124 - Alex Newman on Faith, Fathers, and the Future of Education

124 - Alex Newman on Faith, Fathers, and the Future of Education

What is the ultimate goal of homeschooling? In this Father's Day episode, Maeve sits down with journalist, author, and homeschool father Alex Newman to discuss faith, discipleship, education, and the responsibility parents have in shaping the next generation. Alex shares his own journey from a nominal Catholic upbringing to becoming one of America's most outspoken advocates for Christian education. Together, Maeve and Alex explore the historical roots of government schooling, the importance of cultivating curiosity in children, and why fathers play a uniquely influential role in the spiritual formation of their families. Most importantly, Alex offers encouragement to weary homeschool parents who may feel behind, reminding us that discipleship—not perfection—is the true mission. Whether you're a veteran homeschooler or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to keep the main thing the main thing. Show Notes Published June 21, 2026 Links Mentioned: You'll likely want links for: * Alex Newman [https://libertysentinel.org/alex/] * The Liberty Sentinel [https://libertysentinel.org/] * Public School Exit [https://www.publicschoolexit.com/] * Indoctrinating Our Children to Death [https://libertysentinel.org/savechildren/] * Classical Conversations [https://classicalconversations.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Now through July 10, 2026 Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

123 - Helping Your Teen Encounter Jesus for Themselves, with Rick Grinstead

What if one of the biggest mistakes we make with teenagers is trying to teach before we've truly connected? In this encouraging conversation, Maeve sits down with youth ministry veteran Rick Grinstead to discuss what today's teens are really looking for—and how parents can help them develop a faith that is genuinely their own. Drawing from more than thirty years in ministry and his experience as a father of eight, Rick explains why invitation often works better than enforcement, why belonging frequently precedes belief, and why authenticity matters more to this generation than ever before. Together, they explore how parents can create safe spaces for difficult conversations, why trusted adults are essential in a teen's life, how hospitality becomes a powerful form of evangelization, and what it means to raise young people who become missionaries rather than merely survivors of the culture. Rick also shares insights into Alpha Youth and the upcoming Parenting Teens resources designed to equip families to accompany young people through today's unique challenges. Whether you're currently parenting teenagers, preparing for those years ahead, or simply hoping to pass on a vibrant Catholic faith to your children, this conversation offers practical wisdom, hope, and encouragement. Show Notes, Published June 14, 2026 Resources mentioned in this episode: • Alpha Youth • Parenting Children Course • Parenting Teens Course • Rick Grinstead on Instagram Now through July 10, 2026 Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

122 - Raising Thinkers, Not Subjects: A Conversation with Author and Homeschool Dad, Scott Clifton

Former public school teacher and veteran homeschool educator Scott Clifton joins us to discuss why he and his wife chose homeschooling long before it was popular, what he witnessed inside the public school system, and why Christian parents should feel confident homeschooling through high school. In this conversation, Scott shares stories of students who flourished after leaving traditional schools, explains how homeschool parents can raise independent thinkers instead of passive learners, and offers practical advice for creating engaging learning environments at home and in co-ops. We also discuss Christian literature, choosing books with discernment, the importance of teaching from a biblical worldview, and why one-on-one attention from a loving parent often outperforms even the most credentialed educational systems. Whether you're considering homeschooling, currently teaching high school at home, or simply looking for encouragement on the journey, this episode is packed with wisdom from a teacher who has spent decades helping families succeed. In This Episode *  Why Scott and his wife chose homeschooling before they had children  *  What he witnessed as a public school teacher  *  How homeschool students often flourish after leaving traditional schools  *  Teaching children to think rather than simply repeat answers  *  Creating engaging and memorable learning experiences  *  Why homeschooling high school is more achievable than parents think  *  Choosing literature through a Christian worldview  *  Raising self-directed learners  *  The long-term fruit of homeschooling into adulthood and grandparenthood Show Notes: Published on June 7, 2026 Scott's Website https://www.homeschoolpartners.net/ [https://www.homeschoolpartners.net/] National Home Education Research Institute *  NHERI.org Commonsensemedia.org [https://www.commonsensemedia.org/] Now through July 10, 2026 Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

121 - What We Learned at the Biggest Homeschool Convention in America (And the Catholic Story We Didn't Expect)

Fresh back from the FPEA Homeschool Convention, Maeve and Mat share some of their favorite moments from a weekend full of encouragement, unexpected conversations, and memorable encounters. From celebrating a homeschool graduation to connecting with Catholic families from across the country, this year's convention revealed a growing hunger for faith, community, and truth. Along the way, a chance conversation led Maeve to discover a Marian apparition (or bi-location, if you really want to be "Catholic-nerd" specific) story that she can't stop thinking about—one that offers a powerful reminder for any parent who has ever wondered if their efforts are making a difference. If you've ever felt discouraged in your homeschooling, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES PUBLISHED MAY 31, 2026 In this episode: *  Highlights from the FPEA Homeschool Convention  *  Celebrating homeschool graduation  *  Debuting the Catholic Homeschool Planner  *  Why Catholic families were seeking each other out  *  The surprising rise in Catholic conversions  *  What recent converts told us about discovering the Church  *  The role of the Early Church Fathers in conversion stories  *  Catholic Schoolhouse and growing Catholic homeschool communities  *  The story of Carlo Acutis and an unexpected convention reunion  *  The fascinating history of Our Lady of Pilar *  How Mary encouraged St. James during a season of discouragement  *  What homeschool parents can learn from that story  *  Encouragement for families wondering if their efforts are making a difference  LINKS MENTIONED *  Catholic Homeschool Planner  *  catholichomeschoolplanner.com  [https://catholichomeschoolplanner.com/] *  Raising Saints TV  *  Raising Saints TV (YouTube)  *  TBHC Homeschool Convention  *  Use code MAEVE26 for registration savings Now through July 10, 2026 Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]

*Replay* 97 How to Get Kids to Listen: A Catholic Homeschool Guide to Habits, Character & Cooperation

Many new or discerning homeschool parents share the same fear: “What if we butt heads all day?” In this episode, Maeve and Matt unpack real listener concerns and offer practical, Catholic-rooted solutions for cooperation, motivation, and peaceful homeschooling. They revisit the timeless wisdom of Charlotte Mason, explore what “first-time obedience” looks like (and why counting to three doesn’t work), and talk honestly about discipline—from biblical authority to gentle consequences to understanding each child’s “currency” of motivation. You’ll also hear a powerful story of how quickly even very young children can form beautiful habits through Mass and catechesis. Expect humor, honesty, and encouragement as they show you how good habits + biblical character + thoughtful motivation can transform your homeschool days. Now through July 10, 2026 Isn't it hard to find Catholic friends?! I've got a solution. Hop on over to the Homeschooling for Catholic Parents Facebook community. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/561560930032558]Where we share about apologetics, homeschooling, and family life! https://maevejemison.com/ [https://maevejemison.com/] Purchase Home Is Where The Truth Is: https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Truth-Should-Homeschool/dp/B0CSWJ2QXC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1705863918&sr=8-1#customerReviews]