Episode 15: Outdoor Anthony and His “Epic Nature Journal”! A Tool for Homeschool and Beyond

Episode 16: The Tres Amigas, DEI, and Homeschool!

In my (Britt) husband’s words, “THIS video should go viral!” If you are wondering about the REAL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education – THIS is the episode to watch. On his first few days in office, President Donald Trump made headlines by dismantling key components of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEI) initiatives across the federal government and other sectors, signaling a seismic shift in policies surrounding workplace diversity and education. The implications of this policy shift are far-reaching, touching on not just federal education programs but also local school districts, the professional development of teachers, and the role of teacher's unions in advocating for “equitable” practices in the classroom. But, HOMESCHOOLING has always been the BEST way to dismantle the backwards DEI initiatives and focus on Merit, Fairness, and Values. At FreeRangeFamilies, we’ve said it from the beginning: “In a world where diversity equals conformity, equity is unfair, and inclusion means exclusion, turn to homeschooling. Your children are growing up alongside these issues and parents bear the sole responsibility to help make sense of the backwardness of this topsy-turvy world.” And, you know sometimes the stars just align perfectly and that’s how THIS episode worked out! We waited to release this Episode, not because we predicted Trump’s Executive Order on DEI, but because our guests are our dear Hispanic friends, members of our homeschool co-op, and represent an often-overlooked demographic in the homeschooling community! This episode is perfect after hearing Trump’s latest executive order on DEI, because it exemplifies the TRUE meaning of being inclusive, diverse, and fair. To give perspective to our subscribers why we have such a monumental Hispanic/Mexican influence in our co-op, many of our families are only 50 miles from the Mexican/American Border. We talk about how:  Many Mexicans move to the US to give their children a better education and that is not happening anymore in the public school system.  How within their culture, God, Family, and Hard work are cornerstones of their culture and more and more Hispanic families are not liking what they are seeing (all the “WOKE” nonsense).  The nuclear family is the “IT” within the traditional Mexican community and the progressive nonsense is turning the Mexican community off.  Culture and Faith are intertwined and so important to the Hispanic/Mexican community and how the Public Schools (even in Arizona where we are so close to the border) are not fostering this relationship.  How, they saw bullying getting worse, with no accountability.  Hesitant Husbands!  Self-driven learners!  The Tres Amigas’ reasons for leaving the system - Truancy and how children are just numbers in government schools, COVID and masks, IEPs, parental rights, “once your children are on school grounds, they are no longer your concern”, the business of the system, bullying, and excusing behavior. Bottom Line – Homeschooling is conviction-based and permeates cultures, no one knows your kids better than you, and no one is more equipped to teaching them than you! True Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity is not being boxed into a one-size fits all public education system. Free Range Families Homeschool Podcast (@freerangefamilies) • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freerangefamilies/] Watch Us! Free Range Families - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2P559XCX9PR3QEoL7y5xQ] Shop our Merch Store! [https://freerangefamilies.printify.me/] RAISE Them UP: A Homeschooling and Parenting Substack | Brittany Stewart [https://homeschoolunderground.substack.com/]

Episode 15: Outdoor Anthony and His “Epic Nature Journal”! A Tool for Homeschool and Beyond

> > This episode is a bit different and hopefully makes you chuckle.  We LOVE interviewing other homeschool leaders, but also other educational leaders spreading their LOVE of learning with families.  > > > > Outdoor Anthony is one of those people.  In this lighthearted interview, we talk to Anthony about his journey from going viral on social media to writing a children’s book, that’s now sold in stores from Barns & Noble to Target and even on Amazon! [https://youtube.com/shorts/6XZoAfg3uH4?feature=shared]  > > > > Want to know how to poop in the woods?  - Outdoor Anthony can help! [https://youtube.com/shorts/p3w2wFUBzxc?feature=shared] > > > > Want to know how to ride a horse? – Outdoor Anthony can help! [https://youtu.be/QXVkOUyjce8?feature=shared] > > > > Want to know how to survive in an overnight shelter? – Outdoor Anthony can help! [https://youtu.be/D1_WrJgOgwQ?feature=shared] > > > > But, he can’t help without making you and your kids laugh. ;)  > > > > So as you’re getting back into the homeschool rhythm, consider integrating Anthony’s new book, “My Epic Nature Journal” for the younger kids, and also some of his satirical videos for the older crowd.  Both will help your kiddos “unplug” and explore, which is crucial for childhood development and add a lot of laughter which always enhances learning.   > > > > It was truly a pleasure to chat with Anthony, a fellow educator, who embraces exploratory learning and connecting to the natural world we all live in – and laughing along the way!  > > CHECK OUT: > > > >   > > > > > >  “MY EPIC NATURE JOURNAL” [https://a.co/d/0lMoons] > > > >  by Anthony Porter [https://a.co/d/0lMoons] Anthony’s Website [https://www.anthonyporter.com/] Anthony’s Instagram with Videos [https://www.instagram.com/outdooranthony/] Free Range Families Homeschool Podcast (@freerangefamilies) • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freerangefamilies/] Watch Us! Free Range Families - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2P559XCX9PR3QEoL7y5xQ] Shop our Merch Store! [https://freerangefamilies.printify.me/] RAISE Them UP: A Homeschooling and Parenting Substack | Brittany Stewart [https://homeschoolunderground.substack.com/]

Episode 14: Learning from a PRO – Nicki Truesdell! Curriculum, "School Choice", ESAs and Vouchers, and Dismantling the Department of Education

> > Ok, CiCi, our Controversial Chicken should have been center stage for this interview. Seriously.  The reality is that all NEW and even seasoned homeschool families are always seeking advice on curriculum, how to homeschool, and generally navigating the scope of Educational Freedom for their families.  But all too often parents can become quickly overwhelmed by the plethora of curriculum options and chirping opinions about how to homeschool right!  So, if you want to block out the noise and get right down to it, you will want to learn from Nicki Truesdell, a seasoned homeschool leader of 24 years.  You DO NOT want to miss this interview.  Get out your pen and paper and take notes. > > > > 1983 – Yep, Nicki has been homeschooling for over 24 years!  She was homeschooled herself and is currently still homeschooling! > > > > We picked her brain and her expertise about everything from CURRICULUM to “SCHOOL CHOICE” AND VOUCHERS/ESAs…….and DISMANTLING THE DEPARTMENT OF ED. > > > > Curriculum: Start with teaching your kiddos to read.  Keep it simple.  And don’t rush this process.  Then work into the other subjects of Math, Grammar, Writing, History, and Science.  She gives her recommendations for curriculum that WORKS – so check out the video, but also makes sure to remind our audience not to follow Government Standards. > > > > Autonomy - ESAs/Vouchers & School Choice: We understand this is a “touchy” subject, but it’s one that needs to be discussed, and others really need to listen from homeschool families that have seen government overreach firsthand.  So many of the leaders of homeschool fought for Autonomy.  If we don’t learn from HISTORY, we are doomed to repeat it.  We chat with Nicki about the logistics of ESAs – it’s NOT money following the child, its government following the child.  The idea of taking from your neighbor, how, legally you’re not “homeschooling” once you’re enrolled in the ESA program…and homeschool freedom does not apply to you. Bottom line, taking the money will only increase regulations.  Homeschooling families should not want that for themselves or for future generations. > > > > And finally, we talk about the momentum of homeschooling and what the future holds for us all.  Her advice: “Keep fighting, stay politically aware, and ask yourself WHY you started homeschooling and what you want for your kids.  And, in a nutshell, the answer to BAD public school is NOT more public school.” > > > > Check out – Nicki’s website: NickiTruesdell.com [https://nickitruesdell.com/] > > > > Nicki’s Articles on tax credits and educational freedom: Tax Credits [https://nickitruesdell.com/school-choice-529-education-savings-account/]I Told You So [https://nickitruesdell.com/i-told-you-so-school-choice-updates-since-2023/] > > > > Nicki’s Book: Anyone Can Homeschool [https://nickitruesdell.com/anyone-can-homeschool-the-book/] Free Range Families Homeschool Podcast (@freerangefamilies) • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freerangefamilies/] Watch Us! Free Range Families - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2P559XCX9PR3QEoL7y5xQ] Shop our Merch Store! [https://freerangefamilies.printify.me/] RAISE Them UP: A Homeschooling and Parenting Substack | Brittany Stewart [https://homeschoolunderground.substack.com/]

Episode 13: Focus On FAMILY: How Homeschooling Can be the Gateway into Restoring the Strong Nuclear Family

> This episode is dear to our hearts and it's one we’ve wanted to record for some time.  We chose NOW, because of the season.  With the hustle bustle of the Holidays, it's easy – really easy, to get swept away in all the to-do’s and neglect the beauty and power of a slow schedule focused on the family unit.  > > And, as homeschooling families, we want to stress the importance of our calling.  To serve the Lord, Our Families, and Our Children, first.  If you Focus on your Family, the rest will fall into place.  > > With the exponential exodus of children from the public school system turning to homeschool, we not only think homeschool will benefit the education of our children, but also restoring a strong family unit.  Afterall, family is part of EDUCATION. – or it should be. Wink, wink.  > > This episode outlines many factors, from abortion and the erasure of women -  to social media and who owns your child’s time, all aiding in the deterioration of the family unit.  The solution: Homeschooling!  > > Homeschooling can be a tool, a gateway to traditional family values.  Homeschooling has brought so many families closer together and closer to God.  Homeschooling is essential to the family unit.  > > ·Families are the compass that guide us.   > ·Homeschooling makes time a priority.   > ·And Parents need to Parent!  > > The family you come from is important, but the family you create is everything.  We want you all to remember to foster family connections this Holiday Season.  We are sincerely wishing you all a Family-Focused, Christ-Centered Christmas!  > > Articles Referenced:  > Focus on the Nuclear Family [https://open.substack.com/pub/homeschoolunderground/p/focus-on-the-nuclear-family?r=3xw4x5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true]  > A Biblical Restoration of the Family Unit [https://open.substack.com/pub/homeschoolunderground/p/focus-on-the-nuclear-family?r=3xw4x5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true]   > > Books Referenced: Dr. Ben Carson’s, The Perilous Fight [https://a.co/d/d0TphPc] Free Range Families Homeschool Podcast (@freerangefamilies) • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freerangefamilies/] Watch Us! Free Range Families - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2P559XCX9PR3QEoL7y5xQ] Shop our Merch Store! [https://freerangefamilies.printify.me/] RAISE Them UP: A Homeschooling and Parenting Substack | Brittany Stewart [https://homeschoolunderground.substack.com/]

Episode 12: MAHA! Let’s Make America Healthy Again! Fruit Loops Anyone?

> Nutrition will 100 percent affect a child’s learning and brain development.  Facts don’t care about your feelings.  Sorry, not sorry.  > > For Christina and me, this notion is cornerstone to our homeschool lives.  For both of us, FOOD was a major obstacle in our family’s cognitive function.  Chemicals, dyes, toxins, additives, all contribute to our overall health, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  For Christina’s family, processed food is obsolete.  Living a chemical-free lifestyle is a choice they made for their overall well-being and are very aware of the ingredients of everything in their household.  For my family, we wanted to take it a step further and stray away from being dependent on the high prices of “healthy foods”, so we started homesteading and gardening, and are avid hunters.  Both of us realized that FOOD was impacting our lives and the learning abilities of our children in various ways and so we were forced to make a change.      > > But the high prices of “healthy foods” force most of us to choose between buying cheap alternatives laced with toxins and chemicals, or expensive alternatives that can’t feed our families adequately.  Fortunately, with RFK in office, we are hopeful that a healthier America is on the horizon!  > > This episode is all about how nutrition absolutely affects your children’s intellect and CiCi is center stage!  We dive into the SCIENCE of all of it and then the REAL of it all.  Because balance is everything.  And a good cheeseburger and fries is something AMAZING!   > > American food culture has increasingly been criticized for promoting unhealthy eating habits that contribute to widespread health issues, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. While it may sound extreme to suggest that American food is “designed to poison” its people, there are systemic factors within the food industry that prioritize profit over health, creating a toxic environment for consumers.  > > One of the most glaring examples is the widespread use of processed foods, which are laden with additives, preservatives, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. These ingredients are cheap to produce and enhance flavor, making them incredibly popular among consumers, yet they contribute significantly to poor health.  The food industry’s emphasis on convenience, rather than nutritional value, has shifted the American diet towards an addiction to processed, high-calorie foods.   > > The combination of low-cost ingredients and aggressive marketing ensures that unhealthy eating habits become deeply ingrained in the culture.  Additionally, the industrial agricultural system in the U.S. prioritizes monocrops like corn and soy, which are used in the production of cheap, processed foods. This reliance on a few crops has led to soil depletion, environmental damage, and a food system that encourages the production of calorie-dense but nutritionally poor foods.  > > The conspiracy is REAL; we are being poisoned.  The American food system is structured in a way that promotes unhealthy, processed foods, contributing to a public health crisis that ultimately injures the population and our children!  > > Homeschoolers have the upper hand here.  We have the TIME to share with our children how to DIY when it comes to making a healthy batch of something sweet as opposed to buying them from the store.  So, we pray you integrate this aspect of health living into your homes Free Range Families Homeschool Podcast (@freerangefamilies) • Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/freerangefamilies/] Watch Us! Free Range Families - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2P559XCX9PR3QEoL7y5xQ] Shop our Merch Store! [https://freerangefamilies.printify.me/] RAISE Them UP: A Homeschooling and Parenting Substack | Brittany Stewart [https://homeschoolunderground.substack.com/]