Welcome to Not by the Book, the podcast where we listen to people's stories of how they got to where they are today and the often-unexpected journey that got them there. The more I listen to these stories, the more I realize that life is mostly unexpected. And that also makes these stories so powerful. It is not the picture-perfect, Instagram-able moments that make our stories rich. It's the quiet moments that shape who we are. These thoughts have inspired today's episode, just me and my future self. Unfortunately, no time travel was involved, just a letter. Today's episode is festive, reflective, and brought to you by the fact that I process emotions best when I'm talking out loud. I'm writing a Christmas letter. I'm writing a Christmas letter to my future self because nothing says holiday tradition like emotional vulnerability with a microphone.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with author Gabrielle Meyer, creator of the Timeless series and other wonderful stories. They talk about falling in love with history and all the ins and outs of becoming a writer and being published. But, of course, no conversation with Gabrielle would be complete without a little excursion across time and story.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Elsie Iudicello, homesteader, homeschooler, homemaker and influencer at Farmhouse Schoolhouse. They talk about strong family roots and heritage, growing a family of boys and building a homestead - all at the same time. They also talk about the goodness of a life lived with intention.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Joe Tyler, president of Followers in Fellowship, a non-profit organization committed to advancing Christian education. Joe is also chairman of the board for the South Carolina Association of Independent Homeschools. Suzanne and Joe talk about his journey to, and involvement in, the world of education. They also have an impactful conversation about kids and teens who are searching to know who they are and finding their place in the world.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Kathy Eggers, author of "The Homegrown Preschooler" and "A Year of Playing Skillfully." They explore the importance of play for our children and how it impacts the development of the brain and the foundation for their best learning throughout their lives. As Suzanne and Kathy discuss the time invested in allowing the space for our children to play, they also talk about the profound impact that time has on the opportunity to develop rich, life-giving relationships with our children.

Resources

• Website: https://www.kathyeggers.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playskillfullywithkathyeggers
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playskillfully
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlaySkillfullywithKathyEggers

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Patti Sullivan, who serves as state coordinator for Parental Rights Florida and extends her influence outside of Florida by serving on the national boards of the Parental Rights Foundation and the Child and Parent Rights Campaign. They talk about the impact and importance of being a parent who is engaged and active in our children's lives. They also talk about the power of just a few right words and the diligence to pursue them as well as how much our children learn when they walk with us on our journey to pursue what we are passionate about.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Will Harris of White Oak Pastures. A fourth generation farmer, Will shares the journey of transforming both land and livelihood, and what it truly means to steward a farm, a family and a community. His story is one of tenacity, determination and a deep desire to make lasting change in Bluffton, Georgia. With honesty and conviction, he challenges us to reconsider how food is raised, how local economies flourish and how legacy is preserved.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Rebekah Lovell, mom, speaker and most recently, author. Rebecca shares about her roots in small-town Georgia, her journey toward homeschooling and her passion for encouraging families to reclaim boyhood. Lovell also introduces her new book, Boyhood Resurrected, which calls for a revival of daring and heroic boys.