Épisodes

  • The Early Days of Homeschooling: A Conversation with Rhonda Cunningham | Episode 44
    Nov 21 2025

    In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Amy Bragdon interviews her mother, Rhonda Cunningham, who began homeschooling her family in 1984. They discuss the early days of homeschooling, the challenges faced, and the evolution of resources available to homeschooling families. Rhonda shares her experiences, insights, and advice for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and adaptability in the homeschooling journey.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, home education, IAHE, homeschool pioneer, homeschool trailblazer, parenting, 1980s education

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Community resources were essential for homeschooling success.
    • Parental involvement is crucial for children's success.
    • Homeschooling is not a guaranteed success; effort is required.
    • Flexibility in the curriculum is important for diverse age groups.
    • Trusting the process and adapting is key to homeschooling.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

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    32 min
  • Season 2 Wrap-Up with Tara and Courtney | Episode 40
    Nov 15 2025

    In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Tara Bentley and Courtney Nalin reflect on their experiences in homeschooling, the development of Courtney’s homeschool resource center, and the importance of community and connection. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and homeschooling, navigating personal losses, and the lessons learned along the way.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, homeschool community, IAHE, work-life balance, homeschool challenges, home education

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Community and connection are vital in homeschooling.
    • Balancing work and homeschooling is challenging but rewarding.
    • Every season of homeschooling brings new challenges and blessings.
    • Don't compare your homeschooling journey to others.
    • You are the best teacher for your child.
    • Encouragement can come from unexpected places.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

    Learn more about Courtney’s homeschool resource center>>>

    https://joshuatreehomeschoolhub.org/

    Visit the Facebook page for the homeschool resource center>>>

    https://www.facebook.com/joshuatreehomeschoolhub

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    23 min
  • Protecting Parental Rights: What Every Indiana Family Should Know | Episode 43
    Nov 5 2025

    In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Amy Sager talks with Bradley Pierce, a co-founding attorney of Heritage Defense, about key laws every Indiana parent should understand. Their discussion covers topics such as vaccine mandates for homeschoolers, mandatory child abuse reporting, minors’ healthcare consent rights, corporal discipline laws, car seat and child safety regulations, and parental rights during CPS visits. This important conversation highlights why knowing these laws is essential for protecting parental rights and keeping children safe.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, parental rights, Indiana parenting laws, child protection, CPS, vaccine mandates, healthcare consent, corporal punishment, Indiana car seat laws, child supervision, Heritage Defense, IAHE

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Know which laws apply to homeschoolers.
    • Understand parental rights and responsibilities
    • Be informed about minors’ healthcare consent
    • Follow child safety and supervision guidelines
    • Know your rights in CPS situations
    • Understanding the law protects your family

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

    Learn more about Heritage Defense>>>

    https://heritagedefense.org/

    Learn more in this Heritage Defense article>>>

    https://heritagedefense.org/8-Laws-Every-Parent-Should-Know

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    30 min
  • Homeschool Advocacy in Action: Illinois Legislative Challenges | Episode 42
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Tara Bentley and Kirk Smith, the Executive Director of the ICHE, discuss the recent legislative challenges faced by homeschoolers in Illinois, with a particular focus on HB 2827. They explore the implications of this bill, the mobilization of the homeschooling community, and the broader context of public education failures. They emphasize the importance of advocacy and vigilance in protecting homeschooling freedom.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, home education, HB 2827, homeschool freedom, homeschool legislation, ICHE, IAHE, CRHE

    TAKEAWAYS

    • House Bill 2827 was a significant threat to homeschooling in Illinois.
    • The bill was based on misconceptions about homeschooling and abuse.
    • Community mobilization was crucial in opposing the bill.
    • The legislative process can be unpredictable and requires constant vigilance.
    • The homeschooling community must remain united and informed.
    • Advocacy is essential for preserving homeschooling freedoms.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

    Stay updated on HB2827 >>>

    https://iche.org/legal/hb2827-updates

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    34 min
  • Season 3 Kickoff: Journeys, Growth, and What's Next | Episode 41
    Oct 27 2025

    In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, co-hosts Tara Bentley and Amy Bragdon kick off Season Three by discussing their personal journeys in homeschooling, the evolution of homeschooling, and the myriad opportunities available for homeschoolers today. They emphasize the importance of finding balance in homeschooling activities and provide a sneak peek into upcoming episodes.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, IAHE, home education, homeschool journey

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The opportunities for homeschoolers today are vastly greater than in the past.
    • Finding balance in homeschooling activities is crucial for family consistency.
    • Homeschooling is becoming more accepted in society, reducing stigma.
    • IAHE is a key organization supporting homeschooling in Indiana.
    • Tara and Amy encourage listener engagement and story sharing.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

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    24 min
  • Beyond the Textbook: Jay Wile on Science, Faith, and Homeschooling | Episode 39
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Courtney Nalin interviews Dr. Jay Wile, a former nuclear chemistry professor turned homeschool curriculum developer. Jay shares his insights on the strengths of homeschool graduates, the value of hands-on, curiosity-driven learning, and the importance of tailoring education to each child’s unique needs. He emphasizes that parents are best equipped to guide their children’s learning and reassures them that imperfect homeschooling often surpasses traditional education. The conversation also touches on integrating a biblical worldview into science education and creating an engaging, multi-age curriculum.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, science education, biblical worldview, Jay Wile, curriculum, education resources, hands-on learning, fostering curiosity, learning experiences, homeschooling challenges

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Facilitating learning is key in homeschooling, especially for older students.
    • Parents should focus on guiding their children rather than traditional teaching.
    • A biblical worldview can enhance the study of science.
    • Learning alongside children can foster a love for education.
    • The main goal is to help your children figure out how to educate themselves.
    • Fostering curiosity is essential in learning.

    https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

    Purchase Dr. Wile’s curriculum and discover other online resources>>> https://bereanbuilders.com/

    Subscribe to Dr. Wile’s blog, access free online resources, and more>>>

    https://blog.drwile.com/

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    44 min
  • Navigating College Choices for Christian Families | Episode 38
    May 6 2025

    In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Amy Sager and Joy White discuss how Christian parents can navigate the college decision process with faith and intention. They explore the importance of a genuine Christian education, practical steps for evaluating potential universities, and the importance of a solid spiritual foundation. The conversation also touches on the benefits of homeschooling and highlights Cedarville University and its commitment to academic and spiritual growth.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, Christian education, faith, college selection, Christian universities, student life, Cedarville University

    TAKEAWAYS

    • Choosing a genuinely Christian university is crucial for spiritual growth.
    • Parents should vet colleges beyond their name to ensure true Christian values.
    • Campus life and community engagement are important for the student experience.
    • Cedarville University offers a strong Christian community and academic programs.
    • Academic excellence is a priority at Cedarville, with strong acceptance rates for graduate programs.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

    Explore Cedarville University>>>

    https://www.cedarville.edu/

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    52 min
  • Legislation & Liberty: 2025 Legislative Wrap-up | Episode 37
    Apr 30 2025

    In this episode, Tara Bentley and Kylene Varner discuss the recent legislative session in Indiana, focusing on key bills affecting homeschooling and parental rights. They provide insights into the potential implications of Senate Bill 483 and the significance of the Parental Rights Bill, as well as clarify misconceptions surrounding the Diploma Bill. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by the Make Homeschool Safe Act and the need for vigilance in protecting homeschooling freedoms.

    KEYWORDS

    homeschooling, parental rights, diploma bill, homeschooling freedom, Indiana education, homeschooling laws, education reform, legislative updates

    TAKEAWAYS

    • The legislative session in Indiana saw significant discussions around homeschooling laws.
    • Bill 438 aimed to restrict homeschooling rights but was ultimately not passed.
    • The Diploma Bill clarifies the status of diplomas for homeschoolers and non-accredited schools.
    • The Make Homeschool Safe Act poses a threat to homeschooling freedoms.
    • Legislative vigilance is crucial as threats to homeschooling can arise unexpectedly.
    • Definitions and clarity in educational options are essential for protecting homeschooling rights.

    Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/

    Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>> https://iahe.net/join/

    Join the conversation! >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

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    37 min