The podcast I never knew I always needed! Listening to these two always leaves me feeling encouraged and HOPEFUL, even when the topics are tough. I so appreciate the perfect blend of humor, humility and hard hitting honesty!

I have been listening to the Fletcher's for a few months now. It's so refreshing to hear a veteran homeschool family discuss real life situation in such a down to earth manner and voice that homeschooling isn't the magic bullet to save your kids. I think every homeschooler regardless of your style or philosophy should add this to your playlist.

You will find helpful encouragement for you as a parent and as a couple. Andy and Kendra are awesome together and speak from the heart.

Thanks for sharing this podcast. It’s very helpful. We are planning to homeschool our kids and we are clueless where to start. It feels so overwhelming. Listening to your podcast helps us a lot.

I am about two years into homeschool and started to feel completely burned out last week. I began to think I was crazy for thinking I could “do this.” Then, I stumbled upon the Homeschooling IRL episode about homeschool burnout. Kendra and Fletch’s candor and experience suddenly gave me a second wind. I never write reviews about anything, but I had to go out of my way to say THANK YOU!!! Please keep recording, as long as it’s what the Lord wants for you, because you are blessing other peoples’ lives!

I love your show! Thanks for being real and honest about homeschool. I don't feel alone when I listen to your show. Thank you for reminding us we can't save our kids, even though we know this is true it's good to be remined that we are not repsonsible for saving them. That is a work of the holy spirit that I pray I get the privliage of watching. I love your show and you are a blessing to me.

I am grateful for this podcast! Saying it has been life-changing, while it sounds kind of far-fletched (haha! fetched), is really the truth. While I knew the gospel and loved Jesus, I wasn’t living it out, and feeling guilt when I sinned and then continuing in my sin because I was placing my hope in me being perfect or my homeschool or my children or anything. I still sin, but I have hope because of the power of the gospel, the forgiveness of my sin now, in the past, and in the future. This podcast helped me to see my need to never shift my hope from the Gospel. It puts it in real life situations that happen in my life every day. My family and our homeschool is being blessed by a mama that puts her hope in Christ alone. Thank you!

I love this podcast! I have an almost 3 year old and a 14 month old, so I am not ready to homeschool yet, but this has helped me so much to prepare homeschooling my kids when they get to that age. Thank you so much for this podcast! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to homeschool their children or is homeschooling their children currently. Very informative and very helpful!

My babies aren’t quite at schooling age but homeschooling is already on my heart so I’ve been gathering as much knowledge on the subject as I can get my hands on. This podcast came highly recommended and I’ve loved listening!

Just discovered this podcast and it is wonderful to listen to while pulling dinner together in a chaotic kitchen while my children giggle & sway to the music.

This is a great podcast that is entertaining and covers some of the difficult topics! Love that they are willing to be vulnerable and real.

I adore their blunt but loving honesty!! They crack open the beauty and the tough issues of homeschooling. Their podcasts help me navigate the different seasons of homeschooling my 6 kiddos while making me feel normal! Thank you for being real and practical!!

Even after 17 years of homeschooling, I need the encouragement and sanity that Fletch and Kendra offer. Thank you! I never miss a podcast.

Hello, I am a mom of three and homeschool two currently. I have been a homeschool parent for over 6 years and still worried daily if I am "messing" up my children. I know that this is God's plan and I am doing what is right. But, of course doubt sometimes creeps in. I was scrolling today on podcasts and decided to look for something out there to help me find some peace. I do not belong to any homeschool groups or chat with other homeschool parents, so I feel mostly alone. Today, "The Desperate Need To Get It Right" popped up and I listened. All I can say is thank you to God for him directing me to you guys. I was thankful to hear of others who had the same fear I did. Looking forward to listening to more podcasts.

My wife and I were wrestling with the decision to homeschool our children. Through prayerful consideration, the counsel of wise people, and various online resources we have taken the plunge. This Podcast quickly became a valuable resource to learn about so many aspects of homeschooling. The hosts are witty, kind, and come across as real people rather than manicured personalities. There episodes abound with the Gospel of Grace. I love how they always weave in “hope-shifting” - this concept truly applies to my life and serves as a gentle reminder to look to Christ. Thank you for producing this great Podcast. I highly recommend the podcast to anyone thinking of homeschooling. Five stars!

I have been making my way through all of these and I really appreciate the variety of topics and the honesty with which they are discussed. Thank you!

So grateful for you guys!! I'm a second generation homeschooling momma of 5 precious kiddos. I absolutely love listening to you both. You are so encouraging, real, and Jesus Gospel focussed. Love, love, love it!! Lord bless you and keep doing what you're doing! You're a voice that's needed and appreciated!

What a joy to listen to Fletch & Kendra! Their honesty, humbleness, and wisdom are so appreciated! I love how they will tell you flat out "homeschooling will not save your child... NOTHING apart from Christ will save them or you!" I have been so reminded that our hope has to be in Christ alone, and how easy it is for us to shift that hope on a daily (hourly!) basis. They don't pretend to have all the answers or experts... They point us back to Jesus and to His word! I look forward to listening to these podcasts all the time! But phew... with 140 episodes, that's a lot of catching up to do!

I've listened to one podcast so far, and it was full of helpful and useful info. Thank you!

Homeschooling IRL has good sound, is well thought out and organized. Good guests. I remember looking for home school podcasts a few years back and the picking were slim. It's definitely gotten better. I like this one a lot. I also appreciate the fact that they are un-afraid to tackle the more difficult issues. I like that they share their own experience with being a little on the legalistic side and then coming out of that a bit. Although they seem to REALLY like to stress how "un-legalistic" they are now. Thank you for all of this. Updating my review.....I was coming to leave a review and found out I did already. Still love this podcasts. A few "cons": What is up with Kendra constantly letting us know she hates coffee?! Their sponsor must be very easy going about this. Some ideas? "Wow, Fletch really loves their coffee and I love their tea!!!" If you don't, not asking you to lie. But K claims to love tea so much, how about showing your faithful sponsor some love? (Unless you hate their tea and that's why you avoided it, totally understand then.). Also, when Kendra "complains" about her being an "organizing machine" or a "neat freak" (paraphrasing here) it makes it sound more like bragging and less like you really think you're off the wall. One last gripe? That opening? Eeek.....when she does that uptick with her voice and says "humor, honesty and grace?" Please change it!

Thank you for your dedication and work. Your podcasts are informative and also filled with peaceful reminders. You help keep me grounded and reminded of why we are choosing homeschool. Love listening!

I love the content of these podcasts. My only complaint is that sometimes it sounds like the hosts are "playing dumb" to their guests instead of being genuinely inquisitive. On the same token, they seem to exaggerate their guests' points to an extreme. I don't appreciate that because I feel like I'm being caught up in sensationalism. I am a well-rounded, educated individual and since these host are essentially stand-ins for the common homeschooler because we don't have the option of having one on one conversations with various experts, I want to feel represented by savvy, intelligent-yet-curious hosts. I don't question whatsoever whether these hosts exemplify these positive qualities in actuality, but they simply don't come across in the podcast most of the time. I'm truly sorry if I was offensive but I wanted to be honest.

I have been listening to this podcast for a few months now. My kids are both under the age of 3 and I have learned so much and been SO encouraged by this podcast. Whether you homeschool or send your kids to public school, this podcast is for you! There is so much encouragement for parents in many different seasons of life.

I starting listening about a year ago to learn more information about homeschooling. Our oldest is 3 so we will be starting to homeschool soon enough and the topics are great. I have learned so much and look forward to it each week. I listen in on laundry days, I fold while the kids nap. Makes laundry day more bearable. Love Kendra and Fletch!

Completely appreciate this podcast. I listen to them while I run. And I LOVE that they just point you back to Jesus in all things. I am a fairly new listener, but love that I have heard everything from Sex Education to Family Devotions. They are funny and REAL. Thank you for tackling the topics no one else is!

One of my favorite podcasts! Uplifting, motivating...helps keep me on track and grounded...realizing what my goals are and that I am not alone in the imperfectness of my life and homeschooling! My only critizism is the background music can sometimes be too much and overpowers their speaking, making it all sound like noise and I have to focus hard to distinguish what they are saying. Luckily, that is only small snippets of the show, because I would be missing out without this podcast!!

I look forward to every episode. It doesn't matter if you're new to homeschooling or a veteran, you will find relevant and interesting topics here. Fletch and Kendra will become your friends and make you feel like you can do this homeschooling thing. And you can do this!

I was raised homeschooled and decided (with my husband) to homeschool our kids and while most of it feels second nature to me (I don't know any different) so much of it is HARD and can be discouraging and often leaves me feeling like I'm not doing enough or I'm just not enough. This podcast was introduced to me as my oldest enters the 6th grade, I have a 5th grader, a 3rd grader and a preschooler. Fletch and Kendra have helped me start this year with excitement and also understanding God's grace and tender mercies a little better than before. I don't feel stuck or lost or hopeless and love that they bring a sense of humor to what is often a group of people that makes me scratch my head and wonder what rock they've been living under (a.k.a homeschoolers!) you won't regret listening to this podcast and it will make you re-think and hopefully be thankful for so many of the decisions God has helped you make.

Fletch and Kendra are a true wealth of knowledge and their willingness to share the highs and lows from their own experience raising children and homeschooling is both refreshing as well as a lifeline for all parents! I personally have been challenged and immensely encouraged by their honesty in pulling back the veil and not pulling any punches with the "sacred cows" of the homeschooling community. They truly live up to their mission to continually interrupt our tendency to "hope shift" and redirect our focus back to the Lord in every area of life. So, please go grab some coffee (or, in my and Kendra's case, tea!) and get cozy with Fletch and Kendra and prepare to laugh and be challenged in our shared journey of homeschooling in real life!

I so enjoy the realness and willingness to talk about the hard stuff. I'm not a homeschooling mom yet, but, I am a stay at home mom of a 3 year old son with hopes and plans to homeschool in the future. I can relate to a lot of the topics as we go through the daily grind of life and will definitely be replaying many of these podcasts in the next few years. I fee like I have a degree in hope shifting and I have to say that my heart and relationship with Jesus has been changed as I binge listen to Fletch and Kendra!! Thank you so much for letting us get a glimpse of your world.

I found HSIRL several years ago when I started to homescool my 2 children. I will be honest and say that while we are Christian, I initially I thought they were religious fanatics. But I was so drawn by their humor and acknowledgment of all of the beauties and warts of homeschooling that I just kept listening and binged on previous episodes. I found their life and parenting philosophies to be very in-line with my own. I was very moved by their testimonies to faith and how their story has evolved. As someone who had been uneasy in both Christian AND secular homeschooling circles who all claim to have the "right" way to do things- I found this podcast to be very centering dor me. Some of their other podcast recommendations and guests on their show (White Horse Inn, Redeemer Church Modesto sermons, "Hopeshifting" and many,many more!) have truly been a blessing to me. There were a few people in my life over the past 5 years who have really pointed me back to what matters and what it means to be "Christian" and I must say that Kendra and Fletch were 2 of them! My kids are now in a private school. It was a rough transition (for me!-not them as much!) and I was sad to give up some of my homeschool resources and traditions. HSIRL though has remained incredibly relevant to my life and I find that many of your episodes would definitely appeal to a larger audience. Even the episodes that are specifially about homeschool topics also have great ideas and resources that could be used in any family. Fletch has pointed out that he is a fan of music and culture that is not traditionally "Christian" and that sometimes that is what God puts on your heart so that you can have chances to be in relationships with people in all areas of life and hopefully over time be a witness to them. (Like Fletch wearing his Bob MArley T-shirt to a homeschool convention. -And actually, I would argue that Bob also practiced a Christian faith that advocated spirit over letter of the law). Nobody will ever read this whole review excpet maybe for Fletch and Kendra. And I just want to thank you for your encouragement and for just being a blessing to so many people. I try to channel your graceful and humorous outlook. Keep up the good work!

I love that they deal with real problems that homeschoolers face and not sugar coat homeschooling as always wonderful all the time. Starting my 12 year as a homeschooler, I just want someone to encourage me with real life problems and solutions.

Kendra and Fletch keep it real with every episode. I get encouragement and I get challenge and I get practical strategies for growth -- as a person and a Christ-follower first, and as a homeschooler. Oh...and they're fun, too!

I was a very reluctant to homeschool for a very long time because I felt that the friends that homeschooled were motivated by fear- of horrible influences in public school, of porn, of premarital sex, and especially, of their children turning away from Christ. In all honesty, I have those same fears, but I didn't want to decide how to school my children based on fear- I need to bring those to Christ. Anyway, along came Homeschooling IRL, and finally I heard homeschoolers addressing all the issues that others don't talk about- and pointing to Christ every time. This is the message I get from each episode: Let's not be motivated by fear and what we want our children to avoid! Let's me motivated by love of Christ and the desire to teach our children all about Him! For some, the difference in enacting these approaches may be subtle, but for me, it makes all the difference.

Truth be told, I was listening to every single episode then had kind of dropped it. Nothing against Fletch and Kendra, just so much else to listen to and (you know the old adage) not enough time. Well, a few days ago I returned to their episodes and let me just say, I'm glad I did. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed their humor, lightheartedness, willingness to dig into "touchy" topics and especially their Christian viewpoint. Oh, and from one coffee-lover to another, how could I not enjoy Fletch's gushing on the beautiful bean??!! ;) Give this podcast a try, you'll be glad you did!

Like a cool piece of watermelon on a scorching July day...

This podcast will make you think. It's all about Jesus here. Listen to the episode on hope shifting.

Loved being a part of your podcast guys! What a great job you do and what a great need you are filling in the homeschool community. Thanks for letting me participate. Lori Lane

The Fletchers bring the gospel to bear on some of the ways we in the homeschooling community "hope shift" from trusting God to the latest proven methods, curriculum, money etc. They are not afraid of sacred cows and sometimes bring truth in ways that sting a bit. Regardless, some things need to be said and thank you Homeschooling IRL for stepping out of your comfort zone and saying it!

Just go ahead, go back to episode one and listen to all Kendra and Fletch have to say. It's awesome and super encouraging. Love! Love! LOVE!

Definitely a new perspective on homeschooling and in a very open and honest dialogue about the tough parts. We homeschool moms take on so many roles every single day. It can be very rewarding some days and others may feel more like we are completely failing our kids. This podcast helps us to not beat ourselves up on this journey, to take heart, put our trust in God alone for the salvation of our kids and to LOVE them through their school years. Imagine that! Not to focus on discipline alone but discipleship of their hearts and minds with LOVE especially in the midst of all the hard parts. I find this podcast to be the fresh perspective I've needed to hear specifically in regards to being a homeschool mom. I've loved Family Life Today for years and it is great encouragement for being a mom and wife and adding Homeschooling IRL is just what I needed. They did ask for honest feedback so I do want to add that the only two things I can comment on not liking are... 1) I don't really like the specific negative tone they take about specifically named pastors, and child rearing philosophies. I think they can win the hearts of more people to their wonderful perspective without having to point out what they believe as the "wrong" way with naming names. 2) My husband and I both, and I know this is petty, would love to hear the volume of the music they play while they talk turned lower than their voices and fade out sooner. 🙂 That said... Good job and thanks for talking about a new looking glass to view ourselves through as homeschool parents!

Love this podcast. Keep up the good work!

I've enjoyed how encouraging this podcast has been.

These guys are all that's keeping me mostly sane these days. Thank you so much!!

Congratulations on 100 episodes. I have never written a review but I thought it was time. As I sat in the dentist's chair today for a root canal I listened to your 100th episode, too funny. I enjoy the fluff and the valuable content you bring to your podcast. Thank you for keeping it real.

I have been working my way through all the Homeschooling IRL podcasts starting at the first one. I'm completely hooked! The podcast always brings up great things to think about as it relates to homeschooling. Plus I love how fun it is to listen to. Thanks!

Congratulations on 100 episodes! I really loved the three top things you should do to be a successful homeschooler. Great advice. Keep up the good work and the fluff.

I listened to the most recent podcast and after almost ten minutes of nothing but idle chatter that had absolutely nothing to do with the podcast topic, I deleted the episode. If you are homeschooling in real life, your time is precious. Listening to someone recount all of the famous people they know and/or dated in real life didn't really meet my expectation of a homeschool budget podcast. Two minutes of fluff, maybe. Ten minutes that included two advertisements- no thanks. As a homeschooling mom I don't have a lot of time to waste and I'm choosy on my podcasts. I'll pass on this one for one that gets to the point.

My husband and I are second generation homeschoolers, and have found this podcast to be very helpful in dealing with topics and issues that noone else addresses. Kendra and Fletch are genuine and humorous while they say it like it is. We appreciate the fresh perspective as we homeschool our own children, and also recover from spiritual abuse from our past.

I recommend this podcast to everyone. It helps our conversations be more focused on pointing one another to the gospel or giving practical help in a way that acknowledges we do not have it all together. Thanks for your encouragement!