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

Friday Dec 27, 2024
145: A Look Back at 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Friday Dec 27, 2024
Today we take a look back at 2024, as our hosts reflect on the highlights of the year, revisiting their favorite episodes and sharing the ones that resonated most with listeners. From meaningful conversations to unexpected insights, we dive into what made 2024 such a special year for The Happy Homeschooler Podcast. Join us as we revisit the most downloaded episodes and celebrate the moments that made this year unforgettable.
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!
Our Hosts' Favorite Episodes:
141: Getting Kids Outside (w/ Barefoot University)
137: Music Education for Homeschoolers (with Shanan Colvin)
134: Homeschooling with Technology (w/ Meryl van der Merwe)
Our Biggest Episodes:
132: How to Start Homeschooling
136: Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling
133: Our Favorite Homeschooling Books
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.
If you liked this episode, and you’d like to help us grow, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

Thursday Dec 26, 2024
144: How To Teach Financial Literacy
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
In this episode, we discuss how to teach financial literacy. We explore practical tips and strategies for helping students develop strong financial habits, understand budgeting, saving, and investing, and prepare for financial independence. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking for ways to enhance your lessons, this episode is packed with helpful advice for teaching financial responsibility!
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!
Cat InsanityNational Endowment for Financial Education | NEFEWhatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard J. MayburyThis is an Amazon Associate link. If you order through this link, you’ll be helping to support us at no additional cost to you.
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.
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 Nov 29, 2024
143: Homeschooling in Oregon
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
What’s it like to homeschool in Oregon? In this special interview episode, we explore homeschooling in Oregon, covering opportunities, challenges, and legal requirements in the Beaver State. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice tailored to Oregon families!
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! And use code BLACKFRIDAY24 for 30% at checkout from November 22nd through December 2nd!
Like our page and join our group on Facebook!
Follow us on Instagram!
OCEANetwork - Oregon Christian Home Education Association Network
Secular Homeschoolers in Oregon | Facebook
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.
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!