The NorthStar Narrative

We talk with Dr. Andy Goodwin about what it really takes to be present when leadership pressure never turns off and your calendar keeps filling itself. We explore small, practical shifts that help us choose our spouse and kids without pretending work and responsibility will magically disappear.

• why Walking Slowly is written “in the margins” of a full life 
• presence as a daily choice, not a personality...

We share Michael Perkins’ family story of walking through 11 years of breast cancer, brain metastasis, and the grief of losing his wife Denise, while choosing steady trust in Jesus the whole way. We also talk about how God uses hard seasons to shape purpose, and how faith can move into the marketplace through work, business, and mentorship.

• What “suffer well” looks like when the outcome is unknown
• Brain meta...

We talk with Dr. Brooke Helling about how an unexpected path led her into English, ESL, and curriculum work, and why student connection matters as much as content. We also share what makes NorthStar Academy’s online model feel personal, growth-focused, and worth remembering for the relationships. 

• Brooke’s real-life snapshot as a teacher, church leader, wife, and mom of four boys 
• The “accidental E...

“I support you failing spectacularly” might be the most freeing sentence a teacher can hear, and it sets the tone for a hopeful conversation about online Christian education done with courage and care. We celebrate what God is doing at NorthStar Academy through Katherine’s story as an alumna, teacher, and curriculum designer who turns research into practical tools for online student success. We talk about pacing, ...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Matthews—an Australian classroom teacher, writer, TED Talk speaker, and leading voice at the intersection of AI and Christian education—to tackle the question so many educators are asking: Is AI going to harm learning…or can it actually help?

Paul shares the conviction that “AI should make education more human, not less,” and explains what that looks like in real ...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with longtime NorthStar Academy teacher Brittany Mee as she reflects on nearly a decade of ministry, mentorship, and global impact. As she steps into a new season centered on family, homeschooling, and local calling, Brittany shares powerful stories of God’s faithfulness — from walking alongside students through mental health and medical challenges to witnessing Christ-centered edu...

What happens when an experienced educator steps outside the system—and sees education with fresh eyes?

In this powerful episode, we sit down with an education leader whose journey spans public schools, special education, Christian schools, homeschooling, accreditation, international education, and parent advocacy. With decades of experience and a deep heart for families, she shares why education doesn’t have to be one-si...

We explore how intimacy with God moves us from striving to overflow with Dr. Jodi Hook, former NorthStar teacher and author of Beloved Discipleship. Her stories, research, and practices help students hear God’s voice, quiet perfectionism, and trust the future to Jesus.

• turning a doctoral project into a practical guide for intimacy with God
• hearing God through Scripture, silence, and playful attention
• shifti...

We share Ben’s journey from selective mutism and to bold faith, deep community, and a calling that blends real estate with ministry. The conversation gets practical on reframing blessing, building godly friendships, and taking back attention from screens.

• Life update on real estate plans in Northwest Arkansas
• Outdoor passions as joy and renewal
• College community that lasts beyond campus
• Summer camp les...

We trace a journey from college plans and depression to a daily practice of surrender that reshapes calling, marriage, and local mission. Chana shares life among refugees in Chicago’s West Ridge, why betrothal made theological sense, and how faithful presence changes a block.

• Moody years shaping spiritual formation and resilience
• Moving from one-time to ongoing surrender
• Reframing missions beyond overseas t...

Lionel Cable joins us to share how a Christ-centered, whole child model in Memphis is opening doors for under-resourced families through rigorous academics, deep relationships, and a culture of joy. Lionel walks us through New Hope’s origin, outcomes, farm and forest learning, alumni support, and bold plans to expand.

• founding vision rooted in urban Christian education
• five keys of teaching, learning, disciplesh...

Laura Barringer shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to co-author with her father of "A Church Called Tov" and "Pivot," exploring how biblical goodness transforms Christian communities.

• Tov is the Hebrew word for goodness appearing over 700 times in Scripture
• Tov cultures are characterized by empathy, grace, truth-telling, and putting people first
• Honest assessment requires asking for feedback and being w...

Lorelei Kilmer, a former NorthStar Academy student, shares her journey from being a third culture kid to discovering her calling in campus ministry with the Navigators after college graduation.

• Spent three years at North Star Academy while her family served in Turkey
• Found valuable community and spiritual formation through NorthStar's online education
• Recently graduated college where she was deeply involved in mi...

Tiffany Charles, Director of Admissions at Houston Christian University, shares her expertise and passion for helping students navigate the college admission process through a faith-centered approach. Her journey from homeschooling mom to higher education leader reveals how relationships and discipleship can transform educational experiences for students and families alike.

• Biblical foundation for education based on Prover...

NorthStar Academy celebrates a significant milestone with the formation of its first-ever independent governing board while maintaining its 27-year commitment to Christ-centered education and discipleship. The transition marks a new chapter of growth and development while keeping the school firmly anchored in its founding mission.

• Board Secretary Katie Ahmadzai shares her transition from principal to board member to balanc...

NorthStar Academy introduces Entrepreneurship 1, a course focused on building character, resilience, and real-world readiness rather than just teaching business fundamentals. Jen Sullivan brings her passion for student transformation to this innovative program that emphasizes growth mindset, grit, redefining failure, and opportunity seeking.

• Developing essential life skills through entrepreneurship education
• Focusing ...

Arkansas's AR Learns program provides homeschool families with funds that can be used for educational expenses, including NorthStar Academy's global online courses. As an approved service provider, NorthStar offers accredited curriculum aligned with state standards while connecting students with peers around the world, developing both academic knowledge and cross-cultural understanding.

• NorthStar Academy is now an approved...

The educational landscape is transforming before our eyes. As Principal Katie Ahmadzai reveals in this illuminating conversation, Christian education has evolved far beyond traditional classrooms into a diverse ecosystem serving each student's unique needs.

What drives parents to consider different educational models? Katie explores how the foundation of Christian education—recognizing each child as created in God's im...

Leadership coach Audrey Boydston shares how intentional collaboration and clear purpose transform teams, drawing from her 25 years of experience across corporate and educational settings.

• Moving beyond processes to focus on people and helping them do their best work
• Establishing clear purpose, mission, and values for any successful team
• Sharing knowledge rather than hoarding it to empower the entire team
• Cre...