Exciting news! The podcast just hit 5k downloads on the podcast players!

When I started this thing, I barely thought my childhood friends would listen, so knowing that thousands have tuned in to hear our stories is unbelievable.

Thank all of you who have made this show the success that it is.

- Jacob Gooden

Where does online school fit into the homeschooling conversation? In this week's episode, I sat down with Mindy Hackler to explore that question while unpacking the similarities and differences between public online education and traditional homeschooling. We discuss educational gaps, socialization, student safety, and why the rapid growth of homeschooling is forcing us to rethink how we define home-based education.

We also dive into the broader cultural and political influence of the homeschooling movement, the role of regulation, and why nuanced conversations are essential if we want to improve educational outcomes without losing the flexibility that makes alternative education valuable. Whether you were homeschooled, attended online school, or are simply interested in education policy, this episode offers plenty to think about.

What happens when the beliefs that shaped your entire childhood start to unravel?

Liz returns to have an honest conversation about growing up in a deeply religious homeschool environment, navigating purity culture, and slowly questioning the ideas that once defined her identity. We explore the complicated relationship between faith, community, grief, healing, and why deconstruction is often far more about asking questions than rejecting everything outright.

If you've ever wrestled with religious expectations, struggled to separate your beliefs from the culture around you, or wondered whether others have walked a similar path, this episode is one you'll want to hear.

Last weekend, we had our first official book club meeting and it was a blast!

Not only did we discuss our takeaways from Homeschooled, we also shared some of our own homeschool experience.

We also choose our next book. Starting in August, we’ll be reading Educated by Tara Westover. So if you’d like to join us, be sure to grab your copy and join the conversation on Fable.

More info will be coming later in July so stay tuned.

See you guys on Friday for a new episode.

With peace and love,

Jacob G