Everyday Educator

What if the gift you've had since childhood was always meant to glorify God — you just didn't know it yet? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise sits down with Mercy Koimburi, a Kenyan Classical Conversations homeschool mom and professional photographer, to explore how creativity, faith, and classical education are more connected than you might think.
Mercy shares how she discovered photography at age 11, how she uses it to capture emotion and tell stories of family and faith, and why she believes God placed that gift in her long before she had a name for it. From the math hidden inside every great photo — hello, Fibonacci sequence! — to how CC's classical framework shows up through her lens, this conversation is full of warm encouragement for homeschool moms who want to nurture the gifts in themselves and in their children. Mercy also opens up about her CC community in Kenya, what homeschool days look like on the other side of the world, and the Bible verses that have carried her through the hard days of the journey.
Whether you have a budding young artist at home or you're still figuring out how your own gifts fit into your homeschool life, Mercy's story will leave you inspired and equipped. You don't have to have it all figured out — he gently leads those who have young. Tune in and be encouraged.
 
Find Mercy's photography work at: https://www.mercykoimburi.com/
 
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar

What does it take to win the National Memory Master competition? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Kelli Wilt sits down with Nikolai — the 2026 National Memory Master Champion — along with his parents Olga and Jim, to hear the story behind his win. From six years of Memory Master to competing aboard the CC Family Cruise in the Caribbean, Nikolai's journey is equal parts inspiring and practical.
Olga and Jim share how their family leaned on community support, creative study methods (including a hand-built 3D-printed timeline!), and the family motto of "we do hard things" to prepare Nikolai for the biggest memory competition in Classical Conversations. Whether your foundation student is thinking about entering next year or you just love a great homeschool win, this episode is packed with encouragement and real prep tips straight from the champion himself.
Nikolai's advice to future competitors? "Just go for it — and do it for the glory of God, not for the glory of you." Tune in and get ready to cheer.
 
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:
Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core
Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.
It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" at https://classicalconversationsbooks.com/products/the-habits-of-a-classical-education-practicing-the-art-of-grammar

Want to start a book club for your homeschool family this summer — but not sure where to begin? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey and her guest Stephanie Meter explore how book clubs for all ages can build community, spark rich conversations, and raise lifelong readers. Whether you have a one-year-old or a high schooler working through philosophy, there's a book club format that works for your family.
From practical tips on discussion questions and activities to how Classical Conversations' common topics framework can deepen any book discussion, this episode is packed with encouragement for homeschool moms ready to make reading a shared adventure.
You don't need a perfect plan — you need good books, good people, and maybe a snack. Tune in and get inspired to start reading together this summer!
 
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

In this episode of Everyday Educator, hosts Amy Jones and Delise Germond sit down with author Abbey Wedgeworth (Help, I'm Ruining My Kids) to talk about what every homeschool mom actually needs heading into summer — a soul that's as prepared as your curriculum. Together they explore gospel-centered motherhood, the hidden ways our own sin and unhealed wounds show up in our homeschools, and why community is the lifeline homeschool moms can't afford to skip.
Whether you're a new homeschool mom wrestling with your first year or a seasoned classical education parent facing a hard season, this conversation will remind you that the gospel is good news for your motherhood too — imperfections, meltdowns, and all.
Abbey also shares insights from her book Help, I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change — a must-read for any mom who's ever wondered if she's doing more harm than good.
 
Resources:
Abbey Wedgeworth's Website
 
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.

Does traveling with your homeschool family feel overwhelming — or just out of reach? In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Lisa Bailey sits down with CC veterans Courtney Sanford (Delightful Art Company) and travel agent Julie Denton to share practical, budget-friendly travel tips for homeschool moms. From using Google Flights Explore to find cheap international flights, to tying family trips to your CC history cycle, to handling travel disasters with grace — this conversation will inspire you to take learning on the road.
Whether you're planning a big summer adventure or a local field trip, Courtney and Julie share decades of wisdom on how to make travel educational, affordable, and genuinely fun — even with little kids in tow. Plus: how to pack carry-on only, find insider tips from waiters, and why "obstacles" are really just good stories waiting to happen.
Their best tips include using Airbnb and VRBO internationally, leveraging travel credit card points, renting an RV for a US road trip, and the sticker-on-a-water-bottle souvenir hack your kids will love. Don't miss the Sound of Music tour story — you won't regret it.
  
This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by Classical Conversations' new 2026 Product Line:
This April, Classical Conversations launched an exciting portfolio of new products designed to strengthen math fluency, develop critical reasoning skills, and equip families with practical tools for classical, Christian homeschooling. From flashcard resources and reasoning curriculum to hands-on manipulatives and a foundational parent resource, these releases deepen the classical learning journey for families at every level.
Visit ClassicalConversations.com/WhatsNew/ to explore the entire April 2026 product collection and start strengthening your family's classical, Christian education today.