What happens when the father you are born with isn't the one you needed? In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Patton Dodd joins Jae to discuss his memoir and the complex journey of healing from a childhood shaped by addiction and emotional absence. It is a raw look at how our past shapes us and how we can choose a different path for our own children.

🌟Patton shares the honest reality of growing up with an alcoholic father and how he navigated the father figures he created in his imagination to fill the void. We explore the powerful influence of his mother and sister, the heavy weight of trauma, and why breaking generational cycles is the most important work a parent can do. This conversation dives deep into the identity shifts that happen when we become parents ourselves and the importance of attending to our own wounds so we don't pass them down.

🪴Whether you are a homeschool parent or someone looking to reconcile with your own history, this episode offers profound insights into identity, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to become the parent you never had. Learn why presence is the greatest gift you can give your kids and how to find joy even in the midst of a difficult story.

The Father You Get: And the Ones You Make, Believe In, and Become: Dodd, Patton: 9781506486987: Amazon.com: Books

✨Chapters 📺

0:00 Intro and meet Dr. Patton Dodd 3:15 Growing up with a troubled father7:40 The complexity of two parent households11:20 Papa Friend and making father figures15:30 Dealing with the trauma of an absent presence19:45 The role of siblings in dysfunctional families23:15 Pattons transition into fatherhood27:40 The emotional side of becoming a dad32:10 Finding compassion through family history36:50 Confronting the blame of addiction41:05 My mother was the light in the dark45:30 A story of redemption and late love49:15 The importance of therapy and self care52:40 Final advice for parents and choosing joyIf this conversation resonated with you, please subscribe for more stories on parenting and personal growth.

You can find Pattons book, The Father You Get, at your favorite bookstore or on Audible.

Be sure to visit our website for more resources on your homeschooling journey. 👋

#fatherhood #healing #parenting #mentalhealth #homeschooling

Are you ready to empower your children with the skills they actually need for the future? In this episode, Elena Zakharova joins the show to discuss why financial literacy, digital intelligence, and character development are the most important lessons we can teach our kids today. Discover how to transition from being a passive observer to an active leader in your child's educational journey.

Elena shares her fascinating journey from a 15-year tech veteran at companies like IBM and AMD to the founder of Kid Laboratories. She breaks down the essential components of her Future Proof Kids framework, including the money cycle, the science of AI perception, and the importance of creating goal manifestos. We explore the challenges of raising children in a world of frictionless transactions and instant gratification, and how simple 10-minute weekly conversations can create a massive categorical shift in their development.

Key topics covered in this episode:

🚀 The difference between needs and wants in a digital economy

🤖 How to use AI as a tool for cognitive growth rather than a replacement for it

📈 The 3.5 percent rule for driving social change within families

🛡️ Building courage by allowing kids to experience healthy risk and discomfort

🏠 Creating a family crest and mission statement to ground your household values

Elena Zakharova, founder of Kid Laboratories and known nationwide as “America’s STEM Teacher,” is leading a movement to make STEM, AI, and financial literacy fun, accessible, and confidence-building for kids. With 15+ years of experience in tech and education, she’s helping parents and teachers prepare children for the digital future through engaging, hands-on learning.

Her Kid Laboratories Podcast and upcoming book, Future-Proof Kids: Raising Confident, Capable Children in the Digital Age (December 2025), explore how modern education can evolve to meet today’s demands — bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world skills.

Building Confidence in Teens Through STEM EducationKid Laboratories | Podcast on Spotify

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Elena and Kid Laboratories

2:15 From tech industry veteran to homeschooling advocate

5:40 The parking lot moment that sparked a movement

8:55 Navigating frictionless transactions and modern money

12:20 Removing emotional baggage from financial conversations

15:10 Developing character and mindset through GoalGetter

18:35 Teaching kids the science and ethics behind AI

21:45 Introducing the Future Proof Kids book and resources

25:10 How to use QR codes and workbooks for easy teaching

28:30 The 3.5 percent rule for shifting the next generation

31:50 Understanding the money cycle: Earn, Save, Spend, Budget

35:15 Delayed gratification vs instant gratification in the digital age

39:00 Why discomfort is a sign of growth for children

43:10 Creating goal manifestos and dreaming big

47:45 Building family values and the power of a family crest

51:20 Overprotecting outside vs underprotecting online

54:30 Self-care for parents and the importance of movement

56:15 Where to find Kid Laboratories and final thoughts

Make sure to visit kidlaboratories.com to explore Elena's courses and grab your copy of her new book. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and subscribe for more insights on how to lead your child's educational journey.

#homeschooling #financialliteracy #parenting #education #kidlaboratories

Are you looking for ways to empower your children through literature and representation? Join Jae and special guest Valerie J. Lewis Cohen as they discuss the transformative power of diverse children's books and the mission behind the When I See Me Children's Book Fair.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Valerie shares her journey from publishing relationship advice to becoming a champion for children's literacy. She highlights the startling reality that less than 27 percent of children's books feature characters of color and explains why it is vital for black and brown children to see themselves as the heroes of their own stories.

Valerie also dives deep into the importance of parental advocacy within the school system, sharing personal stories of fighting for her son's academic success and fair treatment. From discussing the school to prison pipeline to the nuances of self-publishing and the power of positive illustrations, this conversation is a must watch for any parent or educator committed to raising confident, literate, and inspired children.

You will learn about the upcoming book fair in Dayton, Ohio, and how providing free books to children can change their entire trajectory.

https://penofthewriter.com/https://wheniseeme.com/https://queenvpublishing.com/

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman is a best-selling author, award-winning publisher, and publishing expert who transforms stories into legacies. With more than twenty years in the industry, she has published over 180 authors—70% of whom became bestsellers—and guided thousands of writers to avoid costly mistakes, publish with excellence, and profit from their books.

As founder of Pen of the Writer, Valerie equips professional speakers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to magnify their message, grow their platforms, and monetize their expertise through publishing. She also leads the groundbreaking When I See Me™ Children’s Book Fair, an initiative that places diverse, empowering stories into the hands of young readers so every child can see themselves as the hero.

A sought-after speaker and mentor, Valerie blends practical industry knowledge with passion for literacy, representation, and empowerment. Her dynamic presentations make publishing simple, profitable, and impactful—helping authors not only write books, but also change lives.

Learn more at PenOfTheWriter.com, QueenVPublishing.com, and WhenISeeMe.com.

Valerie J. Lewis Coleman, serving professional speakers and experts to magnify and monetize their message by publishing quality books!Click here to launch your writing career!When I See Me™ Children's Book Fair is Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Dayton, OH. Join us for a day of literary fun, giveaways, and more. WhenISeeMe.com Donate to A Book in Every Bag Oh, The Things I Can Be When I See Me - Samara and Lyric are cousins who love to visit their grandmother, MeMe.

The girls talk about all the wonderful things they want to be. Their self-esteem and confidence grow as they learn about women who have done what they hope to do. Filled with historical pioneers and modern-day trailblazers, this picture book empowers girls of color by providing examples of successful women who look like them. Click here to get your autographed copy of the Feathered Quill Bronze Award winner! Creative Child Kids Picture Book of the Year!

Readers Favorite Honorable Mention for Children's Educational Books!The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box - Relationship advice that your father didn't tell you and your mother didn't know. Click here to get your autographed copy of this Amazon bestseller. For Kindle, click here; for Audible, click here; for Nook and other formats, click here.

Visit the website mentioned in the video to learn more about the When I See Me Children's Book Fair and how you can support this vital mission. Be sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel for more empowering content, and share your thoughts in the comments below.

What happens when an international educator moves to Puerto Rico for a quiet sabbatical and finds a school system in crisis? Robbie Cobbs joins Jae to discuss how he turned his passion for EdTech into a mission to save the golden rope of education for American kids on the island. This conversation dives deep into the reality of teaching, technology, and the unique challenges facing one of America’s most overlooked territories.In this episode, Robbie shares his incredible journey from teaching in the inner cities of Honolulu and San Diego to working at diplomat schools in Kazakhstan, Qatar, and Nigeria. He reveals the shocking truth about the state of public schools in Puerto Rico, where students are often years behind their mainland peers and teachers earn a fraction of what they do in the states. You will learn about:🚀 The founding of Tech My School and its mission to bridge the digital divide.💻 How a Pimp My Ride approach is being used to upgrade school infrastructure.📚 The unique challenges homeschool families face on an island without public libraries.📈 The intersection of Puerto Rico’s tax haven status and local philanthropy.🌴 Details on the largest EdTech conference in the Caribbean.Robbie’s story is a powerful reminder that one person can make a massive difference by simply showing up and identifying a problem. Whether you are an educator, a homeschool parent, or someone interested in social impact, this episode offers a fascinating look at the power of educational technology.https://techmyschool.org/🕒 Chapters0:00 Intro and Guest Introduction2:45 Robbie’s Global Education Journey5:30 Experience with Remote Learning in Nigeria9:15 Choosing Puerto Rico for Sabbatical12:30 The Shocking State of Puerto Rican Schools16:00 Comparing Global Education Systems19:30 Why Puerto Rico Lags Behind in Metrics22:45 The Reality of Teacher Salaries in PR26:00 Starting the Tech My School Nonprofit29:15 The Pimp My Ride Concept for Schools32:30 Navigating the Tax Haven Landscape36:00 Impact and the Annual EdTech Conference39:45 Supporting Homeschool Families in Puerto Rico43:15 Mobile STEAM Labs and Community Support47:00 Real Estate Laws and Cultural History50:30 Building a Legacy and Advice for Educators53:45 How to Support Tech My School54:53 Video EndIf you are inspired by Robbie’s work, please visit TechMySchool.org to learn more or follow them on Instagram at TechMySchool. Be sure to like this video, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe to the Homeschool Your Kids podcast for more inspiring stories!#homeschooling #edtech #puertorico #educationreform #techmyschool

Are you a busy parent trying to balance homeschooling, running a business, and maintaining your sanity? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amanda, a mother of five and entrepreneur, who shares her real-world journey of navigating family life and business growth. This episode is packed with encouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern parenting.

In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae sits down with Amanda, the founder of Giplings, to discuss the reality of managing a household of five children while building a brand. Amanda opens up about her family's transition from military life in Germany to becoming full-time homeschoolers in the United States right as the world shut down in 2020. She shares how she handles everything from high school dual enrollment and speech and debate to the chaotic energy of toddlers.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

✨ The divine inspiration behind their homeschooling journey.

✨ How to handle opposition from family members who do not understand homeschooling.

✨ The importance of teaching life skills like driving and ordering at restaurants.

✨ How Amanda used her background in apparel design to launch a unique business.

✨ Why slowing down and touching grass is essential for avoiding mom burnout.

Amanda also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her business, Giplings, and why she decided to pivot from handmade bags to her popular duckling bookmarks to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just considering the path, this episode offers a refreshing look at making education a lifestyle.

Amanda's Bio:I'm a busy homeschool mom of 5 juggling the responsibilities of homeschool, extracurricular activities and running a small business. My business, Giplings, is a fruition of my design background and my experience as a mother. Giplings creates gifts for growing in every season of life.

https://giplings.square.site/

CHAPTERS:

00 Intro and Meeting Amanda

3:15 Managing a Household of Five Kids

7:40 Extracurriculars and Social Life

12:20 High School Curriculum and Dual Enrollment

16:50 The Decision to Homeschool

21:15 Starting Homeschooling in March 2020

25:40 Finding Your Homeschool Community

30:05 Handling Family Opposition and Critics

34:30 Building Confidence and Life Skills

39:15 The Modern Independence Gap

43:50 Launching the Giplings Business

48:10 Pivoting Your Business for Family Balance

52:45 Self-Care Tips and Final Advice

Check out the links in the description to learn more about Giplings and upcoming homeschool expos. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the homeschooling community!

#homeschooling #mompreneur #largefamily #education #parenting

Is your teenager truly ready for the future, or are they just following the crowd? Discover how to help your child find their passion, pick the right path, and graduate college completely debt-free.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, host Jae sits down with Shelly Howard, the founder and CEO of College Ready. Shelly shares her incredible journey of helping her own four children graduate without a penny of debt, including one who attended Harvard on a full ride.

Whether your child dreams of being a brain surgeon or an international business owner, this conversation provides the roadmap to get them there.Shelly breaks down the secret sauce of college admissions, emphasizing that it is about much more than just grades.

You will learn about the long runway strategy, why 8th grade is the perfect time to start the conversation, and how to help your teen discover their unique identity and core values. We also dive into the reality of the influencer era, the dangers of certain college majors, and how to avoid the crushing weight of student loans.

https://collegereadyplan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan

https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan

Shellee Howard helps high-achieving families unlock the path to college without debt. As the founder of College Ready and a Certified Educational Consultant, she blends insider admissions knowledge with financial strategy to guide teens toward top-tier schools—including her own children, who all graduated college completely debt-free.

What sets Shellee apart is not just her expertise, but her lived experience. A single mother of four, she navigated the admissions process herself—juggling academics, scholarships, and ambition across blended family dynamics and diverse child personalities. From Ivy League dreams to international study paths, Shellee has done it all. She now works with families worldwide to develop a “Stand Out Strategy” that aligns academic goals with emotional readiness and return on investment.

CHAPTERS0:00 Intro and Guest Introduction3:10 The Story Behind College Ready7:25 Success Stories: From Harvard to Prague11:40 The Long Runway Strategy for Success15:15 Building Intellectual Curiosity in Children18:50 Step One: Helping Your Teen Find Their Identity22:30 Assessing Gifts, Talents, and Core Values26:15 Distinguishing Hobbies from Careers30:40 Social Media and the Comparison Trap34:55 The Influencer Dream and Business Planning38:20 Avoiding the Student Debt Trap42:10 Resources and Global Education Projects45:30 Three Essential Tips for Every Parent48:15 Final Encouragement and ClosingIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review!

For more resources on getting your child college-ready, visit Shelly Howard at her website or check out her best-selling books on Amazon.

#homeschooling #collegeready #scholarships #parenting #debtfreecollege

WELCOME TO THE HOMESCHOOL YO KIDS PODCAST Are you ready to take control of your child’s educational future and reclaim your power as a parent? In this powerful episode, host Jay sits down with visionary strategist Jay Artist Wright to discuss why the current school system is failing our children and how we can advocate for a better way forward. Jay Artist Wright shares her incredible journey from a first-generation college student to a leading education policy advocate. She opens up about her personal struggles with childhood instability, high school trauma, and a near-death health scare that completely shifted her perspective on life, purpose, and legacy. We dive deep into the mission of Freedom to Choose Schools and why it is vital for families to have a seat at the table when it comes to educational policy and school choice.Throughout this conversation, we explore the truth about per-pupil funding, the school-to-prison pipeline, and why the traditional education model remains stuck in the industrial age. This episode is a call to action for every Mama Bear out there to recognize the brilliance in their children and demand an education that treats them with value and respect. Whether you are already homeschooling or exploring new options, you will walk away with the confidence to choose what is best for your family.Jay Artis Wright is the CEO of Freedom to Choose Schools, a national organization advancing educational freedom and parent empowerment. A longtime education advocate, she mobilizes families, educators, and policymakers to expand school choice and improve opportunities for students, particularly in Black and Latino communities, through policy advocacy, civic engagement, and grassroots organizing.RESOURCES AND CONNECT 🔗Learn more at https://chooseschools.org/Connect with Jay Artist Wright on LinkedInDON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE 🔔If you found this episode helpful, please LIKE this video and SHARE it with another parent who needs to hear this message. Your voice matters, and together we can change the future of education!HOMESCHOOL YO KIDS ✨CHAPTERS 🕒0:00 Intro and Meet the Jays3:15 The History and Legacy of the Artist Wright Name6:45 Transitioning from Law to Public Policy10:30 Growing Up with Resilience and Finding Solutions15:00 Moving to Houston and Creating Community19:15 High School Trauma and Why We Need Homeschooling24:00 Facing Bullying and the Importance of Presentation28:30 Overcoming Family Struggles and Substance Abuse32:45 The Mission of Freedom to Choose Schools37:15 Why School Choice is a Civil Right41:30 Breaking the Industrial Age School Model45:45 Understanding Per-Pupil Funding and Parental Agency49:15 A Life-Changing Health Scare and the Power of Self-Care53:00 Three Final Lessons for Every Parent

#166

Discover the homeschooling secrets to empowering students and reimagining what learning looks like! In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast, Jay sits down with Wendy Xanders, decluttering coach and founder of Special Needs Decluttering LLC, to explore life-changing strategies for blending life skills with education. Wendy shares her inspiring homeschool journey, creative ways to simplify learning environments, and how she nurtures a growth mindset through interest-based and hands-on learning.

From teaching life skills like cooking and organization to uncovering the passions of a child with ADHD or autism, Wendy sheds light on the importance of creating a personalized, supportive homeschool community. Learn how her unique approach to empowering students and adapting to their needs builds their independence and confidence for adulthood. Whether it's working alongside families with special needs or guiding teens toward trades, Wendy’s wisdom will help you rethink traditional education.

Join the conversation and become part of the supportive Homeschool Yo Kids community! Visit our website to learn more, follow us on social media, and connect with families who share your passion for student success. Let’s redefine learning together!

#adultingskills #homeschoolcommunitysupport #hands-onlearning #specialneedshomeschooling #timemanagementstrategiesCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:45 - Wendy’s Homeschool Journey05:33 - Finding Passion in Homeschooling09:45 - Transitioning to Adulthood14:55 - Daily Flow and Mindfulness17:19 - Year-Round Homeschooling Benefits17:55 - Japanese Exchange Program Insights23:05 - Starting Special Needs Decluttering29:35 - Working with You: Process Overview34:00 - Identifying Your Ideal Client41:36 - Importance of Self-Care44:54 - Key Takeaways for Listeners49:13 - Final Thoughts and ReflectionsHomeschoolyokidsexpo.com