Welcome to The BIG Home Ed Conversations!

Episodes

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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May 25, 2025

Worldschooling - Home Education on the Road

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the joys of home education, particularly focusing on the insane benefits of world schooling, learning through travel and experiences. They reflect on their own experience...

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May 11, 2025

Evolving Home Ed

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the evolution of home education, particularly in the UK, highlighting the significant growth of the community post-COVID. They explore the challenges and opportunities th...

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May 4, 2025

Overstimulated...and understimulated.

In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of sensory sensitivities and not just through the eyes of neurodivergence, but the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-care in p...

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April 27, 2025

Being Weird

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the challenges and joys of home education, the societal pressures to conform, and the importance of embracing individuality. They discuss the concept of being 'weird' as ...

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April 20, 2025

Are they missing out?

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the theme of missing out in the context of home education. They reflect on their own school experiences, the importance of social interactions, and how home education can...

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April 6, 2025

Covid Homeschool vs Home Education

Anyone who has been home educating a while will have had a conversation with someone that goes 'oh we home educate....' 'oh gosh, we did that during covid - never again!!' In this episode, Kelly Rigg & Ashley Vanerio discuss ...

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March 30, 2025

Trust the process

Welcome back for Season 3 of The Big Home Ed Conversations. Kelly Rigg, Founder of Offroading Motherhood and Ashley Vanerio, fellow home educator and mum of 3 discuss the struggle that is trusting the process, believing all w...

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Jan. 26, 2025

Special Episode - Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill - Don't Panic!

In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Wendy Charles-Warner are aiming to reassure you that whilst it is important not to panic about the implications of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, it is important to take on an ...

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Dec. 8, 2024

What has inspired us this year?

In this conversation, Ashley Vanerio and Kelly Rigg discuss their experiences for 2024 and how they have inspired them and their kids to learn and grow, focusing on various educational outings and resources. They share insigh...

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Nov. 24, 2024

Our Year On Reflection

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley reflect on their personal growth and experiences throughout the year, discussing the challenges and successes of home education. They share stories of their children's independence, the impor...

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Nov. 17, 2024

Routine vs Freeflow?

In this conversation, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio explore the complexities of home education, focusing on the role of routines, the challenges of neurodiversity, and the balance between structure and flexibility. They share...

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Nov. 10, 2024

That's Good Enough!

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the challenges and realities of home education amidst life's chaos. They explore the importance of real-life learning experiences, the value of boredom and self-directed ...

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Nov. 3, 2024

Living With Intention

Personal Note: Myself, Kelly, and Ashley have been going through an extremely busy and tough period and it has meant that we have both found that steady guilt creeping in - where you feel like you are missing out on time with...

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Oct. 13, 2024

Get advice from those who KNOW

This conversation delves into the complexities of home education rights and duties, both as parents and for our children. Kelly and Ashley chat with special guest Wendy Charles-Warner about the role of local authorities, and ...

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Oct. 6, 2024

Difficult Conversations

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the challenges of navigating difficult conversations surrounding home education. They share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of building conviction, setting boundaries...

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Sept. 29, 2024

Don't just switch sides

In this episode, Kelly Rigg and Ashley Vanerio discuss the importance of critical thinking in home education. They explore the challenges of fostering critical thinking in a world that often discourages it, share personal exp...

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Sept. 22, 2024

Following Their Lead

In this episode, Kelly and Ashley discuss the concept of child-led learning in home education, emphasizing the importance of following children's interests and fostering their curiosity. They share personal experiences of how...

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Sept. 15, 2024

Deregistrations On The Rise

Get ready for an electrifying welcome back episode! 🎉 Kelly and Ashley dive into the booming trend of home education (or home schooling for our US friends) , revealing why more parents in the UK and US are opting to deregiste...

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