Best Instructional Design Coach Podcasts (2025)

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198- Contract Work as an Instructional Designer with Gwen Karaba 24:53

Play Pause

16d ago24:53

24:53

Gwen Karaba is an Instructional Designer contractor for Microsoft through Oxygen Learning, a consulting firm specializing in sales enablement and workplace learning programs. Based in Dallas TX, Gwen collaborates with clients to design impactful learning experiences that drive organizational growth and employee development. With a background in edu…

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Ep 199 - What I Learned From Our 2025 Job Market Survey 23:19

8h ago23:19

23:19

Daphne shares the key findings from the 2025 Job Market Survey for transitioning teachers, featuring insights from 717 former educators. Learn what the data reveals about application numbers, salary trends, job security, and the most common career paths teachers are taking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Ep 389: What Microschool Leaders Need Most in October! Building Strong School Culture, Engaging Parents and Community, and Planning for Growth with Clarity and Confidence 17:41

4d ago17:41

17:41

By Makenzie Oliver| Micro-School Mentor| Homeschooling Business Coach| Homeschool Teacher Consultant | Micro-school Mom #micro-school #homeschool #teacherletyourlightshine

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Coaching Leaders in the Age of AI with Dr. Julie Donley 33:11

4d ago33:11

33:11

By Thembi Duncan

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52-Breaking Your Teaching Contract 25:51

9d ago25:51

25:51

In this episode, I'm going to discuss the consequences around teachers breaking contract, weighing the pros and cons of leaving your teaching contract mid-year, and how to take the next steps. I'll also share some suggestions about resigning gracefully as well. Free Quiz: ⁠What career outside of the classroom is right for you? ⁠ Explore the course …

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Ep 388: Reconnecting to Your Roots as a Microschool Leader: Preventing Burnout, Building Parent & Community Advisory Boards, and Using Personality Frameworks to Grow a Thriving Microschool Culture 22:25

11d ago22:25

22:25

As a microschool founder or homeschool hybrid leader, it’s easy to get caught up in curriculum, enrollment, finances, and the daily logistics of running a school—but one of the most powerful growth multipliers you have is reconnecting to your roots and knowing your people. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, Makenzie Oliver…

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Faith, Music, and Authenticity with Karen Saxon 1:30:21

16d ago1:30:21

1:30:21

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with Karen Saxon, music educator, performer, and co-founder of Ansari Saxon Productions. Karen shares: Why she “tripped into” teaching and what keeps her in the classroom. The biggest lesson she’s learned from her students after over 25 years of teaching. What authenticity means in her wor…

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Ep 387: From Library Meetings to Leading Logos Homeschool Academy: How Jennifer Pinto Built a Homeschool Hybrid in Iowa with Faith and Microschool Masterminds 53:55

18d ago53:55

53:55

What does it look like to step out of traditional education and wait on God’s timing to build something completely new? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jennifer Pinto, co-founder of Logos Homeschool Academy in Iowa. After leaving traditional schooling in 2023, Jennifer connected with a like-minded friend—whom she met in the library—and t…

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197- 5 Steps To Take Even If You're Not Sure You're Leaving 23:00

23d ago23:00

23:00

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

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Ep 386: How Microschool Founders Can Overcome Parent Pressure. Setting Boundaries, Building Confidence, and Communicating Expectations to Create Thriving Schools Without Burnout 24:05

25d ago24:05

24:05

Starting a microschool comes with incredible joy—but it also comes with the pressure of making everyone happy: parents, students, even your staff. If you’ve ever felt the weight of parent expectations on your shoulders, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m pulling back the curtain on how new founders can manage parent pressure with…

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196- Answering Questions From Our Social Media Accounts 21:44

30d ago21:44

21:44

This week on the Teacher Career Coach Podcast, Daphne answers questions sent in directly from this audience including how to stand out in a competitive market and where to begin if you're just starting to evaluate a career change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Daphne Gomez

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Ep 385: A Mother’s Heart, a Founder’s Struggle: Navigating the Heartbreak and Hope of School Choices 41:57

1M ago41:57

41:57

For six years, I’ve poured my heart into building a microschool—creating a place of freedom, belonging, and personalized learning. My daughters were the reason I started this journey. And yet, today, neither of them are with us at our microschool. In this episode, I open up about: My daughter’s transition from a small, nurturing microschool environ…

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195 - Hi, It's Daphne. I'm Back To Lead Teacher Career Coach. 32:53

1M ago32:53

32:53

A deeply personal episode, Daphne explains why she walked away 16 months ago, and what her vision is for the future of Teacher Career Coach now that she's back. Trigger warning: this episode talks about birth injuries and children with complex medical histories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Ep 384: What’s Saving My Sanity (and What’s Not) as a Microschool Founder. Behind the Scenes: All the Fun Things, The Routines and Systems Keeping Me Sane as a Microschool Leader 30:06

1M ago30:06

30:06

Behind every thriving microschool is a leader who is juggling 1,000 spinning plates — curriculum, enrollment, parent communication, staff management, and personal life. In this candid behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the honest truth about what’s actually saving my sanity right now as a microschool founder…and what’s not. You’ll hear the dail…

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Ep 383: Reset Your Microschool Systems Before Burnout Hits The 4 Week System and Routine to Finally Get Organized and Free 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

Running a microschool requires relentless focus, clarity, and strong systems. If you’re spinning your wheels every September—re-creating lesson plans, re-building operations, and re-learning the same organizational habits—you’re headed straight for overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through a 4-Week Reset System that will help you: Audit what’s…

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194- Where to Start in Marketing with Jaclyn Mullen 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

With a dynamic background in startups and digital marketing education, Jaclyn Mullen brings deep expertise in B2B and B2C marketing. She is currently serving as Head of Marketing at TheLoops AI. Jaclyn also spent four years teaching Digital Marketing. Join us today to discuss all things marketing, education and more! Find Jaclyn on Linkedin. Free Q…

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Throwback-To-School: What to Do When You Ask Yourself: Do I Have The Time, Energy and Resources to Start or Grow Your Dream School or Teaching Business! 24:26

2M ago24:26

24:26

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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Throwback-To-School: Career Change! What Teachers Can Experience After Leaving Public School Teaching and What They Realized They Desperately Needed! 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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193- Replacing Fear-Based Thinking with Dr. Graeme Mitchell 32:31

2M ago32:31

32:31

Today we speak with Dr. Graeme Mitchell to learn about a program he runs at his school called the Institute for Global Solutions (IGS). It’s a public school initiative designed to empower students to tackle global challenges through innovative & actionable solutions. He also had the privilege of giving a TEDx Talk about their approach. We discuss t…

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Throwback-To-School: Does a Homeschooling Business Have to be IN MY HOME? Pros/Cons and 8 Alternative Places for Success! 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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Throwback-To-School: From Traditional Teacher to Teacher Entrepreneur: Why I Left The Public School System and Started a Homeschooling Business 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

Welcome To The Teacher, Let Your Light Shine: Throwback-To-School Series! You are a teacher, a dreamer, and a builder. This new, refreshing month, we are bringing you something special. Our throwbacks series! Featuring hand-picked episodes from the vault that are JUST as powerful now as when they first aired! August is one of the most transformatio…

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192- Middle & High School Reimagined with Monica White and Jackie Insinger 26:23

2M ago26:23

26:23

Monica White is the founder of Elevate Academy and co-creator of Spark Brilliance for Educators with Jackie Insinger. Monica was formerly a principal and teacher. Jackie Insinger is a leadership strategist, author and has a background in psychology. Today we learn about their new book, the charter network they’ve developed to support the trades and…

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Ep 378: You're Pouring Into Everyone - Who Is Pouring Into You? What's NOT Optional for Microschool Leaders 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

Are you a microschool leader running on empty, juggling all the roles, and wondering how to keep going? In this powerful episode, we're diving deep into why professional development isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline. Whether you're starting out or deep in the trenches, this episode will show you how PD can radically transform your confidence, your sys…

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An Actor's Purpose, Resilience, and Joy with Jefferson A. Russell 1:31:56

3M ago1:31:56

1:31:56

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with the brilliant and beloved Jefferson A. Russell, a powerhouse stage actor and resident company member of Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD, USA. Jefferson’s path has taken him from law enforcement to the footlights, and his reflections on joy, grief, resilience, and the evolution of hi…

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Ep 377: Mid-Year, Major Impact: How Adjusting Your Open House Plan Can Skyrocket Enrollment 19:13

3M ago19:13

19:13

Are you underestimating the power of your school’s open house? This episode breaks down why open houses are so much more than enrollment events—they're your most effective and affordable in-person marketing strategy to build community, increase visibility, and strengthen your brand. Whether you're running a microschool, homeschool hybrid, private s…

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Ep 376: Scaling Back to Show Up: From Burnout to Breakthrough in Microschool Leadership — Why Subtracting Is the Key to Thriving This School Year 34:54

3M ago34:54

34:54

Are you feeling the weight of trying to do everything as a microschool founder, homeschooling parent, or educational entrepreneur? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and practical episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead a microschool into a new school year — without burning out in the process. I’m sharing how I’m…

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191- From Teacher to Account Management Lead with Natalie Williams 31:42

3M ago31:42

31:42

Natalie Williams taught for 13 years before pivoting careers. She’s now an Account Management Team Lead. In her role, she is an advocate for people, thrives on empowering individuals and loves building teams. Join us today as we discuss her journey from education to account management, her career growth from sales to where she is now, and how to ma…

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The REALM: Redesigning Education with Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback 43:42

3M ago43:42

43:42

Send us a text Host Thembi Duncan welcomes Victoria Forsman and Jessica Slayback, co-founders of The REALM (Redesigning Education and Living Meaningfully), a vibrant educational community in Santa Monica California that’s been changing the way kids learn for 15 years. They share their inspiration for creating REALM and describe what it takes to cre…

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Ep 375: Overwhelmed by Open Houses? How I Simplified, Scaled, and Finally Found My Flow - How to Plan a Successful Open House That Increases Enrollment Without Burning Out 26:12

3M ago26:12

26:12

Are you overwhelmed trying to plan your next school open house? 😩 You’re not alone. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the chaos, confusion, and emotional weight that comes with trying to host a meaningful event that actually leads to enrollment. Whether you run a microschool, private school, or homeschool hybrid, this episode will help yo…

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Ep 374: How To Market When You're Shy: A Real Talk and 5 Tips for Introverted & Neurodivergent Microschool Founders 17:44

3M ago17:44

17:44

I used to freeze at the thought of “marketing my school.” I’m not naturally outgoing. I’ve always been more of a behind-the-scenes, let-me-do-the-work-in-peace kind of woman. And for a long time, I thought that meant I wasn’t cut out to grow a successful microschool. All I kept hearing was: “You need to network more,” “You need to post every day,” …

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Ep 373: Feeling Lonely as a Microschool Founder? How to Ask for Help, Build Support Systems, and Stop Carrying the Weight Alone—Even When You Don’t Know Where to Begin 20:02

3M ago20:02

20:02

There were so many days I felt completely alone. I didn’t even know how to ask for help—because I didn’t know what kind of help I needed. I just knew I couldn’t keep doing everything by myself. Maybe you're in that place too. You’re carrying the vision. You’re showing up for everyone else. But deep down, you’re tired… and wondering who’s showing up…

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190- How to stay involved in education after leaving the classroom with Lindsay DeHartChuck 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

Today we chat with Lindsay DeHartchuck . She is the Senior Director at KIPP Foundation. Prior to moving here, she taught special education and had experience in higher ed at a graduate school. Join us today as we discuss supporting diverse learners and staying in education through a different lens. Hope you enjoy! Find Lindsay on Linkedin. Free Qui…

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Faith and Fearlessness in Theatre with Deidra LaWan Starnes 1:13:30

4M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, host Thembi Duncan talks with award-winning actor, director, and educator Deidra LaWan Starnes for an unfiltered conversation about her lifelong career in theatre. With honesty, humor, and heart, Deidra reflects on what it means to lead in the American theatre as a woman of faith. We talk about: Her journe…

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Ep 372: Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment- Letting Go and Letting Others Lead 23:45

4M ago23:45

23:45

Creating Community Through Events: How to Plan Meaningful Microschool Gatherings That Grow Connection & Enrollment As a microschool or homeschool hybrid leader, you’re not just teaching—you’re building a movement. And one of the most powerful (and overlooked) tools in your toolkit? Events. Whether you’re welcoming new families, showcasing student w…

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Ep 371: From Lonely to Thriving: How to Build a Microschool Community To Decrease Overwhlem and Increase Results (Even If You Don’t Know Where to Start) 28:47

4M ago28:47

28:47

Feeling alone in your microschool journey? Whether you're just starting or several years in, building a microschool community can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine Podcast, I’m sharing how I went from homeschooling a few students in my living room to leading a thriving micros…

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Advocating for Children in Foster Care with Sharon Dunlevy 1:04:19

4M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Send us a text Sharon Dunlevy shares her journey from special education to foster care advocacy, offering deep insights on trauma-informed education, caregiver collaboration, and what it takes to truly support vulnerable kids in school. We talk about: Why childhood trauma is a brain response, not just an event What teachers and schools often miss a…

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Ep 370: Introducing The Microschool Marketing Blueprint! A Course Designed To Attract, Enroll, and Grow Your Educational Program. A Foundational Marketing Course Designed Just For YOU! 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

You didn’t start your microschool to become a marketing expert… But without students, your vision can’t grow. 💔 If you’re unsure how to get the word out, or you’ve tried everything from social media to word-of-mouth with little return, you are not alone—and you are exactly who I created the Microschool Marketing Blueprint for. In today’s episode, I…

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Ep 369: Struggling to Find Students in a Small Town? How Becky McNichols Built a Thriving Microschool Business from Her Basement While Homeschooling in Rural Kansas 53:23

4M ago53:23

53:23

Can you really start a microschool in a rural town, homeschool your own kids, and grow an online business—all at the same time? Let me introduce you to Becky McNichols, a former public school teacher from a small town in rural Kansas. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her two children, Becky didn’t stop there. She tra…

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189- Working in Higher Education with Meghan Waldron 29:33

4M ago29:33

29:33

Today we chat with Meghan Waldron. Dr. Meghan Waldron is currently serving as an academic advisor and instructor at a University. Prior to moving to Higher Ed, Waldron taught English and Journalism in the public and private sectors for over two decades. Join us today as we discuss starting a tutoring company and working in higher education! Find Me…

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Ep 368: Struggling to Find Students? How Florida Teacher-Turned-Microschool Founder Lori Rubel Grew Bloom Beautiful Academy Into a Thriving Homeschool Hybrid With The Microschool Marketing Blueprint 53:48

4M ago53:48

53:48

If you’ve ever thought: “I know I’m called to this work… but why aren’t families enrolling?”—you are not alone. In today’s powerful episode, I’m introducing you to Lori Rubel, a former teacher and now the successful founder of Bloom Beautiful Academy, a growing microschool and homeschool hybrid in Florida. Lori didn’t start with a marketing degree.…

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Ep 367: Marketing in the Unknown: Why You Can’t Wait for Certainty to Grow Your Microschool 27:34

4M ago27:34

27:34

Are you holding back on growing your microschool because you don’t have all the answers yet? In this episode of Teacher Let Your Light Shine, I’m diving into the reality every founder faces—uncertainty. If you’re stuck waiting for a “perfect time” to market, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take the next bold step. I’m sh…

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Using AI to Reshape Real Estate Investing with William Hollis 57:51

4M ago57:51

57:51

Send us a text In this episode of KeyBARD, Thembi sits down with William Hollis (or just “Hollis”), a self-taught software engineer, real estate investor, and now the founder and CEO of Raise AI, a platform using agentic artificial intelligence to revolutionize how capital is raised. He talks about growing up in Hollis, Queens, and how his environm…

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Ep 366: The Marketing Mistakes I Made, the Organizational Systems That Saved Me, and How to Avoid Burnout Before You Even Begin 30:44

4M ago30:44

30:44

Are you a teacher or parent building a microschool or homeschool hybrid? Overwhelmed by all the tasks, struggling to stay organized, and unsure how to market your school effectively? You're not alone — and this episode is for you. 🎯 In this powerful episode of the Summer of Clarity series, I’m opening up about the real marketing mistakes I made in …

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Ep 365: You’re Not a Salesperson, but You Still Need Students! How the Microschool Marketing Blueprint Will Change Everything 34:30

4M ago34:30

34:30

Are you a teacher, homeschool hybrid leader, or microschool founder who feels overwhelmed by marketing your school? You’re not alone—and you don’t need to become a full-time marketer to attract the right families. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the real, raw struggles of building a microschool from the ground up—juggling curriculum, enroll…

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188- From Teacher to Account Executive with Jay Lockwood 30:39

4M ago30:39

30:39

Today we chat with Jay Lockwood. He was a high school science teacher before he got into sales. He’s now an Account Executive for an Ed Tech company and enjoys working with schools in this way. We discuss his path from a BDR to an AE and all of the skills involved with sales, promotions and more! Find Jay on Linkedin. Free Quiz: What career outside…

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Ethical Web Design and Digital Storytelling with Warren Wilansky 26:25

4M ago26:25

26:25

Send us a text In this episode, Thembi sits down with Warren Wilansky, founder and president of Plank, a digital agency with more than 25 years of experience designing meaningful, accessible, and story-driven websites. Warren shares how his background in history and storytelling shaped his approach to ethical web design and how Plank has remained a…

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Ep 364: Getting Financial Flow: From Financial Fog to Freedom! How Microschool Leaders Can Build Systems That Save Time, Reduce Stress, and Create Sustainable Growth 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

Let’s talk about money—but not in a scary or overwhelming way. In this episode of the Teacher Let Your Light Shine podcast, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I went from financially winging it (and praying the numbers would work) to building a microschool with clear, sustainable financial systems. If you’re a microschool founder, homeschool h…

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Ep 363: When the Building Sells! Legalities 101! How Legalities affect Your Finances! Your First Steps as a Microschool Leader Matter More Than You Think 28:41

5M ago28:41

28:41

Starting a microschool—or even thinking about it—can feel like walking into the unknown. And in May, when reflection, burnout, transition, and anticipation collide, those feelings get amplified. In this episode, I’m sharing the raw, behind-the-scenes truth about what it’s like to start something from scratch as a teacher-turned-entrepreneur. If you…

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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

5M 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…

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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

5M 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 …