Guest: Paul McCusker Sponsor: Homeschool Connections

Award Winning Homeschool Writing Program: https://awa.homeschoolconnections.com/

Award-winning writer and dramatist Paul McCusker joins host Kaitlin Zara for a rich conversation on how storytelling forms the imagination, strengthens family culture, and elevates your homeschool. Drawing from decades of work on Adventures in Odyssey, Augustine Institute Radio Theatre, and his many books, Paul explains why stories matter, how they bypass our defenses, and how parents can intentionally use fiction, audio dramas, oral storytelling, and even family history to educate the heart as well as the mind.

He also addresses the challenges of screens and short attention spans, offering practical ideas for nurturing attention, vocabulary, and critical thinking in an age of distraction.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Paul’s work or new to his storytelling genius, this episode will transform the way you think about the role of story in your homeschool.

Paul McCusker is a writer, director, and producer best known for:

• Adventures in Odyssey

• Augustine Institute & Focus on the Family Radio Theatre

• Into the Catacombs, The Adventures of Nick & Sam, The Virtue Chronicles, and more

Website: https://www.paulmccusker.com/ Books: https://catholic.market/books/hope-springs/ Adventures in Odyssey: https://www.adventuresinodyssey.com/

• Stories bypass defenses and speak to the heart in ways facts cannot.

• Jesus Himself used stories to illuminate truth.

• Kids often perceive the deeper meaning of a story faster than adults.

  riverside paul & kaitlin dec 01…

• Strong characters, a compelling plot, and meaningful themes.

• Stories shouldn’t “talk down” to kids.

• Parents should consider both craft and moral worldview when selecting books.

• A well-told story teaches naturally — without sacrificing good writing.

• Stories reveal worldview, morality, and human nature.

• They help children discuss emotions and experiences they might otherwise hide.

• Read-alouds, audio dramas, dramatizations, and family memories all belong in education.

• Storytelling provides context, connection, and a sense of belonging in history.

• Family stories foster identity and gratitude.

• The hierarchy of imagination: reading → live storytelling → audio drama → screen.

• The more a medium “fills in,” the less the imagination works.

• Parents must balance devices with imaginative disciplines.

• Meals and family time should be sacred spaces without screens.

• Good authors don’t write down to kids.

• Rich storytelling exposes children to higher-level vocabulary organically.

• Stories help kids analyze motives, consequences, virtue, and vice.

  riverside paul & kaitlin dec 01…

Homeschool Connections – Live and recorded online courses taught by experts who love their faith. Learn more at https://homeschoolconnections.com

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/

Catholic Homeschool Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/

Catholic Homeschool Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/

Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more homeschool inspiration each week!

What happens when a Catholic mom turns a handful of goats and chickens into a thriving family farm?

Kaitlin Zara sits down with Christina Mula of MooLa Farm to discuss how homesteading, healthy eating, and hands-on learning can beautifully enrich your homeschool life.

From gardening with kids to sourcing real food on a budget to embracing small beginnings, Christina offers practical, joyful wisdom every family can use—no acreage required!

Plus, don’t miss her encouraging reminder at 19:38: “Start small…and you will get there.”

Today's Sponsor is Homeschool Connections: Live and recorded online courses for Catholic homeschooling families, taught by expert instructors who love their faith. Learn more at https://homeschoolconnections.com/

Show Notes

Meet Our Guest:

Christina Mula Christina is a Catholic wife, homeschooling mom, and the founder of Moola Farm, a family-run, organic-only farm created to nourish her home and community. What began with a dream and a few animals has grown into a source of fresh produce, baked goods, and inspiration for families seeking a more intentional way of living.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moolafarm/

Website: https://moolafarm.org/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moolafarm

In This Episode We Discuss:

How Moola Farm Began

Starting with goats, chickens, and a simple desire to feed her family well

The unexpected growth into a community-serving farm business

Homesteading as a Homeschool Lifestyle

How gardening becomes a natural, hands-on science curriculum

Easy ways to involve your kids—even little ones—in growing food

Connecting daily chores with responsibility, gratitude, and stewardship

Healthy Eating for Real Families

Simple tips for sourcing better food affordably

Christina’s go-to strategies for meal planning, homemade basics, and reducing processed foods

Teaching kids where food comes from and why it matters

Getting Started—Even If You Don’t Have a Farm

Container gardening

Small-space and suburban options

How to take “the next right step” for your family

Faith, Family, and the Rhythm of the Seasons

How farming life naturally integrates with prayer, liturgical living, and formation

Seeing God’s hand in the slow, beautiful work of growing and tending

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/

Catholic Homeschool Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/

Catholic Homeschool Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/

Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more homeschool inspiration each week!

Author and cultural commentator Noelle Mering joins host Kaitlin Zara to unpack the true meaning of femininity, domestic life, and the “trad wife” conversation, beyond aesthetics and online trends.

From the power of stability in the home to the beauty of complementarity in marriage, Noelle offers rich, faith-filled encouragement for Catholic homeschooling moms. This inspiring conversation will uplift your vocation and remind you why your work in the home matters more than ever.

Fiat Life Coaching – Premium support for Catholic homeschooling moms from Emily Brown. Learn essential skills for time, emotions, and family management in the Happy, Holy Mama Membership. Visit fiatlifecoaching.com

Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center · Author of Awake, Not Woke and the Theology of Home series · Commentator on culture, politics, and religion · Wife and mother of six.

• Instagram: @noellemering

• Website: https://www.noellemering.com/

• Theology of Home: https://theologyofhome.com/

• Books:

  • Awake, Not Woke: https://amzn.to/4oCWhXG

  • Theology of Home I: https://amzn.to/3K4AMkj

  • Theology of Home II: https://amzn.to/43WY5Dh

  • Theology of Home III: https://amzn.to/3M2S6a1

• What the “trad wife” trend gets right—and wrong.

• Why domestic life is countercultural and essential to human flourishing.

• How secular ideologies undermine the family and why stability threatens revolution.

• Understanding authentic Christian submission vs. cultural misunderstandings.

• The difference between luxury and beauty in homemaking.

• Encouragement for working moms and homeschooling moms striving for balance.

• Creating a joyful emotional “ambiance” in the home and why fun matters.

You'll also find Homeschool Connections Podcast on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/hsc_online/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/homeschoolingsaints/

Catholic Homeschool Blog: https://homeschoolconnections.com/blog/

Catholic Homeschool Podcast: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcast/