About the Guest(s):

Kristen
Kristen is the CEO of Prisma, a cutting-edge virtual learning community that has been transforming traditional education models. With a rich background as a teacher and charter school founder, Kristen joined Prisma as a curriculum designer and has been instrumental in its innovative approach to education. She is dedicated to enhancing personalized learning experiences and is actively involved in creating a flexible, project-based curriculum that adapts to students' interests and real-world needs.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the "Our Offbeat Life Podcast," host David Cole sits down with Kristen, the CEO of Prisma, to discuss how Prisma is revolutionizing education by providing a flexible, personalized learning solution for students around the world. With a focus on building real-world skills and nurturing a love for learning, Prisma acts as a bridge for families seeking a non-traditional educational path that supports travel and exploration without sacrificing academic rigor.

The conversation gives insight into Prisma's unique approach to education, which includes a dynamic, project-based curriculum that allows students to earn competencies and badges. Kristen elaborates on Prisma's diverse community of learners, ranging from homeschool families to geo-flexible world travelers, and highlights how Prisma supports socialization and community building through robust virtual interactions and periodic in-person meetups. The episode also delves into how Prisma coaches play a crucial role in personalizing student learning and ensuring academic growth through individualized mentorship and feedback, thereby preparing students for an unpredictable future work landscape influenced by technology and AI.

Key Takeaways:

• Personalized Learning Experience: Prisma provides a tailored education approach, allowing students to explore their interests through thematic, project-based learning.
• Community Engagement: Students from diverse backgrounds can build friendships and collaborate through virtual cohorts and in-person meetups, fostering a global online community.
• Emphasis on Skills for the Future: Prisma prepares students with critical soft skills and an innovator's mindset, empowering them to thrive in an AI-influenced future.
• Parental Involvement and Flexibility: Parents can select different involvement levels through Prisma's programs, with options for financial aid and a parent-coach model.
• Accreditation and Success Metrics: Prisma's accredited programs ensure that students are well-prepared for college, with a strong track record of graduates receiving university acceptances and scholarships.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We really want kids to love learning and prepare them with the skills that they need to thrive in the future." - Kristen
2. "Our learners grow 206% of their expected growth in math and 176% of their expected growth in reading." - Kristen
3. "It is such a beautiful community. We have the best kids, the best families. They do make real friendships." - Kristen
4. "We're not scared of AI. We teach learners how to use AI safely and appropriately." - Kristen
5. "Learning should be hard, fun." - Kristen, quoting Seymour Papert.

Resources:

• Prisma Website: joinprisma.org
• Seymour Papert on Educational Philosophy
• Our Offbeat Life Podcast: More episodes on world schooling and alternative education.

To gain a deeper understanding of how Prisma is transforming the educational landscape and to hear more illuminating conversations, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more content from the "Our Offbeat Life Podcast."

About the Guest(s):

Sarah Desante and Max are a dynamic traveling duo, passionate about blending the wonders of family adventures with creative storytelling. Sarah is an accomplished author known for her captivating Adventure Globe series—a set of books that transports young readers on enchanting journeys across the world's significant landmarks. Together with her husband Max, they lead a life of exploration with their three children, often sharing their rich experiences through various content forms, including a popular family blog and a YouTube channel, "The 5-Year-Old Explorers." Max, originally from Italy, contributes a practical dimension to their travels with his background in the medical field, adding depth to their global educational journey.

Episode Summary:In this exciting episode of "Our Offbeat Life," host David Cole talks to Sarah Desante and Max about their extraordinary lifestyle as world travelers and educators on the road. The conversation is rich with anecdotes from their explorations, giving listeners a peek into how they manage a nomadic lifestyle while simultaneously enriching their children's education. With a focus on blending global travel experiences with creative pursuits, Sarah and Max reveal the inspiration behind the Adventure Globe series, their process of unschooling, and maintaining a structured yet adventurous daily life.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Max share insights into how their family evolved from hectic travelers to a more balanced approach, allowing them to immerse fully into the cultures they visit. The discussion shines a light on their unique educational methods, highlighting the pros and cons of unschooling versus formal education. They touch upon handling healthcare abroad, managing negative perceptions from outsiders, and the essentials of packing light while catering to their children's hobbies. This conversation serves as both an inspiration for those looking to live an offbeat life and a guide for families eager to embark on world explorations.

Key Takeaways:

• Sarah and Max advocate for unschooling, allowing their children to pursue personal interests and passions while traveling the world.
• The Adventure Globe series is inspired by the family's real-life travel experiences, aimed at educating young readers with engaging storytelling.
• Emphasizing slow travel, Sarah and Max have learned to balance exploration with the educational needs of their children.
• Adapting to challenges, the family highlights the importance of resilience, learning from locals, and managing health emergencies while on the road.
• They have fostered a sense of community by attending and organizing pop-up gatherings, connecting with other travel families worldwide.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Kids are really resilient. They figure it out." – Sarah Desante
2. "Our children decided on what they wanted to learn every month. They focus on that, allowing for a more passion-driven education." – Max
3. "There are doctors in the rest of the world too; we've found excellent care wherever we've traveled." – Sarah Desante
4. "The more you let go, the more you find your positivity, and worries about external judgments fall away." – Max
5. "The ultimate gift to yourself and your family is to travel together with an open mind." – Max

Resources:

• Books by Sarah Desante: The Adventure Globe series
• YouTube Channel: The 5-Year-Old Explorers
• Social Handles/Blog: Check for "The 5-Year-Old Explorers" for blog and travel updates.

Embark on a virtual journey by listening to the full episode and delve deeper into how travel, education, and creativity seamlessly intertwine with Sarah and Max’s family adventures. Stay tuned for more captivating stories and insights from "Our Offbeat Life" podcast series.

About the Guest(s):

Addie Weiland is a licensed therapist specializing in mental health and wellness, particularly in children and families. Beyond her professional expertise, Addie is also a full-time traveling mom, which provides her with firsthand experience in raising mentally resilient children while being constantly on the move. She shares her insights and experiences through her counseling practice, Everyday Bravery Counseling, and also documents her family's travel adventures.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of "Offbeat Life," host David Yealink engages in a captivating discussion with Addie Weiland about the complexities of raising mentally well-rounded children in a nomadic lifestyle. Drawing from her dual expertise as a licensed therapist and a traveling parent, Addie provides valuable guidance on ensuring children's mental health is prioritized even while experiencing the joys and challenges of full-time travel. The conversation navigates through the delicate balance between adventure and emotional stability, offering practical strategies for parents who embark on this unique lifestyle.

During the episode, Addie dispels common myths about traveling with children, arguing that while it may seem selfish, it often turns out to be one of the best gifts you can offer them. She emphasizes the importance of monitoring your child's emotional and behavioral changes as key indicators of whether the travel lifestyle is beneficial for them. The discussion also delves into specific strategies for maintaining emotional regulation and routines, essential for providing a stable environment amid frequent location changes. Addie shares personal anecdotes, including both parenting wins and chaotic travel stories, illustrating the raw, day-to-day realities of her family's travel experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Traveling with children, when handled with care, can be a significant gift rather than a selfish endeavor, but it's crucial to monitor their mental wellness.
• Establishing routines and preparing children for transitions helps create stability in a nomadic lifestyle.
• Emotional resilience in children can be bolstered by recognizing and addressing goodbye struggles and fostering positive communication.
• Parents' self-regulation is crucial in managing stress and modeling emotional management for children.
• Open dialogue with children about their travel experiences provides vital insights and supports their mental well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "If your kids' mental health is really shifting downward, then maybe it's a little selfish to continue [traveling]."
• "The best regulating tool you have is to keep yourself regulated."
• "We can do hard things. Traveling is amazing, and it's also kind of hard, but we get through it."
• "Checking in with your child's emotional state doesn't change just because you're traveling."
• "Open dialogue with your kids is important; we must ask them how they're doing."

• Everyday Bravery Counseling
• Addie's social media: "Wheeling with the Weilands"
• Contact details and resources further mentioned in the episode

Resources:

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode for a comprehensive exploration of child mental health strategies in a travel lifestyle. Stay connected for more enriching episodes of "Offbeat Life," offering valuable insights and expert advice to enhance your family travel experiences.