The California Homeschool Podcast

Guest: Zan Tyler - Homeschool advocate, speaker, author, and podcast host with 30+ years of experience encouraging families
Episode Description: Feeling like your homeschool year isn't going as planned? You're not alone. Join Angela Lasch as she talks with Zan Tyler about navigating the doubt and discouragement that often hits in October and November. Learn how to distinguish between normal growing pains and needed changes, escape the comparison trap, and stand firm in your calling even when the path gets rocky.
Topics Covered:
Common mid-year struggles homeschool families face
How to handle the "Am I cut out for this?" moment
Navigating comparison in the social media age
Mid-course corrections that help families thrive
Encouragement for parents questioning their choice
✨ MEET ZAN IN PERSON THIS NOVEMBER! ✨
Redding: November 8th
Fresno: November 15th
Get the heart-to-heart encouragement you need at a CHEA Homeschool Mini-Con! Experience community with families who understand your journey and receive refreshment for your homeschool calling.
Register now: https://cheaofca.org/
Zan Tyler Podcast: https://zantyler.com/podcast/
Reminder: God doesn't call the equipped—He equips the called. You're not walking this journey alone. CHEA is here to guide you.
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Host: Angela LaschGuest: Dena Bless, CHEA Events Manager & Bay Area/NorCal Regional Advisory Board MemberEpisode Focus: Understanding California's legal homeschool options and the advantages of private home education
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down California's homeschool legal landscape and explains why the private education path offers the greatest freedom for families. Dena Bless shares her personal homeschool journey and professional expertise to help parents navigate their options with confidence.
Action Steps for Listeners
Explore Your Options: Research all three legal paths to understand what fits your family
Attend CHEA's October 1st PSA Filing Party – Get step by step help on filing the PSA, have fun, get questions answered, and be entered to win some great giveaways
Visit cheaofca.org for resources, directory access, and event information
Connect with CHEA for ongoing support regardless of which path you choose
Key Quotes & Takeaways
"The private path isn't just an option - it's your pathway to the educational freedom God intended for your family"
"You don't have to navigate this journey alone - CHEA is here to support you every step of the way"
"God has equipped you for this calling"
"Your family's educational freedom is waiting"
About the Guest
Dena Bless successfully homeschooled both daughters through graduation and brings years of experience as both a parent and administrator. Along with her husband Ed, she serves on CHEA's Bay Area/NorCal Regional Advisory Board and currently works as CHEA's Events Manager. Her background includes directing a Private School Satellite Program, giving her unique insight into all aspects of California's private homeschool options.
This episode empowers California families to understand their legal homeschool options and choose the path that best supports their God-given right and responsibility to direct their children's education.
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CHEA's California Homeschool Podcast
Guest: Dr. Renton RathbunEpisode Focus: The vital role fathers play in Christian homeschooling
Episode Description
The homeschooling landscape has transformed dramatically over the past 25 years, with today's fathers more engaged than ever before in their children's education. Yet many Christian fathers still wonder: What exactly is my role in homeschooling?
Join Angela Lasch as she sits down with Dr. Renton Rathbun, a featured speaker at CHEA's recent Parenting & Homeschool Convention. With over 25 years in higher education, a PhD in apologetics, and real-world homeschooling experience, Dr. Rathbun brings both scholarly insight and practical wisdom to these crucial questions about biblical fatherhood and home education.
Whether you're a dad seeking guidance, a mom wanting to support your husband's involvement, or a single mom faithfully navigating this journey, this conversation offers biblical wisdom and practical insights for strengthening your family's homeschool journey.
Upcoming CHEA Events
Summer Leadership EventAugust 22La Mesa, California (San Diego area)
Homeschool Freedom Day with Family Protection MinistriesAugust 23La Mesa, California (San Diego area)
Both events offer perfect opportunities to connect with other homeschooling families and leaders.
 
Connect & Resources
CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association of California)
Website: www.cheaofca.org
Event Registration: https://cheaofca.org/summer-leadership-event-2025
Dr. Renton Rathbun
Podcast: The Renton Rathbun Show
Website: https://rentonrathbun.com/
Background: PhD in Apologetics, 25+ years in higher education, homeschooling father
Remember—whether you're partnering together as parents or courageously going it alone, you're not just educating your children; you're raising the next generation of Christian parents. God bless you and your homeschool journey.
 
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Join Angela Lasch for an honest conversation with Shannon Allen, a first-year homeschooler discovering that this educational journey reveals so much more than academic learning. Shannon shares her authentic experience of taking the leap into homeschooling and how it's become a mirror, reflecting not only how her children learn but who she is as a parent and what truly matters to her family.
Perfect for first-year homeschoolers, families considering the transition, or anyone who needs to hear a real story about the challenges, joys, and discoveries of home education.
Resources
https://cheaofca.org/ - For resources, community connection, and donations
Support CHEA
This podcast is made possible through generous donations from families like yours. If today's episode encouraged you, please consider supporting our mission at https://cheaofca.org/donate-now. Every gift helps us continue providing resources to California's homeschooling community.
Remember: God has equipped you for this calling, and every family's learning curve looks different—and that's exactly as it should be.
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Host
Angela Lasch, Executive Director of the Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA)
Guest
Vicki Stormoen is a veteran homeschooler with over 30 years of experience who has guided eight of her nine children through graduation, with one still on the educational journey. She currently serves as principal of Heritage Christian School, which is a member of CHEA's Support Network. Vicki is passionate about raising a godly generation through private Christian home education.
Episode Overview
In this inspiring conversation, veteran homeschooler Vicki Stormoen shares decades of wisdom about trusting God's grace through every season of home education. With a particular focus on those intimidating high school years, Vicki encourages families at every stage of their homeschooling journey.
Vicki discusses her complete homeschooling journey from initial decision-making through high school graduation, covering the foundational role of Christian faith in education, practical wisdom gained over two decades, overcoming challenges and celebrating victories, and the lasting legacy homeschooling has created in her family. Special attention is given to high school homeschooling, including building confidence for advanced subjects, college preparation, and maintaining strong parent-teen relationships during these crucial years.
With God's help and grace, families can successfully navigate their homeschooling journey—including those intimidating high school years. Trust in God's provision and guidance for each step of the way.
Resources and Events
CHEA's Homeschooling High School Online Mini-Con will be held August 4th and 5th, with registration opening soon.
Support Network registration opens June 9th with a 10% early bird discount for groups registering by June 30th.
Visit CHEA's website at www.cheaofca.org for complete information about upcoming events, Support Network registration, and to make donations supporting their mission.
Production Credits
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Call to Action
Rate, subscribe, and share this episode to encourage other homeschooling families. Trust God's grace for your homeschooling journey!
This podcast is brought to you by The Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA).
 

In this inaugural episode of CHEA's California Homeschool Podcast, we welcome Betsy Pierce, a second-generation homeschooling mom of eight children. Betsy shares her unique perspective on homeschooling from both sides—as a former homeschool student and now as a teacher to her own children. She offers valuable insights and encouragement for families considering or currently on their homeschooling journey.
Resources Mentioned
Family Protection Ministries – www.fpmca.org
CHEA's Annual Parenting & Homeschool Convention
Dates: May 15-17, 2025
Location: Biola University in La Mirada
Features: Workshops, curriculum shopping, community building
Connect With Us
Website: www.cheaofca.org
Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform
Consider donating to support CHEA's mission of equipping and encouraging homeschooling families
https://cheaofca.org/donate
Special Thanks
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This podcast is brought to you by The Christian Home Educators Association of California (CHEA).
 

The California Homeschool Podcast is your go-to source for equipping and encouraging Christian families on their homeschooling journey. Each episode offers practical guidance on navigating California’s homeschool laws, updates on key legislation, and uplifting support to help you thrive in your calling.
 
Website: https://cheaofca.org/
 
This podcast is powered by The Podcast Upload. Want to start your own Podcast? Book a free call: https://www.thepodcastupload.com/discovery-call