Ex-Homeschoolers Club

Grab a copy of Homeschooled for yourself: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t

This week I have the honor of sitting down with author Stefan Merrill Block to discuss his memoir Homeschooled, his years in an isolating homeschooling environment, and the complicated relationship he shared with his mother.

Stefan opens up about being pulled out of public school at age nine, the isolation that followed, the pressure of being told he was a prodigy, and the difficult transition back into traditional school after four and a half years of homeschooling.

We also explore themes that will resonate with many former homeschoolers: loneliness, identity, friendship, family enmeshment, educational neglect, and the long-lasting effects of childhood narratives. Beyond homeschooling, Stefan shares how books became a lifeline, how writing helped him process grief after his mother's death, and why he believes storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for healing.

Whether you're an ex-homeschooler, current homeschool parent, educator, or simply interested in memoir and family dynamics, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the complicated realities behind one family's homeschool experience.

Connect with Stefan

• Grab a copy of the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homeschooled-a-new-york-times-bestselling-memoir-and-read-with-jenna-pick-stefan-merrill-block/7e9b1465fdf608ff?ean=9781335000989&next=t
• Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanmblock/
• Check out his website: https://www.stefanmerrillblock.com

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Connect with me

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• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub
• Email me at exhsclub@gmail.com

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:35 How Homeschooling Began

02:53 Bluff Called Leaving School

04:57 Unschooling Day to Day

07:30 Math CDs and Drifting

09:05 Isolation and Genius Myth

12:02 Decision to Return

16:06 High School Culture Shock

20:01 Success Versus Scars

24:35 Friendship After Homeschool

25:54 2020 Isolation Flashbacks

31:16 Owning the Homeschool Identity

33:03 Sanity Is Consensus

34:34 Finding A Writer Voice

35:45 Books As Empathy

39:35 Fiction Versus Memoir

42:47 Writing After Loss

47:42 Choosing Homeschooled Title

52:18 Calling For Homeschool Reform

53:54 Finding CRHE Community

57:14 Hate Mail And Defensiveness

59:15 Next Novel New Focus

01:03:11 Stories Change Laws

01:04:16 Wrap Up And Farewell