Episodes

  • Grandparents Make Grandpartners with Lori Wildenberg
    Feb 19 2026

    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 Grandparenting 02:51 The Importance of Relationships 06:03 Navigating Parenting Adult Children 08:54 Culture Wars and Family Dynamics 12:00 Challenges for Parents and Grandparents 14:58 Supporting Adult Children as Grandparents 17:52 Grandparenting Styles and Their Impact 20:42 Addressing Grandparent-Parent Dynamics 23:40 The Role of Grandparents in Faith Development 26:53 Unique Perspectives of Grandparents 29:55 Conversations About Involvement 32:48 The Joy of Grandparenting 35:54 Conclusion and Encouragement

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    36 mins
  • 2026 Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ Convention!
    Feb 18 2026

    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 Convention 02:22 Importance of the MACHE Convention 05:06 Recording and Audio Options 07:14 Registration Details 11:17 Convention Dates and Location 12:59 Keynote Speakers 15:16 Featured Speakers and Workshops 19:29 Teen Track Overview 21:37 Exhibitors and Shopping 24:37 Sponsors and Partnerships 26:21 Friday Night Freedom Concert 27:36 Used Curriculum Sale 31:13 Lunch Provided by Chick-fil-A 32:28 Silent Auction and Fundraising 35:21 Volunteering Opportunities 38:52 Closing Remarks and Invitation

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    37 mins
  • Woke and Weaponized: How Karl Marx Won the Battle for American Education, and How We Can Win it Back with Robert Bortins
    Feb 16 2026

    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 Conversations 02:00 The Inspiration Behind 'Woke and Weaponized' 04:07 Understanding Marxism and Its Impact on Education 08:03 Marxist Ideologies in Modern Society 10:55 Navigating Curriculum and Worldviews in Homeschooling 12:47 Trends in American Education and the Role of AI 22:06 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Education

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    30 mins
  • Grace and Truth: Navigating Faith-Based LGBT Conversations with Youth with Denise Shick
    Feb 12 2026

    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 Podcast 01:53 Navigating Faith-Based LGBTQ Conversations 05:59 Denise Schick's Personal Journey 10:03 The Structure of the Book 13:55 The Role of Feelings in Identity 17:39 The Impact of Pornography 21:52 Understanding the Rise in LGBTQ Identification 25:43 Affirmations for Youth 29:50 Advice for Parents and Grandparents

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    29 mins
  • Dragons and Faith: Fantasy Fiction for Middle School with Bryan Davis
    Feb 5 2026

    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 Davis 02:57 The Importance of Blending Fantasy and Faith 05:50 Character Development and Moral Lessons 08:44 Writing for Different Age Groups 11:27 Relatable Characters and Reader Engagement 14:45 The Impact of Tragedy in Children's Literature 17:30 Exploring Brian Davis's Series and Themes 20:37 Navigating Fantasy in Christian Literature 23:29 The Evolution of Brian's Writing Career 26:27 Conclusion and Resources for Listeners

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    25 mins
  • Nameless But Known with Tamar Miller
    Feb 2 2026

    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 Minnesota 00:30 Introducing Tamar Miller and Her Book 01:01 Tamar's Background and Family Life 02:38 The Importance of Rest and Balance 03:08 Exploring the Book's Themes of Mercy 04:53 Understanding God's Compassion and Mercy 07:33 The Challenge of Feeling Unseen 10:28 The Role of Scripture in Understanding Suffering 11:57 The Connection Between Mercy and Forgiveness 16:53 The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery 20:16 The Impact of Jesus' Mercy 22:48 Bondage Beyond the Physical 23:09 Main Takeaways from the Book 27:28 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

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    28 mins
  • Easy Homeschool Art! with Julia Akers
    Jan 29 2026

    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 Art 01:34 Meet Julia Akers: Journey into Art 06:47 Grounding Art Lessons in Scripture 10:56 The Importance of Art in Education 15:07 Making Art Accessible for Parents 20:04 Creative Projects and Activities 25:49 Art as Worship and Expression 27:32 High School Art Curriculum Overview 32:04 Conclusion and Encouragement for Parents

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    34 mins
  • Make Peace With Your Past with LaFon Jantz
    Jan 26 2026

    In this episode, Dayle Annand and LaFon Jantz discuss the intersection of homeschooling, discipleship, and mental health. They explore the challenges of navigating grief, the importance of forgiveness, and the necessity of setting healthy boundaries in relationships. LaFon shares her personal journey of healing after the sudden loss of her husband, emphasizing the need for community support and professional help. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging past mistakes and the process of moving forward with hope and faith.

    Links:

    To purchase Make Peace with Your Past:

    https://a.co/d/ffAlsXa

    To contact Homeschool Minnesota--MÂCHÉ:

    www.homeschoolminnesota.org

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Homeschooling and Discipleship 00:55 Navigating Guilt and Shame in Parenting 01:59 LaFawn Jantz: A Journey of Healing and Hope 04:03 Family Support and Counseling After Loss 05:51 The Importance of Mental Health in the Christian Community 08:03 Overcoming Offense and Its Physical Effects 09:58 The Power of Forgiveness and Its Challenges 12:12 Setting Healthy Boundaries in Relationships 13:59 Addressing Feelings and Their Impact on Relationships 16:06 Acknowledging Mistakes and Moving Past Them 17:53 Trusting God's Timing in Healing 20:11 Recognizing Triggers and Their Significance 22:12 The Role of Acknowledgment in Recovery 24:04 Walking Out Healing and Recovery 25:57 The Legacy of Dr. Gregory L. Jantz 28:00 Conclusion and Encouragement for Listeners

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    32 mins