The Independent Learner Podcast by Mosaic

Neurodivergent Learning: Are Gaming and Digital Worlds Real Learning Spaces for Neurodivergent Learning?

The Mosaic Collective [https://mosaic-collective.org/membership] is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community. What if the time many neurodivergent young people spend in digital worlds isn’t a distraction—but a place where real learning is already happening? In this episode, we talk with Jordan Shapiro about gaming, online communities, and digital creation as environments where autonomy, focus, problem-solving, and connection often come more naturally than they do in traditional settings. For many families, screen time is a source of tension. But what if we shifted the question—from “How do we limit it?” to “What’s actually happening here?” Through a self-directed learning lens, we explore how deep digital interests can become meaningful pathways—developing strategy, collaboration, storytelling, design, and technical skills in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere. We also stay grounded in the real concerns: balance, boundaries, and how to ensure digital engagement supports a full and healthy life. This conversation offers both perspective and practical guidance for families navigating the intersection of neurodivergence, technology, and learning. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources [https://weareborntolearn.org/resource/podcast-affording-a-different-path-the-economics-of-self-directed-learning/]

How Families Navigate the New Learning Landscape

The Mosaic Collective [https://mosaic-collective.org/membership] is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community. In this episode, Mosaic will be joined by Eric Wearne, Director of the National Hybrid Schools Project at Kennesaw State University, for a conversation about the changing learning landscape across the United States. Families today are navigating a growing range of options – conventional schools, homeschooling, hybrid schools, microschools, and self-directed learning environments - and many are moving among these models over time rather than following a single path. What is driving these shifts? What are families seeking that they feel they cannot find in conventional systems? And how are new learning models emerging in response? Together, we’ll explore what is happening across the country as families rethink how, where, and why young people learn. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources [https://weareborntolearn.org/resource/podcast-how-families-navigate-the-new-learning-landscape/]

Why Unschooling May Be a Great Option for Neurodivergent Children

The Mosaic Collective [https://mosaic-collective.org/membership] is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community. What helps neurodivergent young people thrive—and why unschooling may open doors traditional schools can’t. Krystal Dillard, Executive Director of Natural Creativity, joins unschooling parent Jessica Hoffman for a grounded conversation about why unschooling can support neurodivergent young people in ways conventional systems often cannot. Together, they reflect on what works in practice, where challenges still arise, how families can approach this path with clarity, and what helps young people truly thrive. This episode offers honest reflections, real stories, and supportive guidance for anyone considering a self-directed approach. Episode Resources [https://weareborntolearn.org/resource/podcast-neurodivergent-learning-why-unschooling-may-be-a-great-option-for-neurodivergent-children/]

When You're Navigating Self-Directed Learning On Your Own

The Mosaic Collective [https://mosaic-collective.org/membership] is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community. Today’s episode with Meghan Davies shares her lived experience of supporting self-directed learning as a single parent, where trust, agency, and flexibility aren’t abstract ideals but daily, practical choices. Meghan speaks candidly about the emotional and logistical realities of parenting solo while honoring a child’s curiosity, needs, and autonomy. We talk about letting go of external expectations, building confidence without a co-pilot, and finding steadiness amid uncertainty. This discussion explores how self-directed learning can become not just an educational approach, but a stabilizing framework when time, energy, and resources feel stretched. Meghan reflects on decision-making, boundaries, resilience, and the quiet strength that comes from listening closely to both yourself and your child. This episode is for single parents, caregivers navigating change, and anyone wondering how learning can remain humane, responsive, and grounded even when the path isn’t simple. It’s an honest, affirming conversation about trust, courage, and building a learning life that works in the real world. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources [ https://weareborntolearn.org/resource/podcast-when-youre-navigating-self-directed-learning-on-your-own/]

Making the College Process Human Again

The Mosaic Collective [http://mosaic-collective.org/membership] is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community. A values-driven look at how teens can choose a next step that truly fits who they are. With Jen Vallieres and Jared Eplet. In this conversation, the founders of Forget the Rankings and Pathway Forward talk about helping teens choose a next step that feels aligned with who they are—whether that’s a four-year college, a two-year program, or a technical path. We focus on values, clarity, creativity, and the emotional side of decision-making. You’ll also hear grounded advice on using summers, internships, and short-term experiences to explore interests and build confidence about what comes next. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources [https://weareborntolearn.org/resource/podcast-making-the-college-process-human-again/]