Homeschool Minnesota

Covering topics to empower and encourage parents who homeschool their children.

Episodes

Mar 18, 2026

32 min

This episode features a detailed discussion on Minnesota legislative bills affecting parental rights and homeschooling. Hosts Dayle Annand and Angie Gallagher explore the implications of proposed laws, how families can get involved, and the importance of community activism to protect parental freedoms.
 
Links:
Minnesotans for Health and Parental Rights:
https://www.mnrights.org/
 
Legislative Alert:
https://mailchi.mp/3e4096cf8575/machelegislativeupdate-6522250?e=96b8960125
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Legislative Alerts and Parental Rights02:54 Angie's Journey into Political Activism06:02 Understanding the MMR Vaccine Bill08:54 Potential Impacts of the MMR Bill on Homeschoolers11:52 The Conscientious Exemption Bill Overview14:59 Future Implications of Vaccine Legislation17:54 Community Impact and Parental Rights Advocacy18:47 Community Engagement and Advocacy20:29 Building Relationships with Legislators22:23 The Importance of Personal Connections24:17 Encouraging Active Participation25:41 The Broader Implications of Legislation26:46 The Role of Parents in Education28:04 Collaborative Efforts for Parental Rights30:52 Legacy of Advocacy for Future Generations
 

Mar 3, 2026

46 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, host Dayle Annand speaks with parenting coach Mary Van Geffen about her book 'Parenting a Spicy One.' They discuss the unique challenges and joys of raising strong-willed children, often referred to as 'spicy ones.' Mary shares insights on defining a spicy child, the positives of their temperament, and effective strategies for handling meltdowns. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connection over control, recognizing parental burnout, and the necessity of self-care for parents. Mary encourages parents to pursue their spicy children with love and understanding, fostering a supportive environment for their emotional growth.
 
Links:
To learn more about Mary Van Geffen and to buy her book:
https://www.maryvangeffen.com/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Parenting a Spicy One03:09 Defining a Spicy Child05:55 The Positives of Parenting a Spicy Child08:47 Understanding Meltdowns11:50 Handling Meltdowns Effectively15:00 Discipline and Teaching Strategies18:06 Calming Techniques During Meltdowns20:56 Coping Mechanisms for Spicy Children25:25 Teaching Emotional Regulation26:00 Connection Over Control27:43 The Importance of Calmness29:10 Building Connection Through Quality Time30:36 The Five to One Ratio in Relationships32:07 Understanding Spicy Children34:43 Supporting Parents of Spicy Children35:26 Creating a Supportive Environment40:25 Recognizing Parental Burnout46:42 Pursuing Connection Without Agenda
 

Feb 23, 2026

32 min

In this conversation, Dayle Annand and Amy Buchmeyer discuss the complexities surrounding school choice, vouchers, and the implications of government funding for homeschooling. They explore the differences between school choice and school choice funding, the potential pitfalls of accepting government money, and the historical context of homeschooling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of parental rights, the sacrifices families make for homeschooling, and the need for accountability in educational funding.
 
Links:
To become a member of HSLDA:
https://hslda.org/join
 
To follow homeschool legislation from around the USA:
https://hslda.org/legal/legislation-we-re-tracking
 
To find out more about HSLDA's grant program for homeschool families:
https://hslda.org/explore/grants-for-homeschooling
 
To become a member of Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/membership/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Understanding School Choice and Vouchers02:55 The Implications of School Choice Funding06:00 State-Specific Insights on Education Funding08:58 The Government's Role in Homeschooling11:52 The Strings Attached to Government Funding16:03 The Cost of School Choice Funding21:11 Navigating Financial Sacrifices in Homeschooling25:37 The Impact of Government Funding on Homeschooling29:07 Philosophical Shifts in Education and Parental Rights
 

Feb 19, 2026

36 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, host Dayle Annand welcomes Lori Wildenberg, author of 'Grandparents Make Grandpartners.' They discuss the vital role grandparents play in their grandchildren's lives, the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with adult children, and the challenges faced by parents and grandparents in today's culture. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, support, and understanding within families, as well as the unique contributions grandparents can make to their grandchildren's faith and development.
 
Links:
To purchase "Grandparents Make Grandpartners":
https://loriwildenberg.com/books/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grandparenting02:51 The Importance of Relationships06:03 Navigating Parenting Adult Children08:54 Culture Wars and Family Dynamics12:00 Challenges for Parents and Grandparents14:58 Supporting Adult Children as Grandparents17:52 Grandparenting Styles and Their Impact20:42 Addressing Grandparent-Parent Dynamics23:40 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Development26:53 Unique Perspectives of Grandparents29:55 Conversations About Involvement32:48 The Joy of Grandparenting35:54 Conclusion and Encouragement

Feb 18, 2026

36 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, Dayle Annand and Karen Soencksen discuss the upcoming MACHE Convention for 2026. They cover the importance of the convention for homeschool families, the registration process, keynote and featured speakers, the Teen Track for teens, exhibitors, sponsors, and the various activities planned for the event. They emphasize the community aspect of homeschooling and the resources available to families, including a used curriculum sale and lunch provided by Chick-fil-A. The episode concludes with a call for volunteers and an invitation to attend the convention.
 
Links:
The Convention page online:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/convention/
 
To download the events app:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/the-mache-app/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the MACHE Convention02:22 Importance of the MACHE Convention05:06 Recording and Audio Options07:14 Registration Details11:17 Convention Dates and Location12:59 Keynote Speakers15:16 Featured Speakers and Workshops19:29 Teen Track Overview21:37 Exhibitors and Shopping24:37 Sponsors and Partnerships26:21 Friday Night Freedom Concert27:36 Used Curriculum Sale31:13 Lunch Provided by Chick-fil-A32:28 Silent Auction and Fundraising35:21 Volunteering Opportunities38:52 Closing Remarks and Invitation
 

Feb 16, 2026

30 min

In this episode, Dayle Annand interviews Robert Bortins about his book 'Woke and Weaponized,' which discusses the influence of Marxism on American education and the importance of parental involvement in homeschooling. They explore the implications of school choice, the infiltration of Marxist ideologies in society, and the challenges posed by AI in education. Bortins emphasizes the need for a Christian worldview in education and the responsibility of parents to disciple their children.
 
Links:
To purchase "Woke and Weaponized":
https://a.co/d/0dsjynaJ
 
For more information on Classical Conversations:
https://classicalconversations.com/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling and Classical Conversations02:00 The Inspiration Behind 'Woke and Weaponized'04:07 Understanding Marxism and Its Impact on Education08:03 Marxist Ideologies in Modern Society10:55 Navigating Curriculum and Worldviews in Homeschooling12:47 Trends in American Education and the Role of AI22:06 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Education
 

Feb 12, 2026

29 min

In this episode of the Homeschool Minnesota podcast, host Dayle Annand speaks with Denise Schick about her book 'Grace and Truth,' which provides guidance for parents on navigating faith-based conversations about LGBTQ issues with their children. Denise shares her personal story, the importance of creating a safe space for discussions, and the need for parents to affirm their children's identities while grounding conversations in biblical truth. The episode emphasizes the significance of addressing sensitive topics in a loving and truthful manner, equipping parents to guide their children through the complexities of identity and culture.
 
Links:
To purchase Grace and Truth:
https://livingstonesministries.org/help4families/books/
 
To find more information about Help 4 Families:
https://livingstonesministries.org/help4families/what-we-do/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschool Minnesota Podcast01:53 Navigating Faith-Based LGBTQ Conversations05:59 Denise Schick's Personal Journey10:03 The Structure of the Book13:55 The Role of Feelings in Identity17:39 The Impact of Pornography21:52 Understanding the Rise in LGBTQ Identification25:43 Affirmations for Youth29:50 Advice for Parents and Grandparents
 

Feb 5, 2026

24 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, host Dayle Annand speaks with author Bryan Davis about his journey in writing fantasy literature that intertwines faith and moral lessons. They discuss the importance of providing children with quality literature that aligns with Christian values, the challenges of blending fantasy with faith, and the significance of character development in storytelling. Brian shares insights on writing for different age groups, the role of imagination in children's literature, and the impact of tragedy in stories. The conversation also explores Brian's extensive body of work, including various book series and his approach to writing for young readers.
 
Links:
To buy The Sacred Scales Camelot Series:
https://www.tyndale.com/p/the-sacred-scales/9798400504235
 
To find out more about Bryan Davis:
https://www.daviscrossing.com/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Home School Minnesota and Brian Davis02:57 The Importance of Blending Fantasy and Faith05:50 Character Development and Moral Lessons08:44 Writing for Different Age Groups11:27 Relatable Characters and Reader Engagement14:45 The Impact of Tragedy in Children's Literature17:30 Exploring Brian Davis's Series and Themes20:37 Navigating Fantasy in Christian Literature23:29 The Evolution of Brian's Writing Career26:27 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners
 
 

Feb 2, 2026

27 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, host Dayle Annand welcomes Tamar Miller, author of "Nameless but Known," a book that explores the stories of six unnamed women in the Bible who encountered Jesus. Tamar shares her background, including her experience in women's ministry and her personal journey with family challenges, including raising a son with special needs. The conversation delves into the themes of mercy, compassion, and the importance of recognizing one's worth in God's eyes, especially for those who feel unseen or overlooked. Tamar emphasizes that these biblical stories resonate with many women today, reminding them that they are known and loved by God, regardless of their circumstances.
The discussion also touches on the significance of mercy in our lives, how it relates to forgiveness, and the challenges of extending compassion in a world filled with offense. Tamar encourages listeners to embrace God's mercy and to share their own stories of transformation, highlighting that everyone has the potential for redemption and renewal through Christ. The episode concludes with Tamar's insights on the importance of community and support in faith journeys, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking encouragement and understanding in their walk with God.
 
Links:
To purchase Nameless But Known:
https://www.amazon.com/Nameless-but-Known-biblical-women/dp/1637463324
 
To learn more about Tamar Miller:
https://www.tamarmiller.com/
 
To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Home School Minnesota00:30 Introducing Tamar Miller and Her Book01:01 Tamar's Background and Family Life02:38 The Importance of Rest and Balance03:08 Exploring the Book's Themes of Mercy04:53 Understanding God's Compassion and Mercy07:33 The Challenge of Feeling Unseen10:28 The Role of Scripture in Understanding Suffering11:57 The Connection Between Mercy and Forgiveness16:53 The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery20:16 The Impact of Jesus' Mercy22:48 Bondage Beyond the Physical23:09 Main Takeaways from the Book27:28 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
 

Jan 29, 2026

33 min

In this episode of Homeschool Minnesota, host Dayle Annand welcomes Julia Akers from Master Books to discuss the importance of art in homeschooling. Dayle shares her initial intimidation with teaching art, especially to her artistic children, and expresses excitement about Julia's newly released curriculum, Art Level One. Julia recounts her journey into the world of art, highlighting how a moment of boredom led her to discover her passion for painting, which eventually became her career. The conversation emphasizes the significance of grounding art education in biblical principles, with Julia explaining how the curriculum integrates scripture to inspire creativity and align students' focus on God as the ultimate creator.
Julia elaborates on the structure of the Art Level One curriculum, which is designed to be accessible for parents, even those who may not feel artistic themselves. The curriculum includes simple instructions, a variety of projects, and opportunities for children to explore art in their everyday lives. Julia also discusses the importance of teaching children to see art in creation, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty around them. The episode concludes with a discussion on the high school art courses offered by Master Books, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation in art education for students of all ages.
 
Links:
To purchase Art Leve 1 curriculum:
https://www.masterbooks.com/art-level-1
 
To find Julia's online high school art course:
https://www.masterbooksacademy.com/courses
 
To connect with Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:
https://homeschoolminnesota.org/
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling and Art01:34 Meet Julia Akers: Journey into Art06:47 Grounding Art Lessons in Scripture10:56 The Importance of Art in Education15:07 Making Art Accessible for Parents20:04 Creative Projects and Activities25:49 Art as Worship and Expression27:32 High School Art Curriculum Overview32:04 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents
 

MÂCHÉ

Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators has two main purposes: to protect homeschool freedom in Minnesota and to provide support for families who homeschool.  This podcast, Homeschool Minnesota, is part of that support.  For any questions or to contact us regarding homeschooling, you can visit us at MÂCHÉ

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