In Episode 1, Joe McNeil and his wife Laci share an honest conversation about marriage, raising seven children, homeschooling, faith, and building resilience through life’s hardest moments.

They discuss the realities of parenting in a large family, navigating homeschooling and socialization, preparing kids for college, and how their faith sustained them during their son’s cancer diagnosis and recovery. From leadership in the home to creative outlets like sourdough baking, this episode reflects on partnership, perseverance, and the strength of family.

Episode Takeaways:

• Homeschooling can be customized to fit a family’s values and season of life
• Socialization happens naturally through sports, community, and shared experiences
• Colleges value homeschooled students for independence and discipline
• Creative pursuits can be both therapeutic and life-giving
• Walking through a child’s serious illness reshapes priorities and health awareness
• Faith and community play a vital role during adversity
• Shared values and communication are foundational to a strong marriage

► Connect with Joe
Instagram ► https://instagram.com/coachjoemcneil

Website ► https://www.coachjoemcneil.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the McNeil Family Journey
10:32 Navigating College and Beyond
12:15 SourDough and making medicine
14:22 Dealing with cancer
23:17 Chicken Pox while dealing with Cancer and Chemo
25:15 The Turning Point
28:47 Celebrating Recovery and Resilience


#marriage #parenting #homeschooling #faith #family #leadership #podcast