LiberatED Podcast

Hosted by Kerry McDonald

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391

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The LiberatED Podcast tells the stories of the entrepreneurial parents and teachers who are creating innovative K-12 learning options across the US and expanding education options for families. This twice-weekly podcast is hosted by Kerry McDonald, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and leader of the Education Entrepreneurship Lab. A regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74, Kerry is the bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), and the author of the forthcoming book, Joyful Learning: How To Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (Hachette, 2025). She has a BA in economics from Bowdoin College and a master's degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter at edentrepreneur.org.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 39133 min

Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom: The Future of Educational Freedom with Cato's Colleen Hroncich

On this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald speaks with Colleen Hroncich, policy analyst at the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom, about her new report, Let 1,000 Flowers Bloom: Best Practices for Advancing Educational Freedom. With more than 70 school choice programs now operating across more than 30 states—and over a dozen states offering universal eligibility—educational freedom is expanding rapidly across the US. Colleen explains why universal access and sustainable funding are essential to creating thriving education marketplaces that serve all families. Kerry and Colleen also discuss the new federal scholarship tax credit program set to launch in 2027. The conversation turns to the growing ecosystem of education entrepreneurs building innovative schools and learning models, and why parental choice may be the most effective form of accountability in education. Whether you're a parent, educator, or policymaker, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of educational freedom. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

June 9, 2026Episode 39034 min

The Ins & Outs of Launching a K-8 Hybrid Learning Community

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Katelynn Stone, founder of EverRoot Academy, a new K-8 hybrid learning community set to launch in August 2026 in Crestview, Florida. After nearly two decades working across public and private education settings—including classrooms, leadership roles, and specialized learning environments—Katelynn is now building her own learner-centered educational model. EverRoot Academy combines virtual and place-based learning, multi-age groupings, community projects, and a flexible learning week designed to meet students where they are. Katelynn shares the challenges and excitement of launching a microschool, from navigating legal and insurance requirements to developing systems and building enrollment. She also discusses how her tutoring business became a bridge to school founding, why relationships are at the heart of educational entrepreneurship, and her long-term vision for creating a globally connected learning community. Whether you're an educator considering entrepreneurship, a parent exploring alternative learning options, or simply curious about the future of education, this conversation offers an inspiring look at what it takes to build something new. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

June 2, 2026Episode 38935 min

How a Family Crisis Led to a New Educational Calling

On this episode of LiberatED, LaRae Hulsey tells host Kerry McDonald about her remarkable journey from enrolling her children in a Prenda microschool in rural Apache County, Arizona to launching her own program, LaRae's Learning Lab. Along the way, her family faced extraordinary challenges, including her husband's leukemia diagnosis, which required relocating for medical treatment. LaRae explains how the flexibility and personal connections of microschooling provided stability during crisis, why she eventually stepped into a leadership role herself, and how her microschool now serves a dozen students in a community where alternative education options are rapidly expanding. She also offers encouragement and practical advice for aspiring founders who may doubt their ability to start something of their own. In a conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of personalized learning, LaRae's story highlights how education entrepreneurship often begins with a parent's desire to help their own children thrive. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

May 26, 2026Episode 38830 min

Inside A Nature-Based School Near Boston

This week on the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Serena Wilkie Gifford and Kate Walker of the Birches School, a nature-based K–8 independent school in the Boston area that began in 2012 with just five students and now serves about 75 learners. Serena and Kate share the school's founding story, its progressive educational philosophy, and how nature is woven throughout the curriculum—from math lessons outdoors to history explorations in the woods. They discuss the benefits of outdoor learning for children's well-being, curiosity, and engagement, while also emphasizing strong academics, close relationships, and child-centered learning. Kerry and her guests also explore why more families are seeking alternatives to conventional schooling, the growing interest in nature-based education, and how small, mission-driven schools like Birches are creating learning environments where children thrive. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

May 19, 2026Episode 38738 min

Bellwether's Mary Wells on AI, Education Innovation, & the Future of Learning

Kerry McDonald talks with Mary Wells, co-founder and senior partner at Bellwether, a national nonprofit focused on expanding educational opportunity and innovation. Mary shares the story behind Bellwether's founding and discusses the rapid growth of private school choice programs, microschools, and other emerging learning models. They explore the opportunities and challenges facing education entrepreneurs, including questions around accountability, sustainability, and scaling innovation. Mary also offers her perspective on the promise—and risks—of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of designing tools that truly support student learning. The conversation also touches on Bellwether's work in student funding formulas, postsecondary pathways, and the evolving future of education. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

May 14, 2026Episode 38632 min

Why Families Are Flocking to this Project-Based Pennsylvania Homeschool Program

What happens when homeschooling families want more connection, collaboration, and hands-on learning? In this episode, Kerry McDonald talks with Danika Dunn and Kelly Clearkin of Bramblewood Learning Community, a project-based hybrid homeschool program in Pennsylvania serving around 60 students. Danika shares how she launched Bramblewood in 2020 after searching for project-based learning resources designed specifically for homeschoolers, while Kelly explains how her "Forest Fridays" community grew to more than 2,000 members during the homeschooling surge of the pandemic years. Together, they discuss building intentional culture, supporting homeschool families through conferences and mentorship, and why community-centered, project-based learning is resonating with so many families today. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

May 5, 2026Episode 38537 min

How the Yass Prize Powers Permissionless Education

In this episode, Kerry McDonald talks with Caroline Allen, Chief Program Officer at the Center for Education Reform and Founding Director of the Yass Prize, about how this prize recognizes and celebrates K-12 education innovation and impact across the US. Caroline shared her journey from public school teacher to philanthropy, and explained the Yass Prize's four core criteria: sustainability, transformation, outstanding performance, and permissionless operation (S.T.O.P.). She offered practical advice for applicants ahead of this years's June 1 deadline, encouraging educators to clearly articulate what makes their model distinct and in high demand. The conversation also highlighted the diversity of past winners—from microschools to established networks—and the prize's role in connecting innovators while amplifying their work. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

April 28, 2026Episode 38429 min

In North Dakota, a small school makes a big impact

Kerry McDonald talks with Kelsy Achtenberg, founding teacher and Executive Director of The Innovation School, a private K-8 school in Bismarck, North Dakota. They discuss the school's Reggio Emilia-inspired model, its focus on passion, play, and projects, and the recent launch of a hybrid homeschool program to meet growing demand. Kelsy shares the challenges of running a small private school, the importance of family alignment, and how graduates thrive when transitioning to traditional high schools. Kelsy is also a new Senior Contributor at FEE's Education Entrepreneurship Lab! Read her articles at edentrepreneur.org. Also, check out Kerry's latest Forbes.com article, featuring The Innovation School and its new hybrid homeschool program. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

April 21, 2026Episode 38326 min

What 23,000 Parents Are Telling Us About School Choice

Kerry McDonald speaks with Marc Porter Magee, CEO and founder of 50CAN, about the organization's nationwide efforts to expand education choice and empower families. Drawing on a new survey of 23,000 parents, Marc shares insights on growing demand for tutoring and flexible learning options and key differences between homeschooling and microschooling families. They explore how policy and advocacy can open access to educational opportunities once reserved for the wealthy—helping more families find the right fit for their children. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!

April 14, 2026Episode 38233 min

A Conversation with Prenda Microschool "Superguides"

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with Lexi Hanson and Kayla Phipps, two "superguides" at Prenda, a national microschooling network founded in 2018 by Kelly Smith that has since served roughly 10,000 students in hundreds of tiny schools across the US. Lexi and Kayla share their journeys from traditional education settings to launching and guiding their own Prenda microschools. They discuss how the Prenda model—serving K–8 learners in small, mixed-age environments of less than a dozen students—fosters autonomy, personalized learning, and meaningful connections. The conversation explores how demand for microschools surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and why interest in these flexible learning environments continues today. As Super Guides, Lexi and Kayla mentor new microschool founders, offering feedback and support to ensure high-quality learning experiences. They also describe what a typical day looks like in a Prenda microschool, including core academic time and community-building activities that balance structure with independence. Whether you're an educator considering a new path or a parent exploring alternative education options, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights into the growing microschool movement. Their advice to prospective guides and families is simple: Just do it! *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!