The Feast Life

• #72: A Joy-Filled Journey Through Black American Culture with Amber O’Neal Johnston

  What if the books we read could do more than entertain—what if they could shape identity, build bridges, and spark joy? In today’s episode of The Feast Life podcast, I sit down with the incredible Amber O’Neal Johnston—better known as Heritage Mom—to talk about her newest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. Amber shares how this book goes beyond a simple book list, offering a deep and meaningful exploration of Black history, literature, and culture—wrapped in the joy of storytelling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to Choose Books That Build Connection – Amber shares why it’s so important to include stories that reflect a wide range of experiences, not just historical hardship but also the beauty, creativity, and resilience of Black culture. Whether you're homeschooling or simply looking to enrich your family’s reading life, Soul School is filled with book recommendations that help kids see themselves and others in new ways. How to Have Meaningful Conversations About Books – We discuss how parents can use discussion questions that go beyond comprehension to build deeper connections with their kids. Learn how to ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking, empathy, and personal reflection—without having to pre-read every book yourself! Using Books to Spark Curiosity and Rabbit Trails – Amber encourages parents to slow down and let their kids explore books more deeply. Instead of rushing through a checklist of required reading, she shares ideas for how to extend a book’s impact through related stories, hands-on activities, and real-world connections. Making Thoughtful Book Choices for Teens – Finding high-quality books for older kids can be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing values with what’s available in the market. Amber shares how Soul School helps parents navigate this stage with confidence, offering age-appropriate recommendations that honor both academic rigor and family values. How to Build a Family Culture Around Storytelling – It’s not just about what kids read, but how those stories shape your home. Amber talks about how to create a literary culture that fosters deep discussions, strengthens family bonds, and inspires lifelong learning—all while making reading an adventure. Final Encouragement: Amber reminds us: “Don’t be afraid to read expansively. You never know what treasure might be waiting for you.” About Our Guest: Website: heritagemom.com Instagram: @heritagemomblog Learn More About Soul School: soulschoolbook.com Get Your Copy of Soul School: Available now Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/72 for additional resources and links 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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• #71: Breaking Down Charlotte Mason

  In this episode of The Feast Life, I’m sharing a recent conversation I had on The Education Breakdown podcast with host Sarah. We dive into the timeless and transformative ideas of Charlotte Mason—ideas that are just as relevant today as they were over a century ago. We talk about what it means to truly educate the whole child through rich literature, meaningful narration, and real-world experiences. I explain the power of living books and how they spark curiosity and deep thinking in a way textbooks simply can’t. We also explore how narration develops higher-order thinking skills and why hands-on learning—like nature walks and science experiments—is essential for helping children make lasting connections with what they’re learning. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Charlotte Mason philosophy so life-giving, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, savor learning, and bring more wonder into your homeschool days. 5 Key Takeaways from This Episode: Children are born persons – Charlotte Mason believed all children are capable of deep learning when given the right opportunities. Living books > textbooks – Engaging, narrative-rich books spark curiosity and lasting understanding. Narration builds thinking skills – Having kids retell what they’ve learned helps them process and retain information naturally. Learning should be hands-on – Kids need real experiences in nature and science to develop wonder and connection. Gentle doesn’t mean light – A Charlotte Mason education is rich, rigorous, and respectful of the child. Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/71 for additional resources and links Listen to The Educational Breakdown Podcast Check out The Educational Breakdown website 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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• #70: Decluttering Made Simple: Small Wins for a Peaceful, Organized Home

  Feeling overwhelmed by clutter but don’t know where to start? You're not alone! In this episode, we break down the decluttering process into simple, actionable steps that will help you create a home that feels peaceful and stress-free. Plus, discover the 15 everyday habits that will keep clutter from creeping back in—no massive overhaul required! Key Takeaways: Decluttering is a Mindset Shift: Instead of viewing decluttering as overwhelming or exhausting, reframe it as an empowering step toward creating a peaceful, organized home that aligns with your vision. Start Small to Build Momentum: Begin with a simple task—like decluttering your junk drawer—before tackling bigger projects. Small wins lead to lasting motivation and success. Use the Four-Box Method: When decluttering, sort items into four categories—keep, donate, trash, and store—to make decisions easier and prevent unnecessary clutter from creeping back in Adopt Simple Daily Habits: Small habits, like making your bed, sorting mail over the trash, and keeping kitchen counters clear, prevent clutter from accumulating and keep your home feeling fresh. Be Intentional About What You Keep: Ask yourself key questions, like "Does this item serve my current season of life?" and "Is it costing me more in stress than it’s worth?" If it doesn’t fit your vision, let it go! Bonus Tip: Set a realistic project goal and take one small action step this week to move forward! Your Weekly Challenge:-Pick one small project to declutter and organize—starting with your junk drawer!-Take one action step toward a bigger home project you've been putting off-Share your before-and-after progress for accountability and inspiration Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/70 for additional resources and links 15 Declutter Habits 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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• #69: It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn with Greta Eskridge

  Talking to our kids about pornography might feel overwhelming, but avoiding the conversation doesn’t make the issue disappear. In today’s powerful episode, I sit down with Greta Eskridge—writer, speaker, and Instagram’s Ma and Pa Modern—to discuss her new book, It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn. Greta shares her deeply personal journey, why this conversation is so urgent, and how parents can prepare their kids to navigate a world saturated with explicit content. This isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment, wisdom, and hope. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why waiting to talk about pornography until your child is older can leave them vulnerable. How today’s pornified culture is shaping kids’ views of sex, relationships, and self-worth. Practical strategies for starting age-appropriate conversations early. How to respond with grace and wisdom if your child has already been exposed. Why a tech-only solution (filters, parental controls) isn’t enough—and what else parents need to do. Key Takeaways: Be Proactive, Not Reactive – The best time to talk to your kids about pornography is before they encounter it, equipping them with a plan for when they do. Shame Thrives in Silence – If your child has been exposed to porn, don’t respond with anger or shame. Create a safe, open space for honest conversations. Porn Culture is Everywhere – Kids don’t need a smartphone to be exposed; they can see inappropriate content through peers, social media, and even school environments. Parent with Hope, Not Fear – God is bigger than pornography. Our job isn’t to shield kids from everything but to prepare them with wisdom and discernment. We’re Not Alone in This Fight – Moms, let’s link arms, shed the shame, and start talking. We’re stronger together, and our kids need us to be bold. Connect with Greta Eskridge: Get her book, It’s Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn Follow on Instagram- @maandpamodern Visit her website gretaeskridge.com. Listen to her podcast The Greta Eskridge Podcast Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/69 for additional resources and links 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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• #68: Breaking Free from the College Myth with Hannah Maruyama

  What if everything you believed about college being the only pathway to success was a myth? On today’s episode, we’re diving into a radical, yet refreshing perspective with Hannah Maruyama of Degree Free. Whether you’re a homeschool mom worried about preparing your child for the future or someone questioning the value of higher education, this episode will leave you empowered and ready to rethink traditional norms. Key Takeaways College ≠ Success: Only 7.7% of U.S. jobs legally require a degree, yet society pushes the narrative that higher education is mandatory for success. Think Outside the System: Homeschooling parents already challenge the status quo. Extending that mindset to post-high school plans opens doors to unique and viable opportunities. The Power of Vocational Creativity: Teach kids to think critically about the vast array of careers—beyond the few options schools present. Build Skills, Not Debt: Certifications, apprenticeships, and skill-based training often outperform degrees in terms of ROI and career readiness. Redefining Success: Focus on creating a full and meaningful life for your child, not on meeting societal expectations like a college acceptance letter. Connect with Hannah Maruyama: Get her book, The Degree Free Way Listen to her podcast for more insights: Degree Free Podcast Learn about the Launch Program for personalized career guidance: Launch Program Instagram: @degreefree Resources Mentioned: Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/68 for additional resources and links 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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