#66 Kids Use Podcasting and Friendship to Thrive Online (with Homeschoolers Maddie and Ella)

Why Distance Learning?

Many adults assume that kids only tolerate online learning—that it’s isolating, transactional, and never as “real” as learning in person. But what if students themselves told a different story? What if distance learning could be creative, inspiring, and a place to make authentic friendships?

In this episode, we meet Maddie (11) and Ella (13), co-hosts of The Recess Rundown, a podcast created entirely by and for self-directed learners. What started as homeschooling and a love of writing, journaling, blogging, and gaming has grown into a vibrant collaboration fueled by Recess.gg, the online community where they found not only peers but also mentors and their closest friends. Through their podcast, they amplify the projects of other young creators, from coders and artists to bloggers and novelists—and in the process, they discover their own voice.

Maddie and Ella remind us that kids don’t just consume digital culture—they shape it. They share what they’ve learned about podcasting, what inspires them from fellow students, and how distance learning has built their confidence and community.

Listeners will learn:

• How self-directed learners find their passions through creative outlets like journaling, podcasting, and blogging.
• Why online friendships can be just as authentic—and even more motivating—than in-person ones.
• How communities like Recess.gg create a “safe bubble” that grows confidence, connection, and curiosity.
• Why peer inspiration is one of the most powerful forces in education—and how it drives new projects and ambitions.
• What it looks like when kids, not adults, set the agenda for their learning.

If you’re a parent, educator, or school leader wondering whether online learning can truly spark joy, curiosity, and belonging, this episode will challenge your assumptions—and let Maddie and Ella show you what’s possible when kids lead.

Episode Links

• The Recess Rundown Podcast – Student-created show about self-directed learning
• Recess.gg – Where young learners connect, collaborate, and create
• Interview with Recess.gg founder Ben Somers - Why Distance Learning #65: Turning Virtual Learning into a Multiplayer Experience
  
  

Host Links

• Explore virtual learning resources and programs at CILC.org with Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell
• Discover global learning experiences at Banyan Global Learning with Seth Fleischauer