L I S T E N
The Life Without School Podcast
Your go-to library for living a life without school. Highly focused, research-backed episodes that tackle real questions and challenges as they come up, helping you build a version of home education that works for your unique family.
R E A D
The Weekly Letter
One thoughtful email each week about home education, childhood, learning, and raising children differently. These are sometimes reflections from my own experiences home educating four children, but are often direct answers to reader questions.
There's a stack of reassurance and support here for you.
600,000+
WORDS WRITTEN
10,000+
WEEKLY READERS AND LISTENERS
90+
HOURS OF LISTENING
When you need
more than just the
occasional listen.
Every week I take one of the (many!) questions or worries home educating parents wrestle with, and take it deep in a personal, research-backed episode. Right there with you as you go along, my Complete Life Without School Collection is the free podcast on steroids.
US$10 per month, or $110 a year. Cancel any time.
Hi, I’m Issy.
I’m a writer, podcaster, former tech startup guy, and home educating dad from New Zealand. My wife Kate and I have spent a decade building a life for our children outside the formal school system.
Stark Raving Dad, and The Life Without School Podcast, is where I think out loud about what we’ve learned along the way.
I’m so glad you’re here, and I really hope you find the support and reassurance you’re looking for 💛
Read more of our story —>
This work seems to find people
exactly when they need it.
“There is so much gold in these episodes, all delivered with grace, understanding and a ton of knowledge and wisdom! Thanks so much for helping us get over the line in the decision to home school.”
“The content, Issy’s voice, everything about this podcast is so refreshing and liberating...it breathes fresh air into this space.”
“I just listened to the ‘Your Child Is Falling Behind’ episode and it touched me so deeply, I’m actually shedding tears.”
“I’ve listened to so many different homeschool podcasts and this is by far the best. Somehow he manages to put all my beliefs about why homeschool is the best path for our children into well-researched, thought-provoking words.”
“Issy’s episodes are pure magic; he’s the encouraging voice in my ear that gave me the courage at the start, and the one that helps me keep going. Best thing I ever signed up for.”
“Everything you share is such a goldmine. I recently became a paying subscriber and it’s like running around in a candy store stuffing my face.”
“I have struggled with the idea of potentially homeschooling my child, but after listening to this it was like a breath of fresh air. It opened my eyes in so many ways our family can relate to.”
“This is bar far one of the best homeschool podcasts I’ve ever heard. So well spoken, concise, and SO encouraging. My new favorite.”
“Honestly, thank goodness for your words Issy. I often doubt my decision to unschool, but you put it all so succinctly that it leaves no doubt to my own beliefs and values around my decision.”