top episodes

 In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Blake Boles from California. Blake is currently in Freiburg, Germany, and soon will be cycling in Chile. When Blake was attending the University of California, Berkeley, he began in the astrophysics program, but decided he did not want to research Science and started studying Education on his own. He came across the writings of John Taylor Gatto and Grace Llewellyn, and Blake knew he wanted to pursue alternative education. From his own experiences growing up and in college, Blake was always curious about adventures and wanted to facilitate the same experiences for youth. Blake created his business, Unschool Adventures, where he takes groups of youth all over the world on a variety of adventures so that they can face real situations and challenges that cause them to stretch, learn, and leave their zones of comfort. Over the years, Blake has written several books about self-directed learning and helping youth navigate both the high school years and decisions about life after high school, like getting into college. He values giving children and youth the freedom to learn and the freedom to fail, and he believes in communities that are consensual and interest based. 

Connect with Blake
https://www.blakeboles.com/
https://www.offtraillearning.com/podcast/

Books by Blake
https://www.amazon.ca/Still-Sending-Your-Kids-School/dp/0986011975
https://www.amazon.ca/Art-Self-Directed-Learning-Unconventional-Education/dp/0986011959
https://www.amazon.com/College-Without-High-School-Teenagers/dp/0865716552
https://www.amazon.ca/Better-Than-College-Blake-Boles/dp/0986011908

Books
https://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Anniversary/dp/0865714487
https://www.amazon.com/Different-Kind-Teacher-American-Schooling/dp/1893163210
https://www.amazon.ca/Underground-History-American-Education-Investigation/dp/0945700040
The Teenage Liberation Handbook
The Case Against Education

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Pat Farenga from Boston, Massachusetts. Pat grew up in New York and eventually ended up in Boston for postsecondary studies. After completing his Master's degree, and with the challenge of finding available work in the early 1980s, Pat ended up working at a bookstore in Boston. Unbeknown to Pat, this bookstore was below the office of John Holt, one the most influential figures for the modern unschooling and homeschooling movements. When John Holt died in 1985, Pat became the publisher of the well-known homeschooling newsletter, Growing without Schooling (GWS), and president of Holt Associates. More recently, Pat has finished preparing all 143 issues of GWS and has made these available online. Mr. Farenga is an unschooling father of 3 daughters, an accomplished pianist and saxophonist, and he is a prolific writer, best known as the author of The Beginner's Guide to Homeschooling (1998) and Teach Your Own: The John Holt Book of Homeschooling (2003). During our conversation, we discussed many of the unfortunate problems with the conventional school system and how it is designed to stifle curiosity and the love of learning. We also talk about how homeschooling and unschooling allow families to escape the arbitrary benchmarks that plague schools and their students. This episode is of interest to all who are seeking an alternative to conventional schools, and we are given access to many resources to help us improve education and lifestyle.

Connect with Pat Farenga
https://www.johnholtgws.com/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Johnholtgws

Books
Deschooling Society
Instead of Education
Teach Your Own
How Children Fail
How Children Learn
In Search of Excellence

Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mothering_(magazine)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svWynGmBQb0
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_Z
https://www.thewaldockway.com/carschooling/

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Steve Lambert from Kansas City, Missouri. Steve is a homeschool father of two, grandfather of 7, all of whom have graduated from homeschooling. Steve is the publisher of the famous Five in a Row curriculum, and he's the husband of Jane Lambert who created Five in a Row. The Lambert's started homeschooling in 1981. After more than a decade of homeschooling, Jane started creating engaging lessons from the books she had vetted for her children, and began sharing her lessons with other homeschool mothers. In 1994, Five in a Row officially began as a curriculum, and for nearly 30 years it has been used by more than 600,000 children in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and more than 60 countries. Five in a Row is based on great books that are read five days in a row with a specific emphasis each day. The books used in Five in a Row must meet 3 essential criterion: beautiful illustration, rich diversity of content, and they must be soul-stirring and leave a lifelong impression. Throughout our interview, Steve shares countless wise insights and engaging experiences that illustrate the fundamental principles and keys of homeschooling. Perhaps the most profound realization from this episode is that the best education takes place when snuggling with our children while reading a great book on a comfy sofa.

Connect with the Lambert’s
https://fiveinarow.com/

 In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Samantha Shank from Los Angeles, California. When she was only 14 years old, Samantha started her own business, Learn in Color. Now, after more than a decade, Learn in Color is an online educational platform for parents and teachers that has reached thousands of homes and classrooms. Her useful Math cheat sheets and educational movie guides are Samantha's best sellers. Samantha started university at age 16 and graduated in two and a half years. She also completed her Master's degree in Science Education rather quickly, and Samantha is a skilled graphic designer. When Samantha was in 3rd grade, she knew she wasn't being challenged and requested that her parents allow her to be homeschooled. She started homeschooling in 4th grade and went all the way through to university. Samantha was self-directed at a very early age and she loved the free time and flexibility that homeschooling afforded her so that she could pursue her own interests. She imagines homeschooling her own children one day, and Samantha counsels homeschooling families to simply let their children learn, and to not try to emulate how learning is done in schools.

Books and Resources
I am David
The Hiding Place
Your Complete Guide to Building a Memory Palace

Curriculum
Abeka Curriculum
Saxon Math
Teaching Textbooks
Math U See

Media
The Pursuit of Happyness
One Republic - "Life in Color"
Mindhunter (TV Series)

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Daniel Allers from central Alberta, Canada. Daniel is a homeschool graduate, director of his church choir, assistant director of the Central Alberta Homeschool Choir, he works with four different theaters, and he's the founder and creator of History Plus, previously known as History Alive. Daniel is the oldest of four siblings and they have all been homeschooled for their entire education. Daniel's mom encouraged him to chase his passions which has led Daniel to his career path with History Plus for more than a decade. With his wife, brother, and other family members, Daniel runs his business and travels throughout Alberta doing live workshops with many homeschool groups. He and his wife have also traveled all over the world to enhance their understanding and love for history, science, and learning. I was so impressed with Daniel's extensive knowledge and insightful counsel about homeschooling. For example, Daniel provides one the best synopses on the common socialization question that I've heard. His clear, concise, articulate delivery is engaging and enjoyable. Homeschool parents and others who are looking for an excellent resource for history and other core subjects should take a good look at History Plus!

Connect with Daniel and History Plus
https://www.historyplusonline.com/

 Websites
https://www.practicalhomeschooling.com/
https://www.sonlight.com/
https://mathusee.com/
https://www.aheaonline.com/

Books
Story of the World Series
Hold On To Your Kids

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with John Muir Laws, well-known naturalist, artist, educator, and author of many works. John, called “Jack” by his friends, grew up struggling with the challenges of dyslexia. But the love of his kind parents, the caring of two incredible high school teachers, and a love of art and nature, led Jack to discover the gifts and advantages of his dyslexia to pursue his passion for observing and drawing nature. In our conversation, Jack teaches us how essential it is to be curious, humble, and to always ask questions. He also emphasizes that we should slow down and pay close attention to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us and especially in nature. We talked a lot about the brain, our ability to learn and get better at anything we practice, and why we should download our observations of the world and nature in a journal so that we remember.

Connect with John Muir Laws
https://johnmuirlaws.com
https://www.wildwonder.org

John's Works
The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
The Laws Guide to Drawing Birds
How to Teach Nature Journaling: Curiosity, Wonder, Attention
The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada

Books
The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain
Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction is Hijacking Our Kids
Last Child in the Woods

Concepts
The Illusion of Explanatory Depth

In today’s episode, we get to spend time with Tricia Ross from Salem, Ohio. Many listeners of this podcast might know Tricia best from her amazing online and brick and mortar shop, nature+nurture. Tricia shares how she was introduced to homeschooling, principally by her mother’s cousin whose family made quite the impression on Tricia during a visit to their home. Tricia loved homeschooling her children because she loved having so much time with them, reading to them, and exploring the wonders of nature. She explains the powerful influence and mentoring she gleaned from the writings and philosophies of Charlotte Mason, who has impacted countless homeschool families. Tricia describes very challenging home circumstances that compelled her to leave her husband, home, and homeschooling to start a new life that led her to combine all of her experiences and knowledge about homeschooling and nature and life, culminating in a beautiful business and shop, nature+nurture, full of the best books and myriads of educational resources and gifts.

Connect with Tricia
https://naturenurture.shop/

In today’s episode, we get to hang out with Savannah Penny from New Brunswick, Canada. Savannah knew as a senior in high school that she would homeschool her children because she could tell her education was lacking and that it was dumbing her down. In our conversation, Savannah talked about homeschooling as the best educational option out there, navigating friendships and busy schedules, and preparing kids for an amazing future. In this show we learn a lot about excellent literature and the importance of reading great books and classics.

Connect with Savannah
https://www.classicsallowed.org/

Homeschool Philosophy and Curriculum
https://tjed.org/
Hold On To Your Kids

Screen-Free Audio Player
Yoto Player

Websites
Classics Allowed
https://simplycharlottemason.com/
https://readaloudrevival.com/

Documentary
https://www.thehomeschoolawakening.com/

Books
The Pilgrim's Progress
War and Peace
Summer of the Monkeys
Where the Red Fern Grows
The Hiding Place
The Screwtape Letters
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

Jennifer and Phil celebrate this 50th episode of the Make It Count podcast by reflecting on some of their all-time favorite moments from the show. The hosts share more deeply how guests have impacted them and key lessons from this podcast experience.  This milestone episode is a powerhouse showcase of different ways to Make It Count!

Some Favorite Episodes Mentioned Include:

• Season 2 Episode 41: Through the Eyes of 100 years
• Season 2 Episode 25: The Ugly Truth about cancer, death, and grieving.  Can we talk about that? 
• Season 1 Episode 19: Making Peace with the Broken Pieces
• Season 1 Episode 17: Living Through the Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship 
• Season 1 Episode 16: Battling Cancer, Life, and Legislation

Thanks for Listening. For questions, comments, or suggestions email us at makeitcountwithphilandjennifer@gmail.com

See some of our featured episodes on our Youtube Channel or Connect with us on our Facebook Page

We are celebrating the year with a run down of the Top 10 episodes of Self Transformed for 2022!  What is really exciting for me in looking at the data is that our downloads have doubled since last year (we're at over 200k downloads total!) and when looking at the top episodes, I can see that we can clarity!  The top episodes are all focused around those three fundamental needs we teach on (mindset, movement, and food freedom) and habit strategies focuses specifically around time management (one of the biggest struggles I hear from you!) Listen back to these episodes and you can refer back to them in your podcast library as well!  

As as thank you to you for listening and hanging with me as we're growing Self Transformed and helping women thrive and transform their health and lives, I'm gifting you with my FREE HEALTHY HABITS CHEAT SHEET WITH 60 HEALTHY HABIT IDEAS!  This will help you start a new healthy habit in 3 steps, and will give you some ideas on where to start (and of course the habit ideas all fall under either food freedom, mindest or movement!) 

I am so excited to announce my brand new, live group coaching program HABIT TRANSFORMATION BOOTCAMP! 

Habit Transformation Bootcamp is a unique 6 week live group coaching experience with cohorts opening at various times throughout the year. The bootcamp includes 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and self paced modules to help you focus on your fundamental needs (with trainer approved workouts, food freedom plan and mindset hacks) paired with proven habit strategy from a female perspective. 

You’ll get a healthy habit plan to help you take care of yourself in any season of your life that doesn’t feel hard or overwhelming with already 21 days of tracked success (YES!) Unique to this program, we work together but you pick your track you want to focus on

We start January 2nd with only 10 spots available!  Are you in? Any questions, please let me know! hello@emily-nichols.com

**You only have until Jan. 2nd to listen to the private podcast series, ATOMIC HABITS FOR WOMEN. This has been called on my heart to give some bootcamp type of training focused on true habit strategy for women and realistic ways to create and sustain healthy habits.  In this 5 episode limited series, you'll walk away with grace for yourself and some pretty big AHA moments to help you realize that we just need to do habits differently! This is only available for a limited time to go listen!  

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WORK WITH ME:

-Get the FREE HEALTHY HABIT RESET MASTERCLASS!

-Visit the TRANSFORMATION SHOP to get all the affordable habit hacking tools!

-Check out the various ways we can work together!

-CHECK OUT THE FREEBIE VAULT!: Access habit tools, self care checklist, Whole30 resources, free workouts and more!

LET’S CONNECT:

-Sign up for weekly motivational texts from Emily at: 1-773-904-2157 or

JOIN US FOR HABIT LOOP BOOTCAMP LIVE!

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In this episode featuring Alex Charfen, explore the entrepreneurial mindset that transforms crises into opportunities. Learn about commitment, embracing mistakes as lessons, the importance of inner work, and owning your present circumstances. Dive into the journey, relishing challenges, and turning them into opportunities.

Join Dom Quartuccio in a special episode guiding entrepreneurs to become the leaders their businesses need. Explore the three types of people in your life, where to focus energy, pitfalls in the corporate space, and the secret to purpose. Gain clarity and understanding for effective leadership.

Alp Tekin, a Buddhist monk with seven years of monastery experience, drops truth bombs on success and happiness. Unpack the two essential questions that determine your life's course. Choose between growth and remaining stuck as you explore the hidden secrets to success.

Cory Warren, the charismatic force behind C4 Social, shares indispensable insights on social media strategies for 2021. Discover the heart-centered approach to growing and scaling your business. Gain essential tips from an expert known as the vegan Superman and lean green dad.

Confront the choice between planning for greatness and accepting mediocrity in this episode. Understand the significance of execution over ideas and the role of planning in achieving success. Overcome distractions, trust your intuition, and turn your ideas into tangible actions for real impact.

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Looking for access to my entire book recommendation library? Check out my Amazon Storefront -- your hub for a curated collection of transformative books covering business, marketing, mindset, and personal development. Shop HERE 📖

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With actionable insights and proven strategies, you'll learn how to connect with your audience on a deeper level, establish know, like, and trust, and create an unforgettable customer experience that keeps them coming back for more. 

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your business and take your customer relationships to the next level. Sign up now for this free series!

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If you have any questions or comments about the episode, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM over on Instagram @itsgeorgebryant or pop on over to our free Facebook community, Relationship Beat Algorithms.