The Story Behind Homeschooled: Stefan Merrill Block Opens Up

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

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!

*Connect with me* • Newsletter: https://exhsclub.beehiiv.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclub • Email me at [email protected]

*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