Episodes

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/

Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Beyond the Textbook: Jay Wile on Science, Faith, and Homeschooling | Episode 39
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
In this episode of Homeschool Indiana, Courtney Nalin interviews Dr. Jay Wile, a former nuclear chemistry professor turned homeschool curriculum developer. Jay shares his insights on the strengths of homeschool graduates, the value of hands-on, curiosity-driven learning, and the importance of tailoring education to each child’s unique needs. He emphasizes that parents are best equipped to guide their children’s learning and reassures them that imperfect homeschooling often surpasses traditional education. The conversation also touches on integrating a biblical worldview into science education and creating an engaging, multi-age curriculum.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, science education, biblical worldview, Jay Wile, curriculum, education resources, hands-on learning, fostering curiosity, learning experiences, homeschooling challenges
TAKEAWAYS
- Facilitating learning is key in homeschooling, especially for older students.
- Parents should focus on guiding their children rather than traditional teaching.
- A biblical worldview can enhance the study of science.
- Learning alongside children can foster a love for education.
- The main goal is to help your children figure out how to educate themselves.
- Fostering curiosity is essential in learning.
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/
Purchase Dr. Wile’s curriculum and discover other online resources>>> https://bereanbuilders.com/
Subscribe to Dr. Wile’s blog, access free online resources, and more>>>

Tuesday May 06, 2025
Navigating College Choices for Christian Families | Episode 38
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Amy Sager and Joy White discuss how Christian parents can navigate the college decision process with faith and intention. They explore the importance of a genuine Christian education, practical steps for evaluating potential universities, and the importance of a solid spiritual foundation. The conversation also touches on the benefits of homeschooling and highlights Cedarville University and its commitment to academic and spiritual growth.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, Christian education, faith, college selection, Christian universities, student life, Cedarville University
TAKEAWAYS
- Choosing a genuinely Christian university is crucial for spiritual growth.
- Parents should vet colleges beyond their name to ensure true Christian values.
- Campus life and community engagement are important for the student experience.
- Cedarville University offers a strong Christian community and academic programs.
- Academic excellence is a priority at Cedarville, with strong acceptance rates for graduate programs.
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/
Explore Cedarville University>>>

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Legislation & Liberty: 2025 Legislative Wrap-up | Episode 37
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
In this episode, Tara Bentley and Kylene Varner discuss the recent legislative session in Indiana, focusing on key bills affecting homeschooling and parental rights. They provide insights into the potential implications of Senate Bill 483 and the significance of the Parental Rights Bill, as well as clarify misconceptions surrounding the Diploma Bill. The conversation also addresses the challenges posed by the Make Homeschool Safe Act and the need for vigilance in protecting homeschooling freedoms.
KEYWORDS
homeschooling, parental rights, diploma bill, homeschooling freedom, Indiana education, homeschooling laws, education reform, legislative updates
TAKEAWAYS
- The legislative session in Indiana saw significant discussions around homeschooling laws.
- Bill 438 aimed to restrict homeschooling rights but was ultimately not passed.
- The Diploma Bill clarifies the status of diplomas for homeschoolers and non-accredited schools.
- The Make Homeschool Safe Act poses a threat to homeschooling freedoms.
- Legislative vigilance is crucial as threats to homeschooling can arise unexpectedly.
- Definitions and clarity in educational options are essential for protecting homeschooling rights.
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/

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Homeschooling Beyond the Books: Play, Purpose, and Parenting | Episode 36
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
In this episode of the Homeschool Indiana podcast, Courtney Nalin chats with Amanda Owens, a homeschool graduate and speech therapist, about the role of life experiences in education, and how parents can foster independence in their children. They discuss balancing a busy life, the importance of incorporating play in learning, and how Amanda’s music background led to speech therapy. The conversation highlights self-directed education, overcoming homeschooling doubts, and the benefits of entrepreneurship for kids.
KEYWORDS
Homeschooling, speech therapy, parenting, education, life experiences, confidence, self-directed learning, play-based learning, entrepreneurship, child development, family connection
TAKEAWAYS
- Learning through life experiences can be just as valuable as traditional education.
- Homeschooling can provide opportunities for personal growth and confidence. Connection and play are essential in learning.
- Infusing play into education enhances engagement.
- Exploring interests is crucial for child development.
- Entrepreneurship teaches valuable life skills to kids
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/
Explore Amanda’s website>>>

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.

