Podcast
Homeschooling IRL
Hosted by Andy and Kendra Fletcher · EN
These witty podcasters like to poke sticks at the conventional and with heaps of grace they will confront a few of the sacred cows that Christian homeschoolers like to worship. Their love for the Gospel will remind their listeners on every episode of the freedom that Christ pours out in generous amounts. Grace Wins!
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Episodes
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I Love Homeschooling, But I’ll Tell You Its Flaws
3w ago00:56:22Tap to summarizeSpecial Replay: The Flaws and Benefits of Homeschooling Homeschooling IRL — Episode 15 | Updated replay for 2026 From the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. This episode is a special replay, updated for 2026. In it, veteran homeschooling parents Fletch and Kendra sit down with homeschool graduate Matthew Mason for one of their most-talked-about conversations — an honest, gracious look at the good, the hard, and the complicated of growing up in the Christian homeschool world. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by CTC Math. Finding a math curriculum that works for your family can be a challenge! With CTCMath, all of your kids from K–12 can learn at their own pace with one family subscription. With a CTCMath membership, you have access to all grades and lessons, which means your children can work at whatever level is best for them — whether they need to catch up, keep up, or move ahead. CTCMath is offering listeners a half-price discount plus a bonus 6 months when you register for a 12-month membership. That means a complete online homeschool math curriculum for all your kids for 18 months! Learn more and claim the offer → About This Episode Matthew Mason is a homeschool graduate and a longtime friend of Fletch and Kendra’s family. Homeschooled K–12 and adopted before birth by a pro-life activist mother, Matthew grew up inside what he calls “the bubble” — a reformed, close-knit Christian homeschool community. As a young adult he came out as gay, left that community, and began searching for truth on his own terms. In this candid studio interview, he reflects on what homeschooling gave him and where it fell short. Together they dig into the questions a lot of homeschool families are afraid to ask: What do we do when a child walks away from the faith or the lifestyle they were raised in? How do we love well when we disagree deeply? And how do we keep our hope anchored in Christ rather than in our parenting? What Fletch & Kendra Talk About The fear of raising a “prodigal” — and why hope shouldn’t rest in your parenting or results “Hope shifting”: where homeschool parents quietly place their trust Matthew’s story: adoption, the pro-life movement, speech competitions, and leaving the bubble The pros of homeschooling — a tailored, interactive education from the person who knows the child best The flaws — filtered books and music, a single worldview, and kids who never learn to think for themselves How the church and homeschool community can respond with compassion instead of rejection Listening to your kids — really listening — and keeping the lines of communication open A Listener Note This is one of Homeschooling IRL’s more honest, “hot potato” conversations. Fletch and Kendra interview a guest whose beliefs and choices differ from their own and from many listeners’ — not to endorse, but to model gracious, open dialogue. As they put it, when your identity is anchored in Christ, you can listen to anything without fear. More From Homeschooling IRL If this episode resonated, here are other Homeschooling IRL conversations referenced in it: Love in the House — with Chris Jube, on a large homeschool family that decided to “figure out the love thing.” How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home (Ep. 13) — with Barrett & Jennifer Johnson. Homeschooling Will Save Your Children — the two-part series on where our hope for our kids really belongs. How Do I Talk to My Kids About Sex? (Ep. 16) — the follow-up episode, again featuring Barrett & Jennifer Johnson on their book The Talks. More Shows on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network There’s a homeschool podcast for everyone on the network. A few you may enjoy: The Homeschool Sanity Show — Melanie Wilson on keeping your sanity while you homeschool. Vintage Homeschool Moms — Felice Gerwitz with practical, been-there encouragement. Making Biblical Family Life Practical — Hal & Melanie Young on faith and family. Finish Well — Meredith Curtis on homeschooling through high school and beyond. The Homeschool Highschool Podcast — Vicki Tillman on navigating the high school years. Homeschooling with Technology — Meryl van der Merwe on tech tools and tech wisdom. Creation Science Podcast — faith-based science for curious families. Homeopathy for Mommies — Sue Meyer on natural remedies for the home. Homeschool Curious Podcast — for families just exploring the homeschool path. Ultimate Homeschool Radio Show — foundational help for getting started. Browse the full lineup at ultimateradioshow.com. Connect With Homeschooling IRL Website: HomeschoolingIRL.com Facebook: facebook.com/HomeschoolingIRL Email: info@homeschoolingirl.com The Homeschooling IRL podcast is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. This 2026 replay is sponsored by CTC Math. The post I Love Homeschooling, But I’ll Tell You Its Flaws appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Homeschooling The Struggling Learner
Mar 300:27:54Tap to summarizeAre you homeschooling a struggling learner? Fletch and Kendra share three practical ideas for you as you consider homeschooling a child who struggles. Join us for this week’s episode as we answer a listener’s question about how to give struggling learners the time and attention they need. EPISODE TIMELINE :50 Fluff – shout out to John Wilkerson 6:33 Homeschooling the Struggling Learner 23:25 Wrapping it up 25:41 The show is over. Goodbye! SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website Fletch Twitter Kendra Twitter Previous Episodes Mentioned: All of them Music clips used on this episode: None SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is: Follow this link to our iTunes page. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smartphone. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5 stars (hint hint!). Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: CTC Math | A Great Math Curriculum for Homeschool Families LISTEN HERE Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below. Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades. The post Homeschooling The Struggling Learner appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Homeschooling The Struggling Learner – HIRL Episode 102 Replay
Jan 2700:27:54Tap to summarizeAre you homeschooling a struggling learner? Fletch and Kendra share three practical ideas for you as you consider homeschooling a child who struggles. Join us for this week’s episode as we answer a listener’s question about how to give struggling learners the time and attention they need. EPISODE TIMELINE :50 Fluff – shout out to John Wilkerson 6:33 Homeschooling the Struggling Learner 23:25 Wrapping it up 25:41 The show is over. Goodbye! SHOW NOTES: Recommended Resources: Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website Fletch Twitter Kendra Twitter Previous Episodes Mentioned: All of them Music clips used on this episode: None SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW: Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is: Follow this link to our iTunes page. IMPORTANT STEP: Under our big red HomeschoolingIRL logo, just click on View in iTunes The iTunes program will automatically launch and take you to our podcast page. FIRST – Click SUBSCRIBE. Voila! All or our podcasts will come directly to your computer and smartphone. NEXT – Click RATINGS AND REVIEW. Remember the best reviews are 5 stars (hint hint!). Thanks for being one of our listeners! HIRLers rock! WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL? You can listen right on this page. There is an audio player below. You can listen on your iPod, Smartphone or tablet. Open the PODCAST app on your device, search podcasts for “HomeschoolingIRL” and click subscribe. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Subscribe to the HomeschoolingIRL website and you will be notified when every new episode is released. Follow this link and begin your FREE SUBSCRIPTION. ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS: CTC Math | A Great Math Curriculum for Homeschool Families LISTEN HERE Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below. Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace and KendraFletcher.com) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every week as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades. The post Homeschooling The Struggling Learner – HIRL Episode 102 Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →How to Raise A Pagan Kid In A Christian Home – HIRL Replay
Jan 14Tap to summarizeHow to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home (with Barrett & Jennifer Johnson) Sponsored by CTCMath.com Episode Snapshot What happens when “good behavior” gets mistaken for gospel transformation? In this episode, Fletch and Kendra sit down with Barrett and Jennifer Johnson to talk about how Christian families (especially homeschool families) can unintentionally raise kids who know the rules—but don’t know grace. They unpack legalism, “recipe parenting,” identity, and what it looks like to shepherd kids toward Jesus instead of toward performance. This is a replay of an earlier broadcast and links and events mentioned in the podcast have been updated in the show notes. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About… Why legalism and moralism can quietly “check God out of the equation” The viral blog post: “How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home” The difference between raising well-behaved kids and raising kids who understand grace The trap of recipe parenting and the myth of “perfect outcomes” Moral Therapeutic Deism and why it resonates with many Christian families Homeschool pressure: when kids become a reflection of the parent’s identity “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” (what’s good, what can go sideways) Helping kids engage the world with discernment instead of fear Why kids need space to ask questions and wrestle with faith What dads need to hear: modeling humility, confession, and relationship Guest Spotlight: Barrett & Jennifer Johnson Barrett & Jennifer Johnson share their family story, ministry background, and what led Barrett to write the viral post that sparked this episode. About the Johnsons: Live in Atlanta (after moving from Texas) Married 23 years Parents of five kids, including a sweet adoption story with an open adoption relationship Barrett runs INFO for Families (Imperfect & Normal Families Only) Barrett shares how the post went viral: 150,000 views in 5–6 days 500,000+ views in the first month Big Takeaways Christianity isn’t primarily about “being good.” It’s about Jesus. Kids can learn rules without learning grace. Homeschool culture can unintentionally encourage identity-driven parenting (“Don’t embarrass me.”) The goal isn’t to “have your kids’ hearts”—it’s to point their hearts to Christ. Parents modeling confession (“I was wrong. Forgive me.”) matters more than image management. Dads play a powerful role when they lead with love + relationship, not distance + pressure. Encouragement for Dads (Don’t Skip This ) Barrett speaks directly to fathers about being the “lead confessor” in the home: Don’t confuse leadership with being harsh or distant High standards without grace create discouragement and disconnect Kids are more likely to listen to someone they like and trust Model repentance, humility, tenderness, and truth Jennifer adds what mattered most in their homeschool years: <li data-start="3452" data-end="3...
Transcribe →Special Replay: HomeschoolingIRL Episode 6: I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, But…
Sep 2300:45:22Tap to summarizeThinking about homeschooling? Have a friend who is? Are you thinking about homeschooling? On this episode of Homeschooling IRL, we’ll answer your burning questions about homeschooling, such as, “Will my kids have to raise their hands to ask to go to the bathroom?”, “What about the prom?”, and “Who gets to be the lunch lady?” Just kiddin’. We’ve polled moms and dads who are thinking about homeschooling and asked them what concerns them most. We didn’t prompt or suggest their comments, and you just might find yourself relating to what they have to say. When told they fear burnout, kids who turn out wacky, and their own academic shortcomings, we responded with honesty and transparency with some good old-fashioned humor and self-deprecation mixed in. This is the stuff of real life! This podcast is sponsored by CTC Math Homeschoolers – 1/2 Price after FREE TRIAL. Click the link to get started. Thinking About Homeschooling Show Notes: Summary of Thinking About Homeschooling Ctcmath.com. 0:00 Intro to homeschooling in real life. 1:19 It takes a lot of time and commitment. 6:25 The reality of homeschooling in real life. 11:50 I don’t know if I can do this right. 21:06 Why science is hard to homeschool? 23:30 Q and A with Candy. 29:27 What do you mean by socialization? 34:00 How to bring Jesus into your home? 39:52 CTC Math Sponsored Podcast Are you looking for a new math curriculum? Well, CTC Math specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning favorably reviewed in Kathy Duffy’s 102 Topics and the Old Schoolhouse Crew Review. The lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math and a whole new way. The lessons are taught their traditional way, not to the test. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way. And in only a few minutes at a time. Using a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with a practical assessment, even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results. And the ones that were doing okay before now are doing brilliantly. Visit CTC math today and start your free trial. That’s CTCmath.com. Loved Thinking About Homeschooling? Try These Recommended Podcasts Find a Math Curriculum That Works How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun? Best of Homeschooling IRL: I Love Homeschooling, But I Hate Teaching Writing <iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-emb...
Transcribe →Special Replay: What To Do About Sibling Relationships?
Aug 2200:39:41Tap to summarizeSpecial Replay: We received a message on the HomeschoolingIRL Facebook page that said, “Please, please, please do an episode on siblings fighting. Thanks!” Sibling relationships. Sibling rivalries. Siblings fighting. We put out the question to our listeners and they responded with story after story of siblings who know how to tease, fight and use sarcasm like professionals. On this episode, we dig into the topic of parenting through sibling relationships in your homeschool. Fletch and Kendra open up about their own family and share practical advice for handling those tricky, sticky moments when brothers and sisters want to be anything but best friends. We also announce our coffee contest winner and we each answer the question: “What Ben/Jerry’s ice cream flavor would you create and what would you call it?” Music clips used on this show: “George Street Shuffle” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Three Little Birds, Ziggy Marley (Click on link to purchase) Pick A Little/Talk A Little, The Music Man (Click on link to purchase) Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math! The post Special Replay: What To Do About Sibling Relationships? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Best of HIRL: Back To School (Replay)
Aug 12Tap to summarizeAre you starting your school year? In this Best of HIRL, we gather around the teacher’s lounge and gear up for another year of teaching our kids at home. When this episode first ran, Fletch and Kendra were starting their 19th year of homeschooling with a bang and letting you in on the fun. In this episode, they also imparted 5 questions to ask yourself as you head back to school this year. Join us and let’s get the school year rolling! Sponsored by CTCMath.com SHOW NOTES to Back to School: Episode Title: Back to School: Starting a New Homeschool Year Podcast: HomeschoolingIRL on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network Introduction: In this “Best of” episode of HomeschoolingIRL on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network, hosts Fletch and Kendra gather around the virtual teacher’s lounge to kick off another exciting year of homeschooling. With the start of their 19th year of homeschooling, they share their enthusiasm and insights for a successful year ahead. Episode Highlights: – The hosts, Fletch and Kendra, share their experiences and excitement as they embark on their 19th year of homeschooling. – Listeners get a glimpse into the hosts’ homeschooling journey and the growth they’ve witnessed over the years. – Fletch and Kendra discuss their approach to starting the new homeschool year with energy and enthusiasm. – The hosts introduce 5 thought-provoking questions to help homeschooling parents reflect and prepare for the upcoming school year. Main Discussion: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting the New School Year: 1. **What Are Your Goals?** – The hosts encourage parents to define their goals for the upcoming year. Whether it’s academic achievements, character development, or fostering specific skills, having clear goals can guide the homeschooling journey. 2. What Worked Last Year? – Reflecting on the previous year’s successes and challenges helps parents identify what teaching methods, curriculum, and routines were effective. This reflection can inform decisions for the new year. 3. What Needs Improvement? – Fletch and Kendra suggest addressing areas that might need improvement. Whether it’s time management, organization, or addressing specific subjects, being honest about weaknesses can lead to growth. 4. How Can You Make Learning Engaging? – The hosts emphasize the importance of making learning enjoyable and engaging for both parents and students. They discuss creative ideas to spark curiosity and excitement in the learning process. 5. How Will You Take Care of Yourself? – Fletch and Kendra stress the significance of self-care for homeschooling parents. Balancing responsibilities and personal well-being contributes to a healthier homeschooling environment. Conclusion: As the hosts gear up for their 19th year of homeschooling, they inspire listeners to approach the new school year with intention, excitement, and a commitment to growth. By addressing the provided questions, parents can lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling homeschooling journey. For more insights and tips on starting a new homeschool year with enthusiasm and purpose, tune in to this “Best of” episode of HomeschoolingIRL on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. **Resources Mentioned:** – [Any relevant resources or links mentioned during the episode] **Disclaimer:** The information and opinions shared in this podcast episode are for informational purposes only. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and do their own research before making any educational decisions. *Please note that the above show notes are a creative representation and should be reviewed, revised, or modified as per your specific requirements and the actual content of the episode.* Recommended Resources: None Follow Fletch/Kendra: Fletch Twitter Kendra Twitter Follow the Studio Dogs: Betty the Surf Dog – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website Rasta The Chocolate Lab – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Website Previous Episodes Mentioned: None Music clips used on this episode: What Did You Learn In School Today? by Pete Seeger – Buy It Here On iTunes The post Best of HIRL: Back To School (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →HomeschoolingIRL Episode 4: Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, Part One
Jul 1400:32:39Tap to summarizeHomeschooling Will Save Your Kids? Sponsored by CTCMath.com Most of us won’t say outright that we think homeschooling will save your kids, but many of us pack this idea in the back of our minds: if we only do it right, our kids will turn out to be good, godly adults. Is that true? Can we trust that homeschooling will save your kids? On this episode, we share our own homeschool journey, where we think we got it right, where we know we got it wrong, and then we’ll bring some levity to the whole show by recommending some things we love and a new segment called “Q and A with K and A.” Join us for Homeschooling IRL Episode #4, where we peel back the layers of our own hearts and expose the areas where we may be relying on our own good works to deliver our kids to the finish line. SHOW NOTES: EPISODE 4 – HOMESCHOOLING WILL SAVE YOUR CHILDREN, PART 1 Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life. The post HomeschoolingIRL Episode 4: Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, Part One appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Talking With Kids About Tragedy – Special Replay
Jul 8, 2025Tap to summarizeTalking with Kids About Tragedy Tragedy. In terms of media and social media, tragedy has become a staple of our daily diet. The world seems to be going crazy and the news is full of stories that are difficult for kids to process and understand. How do we talk to our children about race issues, murder, terrorism, and other tragic current events? On this episode, we dive right into modern events and take on the headlines of the day. We discuss ages and appropriateness of content and conversation, how to address our children’s fears, and of course how to bring the gospel into every conversation. Special Thanks to our Network Sponsor! CTC Math. The post Talking With Kids About Tragedy – Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →Special Replay | Can Your Homeschooler Go To College – HIRL Episode 27
Jun 30, 202500:53:32Tap to summarizeCan Your Homeschooler Go To College? The answer to this question is obvious: we all know that homeschoolers can go to college! This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills. On this episode of Homeschooling In Real Life, Fletch and Kendra get real and challenge their listeners to join them in a difficult discussion about fear and trusting God as they contemplate sending their children onto higher education. Along the way, they sit down with two college admissions counselor. They ask them to share the experiences they have had when homeschoolers apply to college. How are we doing when it comes to academic preparedness, pride and preparing our kids for college? Finally, Fletch and Kendra wrap up their show with a special edition of the HIRLer’s Treasure Chest. Tune in to see what these two are recommending for you now! Homeschool College Success Not only can homeschoolers go to college, they can succeed when they are there. Time and again, we have seen the statistics. There are a wide variety of college prep opportunities for homeschool kids. Episode Timeline 03:45 – Fletch/Kenj talk begins the discussion about parenting from a place of fear. 15:13 – Grand Canyon University Admission reps Nick Chandler, and Carrie Fox-Buttram joins the discussion. 45:29 – HIRL’ers Treasure Chest Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life. Enjoy This Podcast? Listen in to more: MBFLP 94 – Choosing A College College Prep Genius Introduction The post Special Replay | Can Your Homeschooler Go To College – HIRL Episode 27 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
Transcribe →