In today's episode, we had an enlightening conversation with a dedicated mother, teacher, and TikTok influencer who has become a vocal advocate for educational reform and personal empowerment. Our guest shared her journey of learning the importance of self-care, especially as a parent to children with special needs, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and related conditions.

She discussed her evolution on TikTok, starting with family fun videos to creating content that addresses systemic issues in education and advocating for change. Her stories from her teaching career and personal life highlight the challenges and triumphs of advocating for students' and parents' rights within the educational system.

A significant part of our discussion focused on the need for systemic change in education, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real issues beyond just funding. Our guest passionately spoke about her experiences and the insights she gained through her advocacy work, which has resonated with a large following on social media.

We also delved into the challenges faced by teachers and students in the current educational climate, including the lack of basic resources like bathroom access and nutritional food, which should be rights, not privileges. Our guest's perspective as a teacher provided a firsthand look at the pressures and bureaucratic obstacles that educators face, which often go unnoticed by the general public.

The conversation was not only informative but also deeply moving, highlighting the power of individual advocacy in bringing about change and supporting those who are often overlooked or misunderstood in our society. It was a reminder of the impact that one voice can have in making a difference in the lives of many.

Listeners will find inspiration in our guest's commitment to her family, her students, and her online community, where she continues to advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

On this week's episode of Candy Apple Advocacy, host Tabby Malliard interviews Ashlie Hurlbutt, a mother of three who homeschools and has a popular TikTok account. Ashlie shares her unexpected motherhood journey which began with fertility struggles, losing one of her newborn twins, and now parenting children with disabilities.

Despite grief and challenges, Ashlie has found creativity and joy in homeschooling her kids. She also uses her TikTok platform to provide support and advocacy around issues like child exploitation in YouTube families.

Join us as Ashlie reflects on the difficult parts of her parenting path while emphasizing the beauty, fun, and light she’s found along the way. Learn about her guiding motto of “winging it and learning as I go” and how it’s helped her become adaptable.

In this episode, the Republican chair of the Education Committee, Representative Topper, delves into the intricacies of public education funding in Pennsylvania. He highlights the critical role of state government in shaping education policy and funding, while pointing out the current challenges faced by public schools in the state. The discussion also covers the importance of student achievement, the need for flexibility and accountability in schools, and the transformative potential of extracurricular activities and charter schools. The podcast offers a unique perspective on the influence of government funding on education in Pennsylvania, aiming to inspire and empower listeners to champion their child's education.