The Independent Learner Podcast by Mosaicen-usThu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +0000Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:08:55 +0000Resonate Recordings https://resonaterecordings.comMosaic: We Are Born To LearnfalseepisodicNohttps://prod-podcast-media-public.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/migrations/com-resonaterecordings-public/cover-art/dgmHzjSVwkdU47GjZFlg4AnlfeUAs7udKFqggg25.jpgThe Independent Learner Podcast by MosaicBonnie Benjamin-Pharissbonniebp@weareborntolearn.orgno019e6fcc-966a-7077-8bdc-8046fdbc19d6Neurodivergence Learning: Helping your child with a hypervigilant nervous system to thriveNeurodivergence Learning: Helping your child with a hypervigilant nervous system to thriveThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

What if the behaviors we’re most concerned about are actually the most important signals to understand?

In this conversation, Bonnie sits down with Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman, creator of The PDA Safe Circle® to explore how her framework for supporting hypervigilant nervous systems can support children and teens with a strong autonomic nervous system need for autonomy, control, social status, and co-regulation. Rabbi Shoshana will help us understand how behaviors that are often labeled as oppositional, defiant, avoidant, or “too much” are often expressions of PDA, a physiological disability that requires specific accommodations and supports to help a person feel safe, learn, and thrive.

Together, Bonnie and Rabbi Shoshana explore:

  • How you can use the safe circle metaphor for nervous systems to support your child and family system

  • Why unschooling works so well for many PDAers, and how to use the safe circle to support your child's learning, play, and discovery at home

  • What PDA and Autistic burnout looks like, and how to support your child if they are in burnout

  • How the safe circle can help neurodivergent people of all ages develop a positive identity and self-understanding


Grounded in both practice and deep reflection, this conversation invites families to pause and reconsider what they’re seeing—and how they’re responding.  When we shift how we understand behavior, we create the conditions for self-direction, confidence, and genuine belonging to emerge. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources

]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 13:00:00 +00001a4cb36d-01cd-404a-8a9d-7585d074df11112797falsefullNeurodivergent Learning: Are Gaming and Digital Worlds Real Learning Spaces for Neurodivergent Learning?Neurodivergent Learning: Are Gaming and Digital Worlds Real Learning Spaces for Neurodivergent Learning?The Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

What if the time many neurodivergent young people spend in digital worlds isn’t a distraction—but a place where real learning is already happening? In this episode, we talk with Jordan Shapiro about gaming, online communities, and digital creation as environments where autonomy, focus, problem-solving, and connection often come more naturally than they do in traditional settings. For many families, screen time is a source of tension. But what if we shifted the question—from “How do we limit it?” to “What’s actually happening here?” Through a self-directed learning lens, we explore how deep digital interests can become meaningful pathways—developing strategy, collaboration, storytelling, design, and technical skills in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere. We also stay grounded in the real concerns: balance, boundaries, and how to ensure digital engagement supports a full and healthy life. This conversation offers both perspective and practical guidance for families navigating the intersection of neurodivergence, technology, and learning. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000690b2ee2-9e5c-49dc-80df-0fe70f35536c102923falsefullHow Families Navigate the New Learning LandscapeHow Families Navigate the New Learning LandscapeThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

In this episode, Mosaic will be joined by Eric Wearne, Director of the National Hybrid Schools Project at Kennesaw State University, for a conversation about the changing learning landscape across the United States. Families today are navigating a growing range of options – conventional schools, homeschooling, hybrid schools, microschools, and self-directed learning environments - and many are moving among these models over time rather than following a single path. What is driving these shifts? What are families seeking that they feel they cannot find in conventional systems? And how are new learning models emerging in response? Together, we’ll explore what is happening across the country as families rethink how, where, and why young people learn. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 13:00:00 +00002ec9982b-e2d6-444f-bd40-94718779e20f91320falsefullWhy Unschooling May Be a Great Option for Neurodivergent ChildrenWhy Unschooling May Be a Great Option for Neurodivergent ChildrenThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

What helps neurodivergent young people thrive—and why unschooling may open doors traditional schools can’t. Krystal Dillard, Executive Director of Natural Creativity, joins unschooling parent Jessica Hoffman for a grounded conversation about why unschooling can support neurodivergent young people in ways conventional systems often cannot. Together, they reflect on what works in practice, where challenges still arise, how families can approach this path with clarity, and what helps young people truly thrive. This episode offers honest reflections, real stories, and supportive guidance for anyone considering a self-directed approach. Episode Resources]]>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +00004dc395a3-df7a-413d-aad9-639b8fc091bd8falsefullWhen You're Navigating Self-Directed Learning On Your OwnWhen You're Navigating Self-Directed Learning On Your OwnThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

Today’s episode with Meghan Davies shares her lived experience of supporting self-directed learning as a single parent, where trust, agency, and flexibility aren’t abstract ideals but daily, practical choices. Meghan speaks candidly about the emotional and logistical realities of parenting solo while honoring a child’s curiosity, needs, and autonomy. We talk about letting go of external expectations, building confidence without a co-pilot, and finding steadiness amid uncertainty. This discussion explores how self-directed learning can become not just an educational approach, but a stabilizing framework when time, energy, and resources feel stretched. Meghan reflects on decision-making, boundaries, resilience, and the quiet strength that comes from listening closely to both yourself and your child. This episode is for single parents, caregivers navigating change, and anyone wondering how learning can remain humane, responsive, and grounded even when the path isn’t simple. It’s an honest, affirming conversation about trust, courage, and building a learning life that works in the real world. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000373dbbf9-2313-4de8-86c0-00714cb7941a71148falsefullMaking the College Process Human AgainMaking the College Process Human AgainThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

A values-driven look at how teens can choose a next step that truly fits who they are. With Jen Vallieres and Jared Eplet. In this conversation, the founders of Forget the Rankings and Pathway Forward talk about helping teens choose a next step that feels aligned with who they are—whether that’s a four-year college, a two-year program, or a technical path. We focus on values, clarity, creativity, and the emotional side of decision-making. You’ll also hear grounded advice on using summers, internships, and short-term experiences to explore interests and build confidence about what comes next. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +000086704209-d933-4522-870c-bbdf5141dd386falsefullAffording a Different Path: The Economics of Self-Directed LearningAffording a Different Path: The Economics of Self-Directed LearningThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

Self-directed learning offers flexibility and freedom, but it also comes with real financial questions that families have to navigate every day. In this episode, we chat with unschooling mom and author, June Duran to take a practical look at the economics of learning outside conventional systems. We talk openly about what families are actually paying for, including time, childcare, learning spaces, materials, and lost or flexible income. We explore common models families use to make self-directed learning more affordable, from shared childcare and cooperatives to microschools, part-time work, and creative scheduling. We also discuss how families weigh tradeoffs, plan for uncertainty, and adjust expectations without abandoning their values. This conversation offers clear examples, honest reflections, and concrete considerations for families trying to make learner-led education work within real financial constraints. It’s especially relevant for parents and caregivers who are weighing options, transitioning out of school, or looking for ways to sustain self-directed learning over time. If you’re seeking realistic insight rather than idealized narratives, this episode is designed to help you think through what’s possible — one practical step at a time. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000cffd21ec-fe75-4da1-a34a-6de7311f0d555falsefullUnschooler Edition: Navigating the College Application ProcessUnschooler Edition: Navigating the College Application ProcessThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

Clear, practical advice on how non-traditional learners can shine in the college admissions process. With Wade Arave and Michele Evard. Admissions officer Wade Arave and homeschool specialist Michele Evard join us to break down what colleges actually look for from non-traditional applicants. They offer clear, practical guidance on how to present portfolios, essays, recommendations, and lived learning experiences in ways admissions teams can understand. This conversation takes the mystery out of the application process and helps families craft authentic materials that reflect who their young person truly is. For more information on this episode follow the link below: Episode Resources]]>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000ec43006d-96ca-43c7-97a0-3fe73cdff4134falsefullPermission to Choose: When Your Learning Path Raises QuestionsPermission to Choose: When Your Learning Path Raises QuestionsThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

How to stay grounded, confident, and clear when others question your choice to unschool. With Dr. George James, PsyD, LMFT. Therapist and author Dr. George James joins us to talk about what happens when your decision to unschool—or choose any non-traditional path—raises questions from family, friends, or your community. We dig into how to stay grounded in your values, communicate clearly under pressure, and navigate the emotional and relational dynamics that surface when others doubt your choices. Dr. James brings practical tools and compassionate insight to help you find clarity, confidence, and calm as you advocate for your child’s learning life. Episode Resources]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +00002d01f936-4eb5-478e-9fb6-094cd98498b431444falsefullWhen the School Hurts Your Child: Lynice’s Story of Racism, Courage, and Choosing UnschoolingWhen the School Hurts Your Child: Lynice’s Story of Racism, Courage, and Choosing Unschooling
  • The Mosaic Collective
    • is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

    A powerful story of a mother protecting her children, reclaiming dignity and rebuilding learning on her own terms. With Lynice Brock. Lynice shares her powerful story of removing her children from a school environment that was harming them—one she describes as resistant to change and marked by racism. Her decision led her family into a new learning life rooted in trust, dignity, curiosity, and safety. We talk about how she built a home environment that honors who her children are, the community she sought along the way, and how she is preparing her oldest for future opportunities. It’s a moving conversation about listening to your instincts and creating a life that protects and uplifts your kids. Episode Resources]]>    Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000bd728a52-6ffe-443d-a6ce-36c42ce1feed21725falsefull    When Educators Become Parents: What Changes When It’s Your ChildWhen Educators Become Parents: What Changes When It’s Your ChildThe Mosaic Collective is an online membership for families creating learner-led paths outside conventional school. Members access practical resources, live events, thoughtful discussion, and personalized guidance in a welcoming, supportive community.

    Two educators share why they left the system they once served and how trust reshaped their families’ learning lives. With Daniel T. Moeller & Leslie Bray. This episode explores what happens when educators leave the systems they once worked in and choose a different path for their own children. Leslie Bray and Dan Moeller share what it felt like to unlearn old assumptions, rebuild trust in their kids’ natural curiosity, and navigate the emotional and practical transition to unschooling. We also discuss insights from the Mosaic–Institute for Self-Directed Learning survey, and what families gain when they step outside conventional expectations and follow what actually works for their children. Episode Resources]]>    Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000577e5877-6fc6-47e9-93a9-6973853c454f11755falsefull