

Making The Leap
Herzog Foundation
Making The Leap is a weekly podcast hosted by Christine and Chris Stigall. The Stigalls recently made the leap to Christian education, pulling their daughter out of a public school and sending her to a private Christian school. The Stigalls want to empower other families to choose the school that’s best for them and break free from the status quo. They speak with society experts, educators, legislators, psychologists, and other parents to uncover the hidden truths in education and lay the groundwork for change. Learn more at MakingTheLeapPodcast.com. This podcast is produced by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 3, 2023 • 49min
Starting A School From Scratch
Chris and Christine are joined by parents and school founders, Luke & Jamie Johnston. Luke is a pastor at GlenHaven church in Kansas City, Missouri. GlenHaven will be the site of a brand new Christian school that Luke is founding alongside his wife, Jamie. Luke & Jamie have utilized the Herzog Foundation's SchoolBox program as they navigate the school start-up process. They share some of the lessons they've learned along the way, covering everything from curriculum and tuition costs to the history of the church and its role in education. Do you think the church ever should have turned education over to the state? Leave a review & let us know!Read more about Luke, Jamie and GlenHaven Church here. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates. Don't forget to follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Jan 27, 2023 • 45min
How To Stand Up For School Choice In Your State
Chris & Christine discuss the importance of advocating for education freedom at the state level with one of Missouri's boldest school choice advocates, Cici Tompkins. CiCi is the Director of Outreach for the Children's Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM). For over 25 years, Cici has been involved in education with the firm belief that investing in our children is the most effective way of solving societal problems. Cici works with parents across Missouri to build relationships with their state legislators and create real change to Missouri's education system. Visiting your state capitol doesn't have to be scary. And remember - movements happen one meeting at a time. Have you ever visited your state capitol and advocated for school choice? Leave a review & let us know!Read Rossana Parsons' review of Making The Leap here. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates. Don't forget to follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Jan 20, 2023 • 35min
Classic American Novels Still Read in Christian Schools w/ Elizabeth Kendrex
Chris and Christine are joined by an English teacher to discuss book bans and the importance of reading classic American literature from a Christian worldview. Elizabeth Kendrex teaches K-12 English classes at Logos Preparatory Academy near Houston, Texas. As a university model school, Logos Preparatory Academy partners with parents and guardians in the teaching process. Students spend part of their school week at Logos and the other part of the week at home with their parents as "Co-Teachers."Elizabeth explains this unique teaching model and dives into the curriculum and books read in her classroom. Elizabeth is also one of the Herzog Foundation's 2022 Teachers of the Year. She discusses being honored at the gala last fall and the importance of teachers taking a moment to recognize their achievements. To nominate a Christian teacher for the Herzog Foundation's 2023 awards cycle, please visit the nomination portal here. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates. Don't forget to follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Jan 13, 2023 • 41min
How Boys Learn Best w/ Dr. Vermelle Greene
Chris and Christine are joined by Dr. Vermelle Greene to discuss the differences between boys and girls in the classroom. Dr. Greene is a former high school biology teacher and author of Please Teach Me Like I'm a Boy!It's no secret that boys and girls learn differently. As the parents of two teenage boys and a teenage girl, Chris and Christine can attest to this firsthand. Dr. Greene gives tips for teaching boys more effectively and setting them up for success in the classroom. Don't forget to follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates. Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Jan 6, 2023 • 43min
A New Model For Education w/ Matt Beaudreau
Chris and Christine kick off 2023 with a guest who is completely redesigning the way we educate our children. Matt Beaudreau is a career educator and the founder of Acton Academy, an education network with 280+ locations across the country. Matt explains the Acton Academy model and the importance of breaking the one size fits all system of schooling in America today. Acton Academy focuses on real world experience, personal responsibility and teaching students to be self-directed. Find an Acton Academy near you. Stay in touch with Matt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In addition to founding Acton Academy, Matt also founded an online mentorship program for young men called Apogee Strong. Follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates.Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Dec 30, 2022 • 28min
Reflecting on 2022 Pt. 2
On the last episode of the year, Chris and Christine recap some of their favorite conversations from 2022:-The Teacher Shortage w/ Matt & Amy Barnard -The Role of Science in Christian Education w/ Nancy Reid-The Church's Role in Education w/ Dr. Ken Parker-Parents Have More Influence w/ Amber Pike-A Student's Perspective w/ Anna StigallWhat's been your favorite episode this year? Who do you want to hear from next year? Leave a review and let us know! You can also let us know on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Don't forget to sign-up for Making The Leap's newsletter!Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Dec 23, 2022 • 27min
Reflecting on 2022 Pt. 1
It's time to open the vault! Making The Leap Podcast launched with its first episode in May 2022. Since then, Chris and Christine have recorded over 30 episodes and interviewed guests from every facet of Christian education. On today's episode, Chris and Christine reflect on some of their favorite episodes and guests of 2022:-What is Classical Christian Education w/ Jean Auxier-Funding Students Not Systems w/ Corey DeAngelis-Why Choose Christian Education w/ Dr. Josh Mulvihill-What Are Learning Pods w/ Joelle Fortin-Battle for the American Mind w/ Pete HegsethWhat's been your favorite episode this year? Leave a review and let us know! You can also let us know on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Don't forget to sign-up for Making The Leap's newsletter!Chris and Christine will be back next week to recap more episodes from 2022. Merry Christmas to all!Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Dec 16, 2022 • 49min
Parents Have More Influence (And That's A Good Thing!)
Parental influence on K-12 education continues to grow - and despite what the Miami Herald may think - that's a great trend to see. This week's guest, Amber Pike, has known from a young age how important it is for parents to stand up for their children.Inspired by the example of her own mother, Amber decided to take an active role in her children's education, leading family ministries at her church and homeschooling her two children. Amber is also the editor of KidzMatter magazine and an author of two books:Exploring the Bible through HistoryThe Family Cookbook DevotionalEnter AMBER30 at checkout for 30% off your purchase. This offer is valid from Dec. 16-23. Follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter!To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates.Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Dec 9, 2022 • 45min
Crafty Ways to Afford Christian School
Chris and Christine discuss the most common objection to Christian education — the cost. Joining them to discuss the financial commitment of private Christian school is special guest Jenny Hare. Jenny and her husband are both self-employed and never thought they would be able to afford private school for all three of their children. Without the luxury of employer-sponsored healthcare, retirement, or vacation, budgets were tight. But they were determined to find a way. Jenny got crafty — literally — and set up an art studio in her home. By selling her art and providing art lessons in her community, Jenny is now able to send all her children to a private Christian school in Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout the episode Jenny discusses a variety of cost-saving tips and inspiration for using your God-given talents to support your family. Check out Jenny's art studio on Facebook and Instagram. Follow Making the Leap on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also sign-up for Making The Leap's newsletter!To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates.Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.

Dec 2, 2022 • 37min
What Are Learning Pods?
Chris and Christine chat with Joelle Fortin to uncover everything you've ever wondered about learning pods and micro-schools. During the covid pandemic, parents were scrambling to find a way to continue working while children could continue learning from home. Enter, learning pods. Even before the pandemic, Joelle Fortin knew learning pods were the right choice for her family of five. Joelle started a pod of her own three years ago, which has since grown to include other families and grades 4-10. Joelle's #1 tip? Don't bring your public school tendencies to the pod. As a former public school teacher for 10 years, Joelle had to reject many of the "one-size-fits-all" approaches that are used too often in the public school system. Stay in touch with Joelle and her learning pod on Instagram.If you enjoyed this episode of Making the Leap, leave a 5-star rating and let us know what you liked about the show on your favorite podcast app. You can also comment on any of our social pages; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out our latest YouTube Shorts too!Don't forget to sign-up for Making The Leap's newsletter!To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or sign-up to receive monthly email updates.Follow Making The Leap on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter or send us an email hello@makingtheleappodcast.com.To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates.