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/

Kaitlin Zara sits down with law professor, award-winning author, and longtime homeschool advocate Tony Kolenc to unpack some of the most important legal questions homeschooling families face.

From record-keeping and testing requirements to special-needs services, extracurricular access, and protecting your family against unwanted inquiries, Tony offers clear, practical, and empowering guidance for homeschool parents in every state.

With 21 years of military service and decades of legal experience, Tony brings both expertise and compassion to the conversation, plus a memorable story about Tim Tebow’s impact on homeschool sports access.

Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or many years in, this episode will help you feel confident, informed, and supported.

SHOW NOTES

Learn More About Our Guest:

• Instagram: @antonykolenc
• Website: antonykolenc.com
• Books: https://amzn.to/4rvutqO

HSLDA: https://hslda.org/

Practical Homeschooling: https://www.practicalhomeschooling.com/

What We Cover in This Episode

• Understanding Your State’s Homeschool Laws
• Essential Records Every Homeschool Family Should Keep
• Testing Requirements: What’s Mandatory & What’s Optional
• Special Needs Services for Homeschoolers
• Your Rights If a District or Social Worker Knocks on Your Door
• Extracurriculars, Sports & the “Tim Tebow” Laws

Today's Sponsor: Homeschool Connections - Live and recorded online courses for Catholic homeschooling families from expert instructors who love their faith.

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/

In today's episode, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with interior designer, entrepreneur, and author Whitney English to talk about how to create a beautiful, organized, and faith-filled homeschool space, no matter the size of your home.

Whether your “classroom” is the dining room table or a designated schoolroom, Whitney offers practical, budget-friendly advice for reducing clutter, choosing the right storage solutions, and designing a space that truly works for your family.

But the conversation goes deeper than decor, Whitney and Kaitlin discuss how to cultivate peace, spiritual growth, and strong family relationships within the homeschool environment.

With humor, honesty, and plenty of real-life stories, Whitney reminds parents that organization is a process, imperfection is normal, and the heart of a meaningful homeschool space is love, patience, and connection.

Thank you to our sponsor, Benedictine College, which makes this podcast possible! Benedictine College is located in the small, picturesque town of Atchison, Kansas. The college is Newman Guide recommended and ranked as a top college in both U.S. News and The Wall Street Journal. Benedictine is also homeschool-friendly, offering a family-oriented atmosphere, small class sizes, and outstanding ministry and student life programs. Visit benedictine.edu to learn more.

WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:

• How to design a multifunctional homeschool area—even if you use your dining room table

• Why rolling carts, china cabinets, and non-plastic containers can transform your space

• The importance of organizing first, decorating second

• How clutter affects a child’s focus—and how parents can maintain clarity during busy homeschool days

• Creative ideas for involving children in home organization and teaching real-life skills

• Why a spiritually nurturing homeschool space is more about relationship and vulnerability than decor

• Fun rapid-fire tips on furniture, fabrics, and refreshing kids’ rooms

• How to display children’s artwork in stylish, meaningful ways

SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES:

• Three-shelf rolling cart: https://amzn.to/3JNXbSJ
• Whitney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyenglish/
• Whitney on Substack: https://whitneyenglish.substack.com/
• Book: Organize First, Decorate Second (Whitney English): https://amzn.to/44dIbEq

• Book: A More Beautiful Life (Whitney English): https://amzn.to/482rfCa

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/

Make sure to check out our Catholic Homeschool Blog for more homeschooling tips, support, and practical help!

Visit our Podcast page at Catholic Homeschool Podcast.