Best Mostly Lit Pod Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 362: If You’re Doubting, Dreaming, or Barely Holding On: Why Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think (And How to Keep Going When It Feels Impossible) 17:43

2d ago17:43

17:43

May has always felt sacred to me. It's the bridge between everything I’ve poured into this school year and the dream that’s still unfolding for the next. And if you’re listening today feeling like you’re doubting, dreaming, or barely holding on… I see you. I’ve been you. And this episode is for you. When I started my microschool, I didn’t have a bl…

1
10 | Gratitude: The Secret Weapon For Healing Past Shame And Childhood Wounds 7:18

2d ago7:18

7:18

Gratitude is my superpower—and the best part is it’s available to everyone. In this episode, I open up about my own healing journey, and how choosing gratitude has allowed me to heal and develop a deeper connection with God. If you’ve ever asked “why me?” or struggled to shift your focus from pain to purpose, this conversation is for you. Maybe gra…

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COJ #130 - Felonious Clerks (...allegedly), Birthday Parties, and Justice on Display (or Not...) 1:01:38

5d ago1:01:38

1:01:38

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland unpack the continued fallout from the Alex Murdaugh trial, and the four new felony charges for former Clerk of Court, Becky Hill. They dissect the charges against Hill, clarifying that she faces misconduct, obstruction and perjury allegations... but not for jury tamperin…

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Ep 361: Why May Planning is the Secret to a Peaceful First Month of School: How Early Planning Sets Microschool Leaders and Homeschool Founders Up for a Stress-Free August 17:57

5d ago17:57

17:57

May is more than a season of endings—it’s the foundation for your next beginning. If you're a microschool founder, homeschool hybrid leader, or education entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed about next year, this episode will change the way you approach your summer. In today's conversation, Makenzie Oliver shares why May is the most strategic month to …

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Ep 360: How to Manage May Money Panic: Smart Enrollment and Financial Strategies for Microschool Leaders 16:33

9d ago16:33

16:33

May brings a perfect storm of reflection, burnout, transition—and for many microschool founders, serious financial pressure. If you're staring at your re-enrollment numbers, worrying about tuition gaps, or scrambling to figure out summer revenue strategies, this episode is for you. In this practical and encouraging conversation, Makenzie Oliver sha…

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COJ #129 - Police Can’t Stop Lying in Coverup of Scott Spivey Investigation + Is South Carolina the Wild, Wild West? 1:07:19

12d ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland pull back the curtain on disturbing issues in Horry County, South Carolina. Our team narrows focus to Weldon Boyd's troubling narrative, detailing how Boyd admittedly followed Scott Spivey before the fatal shooting. The hosts dissect the circumstances, questioning the ap…

1
Ep 359: How to Build a Thriving Microschool Without Burning Out: Systems Every Founder Needs Before August to Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Lead with Confidence 21:21

12d ago21:21

21:21

Are you exhausted from trying to do it all in your microschool or homeschool hybrid? You love what you’ve built—but you’re realizing that your dream is starting to feel like a burden. This episode is for the teacher-turned-founder who’s drowning in leadership, overwhelmed by logistics, and ready to build a microschool that runs with systems—not str…

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09 | What If Everything In Life Was Actually For Your Good? 11:40

15d ago11:40

11:40

Friend, did you know that everything that happens in life can be used for your good? Romans 8:28 says “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Not some things, ALL things work together for our good…. That’s great news, but do you believe it? How different would you…

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Ep 358: The Dream is Still Alive (Even If You’re Doubting Everything) Feeling Doubt at the End of the School Year? Why You’re Not Failing—You’re Growing 21:55

16d ago21:55

21:55

May is a whirlwind — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re feeling a wave of doubt about your school, your vision, or your leadership right now — you’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m opening up about one of the hardest Mays in my journey building Lighthouse Learning Microschool. Sitting in m…

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COJ #128 - ‘My Heart Was Broken’: Scott Spivey’s Mom, Sister Fight for Justice Amid Epic Law Enforcement Betrayal 1:11:04

19d ago1:11:04

1:11:04

In September 2023, highly connected North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, businessman Weldon Boyd and his friend Bradley Williams shot 33-year-old Scott Spivey to death on a rural road. From the very start, Horry County Police Department seemed to go to great lengths to paint Spivey as the aggressor and Boyd and Williams as merely victims who had no …

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Ep 357: I’m a Tired Teacher, But I’m Not Done: How to End the School Year with Peace, Not Panic 22:56

19d ago22:56

22:56

May is emotional — filled with reflection, burnout, celebration, transitions, and anticipation. And if you’re a teacher, school leader, or microschool founder, chances are you’re feeling all of that at once right now. Today, we’re diving into how to finish your year with purpose — without losing your peace. Have you ever looked up in May and though…

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356: How to Delegate Curriculum Planning and Teaching in Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Systems, Training a Team, and Scaling Instruction Without Burnout 26:38

23d ago26:38

26:38

Are you still teaching every subject, every grade, every day in your microschool? Whether you're just starting out and feel overwhelmed, ready to bring in an assistant, or completely done with teaching and ready to build a team—this episode is your roadmap. If you’ve ever thought: 👉 “How do I hand off teaching to someone else?” 👉 “What if my new hi…

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355: Why You Keep Changing Curriculum: How to Teach Multiple Grade Levels Without Chaos Using Layered Tasks, Adaptive Learning Tools, and Multi-Age Curriculum Systems That Actually Work 26:26

26d ago26:26

26:26

Have you changed your curriculum more times than you can count? Do you find yourself saying: “This just isn’t working...” “Maybe I need something different...” “What if this new one is the right fit?” If that’s you, this episode is going to give you clarity and peace of mind. You’re not flaky. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just trying to make i…

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Bonus Episode: LUNASHARK Premium Preview - Behind the Scenes, Getting In Front Of Legal Literacy, and All The Tea... 1:08:08

26d ago1:08:08

1:08:08

As we are focused on hearings in Houston, TX and Franklin, TN plus tracking developments in Horry County, SC and supporting the scripted series in ATL this week... we're tabling COJ and bringing you a special LUNASHARK Premium Preview Bonus Episode! From David’s Corruption Watchlist, Beth’s Soundbites, Girl Talk with Liz and Mandy, and all the grea…

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354: How to Choose Curriculum for Your Microschool: A Step-by-Step Guide for Public and Private School Teachers Transitioning to Multi-Age Teaching and Building Their Own Education Model 22:56

30d ago22:56

22:56

Are you a teacher thinking about starting your own microschool or homeschool hybrid—but stuck in a swirl of fear and curriculum overwhelm? You're not alone. One of the biggest questions teachers ask when leaving public or private education is: “How do I know what curriculum to use in a microschool?” “What if I mess it up?” “I’ve only taught one gra…

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COJ #127 - No Repercussions for Judge Carmen Mullen, Judicial Committee Rules + The Shocking Phone Calls Sending Horry County Spiraling 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland cover a lot of ground in this latest episode, starting with the death of Pope Francis, a religious leader who routinely called for justice and spoke out against hypocrisy. What will the future of the church look like now? Also on the show, Alex Murdaugh’s co-conspirator …

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353: Setting the Tone For Your Microschool After Enrollment. How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students 19:08

1M ago19:08

19:08

How to Build Trust and Connection with Parents and Students Are you welcoming new families into your microschool… but not sure what to say after they enroll? 🎉 In this heartfelt and strategic episode, Makenzie Oliver shares what most founders overlook: The time between enrollment and Day 1 of school is where trust is either built—or broken. Discove…

1
352: Microschool on a Budget! 7 Proven Ways to Save Money While Starting Your Dream School! 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

💡 Want to launch or grow your microschool without going broke? In this value-packed episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver reveals 7 smart and budget-friendly strategies to help you save money while building a powerful and purpose-filled learning environment for kids. Whether you're a former teacher starting a microsch…

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Makenzie’s Birthday Bash! 🎉 5 Years of Lessons as a Microschool Owner + 50% Off Our Best-Selling Business Bundle (Today Only!) 16:24

1M ago16:24

16:24

🎉 It's Makenzie's Birthday! And what better way to celebrate than by giving back to YOU—our amazing community of teacherpreneurs, homeschool moms, and microschool founders! In this special birthday episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver shares the Top 5 Most Valuable Lessons she’s learned from building and running a su…

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COJ #126 - Russell Laffitte FINALLY Admits Defeat With Guilty Plea + What’s Behind Angie Solomon’s ‘Murder for Hire’ Arrest? 1:03:27

1M ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland get a dose of breaking news mid-episode when the warrant for Angie Solomon’s “murder for hire” arrest comes in, raising all-new questions. In 2020, Angie’s 18-year-old son Grant was killed in a strange set of circumstances while outside a gym while his father, Aaron Solo…

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351: Feeling Lost with Microschool Finances? Here’s What You Actually Need to Budget, Price, and Plan Without the Overwhelm (+ A Limited-Time Tool to Help You Do It!) 20:32

1M ago20:32

20:32

If You're you a teacher, homeschooler, or microschool founder trying to wrap your head around the financial side of running a school? You're not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck or overwhelmed. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, host Makenzie Oliver breaks down the financial must-knows for educators building or growi…

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350: Systems That Save Your Sanity: How to Stay Organized & Enroll with Confidence in Your Microschool 23:14

1M ago23:14

23:14

This time of year can feel like you’re juggling all the things—wrapping up the school year, planning summer programs, enrolling new families, and trying not to drown in emails and sticky notes. 😅 If you're feeling scattered, behind, or overwhelmed in your microschool journey… this episode is your lifeline. Makenzie recaps a powerful and practical s…

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COJ #125 - What Happened To Alex Murdaugh’s Roadside Shooting Case? + Why Buster Murdaugh’s Latest Move Hurts His Case + Latest On Hulu Murdaugh Show 1:06:18

2M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland — (3:21) talk about the big reveal this past week of A-List Hollywood actor Jason Clarke in full costume as Alex Murdaugh. Clarke, who stars in the upcoming Hulu production based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast — now True Sunlight Podcast — was seen filming in Atlanta an…

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349: Starting From Scratch? Feel Like Your Marketing is Clunky? The Business Bundle That Will Save Your Sanity and Help You Build and Grow Your Program 28:47

2M ago28:47

28:47

Are you starting your own microschool or learning pod—and feeling overwhelmed with all the documents, forms, and marketing materials you think you need to create from scratch? In today’s episode, Makenzie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Business Bundle was born to help busy, passionate educators start stro…

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348: 5 Tips to Start Your Microschool or Homeschool Hybrid in 4 Months—Even If You’re Overwhelmed, Scared, or Don’t Know Where to Begin 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

So… you want to start a microschool or homeschool hybrid this year—but the clock is ticking. You’re feeling the pressure of the timeline, the weight of your current commitments, and the uncertainty of the road ahead. You’ve probably asked yourself: Where do I even begin? What if I mess this up? Can I actually do this without burning out? Maybe you’…

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COJ #124 - Is ‘White Lotus’ Plot Inspired By Alex Murdaugh? + Something Is Happening In Stephen Smith Case… 1:07:04

2M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland — think they know where the finale for the third season of “White Lotus” is headed … (01:42) let’s just say things are seeming mighty familiar there. (22:09) Speaking of the Murdaugh family … on today’s episode Mandy, Liz and Eric also dive into Buster Murdaugh’s latest …

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347: How I Plan My Microschool as a Teacher Entrepreneur—Creative, Fun, and Totally Doable (Even If You're Overwhelmed!) 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

Raise your hand if “planning day” sounds more like a chore than a celebration 🙋‍♀️ But what if I told you it could feel like a creative retreat—a time where your teacher heart, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for students all come together in one beautifully aligned, productive day? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my most recent p…

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346: Planning in the Unknown – Strategies for Teachers and Parents Building Microschools and Making Plans in Uncertain Times 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

Starting or growing a microschool comes with so many unknowns—no set location, uncertainty around staffing, and questions about funding. It’s easy to feel stuck waiting for clarity before making a move. But here’s the truth: You don’t need all the answers to start making progress! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ How to plan & take action when…

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COJ #123 - Betrayed by the Two Systems of Justice: Jailhouse Snitches, Hidden Evidence, and Darryl Burton's Wrongful Conviction 1:04:31

2M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Cup of Justice, journalist Mandy Matney and attorney Eric Bland sit down with Darryl Burton, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent almost a lifetime – – in prison before finally being exonerated. Darryl shares his harrowing journey from a young man in inner-city St. Louis to facing a capi…

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345: How to Build an Engaging Learning Environment – Easy Strategies for Microschools & Homeschool Hybrids (Even If You’re New or Lacking Resources!) 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

Are you ready to create a dynamic, engaging learning environment but feel overwhelmed or underprepared? Whether you're starting a microschool, homeschool hybrid, or alternative education space, this episode is packed with practical, low-cost strategies to bring learning to life—even if you're new to this! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✅ How t…

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344: Finances & Funding: Making Your Microschool Sustainable! 21:01

2M ago21:01

21:01

Want to start or grow your microschool but worried about finances? You’re not alone! Funding your homeschool hybrid or microschool can feel overwhelming, but the good news is—you don’t have to figure it out on your own. In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into real-life funding strategies that I’ve used to grow Lighthouse Le…

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343: Building a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid - Do's, Don'ts and how to make it thrive! 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

Are you thinking about starting a homeschool hybrid but feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts? Maybe you’ve already launched and want to make sure you’re setting up your program for long-term success. In this episode, I’m sharing: ✅ What a homeschool hybrid is and why it’s so valuable ✅ Who thrives in this learning model (and why families LOV…

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COJ #122 - Slaying Dragons and The Price of Truth: Julie K Brown on Exposing Epstein and Inspiring a Generation of Journalists 1:06:28

2M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this powerful episode, investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sit down with the legendary investigative journalist Julie K. Brown, the reporter whose groundbreaking work exposed the horrific crimes of Jeffrey Epstein. Listen as Mandy and Liz recount their early inspiration from Julie's tenacious reporting on Epstein at a time bef…

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342: Marketing Your Microschool: What Actually Works! 5 Marketing Super Powers to Grow Enrollment and Build Your Confidence 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

🚨 Struggling to enroll students in your microschool? Not sure how to market without feeling salesy? You’re not alone! Many educators-turned-entrepreneurs find themselves stuck, frustrated, and unsure where to start when it comes to attracting families to their microschool. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or fancy ads to successfully gro…

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COJ #121 - Unaccredited and Unaccountable: Inside the JP Miller Case & The System That Protects Predators 1:00:39

2M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

In this gripping episode of Cup of Justice... investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — dive deep into the second Jane Doe lawsuit against JP Miller, revealing shocking details of alleged sexual abuse in an unaccredited religious school. The lawsuit details how Miller's father, Wayne Miller, mishandled the in…

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341: How to Prioritize When You’re Pulled in 10 Directions! 31:02

2M ago31:02

31:02

Are you juggling way too many things right now? Maybe you're balancing business, family, life changes—and it all feels like a whirlwind. I get it. With our growing microschool, a major location shift, closing on a new house, and navigating high school and travel sports with my kids, I’ve had to rethink how I prioritize my time. In this episode, I’m…

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340: Empowering Teachers to Revolutionize Education: How Microschools and Bottom-Up Learning Transform Student Success Through Individualized Education 19:12

3M ago19:12

19:12

Are you tired of feeling stuck in a system that prioritizes test scores over real learning? Ready to explore how teachers and parents can reclaim the joy of education through individualized learning? In this episode, we dive into: ✨ What "bottom-up" education really means and how it transforms the learning experience. ✨ Why individualized education…

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339: Marching Forward: How to Gain Momentum When You Feel Stuck In Your Decisions as a Teacher or on Your Microschool Journey Career 31:57

3M ago31:57

31:57

Are you a teacher feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of what’s next? You’re not alone. March is that time of year when burnout is real, decisions feel heavy, and the path ahead seems unclear. But here’s the good news: momentum comes from movement—not perfection. In today’s episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, we’re tackling the biggest chal…

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COJ #120 - Pastor Disaster: JP Miller Makes Mockery of Court System + What to Expect in Rape Case Against Him 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Mandy and David’s visit to the Hulu set of the Murdaugh TV show in Atlanta right as filming starts. Also on the show Myrtle Beach Pastor John-Paul Miller makes a mockery of the court system. Why isn’t anyone stopping him? Plus, Mandy and Liz talk about what…

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338: Don't Want to Run a Summer Camp but Need to Make Money? Revenue Generating Ideas for Teachers and How They Support Your Future 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

💡 Think summer means shutting down your school and pausing your income? Think again! If you’re an educator or microschool owner who loves the idea of rest but also needs financial stability, this episode is for you. 💭 What if you could keep families engaged and bring in revenue—without running a full summer camp? Inside this episode, we’re breaking…

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COJ #119 - Another Rich SC Lawyer Tries to Beg His Way Out of a Prison Sentence + JP Miller Brings More Drama to the Courtroom 1:04:13

3M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Mandy and David’s trip to Charleston for yet another federal sentencing hearing of a rich South Carolina attorney. This time it was for Hilton Head attorney Peter Strauss, whose license to practice is on interim suspension... as of Monday, February 24, 2025…

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337: March is for Momentum! Why Summer Camps and Programs are a Game Changer for Your Microschool Future and Success! 21:05

3M ago21:05

21:05

Summer is NOT a time to hit pause on your microschool—it’s an opportunity to build momentum that will set you up for long-term success! In this episode, we’re diving into: ✔ Why summer camps & programs can be a game changer for your school’s growth ✔ How summer offerings can increase your revenue and financial stability ✔ The enrollment advantage—h…

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336: Unlocking Funding for Your Microschool: The Power of Fiscal Sponsorship When You are Not a Non-Profit (Yet) 22:42

3M ago22:42

22:42

🚀 What if funding your microschool or homeschool hybrid didn’t have to be so hard? You have a passion for education, a vision for your learning community, and families who believe in what you’re building. But there’s one major challenge—how do you raise the money you need to grow without becoming a nonprofit? 💡 The answer? Fiscal sponsorship. In to…

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COJ #118 - Thrice Accused Rapist Bowen Turner Arrested For 3rd Time In 3 Years + What Does It Mean to Believe Nancy Mace? 1:07:20

3M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk about Bowen Turner’s return to jail after allegedly day-drinking at a public golf course last week. South Carolina’s thrice-accused rapist — and the crowned prince of trying to buy his way out of accountability — is once again being accused of violating the terms…

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335: Empowering Teachers and Families with School Choice: The Key to Education Freedom and Flexibility 20:32

3M ago20:32

20:32

What if education didn’t have to be one-size-fits-all? What if families had the freedom and flexibility to choose an education model that best fits their child’s unique needs, strengths, and future goals? 🎓✨ In today’s episode, I’m diving into the powerful topic of school choice and why it’s more important than ever. Whether you're a parent explori…

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334: Transforming Education Through Microschools: How Innovation Empowers Students, Teachers, and Parents to Break Free From the Traditional System 22:02

3M ago22:02

22:02

Are we preparing students for the future—or just pushing them through an outdated system? If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the limitations of traditional education, this episode is for you. We’re diving into why the current model needs a transformation and how microschools are paving the way for a more personalized, empowering learning experience.…

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COJ #117 - The Power of Pettiness, Diss Tracks and Why Russell Laffitte Is Now a Double-’Doofus’ 1:07:36

3M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Get ready for a jam-packed episode where we dive deep into the ridiculous, the infuriating, and the downright fascinating! This week, we're covering it all, from the bizarre energy of the Super Bowl to the petty world of legal filings and everything in between. Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell, and attorney Eric Bland — talk a…

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333: Unlock Grant Funding for Your Microschool: How to Secure Financial Support with VELA and Educational Philanthropists 23:08

4M ago23:08

23:08

Are you a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader wondering how to financially sustain and grow your educational vision? The answer might be closer than you think—through grants and philanthropic support! In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of grant funding, explore the opportunities offered by VELA Education Fund, and demystify the …

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332: Your Summer Program Playbook to SKYROCKET Enrollment and Grow Your Microschool and Homeschool Hybrid 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

Thinking about running a summer camp or program for your microschool or homeschool hybrid? This could be your secret weapon for boosting enrollment, increasing revenue, and building lasting relationships with families! In this episode, I’m sharing why summer programs are a game-changer for microschool founders and homeschool hybrid leaders—PLUS how…

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COJ #116 - Attorney Regina Ward On Restraining Orders, Mica Francis & Coercive Control + Church Member’s Legal Clapback at JP Miller 1:12:15

4M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sat down with Mica Francis’ divorce attorney Regina Ward of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to talk about Mica’s case and the dozens of lawsuits JP Miller has now filed against protesters and content creators. In the interview, Regina talked about Mica’s request for a restraining order against JP…

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