

✨How to Raise a Self-Directed Learner: A Talk with Kerry McDonald
Listen above or on Apple, Spotify, or Pocketcasts
✨What does education look like when it’s driven by curiosity, not curriculum?
Today, I talk with the incredible Kerry McDonald—a Harvard-trained economist, author, and unschooling mom of four—for a rich and honest conversation about educational freedom.
Kerry shares how a chance encounter with a homeschooling family turned her life upside down, sparking a journey away from traditional schooling and toward self-directed education. From her daughter teaching herself to read at four, to navigating teenage years without coercion, Kerry walks us through what it really looks like to trust your child—and yourself.
If you’ve ever wondered whether kids can really learn without being “taught”, this conversation is for you.
We also dive deep into the growing microschool movement and show you why so many families are stepping outside the system to build something better.
🖋️If you’d like to connect with Kerry, you’ll find her at her podcast website. You can also buy her new book Joyful Learning available TODAY!
If you found this episode helpful, please give us a 5 star rating on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others find us!
🔥BONUS! Downloadable show notes with key takeaways, inspiring quotes, resource recommendations, journal prompts, and more!
Exclusively for my favorite people👇
Disclaimer: These stories are shared without commentary or endorsement. I don’t necessarily agree with every method or approach—my goal is to present real families and their experiences. For my personal advice and approach, head to ClarifiEd.life.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.clarified.life/subscribe