Self Directed

Send us a text Sociologist Jennie Germann Molz joins the podcast to discuss her book The World Is Our Classroom: Extreme Parenting and the Rise of Worldschooling. Jennie is a professor at the College of the Holy Cross whose research explores mobility, technology, and alternative forms of family life. Drawing on both academic insight and her own experience traveling the world with her ten-year-old son, she examines what happens when families move beyond traditional education models and choose to learn through travel. We talk about how worldschooling challenges conventional ideas of parenting, risk, and education. The term itself includes a wide range of practices, from part-time educational travel to fully nomadic living. What connects them is a shared belief that learning happens outside institutional classrooms. Jennie also describes how both worldschooling and more conventional approaches like helicopter parenting can respond to the same concerns about preparing children for the future. The conversation looks at worldschooling through the lens of a sociologist, covering how travel shapes emotional adaptability in children, how standardized testing limits our understanding of learning, and how digital tools and post-COVID shifts have expanded possibilities for mobile education. For listeners interested in alternative education, digital nomad families, or learning outside school systems, this episode offers a grounded academic view of the worldschooling movement. 🗓️ Recorded June 10th, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Learn more about Jennie Germann Molz https://www.holycross.edu/academics/people/jennie-germann-molzhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennie-Germann-Molz/author/B005OSBMGO Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text After her eight-year-old son was expelled from school in the UK, Corianda Shepherd and her partner Joel left behind a life that no longer worked. They moved to rural Spain, bought the first house they saw, and slowly built Shepherd’s Rest—a worldschooling community where families live together, learn in nature, and reject the idea that difference needs to be managed or corrected. This episode is not just about homeschooling. It’s about what happens when the social structure becomes too rigid, when families are stretched thin, and when children who don’t fit are sidelined. We talk about creating a different rhythm, not as an escape, but as a deliberate response to a system that has forgotten its purpose. Corianda shares how her sons began to thrive in a quieter environment, how a diagnosis doesn’t have to define a life, and why she believes family—not institutions—should be the foundation for raising children. Together, we reflect on how the box society offers has become too small, and what it takes to build something more human outside it. 🗓️ Recorded June 3rd, 2025. 📍 Åmarksgård, Lille Skendsved, Denmark 🔗 Connect with Coriandra and Shepherd’s Rest https://www.shepherdsrest.org/https://www.instagram.com/shepsresthttps://www.facebook.com/ShepsRest Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text What if the real magic happens not when you push harder, but when you let go? We explore surrender as a powerful, often misunderstood key to living a fuller life. Kute Blackson is a transformational teacher and bestselling author of The Magic of Surrender. Known for his dynamic presence and multicultural background, he’s guided thousands worldwide through teachings on surrender, purpose, and authentic living. Kute shares how walking away from his father’s Ghanaian mega-church, following his intuition, and embracing the unknown led him to unexpected success and deeper fulfillment. We dig into the nature of ego, why surrender doesn’t mean weakness, and how paying attention to life’s subtle signs can open doors you never imagined. For anyone curious about living more in alignment with their soul, this conversation offers both practical tools and surprising insights. 🗓️ Recorded May 21st, 2025. 📍 Prague, Czechia 🔗 Connect with Kute Blackson https://kuteblackson.comhttps://www.instagram.com/kuteblacksonhttps://www.facebook.com/kuteblacksonlovenowhttps://x.com/kuteblacksonhttps://www.youtube.com/user/kuteblackson09Free masterclass: www.manifestationmasterclassonline.com Eight Levels of Gratitude (free video course): www.8levelsofgratitude.com Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text In this episode, we explore how modern culture has stripped childhood of the freedom it needs to thrive—and what can be done to bring it back. Our guest is Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids and co-founder of the nonprofit Let Grow, launched with Jonathan Haidt, Peter Gray, and Daniel Shuchman to champion independence, resilience, and real-world learning. Together, we unpack how fear, measurement, and control have come to dominate parenting and education. From the rise of isolated family units to the spread of enrichment culture, today’s children are surrounded by adults who often confuse supervision with support. The result is a generation of kids with less room to explore, solve problems, and grow on their own. We talk about how Let Grow is working to change this—by making it normal again for kids to walk to the store, play unsupervised, and take age-appropriate risks. Lenore shares the story of a high school that gave students one week of unstructured play, and the surprising transformation that followed. The spark of self-direction wasn’t lost—it was just waiting for space to reappear. Visit letgrow.org to explore free programs, school initiatives, and policy work that supports childhood independence. 🗓️ Recorded May 13th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary 🔗 Connect with Lenore Skenazy https://www.facebook.com/lenore.skenazyhttps://www.instagram.com/lenoreskenazy_freerangehttps://x.com/freerangekidshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lenoreskenazyhttps://letgrow.orghttps://www.freerangekids.com Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text What happens when your child simply won't fit inside society's educational box? When Anna Vestlev Sandfeld realized her son didn’t fit into the structure of kindergarten—and likely never would fit into traditional school—she and her husband chose unschooling. In this conversation with her cousin Cecilie and co-host Jesper, Anna reflects on the first year of stepping away from the system. Anna shares how the loss of her first child shaped her parenting values, what it meant to leave a job she loved, and how her son’s strong will and focused interests made conventional paths feel impossible. We explore what unschooling looks like when a child is, as Anna puts it, a “force of nature.” She shares how they’ve let go of routines around food, sleep, and learning, and how screen time—especially a Paw Patrol obsession—became a mirror for her own discomfort. We also discuss emotional availability as a form of parenting work, and why being present can be more powerful than teaching. 🗓️ Recorded May 13th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Outschool founder Amir Nathoo explains why education built on passion—not curriculum—may be the only way to truly prepare kids for a rapidly changing world. We talk about his shift from traditional schooling in the UK to building Outschool, how becoming a parent deepened his beliefs, and why interest-led learning offers more than just flexibility—it offers resilience. Amir shares the emotional challenge of stepping away from conventional paths, how Outschool helps parents manage fears without compromising child-led learning, and why AI is forcing us to rethink what human intelligence really is. We also get into the science of farts, cat anatomy, and mock stock trading—and why those classes matter more than you think. 🔗 Connect with Amir Nathoo https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirnathoohttps://x.com/amirnathoohttps://amir.io🔗 Outschool https://outschool.comhttps://www.facebook.com/outschoolhttps://www.instagram.com/outschoolhttps://x.com/outschoolhttps://www.youtube.com/outschool 🗓️ Recorded May 6th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Ever wondered what life could look like if you broke free from the conventional 9-5? David Cole and his family sold their home in Chicago in 2019 and haven’t stopped moving since. Cecilie and Jesper talk with him about how they made the shift from occasional travellers to full-time nomads. "I think what stopped us the most was mindset," David reveals, reflecting on their journey from dreaming to doing. After years of passionate but occasional travel, they finally made the leap—starting with house-sitting across the US before boarding a 22-day cruise to Singapore and continuing through Southeast Asia. What began as a shared love for exploration evolved into a complete lifestyle redesign that prioritizes presence, connection, and curiosity. This isn’t about escaping; it’s about deciding how to live and taking the next step—even if it’s not perfect. 🔗 Connect with David Cole https://ouroffbeatlife.comhttp://www.facebook.com/ouroffbeatlifehttps://www.instagram.com/ouroffbeatlifehttps://www.youtube.com/@ouroffbeatlifehttps://www.tiktok.com/@ouroffbeatlifehttps://open.spotify.com/show/30a99rdTO47PInn0zw6HMy 🗓️ Recorded April 29th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Dr. Cam joins us to discuss parenting teenagers and why efforts to control them often create more distance. She explains how control can undermine trust and why focusing on connection leads to better results. We discuss the difference between respect and obedience, and how letting teens say “no” builds confidence and self-trust. Jesper shares his shift from being a “parenting by volume” dad to being more present and connected, and how time made the biggest difference. Dr. Cam describes how many dads step back from parenting teens because they feel disconnected or uncertain about how to relate. She talks about why focusing on influence, not authority, helps parents stay close to their teens even in moments of conflict. We also talk about how small moments—like asking about your teen’s interests instead of their grades—can rebuild connection when time is limited. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Cam Website: https://www.askdrcam.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcamcaswell/ Dr. Cams podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parenting-teens-with-dr-cam/id1524209790 🗓️ Recorded April 23th, 2025. 📍 Budapest, Hungary Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text In this conversation with author and speaker Jacob Nordby, we explore the paradox of freedom in modern life. Is it simply doing whatever we want—or does real freedom require something deeper? While many consider freedom to be about doing whatever they want without constraints, Jacob challenges this perception. "A lot of people assume that freedom means the ability to do whatever they want," he reflects, "but we're learning that most of what we think and believe happens pretty unconsciously." True freedom, it seems, requires the difficult work of self-awareness and introspection. Jacob challenges common ideas about success, self-determination, and meaning. Together, we dive into how societal norms shape our values, why unpaid or “unproductive” work (like parenting or crafting) is deeply meaningful, and how rituals in everyday life can reconnect us to purpose. From driving Uber through uncertainty to the healing power of journaling, Jacob shares tools for navigating difficult times and reclaiming inner freedom. 🎁 Get Jacob’s free journaling tools at https://instituteforcreativeliving.org/creative-self-journal-program 🔗 Connect with Jacob Nordby Website: https://www.jacobnordby.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobnordby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.jacobnordby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobnordby/ 📚 Books mentioned: Man's Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl Braiding Sweetgrass – Robin Wall Kimmerer Modern Man in Search of a Soul – Carl Jung Prometheus Rising – Robert Anton Wilson 🗓️ Recorded April 16th, 2025. 📍Vienna, Austria Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Yasmin and Andy left a comfortable life in the UK to join a small off-grid community in the jungles of Belize. Fifteen years after cycling through Central America, Yasmin and Andy returned—this time with three kids and a desire for a different kind of life. What began as a plan to visit intentional communities in Europe shifted during the pandemic, eventually landing them in a small permaculture community in Belize. They describe the emotional and practical steps behind leaving the UK, the grief of letting go, and the clarity that comes from recognizing how little time we have. Loneliness in early parenthood, especially within the isolation of the nuclear family, sparked a deeper search for connection. Now, they live alongside five other families where support is built into everyday life. This isn’t a story about escaping—it’s about building. From self-directed education to shared celebrations and infrastructure, Yasmin and Andy reflect on what it takes to live more freely and cooperatively. To learn more about Yasmin, Andy, and Sattvā Land or plan a visit, check the links below. 🔗 Learn more about Yasmin, Andy and SattvaLand https://www.instagram.com/sattvalandhttps://www.instagram.com/sattvalearninghttps://www.instagram.com/thefreewheelingfivehttps://www.sattvaland.comhttps://www.sattvaland.com/togetherfamilyretreathttps://www.youtube.com/@thefreewheelingfive7447🗓️ Recorded April 5th, 2025. 📍 Somewhere in France, on a highway heading towards Monaco Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text In this episode, we speak with Amanda Diekman about how her parenting changed when her six-year-old son went into autistic burnout. He lost verbal communication, stopped eating most foods, and couldn't follow basic routines. Faced with a crisis, Amanda chose to stop trying to fix him and instead removed demands to create safety. She explains how this shift became the foundation of low-demand parenting—an approach that prioritizes accommodation, reduces expectations, and gives children more agency. We discuss the fear many parents feel when stepping outside conventional norms, how control-based parenting damages relationships, and why even “high-functioning” children may be silently struggling. Amanda also shares how living in a community centered around disability shifted her perspective on independence and success. We cover specific strategies, including how her family uses language like “you’re forcing me” to signal power imbalances, and how she reframed daily routines to support healing. Low-demand parenting isn’t just for neurodivergent children—it challenges the broader parenting culture and offers a different way to relate to our kids. 🔗 Learn more about Amanda Diekman https://www.amandadiekman.com/https://www.facebook.com/lowdemandamandahttps://www.instagram.com/lowdemandamandahttps://www.youtube.com/@lowdemandamandahttps://www.pinterest.com/lowdemandamanda/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-myth-of-permissive-parenting/id1770185265?i=1000677324284🗓️ Recorded March 21th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Luz and David from Evolving Education left careers in biotechnology to explore and document alternative education models worldwide. Frustrated by rigid schooling systems, they traveled to over 170 learning centers to understand how children learn best outside the traditional classroom. In this episode, we talk about how compulsory schooling originated in 19th-century Prussia as a system designed to produce obedient soldiers and workers, a model later exported worldwide as a tool for colonization and cultural suppression. We discuss how education has been shaped by these historical forces and why so many modern schools still emphasize conformity over curiosity. Luz and David explain the “Expedition Methodology” they developed, which focuses on exploration, experimentation, and community as key components of meaningful learning. Rather than pushing a single solution, they emphasize the importance of cross-pollination between different educational approaches and the need for families, teachers, and learning communities to collaborate in rethinking how children grow and learn. Instead of waiting for top-down reforms, they work directly with those already creating change—educators, parents, and pioneers looking for alternatives. Their mission is to make these models more accessible, providing tools and resources to help others implement child-led, passion-driven learning environments. Visit evolvingeducation.org to access their free ebook, watch their documentary films, and join their community. They also host monthly “Voices of Change” webinars featuring educators working at the forefront of alternative learning. 🔗 Learn more about Evolving Education https://www.instagram.com/evolvingeducationorg/https://www.facebook.com/evolvingeducation.org/https://evolvingeducation.org/enhttps://www.youtube.com/@evolvingeducationhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/311079551216115/🗓️ Recorded March 18th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text Iris Chen, author of Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent, shares how she shifted from a strict, high-expectation parenting style to a trust-based approach. Raised in a Chinese-American household, Iris grew up with academic pressure and obedience as the norm. She carried those expectations into her own parenting—until she saw how control and punishment were harming her relationship with her children. A parenting workshop on neuroscience led her to rethink discipline, ultimately guiding her toward unschooling. This conversation looks at how tiger parenting is often rooted in intergenerational trauma, especially in immigrant communities where educational success is tied to security and acceptance. Instead of accepting these methods as “cultural,” Iris encourages parents to examine their origins and whether they truly serve their children today. 📚 Learn more about Iris Chen and Untigering https://untigering.comhttps://www.instagram.com/untigeringhttps://www.facebook.com/untigeringhttps://x.com/untigeringhttps://www.facebook.com/irischenauthor🗓️ Recorded March 17th, 2025. 📍 Barcelona, Spain Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text The moment you carve, knit, bake or start folding paper, something remarkable happens in your brain. The anxious spiral of thoughts quiets, stress hormones recede, and you enter a state that Dr. Anne Kirkegaard calls "meaningful self-forgetfulness." Dr. Anne Kirketerp is a psychologist, researcher, and craftsperson who pioneered Craft Psychology—the study of how hands-on creative activities impact mental well-being. With a background in both psychology and craftsmanship, she has spent years exploring the health benefits of making, from reducing stress to enhancing focus and problem-solving skills. Formerly a professor and research director, Anne left academia to focus on studying the link between crafting and mental health. Her work combines scientific research with practical insights, showing how structured and free-form creative activities can foster flow, resilience, and psychological wellbeing. She is the author of Craft Psychology and runs craftpsychology.com, where she shares research-based insights and exercises designed to help people integrate craft into their daily lives. 📚 Learn more about Anne Kirketerp and Craft Psychology: https://www.craftpsykologi.dk/english-pagehttps://www.craftpsykologi.dk/https://www.instagram.com/craftpsykologi/https://www.facebook.com/craftpsykologi🗓️ Recorded February 27th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Send us a text What does it mean to truly connect in a world that’s becoming more digital by the day? In this episode, filmmaker and creative visionary Asger Leth shares his journey from a restless nomadic life to creating Lakehouse, a unique space in Copenhagen dedicated to real conversations, community, and culture. We dive into: Why some people need movement while others need stabilityThe role of risk and uncertainty in a fulfilling lifeHow AI and the internet are reshaping how we trust informationWhy real-life spaces like Lakehouse are more necessary than everFrom filmmaking to philosophy, from travel to deep discussions, this episode is an exploration of what it means to be truly present, connected, and engaged with the world. 🔗 Relevant Links: Asger Leth’s IMDb:imdb.comGhosts of Cité Soleil (2006):imdb.comMan on a Ledge (2012):imdb.comLakehouse Copenhagen:lake-house.nethttps://asgerleth.comhttps://www.instagram.com/asgersayshttps://www.facebook.com/AsgerLeth🗓️ Recorded February 20th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Much of modern work is defined by routine, efficiency targets, and the need to appear productive. But how much of it is actually necessary? Dennis Nørmark, Danish anthropologist, author, and speaker, argues that a significant part of today’s work culture is built on pseudo-work—tasks that maintain appearances rather than create real value. As the co-author of Pseudo-Work: How We Ended Up Being Busy Doing Nothing, he examines why unnecessary work persists and how it shapes our perception of productivity. In I Wish My Boss Was a Chief, he applies leadership lessons from indigenous cultures to modern management, questioning whether our current systems are as effective as we assume. This conversation explores how unfreedom has become a feature of work and society, limiting personal agency and reinforcing structures of control. Predictions from a century ago suggested that technological progress would reduce working hours, yet most people today work as much as ever. Why has this happened? How do schools, workplaces, and governments encourage dependence rather than autonomy? And what can be done to reclaim control over our time and choices? Key Topics pseudo-workDennis Nørmark challenges assumptions about work and productivity, raising questions about what it means to contribute meaningfully in a system that values busyness over results. 🗓️ Recorded February 20th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France 📚 Connect with Dennis Nørmark https://www.dennisnormark.comhttps://www.dennisnormark.dkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-nørmark-speakerSend us a text Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Traditional education often fails to nurture curiosity, creativity, and deep engagement. In this episode, we explore a different path—one that is flexible, self-directed, and built around each child’s unique interests. We discuss homeschooling, unschooling, and modular education, breaking down how families can step away from rigid school structures and embrace learning that feels natural and meaningful. Our guest, Manisha Snoyer, is an entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Modulo, a curated online community that helps homeschooling families access expert resources and support. With experience teaching over 2,000 students worldwide, running a foreign language theater school, and launching education startups like CottageClass and MasteryHour.org, Manisha is passionate about building personalized, project-driven learning environments that prioritize compassion and children’s rights. We discuss how education can be more flexible and connected to real life, the role of community and mentorship in homeschooling, and how platforms like Modulo are making personalized learning more accessible than ever. Join us for a conversation on rethinking education, trusting kids to learn, and creating an environment where curiosity thrives. 🗓️ Recorded February 5th, 2025. 📍 Finhan, France 📚 Learn more about Manisha Snoyer’s work: https://modulo.apphttps://www.teachyourkidspod.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@TeachYourKidsWithManishahttps://www.facebook.com/teachyourkidspodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/teachyourkidspodhttps://twitter.com/teachyourkiddohttps://substack.com/@manisharosesnoyerSend us a text Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

What makes Danish parenting unique, and how does it raise happy, resilient kids? In this episode, we talk with Jessica Joelle Alexander, bestselling author of The Danish Way of Parenting, about Denmark’s highly regarded child-rearing approach. The Danish approach to raising children is shaped by principles from Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig (1783–1872), a Danish pastor, philosopher, and educator who emphasized personal formation ("Dannelse") as equally important as academic education ("Uddannelse"). In the second half of our conversation, we shift into the digital world, where Jessica introduces her latest project, RaisingDigitalCitizens.com. She explains how parents can foster healthy relationships with technology, build trust, and guide children in navigating the online world safely. 🗓️ Recorded January 29th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark 📚 Learn more about Jessica Joelle Alexander’s work: 🔗 Jessica Joelle Alexander https://www.jessicajoellealexander.comhttps://www.facebook.com/jessicajoellealexanderhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicajoellealexanderhttps://x.com/jessicajoelle_🔗 Raising Digital Citizens https://raisingdigitalcitizens.com/https://www.facebook.com/people/Raising-Digital-Citizens/61554322417105/https://www.instagram.com/raisingdigitalcitizenshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/raising-digital-citizens/🔗 The Danish Way https://thedanishway.comhttps://x.com/TheDanishWayhttps://www.facebook.com/TheDanishWaySend us a text Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

How can unschooling create a safe and empowering educational path for children? In this episode, we talk with Essie Richards about her transformative journey from traditional schooling to unschooling in rural Cornwall, UK. Essie shares how her family chose this path after her son faced bullying, leading them to embrace self-directed education as a way to foster curiosity, confidence, and emotional well-being. Our conversation delves into the principles of unschooling, focusing on its power to nurture children’s natural interests and foster stronger family connections. Essie discusses the role of respectful parenting in creating a supportive environment where children can thrive without the constraints of conventional schooling. We also explore the practicalities of this lifestyle, from adjusting family routines to finding a community of like-minded parents, highlighting how unschooling can redefine education as a safe, fulfilling, and flexible process tailored to each child’s unique needs. 🗓️ Recorded January 27th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark 🔗 Relevant links https://www.instagram.com/essiejrichards https://www.essierichardscoach.com https://www.lunaragilelearningcentre.org Send us a text Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily

Sugata Mitra is a renowned educational researcher and innovator best known for his revolutionary "Hole in the Wall" experiment, which demonstrated the incredible capacity of children to teach themselves when provided with access to technology. A TED Prize winner and creator of the "School in the Cloud," Sugata’s work challenges traditional educational systems and advocates for self-organized and emergent learning as the future of education. After a lighthearted opening about weather and cultural quirks, we transition to the ideas that underpin Sugata’s groundbreaking research. "Hole in the Wall" experimentself-directedself-organizedself-organizing systemsself-directed learninggenerative AI🗓️ Recorded January 18th, 2025. 📍Åmarksgård, Denmark 🔗 Relevant links Sugata Mitra's TED Talks: Build a School in the CloudThe Child-Driven EducationHole in the Wall Project: Hole in the Wall Project OverviewSchool in the Cloud: School in the Cloud WebsiteSugata Mitra’s Website: https://www.cevesm.com/ Order Out of Chaos by Ilya Prigogine: Order Out of Chaos on AmazonSend us a text Support the show PODCAST INFO Podcast website: http://theconrad.family/podcast YouTube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/theconradfamily365 Apple Podcasts: https://www.theconrad.family/apple Spotify: https://theconrad.family/spotify RSS: https://theconrad.family/rss SUPPORT & CONNECT Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Theconradfamily Share a review: https://www.theconrad.family/review-our-podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconrad.family Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconradfamily Twitter: https://twitter.com/theconradfamily