Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Hey Ex-Homeschoolers!

NO INTERVIEW this week but I'm making it up to you next week by dropping 2 episodes!

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Keara Minshall, a filmmaker and homeschool alum, who shares her inspiring journey through homeschooling, the challenges she faced, and her pursuit of a career in film. Keara reflects on the pivotal role her homeschool community played in shaping her love for storytelling, from creating backyard productions to studying film in college. She candidly discusses her professional path, the impact of COVID-19 on the film industry, and her recent work on Netflix’s "The Electric State." Join us as we explore the highs and lows of homeschooling, creative passions, and the evolving world of storytelling. Key Takeaways - Homeschool Journey: Keara's experience highlights the adaptability of homeschool education and its impact on creativity. - Creative Beginnings: Early exposure to filmmaking through homeschool classes sparked Keara’s passion for storytelling. - Industry Insights: Challenges and shifts in Hollywood, plus Keara’s journey into commercial directing. - Community Building: Importance of finding and fostering friendships and support networks, especially in a homeschool setting. Resources Mentioned - The Electric State by the Russo Brothers (Film, releasing March 14) https://youtu.be/9gUDaPTPxwo?si=w2pWfldE233MIzeS - Home-Schooled series on Roku https://app.pureflix.com/series/292224550859/home-schooled - Chuck Testa Commercial https://youtu.be/LJP1DphOWPs?si=qHlGgk0SB_1VLPsG Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Keara's Homeschool Journey 06:20 Transition to Public School 07:57 Homeschool vs. Traditional School 14:22 Discovering a Passion for Filmmaking 16:49 College Experience and Video Production Club 20:27 Post-College Career in Filmmaking 23:25 Working on The Electric State 28:05 Insights on Storytelling 29:38 Reflecting on the Purpose of the Show 30:30 Homeschooling Stories: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 31:05 The Direction and Outcome of Storytelling 32:03 Current Projects and the State of Hollywood 32:42 The Rise of Podcasting and Scripted Audio Stories 33:43 Challenges in the Film Industry 38:05 The Magic of Movie Theaters 40:50 Directing Commercials: A New Venture 44:04 Nostalgia and Early Creative Endeavors 47:18 The Importance of Friendship and Community 54:54 Concluding Thoughts and Staying Connected If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, Jacob Gooden reconnects with longtime friend John Slagboom to share stories from their homeschool days and discuss the journey since then. John shares hilarious anecdotes like “The Finger Incident” and his unique experiences teaching wilderness survival to fellow homeschoolers. They also dive into deeper themes, including how their upbringing influenced their college years and personal growth. John reflects on homeschooling's impact on his faith, social skills, and his approach to raising his own children. This episode is a blend of nostalgia, life lessons, and humor, perfect for anyone interested in the homeschool experience and its lasting effects.

Key Takeaways:

• The Finger Incident: John recounts his infamous “finger incident” and the surreal moment when his pet bird tried to eat a piece of his severed skin.
• Teaching Wilderness Survival: John’s experiences teaching wilderness skills and why he chose “Lord of the Flies” as part of the curriculum.
• Homeschool Dynamics: Insight into homeschool cliques and the unique social landscape they navigated as teens.
• Life Beyond Homeschooling: How leaving the homeschool bubble influenced John’s college experience, career path, and parenting.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lord of the Flies by William Golding

• Boy Scouts of America

Connect with Ex-Homeschoolers Club

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ex-HomeschoolersClub
• Email me at [email protected]

Subscribe to Ex-Homeschoolers Club for more stories from the past and lessons for today. Don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the episode, and visit our website for more resources!

In this episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, Jacob Gooden sits down with Makeila Harrell (Mahoney) as they delve into the unique experiences of being raised in a homeschooling environment with strong religious influences. From the pressures of being a pastor’s kid to transitioning into adult life and exploring career paths in event management and marketing, Makeila shares her journey of faith, mental health, and the pursuit of personal identity. Together, they reflect on the value of community, overcoming “church hurt,” and embracing authenticity in a world that often misunderstands homeschoolers. This episode is a must-listen for those curious about the intersections of homeschooling, mental wellness, and the freedom to redefine success. Key Takeaways: - Finding Your Path Beyond Traditional Schooling: Makeila shares how she pursued event management and marketing without a traditional college degree. - Mental Health and Church Influence: Insight into how faith-based environments impact mental health, including dealing with the pressures of a pastoral family. - Embracing Healing and Growth: Makeila’s experience with personal growth, including how psychology, therapy, and family dynamics influenced her journey. - Rediscovering Faith and Community: The importance of finding a balanced spiritual community and reconnecting with childhood friends. Resources Mentioned: New York Institute of Art and Design: https://www.nyiad.edu/ The Enneagram Personality Test (understanding personality types): https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Ex-Homeschoolers Club 01:46 Homeschool Beginnings and Family Dynamics 03:20 Homeschool Groups and Social Life 06:00 High School Choices and Homeschool Benefits 12:41 Transitioning to Adulthood and Career Choices 14:00 Event Management and Career Growth 17:54 From Events to Marketing 24:15 Entrepreneurial Beginnings 25:02 Homeschooling Reflections 25:56 Mental Health and Homeschooling 27:43 Exploring Enneagrams 29:20 Church and Mental Health 31:00 Family Dynamics and Church Politics 33:18 Transitioning Away from the Church 40:39 Healing and Helping Others 44:15 Reconnecting with Old Friends 45:38 A Surprise Party Story 48:14 Final Thoughts and Call to Action If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from Makeila’s story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub Email me at [email protected]