The Feast Life

• #93: Words Like Honey: How to Speak Life Over Your Children with Amy Hughes

  In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Julie Ross welcomes back author and homeschool mom of nine, Amy Hughes, to talk about her brand-new book, Words Like Honey: How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child’s Faith Through What You Say. Amy shares how the words we use with our children—especially the ones we say on autopilot—can either breathe life or unintentionally wound. Drawing from neuroscience, child development, and her own 19 years of homeschooling, Amy invites us to pause, reflect, and reframe the way we speak to the precious souls in our care. Whether it’s the everyday “hurry up” or “be careful,” or more deeply rooted phrases from our own upbringing, Amy helps parents recognize how language shapes identity and connection. This conversation is a gentle wake-up call and a beautiful invitation to parent more mindfully—with our words soaked in grace. Key Takeaways: Unintentional harm matters: Many parents don’t realize that common phrases can deeply affect how children view themselves and the world—even if said in jest. Words stick longer than we think: Children often internalize adult speech literally, especially when they're young and lack the brain development to interpret nuance. The 4 R’s Framework: Amy shares a practical tool to reframe our communication: Rethink – Pause to reflect on whether your words align with the message you intend. Replace – Swap out vague or harmful phrases with ones that give clarity and support. Reframe – Adjust how you express correction or direction in a positive, empowering way. Repair – Be willing to apologize, revisit past words, and make amends—this builds trust. Speak life, not just correction: Aim for a 5:1 ratio of affirming to correcting words. Offer specific, life-giving affirmations like “You bring joy to this family.” Active listening transforms relationships: Asking questions like “Do you want advice or just someone to listen?” builds trust, especially with teens. Listening helps diffuse fear, shame, and resistance in both parenting and homeschooling. Replace automatic phrases: Instead of “Be careful”, say “Watch your step on the rocks—they might be slippery.” Instead of “Hurry up”, try “Let’s race to the car!” or “Dad’s almost home with dessert—let’s be ready!” Parenting triggers often stem from our own stories: Amy shares how her reaction to “What’s for dinner?” revealed deeper layers from her past—and how becoming aware helped her respond with more grace. Apologies go a long way: Modeling humility and owning mistakes builds safety, even when children are older. It teaches them they don’t need to be perfect and opens the door for honest conversations. Slowing down helps us hear: Many parenting conflicts happen because we’re too rushed to listen. Slowing our pace—especially in homeschool moments—makes room for curiosity and connection. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/93 for additional resources and links Words Like Honey by Amy Hughes – OUT NOW Amy’s Instagram: @simplelittleamy Amy’s website: simplelittleamy.com Previous episode with Amy on “The Gift of a Slow Childhood” Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

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• #92: Bringing French to Life: Beauty, Culture, and Language with Madame Lee

  In this joy-filled, beauty-soaked episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross chats with Sue Lee, the vibrant educator behind French with Madame Lee. What starts as a post-trip debrief from Julie’s magical visit to Paris blooms into a rich conversation on language, culture, and Charlotte Mason-inspired education. Sue shares her journey from art history student to French teacher and homeschool mom, revealing how the beauty of French language and culture can feed the soul and become a meaningful part of a family’s homeschool feast—no matter where they live. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by teaching a foreign language or wondered how to bring it into your home in a gentle, joy-filled way, this episode will leave you inspired, encouraged, and maybe even dreaming of croissants in a Parisian café. Key Takeaways: Language is a feast—not a checklist. Sue shares how her art history class in high school opened her eyes to the beauty of learning. That passion now fuels her approach to teaching French as something that feeds the soul—not just checks a box. Charlotte Mason’s “science of relations” applies beautifully to foreign language. By connecting French vocabulary to art, food, music, scripture, and culture, Sue helps families make deep, lasting connections that go beyond memorization. You don’t need to be fluent to get started. Whether you know one French word or many, Sue’s approach welcomes moms and children alike to learn slowly, meaningfully, and joyfully—no stress, just beauty and progress. Pronunciation is foundational—and doable. Sue’s mini-course teaches correct pronunciation from the start with visual and auditory tools (like mouth position and repetition) that even seasoned French learners often miss. Dreaming of Paris is part of the journey. You don’t need a plane ticket to bring French into your home. But as Julie and Sue share, keeping the dream alive through books, music, movies, and stories builds wonder—and you never know when the dream might come true! Freebie Alert! Download Sue’s Free Guide: 5 Simple Ways to Add French to Your Homeschool—including curated music playlists, show suggestions, and the first free lesson of her French Feast course. 👉 Download the guide here Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/92 for additional resources and links Website: https://www.frenchwithmadamelee.com/ Instagram: @frenchwithmmelee Coming Soon: “French Feast: Paris Edition” Sue’s next course will take families on a virtual tour through the City of Light—learning French while exploring cafés, monuments, art, shopping, and scripture reflections inspired by Parisian beauty. Stay tuned! Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

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• #91: Come On Home — Building a Strong, Grace-Filled Family with Jessica Smartt

  What does it really mean to build a strong family—not a perfect one, but one built on loyalty, love, and lasting connection? In this heartfelt conversation, Julie Ross sits down with author, homeschool mom, and family culture enthusiast Jessica Smartt to discuss her latest book, Come On Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Other. Jessica opens up about her own journey as a mom of three, living on a multigenerational farm in North Carolina, and how her own childhood and faith inspired the values she now instills in her kids. Together, Julie and Jessica explore the messiness and magic of building a home where relationships flourish—even when life is loud, the dishes are stacked high, and technology threatens connection. Key Takeaways: A Strong Family ≠ A Perfect Family A strong family is built not in the absence of conflict, but through grace, loyalty, and repair. Jessica shares how family strength often emerges from facing hard things together and choosing to stay connected through it all. Traditions, Time, and Togetherness Matter Simple family rituals—whether cinnamon rolls on Christmas or Smart Family Day adventures—form the foundation of belonging. Jessica reminds us that connection is found in the small, repeated moments that become cherished memories. Homeschooling as a Gift of Time and Relationship Jessica encourages parents not to fear the high school years, but to embrace them as a season of fruit. Homeschooling has allowed her to stay closely connected to her teens, who are balancing sports, work, and growing independence. You Can Be the First Link in the Chain If you didn’t grow up in a close or healthy family, you can start one. Jessica shares practical encouragement for parents longing for deep connection but lacking a generational example. God meets us in our gaps and gives grace for the work of legacy-building. Do the Next Right Thing Overwhelmed by the vision of a strong family? Start small. Whether it's cleaning the kitchen, planning a meal, or putting away your phone during car rides—simple, consistent steps rooted in love and prayer matter more than perfection. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/91 for additional resources and links Website: https://jessicasmartt.com/ Instagram: @jessica.smartt Facebook: @SmarterEachDay Podcast: The Homeschool Solutions Show Pre-order Bonus: Pre-order Come On Home and get access to Jessica’s exclusive Q&A Zoom party. Come in your pajamas, bring your favorite drink, and connect with Jessica and other moms who are in the trenches of building strong, grace-filled homes. Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

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• #90: Faith Over Fear: Rewriting Your Back-to-School Story

  In this heartfelt episode of The Feast Life, Julie Ross shares a powerful clip from a live Feast Table Membership call where she guides homeschool moms through the back-to-school fear that often surfaces at the start of a new year. Through prayer, reflection, and practical journaling exercises, Julie equips listeners to name their fears, discredit the lies, and rewrite their stories with faith and purpose. Whether you're nervous about teaching high school, juggling multiple ages, or simply wondering if you’re enough—this episode reminds you that you are not alone and that the One who called you will equip you. Key Takeaways: You are not the only one feeling nervous. Fear is a natural response to stepping into something that matters—but it doesn't get the final word. Name the fear. Bringing your thoughts out of your head and onto paper helps stop the spiral of overthinking. Discredit the fear. Ask: Is this the ultimate truth? What else might be more true than this fear? Write a new story. Choose to believe in possibility. Reframe your fear into a vision of how things could work. Speak truth over yourself. Powerful affirmations like “I am equipped and chosen” and “My presence is more powerful than any perfect lesson plan” help shift your mindset and ground you in what really matters. Homeschooling is holy work. You’re not just checking off boxes—you’re shaping hearts and creating sacred spaces for growth, wonder, and connection. Journaling Prompts from the Episode: What am I most afraid of this school year? Is that fear the ultimate truth? What is more true than that fear? How could this situation actually work out for good? What story do I want to live this year? Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/90 for additional resources and links The Feast Table Membership – Join or learn more here Free workshop: 5 Easy Steps to a Life-Giving Homeschool – Watch it here Tune in and leave encouraged—because your homeschool doesn't have to look like anyone else’s. It’s allowed to be beautiful in its own way. Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

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• #89: Unlocking Creativity and Confidence in Kids with Guide Dots Founder Cindra

  Do you believe that every child can learn to draw confidently? Join host Julie Ross as she sits down with Cindra, founder of Guide Dots, to explore an innovative art program designed to nurture creativity, confidence, and fine motor skills in children—including those with neurodiversity. From overcoming the "critical age" barrier in art education to fostering lifelong artistic passion, this episode is a must-listen for homeschool parents seeking creative, therapeutic, and joy-filled learning experiences for their kids. Key Takeaways: Art is Essential, Not Optional: Art fosters innate creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills, making it a foundational rather than an optional part of education. Overcoming the Critical Age Barrier: Around age eight, children begin critically evaluating their art. Guide Dots helps children navigate this stage through supportive scaffolding, boosting their confidence and maintaining their interest. Unique, Scaffolding-Based Approach: Guide Dots employs strategically placed dots visible through a light tablet, providing incremental guidance while allowing creative freedom, gradually weaning students to develop their own artistic style. Neurodiverse-Friendly Program: The structured yet flexible format of Guide Dots has profoundly impacted neurodiverse children, making art accessible and enjoyable through bite-sized steps, visual supports, and self-paced video tutorials. Process Over Product: Encouraging children to value their personal artistic journey rather than producing "perfect" artwork promotes deeper learning, emotional regulation, and lasting self-confidence. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/89 for additional resources and links Website- Guide-dots.com Instagram- @guidedotart Facebook- @guidedots Just Getting Started? Get our FREE Charlotte Mason and You Workshop to see if this powerful approach can transform your homeschool. https://www.thefeastlife.me/opt-in Subscribe & Review: “ I love Julie and the Feast Life.” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts. This helps more people- just like you- find out about the show. CLICK HERE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM to leave a five star reviews. Also, please subscribe so you never miss an episode. FOLLOW NOW Connect with Us: Website: A Gentle Feast Facebook: A Gentle Feast Community Instagram: @agentlefeast Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all our episodes on YouTube. http://youtube.com/@TheFeastLife Today’s episode is sponsored by the award winning Charlotte Mason curriculum A Gentle Feast. Get started with smooth and easy days at https://www.agentlefeast.com.

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