132. More Than a Spectator: How Intentional Dads Transform the Homeschool Experience

132. More Than a Spectator: How Intentional Dads Transform the Homeschool Experience

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Steve Pedersen from Alberta. Steve is a homeschool father of 11 children, Yale graduate in Public Health, and avid learner. Steve and I explore the six key roles of a proactive homeschool dad. Steve emphasizes that dads don't need to be the all-knowing authority; instead, the most powerful thing they can do is model a love of learning by discovering things alongside their kids. Alignment with your spouse is foundational — dads must be genuinely invested in the homeschool process to have credibility, contribute meaningfully, and support their spouse without adding to her insecurities or burnout. Being an advocate means championing your children as individuals and openly celebrating homeschooling rather than downplaying it out of insecurity. Steve's guiding family purpose — "helping our kids learn to love learning in their own best way" — captures the heart of the conversation: proactive homeschool dads don't need to do more, they just need to be more intentional. Resources Ken Robinson - Schools Kill Creativity [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY] Thomas Jefferson Education [https://tjed.org/] Rupert Ross  [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/244030/rupert-ross/] Proactive Homeschool Dad (PHD) Course PHD Course [https://thisgoldenhour.mykajabi.com/phd] This Golden Hour

131. From $80 Million in Scholarships to Debt-Free Graduates: The 7-Step College Ready Framework

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Shellee Howard from California. Shellee is a mother of four, founder and creator of College Ready, author of two best-selling books, and the 2026 Global Educational Consultant of the Year. With over 18 years of experience and having visited more than 1,800 colleges and universities across 100 countries, Shellee knows what it means to prepare students to “adult” and how to effectively navigate the admissions process. All four of Shellee’s children graduated from post-secondary without debt from four different schools and paths. In this episode, Shellee shares the 7-step College Ready framework that she uses to help families and students prepare for higher education, career, and life. This conversation is a must-listen for parents wanting to prepare their children for life after homeschool, no matter what path they choose to pursue. Books How to Send Your Student to College Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money [https://www.amazon.ca/Student-College-Without-Losing-Money/dp/1546749624#:~:text=This%20book%20will%20prevent%20you,son%20graduated%20in%204%2Dyears!] The College Admissions PLAN Simplified [https://www.amazon.com/College-Admissions-PLAN-Simplified-P-L/dp/B0DQ48NLLV] Website College Ready  [https://collegereadyplan.com/] Shellee’s Non-profit Empower Education [https://empowereducation.world/] Proactive Homeschool Dad (PHD) Course PHD Course [https://thisgoldenhour.mykajabi.com/phd] This Golden Hour

130. Growing Kids and Gardens: Homeschooling on the Farm

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Staci and Jeremy Hill from Missouri. Staci and Jeremy are homeschool parents of 6 children, authors of “The Preserver’s Garden,” and founders of Gooseberry Bridge Farm. The Hill’s started homeschooling from the very beginning, and their oldest is now in college without any traditional public education. About 10 years ago, the Hill family moved from their suburban cul-de-sac to a small farm so they could have animals, space, and learn from the land. They started their business, Gooseberry Bridge Farm, in 2020 with U-pick flowers, but they’ve expanded the business to engage each of their children’s participation. Staci and Jeremy were asked to co-author a book that combined gardening with food preservation strategies. This conversation validates that meaningful education happens through hard work, family connection, and following children’s natural interests. Website gooseberrybridge.com [http://gooseberrybridge.com] Book The Preserver’s Garden [https://www.amazon.ca/Preservers-Garden-Fermenting-Pickling-Dehydrating/dp/0760396140] Proactive Homeschool Dad (PHD) Course PHD Course [https://thisgoldenhour.mykajabi.com/phd] This Golden Hour

129. Training Adults, Not Raising Children with Jon Couch

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Jon Couch from Southern Alberta. Jon is a homeschool father of six children, former IT tech, and entrepreneur. When he and his wife, Angela, decided to homeschool, Jon’s primary motivation was controlling the curriculum and avoiding what he considered dangerous ideologies in the public system. He has also had concerns about peer-driven socialization combined with access to cell phones and a world of unmonitored technology use. In our conversation, Jon shares his family’s core purpose centered on kindness, we discuss the homeschool and life division of labor between Jon and Angela, and Jon reveals the greatest challenge and greatest reward in his experience as a homeschool dad. This episode is a must-listen for all homeschool fathers and couples.  Proactive Homeschool Dad (PHD) Course PHD Course [https://thisgoldenhour.mykajabi.com/phd] This Golden Hour

128. Learning More about Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia with Kait Feriante

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Kait Feriante from Tennessee. Kait is a mother of three, one who has dyslexia and dyscalculi. Kait is a behavior specialist and the founder of Redwood Literacy, Redwood Schools, and Redwood Learning. Several years ago, Kait became a special education teacher and worked in Chicago Public Schools where she discovered many middle schoolers who couldn't read independently. Eventually, Kait and her husband started Redwood Literacy to help students manage their learning differences of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. They have grown and have resources and mentors available to help students all over the US. In our discussion, we acknowledged that involved parents who read to and spend time with their kids help children with learning differences; but differences, like dyslexia, do require specialized attention. This is such an informative, helpful episode for all to understand more about dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia; and parents can learn about quality resources that Redwood Literacy offers children with learning differences.  Connect with Kait Redwood Literacy [https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/] Writing Our World [https://www.writing-our-world.com/] Free Parent Support Course [https://kait-feriante-7333.mykajabi.com/] Other Resources The International Dyslexia Association [https://dyslexiaida.org/] Wilson Reading System [https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/] The Six Success Factors for Children with Learning Disabilities: Ready-to-Use Activities to Help Kids with LD Succeed in School and in Life [https://www.amazon.ca/Success-Factors-Children-Learning-Disabilities/dp/0470383771] Proactive Homeschool Dad (PHD) Course PHD Course [https://thisgoldenhour.mykajabi.com/phd] This Golden Hour