Welcome to The BIG Home Ed Conversations!

Episodes

Dec. 19, 2025

Season 4 Finale – Our Home Ed Year in Review

It’s the final episode of Season 4 of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, and we’re keeping up our (now official!) yearly tradition: a relaxed, honest Year in Reflection . Kelly and Ashley look back on what’s worked in t...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 30, 2025

Challenging Adultism, Respecting Children & Rethinking the Power Dyna…

In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley get real about adultism—the often-unquestioned power imbalance between adults and children. Inspired by fellow home educating mum and respected expert...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 24, 2025

Refugee Education, Prejudice & Shared Humanity: Learning From Displac…

In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley sit down with Catherine Gladwell , founder and CEO of Refugee Education UK , to explore what education really looks like when your whole life has been...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 16, 2025

SEND, Ableism & Neurodivergence in Education: Rethinking 'Standard'

In this powerful episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley sit down with author, educator and neurodivergent advocate Helen Daniel to unpack ableism in the education system through the lens of SEND an...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 9, 2025

Changing Perspectives: Prejudice within the Home Education Community

In this episode of the BIG Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the often-unspoken topic of prejudice within the home educating community. From unschooling vs. curriculum-based approaches, to faith, ...

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 2, 2025

Changing Perspectives: Diversity, Hybrid Homeschooling & Banned Books…

In this powerful episode of the Big Home Ed Conversations Podcast, Kelly and Ashley sit down with Atlanta-based educator, tech specialist, and author Chris Linder—founder of Homeschool Remix—to dig deep into what real diversi...

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 26, 2025

Changing Perspectives in Home Education — Diversity, Belonging & Real…

Welcome back to Season 4 of the Big Home Ed Conversations Podcast! In this new “Changing Perspectives” series, Kelly and Ashley dive into the big, sometimes uncomfortable, but always essential conversations about diversity, i...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 28, 2025

BIG Home Ed Book Club: Our Review: 'The Four-Hour School Day' by Dure…

In this special Book Club episode, Ashley Vanerio dives into The Four-Hour School Day —a practical, encouraging guide for new and seasoned home educators alike. Written by veteran homeschool mum of eight, Durenda Wilson, this...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 14, 2025

BIG Home Ed Book Club: Introducing Our First Pick: The Four-Hour Scho…

This week, Ashley pops in solo to launch something new and fun for our community—the BIG Home Ed Book Club! Think bite-sized, practical reflections you can listen to on a walk, while folding laundry, or between activities. ...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 7, 2025

Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 4: Regulate, Reconnect, and Re…

Newly deregistered or just beginning your home ed journey this September? You’re in the right place. In the final episode of the “Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed” series, Kelly Rigg (home education mindset coach and co-host...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 31, 2025

Rituals, Traditions & Social Conditioning: Letting Go of Back-to-Scho…

Feeling the urge to buy new pens or lunchboxes—even though your kids aren’t going “back to school”? You’re not alone! In this heartfelt episode, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the rituals and traditions that sneak into home ...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 24, 2025

Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 3: How to Build a Home Ed Rout…

Are you about to start home education and feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, routines, and expectations? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed series, Kelly Rigg (home educating mum, ...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 16, 2025

Roadblocks to Home Education: Overcoming Doubts, Fears & Practical Ba…

Thinking about home education but feeling overwhelmed by doubts, legal questions, or worries about what others will think? You’re not alone! In this episode, Kelly and Ashley get real about the most common roadblocks families...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 10, 2025

Home Ed Secrets: Planning, Flexibility and Fitting it all in!

Ever wonder how home educating families actually plan, stay flexible, and fit everything in—without burning out? In this episode, Kelly and Ashley spill their real-life “home ed secrets,” sharing what planning looks like for ...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 3, 2025

Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 2: Finding Your “Why” & Creati…

Are you asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” as you step into home education? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed summer series, Kelly Rigg (mindset coach, home ed mum, and co-h...

Listen to the Episode
July 27, 2025

Navigating Home Ed Slumps: Real-Life Strategies for Getting Back on T…

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just a bit “meh” about home education right now? You’re not alone! In this honest episode, Kelly and Ashley dive deep into the reality of home ed slumps—those periods when motivation dips, lif...

Listen to the Episode
July 20, 2025

Get Your Head Straight to Home Ed – Ep 1: Mindset Shifts, De-Schoolin…

Thinking about home education but feeling overwhelmed by doubts, fears, or pushback from others? You’re not alone! In this bonus episode, Kelly Rigg (home ed mum, mindset coach, and founder of Offroading Motherhood) kicks off...

Listen to the Episode
July 13, 2025

Breaking Free from Sit Down Culture: Movement, Mindset & Real-Life Le…

Is “sit down and focus” really the best way for kids to learn? In this lively episode, Kelly and Ashley dig into the myths and realities of “sit down culture” in education—and why home educators are uniquely positioned to bre...

Listen to the Episode
July 6, 2025

Does AI Have a Place in Home Education? Streamlining, Creativity & Cr…

Is artificial intelligence (AI) a helpful tool for home educators—or a shortcut that risks critical thinking? In this lively episode (more like debate), Kelly and Ashley dig into the real pros and cons of using AI (like ChatG...

Listen to the Episode
June 29, 2025

The Truth About Worldschooling with Luna Flowerday: Radical Unschooli…

In this episode, Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio chat to Luna Flowerday—radical unschooler, worldschooler, and inspiring mum of three—who is currently traveling the world with her husband and children. Luna’s journey starte...

Listen to the Episode
June 22, 2025

That end of term feeling...

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the feelings and reflections that arise as the 'school year' comes to a close, as home educators we don't always adhere to the concepts of school years/grade levels and otherwise - bu...

Listen to the Episode
June 15, 2025

How far we've come!

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their journey in home education, reflecting on their podcast's evolution and the importance of individual learning paths. They share personal anecdotes about family dynam...

Listen to the Episode
June 8, 2025

Our thoughts on the last episode: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bi…

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss their reactions and lasting feelings after the interview last week with Wendy Charles-Warner, Co-Chair of Education Otherwise. They emphasize the importance of community ...

Listen to the Episode
June 1, 2025

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill - May Update

In this episode, May 2025, Kelly Rigg and Wendy Charles-Warner discuss the ongoing Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, its implications for home education, and the community's response. They explore the current status of t...

Listen to the Episode