
Making The Leap
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 14, 2024 • 19min
Live On Set! An Exclusive Conversation with Kirk Cameron
The Stigalls head to College Station, Texas to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Brave Books' new children's TV show hosted by Kirk Cameron. In part one of this two-part episode, you'll join the Stigalls on set for a one-on-one with the star of "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." He discusses the importance of being a parent in a digital age and why, as successful entertainer and father of adult children who could be doing anything at this stage of his life instead works so hard to impact our nation's kids.Kids of the 80s - you can appreciate Chris and Christine getting a little geeked-out talking with one of the stars of a hit TV show from their formative years. But despite his star-power with some, Kirk is humble, kind, and passionate about our kids' futures. Find out how you can get involved and become a contributor to support the show at https://bravebooks.us/pages/the-adventures-with-iggy-and-mr-kirk#herzogfoundation #christianeducation #makingtheleap #podcast #kirkcameron #bravebooks #christiancontent #childrenseducation #childrenscontent #childrensentertainment #childrenstvFollow 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.

Jun 7, 2024 • 30min
Digital Technology: Your Child's Friend Or Enemy?
Here's a topic we've never tackled on the show. Can Christians, specifically Christian schools lean into rapidly developing technology like A.I. or is it a dangerous place that runs counter to Biblical teaching? Dr. Seann Dikkers is both a Christian and a self-proclaimed homeschool dad and "tech guy" who reaches some interesting conclusions on the subject as he leads the Stigalls through the minefield of culture, big tech, and faith. He's created an online, K-12 curriculum called "Portals" that's a one stop shop for every day, in every subject to make homeschooling a breeze.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.

May 31, 2024 • 37min
Answering Life's Biggest Questions For Kids
What if your child asked "What is truth?" or "What does it mean to be human?" Those are deep questions and Elizabeth Urbanowicz - the founder of FoundationWorldview.com and host of "The Foundation Worldview" podcast says the answer is in her approach to helping parents instruct kids through Biblical strategies. For Christian parents, not only knowing what you believe but also knowing why you believe it is important. But it's also how you steer your kids to believe it as well in an increasingly secular and hostile world. It's a lot easier when you know where to start and Elizabeth tells the Stigalls how today. Don't forget to use the promo code "leap10" for a great discount at foundationworldview.com if you're headed there after this show! 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.

May 24, 2024 • 27min
Slaying Government. Winning School Choice.
Bob Vander Plaats is perhaps the state of Iowa's biggest political "influencer." As the President and CEO of The Family Leader, Bob is known as a cultural force for strengthening families and encouraging churches to get involved in government to impact real, legislative change. Together he and Governor Kim Reynolds launched a strategic mission to target recalcitrant members of the Iowa legislature on advancing school choice and they won. Today, Iowa is one of twelve states to pass sweeping school choice legislation allowing families across the state access to the education of their choice, no longer bound by a zipcode. Hear Bob's inspiring personal story, and how he has led one of the most impactful cultural, spiritual, and legislative shifts in his state's recent history.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.

May 17, 2024 • 35min
Christian School Before It Was Cool
The Stigalls often speak with folks who are on the ground floor of starting a new adventure in Christian education. But sometimes we forget - there are many who've been doing Christian school at a high level of excellence for decades. That is the focus of today's episode. For twenty-seven of Covenant Christian High School's thirty years in existence in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Andy Goodwin has served as their principal. He also hosts his own podcast called "Transforming Lives."What has he learned about the challenges and rewards of a Christian school growing and expanding to the size of what many would consider a "traditional" public high school while maintaining the focus on the Kingdom?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.

May 10, 2024 • 47min
Creativity Grows Christian School In Colorado
We love meeting out-of-the-box problem solvers who see a need for their families and others' educations and take action. Meet the Dunns, founders of Acts Academy. With a background in business and teaching who, like so many bailed on their kids' public school during the pandemic and struck out on their own, the Dunns' story is a fun ride.Their success was rapid. Their creativity and solutions to growth are lessons for anyone who's thinking of starting their own Christian school in their community. You'll be inspired and we guarantee you'll get great ideas! 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.

May 3, 2024 • 35min
Schools Need Leaders, Not Lawyers
It's important from time to time to remember what your rights are as a taxpaying citizen in your public school district. If you're someone who's yet to "make the leap" to a different education for your kids, or you're just a concerned citizen about the direction of the schools in your community - this is your show. Ian Prior is a senior advisor at America First Legal and author of "Parents of the World Unite." In a world of school boards run amok, Ian reminds us that you have every legal right and obligation to make your voice heard at school board meetings. Further, school board members should answer to you, not to the school district's attorneys. 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.

Apr 26, 2024 • 56min
Another Public School Cover-Up
Chris and Christine depart into a news of the week show where they discuss the shocking story out of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the North Penn School District. Parents and citizens are outraged as a massive cover-up of a brutal attack is perpetuated by both media and their school board. Hear Chris interview one parent so upset she's ready to "make the leap" and an average citizen in the community with no children boldly stands up and speaks out at the local school board meeting. Plus, a discussion of the Biden administration's decision to re-write Title IX and an uplifting interview with actor, author, and now children's TV host Kirk Cameron. 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.

Apr 19, 2024 • 31min
Modern Feminism Is Punishing Our Girls
It's not a surprise that Christian and conservative girls and young women find the outside world hostile to their point of view, particularly in higher education. Karin Lips founded the Network of Enlightened Women (enlightenedwomen.org) because she came up in college understanding traditional women felt driven underground, keeping their world view hidden from classroom discussion, clubs, and more. Read Karen's book "You're Not Alone - The Conservative Woman's Guide to College."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.

Apr 5, 2024 • 36min
School Choice BEFORE You Have Kids?
The Herzog Foundation Podcast Network welcomes the newest member of the family! Meet Emilie Lunt, host of "Heart and Soul Homeschool." Emilie has an unrivaled passion to help parents - even before they become parents - think through what they want out of their children's educations. If homeschooling has been on your heart, this new podcast is definitely for you! In a busy career? Wondering about spending morning, noon, and night with your kids, seven days a week? What's that mean for your marriage? Emilie is your biggest cheerleader as she encourages parents and their kids to start thinking "pre-Making the Leap."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.