Hello, Nice to meet you! Toby and Amy are a son-mother duo that lead their radio show, “The Family Show”, every Wednesday from 12-1 pm. Toby is an ambitious and determined young boy who aspires to do music and learn lots of things (particularly science). Amy, Toby’s mother and his homeschool teacher, motivates and encourages him to do the things he enjoys. The Family Show talks about a range of topics that cover wide areas of the school curriculum.
After each show, we aim to create a learning summary in which other homeschooled families or schools can review/listen to the show in their own time. Overall, we aim to target the homeschooled community looking for ways to improve their child’s education. The Family Show holds strong familial values and connection, hence the name of our show.
What inspired you to volunteer at IPL?
Amy: I met Trys back in 2013 when I worked in my nanny business. Trys was looking for families to do his photoshoot – there he invited me to do the shoot and join his radio show. However, back then, I didn’t feel like I was ready. It was only till Toby was a bit older, I accepted Trys’ offer. I thought that radio could be a good way to develop a new skill and learn more about many things, such as studying Italian, science, etc.
Toby: Being on the show has made us research and experience many fun and exciting opportunities. For example, in one radio segment, we wanted to talk about whales, so Mum and I went whale-watching as part of our research. We also wanted to invite a teenage book author, so we came to their book launch and learnt more about book launches. The Family Show has reached its first anniversary. In the beginning, I was a shy and quiet boy, but over time, I’ve gained confidence and resilience to work through things, whether easy or difficult.
I have had a lot of fun preparing and delivering content for IPL throughout the months.
Hobbies and interests outside of IPL
Toby: I enjoy playing outdoors and all things to do with music and science. I spent some time researching and developing a theory on how dreams work. I like to research the foundations of knowledge and test its different methods. My favourite scientists/inventors are Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein because of the many things they have contributed to the scientific industry. For two years, I have taught myself how to write songs (sheet music) and play the piano and the guitar.
Amy: As a family, we enjoy playing board games together and teaching them what they choose to learn. This is one of the many benefits of choosing to homeschool my kids – they have greater freedom and flexibility to do what they prefer.
Favourite music genre/topics to share live?
Toby: I enjoy playing upbeat music, varying from soft rock and pop. Some of my favourite artists include Coldplay, Nevada, Linkin Park, and Queen. In particular, Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park is by far my current favourite song.
Amy: I enjoy listening to Pink and 5 Seconds of Summer, with my favourite song being “Kryptonite by Three Doors Down
Things that keep us going
Toby: I am determined to things – when things get tough, I recognise that I can’t stay down forever but must choose to lift the bricks up to overcome the challenge.
Amy: I believe that there will always be ups and downs in life – I must be the one to ride the wave.
