The NorthStar Narrative

Ever wondered how the convergence of storytelling and business skills can revolutionize a writer's journey? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Caleb Renich, a NorthStar Academy alumnus and current student at the Author Conservatory! Caleb shares his post-graduation journey, diving deep into the unique dual focus of his program, which hones storytelling craft while equipping writers with essential business acumen. The strong sense of community, mentorship, and collaborative environment at the Conservatory are vividly brought to life, highlighting the dedication of instructors and the invaluable support among peers. Learn about the perseverance and commitment necessary to succeed as a writer, as Caleb recounts his childhood storytelling inspirations and emphasizes the importance of hard work and persistence. We also explore Caleb's comprehensive nine-week essay writing course, which meticulously guides students from idea inception to the final draft. Caleb's passion for teaching shines through as he shares his methodology, including lectures, hands-on assignments, and peer review sessions. Students leave the course not only with a polished essay but with newfound confidence in their writing abilities.

What if the future of education could be transformed by the power of AI? Join us as we sit down with Merissa Sadler-Holder, the recipient of ASU+GSV’s 2024 Leading Woman in AI title and visionary founder of Teaching with Machines. Listen as Merissa passionately discusses the importance of collective learning and how she equips educators with the resources they need to harness AI for both their professional growth and their students’ success. We also touch on the hot topic of academic integrity and the evolving landscape of cheating in the AI era. As we look ahead to the 24-25 school year, we provide valuable insights for teachers and curriculum writers on how to smoothly incorporate AI into educational settings. Merissa underscores the importance of starting with just one AI tool to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Wrapping up, we celebrate the transformative potential of AI literacy, collaborative learning, and professional development! You'll love this episode packed full of wisdom!

We sat down with Justin Ardrey this week to talk all things marketing and communications. Justin is a Swiss Army knife of design and creative strategy with a background in marketing, communication, videography, and project management. This story is truly one where marketing and ministry collide. Listen and be inspired! Learn more about Justin here!

Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson has a heart for people, and that shines through in this week's episode! Join us as we cover many topics, from laughter to relationships, to simply being known. Hear practical advice and gain valuable resources to help these areas of your life- let's start with laughter! Resources: The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About OurselvesAnatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practice That Can Transform Your Life and RelationshipsThe Soul of Desire: Discovering the Neuroscience of Longing, Beauty, and CommunityThe Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of HopeBeing Known Podcast

Steve Richardson was raised in Indonesia, where his parents planted churches in a jungle tribe. He witnessed the impact of the gospel on their war-like society, a story documented in his father’s missionary classic, Peace Child. Listen today as Steve gives more insight to how his parents were able to use the concept of a peace child to reveal the gospel to an unreached people group. Steve also shares advice for those thinking about going on the mission field using his experience as a child as well as his role as the President of Pioneers-USA, a growing international mission movement impacting more than 500 unreached people groups with the gospel! Don't miss this powerful story! More resources: Click here to hear Steve’s full story! Don Richardson’s Book: Peace Child Steve’s Book: Is The Commission Still Great? Peace Child Short Video

We loved this conversation with Amy Roberts, a large family homeschool mom and homemaker! Amy offers encouragement and resources via her popular blog, podcast, and YouTube channel, Raising Arrows! If you are looking for practical advice on how to keep things simple in your family, this episode is for you! Hear more from Amy at raisingarrows.net!

The college admission season in a student's life can be full of anxiety. Join us today as Kristi Steele talks through what the process looks like and how to ease the confusion and tension surrounding the best next step. Kristi provides excellent practical advice with great questions to ask yourself, whether you're a student or parent. If you have a high schooler, you won't want to miss this episode! You can find more resources from Kristi at www.kc360.co!

We are excited to have Jennifer Thompson on the show today. From basketball coach to teacher to head of school, Jennifer has almost 25 years of experience in education. Listen as Jennifer shares advice for teachers and leaders, and hear the work that she is doing as the current Chief Executive Officer of Christian Schools International. You won't want to miss the practical advice she has for both educators and school leadership!

“The estimates are that about 32 million American children lack access to books.” Join us today for an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Molly Ness. Molly is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. Listen as Molly discusses the importance of reading and practical ways we can ensure that books are in the hands of every child possible.

We are so excited to have the King Family on this week's episode! Breanne King and her son Shouta join us today to talk through life, ministry, and the years they've been a part of the NorthStar community. Having four students who have either graduated or are still taking classes at NSA, Breanne shares how even though they had different motivations and ways of learning, NSA met the needs for each of them. Hear about the exciting ministry opportunities they have for those looking to serve in the Philippines and the incredible story that has led them there. You won't want to miss this inspiring story from the King family!

Sammy Margo, renowned physiotherapist and sleep expert, shares crucial insights for achieving quality sleep in this episode of The NorthStar Narrative. She begins by highlighting the impact of technology on sleep, advocating for a technology cutoff time and promoting a calming bedtime routine. The discussion extends to bedding preferences, emphasizing the significance of investing in a suitable mattress and pillow based on individual needs. Exercise is encouraged, with a focus on calming practices like deep breathing and gentle yoga. Sammy shares a success story involving a child with anxiety, demonstrating the positive outcomes of changes in technology use and bedtime routines. Regarding sleep aids, she suggests exploring natural remedies before considering over-the-counter options. The podcast concludes with a challenge for parents to set positive examples by practicing healthy sleep habits and encouraging children to adopt similar routines. Don't miss this informative episode!

We are so excited to have one of our NorthStar families on today's episode! Anna, who is a Senior and graduates in just a few short months, joins her mom Christine to recount their incredible RV experience and how they were able to blend adventure with education. Listen as Anna and Christine take us through their travels across the U.S., where they explored colleges while navigating the intricacies of homeschooling not only Anna, but also brother Zach!

Why do we educate, and are we sure we're doing it right? Deani Van Pelt is many things, but first, she is a mother. When her own daughter was very young, she realized quickly that many questions needed to be answered surrounding education. Enter Charlotte Mason education. Charlotte Mason was a pioneer in shifting the way students were viewed and therefore taught. Deani has devoted her life to taking that foundation and making education better for children all over the world. Listen as Deani shares her passion for ensuring excellent education for the next generation of learners.

NorthStar recently hosted a mission trip to the country of Panama! Listen as Mr. Hester along with students Rachel, Melissa, and Emma recap the trip and the life changing impact it had on them and the community they served. Hear the fears and challenges they faced head on as they met in person for the first time, bonded as a team, and learned how to trust God in a new way. Growth is definitely the theme in this story and we couldn't be prouder of "The NorthStar Nine."

We have one of our very own on the show today! Diana Clay teaches elementary through high school Spanish here at NorthStar and joins us to share her inspiring story. Diana and her husband are the founders of COAH Missions, which focuses on equipping and providing opportunities for followers of Jesus to be on mission together in their local context and internationally. Currently, Diana lives in the Dominican Republic where her family is able to minister to Haitian refugees. Listen as she shares how God has prepared her for every season of life before she ever knew she needed it.

We are thrilled to have Lynn Swaner on the show today! Lynn is a Senior Fellow with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as the newly appointed President of Cardus U.S., where she will work to grow their education portfolio and provide strategic support for Comment, the organization's flagship journal. Lynn is passionate about education and connecting research with practice to create a real world impact. Listen as Lynn explains the importance of relationships in our efforts to make school environments flourish.

We are so excited to have course author and teacher Larry Jones on today's episode! Larry joins us to discuss NorthStar's new Astronomy course! Hear what went into creating the course and the new technology that was incorporated. Interested in taking Astronomy at NorthStar? Enroll now to begin as soon as January 2nd!

We are excited to have NorthStar Principal, Katie Ahmadzai on the show today! Listen as Katie discusses NorthStar's professional development plan for our teachers, specifically surrounding a PLC, or professional learning community. Lifelong learning is not only a desire we have for our students, but also the faculty and staff at NorthStar. Be encouraged as you hear the ways we intentionally grow together as a community of learners!

We are so excited to have David Joannes on the show today! David is the founder and CEO of Within Reach Global! Within Reach Global exists to reach unreached people groups in the 10/40 Window with the gospel of Christ. Their four central focuses are compassion ministries, evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, with the goal of raising indigenous leaders to reach their own people. Each year, NorthStar Academy hosts a fundraiser called The Blessing Project to support a designated organization or cause, and this year, we are partnering with Within Reach Global to reach the unreached. This year’s theme is “REACH” and our scripture is Romans 10:14-15. Our goal is to raise $6,000 by January 12th. Would you help us? Simply click here to donate and be sure to share with your friends and family! We are so excited to serve in this way and can’t wait to see how God works through our giving.

What is a testimony? How do you share it? Are you ready to? Listen as Stephanie answers these questions and shares her story with you today! Don't forget to comment, leave reviews, and spread this podcast with your friends!