas City, Missouri. Jonathan and Nia discuss taking over leadership roles at an early age, as well as the trials and triumphs of working in Christian education. Follow…
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This Family Shatters One-Size Fits All Education
We've never met a couple with a background quite like the Oettels. In one conversation, you'll hear how a young couple became public school teachers - while first home-schooling their kids. They then started their own classical Christian school, followed by entering seminary, becoming a youth...
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Former Disney Star Sets A New Course For Kids TV
We hope you enjoyed the previous episode featuring the Stigalls on the set of Brave Books new children's TV show "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." In this part-two episode you'll hear from another star of the show. She's a familiar name to many millions of kids who grew up watching Disney's…
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Live On Set! An Exclusive Conversation with Kirk Cameron
The Stigalls head to College Station, Texas to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Brave Books' new children's TV show hosted by Kirk Cameron. In part one of this two-part episode, you'll join the Stigalls on set for a one-on-one with the star of "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." He discusses the...
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Digital Technology: Your Child's Friend Or Enemy?
Here's a topic we've never tackled on the show. Can Christians, specifically Christian schools lean into rapidly developing technology like A.I. or is it a dangerous place that runs counter to Biblical teaching? Dr. Seann Dikkers is both a Christian and a self-proclaimed homeschool dad and "tech...
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Answering Life's Biggest Questions For Kids
What if your child asked "What is truth?" or "What does it mean to be human?" Those are deep questions and Elizabeth Urbanowicz - the founder of FoundationWorldview.com and host of "The Foundation Worldview" podcast says the answer is in her approach to helping parents instruct kids through...
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Slaying Government. Winning School Choice.
Bob Vander Plaats is perhaps the state of Iowa's biggest political "influencer." As the President and CEO of The Family Leader, Bob is known as a cultural force for strengthening families and encouraging churches to get involved in government to impact real, legislative change. Together he and...
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Christian School Before It Was Cool
The Stigalls often speak with folks who are on the ground floor of starting a new adventure in Christian education. But sometimes we forget - there are many who've been doing Christian school at a high level of excellence for decades. That is the focus of today's episode. For twenty-seven of...
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Creativity Grows Christian School In Colorado
We love meeting out-of-the-box problem solvers who see a need for their families and others' educations and take action. Meet the Dunns, founders of Acts Academy. With a background in business and teaching who, like so many bailed on their kids' public school during the pandemic and struck out on...
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Schools Need Leaders, Not Lawyers
It's important from time to time to remember what your rights are as a taxpaying citizen in your public school district. If you're someone who's yet to "make the leap" to a different education for your kids, or you're just a concerned citizen about the direction of the schools in your community -...
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Another Public School Cover-Up
Chris and Christine depart into a news of the week show where they discuss the shocking story out of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the North Penn School District. Parents and citizens are outraged as a massive cover-up of a brutal attack is perpetuated by both media and their school board....
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Modern Feminism Is Punishing Our Girls
It's not a surprise that Christian and conservative girls and young women find the outside world hostile to their point of view, particularly in higher education. Karin Lips founded the Network of Enlightened Women (enlightenedwomen.org) because she came up in college understanding traditional...
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School Choice BEFORE You Have Kids?
The Herzog Foundation Podcast Network welcomes the newest member of the family! Meet Emilie Lunt, host of "Heart and Soul Homeschool." Emilie has an unrivaled passion to help parents - even before they become parents - think through what they want out of their children's educations. If...
About this show
Making The Leap is a weekly podcast hosted by Christine and Chris Stigall. The Stigalls recently made the leap to Christian education, pulling their daughter out of a public school and sending her to a private Christian school. The Stigalls want to empower other families to choose the school that’s best for them and break free from the status quo. They speak with society experts, educators, legislators, psychologists, and other parents to uncover the hidden truths in education and lay the groundwork for change.
Learn more at MakingTheLeapPodcast.com. This podcast is produced by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.
Hosted by
Herzog Foundation