Back in 2009, I did an interivew with Dean Bulter. The 50th anniversary of the TV series "Little House on the Prairie" is this year (2024). The celebration of the TV series continues with events all around the United States. Dean talks about he got into show business and shares some heartfelt stories about his time on Little House. We hear stories …

"Hans My Hedgehog" is a German fairy tale collected by the Brothers Grimm. Enjoy this special story narrated just for you. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/familytv/support

Today, on my birthday, I’m chatting about ageing, experimenting, taking risks, encouraging others, and other things. Show Notes I mentioned: The Self Directed podcast with the Conrads Episode 65 of the Self Directed podcast: Sue Elvis / Stories of an Unschooling Family The Unschooling Together community Podcast episode 3, Getting Older, Admitting O…

I’m back with my author daughter Imogen! In this episode, we’re chatting about… Writing and how Imogen is promoting and selling her YA novels Collaboration and how we achieve more when we work together The ups and downs of social media We also share some news and tell a couple of stories, including the one about my frightening Frida Kahlo eyebrows!…

This week, I’m talking about: Desires and Expectations Are desires good? Are expectations about control? Can our expectations spoil our family celebrations? Challenges Should we give our kids space to set their own challenges? Do we need to challenge ourselves too? Books Do people judge us on our book choices? Can sharing the books we’re reading le…

This week, I’m talking about right and wrong… If we think something is right, should we do it? Do we have to push through any difficulties we might encounter? Perhaps we can’t give up unless we’re willing to do something we know is wrong. And if we do that, we won’t feel at peace. The big question is: is unschooling the right thing to do? If it is,…

Do good parents stay firmly in control of their children, demanding obedience, good behaviour and respect? Do they practise tough love? Or are there problems with this method of parenting? Is there some other way of raising kids to be good people who want to do what is right? Is it okay to parent with unconditional love? This week, I’m sharing a fe…

Is unschooling about drifting aimlessly through each day? Do unschoolers waste time? Or do they live intentionally responding to their needs and making sure they achieve the things that are relevant and important to them? Do unschoolers direct their lives instead of letting life direct them? Is that the meaning of true freedom? Does the word ‘plann…

It is what it is. An interesting episode or not. I don’t suppose it matters. All that’s important is love. Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Preventing Childhood Trauma with Unconditional Love. It contains today’s show notes. My Unschooling Books The Unschool Challenge: Kindle The Unschool Challenge…

We embark on a delightful journey back to Aaron Pacentine's Family Films Productions past interviews. In this special interview podcast, we fondly reminisce about the year 2010, a year that brought us a remarkable interview Melissa Sue Anderson, known for her heartwarming portrayal of Mary Ingalls on the beloved television series, 'Little House on …

Is it irresponsible to trust and unschool teenagers? When unschoolers reach the teenage years, is it time for something else? Or could unschooling be exactly what our older kids need? Could it keep them safe? This week, I’m discussing these questions and more, sharing lots of thoughts, stories and resources. Show Notes Please visit my blog, Stories…

Welcome to the Popcorn Podcast where extraordinary stories and remarkable voices shine brightly. In this special episode, we are back to November 2012, for the second captivating interview that our host, Aaron Pacentine, had the privilege of conducting with the exceptionally talented country music artist, Billy Gilman. Notably, Aaron and his websit…

Should children be responsible for their own educations? Or is that an irresponsible idea? This week, I’m exploring lots of questions including: Is learning an active activity that needs the learner’s cooperation? Is it impossible to force knowledge into a child without resorting to teaching methods that ultimately destroy their natural love of lea…

Is unschooling about staying in bed late, spending lazy days in the forest, and baking cookies? Or is there more to unschooling than that? What does a typical unschooling day look like? Will it be different in different families? Will it change over time? Whatever it looks like, will it always be packed with deep learning, the kind that matters and…

Are kids more likely to suffer mental health problems if they experience excessive control? Could video games provide safe spaces for kids to retreat to when life becomes too difficult? If we insist kids leave their games and they get upset, could it be the real world that we’re forcing them to return to that’s the problem and not the video games? …

This week, I’m going back to basics: I’m discussing the question, What is Unschooling? I’m also sharing several stories to illustrate my definition: What Is Unschooling? Why Unschooling Isn’t a Method of Homeschooling What Is Unschooling? A Transcript I also share some links to other unschoolers’ definitions of unschooling. Show Notes Please visit …

This week, I'm discussing chores. How do we encourage our kids to be generous and willing workers? I’m sharing two stories: How to Get Kids to Do the Chores The Radical Chore Roster Please visit my blog, Stories of an Unschooling Family, to read my post, Can Radical Unschoolers Use Chore Rosters? It contains today’s show notes. My Unschooling Books…

This week, I’m sharing a blog post, Should We Push Kids to Use Their Talents, Aim High and Impress? This post includes stories about people who have followed the pathway desired by their parents and ended up unhappy. And there’s one story about a man who, despite achieving the necessary grades to study medicine or law, chose to become a high school…

#TheWizardofOz #JudyGarland Award-Winning Documentary Producer Aaron Pacentine Collaborates with Family Films Productions for Inspiring New Project Audio Drama Series - Beyond The Rainbow Indianapolis, Indiana - 8/19/2023 "A Journey Rekindled" follows the astonishing return of Judy Garland, the beloved actress who portrayed Dorothy in "The Wizard o…

In episode 192 of my Stories of an Unschooling Family podcast, I talked about: Homework for Life Generating writing ideas Creating second brains Homeschool records, including strewing and planning notebooks and family journals Social media and other online distractions Also: I shared Matthew Dicks’ book, Storyworthy and Tiago Forte’s book, Building…

Get ready to experience the untold story of the Elvis Presley family, narrated by a unique cast, in an exclusive audio drama production.This captivating audio showcase details the birth of Elvis and Priscilla's eldest daughter, Elaine Elizabeth Presley, and the extraordinary journey she took growing up. From carrying on the Presley family legacy to…

This week, I'm sharing some big news: I've published a new unschooling book! In this episode, I tell you about The Unschool Challenge, share some family news and a couple of resources, and ponder lots of unschooling thoughts and ideas along the way. Show Notes My Unschooling Books The Unschool Challenge: Kindle The Unschool Challenge: paperback Cur…

A special first interview back from 2013 with Sandi Patty. The voice of all the voices. We had the opportunity to speak with her, and it was such a pleasureable experience. We talk about some of her music from the past in the 1970s and early 80s. Enjoy!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/familytv/support…

As a well-known American actor, Eric Scott played Ben Walton in the TV film The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, which inspired the TV series, "The Waltons" which aired on CBS for several years in the 1970s and early 80s, as well as several reunion movies later in his career. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/familytv/…

After a long break, I’m back! In this episode, I read one of my stories called Clock Watching and comment on it. I share some news, including some about the future of my blog and podcast. I mention a couple of resources that I hope you’ll find interesting. And, along the way, I share loads of unschooling thoughts! Show Notes Things mentioned in thi…

Donna Stewart-HardwayApril 2nd 1933 - November 12th 2008Donna grew up in the 1930s and was involved in different films over the years. She had been known...to claim she was in the production of "The Wizard of Oz" and had known Judy Garland. To this date from what we understand there has not been any piece of prop and or costume with her name on it …

Kurt Raymond is widely acknowledged as the Master Oz Impressionist. He has been given that title and for good reason too! He can impression the voices of the Scarecrow, the Lion, the Tin Man, and even... the Witch ! He has been acting for over 10 years and performs regularly with a critically acclaimed Judy Garland impersonator. This is the VERY FI…

From 2005, an interview I conducted with Eric Shanower about his work, and his thoughts stories about the Oz books, and about his experience being a part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the re-release of the Wizard of Oz film back on October 23rd, 2005 and going to the Oz Park when he was young in Beech Mountain, North Caroli…

The official film trailer for REMEMBERING RETURN TO OZ is looked at by Family Films Productions and made available with the Family Films network. #fairzuabalk #returntooz #disney #cultclassic To buy the official film documentary check out https://vimeo.com/ondemand/returntooz you'll be glad you did! Remembering Return to Oz is produced by Aaron Pac…

An interview was recorded with David Shire, who wrote the music for "RETURN TO OZ". This was conducted by Aaron Pacentine, Aaron Schultz (A. Schultz), and Celia Foster from 2008. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/familytv/support

Over the course of the 1930s, Gef The Talking Mongoose became something of a media phenomenon. He appeared in numerous tabloid newspaper stories, and was investigated by paranormal researchers. (https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/71816/strange-story-gef-talking-mongoose) to learn more about the story.Lots of people didn’t believe (occasionally spe…

I'm back! Are you surprised? I am! This week, I'm talking about: How lack of control makes us feel helpless. Do controlled kids feel helpless? Does control lead to mental health issues? If we want a society of responsible adults, do we need to listen to kids, give them freedom, and let them learn how to be responsible for themselves? Difficult time…

Aaron Pacentine hosts a panel with Artist, Jared Wagner, and Actors Hunter Gomez, and Soren Folton. Aaron speaks with them about their opinions on others their age in entertainment, and what life is like for them both in and out of the spotlight and the public eye. The recording was done in the summer of 2007/2008 season. --- Support this podcast: …

Mary Elizabeth McDonough (born May 4, 1961) credited as Mary Beth McDonough, is an American actress and writer, best known for her role as Erin Walton on The Waltons from 1972 to 1981. This interview was completed and recorded in 2010, with Mary and hosted and interviewed by Aaron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/f…

Christine Wyrtzen is a contemporary Christian musician whose music usually falls into the inspirational style. She was nominated for a Dove Award in 1982. She hosts a daily radio program, Daughters of Promise. She is an amazing individual, and someone who respects not only everyone - but she truly is a person that is an example of someone, who love…

Alison Margaret Arngrim (born January 18, 1962) is an American actress and author. Beginning her television career at the age of twelve, Arngrim is a Young Artist Award–Former Child Star "Lifetime Achievement" Award honoree, best known for her portrayal of Nellie Oleson on the NBC television series Little House on the Prairie from 1974 to 1981. (So…

This week, Imogen and I are discussing: The value of casual work and lower profile jobs How our kids can surprise us Jobs and passions Why we need to promote our work How to answer critics and critique other people’s work The importance of helping each other Jane Austen, Sanditon and Bridgerton Ageing And other things! Show Notes Things we mention …

This week, Imogen and I are talking about: High expectations and control. Do they result in unhappy children? Do controlled kids look for distractions? Does limiting screen time result in an increased attraction for devices? A novel that Imogen reviewed: Dear Hero Inspiration and different ways of telling a story How we can work together, share our…

This week, Imogen and I have a lively conversation about: The highs and lows that affect our parenting, homeschooling and creative lives Criticism: why do we let other people's opinions affect what we do? Whose opinions should we listen to? Why we shouldn't let criticism stop us from using our talents Reviews: why we don't ask for many reviews Writ…

Endorsed by many, including many notable people. One of the munchkins had worked with Elaine Horn. His words on Elaine and her work portraying a Young Judy as Dorothy says it all, as you will see endorsement below.Elaine shines as Dorothy - not just her portrayal but in her speech as well! In this very special lengthy interview, we hear many storie…

This week, Imogen and I are discussing: Social media and video games: can we break the hooks that pull us in? Books: is it okay to use someone else’s ideas and create something of our own? In particular, we’re talking about the documentary, The Social Dilemma, and the books, Dust by Kara Swanson and The Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell. We’re also tel…

This week, as the rain continues to fall, I'm telling a few stories: Wondering Weather I Should Iron The Elvis Connection Me? I'm Elvis' Wife Why I'm Wearing Stiff Undies Show Notes My Unschooling Books Curious Unschoolers: Kindle Curious Unschoolers: paperback Radical Unschool Love: Kindle Radical Unschool Love: paperback My Amazon Author Page Whe…

This week, my daughter Imogen is back, and we're talking about: Writing: the definition of a story, what to write about, how we use our own experiences in stories. Superhero movies: the big ideas contained in seemingly trivial stories Behind-the scenes documentaries. Rock climbing and glass blowing: creativity, and the lengths (or heights!) some pe…

This week, in this solo podcast episode, I'm sharing and discussing a few adventurous stories: Unschooling: Haircut Courage Younger Unschoolers: Spur-of-the-Moment Adventures Enjoying an Unexpected Little Adventure Show Notes My Unschooling Books Curious Unschoolers: Kindle Curious Unschoolers: paperback Radical Unschool Love: Kindle Radical Unscho…

After a 4-month break, my daughter Imogen and I are back! And we're chatting about: Finishing novels and beta reading My 19-year-old daughter Sophie and 'graduate' unschoolers Bushfires and exploding trees How our generous members saved our unschooling community Vlogging The TV shows we've been watching The Masterclass classes we've been enjoying W…

Michael Learned was born on April 9, 1939. She is an American actress, known for her role as Olivia Walton in the long-running CBS drama series The Waltons (1972–1981). She has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series four times, which is tied for the record of most wins with Tyne Daly. Three of the wins were for …

My daughter Imogen and I are discussing play, writing, books, Martians, and exercise. This episode is jam-packed full of stories, unschooling thoughts and resources. Episode Contents 0:00-01:56 Intro 01:56-07:53 Excitement 07:53-10:51 Writing 10:51-18:08 Music 18:08-30:15 Kids’ Play 30:15-42:10 Adults’ Play 42:10-59:18 A Space Phase 59:18-01:03:31 …

My daughter Imogen and I are sharing some unschooling thoughts while we talk about what we’ve been working on, what we’ve been reading and watching, and what’s making us feel excited. 0:00 Intro 00:58 Introducing Imogen 01:47 Returning to Podcasting 05:50 Frost Hands and Writing 14:34 Writing Novels and Unschooling Books 21:57 The Inconvenience of …

This week, I'm sharing and discussing two stories about strewing: Time For Some Strewing Unschooling When Charlotte Mason Also Appeals to Our Hearts I'm also talking about overwhelming times, how we don't have to be perfect, and looking for the delights in our days. Show Notes A Blog Post Unschooling When Charlotte Mason Also Appeals to Our Hearts …

This week, I'm talking about encouragement. I have two encouragement stories to share with you which I'm hoping you haven't heard before. But if you are familiar with them, will you think, "Sue is getting repetitive"? Will you consider giving my podcast a negative review? I hope not. Instead, maybe you'll offer some feedback. Do you have any ideas …