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 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

6 days ago
163: How To Plan Your School Year
6 days ago
6 days ago
Wondering how to plan your school year? Planning your homeschool year can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we’ll guide you step by step through how to plan your school year in a way that fits your family’s needs and style. From choosing curriculum and mapping out subjects to setting realistic goals and building flexibility into your schedule, we’ll share practical strategies that help you stay organized without burning out. Whether you prefer a detailed plan or a looser structure, you’ll come away with tools to create a school year that works for you.
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!
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 08, 2025
162: How To Teach Public Speaking
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
Visit Transcript Maker and get your 14-day free trial!
Like our page and join our group on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram!
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
BONUS: Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling
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.

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 (right) 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 (not pictured) was a founding host of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. In 2025, she retired from the show to spend more time with her husband Jon, with whom she homeschooled her seven children.