The Happy Homeschooler Podcast
The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a digital support group for everyone interested in a learning lifestyle. Join us the second and fourth Friday of each month as our hosts Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones discuss topics like the benefits of homeschooling, finding the right curriculum for you, navigating the line between parent and teacher, and more!
Episodes

2 hours ago
158: The Joy of Slow
2 hours ago
2 hours ago
In this episode, we discuss The Joy of Slow by Leslie M. Martino, a book that encourages families to embrace a slower, more intentional pace of life. We explore how its themes apply to homeschooling, parenting, and everyday living — from resisting the pressure to overschedule, to finding meaning in the quiet moments. Whether you’ve read the book or are just curious about the slow living philosophy, this conversation offers inspiration and practical takeaways for creating a more peaceful homeschool rhythm.
SHOW NOTES:
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Buy The Joy of Slow, by Leslie M. Martino on Amazon
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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 May 30, 2025
157: Summer School For Homeschoolers
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Summer school for homeschoolers offers unique opportunities that public school families miss out on. Today, we're offering practical advice for making summer learning fun and effective. Whether you’re continuing your curriculum, catching up on a few subjects, or exploring new interests, we share ways to keep education alive without losing the joy of summer. Summer is a great time for homeschooling, with lots of enriching opportunities that only come around this time of year.
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!
Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder | Food and Nutrition Service
2025 Summer Reading Lists | Association for Library Service to Children
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 May 23, 2025
156: The Different Styles of Homeschooling
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
There are so many different styles of homeschooling that families can implement for their learning lifestyle. From classical to unschooling, Charlotte Mason to unit studies, we break down what each style looks like in practice—along with the unique benefits and challenges they bring. Whether you're new to homeschooling or considering a shift in your current approach, this episode offers clarity and inspiration to help you find the right fit for your family.
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!
Waldorf Education: 100+ Years of Transformative Learning | AWSNA
The spark of unfolding knowledge | Charlotte Mason Institute
Charlotte Mason method homeschool curriculum and helps
AmblesideOnline - Charlotte Mason Curriculum
Christian Group Homeschool Programs | Classical Conversations
Memoria Press: Christian Classical Education
For more information about the homeschooling styles mentioned on today's show, check out these past Happy Homeschooler Podcast episodes:
055: What Is Gameschooling?
063: What Is Unschooling?
077: Alternative Homeschooling Styles
091: What is The Charlotte Mason Method?
093: What is The Montessori Method?
094: Get Out in Nature!
109: All About the Waldorf Method
113: All About Worldschooling
141: Getting Kids Outside (w/ Barefoot University)
154: How To Create Unit Studies
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!