
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

Mar 29, 2024 • 31min
Bring It On, Satan Club!
You've likely heard the stories of after school clubs like the "Satan Club" popping up in some school districts after successful court fights. Chris and Christine talk with a Christian man who says we shouldn't fret or fear this development. He's created the antidote and it's called Lifewise Academy. Their mission is to expose as many kids to the Gospel during the public school day as they can. Yes, you read that right. The PUBLIC school day. It's something you can do in your own community with ease, but just be careful. You might be surprised at how quickly the success of your club grows! Follow Lifewise Academy on Facebook, X, and YouTube. 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. 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.

Mar 22, 2024 • 44min
Differentiated Learning In Christian Schools
One of the issues Christine and Chris hear repeatedly as Christian school growth explodes is, "What are Christian schools doing to accommodate my child with learning, physical, or emotional challenges?" Lorraine Hewitt is the Superintendent of Dominion Ridge Academy and the creator of the Center for Cognitive Formation. Lorraine doesn't believe there's any reason Christian schools, big or small, established or brand new can't meet all families where they are in their children's differentiated learning. She's so passionate about the subject, that she's created an instructional template and travels the country showing how to lead the way at a time when so many students and families of all kinds are looking for alternatives to the public school system. 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. 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.

Mar 15, 2024 • 44min
MTL Turns 100! What Makes A Great Christian School?
We can't thank you enough for your support of Making the Leap! We're celebrating 100 episodes with a fresh new look and a terrific guest. Dan McCubbin not only leads his own church and Christian school - but since he was 19 years old, Dan has been a consultant to dozens of Christian schools across the country. Those just beginning and those who are struggling to stay afloat. What are the common threads successful Christian schools share, and what are some of the pitfalls? When you hear Dan's passion and fire still burning to grow God's Kingdom through Christian education, we believe you'll find encouragement and an energized new focus for your family's future. Plus, for you long-time MTL listeners, some familiar faces drop by to wish us a happy 100th episode! 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. 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.

Mar 8, 2024 • 32min
From Public School to One-Room Schoolhouse
What happens when a Virginia public school teacher feels she can no longer deal with the cultural darkness swallowing her school and classroom? Meet Dennita Miskimen, founder of The Little Red Schoolhouse in rural Virginia. This is a powerful story of one woman's quest to introduce elementary school kids to a life on the farm, bathed in nature. She believes deeply this is the way forward to teach kids all they need to know to be fully educated, but also be truly self-sufficient. Right down to growing and harvesting their own food! Dennita's enthusiasm for educating and her love of the Lord will inspire you. By the way, the entire interview is conducted while twenty-one of her elementary students sit in with her, enjoying their lunches. This is a fun episode!Follow The Little Red Schoolhouse on Instagram. Follow the Red Barn Farm on Instagram and Facebook. 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. 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.

Mar 1, 2024 • 41min
Live In Nashville! Conversations from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention
Chris and Christine took the show on the road for their first visit to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention. This event features thousands of folks in the Christian media space. Since Making the Leap is all about parents exploring Christian school, we thought there'd be no better place to meet people who value the movement as much as we do. Even former president Donald Trump made an appearance and you'll hear his support for school choice and non-woke politics in schools and women's sports! 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. 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.

Feb 23, 2024 • 42min
Does Your Christian School Have a Long-Term Vision?
This show may not be for every Christian school parent, but it impacts every Christian school family and certainly every Christian school operator. Whether we like talking about it or not, yes, it's a show about money. Meet professional donor development coach Cyra Lohman. Chris and Christine explore how successful Christian schools plan, communicate, strategize, and envision a future of long term growth and financial stability beyond simply discussing how many students are paying tuition. How do you get real buy-in from parents, extended families, and even strangers to keep your mission field of Christian education thriving beyond this moment in time? 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. 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.

Feb 16, 2024 • 35min
Learning to Build A Life, Not Just A Living
“Learn to build a life, not just a living” is the slogan of Excel College in North Carolina, a unique higher education experience that equips students with skills for their whole of life, including their careers, relationships, and faith. In this episode, Chris and Christine speak with Andrew Chambers, Head of Campus Life at Excel. Andrew discusses Excel’s unique philosophy and approach to higher education, emphasizing the two phases of the college’s students' experience - Core and the Practicum. In addition, Andrew describes the family-style campus environment at Excel, why companies are seeking liberal arts students, and how Excel students can graduate with bachelor’s degrees in just two and a half years!Follow Excel College on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to The Excel College Podcast here.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. 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.

Feb 9, 2024 • 47min
Starting A Christian School in Your Church: One Year Later
You might remember an episode last year in which a young pastor arrived at a new church and felt an immediate call to turn his empty church facility during the week into a Christian school. It was certainly a "leap" for the pastor, his wife and their older, retired congregants. Now, with one year under his belt Chris and Christine ask - "Did it work? What should people know if they want to try it? How did God provide and move in this?" WARNING: If you've been on the fence about starting or joining an upstart Christian school - Pastor Luke is likely going to convince you it's time to "Make 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. 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.

Feb 2, 2024 • 32min
Don't Tell Her Parenting Is Hard Ft. Sam Sorbo
If you're not familiar with Sam Sorbo, buckle up for today's show! Sam is the newest addition to the Herzog Podcast Network and her unrelenting passion for home education and the Word of God naturally pours out of all she says. Hear about her mission to reach parents who say "I can't homeschool. I'm not smart enough." WARNING: She pulls no punches when it comes to parenting and educating your kids!Follow Sam on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Subscribe to the Sam Sorbo Show on Apple and Spotify. 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. 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 26, 2024 • 34min
What Is "Kooth?"
Chris and Christine take some time in today's episode to comb through some education headlines that have recently caught their attention.Is your public school spending money on a software called "Kooth?" A representative in Pennsylvania is warning parents to keep watch. Then, teachers unions in some states are aggressively advocating for doing away with Praxis exams for new teachers. What are they, and is this a good idea? Plus, the migrant crisis is now spilling into large metro public schools. 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.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.