128 - The Interior Life Every Catholic Parent Needs First with Perry Smith Artwork

Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

You’re wondering if homeschooling is for you. But your inner critic is telling you you’re not enough. How can I teach my kid when we can’t get through homework without tears and yelling? How would the daily routine look? What curriculum will you use? Your house is already a wreck. You don’t want to feel isolated, like you’re on an island where everyone wears long dresses and raises goats. Plus, aren’t homeschoolers weird?

I am so excited you're here! This podcast will give you peace of mind as you raise successful adults who understand their Catholic faith and how to defend it. I’ll help you find the routine that works for you, you’ll still have community, if that’s what you want, and even a clean, organized home is possible (sometimes).

I’m Maeve Jemison, and I host this pod with my handsome husband, Mat. We’re Catholics who prioritize worship and apologetics through our homeschool journey with our five kids.

I’ve made many mistakes along the way. As a young adult, I left the Catholic church because I didn't understand what was going on. I was a government school graduate and high school teacher so I thought homeschooling meant replicating government school at home. (I was wayyyy off!)

When I finally learned the depths and truths of Catholicism, I was adamant that I would teach my little cradle Catholics about the history and beauty of the religion that Jesus started. No way would my kids be as oblivious as I was. Our homeschooling became a delightful adventure, with the Lord guiding us in tailoring our children’s education. I knew I had found my calling!

If you’re ready to thrive as the domestic church through worship, apologetics and homeschooling, then this podcast is for you!

Thanks for stopping by because home is where the truth is!

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Homeschooling For Catholic Parents

128 - The Interior Life Every Catholic Parent Needs First with Perry Smith

July 19, 2026

0:00 | 39:36

Wait...you mean my kids bicker incessantly because my interior life is lacking?

Well...not exactly. 😅

But in this fascinating conversation, philosopher and educator Perry Smith explains why the virtues (and vices) we cultivate as parents quietly shape the atmosphere of our homes. Long before our children can define the "interior life," they're absorbing it.

Together we explore what Catholics mean by the interior life, why virtue is simply a good habit, practical ways to introduce meditation into family life, how to choose saints over celebrities as our children's heroes, and why the liturgical calendar provides the rhythms every Catholic family longs for.

If you've ever wondered how to raise children who become lifelong friends of God, Perry offers timeless wisdom that begins with an unexpected place: Mom and Dad.

Show Notes:

Published July 19, 2026

In this episode we discuss:

• Why Perry wrote Spiritual Parenting—even though he isn't a parent

• What Catholics really mean by "the interior life"

• Why children imitate the virtues (and vices) of their parents

• The simple definition of virtue that every child can understand

• How to begin family meditation—even if you've never tried it before

• Practical ways to cultivate peace in your home

• Saints vs. celebrities: choosing better heroes for our children

• Technology, leisure, and creating healthy family habits

• Building daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms around the liturgical calendar