Radical Learning Talks

The Reset - Epi 5 (Growing Beyond the Edge)

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:59:26 -0400

Episode 5 — Growing Beyond the Edge

When we stop hiding the tools that changed us… everything shifts.

We talk tarot, constellation work, nervous system repair, somatics, and what it means to move from performance to presence.

If you're longing to live this work (or whatever your embodied work is) more fully, more you, more free, this one opens that door.

The Reset - Epi 4 (Under the Surface)

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:59:01 -0400

Episode 4 — Under the Surface

You might think you’re stepping into unschooling to get your kid out of a broken system. But, as we’ve learned, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

In part 4/5 of our Mini Series - The Reset, we name what’s underneath: the deep, often invisible work that emerges after the decision to leave school.

From control and power dynamics to healing, joy, productivity, identity, and intergenerational patterns, this is where deschooling stops being about education and starts becoming about everything.

And we made this Iceberg Knowledge Tracker PDF to help you follow along.

If you’ve done all the “right” things but still feel stuck, this one gets underneath.

The Reset - Epi 3 (Becoming the Story)

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:58:19 -0400

Episode 3 – Becoming the Story

What happens when the work you love starts hurting you? In this part 3/5 of our new Mini Series (The Reset), Becka traces her journey from rebellious student to teacher, to founder, and finally to walking away from the very systems she tried to change. It’s a story about burnout, courage, and the messy beauty of reclaiming joy — even when it means leaving behind what you built.

The Reset - Epi 2 (Peeling the Layers)

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:52:03 -0400

Episode 2 – Peeling the Layers

What if devotion has been disguised as depletion? In this episode of the Mini Series - The Reset: We love this work, but not like this, Sari opens up about her journey through unschooling, burnout, and learning to choose herself again. From questioning inherited systems to redefining what devotion really means, this is a story of peeling back the layers — one truth, one pause, one act of self-trust at a time.

The Reset - Epi 1 (Outgrowing the Pot)

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Episode 1 – Outgrowing the Pot

What happens when the thing you’ve built no longer fits who you’ve become? In this opening episode for our new Mini Series (The Reset: We love this work, but not like this!), we share the moment we realized Radical Learning was ready to evolve — and so were we. From letting go of old identities to embracing joy, alignment, and creative expansion, this is a conversation about growing beyond the limits of what once worked and daring to plant ourselves in wider soil.

Getting ready for something new!

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 01:19:56 -0400

We’ve been in a quiet, tender season - pausing, listening, and letting things evolve. In this short bit, we share a bit about what’s been happening behind the scenes and what’s been calling us forward. We’re also giving you a glimpse of what to expect from our upcoming mini-series, The Reset, dropping November 8th! Stay tuned!

We’re Pausing… and Celebrating 100 Episodes!

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 03:19:11 -0400

We’re pausing to breathe, celebrate 100 episodes 🎉, and make space for what’s next. And so… to thank you for being part of this Radical Learning journey, we’re giving away seats to three of our most loved programs! Sign up for our mailing list on www.radical-learning.org and follow us on Instagram @radical_learning on Instagram and we’ll share all the details on October 23rd!

100. Gathering the Courage to Step Into the Unknown

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:15:38 -0400

In this milestone conversation, we reflect on what courage has meant in our lives and in the journey of unschooling, deschooling, and liberated living. We explore the relationship between fear and courage, the difference between vulnerability and fragility, and how small daily acts of bravery can lead to transformative leaps. We share personal stories of stepping into the unknown - from moving across continents to reshaping family life outside of conventional schooling—and how embracing fear can open portals to growth, dreaming, and expansion.

This episode is both a celebration and an invitation: to meet your fears with curiosity, to honor your vulnerability, and to keep practicing courage as a muscle that

As mentioned in this episode:

Grab our Free Guide:

What to Do When School Stops Working

Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

99. Family, Teachers & Tensions: Critiquing School Without Breaking Relationships

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This episode was born from a heartfelt question we received from a parent in our community. How do you navigate the strong feelings that come up when you’ve seen the harms of the school system - yet your family, friends, or even your kids might still choose school? And how do you handle the pushback when any criticism of school feels like an attack?

We dive into the cultural clash at the heart of these questions: why critiques of school often feel personal, how to honor the good intentions of teachers without defending a broken system, and why avoiding binary thinking matters. Join us as we share strategies for bringing more nuance, empathy, and empowerment into these tricky conversations - without losing sight of your values or your relationships.

As mentioned in the episode:

- Get our Free Guide: What to Do When School Stops Working

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/school-not-working

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

98. Raising Humans, Not Blueprints

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:05:29 -0400

What happens when our hopes for a better world start turning into expectations for our kids? We want the best for them, but when does care turn into control?

In this episode, we dive into the tender line between modeling our values and molding our children, from activist parenting to fears about the future.

How do we raise conscious kids without projecting our own dreams - or our despair?

What does it mean to truly trust a young person’s path, and can we honor their light without trying to shape it?

Together, we explore how unconditional love, trust, and presence can help us support our kids’ agency - without recreating the very systems of control we’re trying to dismantle.

As mentioned in the episode:

- Get our Free Guide: What to Do When School Stops Working

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/school-not-working

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

97. Unschooling, Intuition & the Power of Pause w/ Chemay Morales-James

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

What if learning isn’t about doing more, but about slowing down and remembering who we are?

In this powerful conversation with our dear friend Chemay Morales-James - unschooling mama, community weaver, founder of My Reflection Matters Village, and land steward in Puerto Rico - we explore healing as the foundation of learning, leadership, and liberation.

We explore what it means to truly decolonize - our systems, our bodies, our beliefs, and our nervous systems. From intuition and SenseThinking to the deep necessity of rest, we look at how trauma can fuel activism, how DEI work is evolving, and why inner work - at our own pace & in community - is essential for creating lasting change.

And for the first time on the podcast, we share a live SenseThinking demo - exploring a question so many of us face when stepping away from conventional education. It’s a peek into a different way of navigating the unknowns, one that leans into the wisdom of the body, land and intuition. This one goes deep.

As mentioned in the episode:

Join us for The Shift in Puerto Rico:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-pr

Learn more about Chemay’s land project in Puerto Rico:

https://raisingfreepeople.notion.site/skytoland

Join My Reflection Matters Village:

https://my-reflection-matters.mn.co

Learn about SenseThinking w/ Aitabé:

https://www.sensethinking.com/read-my-book

96. How to Trust the Process of Unschooling

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 07:33:37 -0400

What does it really mean to trust our kids - and ourselves? In this raw and tender episode, we respond to a listener’s question about how to move beyond the wobbles and into trust. We talk about the difference between trusting and controlling, and how fear, trauma, and societal conditioning make trust such a radical practice. From somatic wisdom and intuition to surrendering to nature and letting go of the need to know, this conversation invites us into deeper honesty, presence, and collaboration with our young people.

What if trust isn’t something you have… but something you live into?

Get our FREE resource - Start here: What to Do When School Stops Working?

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/school-not-working

95. You Asked, We Answered: A Community Q&A

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we respond to our community’s questions from our recent survey. We talk about everything from navigating unsolicited advice, building family cultures rooted in mutual thriving, and supporting kids in burnout, to the complexities of screen time, finding offline community, and whether public schools can truly transform. As always, it’s not about having all the answers - it’s about being in the questions together. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical reflections, and a peek into how we live, parent, and learn beyond the system.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Monthly Parent Support Circles here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/support-circles

- You can find information on The Shift experience here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

94. What If I’m Making the Wrong Decision For My Kid?

Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

What if I’m making the wrong decision for my kid?

That question haunts so many of us - especially when we step away from the norm. In this episode, we dive into the fears and self-doubts that often surface when parents begin unschooling or embrace self-directed learning. What if this choice backfires? What if my child doesn’t thrive? What if they blame me later?

Together, we explore the deeper roots of these fears - our longing for safety, our survival programming, our cultural conditioning - and we unpack what it means to make choices from alignment rather than fear. We reflect on how parenting, just like life, is a series of adaptations, not a one-and-done path.

So if you’re sitting in that in-between space, questioning yourself or feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, this episode is for you. You're not alone. And this isn't about perfection, it’s about presence, trust, and the willingness to grow.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on The Shift experience here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- You can find information on our Monthly Parent Support Circles here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/support-circles

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

93. Can I Really Do This Unschooling Thing?

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:08:53 -0400

“Can I really do this unschooling thing?”

So many parents ask this, and it makes sense. We’ve been conditioned to measure, assess, and perform our parenting. But what if the first step to unschooling isn’t doing anything at all? In this episode, we talk about the pressure to get it right, the deep unlearning this path invites, and the power of pausing. What if unschooling begins with a symbolic sabbatical? A chance to reconnect with your kids, yourself, and the present moment - without the pressure to prove anything.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on The Shift experience here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

92. Unschooling as Initiation w/ Chevanni Davids

Fri, 02 May 2025 06:40:45 -0400

What if unschooling isn’t just an educational choice, but a sacred initiation into presence, connection, and becoming? In this powerful and poetic conversation, we sit with Chevanni Davids: educator, father, ritualist, and founder of Reimagined Learning in South Africa.

Together we explore the wild force of learning, the decolonization of time, and the radical tenderness required to hold the unknown. Chevanni invites us to reimagine unschooling not as an escape from systems, but as an embodied response to life’s deepest questions. With stories, metaphors, and reverence, he offers a different map for learning - one that honors silence, slowness, contradiction, and ceremony.

This is not a conversation to “understand.” It’s one to feel. One to breathe with.

As mentioned in this episode:

You can contact Chevanni here:

IG: @che_reimagined, @reimaginedlearning

You can check out Chevanni’s offering Entrusted with Uncertainty here:

https://medium.com/@chevannidavids/entrusted-with-uncertainty-a-12-week-journey-through-deschooling-grief-and-eros-pathways-of-0e1b245a7dec

91. Decolonizing Education

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

What does it really mean to decolonize education? In this episode, we unpack the colonial roots of conventional schooling and explore how education systems around the world have been used to disconnect people from their bodies, cultures, intuition, and identities. We reflect on how these patterns affect all of us - and what it might look like to reclaim learning, relationships, and wholeness. This is a deeply personal and paradigm-shifting conversation about power, agency, and the possibility of something different.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on The Shift experience here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- Please email us at info@radical-learning.org with ny reflection, thoughts, stories or topics you wish for us to explore on the podcast!

90. Beyond Deschooling: Akilah S. Richards on Grief, Liberation and the Ritual of Becoming

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

What if deschooling wasn’t just about learning? What if it was also about grief, ritual, and honoring the life that unfolds when we stop trying to control it?

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Akilah S. Richards - author of Raising Free People and longtime voice of liberation in learning and living. Akilah shares how her journey has moved beyond deschooling, into the work of tending grief, slowing down, and trusting what life is calling us toward.

We explore:

- Why grief and liberation are inseparable

- How to compost the past instead of dragging it

- Ritual as resistance to urgency

- What it means to stop designing life and start following it

This episode is an invitation - to presence, to possibility, and to the courage of not knowing.

Tune in now, and check out Akilah’s new podcast What I Let Die @ www.radicalselfie.org.

You can also find and support Akilah’s work at:

www.raisingfreepeople.com

89. Supporting Young People to Thrive in Uncertain Times

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Right now, we’re living through a massive shift. Systems are crumbling, disempowerment is widespread, and uncertainty feels overwhelming. It’s no longer enough to just opt out of broken systems- we need to actively create something different. But how? How do we move beyond control, beyond fear, beyond what we’ve internalized, and instead reclaim agency for ourselves and the young people in our lives?

This moment in history is calling us to do deep, internal work. The world is shifting, and our kids don’t need us to have all the answers, they need us to show up with integrity, presence, and empowerment. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to co-create a new way forward - one rooted in connection, dignity, and consent. From shadow work to healing intergenerational wounds, from active hope to shifting our relationships with power, we unpack the inner and outer work required to truly embody the change we wish to see.

If this conversation resonates with you, join us on April 27, 2025, for a live online discussion on this very theme. You can register here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1a4qw2gxRtOsooygAIdpJA

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on The Shift experience here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- You can find information on our Monthly Parent Support Circles here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/support-circles

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

88. Dreaming & Deschooling to Build the Future We Want

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:38:05 -0400

In this episode, we dive deep into something that comes up again and again in our work and personal conversations: how to create a different way of being in the world. In a time marked by fear, division, and control, how can we move beyond pointing fingers at what’s wrong and instead orient ourselves toward what we actually want to create? How do we break free from binary thinking and conditioned behaviors that keep us stuck? And most importantly, how do we reconnect with ourselves, each other, and our dreams for a different kind of future? Join us for an exploration of spaciousness, play, non-violent communication, somatics, and community support as we unpack what it takes to shift into a new paradigm.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our The Shift

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

87. Can You Unschool If You Are Still in the System?

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we dive into a question we hear a lot: Can you still unschool if your kids have to be in the system? Spoiler alert…yes, you can.

Today we break down the challenges of unschooling while navigating school life, whether it’s because of legal stuff, financial realities, or even your kid’s own choice to go to school. We talk about how deschooling is always possible, why parental advocacy matters, and how to work through all that "schoolish" conditioning, even if school’s part of your life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck between your values and the realities of school, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to unschool from the inside out - no matter where your kid spends their days.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Parent Support Circles here:

SDE Communities: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/package-parent-support

Individual Parents: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/support-circles

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

86. Beyond Drop-Off: What It Takes to Build Thriving SDE Communities

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of RLT we explore what truly makes self-directed learning communities thrive, and why so many struggle. Parents often enter these spaces expecting an alternative to school, yet unknowingly bring a schoolish mindset with them. But SDE isn’t just about where kids learn; it’s about shifting how we relate to learning, power, and community.

In this episode, we unpack shared accountability, deschooling work for adults, and the hidden labor of running learning centers. How can parents move from a transactional mindset to active participation? What support do facilitators need to hold space for both kids and families? And how do we create communities where everyone - kids, parents, and facilitators - can truly thrive?

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Parent Support Circles here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

85. Unschooling/Homeschooling During Life’s Tough Times

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:26:59 -0400

Life is messy—grief, financial struggles, or just the everyday unpredictability. But what happens when you’re navigating homeschooling, unschooling, or life outside conventional systems in the middle of it all?

In this episode, we dive into how tough times can shape our kids’ learning in ways we might not expect. We share personal stories, meaningful insights, and practical tips to help you turn life’s messiest moments into opportunities for connection, growth, and resilience.

This is about prioritizing relationships, embracing humanity, and leaning into what really matters. If you’re ready to reimagine how we live and learn—especially when things get hard—this conversation is for you.

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our in-person training The Shift here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/the-shift-2025

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- And/or check out pie website here: https:// www.radical-learning.org

84. Self-Care as a Tool for Family Care When Unschooling

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

How do we prioritize self-care while unschooling?

As unschooling families, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities, meeting the needs of our children, and rethinking everything we thought we knew about education and parenting. But where does that leave us? How do we make space for joy, rest, and personal growth without falling into burnout or guilt?

In this episode, we explore practical, compassionate ways to redefine self-care and balance. Together, we unpack the myths around what unschooling “should” look like, challenge perfectionist tendencies, and discuss the importance of modeling self-care for our kids.

Join us as we share our personal stories, insights, and actionable steps to help you create more ease, spaciousness, and joy in your unschooling journey.

As mentioned in this episode:

- Private coaching for individuals and organizations:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/1-2

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here:

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RadicalLearningLLC

- And/or check out more information on our site: https:// www.radical-learning.org

83. Living Without the Shadow of School

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

What happens when we let go of the shadow of schooling and simply live? In this episode, we reflect on the liberating journey of moving beyond school-based expectations, comparisons, and pressures. We discuss the challenges unschooling parents often face, from societal conditioning to the fear of “not doing enough,” and how embracing a mindset of trust and presence can transform family life. We also explore how shifting focus from productivity to relationships and community can lead to a freer, more connected way of living. Tune in for an honest conversation about unlearning, evolving, and rediscovering what it means to truly live.

As mentioned in this episode:

- Private coaching for individuals and organizations:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/1-2

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- And/or check out more information on our site: https:// www.radical-learning.org

82. What's Wrong with the School System?

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:18 -0400

Have you ever wondered why the school system looks the way it does—and if it’s really serving our kids? In this episode, we dive into the history of conventional education and how it was designed to prioritize obedience over curiosity. We explore the lasting impact this has on children, families, and society, and discuss why it’s time to shift toward education that centers relationships, individuality, and respect for young people as full human beings. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about rethinking education, this episode invites you to imagine a more compassionate and empowering way forward.

As mentioned in this episode:

Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

And/or check out more information on our site: https:// www.radical-learning.org

81. Autonomy and Youth Rights in Education

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Do kids today truly have the freedom to be themselves? In this episode, we explore youth rights and how the conventional education system often limits young people’s voices and agency. We discuss why it's essential to recognize and respect kids' inherent power and choice, especially in their own learning, and envision what authentically youth-centered education could look like. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in challenging the status quo, this episode is for anyone who believes in honoring kids' rights to be seen, heard, and respected.

As mentioned in this episode:

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- You can find information on our offerings here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com

- Check out more information on our site: https:// www.radical-learning.org

80. Supporting Youth Autonomy while Navigating Responsibility

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0400

How do you support a child’s independence while keeping them safe? It’s tricky, but in this episode, we’re breaking down that delicate balance. We talk about how to foster autonomy and agency in kids, all while knowing when to step in to guide them through life’s challenges. From setting boundaries that make sense to learning when to support kids take healthy risks, we dig into what it means to truly trust and respect young people—without just letting them go at it alone. If you’re interested in building strong, consent-based relationships with the kids in your life, tune in for a refreshing take on raising responsible, empowered kids!

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our 1:2 private coaching here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/1-2

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- Check out more information on our offerings here:

⁠https://radical-learning.thinkific.com

79. Can Parents Be Friends with Their Kids?

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:04:25 -0400

Can parents really be friends with their kids? In this episode, we dig into that big question and break down the myths around adultism and power dynamics. We talk about how sharing power with kids can build real trust, deep connection, and authentic relationships—without losing the boundaries that come with being a parent. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance being a friend and a parent, or if it’s even possible, this one’s for you!

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Empowerment Practice Group here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/practice-group

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- And/or check out more information on our site: https://www.radical-learning.org

78. Can Kids Socialize Without School?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Ever been asked, “But how do unschooled kids socialize?” It’s one of the most common questions homeschooling parents hear. In this episode, we dive into the true meaning of socialization and reveal how conventional schools, with their rigid hierarchies, often hinder genuine connection. We explore a more natural, individualized approach to social development and share why you can trust your child's social growth outside of school. If you’re worried about your child’s 'socialization,' this episode is for you! // As mentioned in this episode: - You can find information on our Monthly Empowerment Practice Group here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/practice-group - Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC - You can check out more information on our offerings here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/collections

77. How Can You Teach Your Kid If You're Not a Teacher?

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0400

How can you teach your kid if you're not a teacher? This is one of the most common questions homeschoolers and unschoolers get. In this episode we examine the relationship between teaching and learning. Is there a connection? Is it only possible to learn when someone teaches us? And, what can it look like when we learn through our own motivation and experiences? Ready to shake up some old beliefs? Join us! As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Deeply Deschooling program here: ⁠https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/deeply-deschooling-2024⁠ - Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: ⁠https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC⁠ - And/or check out more information on our site: ⁠https://www.radical-learning.org⁠

76. Can Self-Directed Kids Handle Life’s Challenges?

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:30:00 -0400

In this episode we adress a common concern of many folks that are new to unschooling… If kids only focus on what they like and do and what seems fun, how will they ever develop the resilience to deal with life’s hardships? It’s a valid question! But… what’s behind it? And what misconceptions and misunderstandings do many adults hold around young people’s capacity to navigate challenges through their own choice and agency? Listen in for more! // As mentioned in this episode: - You can find information on our Deeply Deschooling program here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/deeply-deschooling-2024 - Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC - And/or check out more information on our site: https://www.radical-learning.org

75. Meeting Our Kids Where They’re At

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0400

How do you navigate between trusting your kid’s natural learning process and supporting them in doing really hard things that they might feel they’re not ready for? How do you let go and help them spread their wings when you don’t know if they will fly? In this episode Sari asks Becka to share a recent intimate moment when her son had to renew his passport and she wasn’t allowed to accompany him, leaving him to fly solo. Finding ways to support our kid’s process without interfering ain’t easy! But it’s necessary to find balance as we’re moving into unknown territories with our kids. //

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Deeply Deschooling program here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/deeply- deschooling-2024

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: ⁠https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC⁠

- And/or check out more information on our site: www.radical- learning.org

74. Homeschoolers: Listen Up! Ways to Support Your Kids to Thrive

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:11:44 -0400

What are the differences between homeschooling and unschooling? And why is it that so many homeschooling kids aren’t thriving? When we leave school behind without also ditching the structures and patterns that make up the schooling experience, it can have some unwanted effects in our kids.

In this episode we explore some important questions for homeschooling & unschooling parents alike:

Who decided what makes up a curriculum?

Who benefits from the conventional school structure, and who dosen’t?

Are you advocating for young people’s voice, choice and agency?

And is what you do consent-based?

Listen to this episode to gauge if there are some adjustments that could be made in your homeschooling approach and also to have a better understanding of why unschooling could potentially be a great option for many homeshooling kids!

As mentioned in this episode:

- You can find information on our Deeply Deschooling program here: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/deeply-deschooling-2024

- Please consider making a donation to support the production of this podcast here: https://paypal.me/RadicalLearningLLC

- And/or check out more information on our site: https://www.radical-learning.org

73. The Missing Link in Self-Directed Education (Culture Creation)

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Radical Learning Talks, we talk about what culture creation is and why we find it to be one of the most important things to focus on when choosing to walk the unconventional path of Self-Directed Education. Culture creation is about putting words on what is important for everyone, and consciously embodying those values. This link is often what’s missing for most people who want to make the paradigm shift from conventional schooling to SDE. Whether your family is unschooling or you’re running (or thinking about starting) an SDE learning center, it’s crucial to understand WHAT exactly you’re walking away from so that you don’t copy/paste those systems in the new path forward.

72. Not Back to School Camp w/ Zoe & Christian

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:55:19 -0400

Have you ever heard of Not Back to School Camp? In this sparkling interview, we chat with NBSC-camper Zoe and ex-camper now advisor Christian, about what this intentional space for unschoolers to connect and explore together is all about! They share stories from previous camp years, the purpose and philosophy of camp, how camp supports youth autonomy and agency and what plays out the weeks that the camps take place in both Oregon and Vermont. If your unschooling teen is looking to foster deep connection with other young people and lean into their interests and adventure, pull up a chair with them and listen in! You can find Not Back to School Camp Info & Registration here: https://www.nbtsc.org // Sign up for our Free Webinar - Not Back to School: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/not-back-to-school

71. Proud to Be: A Deep Dive w/ Cuee into Deschooling, Resilience & Black Trans Joy

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 05:12:18 -0400

As we celebrate Pride month, join us for this deep and joyful conversation around authenticity and the right to be who we truly are!

We have Cuee in the house: a black trans man and hip hop artist that we got to know over a year ago in our Shift training in Puerto Rico. We chat about the importance of belonging to yourself instead of trying to fit in, and the difference it makes to grow up surrounded by people who love you for who you are.

We also discuss the fear parents can experience when they discover their kids are transgender, because they want to protect their young people from harm. And… we talk about how the best protection we can really offer our kids is to be loyal with/to them.

This is not only a conversation for parents, relatives, neighbors, friends and teachers of transgender kids. It’s for anyone who wants to focus on the joy of being alive in a world that needs and thrives on diversity.

70. Deschooling Friendships

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 07:46:12 -0400

How do you deschool friendships? We don’t really have an answer to that, but in this episode we explore our respective journeys through friendships. We share how our perceptions around what a friendship is have evolved; what we’ve learned from having been ditched by some and what has lead us to walk away from others; how our capacities for holding another have developed; and how our own friendship is taking on new dimensions as we expand as humans and lean into our deschooling & unschooling journeys. Ready for a deep conversation? Join us!

69. New Perspectives on Neurodivergence w/ Marni Kammersell

Fri, 24 May 2024 13:54:07 -0400

Marni Kammersell is a neurodivergent parent to three neurodivergent children and passionate about a lot of things, including the neurodiversity paradigm, self-directed education and non-coercive relationships. As a neurodiversity educator, Marni specializes in supporting parents and families in understanding experience through the lens of the nervous system. This unusual and thought provoking conversation takes many turns, through disabilities & ableism, nervous systems and diagnosis, leading us into asking some really important questions: Who would we be if we hadn’t learned to fit into a mold? What could that look like? Would neurodivergence not be such a stigma if we all had more wiggle room to show up as our authentic selves? And what does “neurotypical” really mean? Join us as we explore these questions and more! // You can find Marni’s work and contact her here: https://wanderingbrightly.com/about/ Additional Resources Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker We're All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors by Robyn Gobbel A Different Way to Learn by Naomi Fisher Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau Disability Visibility by Alice Wong (Editor)

68. Unschooling an Only Child

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:22:12 -0400

In this episode we address a question proposed by one of our listeners… Is it possible to unschool an only child? What does unschooling look like to children with no siblings? What are the challenges? And are there any benefits to that?

In this episode we share our thoughts around unschooling only kids through our lives experience and perspective as mamas to two only children!

Also… If you have suggestions for topics that we still haven’t covered: please feel free to send them to us! We’d love to explore them! You can reach out to us at info@radical-learning.org

67. Dropping Demands w/ Low Demand Amanda

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode we chat with Amanda Diekman, also known as Low Demand Amanda - an autistic adult, parent coach, author in the neurodiversity space and leading voice in the movement for low demand parenting practices.

Amanda shares about the low demand approach to supporting neurodivergent kids by dropping demands, centering their humanity and moving away from ableism.

We talk about so much including stepping away from societal “norms”, authenticity, embracing neurodivergence, PDA (Pervasive Drive for Autonomy), privilege and more!

You can find Amanda here:

www.amandadiekman.com

http://www.instagram.com/lowdemandamanda

http://www.facebook.com/lowdemandamanda

You can sign up for Radical Learning Offerings, including Freedom to Learn here:

https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/collections/products

66. Deschooling Money with Meenadchi

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:23:00 -0400

In this weeks episode we have Meenadchi in the house! Meenadchi is a somatic healing practitioner and the author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. We invited her to Radical Learning Talks to talk about money and how we can deschool our relationship to money. If you think money is the root of all evil… or feel bad for having more than others… or are having a hard time generating enough for yourself and your family… this episode is for you! Meenadchi has been an instrumental companion supporting us to deschool, entangle and embrace our relationship to money and we are super excited to share this very tender and real conversation with you. Meenadchi’s Healing Money Trauma Program: https://www.meenadchi.com/healingmoneytrauma * give the code/reference “Radical Learning for a 5% discount! Website: https://www.meenadchi.com Instagram: @with.meenadchi https://www.instagram.com/with.meenadchi/ Free ancestral healing activity: https://auspicious-block-866.myflodesk.com/h2hvtsx9kf Resources mentioned in podcast: It Didn't Start With You by Mark Wolynn Another Selfon Netflix Sarah Peyton

65. A Conversation on SDE as a pathway to world peace

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:15:47 -0400

This episode is an unsual conversation that took place on the last day of our The Shift training we did in Ojai, February 2024. It was requested by one of the participants, and so those of us who wanted gathered and talked about the relationship bewteen peace and self-directed education. The conversation was recorded but not initially intended as an episode for Radical Learning Talks. It was after having recorded that we got the idea to include it on our podcast. Why? Because these kinds of conversations tend to happen during The Shift, but it’s the first time we recorded one, and why not share the beauty? All participants have given their consent to share the recording with y’all. We hope you like it! Participating are Jennie, Spence, Tomas, Rosemary, Janice, Becka and Sari.

64. Burnout... Deschooling Grind Culture

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:09:16 -0400

Burnout is real.

And it’s no stranger to unschooling and/or running alternative education projects!

But what does burnout even mean?! Well, it’s not just about being exhausted or simple tasks seeming impossible. It’s when your system actually starts breaking down and you begin loose cognitive functioning because you are operating well above your capacity or means.

Too many of us have been there and/or feel stuck in it

Why?

Well, it’s because of society’s result driven systems that are based on perfectionism, urgency, and the need to constantly be on top of your game.

In this episode we chat about our burnout, what caused it, how we are recovering from it and how we are working to shift a lifetime of programmings in order to not just survive, but heal and thrive.

Wanna join us for the ride? Listen in!

Resources mentioned in episode:

Burnout support: Sanna Koritz @ https://www.sannakoritz.com

Freedom to Learn Course: https://radical-learning.thinkific.com/courses/freedom-to-learn

63. Social Justice through Inner Change w/ Dr. Sundiata Soon-Jahta

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Once again, we have the great honor of having Dr. Sundiata Soon-Jahta on our podcast!

This time, we talk about how social justice movements can often perpetuate the very systems of oppression and power-over dynamics that we’re trying to walk away from, resulting in what Dr. Sundiata shares is a system archetype called a “feedback loop”.

The solution? Well, as a systems thinker and anti-oppression organizer, Dr. Sundiata suggests that we all engage in some serious inner work. He believes that change is fractal and when we change within, it affects our outside reality and those around us.

So, instead of feeling disempowered by all the injustice we see in our world, we can empower ourselves to be the very change we dream of and show up for our young people, families and communities in the ways we truly strive to.

You can find all of Dr. Sundiata's work including his Theory of Indivisibility and other think pieces and resources mentioned in the episode here:

https://drsundiata.com

https://drsundiata.com/blog/

And if you enjoy what you hear, please consider supporting Dr. Sundiata's work here:

https://www.patreon.com/LiveIndivisible/posts

62. What's Up with The Shift?

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0400

It’s not often we decide to get together and offer The Shift, our 7-day in person Deschooling Intensive.

For those who’ve taken it, they know the magic that is involved. For those who haven’t yet, it might be hard to understand what the fuss is all about.

So, we decided to record an episode on what’s up with The Shift, so that you can get a clearer and better understadning of why this offering is a must if you’re a parent or if you work with kids!

And… if after listening you still have questions, please reach out! We’d love to talk to you.

61. Supporting Transgender Kids w/ Orion Queer

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 12:25:38 -0400

For us, unschooling is about so much more than learning or who gets to decide what it is and how and when it unfolds. It's about dismantling the power structures that keep all of us less than who we are or have the potential to be. And this starts with looking at our own limiting thoughts and beliefs. In this episode of Radical Learning Talks we chat Orion, a healing companion and trans man who helps us dive into the topic of being transgender. How can you support a trans kid? How do you work through your own discomfort and fears to be present and fully show up for them in their growth, learning and discovery? This is for all of us who have or know kids that identify as non binary and/or trans and want to better understand how to support them in their journey.

60. The Essence of Childhood

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Many adults spend so much time preparing kids for adulthood in ways that society has predetermined as the necessary or “right way”. Yet, we don’t realize that this comes at the expense of their childhood. And, many of us have even lost touch with what childhood is all about.

In this episode we talk about the clash we often see between what many adults seem to want for their kids, and the societal pressure and fear of the future that disconnects us and our kids from the essence of childhood.

59. When Your Transformation Rubs Others the Wrong Way

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We like to think about deschooling as meeting and expanding beyond our edges into new versions of ourselves that better align with our desired way to live and show up in the world. But what happens when our change rubs people we care about the wrong way? What happens when we or they don’t quite feel like we belong anymore? In this episode which is coming out juuuust in time for the holidays, we talk about what can happen when our transformation causes friction with others and how to stay true to ourselves while honoring where everyone is at.

58. Are We Raising Spoiled Brats?

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:59:08 -0400

Raising kids with respect, consent, autonomy and freedom in our society is definitely going against the norm.

It can then be very confusing to see our free-ranged kids question their independence and freedom, push back against limits and behave in ways that society would easily label as “spoiled or bratty”.

On one hand, it’s easy to blame our parenting and on the other, let’s face it… it’s triggering as fuck and hard to deal with.

In this episode we explore all of it, including some big triggering moments and how we are learning to be more gentle with ourselves as we and our kids balance between freedom and responsibility.

57. Advancing Liberation Together with Meghan of The Unschool Files

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:46:00 -0400

Language and how we use it are important and can be one of the many ways we either move towards or away from individual and collective liberation.

So many of us are questioning systems of oppression in our deschooling work, yet if we aren’t vigilant we can easily slip into old ways of thinking, speaking and behaving - especially when we are faced with language and ideas that rub up against our current beliefs.

In this episode we talk with our friend Meghan from The Unschool Files about language policing and advancing the liberation movement through solidarity.

56. When We (and Kids) Lie...

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 15:01:50 -0400

Kids are usually brought up to tell the truth, but the truth is adults lie all the time. So, why do we lie? What does it do to us and to our relationships? How does it make us feel? And when kids lie to us - what is that really about? And what can we do about it? In this episode of Radical Learning Talks we explore the phenomenon of lying!

55. Enough with Manners!

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

"What's the magic word?"; "Say thank you/hello, "; "Sit up straight".... We have either heard these things, been told these things, or said them to others (most often our kids) and the question is who made up these invisible manner rules and why are they so important?! In this episode we look at manners and begin to deschool and unpack the layers of belief, fear, criticism and judgment around them and examine how, as a society, we have been told how to act and behave at the cost of authenticity and - worst of all - the relationships with our kids.

54. When Unschooling Teens Transition to Adulthood

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 16:07:57 -0400

For us, the main role of unschooling parents is to support our kids to be who they are and explore their independence, autonomy and critical thinking. The question then is how do we as parents support our kids to navigate their own evolution while being faced with the pressures of societal norms? And, in our case, what can that look like for a neurodivergent teenager and their parents?

In this episode we dive into it all as Becka shares her perspectives and experience with her soon to be 18 year old son as he transitions into adulthood.

53. Deschooling Pregnancy, Birth, Miscarriage & Abortion

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400

This is a deep episode where we share personal stories around how we’re deschooling shame and guilt as it relates to pregnancy, birth, miscarriage & abortion. For us, it means looking at how we have responded to and internalized societal expectations on experiences that are both profound and personal. We also talk about what that’s done to our confidence and self-worth, and how we are working to heal from so much of the harm that we’ve been exposed to.

52. When Your Co-Parent Isn’t in Deschooling Flow

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

What happens when our partner or co-parent doesn't seem on board with unschooling? Or, they say they're on board, but they don't seem to undertand and/or engage in the deschooling process.

And what does being “on board” even mean?

In this episode we share our experience and perspective about the traps we can find ourselves in when we feel we aren’t in flow with our partners in our unschooling journey and how we can repeat the very systems of power that we are trying to step away from.

51. When Our Kids Are Deschooling

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

"Is my kid really gonna just sit there and do nothing?"

This is a question we hear a lot and have even thought about ourselves during our own deschooling process. It comes from moments of fear and lack of understanding of what is really going on for our kids.

In this episode, we dive into what can actually happen for kids that are deschooling, what happens for adults and how we can support our kids in their deschooling process without slipping into control or fear.

50. What Happens When Your Unschooler Wants to Try/Go Back to School?

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:14:00 -0400

You’ve discovered unschooling and LOVE it! You take your kids out of school, they start deschooling/unschooling and... suddenly they tell you they want to go back to school?!

Or, maybe your kid has never been to school and keeps asking you to start.

Regardless of whatever situation you identify with, it might totally freak you out! And we get it. It's scary and annoying when our kids reject the lifestyle that we have put all our efforts into co-creating.

In this episode we talk about the many opportunities and positive things we do see about this situation, and also touch upon the topic whether or not you can unschool if your kids go to school.

49. A Peek Into the Agile Learning World w/ Tomis Parker

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 01:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we hang out with Tomis Parker, one of the co-founders of the ALC model and of the ASDE, and dive deep into the diversity, struggles and evolution of the agile learning world.

Tomis is an unschooling dad and is passionate about sharing the ALC model and contributing to systemic & social change through building bridges to and through the work of SDE.

We also talk about our shared experience of having unschooling kids who prefer learning outside a learning center, and the challenges that are present when you are the one running it!

This episode is definitely for anyone who wants to know more about ALCs, who might be running one and having challenges and or/who is considering starting one! But also for parents who are navigating how to live as a self-directed family or feel like going bold and brave and start unschooling.

48. Ophelia Standing, an Unschooling Teen Critical to Unschooling

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:00:57 -0400

Meet Ophelia, an 18 year old Unschooler that shares their perspectives around unschooling and the ways parents can get so invested in unschooling that they forget the most important part: consent and needs of their kids.

Who does unschooling really support, the parent or the kid and how can we move towards more connection and collaboration with our kids?

47. Deschooling Fears of Reading

Tue, 30 May 2023 11:31:28 -0400

There is a really clear idea in society of what skills have more value than others for our growing young people, and usually on top you will find reading, writing and math.

But what happens when your kid (or even you) aren’t big readers and what are the feelings and fears around that?!

In this episode we scratch the surface of this multilayered theme around hierarchy of skills and what lurks beneath. We kinda slip slide all over in this episode, so bear with us as we explore our own programmings and the work we are doing to free ourselves and our kids.

46. Meeting our Edges & Setting Boundaries

Fri, 12 May 2023 08:00:50 -0400

Limits? Boundaries?

What's the difference? What are they about?

In this episode, we dive into the deep waters of needs, emotions and what boundaries are really about: self-discovery and understanding ourselves, and how to learn how to honor our needs and develop empathy with ourselves and with others.

45. When Kids Want to Quit

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:00:05 -0400

Ahhhh our kids want to quit something!

What do we do? If they dont push through they will never learn..

These are thoughts old versions of ourselves can relate to and we see so common in parenting. We often fall into wanting to "support" by pushing our kids - or let's be honest - manipulate them.

We think there are so many benefits to sticking to whatever it is they're doing, and often we might feel some urgency - like as if it's now or never. But there are so many more things to consider that have nothing to do what WE want - and everything to do what our kids want and need.

In this episode of Radical Learning Talks we talk about this and how to navigate when our kids want to quit or "give up".

44. Connecting with Kids through Humor w/ Alex Khost

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:49:35 -0400

Does unschooling really work?

Well, in this episode of Radical Learning Talks we chat with Alex Khost a long time unschooling father, facilitator & youth right’s advocate who shares how it’s not only possible, it’s in fact a reality for many.

He shares stories from his 20+ years of advocating for & supporting youth on how to be present & build trusting relationships with kids and how he has witnessed youth thrive outside of conventional systems.

Whether you are an unschooling parent, facilitator or human wishing to connect with and support kids… this one's for you!

Find out more about his work here:

www.flyingsquads.org

www.alexanderkhost.org

43. Can You Deschool without Having Kids?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 11:32:27 -0400

“But Sari & Becka, how do you deschool without kids?”

We were recently asked this question and it’s also one that we have been trying to find the words to speak to as we offer deschooling intensive training for both parents & adults supporting youth!

The answer... deschooling actually has nothing to do with kids or school, it has to do with the many layers of conditioning that we peel back in order to heal and reconnect to ourselves.

Sounds fluffy? It's a hard thing to explain in a podcast description, so listen in to hear our perspective of what deschooling means to us and how it applies to all people, parents or non-parents alike.

42. Unschooling & Deschooling: From Theory to Practice

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 11:58:52 -0400

Unschooling can sound really wonderful, and in theory so many of us are totally on board with the concept. But then we start practicing it with our kids, and suddenly it no longer feels that amazing. Doubts and fears pop up and we wobble and wonder if this is really for us. Maybe it doesn't work? Should we just throw in the towel, or are there other options?

In this episode we talk about all of this and what we can do instead of giving up on what can turn into the most amazing lifestyle for all the members of your family.

41. Busting Myths Around Unschooling Tween & Teens

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:00:36 -0400

There is so much talk in unschooling/ deschooling circles around supporting younger kids, but we seldom hear about what unschooling with tweens/ teens does or can look like. What we tend to hear most is lots of fear or assumptions around supporting these youth… they are gonna be lazy, rebellious, lost, unsuccessful, etc. etc.

In this episode we bust these and more myths and talk about what has been helpful for us in supporting tweens/ teens in their free living & learning process.

40. Notes From the Field (On Supporting Kids in SDE Spaces) w/ Anthony Galloway Jr.

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:25:55 -0400

Do you ever wonder what it's like to build trust with kids, or intentional culture, or what the role of the facilitator is in breaking habits to fully support ourselves and young people to thrive?

In this episode we are joined by Anthony Galloway, a professional facilitator and self-directed education practitioner with over 10 years of experience in building intentional culture, community and collaboratively supporting young people in various learning spaces.

It's definitely an episode you don't want to miss!

39. Deschooling Beauty and Aging

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:58:22 -0400

Deschooling is all about challenging oxidized beliefs and it extends past what we think about learning & education, encompassing how we view and treat ourselves and others.

In this episode, we specifically chat about the judgements society holds around body image & aging and as a result, the limiting beliefs that we are personally struggling with in our own deschooling process.

We chat about beauty standards, patriarchy, how all of these things influence our thoughts around self worth & value and how we are learning to move from judgment towards radical love and self-acceptance.

38. Supporting Neurodivergent Unschoolers

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:23:19 -0400

There is no one size-fits all approach to unschooling. What works for one young person/ family may not for another and we definitely do our young people a disservice if we have unrealistic expectations of them or try to force them to adapt to circumstances that they may not be ready for. This is especially true in supporting neurodivergent kids and in this episode we share some of our discoveries and learnings in supporting our own neurodivergent unschoolers in their process.

37. Sitting with Discomfort

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 13:48:48 -0400

Let’s talk about a hard side of unschooling… sitting with discomfort! As we dig into our deschooling work of looking at and shedding limiting beliefs around relationship, learning & community there are many times when it seems like our world gets flipped upside down and we want to try to remedy and fix things, falling back to old patterns.

In this episode, we share our perspective about how these moments are in fact opportunities to pause, reflect and evolve in our care of and for ourselves and the young people in our lives.

36. Unschooling Flavors w/ Bria Bloom

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:56:30 -0400

In our last episode of the year, we chat with Bria Bloom, a born and raised unschooler, youth rights advocate and Executive Director of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. Bria shares her perspective on the different flavors of unschooling, the intersectionality of deschooling and about her experience in the SDE world.

35. Reconnecting To Ourselves Through Unschooling

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:33:55 -0400

The biggest wound school inflicts on us is that it disconnects us from our unique configuration of interests and passions - and our ability to read our inner compass. As unschooling parents it’s never too late to heal!

In this episode we talk about this, and how instead of "just" being an unschooling parent, we can become unschoolers ourselves.

34. The Evolution from Unschooling to Deschooling

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:13:18 -0400

Whether you come to unschooling focused only on liberated learning, social justice, conscious parenting or from an intersectional lens, the pathway is layered and complex and usually leads us to deep questioning and transformation.

In this episode we share about our entryways into unschooling and our evolution through the never ending process of deschooling.

33. Conscious Parenting and Divesting in Sandcastles w/ Domari Dickinson

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:21:28 -0400

Can we tell you how much we love this episode with the amazing and courageous Domari Dickinson - a recovering educator, unschooling mother of 4, badass parent coach and leading voice in the SDE movement.

Domari openly shares about her deschooling journey of going from an approval chasing, controlling, punishing mom to a conscious, peaceful and revolutionary parent. We talk about what trips us up in the conscious parenting & deschooling journey, divesting in oppressive systems and what unschooling can truly look like.

32. When You Discover Your Kid Is Neurodivergent

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:02:44 -0400

What do you do when you realize your kid isn't like other kids? Are you trying to force them to behave in a more socially acceptable way? Or do you blame yourself for not being a good enough parent?

In this episode we share what it has been like for us to discover that our kids are neurodivergent, how we're navigating it and how unschooling is an amazing way of embracing your kids' unique self!

31. The Pitfalls of Treating Kids Like Adults

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 07:58:49 -0400

We often hear parents say that they treat their kids like adults - and believe us, we’ve done it ourselves! But why do we do that? And should we, really?

In this episode we talk about the pitfalls of treating kids like adults.

30. Lifelong Learning with Alex Bretas

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 12:19:44 -0400

In this episode we are chatting with Alex Bretas, a Brazilian visionary, author, community organizer and a leading voice in the SDE movement.

We talk about why it's so hard for adults to learn how to self-direct, what stands in the way that we need to unlearn, the importance of community and the difference between formal and informal studies.

For Alex, there's no doubt: self-direction is the way humans learn!

29. The Role of The Unschooling Parent

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 13:00:11 -0400

In this episode we share our perception of what our role as unschooling parents is.

For us, the most critical thing in unschooling is understanding that more than anything, what our kids need is for us to do some serious inner work on ourselves. That means it's not so much about “doing things right”, but rather focusing on the relationship we’re building with our kids. Why? Because relationships are the context in which all learning happens!

28. Walking the Walk: Deschooling our ALC

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 13:00:54 -0400

What do you do when you realize that your dream project no longer matches how you want to feel or how you want to do things? Well, in our case, when it comes to our ALC Explora, we decided to deschool the whole project! What will it look like? Listen in and learn more about it!

27. Decolonizing Education w/ Chemay Morales-James

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:00:49 -0400

In this episode, we dive deep with Chemay Morals-James, founder of My Reflection Matters Village and a social liberation & equity coach.

We talk about her virtual deschooling community and deschooling as decolonization work, what's wrong with the school system and the importance of learning - and unlearning - in community.

26. Signs That It's Time to Deschool

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0400

There are times in our lives when we just know something is off and needs to shift, but we don't exactly what or how. In this episode we talk about some signs that tell us that our lense needs to shift around learning, parenting, relationships and community.

We talk about how this is the initial spark of all deschooling work and why this is our focus in our upcoming training - The Shift!

25. Are We Experimenting on Our Kids?

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 13:00:18 -0400

One of the biggest fears of us parents is fucking up our kids. Therefore most of us are doing all we can to find a parenting style and an education that will guarantee that our kids turn into good, successful humans.

But is there really any foolproof method? Isn't it all a huge experiment? Unschooling for sure is, and instead of hiding it, in this episode we embrace the fact that yes, we are experimenting with our kids!

24. Living Joyfully Without School w/ Lucy AitkenRead

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:00:35 -0400

In this episode we have a blast with Lucy AitkenRead, a bad-ass unschooler and unschooling mom that works to support parents on their deschooling/unschooling journey.

We cover soooo many topics in this chat: how the unschooling movement is evolving, how we've all been wounded by school, how deschooling is deep healing work - and so much more!

23. Are You Having a Teaching Moment?

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:00:30 -0400

Have you ever been in a situation with your kid where you suddenly feel the urge to teach them something you think is valuable and find yourself shoveling knowledge down their throats?

We call those teaching moments, and they're as yucky as they sound! In this episode we'll dissect what this very common phenomenon is about, why we dislike it so much and what to do instead.

22. Being Free in an Unfree World?

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 22:34:58 -0400

We were a little drained recording this one after a big week of some unpleasant but necessary learning experiences in navigating being free in an unfree world.

So many questions...how do we navigate different values and beliefs between our unschooling/deschooling world and the dominant culture? How do we meet others that may be bound by old beliefs? What is the responsibility we adults/parents hold in supporting our kids to navigate these worlds as we are all working hard to bridge the gaps and create more togetherness and connection in this world? How do we navigate our multicultural (unschooling and schoolish) experiences?

It may not be the most upbeat episode but we start to dive into it all here.

21: Embracing Neurodiversity & Diversity in Unschooling w/ Crystal Byrd Farmer

Fri, 27 May 2022 12:47:33 -0400

In this episode we chat with Crystal Byrd Farmer an autistic person of color that runs an ALC focused on supporting neurodivergent kids and the author of the book “The Token: Common Sense Ideas for Increasing Diversity in Your Organization” .

This interview is packed with so much… we talk about supporting neurodivergent & disabled kids in SDE spaces, deschooling as a tool for deprogramming beliefs and expectations imposed by dominant culture, how SDE is anti-oppression work by advocating for children's rights, how we can move towards building spaces focused on equity, inclusivity and diversity, how to avoid burnout by holding firm boundaries, and SO much more.

20. We aren’t ferpect parents (...on perfection)

Fri, 13 May 2022 13:00:44 -0400

Today Sari & Becka share about their deschooling around the idea of perfectionism. They chat about how perfectionism is actually quite an oppressive practice for ourselves and our kids and of the importance to look at and shift away from these practices to embrace our life outside of shadow’s of other’s ideas of what we should be or do.

19. Are you Empowering or Shielding Your Kids?

Mon, 02 May 2022 13:24:55 -0400

"It’s ok... nothing happened, you are all good! Don't worry, we will get another pet! Don’t be upset, you will feel better soon! Don’t be so angry!"

The list goes on for how we have been shielded or now shield our kids around big emotions. In this episode we chat about the dangers of shielding kids from big emotions, how emotions are a compass for meeting unmet needs and how we empower kids to advocate for themselves by understanding their emotions and the world around them.

18. Unschooling as Liberation & Social Justice Work w/ Iris Chen

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode we have the pleasure of chatting with Iris Chen, a deconstructing tiger mom, unschooling partner, youth advocate, liberation activist and writer of the book Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent.

Iris shares about how unschooling is deep social justice work, her family’s journey in transitioning to unschooling and how she has shifted from authoritarian to more peaceful parenting. By the end of this episode we hope you will feel as pumped up as we do about your own role in this larger liberation movement!

17. How to Talk About Taboos

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:12:25 -0400

Your kid asks to talk about sex, racism, religion, death, addiction, _______ (fill in the blank)… Do you clam up and freak out, or do see it as an opportunity to create a safe space and build relationship with them?

As a follow up on our episode on how to raise conscious boys, we share more on what our experience has been in talking about taboos with our kids and how we see these moments as gateways for deepening connection and trust.

16. Machismo & Raising Conscious Boys

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0400

In this episode we pick up from the last episode and get really vulnerable. We share personal stories around the themes of power, patriarchy, machismo and our critical role in raising boys into conscious men and how that is tied to deschooling and liberation work.

TRIGGER WARNING:

In this episode we talk about sexual harassment and violence.

We acknowledge that we are two privileged women who are speaking from our perspective and experience and the content around sexual harassment and violence may bring discomfort. Our intention is to bring awareness and open up dialogue around these themes never to shame, blame, expose or exclude anyone. If we can do better, please let us know, we are always learning.

You can find the podcast referenced in the episode here: https://raisingfreepeople.com/232/

15. Patriarchy, Power Dynamics and Parenting with Dr Sundiata

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0400

This is a big one friends and just might rock your world!

In this episode we are talking to Dr. Sundiata Soon-Jahta, father of 2 self-directed learners, anti oppression educator and creator of the Theory of Indivisibility. We talk about tools of oppression, power dynamics, patriarchy and how to build sustainable relationships and communities in the world!

You can find all of Dr. Sundiata’s life work including his Theory of Indivisibility here:

https://drsundiata.com

You can support Dr. Sundiata’s work here:

https://www.patreon.com/LiveIndivisible

14. Supporting Kids to Take Risks

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 12:46:19 -0400

Your kid wants to jump off of that cliff, cut with a sharp knife, walk to the store by themselves… How do you respond?

In this episode we talk about the role of risk taking in our kid’s evolution, what trips us up in the process and how supporting our kids to take risks not only helps them grow, but also helps us foster more connection and trust in our relationships with them.

13. The importance of play

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 15:37:12 -0400

In this episode we talk about the importance of play in our deschooling process and in supporting ourselves and our youth to live authentic and free lives.

We discuss how play is an expression of freedom and the role play holds in our lives to break free from societal expectations.

12. Why You Shouldn’t Send Your Kids to School with Blake Boles

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 19:31:01 -0400

Ever wonder what a group of unschoolers does with their autonomy in a foreign country? How unschooling truly prepares youth for the future? What the role of an adult is in an unschoolers’ journey? Or even why some of us may still be sending our kids to school?

In this episode, we dive into these questions and more with our friend Blake Boles, writer, speaker, podcaster and SDE (self-directed education) advocate. Blake shares insights from years of research and direct support of unschooling youth on international adventures with his program Unschooling Adventures.

You can find more info on Blake and his work at https://www.blakeboles.com

11. What’s Up with Challenging Our Kids?

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 20:59:49 -0400

Why do we think we need to challenge kids all the time? What does that say about our mindset, our fears and our trust in our kids?

In this episode we explore ideas about how we learn and how we can support our kids’ natural learning process without falling back into the pressure cooker of challenge.

10. Slow Living as an Act of Rebellion

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:52:56 -0400

Consumerist practices are wiping out ways of living more slowly. Our lives are dictated by schedules and deadlines and expectations defined by others.

In this episode we discuss how slow living and unschooling are acts of rebellion against oppressive systems and how important it is to reclaim our lives and center relationships, community and freedom.

9. Meet Teo Koritz, An Unschooling Teen

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 13:18:44 -0400

Want to peek into the mind of an unschooler?

In this episode, Teo, a 16 year old neurodiverse unschooler talks about his perspectives on unschooling including learning, freedom, trust, boundaries, relationships and how unschooling is supporting him to live an authentic, empowering and liberating life.

8. Why Does Screen Time Freak Us Out?

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 15:04:11 -0400

Many unschooling parents and adults supporting youth are fine to advocate for kid’s freedom until the dreaded “screen time” comes up.

We find that many times we are able to trust in our kids and their choices in certain areas, but when it comes to screen use we clam up, forget about what they are navigating and learning and slip into fear and control.

In this episode of Radical Learning Talks, we explore why screen time freaks us out and invite us to explore some different perspectives. As you listen, we would love to ask some big questions:

- In what ways do you limit your kids?

- How can you challenge your own thinking around their freedom?

- What if you’re wrong and they’re right?

Please let us know what comes up for you and what is challenging/hard!

7. Consent-based Learning and Parenting

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode we will be speaking about a big topic which we feel we don't talk about enough in the context of parenting and learning… it’s the topic of consent.

Today we chat about how consent is part of the foundational work of moving away from systems of control towards those of mutual understanding and freedom.

6. Breaking Cycles with Liz Neuenschwander

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode we speak with Liz, an unschooling mother and facilitator at an agile learning center.

Liz shares about her transition to unschooling, how unschooling is liberation and anti-oppression work and about her deep journey in shifting towards building relationships based on trust and collaboration.

5. Facing our Fears

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400

We are living in a time of extreme fear and uncertainty, which for many of us causes us to make restrictive choices.

In this episode we dive into how our fears disempower us and limit us from living truly fulfilling lives and how our fears affect our relationships.

We also give tips on how to unpack our fears, heal generational trauma and develop the courage to live more freely as we embark on our unschooling journey.

4. What is Deschooling?

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 17:33:27 -0400

In this episode we demystify the meaning of deschooling and how it is a tool for liberation...moving away from systems based on control and fear, towards authenticity and transformation. We talk about how deschooling is a process for both children and adults and how it’s ultimately about breaking cycles, detoxing from oppressive structures and nurturing the relationship between adults and children.

We also share tips for adults to help support and advocate for their kid’s freedom.

3. Notes from an Unschooled Unschooling Mom: Merry MacIvor Andersen

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we interview Merry MacIvor Andersen, a former unschooler, current unschooling mom and community member of an agile learning center in Mexico.

Merry shares about the beauties and challenges of unschooling and about the importance of self reflection and authencity in building relationships based on trust.

2. What is Self-Directed Education?

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:59:47 -0400

In this episode we define what self directed education, unschooling and free learning are and how any education system should not be “one size fits all”.

We discuss the roots of the education system and begin to challenge the conventional way of looking at how we learn. How is the SDE model better preparing our kids to adapt to an ever changing world? We talk about how SDE works, what are some options in SDE, what are some tips in approaching SDE and we begin to look at the process of deschooling.

1. The Shift - Introduction

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400

This podcast is an intro into who Sari and Becka are, what inspired them to unschool, how the pandemic has inspired a paradigm shift and what radical learning means.

They share more about the shift they are hoping to inspire and support in others of questioning how we look at learning, education, and it means to be in community. How can we get back to our roots and allow ourselves to witness the natural learning process in ourselves and others? What are some things that trip us up and what are some practical tips on how we can begin to challenge our fears and shift our mindset to embrace unschooling, free learning and equitable relationship building?

Sari and Becka talk about the foundations of free learning and how we as parents have a wonderful opportunity to dare to question how we are doing things, what kinds of relationships we want to have and and what future we want for ourselves, our kids, our families and the world.