Nov 25, 2025

This week on the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Susan Yao, founder of Vermont Village School in Brattleboro, Vermont, about her inspiring journey from progressive educator to microschool creator.

After earning an undergraduate degree from Harvard College, Susan worked for several years as a teacher and...

Nov 18, 2025

This week on the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with educator-turned-entrepreneur Imani Jackson, founder of Poinciana Montessori in Philadelphia and part of the Wildflower Montessori Network. Imani shares her remarkable journey from a classroom teacher in both public and private schools, to Montessori...

Nov 11, 2025

In this special LiberatED and Teacher, Let Your Light Shine! crossover episode, Kerry McDonald and Makenzie Oliver share how teachers are transforming from classroom educators to microschool founders. Hear Makenzie’s inspiring story and Kerry’s insights from Joyful Learning on freedom, entrepreneurship, and...

Nov 4, 2025

Kerry McDonald speaks with Julia Bergson-Shilcock and Mike Hilbert, founders of Cupola Academy, a secular learning community in Pennsylvania serving homeschooling families through part-time, in-person programs. Drawing from decades in alternative education—and Julia’s own unschooling background—they share how...