Free Daily Podcast Summary
LiberatED Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Kerry McDonald
Get key takeaways, quotes, and insights from LiberatED Podcast in a 5-minute read. Delivered straight to your inbox.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago32 min
Why Families Are Flocking to this Project-Based Pennsylvania Homeschool Program
What happens when homeschooling families want more connection, collaboration, and hands-on learning? In this episode, Kerry McDonald talks with Danika Dunn and Kelly Clearkin of Bramblewood Learning Community, a project-based hybrid homeschool program in Pennsylvania serving around 60 students. Danika shares how she launched Bramblewood in 2020 after searching for project-based learning resources designed specifically for homeschoolers, while Kelly explains how her "Forest Fridays" community grew to more than 2,000 members during the homeschooling surge of the pandemic years. Together, they discuss building intentional culture, supporting homeschool families through conferences and mentorship, and why community-centered, project-based learning is resonating with so many families today. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- 1 weeks ago37 min
How the Yass Prize Powers Permissionless Education
In this episode, Kerry McDonald talks with Caroline Allen, Chief Program Officer at the Center for Education Reform and Founding Director of the Yass Prize, about how this prize recognizes and celebrates K-12 education innovation and impact across the US. Caroline shared her journey from public school teacher to philanthropy, and explained the Yass Prize's four core criteria: sustainability, transformation, outstanding performance, and permissionless operation (S.T.O.P.). She offered practical advice for applicants ahead of this years's June 1 deadline, encouraging educators to clearly articulate what makes their model distinct and in high demand. The conversation also highlighted the diversity of past winners—from microschools to established networks—and the prize's role in connecting innovators while amplifying their work. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- 2 weeks ago29 min
In North Dakota, a small school makes a big impact
Kerry McDonald talks with Kelsy Achtenberg, founding teacher and Executive Director of The Innovation School, a private K-8 school in Bismarck, North Dakota. They discuss the school's Reggio Emilia-inspired model, its focus on passion, play, and projects, and the recent launch of a hybrid homeschool program to meet growing demand. Kelsy shares the challenges of running a small private school, the importance of family alignment, and how graduates thrive when transitioning to traditional high schools. Kelsy is also a new Senior Contributor at FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab! Read her articles at edentrepreneur.org. Also, check out Kerry's latest Forbes.com article, featuring The Innovation School and its new hybrid homeschool program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- 3 weeks ago26 min
What 23,000 Parents Are Telling Us About School Choice
Kerry McDonald speaks with Marc Porter Magee, CEO and founder of 50CAN, about the organization's nationwide efforts to expand education choice and empower families. Drawing on a new survey of 23,000 parents, Marc shares insights on growing demand for tutoring and flexible learning options and key differences between homeschooling and microschooling families. They explore how policy and advocacy can open access to educational opportunities once reserved for the wealthy—helping more families find the right fit for their children. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- Apr 14, 202633 min
A Conversation with Prenda Microschool "Superguides"
In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Lexi Hanson and Kayla Phipps, two "superguides" at Prenda, a national microschooling network founded in 2018 by Kelly Smith that has since served roughly 10,000 students in hundreds of tiny schools across the US. Lexi and Kayla share their journeys from traditional education settings to launching and guiding their own Prenda microschools. They discuss how the Prenda model—serving K–8 learners in small, mixed-age environments of less than a dozen students—fosters autonomy, personalized learning, and meaningful connections. The conversation explores how demand for microschools surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and why interest in these flexible learning environments continues today. As Super Guides, Lexi and Kayla mentor new microschool founders, offering feedback and support to ensure high-quality learning experiences. They also describe what a typical day looks like in a Prenda microschool, including core academic time and community-building activities that balance structure with independence. Whether you're an educator considering a new path or a parent exploring alternative education options, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights into the growing microschool movement. Their advice to prospective guides and families is simple: Just do it! *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- Apr 7, 202633 min
Inclusive by Design: How Brainforest Academy Supports Neurodiverse Learners
In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Frish Waller, founder of Brainforest Academy, a Montessori microschool in Florida designed to serve both neurodiverse and neurotypical learners. Frish shares her unconventional journey toward entrepreneurship—from teaching internationally to serving in the military—and how her personal experiences as a parent of a child with special needs led her to create a more inclusive, child-centered learning environment. She discusses the challenges of launching a microschool, from finding space to building enrollment, as well as the growing demand for flexible education options. The conversation highlights the power of community, the role of school choice policies in expanding access, and why microschools are becoming an increasingly attractive option for families seeking something different. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- Mar 31, 202637 min
From Public School Teacher to Founder of a Self-Directed Learning Center
In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Ken Trautwein, founder of Current Education Center, a secular, self-directed learning community outside Philadelphia. After 25 years in conventional education, Ken set out to create a more flexible, human-centered environment where young people can follow their interests while being supported by intentional mentorship. Opened in early 2025, Current serves teens through a part-time, self-directed model that blends structure with freedom. Ken describes his "riverbank" philosophy of education, where learning flows naturally within a supportive framework, and reflects on the challenges of launching a new center, building community, and rethinking what education can look like. If you're curious about self-directed learning, microschooling, or what it takes to create something new in education, this conversation offers both inspiration and insight. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
- Mar 24, 202629 min
A Two-Day, Tuition-Free Microschool With Full-Time Impact
In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Marta MacBan, founder of Sonoran Learning Collective, a hybrid microschool in Cave Creek, Arizona, that's reimagining how and when students learn. Launched in 2024 with just six students—including her own children—the program now serves a growing community of families seeking flexibility, personalization, and strong academic foundations. Marta shares how her journey from corporate media to education entrepreneurship was sparked by her daughter's struggles during pandemic-era schooling—and how that led her to build a two-day-a-week microschool focused on core academics and critical thinking for grades 4–8. Kerry and Marta discuss the power of Arizona's ESA program in making alternative education accessible, the benefits of midyear enrollment flexibility, and the importance of community partnerships. Marta also offers candid insights on the challenges of launching a microschool—from finding space to navigating regulations—and why connecting with other founders can make all the difference. For families exploring new learning models and aspiring founders ready to take the leap, this conversation highlights how small, flexible schools are opening big, new possibilities in education. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
Get LiberatED Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Hannah Frankman Podcast
Hannah Frankman
All Things Are Possible Teacher Podcast
Desirée McGee-Greene
Education Perspectives
Liza Holland
Edutainment Learning
Ralph Krauss
Teachers on Fire
voicEd Radio
Raising Lifelong Learners
Colleen Kessler
Educator Forever
Lily Jones, Teacher Advocate
Off-Trail Learning
Blake Boles
The Unschool Space
Esther Jones
Self Directed
Cecilie & Jesper Conrad
The Homeschool Project Podcast
Nathan and Anita
Noodles in the Sandbox
Angela Griffiths
About LiberatED Podcast
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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from LiberatED Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's LiberatED Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of LiberatED Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the LiberatED Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official LiberatED Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Kerry McDonald.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does LiberatED Podcast release new episodes?
LiberatED Podcast publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does LiberatED Podcast cover?
LiberatED Podcast covers topics including Education, Kids & Family, Family. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting LiberatED Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.