Contributors

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Cecilie Conrad

Cancer-surviving psychologist, former single-parent; co-sleeping, yogi, gluten-free, primarily plant-eating; happily married, stay-at-home, organic barefooted hippie and mother of four, living in a bus, knitting teddy bears and learning languages, counseling and enjoying sunsets.

https://cecilieconrad.com/
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Jesper Conrad

Father to 4 wonderful children, digital nomad – Self Directed Learner and big unschooling fan, who has been working with digital marketing and business strategy and development for more than 20+ years. Now happy bus-owner and full-time traveler.

https://jesperconrad.com/

Guests

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Amanda Diekman

Amanda Diekman is a parent coach, author, and advocate who specializes in supporting neurodivergent families through her groundbreaking low-demand parenting approach. With a background in theology and degrees from Duke University, Amanda helps parents create calmer, more connected homes by shifting away from high expectations and toward acceptance and collaboration. She offers coaching, courses, and community spaces to guide families toward peace and mutual respect. Amanda lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband and three children.

https://www.amandadiekman.com/

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Amrit Sandhu

Amrit Sandhu is a speaker, podcast host, and mindset coach passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their potential. With a focus on mindfulness and personal growth, Amrit shares tools for creating a life of purpose and alignment. As the host of the Inspired Evolution podcast, he has engaged with thought leaders worldwide, inspiring audiences to embrace transformation and live their best lives.

https://inspiredevolution.com/

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Asger Leth

Asger Leth is a Danish filmmaker, writer, and creative visionary known for his documentary and feature filmmaking work. He gained international recognition for Ghosts of Cité Soleil (2006), a gripping documentary set in Haiti, and later directed the Hollywood thriller Man on a Ledge (2012). Asger has spent years living and working globally with a background deeply rooted in storytelling and cinema. Now based in Denmark, he founded Lakehouse, a cultural and community space in Copenhagen designed to unite people through dialogue, creativity, and shared experiences.

https://asgerleth.com

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Carla & David - Ligrones en Ruta

Carla and David are the dynamic duo behind Ligrones en Ruta, a project centered on nomadic living and world schooling. They embarked on their journey in 2018 with their two children, embracing a life of constant travel and cultural exploration. David, an experienced mechanic and entrepreneur, co-founded Gecko Camper to support their travels, while Carla transitioned from a scientific career to community building and education advocacy. Passionate about alternative education, Carla founded Planeta Worldschool to guide families on self-directed learning and world schooling.

https://ligronesenruta.com/

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Carla Martinez

Carla Martinez is an enthusiastic worldschooler and advocate for alternative education, committed to a lifestyle centered on exploration and self-directed learning. Through her platform, Planeta Worldschool, Carla shares her family’s journey of embracing freedom in learning while traveling the world. Her approach highlights the importance of experiencing diverse cultures, environments, and communities as essential elements of education. Carla’s social media presence under Ligrones en Ruta offers a glimpse into their adventures and insights into raising globally conscious, independent thinkers. Her dedication to creating a meaningful, connected life through worldschooling resonates with families looking to break away from conventional education and embrace a more fluid, experience-based way of learning.

https://planetaworldschool.com/

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Christie Ogden

Christy Ogden is a world schooling advocate, single mother of six, and founder of What If It’s Amazing. Embracing a life of bold choices and adventure, Christy transformed her family's journey by moving from Canada to the Dominican Republic, living in a converted bus, and fostering a flexible, nomadic lifestyle. Through her story, Christy inspires others to pursue unconventional paths, embrace freedom, and create fulfilling lives rooted in curiosity, resilience, and optimism. Follow her journey on Instagram and Facebook at What If It’s Amazing.

https://www.instagram.com/whatifitsamazing/

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David Caballero

David Caballero is a social innovator and co-founder of Evolving Education. With a background in biotechnology and scientific project management, he left the corporate world to explore alternative education systems. Through global research, he has examined how learning environments can foster autonomy, curiosity, and real-world problem-solving. David helps educators and families implement new approaches by sharing insights from their travels and developing resources that challenge conventional schooling norms.

https://evolvingeducation.org/en/

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Dennis Nørmark

Dennis Nørmark is a Danish anthropologist, author, and speaker specializing in modern work culture and productivity. He co-authored Pseudo-Work: How We Ended Up Being Busy Doing Nothing, a critical examination of meaningless tasks that dominate today's workplaces, and I Wish My Boss Was a Chief, which applies leadership lessons from indigenous cultures to modern management. Through his writing and speaking engagements, Nørmark challenges conventional ideas about work, advocating for efficiency, autonomy, and a more meaningful approach to productivity.

https://www.dennisnormark.com/

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Dola Dasgupta

Dola Dasgupta advocates for alternative education and is a pioneer in India’s homeschooling and unschooling community. With over two decades of experience, Dola has supported countless families rethinking traditional education and embracing more personalized, child-led learning paths. She brings deep insights into navigating the cultural and legal nuances of homeschooling in India, drawing from her journey as a parent and mentor. Passionate about fostering curiosity and independence, Dola inspires others to explore unconventional ways of nurturing children’s growth and potential.

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Dr. Anne Kirketerp

Dr. Anne Kirketerp is a psychologist, researcher, and craftsperson who pioneered Craft Psychology—the study of how hands-on creative activities impact mental well-being. With a background in both psychology and craftsmanship, she has spent years exploring the health benefits of making, from reducing stress to enhancing focus and problem-solving skills.


Formerly a professor and research director, Anne left academia to focus on studying the link between crafting and mental health. Her work combines scientific research with practical insights, showing how structured and free-form creative activities can foster flow, resilience, and psychological wellbeing.


She is the author of Craft Psychology and runs craftpsychology.com, where she shares research-based insights and exercises designed to help people integrate craft into their daily lives.

https://craftpsychology.com

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Dr. Cameron Caswell

Dr. Camero Caswell, also known as Dr. Cam, is a developmental psychologist and adolescent parenting coach. She specializes in helping parents build stronger relationships with their teens through science-based communication strategies. Dr. Cam is also a co-author on studies focused on children's mental well-being and the decline in independent activity. Her work emphasizes empowering both parents and teens to foster autonomy, resilience, and emotional well-being.

https://www.askdrcam.com/

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Dr. Gordon Neufeld

Gordon Neufeld is a renowned developmental psychologist, author, and founder of the Neufeld Institute. He is best known for his pioneering work on attachment theory and child development. With over 40 years of experience, Neufeld has become a leading expert in parenting, education, and human relationships. His book Hold On to Your Kids, co-authored with Gabor Maté, emphasizes the importance of parent-child attachment in healthy development. Neufeld empowers parents and educators to nurture secure, resilient, and connected children in a challenging modern world through his teachings and programs.

https://neufeldinstitute.org/

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Dr. Michael Greger

Dr. Michael Greger is a renowned physician, author, and internationally recognized expert in public health, nutrition, and plant-based diets. Known for his evidence-based approach, Dr. Greger advocates for preventive medicine, emphasizing the role of diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases. He founded the popular website NutritionFacts.org, a nonprofit organization offering free, science-based information on a range of health topics, particularly plant-based nutrition. Dr. Greger has authored several bestselling books, including How Not to Die and How Not to Diet, which delve into the science of nutrition and lifestyle medicine. His work has had a significant impact on public health, inspiring people worldwide to adopt healthier eating habits.

https://NutritionFacts.org

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Dr. Naomi Fisher

Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist, writer, and speaker with a focus on self-directed learning, unschooling, and child development. A mother of two, she draws on her professional expertise and firsthand parenting experiences to challenge conventional educational models and help families nurture children’s natural curiosity and autonomy.

She is the author of Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of Their Own Learning, in which she explores how trusting children’s intrinsic motivation can promote deeper learning and emotional well-being. Through her writing, consultations, and public speaking, Naomi advocates for innovative educational approaches that respect children’s individuality and promote lifelong resilience.

https://naomifisher.co.uk/

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Erin Loechner

Erin Loechner is a writer, speaker, and the founder of The Opt-Out Family, a movement dedicated to helping families reduce screen time and foster deeper connections. She is the author of The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can’t, a guide offering practical strategies to reclaim family life from the grip of technology. Erin's other books include Chasing Slow, a memoir about embracing mindfulness. A former social media influencer, Erin now lives a low-tech lifestyle with her husband and three children, sharing insights on her blog, Design for Mankind.

https://designformankind.com/

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Essie Richards

Essie Richards is a certified transformational coach dedicated to empowering women to live in alignment with their values and embody their purpose within the community. With over 15 years of experience working with vulnerable, houseless young people as a senior manager, she brings a wealth of knowledge in trauma support and neurodivergence. Essie is also the founder and operational manager of the Lunar Agile Learning Centre, an innovative space that fosters self-directed education for unschooling children, many of whom are neurodivergent or recovering from institutional trauma. As a mother of two, Essie embraces unschooling in her own family, offering a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to coaching and education. 

https://www.essierichardscoach.com

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Iris Chen

Iris Chen is a writer, speaker, and founder of Untigering, a movement dedicated to peaceful parenting, unschooling, and deconstructing authoritarian family dynamics. Raised in a Chinese-American household, she initially followed the high-expectation, control-based parenting model—until she saw its impact on her relationship with her children. Her book, Untigering: Peaceful Parenting for the Deconstructing Tiger Parent, explores her shift toward trust, respect, and connection in parenting. Through her writing and advocacy, Iris helps families move from control to collaboration, fostering healthier relationships with their children and themselves. 

https://untigering.com/

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Jack Stewart

Jack Stewart is a dedicated homeschooling advocate, a devoted father, and a multifaceted creator. Having grown up as a homeschooling student, Jack brings a wealth of personal experience to his education and personal development insights. He values deep, meaningful connections and shuns the superficial allure of digital distractions. Jack's life is filled with dynamic projects, including recording music, developing a board game, teaching swing dance, and pursuing various educational activities with his children. His approach to life emphasizes the importance of intentionality, community, and living in harmony with nature.

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Jacob Nordby

Jacob Nordby is a creative guide, author, and founder of initiatives like A Writing Room Collective and Heal + Create. His transformative journey from a restrictive upbringing in a Christian cult to a life dedicated to creativity and self-expression informs his work, which includes acclaimed books like Blessed Are the Weird and The Creative Cure. Jacob empowers others to embrace their authentic selves through writing, community, and guided introspection. 







https://www.jacobnordby.com/

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Jessica Joelle Alexander

Jessica Joelle Alexander is a bestselling author, Danish parenting expert, columnist, speaker, and cultural researcher. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Time, BBC World News, Vanity Fair, NPR, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. Her books have been published in over 32 countries. She has a regular column in The Copenhagen Post and currently researches and writes for UC Berkeley's Toward Belonging Center. 


Jessica's book, "The Danish Way of Parenting," is one of the most sold parenting books of all time. She has been a spokesperson for LEGO on the power of play and gives talks on parenting, leadership, and well-being around the world. She is passionate about the human condition, building character values, and creating a more compassionate society.

https://www.jessicajoellealexander.com

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Ken Honda

Ken Honda is a best-selling author and financial expert from Japan, known for his unique approach to money and happiness. His book, Happy Money: The Japanese Art of Making Peace with Your Money, has inspired readers worldwide to change their mindset about wealth, focusing on emotional well-being rather than accumulation. Often referred to as Japan's "Zen Millionaire," Ken combines financial wisdom with Japanese philosophy, encouraging people to heal their relationship with money and lead more fulfilling lives. His work emphasizes gratitude, generosity, and a holistic understanding of wealth.

https://kenhonda.com/

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Louisa Andrea

Louisa Andrea is a retreat host, educator, and worldschooling advocate based in Egypt. She specializes in creating transformative experiences for families and teens, blending education, conservation, and cultural immersion on Egypt's Red Sea coast while drawing on her mindfulness, spiritual coaching, and energy work background.

https://www.amentirebirthretreat.com/

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Lucy AitkenRead

Lucy AitkenRead is a writer, speaker, and advocate for natural parenting and home education. She is best known for promoting gentle parenting, unschooling, and sustainable living. Through her blog, books, and YouTube channel, AitkenRead shares her family’s journey of living an eco-conscious, low-impact lifestyle while embracing child-led learning. Her approachable and authentic style has garnered a loyal following, inspiring families to adopt more mindful and intentional ways of living and educating. AitkenRead encourages parents to trust their instincts and create meaningful, connected relationships with their children.

https://discolearning.com/about/

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Luna Maj Vestergaard

Luna Maj Vestergaard is a dedicated advocate for unschooling and self-directed learning, based in Denmark. As a passionate worldschooler, she embraces a lifestyle of learning through global experiences, believing that the world offers the best classroom. Luna fosters an environment where children and families can thrive through trust, freedom, and authentic living. She shares her journey and insights on altomunschooling.dk, offering resources and reflections on living without traditional schooling constraints. Her work emphasizes building deep, respectful connections within families and empowering children to explore their passions naturally. With an active presence on social media, Luna engages a growing community, inspiring others to rethink education and embrace a flexible, intentional lifestyle of world exploration.

https://altomunschooling.dk

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Luz Olid

Luz Olid is an education researcher and co-founder of Evolving Education. Originally a biotechnology scientist, she shifted her focus to education after questioning the effectiveness of traditional schooling. She has traveled to over 170 alternative learning centers worldwide, studying democratic schools, self-directed learning, and innovative teaching methods. Luz now works to make these models accessible to educators, parents, and communities through research, training, and documentary filmmaking.

https://evolvingeducation.org/en/

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Manisha Snoyer

Manisha Snoyer is an entrepreneur, educator, and former actress passionate about transforming education through self-directed learning. She has taught over 2,000 students across three countries and founded Act French, a language and theater school in NYC. As the creator of Modulo, she helps homeschooling families find expert resources and build personalized learning paths. Previously, she launched CottageClass and MasteryHour.org, pioneering community-driven education solutions. Manisha's mission is to empower children with interest-based, project-driven learning rooted in compassion and children's rights.

https://www.modulo.app/

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Marc Wallert

Marc Wallert is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, and author best known for surviving a 140-day hostage ordeal in the Philippine jungle in 2000. Drawing on this life-changing experience, he now helps individuals and organizations build resilience and thrive through crises. Marc shares insights on leadership, mental strength, and stress management through his keynotes and his book, "Strength Through Crises", where he emphasizes the power of acceptance and optimism in overcoming challenges​(

https://marcwallert.com/en/

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Marta Obiols Llistar

Marta Obiols Llistar is a former public school teacher and unschooling mother of three. Holding a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education from Blanquerna Ramon Llull University in Barcelona, she has dedicated over a decade to homeschooling and unschooling her children. As the author of the book 18, Marta gives a voice to the unschooling community by sharing her family's stories. A native of Catalonia now residing in the US, she continues to share awareness about the values of unschooling.

https://www.asuccessfuleducation.com/

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Meryl Danziger

Meryl Danziger is the Founder and Director of Music House, a creative music education program launched in 2000.

With a Master’s in Music from Goddard College and an international career as a violinist, she brings a deep passion for personalized, exploration-based learning. Meryl is also the author of Sing It! A Biography of Pete Seeger, earning critical acclaim from Publishers Weekly. 

Her work has appeared in the New York Times and NEA Today, with presentations at venues like Carnegie Hall. 

Through Music House, she inspires lasting musical connections for learners of all ages.

https://www.meryldanziger.com/
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Peter Gray, Ph.D

Peter Gray is a research psychologist, author, and a leading advocate for unschooling and self-directed education. He is best known for his book Free to Learn, where he explores how children learn best through play and exploration in natural environments. A professor emeritus at Boston College, Gray’s research focuses on the role of play in human evolution and its importance in modern education. He is a prominent voice in the alternative education movement, promoting the idea that children thrive when given autonomy in their learning. Gray’s work inspires parents and educators to rethink traditional schooling methods.

https://petergray.substack.com/

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Rachel Rainbolt

Rachel Rainbolt is a parenting expert, author, and founder of Sage Family, an organization supporting families to live a more mindful, connected, and natural lifestyle. With a marriage and family therapy background, Rachel advocates for gentle parenting, homeschooling, and sustainable living. Through her books, coaching, and podcasts, she empowers parents to embrace a peaceful and intentional approach to raising their children, fostering strong family bonds, and nurturing each child's individuality. Rachel is known for her holistic, empathetic approach to modern parenting challenges.

https://sagefamily.com/

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Rebecca Jean-Charles

Rebecca Jean-Charles is a doula, unschooling fan, and advocate for maternal and child well-being. Her journey began as a Pilates instructor, where she developed a deep appreciation for the human body's potential. Inspired by her training as a doula, Rebecca became passionate about empowering mothers, respecting children's autonomy, and fostering peaceful, sustainable living. She is dedicated to building supportive communities that promote healing, connection, and thriving families.












https://ittakesavillage.se/

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Sandra Dodd

Sandra Dodd is a prominent advocate for unschooling and radical unschooling, encouraging children to learn through life experiences and natural curiosity without formal schooling. A mother of three, Dodd has been a voice in the unschooling community for decades, sharing her insights through her books, website, and speaking engagements. Her philosophy emphasizes trust, respect, and freedom in parenting, empowering children to take control of their learning in a nurturing environment. Sandra's work has inspired countless families to embrace a more relaxed, child-led approach to education and parenting.

https://sandradodd.com/

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Sara Beale

Sara Beale is the creative force behind Renegade Mum, a platform dedicated to exploring alternative education, radical parenting, and conscious living. As a committed worldschooler, Sara shares her experiences and insights on fostering a self-directed, adventure-filled lifestyle with her family. Her writing and community outreach aim to inspire parents to embrace unschooling, travel, and authentic connections with their children. Through Renegade Mum, Sara challenges conventional norms and encourages families to trust in the process of allowing children to lead their own educational journey, while embracing the adventures and lessons that life on the road offers. Her work is a testament to living courageously, breaking free from traditional expectations, and creating a meaningful, freedom-centered life.

https://www.renegademum.com/

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Shannon Hayes

Shannon Hayes is a sustainable farmer, author, and chef from Sap Bush Hollow Farm in Upstate New York. She and her family raise grass-fed livestock using regenerative agriculture. In addition to managing the family farm and café, Shannon homeschools her children and explores themes of slow living, sustainability, and joyful living in her writings and podcast.


https://theradicalhomemaker.net/meet-shannon/

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Sue Elvis

Sue Elvis is an Australian author, blogger, and unschooling advocate. On her blogs, Wholy Souly and Stories of an Unschooling Family, Sue shares her reflections on faith, motherhood, and the journey of unschooling her children. She explores deep questions about womanhood, aging, and finding purpose beyond traditional roles. Through her writing, Sue offers insights into living authentically, embracing creativity, and nurturing a deep connection with faith. Her stories aim to encourage readers to explore their own paths in life.

https://www.storiesofanunschoolingfamily.com

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Sugata Mitra

Sugata Mitra is a renowned educational researcher and innovator best known for his groundbreaking "Hole in the Wall" experiments, which demonstrated how children can self-organize and learn independently using minimal guidance and access to technology. His work has inspired the concept of Minimally Invasive Education and earned him the prestigious TED Prize in 2013 for his vision to build a "School in the Cloud." A professor emeritus at Newcastle University, Mitra's research spans self-directed learning, emergent phenomena in education, and the transformative potential of technology in reshaping how we think about teaching and learning. His thought-provoking ideas continue to challenge traditional education systems and inspire a global dialogue on the future of learning.

https://www.cevesm.com/

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