Episodes

Monday Dec 22, 2025
Called to Teach: Encouragement for Homeschool Families | Episode 47
Monday Dec 22, 2025
Monday Dec 22, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Tara Bentley sits down with Todd Wilson, a well-known voice in the homeschooling community, to talk about his journey into homeschooling and the heart behind his work. Together, they explore the importance of strong family relationships, the value of community and support, and how encouragement can make a lasting difference for homeschool parents. Todd shares practical insights on overcoming doubt, celebrating everyday wins, and finding joy in the learning process, offering encouragement to families at every stage of their homeschool journey.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, IAHE, home education, homeschool conferences, homeschool community, encouragement
TAKEAWAYS
- Parents often doubt their ability to homeschool their children, but are more than capable
- Children are unique masterpieces with different strengths
- Conferences provide valuable resources and connections for homeschool families
- It’s important to focus on what truly matters when homeschooling
- The homeschooling journey is ongoing and evolves over time
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Learn more about The Smiling Homeschooler and listen to the podcast >>> https://thesmilinghomeschooler.com/
Explore The Familyman website and listen to the podcast here >>> https://familymanweb.com/

Friday Dec 19, 2025
Why Advocacy Matters: Faith, Freedom, and Homeschooling | Episode 46
Friday Dec 19, 2025
Friday Dec 19, 2025
In this episode of the IAHE Action’s takeover of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Kylene Varner speaks with Crystal Callender and Jill Wildermuth about their experiences in homeschooling and their work as part of the IAHE Action team. They discuss the challenges and rewards of advocating for homeschooling rights, the importance of understanding local and state government, and the role of faith in their advocacy work. The conversation highlights the significance of building relationships in politics and the impact of involvement in the legislative process.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, government affairs, IAHE, IAHE Action, advocacy, state government, local politics, local government, legislative process, homeschool laws
TAKEAWAYS
- Local and state politics are where we can have the most significant impact.
- Building relationships with legislators is key to influencing change.
- Local and state government decisions impact our everyday lives.
- Engaging children in political discussions fosters awareness.
- Politics is a long game that requires patience.
- Community involvement is essential for preserving homeschooling freedoms.
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Learn more about IAHE Action or get involved>>>https://www.iaheaction.net/
Join the IAHE Action Facebook page>>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/931827063569402

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
IAHE Action Takeover with Rep. Bob Behning | Episode 45
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Tara Bentley and Kylene Varner introduce the first-ever IAHE Action Takeover, which will feature interviews with Indiana legislators—beginning with the conversation that follows their introduction. Their overview of IAHE Action’s founding and mission leads seamlessly into Kylene’s interview with Representative Bob Behning. Together, Klyene and Representative Behning explore the importance of parental engagement in education, the role IAHE Action plays in supporting homeschool families, and key insights into how legislation takes shape. The episode also emphasizes the value of homeschoolers staying informed and involved in the legislative process and the impact of building strong relationships with lawmakers.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, education policy, Indiana legislature, parental engagement, IAHE, IAHE Action, school choice, education reform, legislative process
TAKEAWAYS
- IAHE Action was established to advocate for homeschooling rights.
- Parental engagement is crucial for student success.
- Technology is changing the way knowledge is transferred in education.
- Homeschoolers should engage with their legislators to share their perspectives.
- The legislative process requires understanding and collaboration.
- Legislators appreciate personal connections with constituents.
Learn more about IAHE Action >>>
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Learn more about the M.A. Rooney Foundation>>> https://www.marooneyfoundation.org/
Explore the Lessons in Language curriculum>>> https://lessonsinlanguage.com/
For more details on the Indiana Literacy Cadre>>> https://sites.google.com/uindy.edu/indiana-literacy-cadre
To view session schedules and other information related to the Indiana General Assembly>>> https://iga.in.gov/

Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Amy Bragdon interviews her mother, Rhonda Cunningham, who began homeschooling her family in 1984. They discuss the early days of homeschooling, the challenges faced, and the evolution of resources available to homeschooling families. Rhonda shares her experiences, insights, and advice for both new and seasoned homeschoolers, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement and adaptability in the homeschooling journey.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, home education, IAHE, homeschool pioneer, homeschool trailblazer, parenting, 1980s education
TAKEAWAYS
- Community resources were essential for homeschooling success.
- Parental involvement is crucial for children's success.
- Homeschooling is not a guaranteed success; effort is required.
- Flexibility in the curriculum is important for diverse age groups.
- Trusting the process and adapting is key to homeschooling.
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Season 2 Wrap-Up with Tara and Courtney | Episode 40
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Tara Bentley and Courtney Nalin reflect on their experiences in homeschooling, the development of Courtney’s homeschool resource center, and the importance of community and connection. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and homeschooling, navigating personal losses, and the lessons learned along the way.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, homeschool community, IAHE, work-life balance, homeschool challenges, home education
TAKEAWAYS
- Community and connection are vital in homeschooling.
- Balancing work and homeschooling is challenging but rewarding.
- Every season of homeschooling brings new challenges and blessings.
- Don't compare your homeschooling journey to others.
- You are the best teacher for your child.
- Encouragement can come from unexpected places.
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Learn more about Courtney’s homeschool resource center>>>
https://joshuatreehomeschoolhub.org/
Visit the Facebook page for the homeschool resource center>>>

Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Protecting Parental Rights: What Every Indiana Family Should Know | Episode 43
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Amy Sager talks with Bradley Pierce, a co-founding attorney of Heritage Defense, about key laws every Indiana parent should understand. Their discussion covers topics such as vaccine mandates for homeschoolers, mandatory child abuse reporting, minors’ healthcare consent rights, corporal discipline laws, car seat and child safety regulations, and parental rights during CPS visits. This important conversation highlights why knowing these laws is essential for protecting parental rights and keeping children safe.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, parental rights, Indiana parenting laws, child protection, CPS, vaccine mandates, healthcare consent, corporal punishment, Indiana car seat laws, child supervision, Heritage Defense, IAHE
TAKEAWAYS
- Know which laws apply to homeschoolers.
- Understand parental rights and responsibilities
- Be informed about minors’ healthcare consent
- Follow child safety and supervision guidelines
- Know your rights in CPS situations
- Understanding the law protects your family
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Learn more about Heritage Defense>>>
Learn more in this Heritage Defense article>>>

Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Homeschool Advocacy in Action: Illinois Legislative Challenges | Episode 42
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Tara Bentley and Kirk Smith, the Executive Director of the ICHE, discuss the recent legislative challenges faced by homeschoolers in Illinois, with a particular focus on HB 2827. They explore the implications of this bill, the mobilization of the homeschooling community, and the broader context of public education failures. They emphasize the importance of advocacy and vigilance in protecting homeschooling freedom.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, home education, HB 2827, homeschool freedom, homeschool legislation, ICHE, IAHE, CRHE
TAKEAWAYS
- House Bill 2827 was a significant threat to homeschooling in Illinois.
- The bill was based on misconceptions about homeschooling and abuse.
- Community mobilization was crucial in opposing the bill.
- The legislative process can be unpredictable and requires constant vigilance.
- The homeschooling community must remain united and informed.
- Advocacy is essential for preserving homeschooling freedoms.
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/
Stay updated on HB2827 >>>

Monday Oct 27, 2025
Season 3 Kickoff: Journeys, Growth, and What's Next | Episode 41
Monday Oct 27, 2025
Monday Oct 27, 2025
In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, co-hosts Tara Bentley and Amy Bragdon kick off Season Three by discussing their personal journeys in homeschooling, the evolution of homeschooling, and the myriad opportunities available for homeschoolers today. They emphasize the importance of finding balance in homeschooling activities and provide a sneak peek into upcoming episodes.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, IAHE, home education, homeschool journey
TAKEAWAYS
- The opportunities for homeschoolers today are vastly greater than in the past.
- Finding balance in homeschooling activities is crucial for family consistency.
- Homeschooling is becoming more accepted in society, reducing stigma.
- IAHE is a key organization supporting homeschooling in Indiana.
- Tara and Amy encourage listener engagement and story sharing.
Record a Question or a Comment for the Podcast >>> https://iahe.net/homeschool-indiana-podcast/
Support the work of the IAHE by becoming a member today >>>
https://iahe.net/join/
Join the conversation! >>>
https://www.facebook.com/groups/IAHEchat/

Welcome to the home of the Homeschool Indiana Podcast!
Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooling family or just starting out, join us as we explore the ins and outs of homeschooling in Indiana. From curriculum reviews and teaching tips to legal requirements and local resources, we’ve got you covered. Tune in to hear interviews with experienced homeschoolers, discussions on current education trends, and practical advice for navigating the homeschool journey. This podcast continues the tradition of supporting Indiana homeschool families with IAHE’s magazine Homeschool Indiana. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, information, or community, Homeschool Indiana is here to support you every step of the way.

