Secular Homeschool Revolution

Homeschool kids need more than curriculum, co-op, and activities — they need third spaces where they can belong outside of home and academics. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley talks about why third spaces matter for homeschoolers, especially in a world that is not always kid-friendly. We discuss how libraries, parks, youth groups, art spaces, co-ops, sports teams, community centers, and cultural spaces can help kids build identity, independence, friendships, confidence, and real-life community skills. This episode also explores the challenges: access, cost, transportation, unsafe spaces, performative inclusivity, and overscheduling.   Listen, like, follow, and subscribe to Secular Homeschool Revolution — the podcast for secular progressive homeschoolers who are reimagining education unapologetically. Support the podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley challenges the polished version of the Fourth of July and asks the question every secular progressive homeschool family should be asking: freedom for who? We break down why July 4th cannot be taught as a simple story of American freedom when Black people were still enslaved, Indigenous nations were being displaced, women were excluded from power, and so many communities were left outside the promise of liberty. This episode explores how to decolonize the Fourth of July in your homeschool, why Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” belongs in your lesson plans, and how current events remind us that freedom is still contested.   Resources mentioned: “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” by Frederick Douglass Zinn Education Project Teaching for Change National Museum of African American History and Culture If this episode helped you, share it with another secular progressive homeschooler, leave a review, and support the podcast through Buy Me a Coffee. Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution  

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley breaks down how anti-LGBTQ+ messaging shows up in homeschool spaces and how it is often packaged through softer language like “parental rights,” “protecting children,” “traditional values,” and “just biology.” This episode connects to the larger conversation about the SAHM-to-homeschool mom-to-trad wife pipeline and how conservative messaging can slowly enter homeschool communities through social media, parenting content, homemaking content, and fear-based education rhetoric. Ashley challenges progressive homeschoolers to look deeper at the language being used around LGBTQ+ people, queer families, trans kids, banned books, Pride, gender identity, and inclusive curriculum. Because homeschooling outside the public school system does not automatically create liberatory spaces. A homeschool can be secular and still be anti-LGBTQ+. A homeschool can be secular and still erase queer history. A homeschool can be secular and still teach children that some people deserve less dignity. This episode is a call for secular progressive homeschoolers to move beyond tolerance and into real affirmation. Because LGBTQ+ people are not inappropriate. Queer families are not political. Trans kids are not debate topics. And Pride belongs in our homeschool conversations, bookshelves, curriculum, and communities. Secular Homeschool Revolution is for progressive, secular homeschoolers who are reimagining education for their kids unapologetically.

I Made a Juneteenth Unit Study  In this mini episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley shares the heart behind her new Juneteenth Unit Study and why this resource is such a meaningful next step for the brand. Ashley talks about creating homeschool lessons informally for years, working with her husband to fine-tune the curriculum, and building a resource that helps families teach Juneteenth with truth, care, joy, and a decolonized lens. This episode also explains how to use the unit study, including the parent guide, student workbook, decolonized vocabulary, hands-on activities, and the importance of helping kids think like historians by asking questions, noticing missing voices, and thinking critically about history. This Juneteenth Unit Study is designed for secular progressive homeschool families who want more than a surface-level holiday lesson. It invites children to understand Juneteenth as a Black freedom story, a Texas story, a resistance story, and a celebration of Black joy. In this episode: Why Ashley created a Juneteenth Unit Study How the parent guide and student workbook work together Why decolonized vocabulary matters for adults and kids How to help kids think like historians Why Juneteenth should be taught with truth and joy How families can use the unit across one day, a few days, or a full week Why Opal Lee’s story matters in teaching Juneteenth Shop the Juneteenth Unit Study and other resources: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/secular-homeschool-revolution Watch/listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi_mia6H3kA Thank you for supporting Secular Homeschool Revolution as we continue creating secular, truthful, culturally grounded resources for homeschool families. Like, follow, subscribe, and share this episode with a homeschool parent who wants to teach Juneteenth with truth, care, critical thinking, and joy.

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley explains what Juneteenth is, why it matters to Black families, and how secular progressive homeschoolers can teach it with honesty and care. Juneteenth is not just a holiday or a craft day. It is a reminder of delayed freedom, the ugliness of American history, especially Texas history  and the power of Black survival, resistance, family, and joy. This episode also covers what allies should and should not do when teaching or honoring Juneteenth, including how to avoid performative lessons, center Black voices, and make Black history part of your homeschool all year long.   Lower Elementary Juneteenth Resource List Best for ages 4–8 / Pre-K–2nd grade Books Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper A gentle picture book that introduces Juneteenth through family memory, celebration, and history. All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson Beautiful for read-alouds. Best with adult support because the emotions are big. Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan A strong introduction to Juneteenth and Ms. Opal Lee’s work to make it a federal holiday. NMAAHC includes this title in its Juneteenth reading list. The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini Good for explaining the timeline and how Juneteenth celebrations grew. Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle Short, poetic, and good for discussion. Activities Create a simple freedom timeline: slavery, Emancipation Proclamation, June 19, 1865, and Juneteenth today. Ask: What does freedom mean? Let kids draw or write their answer. Read a book, then cook or share a red food or drink while explaining that food can carry memory and culture. Attend a local Juneteenth event and talk before and after: Why are people gathering? What are they remembering? What are they celebrating? Parent/Educator Guides NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Resource Guide Helpful for explaining Juneteenth to young children in honest but age-appropriate language. PBS Parents Juneteenth Book List Good for finding picture books that help families start conversations about Freedom Day. Upper Elementary Juneteenth Resource List Best for ages 9–12 / 3rd–5th grade Books The History of Juneteenth: A History Book for New Readers by Arlisha Norwood Good for kids ready for more historical context. The Juneteenth Story by Alliah L. Agostini Works well for upper elementary because it explains how Juneteenth began and spread. Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan Still useful for this age group, especially when paired with a discussion about activism. The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson Not only about Juneteenth, but helpful for giving children a broader understanding of Black history before and beyond slavery. Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson Pair with Juneteenth to connect freedom, protest, and children’s role in justice movements. Lessons & Discussion Ideas Compare Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. Ask: Who was free in 1776? Who was not? Study Galveston, Texas on a map and talk about why Texas matters in the Juneteenth story. Introduce the difference between freedom on paper and freedom in real life. Ask: What happened after slavery ended? Why did freedom have to be enforced? Why is Juneteenth both a celebration and a reminder of injustice? How did Black communities preserve this holiday before the country recognized it? Strong Online Resources Zinn Education Project: Juneteenth: Teaching Outside the Textbook Best for justice-centered teaching and connecting history to resistance and today’s world. Learning for Justice: Teaching Juneteenth Good for framing Juneteenth around justice, history, and anti-bias education. New York Public Library Juneteenth Kids Resources Includes books, activities, and kid-friendly explanations of Juneteenth. NMAAHC Juneteenth Resources Best for historically grounded explanations and family learning.

What does it really mean to be educated in 2026? In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley explores why education has to mean more than grades, test scores, memorization, and compliance. For progressive secular homeschoolers, being educated is not just about being “good at school.” It is about raising kids who can think critically, ask better questions, understand history honestly, navigate technology and AI ethically, build community, know themselves, and care about the world around them. Ashley breaks down why modern homeschooling allows families to move beyond traditional school measures and create an education rooted in curiosity, justice, cultural literacy, digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and real-world learning. This episode is for secular homeschool parents who are reimagining education beyond worksheets, standardized testing, and fear-based ideas of success. Like, follow, subscribe, and share this episode with another homeschool parent who is ready to define education beyond grades, tests, and compliance.    

In this Pride Month special, host Ashley digs into the connection between queer liberation, racial justice, disability justice, immigration justice, and gender justice. Because the first Pride was a riot. And the people who started it deserve to be named. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: ♿ The connection between disability justice and queer liberation 🌍 Queer and trans immigrant experiences and why immigration justice and LGBTQ+ rights are the same fight for millions of people   BOOKS MENTIONED & RECOMMENDED: Picture Books (Ages 3–8) Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council & Carolyn Choi — a picture book explicitly about intersectionality When We Love Someone We Sing to Them by Ernesto Ortíz — a bilingual picture book about a Mexican family with a gay son I Am Marsha P. Johnson by Alex Gino — picture book biography of a queer liberation icon Neither by Airlie Anderson — about not fitting into either/or categories Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders — accessible queer history for young children Middle Grade (Ages 8–12) George (now Melissa) by Alex Gino — a trans girl of color navigating identity and belonging Hurricane Child by Kheryn Callender — a queer Black Caribbean protagonist Pet by Akwaeke Emezi — speculative fiction with a nonbinary Black protagonist The Pants Project by Cat Clarke — a trans boy, a school dress code, and a fight worth having Young Adult (Ages 13+) All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson — a Black queer coming-of-age memoir. Essential reading. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas — a queer Latinx ghost story with gorgeous representation Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender — a trans Black teen navigating identity and love The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed — race, class, and identity through a queer Black teen's eyes History & Nonfiction for Kids and Teens Queer, There, and Everywhere by Sarah Prager — 23 LGBTQ+ people who changed the world, including BIPOC figures across history Brave. Black. First. by Cheryl Hudson — 50 African American firsts, including queer trailblazers Gay & Lesbian History for Kids by Jerome Pohlen — comprehensive and accessible For Parents & Educators Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde — essays and speeches from one of the most important queer Black feminist voices in history Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria Anzaldúa — foundational text on identity, queerness, and the borderlands experience The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor — radical self-love at the intersection of body, race, gender, and disability All About Love by bell hooks — on building a culture of love rooted in justice So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo — direct, accessible, essential CURRICULUM & ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED: GLSEN — K–12 inclusive education resources and lesson plans Learning for Justice — free lesson plans on identity, intersectionality, and justice Black Lives Matter at School — curriculum centering Black queer and trans lives Zinn Education Project — people's history curriculum with LGBTQ+ and racial justice intersections Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement — Latinx-centered queer advocacy and education Sylvia Rivera Law Project — trans rights resources with explicit racial justice framing Disability Justice Culture Club — Mia Mingus and others on disability justice DOCUMENTARIES MENTIONED: The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix, 2017) Paris Is Burning (1990) — Black and Latinx ballroom culture (parents preview first) Disclosure (Netflix, 2020) — Laverne Cox on trans representation in media Whose Streets? (2017) — Ferguson uprising centering Black queer voices IF THIS EPISODE MOVED YOU, SHARE IT WITH: ✔ Secular homeschool parents looking for intersectional LGBTQ+ curriculum ✔ Progressive homeschool co-ops and learning pods ✔ Parents of LGBTQ+ kids building affirming home education ✔ Educators looking for queer and racial justice resources for kids ✔ Anyone done with the sanitized version of Pride TAGS & KEYWORDS: secular homeschool, progressive homeschool, LGBTQ homeschool curriculum, intersectionality for kids, Pride Month education, queer liberation racial justice, Black queer history, trans liberation homeschool, Marsha P Johnson kids, teaching intersectionality, homeschool Pride Month, secular homeschool podcast, queer affirming homeschool, BIPOC LGBTQ books for kids, disability justice homeschool, immigration justice LGBTQ, gender justice homeschool, unschooling LGBTQ, homeschool for the culture, Ashley secular homeschool revolution   Support SHR- https://buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution    

As a homeschool parent and community leader, I'm bringing five hot takes that range from unschooling, all-in-one curriculum programs, indoctrination in secular spaces, who homeschooling is actually for, and the dark side of our community that we need to stop avoiding.  Let'ts get into the convo!   In This Episode Why unschooling without intention and accountability crosses a line What all-in-one programs like Time4Learning and Mia Academy are quietly doing to your child's critical thinking skills Why secular homeschool families are not exempt from indoctrinating their kids  and what liberatory education actually looks like Why homeschooling is not for everyone and why that is completely okay The dark side of homeschooling and where we are deciding to stand.    Connect With Us 🌐 Website: www.secularhomeschoolrevolution.com 📸 Instagram: @SecularhomeschoolRevolution 🎵 TikTok: @SecularhomeschoolRevolution Support the Show If this episode made you think, made you uncomfortable, or made you feel seen  consider buying me a coffee. This show is a labor of love and every contribution keeps the mic on and the honest conversations coming. ☕ buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution   Enjoyed This Episode? Please follow or subscribe wherever you are listening  it is the single most powerful way to help this show reach more BIPOC homeschool families who need these conversations. And if this episode resonated, share it. Drop it in your homeschool group chat. Send it to the family who needs to hear take number three. Our voices belong in this space and the only way we get louder is together.  

Homeschooling has impacted me in ways I expected flexibility, freedom, and the ability to build an education around my kids’ interests and our values, but this episode is about the part I didn’t expect. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, I’m sharing a personal reflection on how homeschooling has become an unexpected journey of inner child healing. What started as an educational choice has also become a deeply emotional process of witnessing my kids receive support, patience, and room to grow in ways that can feel healing to witness as a mom. I talk about the moment that cracked this open for me: watching Cari’s week eight of horseback riding lessons after she set a goal for herself was incredible!  Watching her move through fear with support reminded me how powerful consistency, patience, and staying present can be.

What is mastery-based learning  and why does it matter for homeschoolers? After referencing it in last week’s episode, Ashley realized not everyone may be familiar with what mastery-based learning actually means. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, she breaks it down in a clear, practical, and supportive way. Mastery-based learning shifts the focus from finishing the curriculum and chasing grades to building true understanding. Instead of asking, “Did we complete it?” this model asks, “Do you understand it?” What mastery-based learning is (in simple terms) Why grades don’t always equal comprehension How mastery looks in real-life homeschool moments The difference between memorization and deep learning How to maintain accountability without recreating school at home Why slowing down can actually increase rigor If you’ve ever worried your child is “behind,” this episode will reframe that narrative and remind you that depth over speed is a radical, intentional choice. Mastery isn’t about perfection. It’s about confidence rooted in real understanding.   Resources & Links ☕ Support the podcast: buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution 📲 Connect with Ashley on social media: Follow Secular Homeschool Revolution on Instagram & Facebook 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review to help more secular homeschool families find this spac

Presidents’ Day gets packaged as “celebrate great leaders,” but the way it’s commonly taught is basically nation-branding: hero worship, sanitized harm, and “respect power don’t question it.” In this mini episode, we flip the script with a decolonized, equity lens asking who benefited, who was harmed, and who resisted. We also shout out the students walking out and organizing right now because that is civic education in real time. And yes, my kids are heading to a student-led “ICE Out” protest and I’m proud as hell. In This Episode Why Presidents’ Day is often propaganda (and how it shows up in “cute” school activities) Myth-making vs critical history: admire power vs analyze power How to do a quick Power Audit of any president (who benefited / who paid) Why student walkouts are democracy with teeth (and why the “they don’t even know” crowd is projecting) A simple way to teach civics that includes outcomes, not just names and dates.  Quote to Carry With You “Presidents’ Day isn’t neutral. It teaches kids to respect power not question it. We’re not doing that over here.” Call to Action If your kids are questioning, organizing, walking out, speaking up celebrate that. That’s the point. That’s the future acting like the future.   Support This Work If this blog or the Secular Homeschool Revolution podcast supports your family: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution

Do homeschoolers need grades? Can you homeschool without grades and still prepare for college? In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, we unpack whether grades are truly necessary or just part of a conditioning system built around ranking and compliance. We cover: How traditional grading systems shape behavior Why mastery-based learning works in homeschool settings What assessment without grades looks like How to create narrative transcripts for college admissions Whether colleges require homeschool GPAs The myth of “everyone gets a trophy.” If you’re questioning report cards, transcripts, or how to document rigor in a secular homeschool, this episode offers both a mindset shift and practical tools. Support the show: www.secularhomeschoolrevolution.com https://www.instagram.com/secular_homeschool_revolution/ buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution   Stay revolutionary.

Black History Didn’t Start With Slavery: Teaching Black History the Right Way Most of us learned Black history out of order and that wasn’t an accident. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley breaks down why the way Black history is taught in schools is incomplete, sanitized, and designed for comfort rather than truth. This conversation explores why Black History Month exists, who fought to have Black history taught in schools, and why schools resisted teaching it honestly. More importantly, this episode explains why the order of Black history matters and why starting with Africa instead of slavery fundamentally changes how kids understand history, systems, resistance, and the world they live in today. This episode is especially for: secular homeschool families progressive parents educators questioning traditional curriculum families looking for better ways to teach Black History Month In this episode, we cover: When Black History Month started and who created it Why schools chose to teach Black history out of order How starting Black history with slavery distorts the entire narrative Why beginning with African civilizations matters How to teach Black history without centering trauma Age-appropriate ways to teach Black history (elementary, middle, and high school) A week-by-week Black History Month breakdown for homeschool families Black history curriculum and resource recommendations Week-by-Week Black History Month Teaching Framework Week 1: Africa  Black history before enslavement Week 2: Enslavement as disruption and resistance Week 3: Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and systemic backlash Week 4: Black life, resistance, and culture today This episode challenges families to move beyond “theme month” teaching and toward truth-centered, systems-aware, liberation-focused education. Resources Mentioned Your African History – African history curriculum for families https://yourafricanhistory.com/ Kamali Academy – Afrikan-centered education and liberation learning https://www.kamaliacademy.com/ EVERFI – 306: Black History (Free Curriculum) https://everfi.com/courses/k-12/online-african-american-history-curriculum/ Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) https://asalh.org/ Support Secular Homeschool Revolution If this episode supported your homeschooling journey and you want to help keep this work accessible and independent: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/secularhschoolrevolution Your support helps fund future episodes, resources, and community-driven content.   Black History Month homeschool, secular homeschool Black history, teaching Black history, Black history curriculum homeschool, African history homeschool, progressive homeschooling, decolonizing education, anti-racist homeschooling, Black history resources, homeschooling February Black history

This episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution is a direct call-in for white and progressive allies during this moment of ICE expansion and state violence. Drawing from Malcolm X’s The Ballot or the Bullet, Ashley challenges performative allyship, the centering of white discomfort, and the harm of “kind” white people who value politeness over action. From the misuse of Say Her Name to selective outrage and silence when it matters most, this episode makes one thing clear: allyship without risk is not solidarity. This is not a comfort episode; it’s a demand for courage.

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley explores why representation in homeschooling is not about checking boxes but about shaping identity, belonging, and alignment with power. This episode challenges homeschool parents, especially secular and progressive ones, to stop focusing on good intentions and start examining outcomes. Because homeschooling doesn’t exist outside of systems. And opting out of school doesn’t automatically mean opting out of white-centered narratives. If you care about raising kids who know who they are, understand power, and don’t grow up defending systems that harm them, this conversation matters. Listen intentionally. Teach honestly. Stay revolutionary.

I was made aware that I uploaded the wrong episode for last week! Apologies!    What does decolonized literacy actually look like in a secular homeschool beyond book lists, reading levels, and grammar worksheets? In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley breaks down how dominant literacy practices often prioritize polish, compliance, and respectability over meaning and voice, and why even progressive homeschoolers can unintentionally recreate harm at home. We explore what literacy looks like when it’s rooted in relationship, culture, and truth-telling rather than performance. From audiobooks and graphic novels to oral storytelling, messy writing, and real-world communication, this episode reframes reading and writing in ways that honor children’s voices without abandoning skill-building. You’ll hear: Why decolonized literacy is a practice, not a curriculum How dominant literacy mirrors respectability politics (and etiquette culture) What actually counts as reading and writing How to support literacy without recreating school at home What decolonized literacy is not and where structure still matters This episode is especially helpful for new homeschoolers, progressive families, and anyone questioning grade-level pressure, academic performativity, or “doing homeschool right.”

How do you talk to kids about ICE and immigration enforcement without scaring them—or sugarcoating the truth? In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley shares how she approached honest, age-appropriate conversations with her kids about ICE while living in San Antonio, Texas, where immigration enforcement presence is heavy and visible. This episode is for progressive and secular homeschool families who want to talk about current events with care, clarity, and connection. Ashley walks through how she led with questions instead of lectures, how conversations differed between elementary aged kids and middle/high schoolers, and why de-centering ourselves as parents matters when discussing hard topics. The episode also provides historical context, explaining how U.S. systems of surveillance and documentation long predate modern immigration enforcement while clearly naming that what Jewish people experienced in Germany was genocide, and how conversations about slavery and racialized control in the United States are often met with less public sympathy and urgency. To support families navigating these discussions, the episode highlights: A CNN 10 episode featuring immigration enforcement as an age-appropriate current events resource ACLU Know Your Rights resources to ground conversations in clarity rather than fear Why reading books about immigrant stories is essential for building empathy and understanding beyond headlines This episode is not fear based. It’s about truth with care, historical context, and raising kids who can understand the world without carrying the weight alone. Perfect for homeschool parents, progressive families, and educators looking for thoughtful ways to discuss immigration, ICE, and social justice with kids. 🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

What does decolonized literacy actually look like in a secular homeschool beyond book lists, reading levels, and grammar worksheets? In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley breaks down how dominant literacy practices often prioritize polish, compliance, and respectability over meaning and voice, and why even progressive homeschoolers can unintentionally recreate harm at home. We explore what literacy looks like when it’s rooted in relationship, culture, and truth-telling rather than performance. From audiobooks and graphic novels to oral storytelling, messy writing, and real-world communication, this episode reframes reading and writing in ways that honor children’s voices without abandoning skill-building. You’ll hear: Why decolonized literacy is a practice, not a curriculum How dominant literacy mirrors respectability politics (and etiquette culture) What actually counts as reading and writing How to support literacy without recreating school at home What decolonized literacy is not and where structure still matters This episode is especially helpful for new homeschoolers, progressive families, and anyone questioning grade-level pressure, academic performativity, or “doing homeschool right.”

January is one of the biggest months for families pulling their kids from school to homeschool and if that’s you, this episode is for you. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, I break down what secular science actually means, how it differs from non-secular or religious science, and why “neutral” science often isn’t neutral at all, particularly for BIPOC and progressive homeschool families. This episode offers a clear, non-shaming explanation of common homeschool science red flags like creationism, young-earth theory, gender essentialism, and moral framing disguised as biology, while also comparing homeschool science to what students experience in Texas public schools. Ashley shares examples of truly secular science curricula, explains how politics and culture shape what kids are taught, and encourages new mid-year homeschoolers who feel overwhelmed or unsure. This episode isn’t about doing homeschooling perfectly, it’s about choosing evidence-based science, raising critical thinkers, and giving kids honest tools to understand the world. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and reassurance that choosing secular science is an act of care, protection, and resistance. Support the podcast through Buy Me a Coffee and find resources at secularhomeschoolrevolution.com, and remember, you are raising thinkers, you are choosing truth, and you are revolutionary.

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, I reflect on what my children taught me this year that no curriculum ever could. From honoring autonomy and responding to resistance, to building emotional literacy and modeling accountability, this conversation is about flipping the power dynamic in homeschooling. I share what it’s been like watching my oldest step into her own identity at a microschool, listening when curriculum created tension instead of learning, and unlearning emotional patterns rooted in being unheard. This episode is for secular, progressive homeschool families who are committed to decolonized, relationship-centered learning and who believe children are whole people right now, not future adults in training. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do homeschooling right,” this episode is your reminder: trust, relationship, and listening matter more than any plan.

December can feel heavy — especially for secular homeschool families navigating a Christian-centered holiday season. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley Resources Mentioned Books The Shortest Day — Susan Cooper When the Shadbush Blooms — Carla Messinger (Abenaki) We Are Water Protectors — Carole Lindstrom (Anishinaabe) Fry Bread — Kevin Noble Maillard (Seminole) Braiding Sweetgrass / Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults — Robin Wall Kimmerer Rest Is Resistance — Dr. Tricia Hersey An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States (Young People’s Edition) — Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz  

Raising My Kids Without Religion Okay y’all, in this episode I’m talking about why I’m raising my kids without religion, especially in this wild political climate where folks are trying to sneak Christianity back into schools like it’s a school supply. We get into how most of us BIPOC didn’t “choose” our religion (we inherited it), how kids getting baptized  is not “their decision,” and why I’m raising critical thinkers instead of quiet, obedient little church members. I also talk about my husband’s religious trauma, the whole “church hurt” gaslighting, the messy history of Christianity and colonization, the rise of Christian nationalism, the 10 Commandments being forced on kids, and yes… I even gave a shout-out to the problematic missionaries. This episode is not anti-belief  it’s anti-fear, anti-shame, and pro-liberation. Listen on the site: secularhomeschoolrevolution.com Stay secular, stay revolutionary.

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley exposes the harmful truth behind ABEKA and Turning Point USA’s so-called “educational” materials and why BIPOC homeschoolers need to run in the opposite direction. We unpack the myth of ABEKA’s “rigor,” the whitewashed and revisionist narratives embedded in both systems, and the identity-level harm these programs inflict on Black and Brown children. Ashley also offers culturally affirming curriculum alternatives that center truth, identity, and liberation: Oh Freedom!, Blossom & Root, and Woke Kindergarten. If you’re ready to decolonize your homeschool and protect your child’s brilliance, this episode is your roadmap. Explore more resources at www.secularhomeschoolrevolution.com.

This week on Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley gets real about decolonizing Thanksgiving. We unpack why the traditional Pilgrim narrative is harmful, how kids can handle the truth in an age appropriate way, and why BIPOC gatherings are about community, chosen family, and togetherness, not celebrating colonizers. Learn why “Indian headdress” crafts should be retired and discover better, culturally respectful alternatives for preschoolers, middle graders, and teens. Plus, get developmentally appropriate book recommendations and guidance for raising kids who understand power, colonization, and history with intention. Resources Mentioned: Preschool: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell Middle Grades: If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving by Chris Newell Middle/High School: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, Jean Mendoza & Debbie Reese Visit www.secularhomeschoolrevolution.com to access the full episode transcript, additional teaching resources, and consultation booking. Stay revolutionary, raise truth-telling kids, and celebrate community ... not Pilgrims.

Quick mini episode about listening to Secular Homeschool Revolution on other platforms. Also, be sure to check out new episodes on our website: www.secularhomeschoolrevolution.com

This Hispanic & Latin Heritage Month, we’re doing more than eating tacos...we’re teaching truth, survival, and resistance. Host Ashley dives into the history and complexity behind terms like Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx, exposes the contradictions in celebrated leaders like César Chávez, and centers immigrant voices often erased from U.S. history. This episode shows why celebration is resistance. Plus, practical tips and homeschool activities for teaching your kids about the real, messy, brilliant history and culture of Hispanic and Latinx communities.

In this episode, I’m pushing back on the naysayers who think secular homeschooling is “hurting” public schools. We’re unpacking the real story behind public education from whitewashed curricula and book bans to the ways BIPOC families have been erased from the system. I’m asking the hard questions: Why is it radical to build something better for our kids, but not radical when policymakers keep failing them? Tune in for truth-telling, unapologetic commentary, and take up space and stay revolutionary.

I’ve got beef with homeschoolers putting their kids in uniforms. Uniforms aren’t neutral...they’re conformity, culture erasure, and control. In this episode, I dig into their roots in the Industrial Revolution, their violent use in Indian boarding schools, and how they’re still disproportionately enforced on Black and Brown kids today. Homeschooling should be about liberation, not replication.

I’m breaking the myth that homeschooling means doing five days of school at home. In this episode, I share how my family thrives on a three-day academic schedule, co-op on Wednesdays, and real-world learning on Fridays. In this episode, I am sharing how we make a 3-day homeschool schedule work for my family.

Think you need to be a walking encyclopedia to homeschool your kids? Think again. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley busts the myth that homeschool parents have to teach every subject themselves. (Spoiler: You don’t have to touch algebra or frogs unless you want to.) We’re talking real options: co-ops, community mentors, YouTube rabbit holes, tutors, and leaning into the brilliance of your village. Ashley breaks down how her family handles core subjects like reading, writing, and math without becoming the full-time teacher, and how community knowledge is not just valid, but revolutionary.

In this episode, Ashley breaks down the five things she’d never do as a diverse, decolonized homeschooler...from dodging hard truths to centering Eurocentric success. This isn’t your typical homeschool talk...it's truth-telling, liberatory, and unapologetically revolutionary.

Ashley breaks down the five things you need to do BEFORE you start homeschooling. If you’re progressive, secular, and want to center justice, identity, and JOY in your homeschool, this episode is for YOU! Resources Mentioned: Raising Free People by Akilah S. Richards Woke Homeschooling (by Delina Pryce McPhaull) The Black Home Educators Network Fare of the Free Child Podcast The Conscious Kid Native Knowledge 360° Learning for Justice Deschooling for Parents of Color (Jéhan Sattaur)

Is Homeschooling Affordable? Real Talk on Money, Access & Making It Work Is homeschooling just for the wealthy? Ashley breaks it down...sharing how real families make it work with creativity, community, and zero shame. From $10 rec center basketball to free curriculum swaps, this episode is for anyone building a homeschool life on a budget. We also check privilege and talk about why support matters just as much as money. Follow @secularhomeschoolrevolution for more on IG

In this episode of the "Secular Homeschool Revolution," host Ashley tackles the idea of indoctrination in progressive homeschooling. She argues that all education passes on values. Progressive homeschoolers, she says, intentionally "indoctrinate" their kids with empathy, critical thinking, a love for justice, and a desire for truth. This contrasts with traditional systems that can promote ignorance and bias. esources for the Revolution: Podcasts: Secular Homeschooling with Blair & Amy: Focuses on secular academics, decolonizing curriculum, and critical thinking. Honey! I'm Homeschooling the Kids: Covers child-led learning and progressive approaches. Documentaries: "Teach Us All" (Netflix): Explores educational inequality in the U.S. "Becoming You" (Apple TV+): A series on child development globally. "Whose Children Are They?": Useful for understanding conservative homeschooling views and for critical discussion. "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" (Netflix): A powerful film about social justice and disability rights. Books: "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire: A core text on liberatory education and critical thinking. "Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope" by bell hooks: Discusses education as a path to freedom and the importance of community in learning. "A Young People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn (adapted by Rebecca Stefoff): An alternative to traditional American history, highlighting marginalized voices. "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi: An accessible look at racism and antiracism for young adults. "The Conscious Parent" by Shefali Tsabary: Promotes a mindful and respectful parenting style aligned with progressive education.

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, host Ashley gets real about the difference between performative parenting and actual growth when it comes to gender and pronouns. Let’s be honest..most of us didn’t grow up with this language. So yes, there will be mistakes. But guess what? That’s not the end of the world. What matters is how we handle them. Ashley breaks down what toxic apologies sound like, how to model real accountability, and how to weave pronoun respect into your homeschool in natural, everyday ways. And if you’re still learning (and you should be), there’s a full list of books, Instagram follows, and resources to support both you and your kids. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up...with intention, curiosity, and respect. 🧠 Mentioned Resources Include: They She He Me What Are Your Words? My Rainbow @thegenderdoula, @queerkidstuff, @radicalcounselor Genderspectrum.org & more 🎧 Listen now and start raising kids who respect identity like it’s second nature.

In this Pride Month episode, Ashley breaks down what it means to raise intentional LGBTQIA+ allies in a progressive, BIPOC-centered homeschool. From reading queer-affirming picture books with 4-year-old Langston to deep accountability convos with 12-year-old Parker, this episode is all about centering queer joy, amplifying marginalized voices, and raising kids who show up with love and courage — not just in June, but always. ✨ Glitter, books, and justice — this is how we raise the revolution. Happy Pride, fam! 📚 Books Featured Ages 3–6: They, She, He, Me: Free to Be! – Maya & Matthew Harriet Gets Carried Away – Jessie Sima Marley’s Pride – Joelle Retener & DeAnn Wiley Ages 7–10: When Aidan Became a Brother – Kyle Lukoff My Rainbow – Trinity & DeShanna Neal Ho’onani: Hula Warrior – Heather Gale Ages 10+: Too Bright to See – Kyle Lukoff The Moon Within – Aida Salazar Snapdragon – Kat Leyh

Cringe moments, friend drama, weird YouTube crushes—we see it all up close as homeschool parents. In this episode, I talk about the beauty in staying present through the messy parts, letting natural consequences teach, and choosing connection over control. It's awkward, it's real, and it's part of raising whole humans

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, Ashley dives into why teaching about immigration is a must in any justice-centered homeschool. Immigration isn’t just politics—it’s personal. It’s about real people, real stories, and the way families navigate new beginnings, loss, identity, and hope. Ashley breaks down how teaching immigration helps kids grow in empathy, critical thinking, and historical awareness—and why it matters especially in secular, progressive spaces. She also shares a fantastic free resource from the Immigration History Research Center—a 3-part lesson plan that explores: What immigration is The experiences of refugees and asylum seekers How youth immigrants shape and understand their identities Plus, Ashley gives a list of powerful middle grade and elementary books that help bring these lessons to life through storytelling—including Front Desk, Esperanza Rising, Efrén Divided, and Dreamers. Whether you’re looking to expand your curriculum or just want to have deeper conversations at home, this episode is full of heart, resources, and real talk about raising compassionate kids who care about the world.

Most homeschooling spaces lean conservative, and that includes many BIPOC homeschooling communities. But what happens when you're a progressive homeschooler who doesn’t fit into the traditional mold? In this episode, we're unpacking why this podcast is intentionally for progressive Black and Brown homeschoolers, how Christian conservatism has shaped BIPOC homeschooling spaces, and why it’s crucial to create learning environments rooted in truth, justice, and liberation. We’ll talk about the conservative stronghold in our own communities, the role of religion in pushing racism, misogyny, and homophobia, and the importance of carving out spaces where we don’t have to justify our values. Because not all skin folk are kin folk, and we don’t always fit—but that doesn’t mean we don’t belong. Tune in and let’s build something different.

Is feminism a necessary part of homeschooling? Absolutely. In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, we dive into why feminism matters in education, how it impacts both boys and girls, and why power should be shared—not hoarded. We explore: ✅ How traditional education erases women’s contributions and what we can do about it. ✅ Why raising boys as feminists benefits everyone (including them!). ✅ The balance of power—how to raise kids who challenge, rather than accept, inequality. As homeschoolers, we have a unique opportunity to create a more just and equitable world—starting in our own homes. Tune in for practical tips, book recommendations, and real talk on raising kids who won’t just fit into the world as it is, but help shape it into something better. !

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, 8-year-old host Cari takes us on a wild ride through the history of women’s voting rights and financial independence—with plenty of sass along the way! 💥 Did you know women weren’t legally allowed to vote in the U.S. until 1920? And that some women—especially Black, Indigenous, and other women of color—were still blocked from voting for decades? 😡 Oh, and get this—women couldn’t even open their own bank accounts until 1974. EXCUSE ME?! Cari breaks it all down, spilling the tea on the suffrage movement (including its messy side) and why voting rights STILL matter today. And if you’re up for a deep dive, check out The Vote (PBS American Experience)—it’s a great documentary for learning the real history.

In this special episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, our youngest guest host, 8 year old Cari, takes the mic to talk about why Stonewall matters during Women’s History Month! Cari shares the story of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera...two incredible trans women of color who helped start a revolution for LGBTQ+ rights. With curiosity and heart, she explores why their fight for equality is part of women’s history and why we should all remember their contributions. Tune in for a short but powerful episode as Cari reminds us that history is about everyone.

Episode Title: "Short History Facts with Cari: Kamala Harris" In this special episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, we’re handing the mic to guest host Cari! She’s diving into a quick history lesson on Kamala Harris, sharing interesting facts about her career, accomplishments, and controversies. From her role as the first woman and first Black and South Asian Vice President to her past as a prosecutor, Cari breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand. Tune in for a short and engaging history moment straight from a homeschooler.

This Women's History Month, we're happy to welcome guest Cari a very special 8-year-old homeschooler who is passionate about women's history. Her debut episode focuses on the legacy that's, Rita Moreno.

This Women's History Month, we're doing more than just adding names to a list. We're dismantling the traditional narrative and centering the powerful stories of BIPOC women. Join host Ashley as we dive deep into why it's crucial to rewrite history, moving beyond the often-told stories of white women to highlight the resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking contributions of Black, Indigenous, Latina, Asian, and other women of color. We explore the importance of intersectionality, the need for diverse role models, and how to actively integrate these vital stories into your homeschool journey and beyond. We'll discuss how the erasure of BIPOC women's history creates a distorted view of the past, and how we can use this month to correct those inaccuracies. We’ll look at real life examples of women like Fannie Lou Hamer, Yuri Kochiyama, and many others. We'll also provide practical tips and resources for homeschooling families looking to create a more inclusive and truthful historical education. Let’s make Women’s History Month a catalyst for change, ensuring that every child sees themselves reflected in the stories we tell. Resources Mentioned: U.S. Census Bureau: (For demographic data on women of color) Catalyst.org: (For data on women of color in the workforce and population statistics) National Women's History Museum: (For resources and information on women's history) "She's Beautiful When She's Angry" (Documentary): (Explores the Black Liberation Women's Movement and the Lesbian Liberation Movement) "Eyes on the Prize" (Documentary Series): (Provides extensive coverage of the Civil Rights Movement, including the contributions of women) "Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement: A Radical Democratic Vision" by Barbara Ransby (Book): (Biography of Ella Baker) "Freedom on My Mind" (Documentary): (Includes the work of Fannie Lou Hamer) The National Museum of African American History and Culture website: (Offers information and resources on Black history)

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, we’re diving into a powerful history lesson on the Black Panther Party with a focus on mutual aid. This unit study is designed for middle schoolers, with adaptations for upper elementary learners, and includes engaging book and video resources to bring history to life. We’ll explore how the Black Panther Party’s community programs—like the Free Breakfast for Children Program—exemplify mutual aid and discuss ways homeschoolers can practice community care today. Plus, I’ll share practical ideas for integrating mutual aid into your homeschooling journey. Let’s raise socially conscious, justice-oriented kids together! 🔗 Follow me on Instagram: @Secular_Homeschool_Revolution 🎥 Connect on TikTok: @Secular_Homeschool_Mama Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Resources mentioned: One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia Revolutionary Acts: The Black Panther Party’s Community Programs by Judy Tzu-Chun Wu & Gwendolyn Mink Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers by Stephen Shames and Bobby Seale “Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution” (2016).

On this episode of the Secular Homeschool Revolution, I, Ashley, discussed the Make Homeschool Safe Act, a complex issue balancing homeschooling freedom with child safety. I acknowledged the potential for abuse and neglect within homeschool settings and emphasized my commitment to children's well-being. We examined the historical use of "freedom," especially within BIPOC communities, and the need for critical thinking. I detailed the Act's provisions, including banning abusers from homeschooling, preventing isolation during investigations, and ensuring educational standards and access to disability services. I addressed concerns about government overreach and highlighted Texas's lax homeschool laws as an example of the need for such legislation. I urged listeners to advocate for children's safety and educational rights. I closed by encouraging everyone to keep revolutionizing because education is activism. https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/

In this episode of Secular Homeschool Revolution, I'm diving into the complexities of School Choice. I'll be exploring how homeschooling fits into this conversation and why privatization, school vouchers, and defunding public schools ultimately harm marginalized communities. We'll unpack Texas Senate Bill 2, discuss the dangers of state-funded homeschool vouchers, and examine what we can learn from Arizona’s failing voucher system. I believe homeschooling is both a privilegeand a sacrifice, and it doesn't mean we want to see public schools fail. Join me for this important conversation and let's continue to be revolutionary in our children's home education! Follow me on TikTok: @Secular_Homeschool_Mama | Instagram: @SecularHomeschoolRevolution

In this episode, we explore the aesthetics of homeschooling and how to create a space that supports your child's interests and cultural representation. We also discuss the pressure to have a perfect homeschool setup and why it's important to let go of those expectations. Remember, homeschooling is yours to define and what makes your space aesthetic is the love and care you pour into it. Stay true to yourself and keep revolutionizing education. Thanks for listening

Celebrate Black History Month with the Secular Homeschool Revolution! In this empowering episode, we discuss the importance of Black History Month and share five meaningful activities to engage your homeschoolers. Learn how to explore Black literature and art, cook culturally inspired meals, and more. Whether new to homeschooling or a pro, this episode will inspire you to center Black excellence and resilience in your teaching.