LiberatED Podcast
Kerry McDonald
The LiberatED Podcast tells the stories of the entrepreneurial parents and teachers who are creating innovative K-12 learning options across the US and expanding education options for families.
This twice-weekly podcast is hosted by Kerry McDonald, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and leader of the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. A regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74, Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the forthcoming book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter at edentrepreneur.org.
This twice-weekly podcast is hosted by Kerry McDonald, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and leader of the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. A regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74, Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the forthcoming book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter at edentrepreneur.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 27, 2025 • 40min
Public microschooling gains popularity and support
In this conversation with George Philhower, the Superintendent of Eastern Hancock Public Schools, we explore the exciting rise of public microschooling in Indiana. Philhower leads the Indiana Microschool Collaborative, aiming to integrate innovative schooling options into public education. He discusses the pandemic's role in accelerating this movement, the joy of personalized learning, and the importance of community collaboration. Discover how educational leaders can inspire change and create more enriching experiences for students in rural areas.
May 23, 2025 • 41min
A former public school teacher launches a new Mississippi microschool
Nefertiti Harris, a former public school teacher and mom of five, is the innovative founder of Empowered Prep Academy, a microschool in Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated to supporting dyslexic students. She shares her inspiring journey transitioning from traditional education to creating a flexible, individualized learning environment. Nefertiti discusses the challenges faced by students with unique learning needs within the public school system and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in fostering innovative educational models. Her passion for making education accessible shines through!
May 20, 2025 • 38min
Encouraging new educational models in New Hampshire
In this engaging discussion, Jody Underwood, founder and president of EdOpt, sheds light on innovative educational models emerging in New Hampshire. With a Ph.D. in science and technology education, she shares her journey in transforming learning through microschools and community initiatives. Jody explores parental motivations driving the shift toward homeschooling and the challenges posed by standardized testing. She advocates for empowering families to make informed education choices and highlights the importance of entrepreneurial support in creating personalized learning experiences.
May 16, 2025 • 38min
Exploring alternatives to college
Connor Boyack, founder of the Libertas Network and author of the Tuttle Twins series, dives into the transformative world of alternative education. He discusses the acquisition of the Praxis apprenticeship program and its mission to empower families through freedom-focused learning. The conversation explores the skepticism surrounding traditional college paths, the innovative structure of Praxis, and how it aligns education with entrepreneurial opportunities. Boyack emphasizes the importance of practical learning and the evolution of employment in a rapidly changing economy.
May 13, 2025 • 46min
Who needs college and who doesn’t, with author Kathleen deLaski
In a compelling discussion, Kathleen deLaski, author of 'Who Needs College Anymore?' and former ABC News White House correspondent, challenges conventional views on education. She argues for redefining success by prioritizing skills over degrees, highlighting the changing job market's preference for practical experience. Kathleen also explores the systemic barriers in traditional college paths and advocates for diverse, inclusive educational options. Tune in to discover innovative ways to bridge education and employment in today's evolving landscape.
May 9, 2025 • 39min
A former public school teacher shares why she launched a Virginia microschool
Today's guest is Crystal Goins, a mom of 5 and founder of Heartwise Scholars Microschool in Chesapeake, Virginia. A public school teacher for over 13 years, Crystal joined the Kaipod Catalyst microschool accelerator program to help get her microschool off the ground, and opened her microschool last August. She shares insights and information for parents and teachers at her website theresilientteachermom.com. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly e-newsletter on education entrepreneurship and innovation at edentrepreneur.org.
May 6, 2025 • 47min
Since 2013, the Agile Learning Centers (ALC) network has been a leader in self-directed education
Tomis Parker, a cofounder of the Agile Learning Centers network and leader at ALC Mosaic, discusses the transformative power of self-directed education. He contrasts conventional schooling with the freedom offered by Agile Learning Centers and microschools, especially post-pandemic. Tomis also introduces PRISM, a web app designed to document self-directed learning, emphasizing family involvement. He shares insights for aspiring educational entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of community and intuition in building sustainable educational models.
11 snips
May 2, 2025 • 42min
How two homeschool moms created a North Carolina microschool
Angela Ruth and Laura Greene, cofounders of Harmony Homeschool Academy, share their inspiring journey of creating a thriving microschool in North Carolina. Formerly in the US Government and public school teaching, Angela brings a unique perspective to education, while Laura's background as a licensed psychologist enriches their approach. They discuss the rising anxiety among students and how their microschool provides a tailored, hands-on learning environment. The duo emphasizes community feedback and highlights the importance of support for neurodivergent children in education.
Apr 29, 2025 • 49min
The enduring popularity of homeschooling among US military families
Natalie Mack, a homeschooling mom of five and founder of the Military Homeschoolers Association, dives into the unique world of homeschooling for military families. She reveals that nearly twice as many military families choose this path compared to the general population, driven by safety concerns and the benefits of family bonding. Natalie discusses the diverse educational approaches available and the challenges new homeschooling parents may face. She also highlights resources available for military homeschoolers, making the journey easier and more fulfilling.
Apr 25, 2025 • 52min
A retired education entrepreneur shares tips for new school founders
David Jackson is an entrepreneur and longtime executive director and president and CEO of Fairmont Schools, a large, secular private school located in Orange County, California serving students in preschool through 12th grade. Fairmont was founded in 1953 by Kenneth Holt, David’s stepfather, and then David joined the school in a leadership role in 1979 where he remained at the helm of the institution for more than 40 years. Now retired, David is the author of a new memoir detailing his life and educational leadership experiences, entitled Landing at the Top: How Embracing Adventure Leads to Extraordinary Success. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly LiberatED e-newsletter on education trends and entrepreneurial stories at fee.org/liberated.
