1KHO 578: The Freedom to Change Plans Is a Superpower | Amber O'Neal Johnston, Homegrown

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

Ginny Yurich

Parenting, Kids & Family

4.9 • 1.8K Ratings

🗓️ 21 September 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What if homeschooling wasn’t a conveyor belt of quizzes and boredom—but the most flexible, life-giving way to raise whole humans? In this conversation with Amber O’Neal Johnston, editor of the new anthology Homegrown, we dismantle the myths: how Amber went from “absolutely not” to “never looked back,” why freedom to pivot becomes a family superpower, and how learning in community (like Erin Loechner’s “together schooling”) turns neighbors, potters with kilns, and adventure clubs into the world’s most joyful classroom. We talk confidence over fear, travel as teacher, Charlotte Mason and living books, and why moms (and dads!) are the “special sauce” their kids actually need. We also get real about hard seasons like grief, health crises, money stress and why your kids aren’t “falling behind” when life happens; they’re gaining a profound education in perseverance, compassion, and peace. You’ll hear why “seasons take time to change,” how brains (and families) grow through challenge, and why relationships—not checklists—drive real learning. If you’re starting, restarting, or homeschool-curious, this is your Sunday reset: practical, soul-steadying, and deeply encouraging. Listen and share! Text this episode to a friend who needs a boost. A huge thank you to our sponsors! Check them ALL out below: Select Quote: Head to www.selectquote.com/1000hours to learn more. BetterHelp: Visit www.BetterHelp.com/1000HOURS today to get 10% off your first month. Quince - Visit www.quince.com/outside and get free shipping and 365 day returns NIV Application Bible - visit www.NIVapplicationbible.com if you’re looking to grow in your understanding of Scripture and make it real in your daily life. Capstone Wellness - For over 24 years, Capstone has helped thousands of families on their path to healing. Learn more at capstonewellness.com/1000hours NurtureLife - Head to NurtureLife.com/1000HOURS55 and use code 1000HOURS55 for 55% off your first order PLUS free shipping. Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Earthley - Use the code 1000hours to get 10% off your next purchase at www.earthley.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hey friends, it's Ginny Urich.
0:02.1	All September long, we are dropping a special Sunday homeschool episode for conversations
0:07.0	this month to help you ease into the week with calm, clarity, and courage.
0:10.9	These episodes are geared for homeschoolers, but there are takeaways for any family,
0:14.8	freedom to pivot, learning and community, confidence for when you don't feel like you're enough
0:19.2	and grace for hard seasons.
0:20.5	We are hearing real stories and practical tools from wise voices like Amy and confidence for when you don't feel like you're enough and grace for hard seasons.
0:26.0	We are hearing real stories and practical tools from wise voices like Amber O'Neill Johnston and her new anthology homegrown.
0:28.7	If you're starting, restarting, or just homeschool curious, you will find encouragement here.
0:34.0	Listen in every Sunday this month on the 1000 hours outside podcast and share it with a friend
0:38.5	who might enjoy it as well we're kicking off another week together why are businesses like
0:45.6	hello vet choosing apple products and services so we started the business two years ago we had a few
0:51.6	people who were used to PCs and this was their first foray into
0:55.3	Macs, but it's been super smooth getting everyone onto those devices and everyone seems really,
1:00.9	really happy. Find out how Mac can help you run and grow your business at apple.com forward
1:07.0	slash hello vet.
1:10.5	Welcome to 1,000 hours outside podcast. My name is Jenny Earch. I'm founder of 1,000 hours outside. I'm back today for the third time. Amber O'Neill Johnston. Welcome. Hello. I'm so excited to be here. I'm so excited to have you. You wrote this incredible book. It is, well, and I don't even know what you're telling
1:28.4	people. You edited it, but you also wrote a chapter and you brought together all of these voices.
1:33.2	And it is so touching. It's called homegrown guidance and inspiration for navigating your
1:38.8	homeschooling journey. When did the idea pop into your head? Oh, man. The idea came when people were always asking me so much about like homeschooling advice.
1:49.6	And, you know, what about this or what about that?
1:52.0	Or how are you feeling in this season?
	...

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