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Episodes
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills your child can learn—but where do you start? In this episode, we're sharing how to teach public speaking at home, no matter your student’s age or confidence level. From building poise through simple daily habits to structuring speeches and presentations, we’ll walk you through practical tips, activity ideas, and resources you can use right away. Whether your child is naturally outgoing or more reserved, you’ll learn how to help them find their voice and speak with confidence.
SHOW NOTES:
Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com
If you have any questions or comments, please email us at happyhomeschoolpod@gmail.com
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National Speech & Debate Association | Connect. Support. Inspire.
American Speech and Debate Association
National 4-H Council
Toastmasters International -Youth Leadership Program
Model United Nations | United Nations
The 8 best debating games to engage students | ESU
Encouraging Language Skills during Family Board Games - North Shore Pediatric Therapy
The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.
If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Friday Aug 01, 2025
Friday Aug 01, 2025
We've had so many new listeners lately, we thought we should share this episode from last year, discussing the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling!
Whether you're a homeschooler or know someone who is, people often have a lot of questions about homeschooling. What is it? How does it work? How do homeschooled kids differ from their publicly schooled peers? Today, we're tackling all the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling!
SHOW NOTES:
Visit our website at www.happyhomeschoolerpodcast.com
If you have any questions or comments, please email us at happyhomeschoolpod@gmail.com
Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial!
Like our page and join our group on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram!
00:07:01 - "Is it legal?"00:10:10 - "How do homeschoolers graduate?"00:11:50 - "Do you have to have a degree to homeschool?"00:15:40 - "Should a homeschooler take a GED?"00:17:33 - "How do homeschoolers get into college?"00:21:25 - "How do homeschoolers get a diploma?"00:22:30 - "Can homeschoolers take standardized tests?"00:25:15 - "What about sports?"00:26:33 - "Can homeschoolers go to prom?"00:31:43 - "How do homeschoolers date?"00:34:17 - "Can I homeschool through high school?"00:38:50 - "Do I need to keep records and grades?"00:40:48 - "Will my kid be weird?"00:45:46 - "What curriculum should I use?"00:48:41 - "Can I get a tax break for homeschooling?"00:48:57 - "Do I need to use an accredited homeschooling program?"00:49:14 - "How much does it cost?"00:49:31 - "How do I get started?"
The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
No homeschooler wants to feel like they’re fumbling through the year. But the truth is, everyone makes mistakes. In this episode, we’re counting down the top 10 homeschooling mistakes to avoid, from overscheduling and curriculum overload to neglecting self-care and forgetting to enjoy the journey. Whether you're a first-year homeschooler or a seasoned pro, we’ve got tips and insights to help you sidestep these common pitfalls and create a more peaceful, productive homeschool life.
SHOW NOTES:
Visit our website!
If you have any questions or comments, please email us at happyhomeschoolpod@gmail.com
Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial!
Like our page and join our group on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram!
The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a Transcript Maker Production. It is hosted by Holly Williams Urbach and Jennifer Jones, produced by Matthew Bass, and edited by Norah Williams. Our logo is by Norah Williams and our music is by The Great Pangolin.
If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
About Our Hosts
Jennifer Jones (left) is a dedicated homeschool advocate and community leader with over two decades of experience homeschooling her eight children in Marble Falls, Texas. After joining The Happy Homeschooler Podcast as a guest, Jennifer was thrilled to join the podcast as a co-host in 2022. She hopes that by sharing her own experiences on the podcast she is able to make homeschooling more approachable for new families. She believes homeschooling is truly a lifestyle, not just an educational choice, and encourages listeners to embrace it as an adventure for the entire family.
Holly Williams Urbach (center) is a dedicated homeschooling mother of six wonderful people (five of whom are now adults). She began homeschooling in Texas in 1993 when homeschooling was not yet fully legal. She is passionate about the benefits of the homeschooling lifestyle and shares her passion by mentoring new homeschoolers in person, through the local Facebook group she moderates with other seasoned homeschoolers in her community, and by being a co-host of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast.
Melody Gillum (right) and her husband Jon embraced a learning lifestyle back in the early days of the modern home school movement. Teaching and training seven children in all of life, from birth to graduation, was a grand adventure! While the learning lifestyle continues as their family heritage, 34 years of home schooling drew to a close in 2018. Melody seems unable to stop teaching, and currently supports her local community as the elementary director for a wonderful homeschool hybrid program. She is delighted to be a part of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast team!