Hey, it’s Jacob Gooden, and this week on the Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I’m joined by the thoughtful and artistic Marsh—the youngest guest to date and a recent escapee from the world of homeschooling. We dive into their story of growing up homeschooled in rural Oklahoma, using the ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum, and being raised by their grandmother in a deeply religious environment. Marsh opens up about the challenges of being a queer, creative kid in a conservative Christian bubble, and how homeschooling shaped (and sometimes hindered) their education, self-worth, and social development. It’s a raw and reflective conversation about isolation, religion, and finding your identity outside of the system.
💡 Key Topics & Takeaways:
- What it’s like being homeschooled by your grandma using the ACE curriculum
- How ADHD and rural isolation shaped Marsh’s academic and social experience
- The religious trauma and fundamentalist ideology baked into Christian homeschooling materials
- The importance of creative outlets like art in surviving mental and emotional hardship
- Reclaiming your identity as a queer person after leaving a controlling environment
📚 Resources & Mentions:
- ACE Curriculum (Accelerated Christian Education)
- When Religion Hurts You by Laura E. Anderson
- Awana (evangelical youth program)
- Indistractable by Nir Eyal (book on managing focus and technology)
🔗 Connect with Marsh
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marshintobattle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marshin.to.battle/
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement01:16 Meet Marsh: A New Ex-Homie02:09 Marsh's Homeschooling Journey04:03 The ACE Curriculum Explained07:15 Challenges and Dynamics of Homeschooling41:10 Creativity and Art in Marsh's Life43:22 Rediscovering Creativity Post-Internet43:59 The Ebb and Flow of Creative Waves44:54 Finding Comfort in Creativity46:21 The Therapeutic Power of Art47:37 Lego and Problem-Solving Creativity49:09 Dealing with Creative Blocks52:19 The Impact of Stress on Creativity55:12 Religious Upbringing and Homeschooling56:22 Questioning Religious Teachings01:09:33 Homeschooling Challenges and Advice01:14:55 Reflecting on Homeschooling Experiences01:17:21 The Importance of Tailoring Education01:20:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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