Bringing Education Home
Bringing Education Home
Kristina & Herb Heagh-Avritt
Bringing Education Home is the podcast for parents who know something isn’t working — and are ready to take the lead. Hosted by Herb and Kristina Heagh-Avritt of Vibrant Family Education, each episode dives deep into the heart of family life and learning, offering real talk, real tools, and real connection. Whether you’re overwhelmed by traditional schooling, exploring homeschooling, or simply craving a better rhythm for your family, we bring you grounded insight and fresh perspectives from experts who serve families holistically. With our "inside and outside the box" approach, we explore what it truly takes to raise healthy, happy, and successful kids — while staying connected as a family. This is education reimagined — from the inside out. For more information, visit VibrantFamilyEducation.com or email [email protected].
S2EP81-David Dorfman-Home Defense 101: Keeping Your Space Rodent-Free and Family-Friendly!
Rodent control doesn’t have to be a nightmare, and David Dorfman is here to prove it! With an impressive background that spans over two decades, David has taken the world of pest management by storm with his company Rodent Stop. He’s on a mission to change how we think about dealing with rodents. Forget the poisons and traps; David’s approach focuses on prevention and humane methods. The Rodent Stop Home Defense Kit is the star of the show—designed to empower homeowners to tackle rodent issues safely and effectively. In this episode, we dive into David’s journey from air quality control to rodent wrangling, uncovering the surprising connections that led him to this line of work. It’s a fascinating tale that highlights the importance of understanding our living environments and the unseen dangers that may lurk within. As we chat with David, he shares his insights on how rodent behavior plays a crucial role in their management. He explains the science behind scent elimination and why it’s key to keeping these critters at bay. Did you know that rodents are attracted to their own scent? It’s wild! David’s innovative methods focus on disrupting their natural instincts, making your home less appealing to them. He also emphasizes the importance of sealing entry points to prevent infestations before they even start. With practical tips and a fun approach, David makes it easy for anyone to understand the steps they can take to protect their homes. Plus, the banter between David and the hosts is nothing short of entertaining! They share amusing anecdotes and relatable experiences that keep the conversation lighthearted and engaging. This episode is packed with valuable information that every homeowner should know. David breaks down the common misconceptions surrounding traditional pest control methods and why they often fall short. He advocates for a kinder, more effective approach that prioritizes safety for both families and pets. By the end of our chat, you’ll not only have a better understanding of rodent management but also a few laughs along the way! So tune in, grab your Rodent Stop Home Defense Kit, and let’s kick those pesky rodents to the curb in style!David Dorfman is the co-founder of Rodents Stop, a Southern California rodent control company built on honest inspections, scent elimination, and structural exclusion — not poison. After more than two decades and thousands of successful treatments, David developed the Rodents Stop™ Home Defense Kit, a behavioral disruption and exclusion system that gives homeowners across the country access to the same professional-grade rodent control strategies used in the field.David's WebsiteBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Jun 26
29 min
S2EP80-Joanne Williams-Pawsitively Empowering: How Dogs Can Help Tackle Anxiety
Joanne Williams, a seasoned therapist with over three decades of experience, dives into the heart of emotional support in our latest chat. With a playful spirit and a wealth of knowledge, she shares her journey from a chaotic childhood to becoming a licensed clinical social worker specializing in anxiety, PTSD, and the transformative power of service dogs. We explore how these furry companions can be much more than just pets; they can be lifelines for families navigating the stormy seas of mental health challenges. Joanne highlights the legal aspects of psychiatric service dogs, particularly under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and how these laws can open doors for families seeking comfort and support. Whether it’s flying with a pup on your lap or living in pet-restricted housing, Joanne equips us with the tools to advocate for our needs while dispelling myths surrounding service animals. She emphasizes that mental health struggles are valid, even if they aren't visible, and encourages listeners to embrace the conversation about emotional wellness. This episode is a treasure trove of support strategies, legal insights, and heartwarming anecdotes about the bond between humans and their dogs, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the interplay between mental health and our four-legged friends.A gift from our guest: 5 Quick Connect Activities worksheet https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:ba3666e2-d9e9-46d8-9092-d6cf5603e39cJoanne Williams, LCSW, is a therapist, focusing on supporting individuals and families with Anxiety Reduction, PTSD recovery & confidence building with her 30 Years of experience. One of Joanne’s specialties to enhance client’s lives, is guiding them step-by-step through the ADA process to use their own dog as a Psychiatric Service Dog to fly with them, be in no pet housing with no fees or restrictions. She is the Author of ‘Super Dog Helps Boys Fears.’ A book written to help families talk about emotions. She is the host of a top 100 Anxiety Relief Podcast ‘Anxiety Simplified’ 💙 Business information Joanne S. Williams, LCSW 💙Joanne's Facebook page@esaprospsychdogs on InstagramBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Jun 19
44 min
S2EP79-Stephanie Duguid-From Office to Home: Cultivating Leadership Skills in Family Life
What if I told you that the leadership lessons learned in the corporate world have a direct correlation to how we lead in our homes? Buckle up, because Dr. Stephanie Duguid is here to spill the beans! This episode is a treasure trove of insights as we explore the fascinating parallels between professional leadership and parenting. What makes Dr. Duguid’s perspective unique is her commitment to bridging the gap between these two worlds. She emphasizes that leadership isn’t about titles or positions; it’s about how we influence those around us, especially at home. As we traverse through the nuances of communication, we learn that the way we interact with our children shapes their future roles as leaders. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Dr. Duguid reflects on her mother’s legacy—an educator who inspired countless students not just through her curriculum, but through authentic connection and care. With practical strategies and real-life stories, this episode serves as a guide for parents striving to cultivate an environment of trust and open communication, ensuring that the values of leadership are instilled in the next generation.Guest Bio - How can leaders transform not just their leadership—but the culture around them?We’re joined today by Dr. Stephanie Duguid, a leadership expert who specializes in cultivating cultures of authentic leadership. She partners with organizations and small businesses to strengthen communication, navigate conflict with grace, and build impactful teams where trust, connection, and performance thrive.With over three decades of experience as an educator, athletic trainer, and administrator, Dr. Stephanie brings both strategy and heart to her work. She is especially passionate about supporting women in leadership to serve with goodness, lead with greatness, and cultivate cultures of authentic leadership.She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has received numerous honors in the field. She is also a keynote speaker, podcaster, and bestselling author of Exponentially Elevate Your Leadership Impact. Her mission is to not only provide purposeful strategies but to honor her mother’s legacy by helping leaders create meaningful impact through the cultures they build.A gift from our guest: If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your child thinking, “That didn’t come out the way I meant it,” this will help.I created a simple guide called One Conversation, Four Styles that shows you how different communication personalities hear and process conversations—so you can adjust how you speak, connect more easily, and avoid unnecessary tension during this transition. LINK: https://www.drstephanieduguid.com/1conv4stylesStephanie's Facebook pageStephanie's Facebook groupBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Jun 12
42 min
S2EP78-Heidi Rome-From Silence to Strength: The Journey of Non-Speaking Autistic Children
Today, we're diving deep into the heart of parenting and autism with the amazing Heidi Rome, an author and autism mindset coach. Her motto, "love doesn't fix," comes straight from her journey raising her non-speaking son, Ethan. In our chat, we explore how presuming competence in our children opens the door to stronger connections and allows their true gifts to shine. Heidi shares her experiences and insights on letting go of the pressure to control every outcome and instead fostering relationships built on love, trust, and curiosity. So grab a cozy seat, maybe a snack (because who doesn’t love snacks?), and let’s get ready to rethink how we support our kids on the spectrum! Heidi Rome is a speaker, author, and autism mindset coach whose message—Love, Don’t Fix—grew from her journey parenting her nonspeaking son, Ethan. She helps parents and caregivers release the pressure to control or “get it right,” and instead connect through love, trust, and curiosity. She teaches a core principle: when we presume competence in our children—whether or not they can express it yet—we build stronger relationships, invite growth, and make space for their true gifts to emerge. Heidi is also the author of You Just Have to Love Me, and is now building a groundbreaking intentional community for autistic young adults centered on dignity, consciousness, and contribution. Heidi's Facebook pageBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Jun 5
49 min
S2EP77-Dr. Jeff Knight-Gut Health and Autism: The Surprising Connection You Need to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Knight joins us for a vibrant chat about the ins and outs of autism spectrum disorder and the holistic ways we can support our kiddos. Dr. Knight is not just your average chiropractor; he's on a heartfelt mission to bring hope and practical solutions to families navigating the complexities of autism. He kicks off the conversation by sharing his journey, which is as colorful as a box of crayons. From his unexpected dive into the world of autism to his personal experiences with family members on the spectrum, Dr. Knight paints a picture of empathy and understanding that resonates with parents everywhere.Throughout the episode, we dive deep into the multifaceted approach to autism, exploring everything from gut health to proper nutrition. Dr. Knight breaks down how our body’s cellular health can impact our kiddos’ happiness and overall well-being. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of personal anecdotes, he discusses the significance of a balanced diet, emphasizing the role of nutrients in shaping behavior and mood. The conversation takes a fun turn as we swap stories and laugh over the quirky things kids do, while also tackling the serious challenges many families face. This episode is packed with actionable insights for parents looking to enhance their children’s quality of life and navigate the autism journey with a little more confidence and a lot more love.A gift from our guest: Free video training on Cellular Healing that is concise and helpful to describe more of my philosophy and how we serve families. You can access it at www.healthempoweredfamilies.comDr. Jeff Knight is on a mission to helping families find greater hope, freedom, peace of mind and confidence in helping their children that suffer from symptoms related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knowing that there is no one “cure” to autism, Dr. Knight breaks down key topics and solutions to helping children with autism dealing with the myriad of obstacles related to cellular health and healing, gut and digestive health, proper nutrition, challenges with sleep (insomnia), detoxification of the brain and body, neurological, behavioral and social challenges and creating more awareness on treatment options that can help children become the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves. Dr. Knight lives in Utah with his wonderful wife, Ashley, and they are blessed to be parents to six wonderful children. He has been serving children on the Autism Spectrum since 2014.Dr. Jeffrey's Facebook page@drjeffknight on InstagramDr. Jeffrey on YouTubeBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
May 29
43 min
S2EP76-Janneke House-Mommy Mayor: How One Book is Sparking Civic Engagement in Kids!
In this vibrant and engaging episode, we welcome Janneke House, who brings a wealth of political experience and a fresh perspective on community involvement through her delightful children's book, 'Mommy Mayer.' Janneke's journey in politics spans over two decades, where she has passionately advocated for her communities while also diving into the world of children's literature. Throughout our conversation, she shares her inspiring story of how interactions with kindergarteners at her office sparked her desire to write a book that encourages children to recognize their power to create change. We discuss the charming premise of 'Mommy Mayer,' where a young girl named Mary learns she can take matters into her own hands when her park is in disarray, rallying her community to fix it. Janneke beautifully articulates the message that kids can and should be active participants in their neighborhoods, challenging the notion that civic responsibility is solely an adult's job. This episode is rich with humor, heart, and practical tips for parents on how to raise socially aware children. So grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired to turn your child's voice into action!A gift from our Guest: A free book to the audience member who finds this episode and comments "Mommy Mayor". Janneke House has over twenty years’ experience in politics, working for some of the top political candidates in the country at every level of government: the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate, Congress, state legislature, governor, mayor, city council, and library trustee. Janneke has also pursued political office during her career, running for city council in both Salt Lake City, UT and Cambridge, MA. Janneke has a passion for helping the communities in which she lives by serving on various non-profit boards. She was the first graduate to receive a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Utah, where she had completed her undergraduate studies in Urban Planning. Janneke was born near Sundance, Utah, where she developed her love for the mountains. She now resides in New York City.Janneke's WebsiteBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
May 22
34 min
S2EP75-Howard Freedman-Financial Aid Hacks: Howard's Secrets to Paying Less for College
Howard Freedman returns to share the latest and greatest in college financial aid—because let’s face it, navigating this stuff can feel like trying to find your way through a corn maze without a map! With his expertise and bubbly personality, Howard breaks down the nuances of financial aid, from the importance of early planning to the power of communication between parents and students. He discusses the shifts in the college landscape over the past year, highlighting how factors like the economy and changes in educational priorities are shaping our kids' paths to higher education. Plus, we get a humorous peek into some of Howard's wild ideas about financial aid—marriage as a financial strategy? You bet! But don’t worry, he also shares practical tips for families to cut costs and explore different avenues for funding their child’s education. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of college finances with a side of laughter!Howard is a college financial aid expert, speaker, and author who has spent nearly 25 years helping families avoid paying the full retail cost of college. Through his work with thousands of students and parents across the United States and Canada, he shares practical strategies that make the college planning process more affordable and less stressful. Howard is the author of Making College Happen and is known for breaking down complex financial aid concepts into clear, actionable steps families can use. Earlier in his career, he served as the ACCESS program manager for Boston Public Schools, helping students secure financial aid and scholarships. Howard holds a BS in Business Management from Northeastern University and an MBA from Suffolk University and is passionate about helping families make confident, affordable college decisions.Howard's Facebook pageHoward's WebsiteBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
May 15
44 min
S2EP74-Cynthia Klein-Get Your Family Talking: The Power of Family Meetings with Cynthia Klein!
Cynthia Klein swings by today, bringing the good vibes and wisdom on why family meetings are the secret sauce to harmony at home! 🎉 With over 30 years of experience as a certified parenting expert, she’s here to spill the beans on how these gatherings can transform our chaotic homes into peaceful havens. We dive deep into the nitty-gritty of setting up family meetings: from crafting an agenda to ensuring everyone gets a say (and fun is had!). Cynthia shares her own stories about the impact these meetings had on her family, emphasizing that it’s not just about solving problems but building connections that last a lifetime. Buckle up, because if you’ve ever thought family meetings were a drag, this episode is gonna flip that script and make you a believer!Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
May 8
37 min
S2EP73-John Kennedy-Neuroplasticity Unplugged: Rewire Your Family's Future!
John Kennedy, our guest today, is a neuroplastician and a brain coach extraordinaire, and he’s got some mind-blowing insights on how we can help our kiddos thrive, especially those who might be a little different! With over 35 years of experience in boosting performance in businesses, sports, and even the military, John’s mission is all about unleashing the brain's potential through neuroplasticity. We dive into how this amazing capability can help kids, particularly those with ADHD or autism, navigate the challenges they face. Plus, he shares some practical tips and fun activities that families can use to spark those brain connections at home. So, grab your headphones and get cozy, because we’re about to have a blast talking about brains, behaviors, and the power of repetition!Bringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
May 1
44 min
S2EP2-Roger Bequette-Financial Freedom: Roger Bequette's Guide to Smart Saving!
Diving headfirst into the world of finance with our guest Roger Bequet, who's as real as they come with a journey that's nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in St. Louis, Roger's life has been a whirlwind of experiences, from serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy to becoming a CEO and entrepreneur. He’s not just crunching numbers; he’s on a mission to transform financial literacy for families, especially veterans. We explore the common pitfalls when transitioning from military life to managing personal finances and how understanding money can be a game-changer. Roger shares his humorous yet poignant anecdotes about budgeting with sailors who had no idea how to allocate their hard-earned cash. Spoiler alert: golf isn’t free!We delve into Roger's new ebook, which breaks down financial concepts into digestible nuggets that even kids can understand. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill finance book; it’s more like a financial pep talk that arms families with the tools to take control of their financial futures. It's all about using money as a tool, not a burden. Roger emphasizes the importance of teaching children about savings and investment early on, transforming them into savvy money managers before they even hit their teens. We also discuss how financial education can alleviate some of the stress that comes with unexpected life events.By the end of our chat, you’ll be ready to tackle your budget like a pro! We wrap up with practical tips on how families can start saving, including the importance of understanding interest rates and savings accounts. Roger’s message is clear: knowledge is power, and it’s time to take charge of your finances. So grab a snack, kick back, and get ready for a fun and enlightening conversation that could change the way you think about money forever!Guest Bio: Roger Bequette is a TRUE native of St. Louis as the Bequette’s, in the Louisiana Territory, can be traced back to the 1720’s and are one of the 13 Founding Families of the city of St. Louis, MO in 1764.He graduated from Lafayette High School and after high school joined the Navy. While on active duty he earned his Associate of Science degree in Electronics from Excelsior UniversityIn 2002, Roger retired from the Navy with 22 years of active service and 8 years of Reserves. He had served on 2 shore commands and 8 ships and completed both Western Pacific and Mediterranean Cruises to include the Black Sea.After Retiring from active service, Roger developed a consulting company for weapons research, became a Real Estate Agent in Virginia and Texas, a Real Estate Investor, a serial entrepreneur developing multiple businesses and is currently the CEO and Founder of Advisors Commercial Capital LLC.Roger is involved in various charitable organizations as he raises awareness and funding for Rotary International, the Alzheimer’s Association, Veteran Organizations and other causes.Current Community Involvement: Executive Committee Chair, Rotary and Veterans, St. Louis Walk to End Alzheimer’s (24/25), Alzheimer’s and Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG), Missouri State Ambassador Alzheimer’s and Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG) Ambassador for Rotary District 6060 Past President, Rotary Club of West County (MO) (24/25) Various Veterans groupsBringing Education Home is an educational podcast brought to you by Kristina and Herb Heagh-Avritt.If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!Please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or their preferred podcast app or online at Bringing Education Home.Sponsored by Vibrant Family Education - creating Happy, Healthy and Successful kidsFollow us on these socials:FacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramFacebook Group - The Family Learning CircleFacebook Business Page: Vibrant Family EducationSupport Bringing Education HomeCopyright 2026 Kristina & Herb Heagh-AvrittThis podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Apr 24
47 min
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