Episode 109 - Sam Hughes, Part 1 - From Church Kid to Teen Rebel

Sam Hughes is a homeschool Mum with a wild testimony, a deep love for Jesus - and she's hilarious. In this episode, we talk about everything from homeschooling and church drama to skipping school and being the “naughty kid” at youth group. I was laughing so much during this one - Sam has a way of pulling you right into her story with refreshing honesty and kiwi humour. From growing up in a bold Christian home, to rebelling hard and coming full circle in her own parenting journey, this one is raw, real, and completely relatable. And next week in Part 2... we’ll hear just how far Sam ran from God - and the incredible grace that brought her back.

Click here to watch this one on YouTube.

0:00 – Coming up
1:30 – Welcome + Introducing Sam Hughes
2:12 – Life as a busy homeschool mum
3:24 – Why they chose to homeschool
8:54 – Making time to recharge as a homeschool parent
10:47 – Having her husband’s support
11:48 – Sam’s link to past guest Winnie McClutchie
13:23 – A praying Nan and generational faith
15:43 – Growing up in a bold Christian household
17:41 – Asking ChatGPT to describe her Nan using Scripture
22:01 – Sam’s testimony begins
25:42 – Core childhood memories in church
27:07 – Drifting during her teen years
29:25 – Rebelling against her Christian upbringing
31:24 – Being the “naughty” one at youth group
33:39 – Leaving home at 16
36:16 – From homeschool to convincing her mum to let her attend school
37:42 – Culture shock at high school, wagging classes
40:24 – Switching to Catholic school, funding her own uniform
41:34 – Bad influences and quitting school
43:18 – Parenting her own teen, generational reflections
44:50 – Forced service vs genuine worship