Self Directed

Meet Raquy Danziger - a celebrated Darbuka performer, teacher, and composer known worldwide for her expertise on the Middle Eastern darbuka drum. We are a full-time traveling family. We love art, music, and people and interview some of the wonderful people we meet. We met Raquy in Istanbul, Turkey, where she is now based. ▬ About Raquy ▬ Hailing from unlikely Western roots, Raquy has distinguished herself as a unique phenomenon and earned a place of renown in the genre. She has collaborated and performed with some of the most famous Middle Eastern drummers in the world and has given concerts and workshops across the USA, Canada, The Middle East, Asia, Europe, Russia, and South America. Raquy specializes in the Turkish split hand technique. This style was born twenty years ago when the Turkish drummers began splitting the hand, thus attaining unprecedented speed and dexterity. In 2012 Raquy opened her “Darbuka Ofis” in downtown Istanbul, where she trains daily under the direction of her teacher, master drummer Bünyamin Olguncan. Her Ofis has become a center for drumming, attracting drummers from all over the world who flock to Istanbul to learn from Raquy and Bünyamin. ▬ EPSIODE LINKS ▬ https://raquy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RaquyDanziger/ https://www.instagram.com/raquytabla/ https://soundcloud.com/raquytabla https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzPUz0KpcUxPsl2uXH8S8NQ https://www.etsy.com/shop/RaquyArt https://www.instagram.com/darbukaschool/ https://darbukaschool.com/ http://www.raquydrumstore.com/ ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ (00:00:01) - Discovering Istanbul's Music and Art (00:15:26) - Drumming Lessons and Online Classes ▬ PODCAST INFO ▬ Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss ▬ SUPPORT & CONNECT ▬ Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Together with our dear friend Sarah Beale, we delve deep into the pursuit of a 'good life.' Sarah shares her incredible journey of transitioning from the traditional Australian school system to an unstructured, unschooling approach. Dive into an enriching exploration of the power of choice, and the significance of maintaining a fluid, flexible approach to life. Sarah's idea of a 'good life' is deeply intertwined with her family's shift to unschooling. We discuss this intricate relationship, pondering how selling their possessions and leaving their home country has molded their perception of a fulfilling life. Sarah doesn't hold back from questioning the traditional school system's inclination to persuade parents to surrender responsibility to the state. Instead, she celebrates the role of a supportive community in embracing the freedom unschooling provides. As we unpack Sarah's metaphorical 'backpack of life,' the conversation takes an intriguing turn to encompass emotional baggage, triggers, and the strength of having a supportive community. We converse about creating a vibrant, judgement-free space for our children to express themselves and the inherent value of conversations that might not seem productive but deeply enrich our lives. The episode concludes with a potent dialogue about balancing life's projects with finding joy in the moment, asserting that happiness is a journey, not a destination. Join us, be inspired, and reconsider your definitions of a 'good life. ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬ https://www.renegademum.com/ https://www.instagram.com/the_renegade_mum/ https://www.facebook.com/sarah.beale1 ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ (0:00:00) - Unschooling Journey and Nomadic Living (0:04:59) - The Journey to a Good Life (0:13:16) - Exploring the Good Life and Unschooling (0:29:58) - The Power of Choosing Happiness (0:42:35) - The Backpack of Life (0:56:11) - Emotional Baggage and Supporting Each Other (1:05:44) - The Value of Conversations and Purpose (1:10:00) - Finding Joy, Balancing Projects

Buckle up for a deep dive into the world of unschooling - an unconventional approach to education that is more of a lifelong journey than a destination. This is the first episode of 'Da Ladies Fixing the World" featuring Cecilie Conrad, Luna Maj Vestergaard, Carla Martinez, and Sarah Beale. Together we investigate the boundaries of Unschooling. Listen to our revelations on how unschooling continues to surprise us, even after years of practice. This episode is more than just a discussion on unschooling. We bring other early education systems under the microscope, critiquing traditional schooling systems and exploring everything from the Danish kindergarten model to the state's influence on parental decision-making in education. We reflect on our own upbringing and experiences and how they shape our views on unschooling. Be prepared to rethink traditional education models as we illustrate the freedom unschooling offers and its transformative impact on children's learning experiences. As we journey further, we touch on the challenges of unschooling and the expectations that need to be managed. Recognize the importance of embracing uncertainty when first diving into unschooling and the necessity of being comfortable with not knowing or controlling outcomes. This thought-provoking episode will leave you examining the balance between freedom and boundaries in unschooling, considering the concept of unschooling as natural and integrated learning and reflecting on the implications of de-schooling and the importance of living and learning together. Join us on this enlightening adventure that is bound to leave you rethinking traditional education models. ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ (0:00:02) - Unschooling and the Limits of Freedom (0:12:19) - Parenting: Modern women caught on auto-pilot (0:24:40) - Comparing Schooling Systems and Education Perspectives (0:37:56) - Unschooling and Personal Journey Towards Education (0:53:29) - Transitioning to Unschooling (1:07:44) - Understanding the Concept of Unschooling (1:15:53) - Unschooling & natural learning processes (1:23:28) - Challenges and Expectations in Unschooling ▬ EPISODE LINKS ▬ Luna Maj Vestergaard: https://altomunschooling.dk/ Carla Martinez: https://planetaworldschool.com/ Sara Beale: https://www.renegademum.com/ Cecilie Conrad: https://theconrad.family

This is an episode to celebrate Learn Nothing Day. Sandra Dodd's birthday is on July 24th, and as a joke, she started 'Learn Nothing Day,' - which now is an international holiday for unschoolers. A day where we each year try to learn nothing and fail. As Sandra Says: "Unschoolers need a holiday. When people ask if they homeschool in the summer, they say yes. When people ask when they have a break from learning, they say never. This has gone on for a long time now. July 24 is Learn Nothing Day—a vacation for unschoolers." We loved our first episode with Sandra Dodd so much that we promised each other to continue our talk in another episode. So here we are. This episode, besides talking about Learn Nothing Day, tackles the topic of unschooling and parental judgment. Sandra shares her experiences and insights, offering valuable advice on how to guide and coach your kids without imposing your own biases. We discuss the importance of teaching children crucial life skills and fostering an environment that promotes natural learning. Our chat with Sandra Dodd is more than just an exchange of ideas; it's a journey through personal experiences, shared struggles, and triumphant breakthroughs. Whether you're a parent, a homeschooler, or simply curious about the art of communication, unschooling, and parenting, this episode is a must-listen. It's an invitation to reflect, question, and perhaps see things from a different perspective – one that could better serve you and your family. So, come, join our conversation, and let's explore together. And see if you can take just one day of learning nothing :) Transcript and shownotes at https://theconrad.family/selfdirected25 🗓️ Recorded June 28th, 2023. 📍Åmarksgaard, Denmark ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ (00:00:00) - Balancing Male and Female Communication Styles (00:08:05) - Parenting Roles and Gender Dynamics (00:12:52) - Unschooling, Parenting, and Judgment (00:22:18) - Unschooling and Parental Guidance (00:33:02) - Honest Communication in Parenting (00:41:11) - Parenting and Communication Guidelines (00:52:36) - Losing Friends Over Unschooling (00:59:33) - Making Better Choices in Life (01:10:02) - Passion for Medieval History and Unschooling (01:20:22) - Unschooling and Learn Nothing Day (01:29:23) - Video Games' Impact on Learning (01:34:19) - Parenting and Video Games (01:44:14) - Unschooling and Parenting Decisions (01:50:01) - Importance of Critical Thinking in Unschooling ▬ Links ▬ Learn Nothing Day: https://sandradodd.com/learnnothingday/ Sandra Dodds website: https://sandradodd.com/ ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family

Sari González and Becka Koritz: unschooling moms and hosts of the podcast Radical Learning Talks. They share a passion for unschooling and have created a Self Directed Learning center in Mexico. Their focus lies at the intersection of unschooling, parenting, relationship building, and community development, all aimed at nurturing children's self-directed learning, autonomy, and freedom. As advocates for children's rights and freedom, they also run Explora ALC, an Agile Learning Community in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. In their view, the world is undergoing profound changes, and they firmly believe that active participation in this transformation is necessary for societal evolution. By questioning and challenging outdated beliefs and practices that disempower children and others, they create space for new opportunities and tools that embrace connection and freedom. Transcript and shownotes at https://theconrad.family/selfdirected24 🗓️ Recorded June 21st, 2023. 📍Skolstugan, Sweden ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ (0:00:00) - From Sweden to Mexico - How Sari & Becka ended up in Mexico (0:08:32) - Challenges With Mandatory Schooling in Sweden (0:14:21) - Exploring Agile Learning and Unschooling (0:24:23) - Reimagining Education and Creating Community (0:35:56) - Podcast Evolution and Impact (0:46:05) - Unschooling and Dismantling Systems of Oppression (0:50:58) - Unschooling, Healing, and Collective Perspectives (0:58:29) - Challenges and Considerations in Homeschooling (1:04:18) - Exploring Critical Thinking in Unschooling (1:09:43) - Unschooling and Radical Learning Discussion ▬ Links ▬ https://www.radical-learning.org/ https://www.instagram.com/radical_learning/ https://www.facebook.com/radicallearningtalks ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family

Stop for a moment, really pause, and ask yourself – why are we sending our children to school? Is that an irrefutable axiom of our society, or is it a widely accepted assumption that hasn't been critically analyzed? It is high time we scrutinize this norm. Survey our society today – does it not strike you that people appear to be discontent, not at their happiest or healthiest? This begs the question, are we really doing right by our kids, by our society, by sticking to a traditional, possibly antiquated, approach to education? Or should we be daring enough to try something different, something that might better serve our children and our future? Unschooling, a radical, child-centered approach to learning, offers that 'something different.' It fundamentally challenges our conventional wisdom about education. Instead of forcing children into a standardized curriculum, unschooling allows them to follow their own interests, their own curiosity, and their own pace. It nurtures intrinsic motivation, fostering an innate love for learning that can remain far beyond the years of formal schooling. Sure, this may seem like uncharted territory to some, but look around again – our current path does not seem to be leading us to happiness or health. Perhaps, it is time to take the road less traveled. It is time to genuinely question, 'why, why are we doing this?' and consider the possibility that unschooling might just be the change we need. Listen to the full podcast episode of Self Directed with guest Summer Jean and hosts Cecilie & Jesper Conrad: https://theconrad.family/selfdirected23

Summer Jean is a grown-up unschooler whom we have interviewed for our podcast Self Directed Listen to the full episode here: https://www.theconrad.family/selfdirected23 “There is no academic learning that could possibly be worth damaging that connection in any way, shape, or form. I don't care what anybody says; there’s nothing worth damaging it because that parent-child connection is literally everything. And if you sacrifice one piece of that, the whole thing can crumble. That is the basis of your child's mental and emotional well-being throughout their entire life and the moment that you sacrifice that relationship and that connection. for fear, you're gonna choose fear that your child is gonna be stupid over the relationship and the connection that you have with them. I mean, what is that teaching your child about what's important in life?  You have to disconnect to force someone to do something. Force and connection do not coexist. It's impossible. And if you're connected with someone, force is not required.

Summer Jean is a grown-up unschooler who guested our podcast 'Self Directed' Summer Jean's perspective reminds us that our fear as parents often stems from our own insecurities. We worry about what our children might become because we question our own worth and intelligence at our core. 😔 The idea of exerting control and forcing our children to conform stems from a belief system passed down through generations - a belief that if we don't control them, they'll be failures. But let's challenge this cycle. When we look at the natural world around us, we see that everything unfolds according to its own nature without external authority. 🌿 Summer Jean encourages us to break free from the fear-based mindset. Instead, let's empower our children to embrace their uniqueness and trust their inner instincts. 🌟 Parenting is an incredible journey of growth for both child and parent. By letting go of fear and control, we create an environment where our children can thrive, knowing they are inherently valuable and loved. ❤️ Watch the full podcast episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@theconradfamily365

“I mean, it's literal brainwashing." 🔊 New Podcast Alert! 🔊Tune in to this week’s episode of Self Directed, where we talk with Summer Jean, who has grown up unschooling. We discussed how important it is to trust children’s sense of rightness. As children, when we are told to ignore our own instincts, passions, and interests and instead do what others dictate, it leaves us feeling conflicted. We question our own judgment and lose touch with our inner sense of rightness. What do we rely on in life if not our own innate discernment? When our trust in ourselves is undermined, we become disconnected from our true nature. We're left wondering, "What am I really made of? What is truly authentic to me?" The impact of repeatedly being told that we're wrong and can't be trusted lingers within us. It's like literal brainwashing, shaping our beliefs and limiting our potential. 😢 Let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of nurturing and empowering our children's individuality and self-trust. Let's encourage them to listen to their inner voice and follow their own path. 🌈💪 Together, we can help create a world where everyone embraces their unique truths and lives authentically. 🌍💙 Listen to the podcast and get inspired by Summer Jean's story, and gain a new perspective on independent learning and intuitive parenting. Listen, learn, and question the status quo! - Subscribe and listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@UC9D5CNnRq1RuZ6YwB4edw6A 🎧📚🌱

What if the traditional education system is doing more harm than good? In our conversation with Summer Jean, a 34-year-old grown unschooler, we explore her unique upbringing and how it has shaped her life. Raised by a mother who trusted her children's innate ability to learn without any required academia, Summer Jean and her three brothers grew up free from workbooks, curriculums, and traditional school settings. Throughout our discussion, we examine the differences between world schooling and unschooling, as well as the pressures and fears that unschooled children might face from family members who expect them to conform to conventional education systems. We also delve into the hypocrisy of traditional education, which trains children not to make their own choices for 12 years, only to expect them to have it all figured out by the time they turn 18. Join us as we uncover the impact of unschooling on Summer Jean's life, highlighting the importance of trusting your children's innate ability to learn, encouraging independence, and fostering an environment where they can thrive. Discover how unschooling can lead to a life full of critical thinking, personal growth, and self-discovery, and challenge your beliefs and understandings around traditional education systems. 🗓️ Recorded May 10th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France See show notes at https://TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected23 ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ 0:00 Summer Jeans background 11:51 Clear Definitions for Unschooling 25:55 Wasted School Years, Learning Beyond Classroom 30:18 Pressure and Fear in Learning 41:24 Unschooling and Parenting Philosophy 53:05 Education Hypocrisy, Importance of Independence 1:01:58 Unschooling and Trusting Children 1:16:18 Parenting With Summer Jean ▬ Links ▬ https://www.facebook.com/Thisbeautifullivingfreedom https://www.patreon.com/summerjean https://www.instagram.com/mermaidartglass ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family

Chris Attwood is a NY Times bestseller and our friend for many years. If it weren’t for Chris entering our lives, we would probably not be living our passions right now. In this episode, we explore the power of rituals in unraveling limiting beliefs and providing a safe space for our children to take risks. We discuss self-directed learning and the benefits of incorporating Byron Katie's The Work - a self-inquiry tool into our parenting strategies. And we share our experiences in navigating the complex relationship between our children and technology, offering insights on how to create a balanced and fulfilling life for our families. Chris is the co-author of the internationally acclaimed NY Times bestsellers "The Passion Test - The Effortless Path to Discovering Your Destiny" and "Your Hidden Riches - Unleashing the Power of Ritual to Create a Life of Meaning and Purpose." What sets Chris Attwood apart is his genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. He has dedicated his life to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and create a life they truly love. Through his workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions, Chris has impacted the lives of countless individuals worldwide, empowering them to embrace their passions and live life to the fullest. Our friendship with Chris started when he, one day in 2014, stood in our living room in Copenhagen. With his family, he had just moved to Denmark and needed advice on homeschooling from some “locals,” so they were introduced to us through a fellow friend. This meeting changed our lives. Jesper started working with online marketing for The Passion Test program - a powerful process that enables individuals to identify their top passions and align their actions and choices accordingly. We applied the principles in our own lives and now, eight years later, we are living our passions - traveling full-time together as a family, working only on projects we love. We are honored to call Chris our friend and continue to learn from him. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation as we discuss parenting, technology, and the power of silence and meditation in discovering and living our passions. 🗓️ Recorded May 9th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France See show notes at https://TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected22

Have you ever wondered how unschooling could unlock your child's passions and potential? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mary Griffith, where we explore her family's journey with unschooling, fencing, and homeschooling. Mary shares how fencing became a significant part of their lives, allowing her daughters to pursue their interests without the constraints of school involvement, contrasting her experience with high school sports in the 1970s to the landscape of sports today. While supporting her children, Mary became involved with the Northern California Homeschool Association and decided to write books on the subject. We discuss her challenges, the importance of family support, and her daughters' unique experiences in their educational journey. From reverse engineering her daughter's unschooled life to meet university requirements to exploring different learning styles, Mary's insights are sure to inspire others considering this unique educational path. Finally, we discuss the need for children to explore the world, free from the confines of a classroom, and the vital role family support plays in fostering a successful environment for prospering. We also touch on Mary's journey with unschooling, music, and her love of natural history. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the powerful potential of unschooling and how it can strengthen parent-child relationships, encourage curiosity, and foster a lifelong love of learning. 🗓️ Recorded may 10th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France See show notes at https://TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected21 ▬ CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO ▬ 0:00 Unschooling and Fencing 8:45 Homeschooling and Writing Books 13:02 Homeschooling, Curriculum, and Unschooling 19:43 Homeschooling and Unschooling Experiences 29:55 Unschooling, Learning Styles, and Life Experience 43:15 Unschooling and Learning to Learn 53:58 Enjoying the Adventure of Life 1:05:27 Unschooling and Trust in Parent-Child Relationships 1:15:26 The Importance of Play for Children ▬ Links ▬ https://MaryGriffith.net -- Mostly on Unschooling https://MaryGriff.com -- Fencing, politics and all things in between. ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family

Are you ready to transform your parenting journey and unlock the secret to raising confident and free-thinking children? In our conversation with parenting expert, author, and counselor Naomi Aldort, we reveal the powerful philosophy of raising ourselves to raise our children, allowing them to flourish in a supportive environment. Naomi shares her inspiring journey from being a piano teacher to discovering her gift for helping families and the incredible advantages of virtually conducting her transformative retreats. We also tackle some challenging topics, such as finding a balance between parental expectations and children's needs, and Naomi's advice on how couples can work together will provide invaluable guidance. We go beyond conventional parenting advice and explore the concept of authentic parenting, where Naomi shares how you can recognize those moments when your own thoughts hijack you and how you can use this awareness to create a peaceful environment for your children. In a thought-provoking discussion about the harmful effects of praise, Naomi emphasizes the importance of providing freedom, allowing children to be themselves, and expressing gratitude in a more specific and empowering way. Don't miss this life-changing episode as Naomi Aldort shares her profound wisdom on parenting and personal growth. 🗓️ Recorded April 27, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France ▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:01 Parenting and Personal Growth 8:46 Parenting and Marriage Counseling Advice 20:25 Authentic Parenting and Overcoming Natural Instincts 35:11 Parenting Philosophy 50:46 Harmful Effects of Praise 58:14 Gratitude and Authentic Feedback ▬ Connect with Naomi Aldort ▬ Website: https://NaomiAldort.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naomi.aldort/ Authentic Parent: https://www.facebook.com/authenticparent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NaomiAldort Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomi_aldort_parenting/ ▬ Naomi Aldort's article series "The Price of Praise." ▬ Getting Out of the Way: https://naomialdort.com/getting-out-of-the-way/ The Price of Praise Part 1: Connecting to the Child’s Own Feeling: https://naomialdort.com/the-price-of-praise-part1-connecting-to-the-childs-own-feeling/ The Price of Praise Part 2: Expressing Appreciation: https://naomialdort.com/the-price-of-praise-part-2-expressing-appreciation/ The Price of Praise Part 3: Building Self-Confidence with Unconditional Love: https://naomialdort.com/the-price-of-praise-part-3-building-self-confidence-with-unconditional-love/ ▬ More links ▬ The Work by Byron Katie: https://thework.com/ Gestalt Therapy: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/therapy-types/gestalt-therapy ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family ▬ 4 ways to support this podcast ▬ https://www.theconrad.family/support-self-directed

What does it truly mean to embrace radical parenting and homeschooling? This week - we are the “guests” on our own podcast. Katrina Bieler contacted us with a kind letter, and we said yes, asking us if she could ask us all her questions. “Dear Cecilie & Jesper... I want to thank you for your podcast. I am homeschooling my own children and feel a constant need to do so from the deepest truths, or I find myself in the false position of thinking of them as empty boxes I must fill with the "right" stuff. Your podcast, which is essentially listening to people discuss deep truths as they have discovered them inside of experience and attempted to remain true and abide by what they have seen, refreshes me again and again. I end up with a joyful feeling and enlivened after listening. I would love to interview both of you sometime, as a homeschooler behind you on the path with many questions…” We said yes :) In our conversation, we delve into the importance of recognizing the inherent goodness of children and how this perspective can shift our values as parents. We discuss the dangers of a school system that measures a child's worth by their accomplishments, as well as the challenges and rewards of homeschooling. We hope our experiences will inspire you to reevaluate your own parenting journey and empower you to make radical choices for your family's well-being. We also explore the concept of unschooling and the role of family values in our decision-making process. Addressing themes of forgiveness and understanding, we reflect on how our past experiences can shape our relationships with our children and our approach to education. Join us in this insightful and heartwarming episode as we celebrate the power of radical parenting and homeschooling. And thank you, Katrina, for all the great questions. It was a pleasure to be “on the other side of the mic.” We want to do this again, so feel free to contact us if you are ready to ask us a lot of questions - we are ready to answer them - here on our podcast! 🗓️ Recorded April22nd, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France ▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:00 Radical Parenting and Homeschooling 9:24 The Gift of Goodness and Being 17:21 Homeschooling and Parental Pressure 32:03 Unschooling and Living by Our Values 47:16 Unschooling and Family Values 1:00:05 Forgiveness and Understanding 1:15:53 Gratitude and Reflection on the Interview CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family 4 ways to support this podcast: https://www.theconrad.family/support-self-directed

Samuel KingDavis is a seasoned artist renowned for his exceptional talent in caricature drawing and illustration. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a solid background in sales, Samuel has made significant strides in the art world, not just in creating pieces that captivate, but also in strategically positioning his work in the market. Currently, he is working as a freelance caricature artist and illustrator, where his impressive portfolio of work showcases his unique ability to blend humor, satire, and likeness into captivating illustrations. This remarkable talent has made him a sought-after artist in his field, leading to collaborations with various clients around the world. Samuel's influence extends beyond his freelance work. He is an esteemed member of several prestigious artist associations. This includes the International Society of Caricature Artist and Eurocature, where he connects and collaborates with fellow artists, expanding his perspectives and pushing the boundaries of his craft. Additionally, he is part of the Charles Bridge Artist Association, where he plays a vital role in promoting local art and culture. His art is not merely a profession but a way of life. His commitment to continuously refining his craft while exploring innovative ways to promote it exemplifies Samuel KingDavis's unwavering passion for the arts and his entrepreneurial drive. His contributions to the field reflect his dedication and love for his craft, ensuring that Samuel's work continues to inspire and entertain. 🗓️ Recorded April 19th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France Connect with Samuel KingDavis Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kingdavisart Event Booking Website: www.kingdavisart.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCgMHRJZMMxMzDYn5BLJ9eVA

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the wild? This episode features an incredible conversation with Lucy AitkenRead, a nomadic adventurer who shares her family's journey from London to off-grid living in New Zealand. Lucy AitkenRead is a mother, activist, bestselling author, and an unschooling advocate and runs Disco Learning. After living in London for years, Lucy and her husband felt the desire to break away from societal expectations and fulfill a deeper calling. They drove off in a van and explored Europe before settling down in New Zealand, where her husband is from. Lucy shares her story in her book: '30 Days of Rewilding’, which is a collection of daily readings that will inspire families to fall in love with nature.' We dive into their experience on the road, the balance between work and family, and the lessons they've learned along the way. We also tackle the topic of unschooling, discussing the need to dismantle the traditional school system and empower children to thrive outside of those institutions. Lucy offers her insights on the social implications of unschooling, the healing potential of this journey, and the systemic injustice it seeks to address. This conversation will challenge your perspectives on education, relationships, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. We hope you will enjoy this episode and be inspired to follow your own calling, even if it means breaking away from societal norms and expectations, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating a life that aligns with your values. See show notes at https://TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected12 🗓️ Recorded February 15th, 2023. 📍Palermo, Sicily, Italy. ▬ Connect with Lucy Aitkenread ▬ Unschooling course: https://discolearning.com Blog: https://lulastic.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LulasticAndTheHippyshake Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_aitkenread YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LulasticHippyshake ▬ LIKE THIS SHOW? ▬ Then please share it with your friends! ▬ REVIEW ▬ We would love to hear how our podcast has impacted your life! Please include your Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast ▬ CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY ▬ Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family ▬ 4 ways to support this podcast ▬ https://www.theconrad.family/support-self-directed

What if you could reimagine education for your children, breaking free from the traditional school system and embracing their natural curiosity? Join us as we chat with Sandra Dodd, a prominent figure in the unschooling community, about her journey from skepticism to advocacy for this unconventional approach to learning. Throughout our conversation with Sandra, we explore her experiences with deschooling, the obstacles schools create for unschoolers, and the evolving dynamics of the American education system. We also talk about the future of education, emphasizing the importance of offering community programs to different age groups and harnessing libraries as learning centers. As we venture further into the unschooling community, we delve into the complexities of unschooling, often misunderstood as simply a vacation. We discuss the crucial distinction between learning and teaching oneself, the unique dynamics of men and women in the unschooling community, and the necessity of understanding one's self before attempting to enforce unschooling rules. Sandra has inspired countless families to embrace unschooling as a holistic and child-centered alternative to traditional education. Her thoughts have resonated with numerous parents and helped shape the philosophy of unschooling as it is known today. Don't miss this insightful episode full of valuable lessons on unschooling, parenting, and personal freedom. Website: https://SandraDodd.com 🗓️ Recorded April 25th, 2023. 📍Chateau de L'Isle Marie, Normandy, France

Have you ever felt the weight of loneliness or struggled to find your place in the world? Join us for an insightful conversation with homeschool dad Martin Cooke. Together, we discuss the impact of creating safe spaces for men to open up, share their experiences, and form connections that can combat feelings of isolation. Martin Cooke is a stay-at-home day we got to learn at World School Summit in Granada, Spain in 2019. It was fascinating to meet so many like-minded people. And many a strong bond was created. Martin Cooke is one of the homeschool dads we met and fell in love with. During the summit, Martin created a Men’s Circle, where homeschool/worldschool dads could get together and talk about how it is to be a husband, dad, and homeschool father. Martin finds that men often find it harder to vocalize their emotions, making it difficult to connect with others and find support. So for him, it felt natural to create a safe space where we men could get together. It allowed us to be vulnerable and share our struggles and challenges without fear of judgment or shame. Australian research shows that 39% of men living alone experience loneliness, and one in three men believe that there is no one to help them out if in they’re in need. These are some sad statistics. We need to change this. The experience of attending the Men’s circle helped me to see myself in a new light, and it has since grown in me that I want to help more men to find a better balance in their life. To help them to break down the toxic societal norms that often prevent men from seeking help and support when they need it most. To help them become better husbands, fathers, and friends. The first step is to have more open, honest talks about how it is to be a man and a father. I hope you will enjoy this episode. I know I enjoyed the talk, and I am still on a journey to becoming a better dad. Martin's journey into men's circles is just the beginning - in this episode, we also explore the intertwining of identity with work, the value of embracing change, and the serendipitous moments that lead us on unexpected paths. We delve deeper into topics such as masculinity, vulnerability, and the unique challenges of parenting - touching on the joys, the struggles, and the educational experiences that come with raising children. Lastly, we venture into the world of alternative education as Martin shares his experiences with homeschooling and the power dynamics at play in traditional schooling systems. We discuss the importance of giving our children the freedom to explore their passions and the courage necessary to question societal expectations. Tune in and discover how Martin's journey of embracing alternative education and defying convention has led him to create his own luck in life. Thank you, Martin, for allowing me to be vulnerable together with you :) See show notes at https://TheConrad.Family/SelfDirected15 Read about the Wilderness Woods Martin mentions in the podcast: https://www.wildernesswood.org/ 🗓️ Recorded March 9th, 2023. 📍Garrufo, Provincia di Teramo, Italy CONNECT WITH THE CONRAD FAMILY Watch more podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConradFamily365 Listen to the podcast: https://theconrad.family/podcast Blogposts: https://www.theconrad.family/blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family 4 ways to support this podcast: https://www.theconrad.family/support-self-directed