Shows
Brave Writer299. Would You Let a Chatbot Homeschool Your Child?Do you ever wonder what’s at stake when we hand over our children’s education to automation and AI? In this episode, we explore how the rise of influencer-driven resources and tech-powered learning tools is reshaping homeschooling—and what we risk losing when we outsource the most human parts of education.We discuss why real learning thrives on meaningful connection, hands-on experiences, and the expertise of educators and parents who care deeply about kids, not just content. As homeschooling changes, let’s remember to center our children’s education on relationships, shared adventures, and the joy of learnin...2025-08-0656 minBrave Writer298. Wise Effort with Diana HillHave you ever felt exhausted from giving your all, yet still worried you aren’t doing enough? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Diana Hill, clinical psychologist, podcast host, and author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most. Diana shares her refreshing, science-based approach to reclaiming our natural strengths and using our “genius energy” wisely, rather than trying to fix ourselves or do more. We explore how our gifts can sometimes get off track, why honoring paradox and values leads to better solutions, and how building wise habits starts with small moments...2025-07-3052 minBrave Writer297. Chronicle Your Homeschool AdventureDo you ever find yourself wondering what you’ve truly accomplished in your homeschool? Chronicling—through blogs, scatterbooks, journals, quick notes, or even voice memos—offers families a way to celebrate growth, capture memories, and gain confidence in the learning journey. In this episode, we discuss the many forms of chronicling, how it transforms our outlook from focusing on what’s missing to noticing the richness of what’s already happened, and why the tools you choose should fit your style and life. Whether it’s a scatterbook, a five-year diary, or a few lines in your phone, recording your days ca...2025-07-2339 minBrave Writer296. Bad Writing AssignmentsDo you ever wonder if the writing assignments your child receives are actually supporting their growth—or just making writing feel like a chore? In this episode, we explore why it’s not only okay but essential to judge and adapt writing assignments for your kids. We talk about how rigid or uninspiring tasks can stifle self-expression, why playful and flexible approaches unlock learning, and how you can confidently take charge of your child’s writing journey. We also share practical tips for adapting assignments and supporting your child’s natural development as a writer.Resources:Jane Aus...2025-07-161h 05Brave Writer295. Brave Writer Lifestyles of the Educationally RichDo you ever wonder how to create a homeschool life that feels rich and connected, rather than just checking off boxes? In this episode, we explore the Brave Writer Lifestyle—moving beyond rigid schedules to routines that foster connection, flexibility, and joy in daily learning. We discuss how to anchor your days with simple routines, value real-life learning, adapt to your family’s needs, and protect space for inspiration and downtime. The conversation highlights the power of memory-making moments and the freedom to design a homeschool experience that is meaningful for both parent and child.Resources:Brav...2025-07-0956 minBrave Writer294. Make Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Stick—with Books!Do you ever wonder why some learning experiences “stick” while others fade away? In this episode, we explore how grammar, punctuation, and spelling can come alive through brief, meaningful conversations and playful discovery—far from the world of endless worksheets. We discuss the power of “quick dips” in learning, the magic of using favorite books as a playground for curiosity, and the importance of connection in helping knowledge grow naturally. By making room for authentic curiosity and everyday conversations, we can nurture a love of language that lasts. Tune in for practical ideas and a refreshing perspective on making language a...2025-07-0255 minBrave Writer293. Julie Changes Her Mind About AIDo we still need human storytellers in an age where technology can generate stories and essays with a click? This episode explores why nothing can replace the warmth and connection that come from sharing stories aloud as a family. We talk about the generational bonds formed through storytelling, the irreplaceable value of reading aloud, and how these practices create both readers and resilient human beings. We also reflect on our evolving feelings about artificial intelligence—how it can be both fascinating and unsettling—and why human relationships and creative self-expression must remain at the heart of education.Reso...2025-06-2545 minBrave Writer292. Homeschool Launchpad: Legal Essentials, Curriculum Choices, and Creating a Learning SpaceStarting to homeschool can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about creating a learning environment that sparks curiosity and builds strong family relationships. In this episode, we share practical tips for understanding legal requirements, choosing and personalizing curriculum, and setting up a home environment where learning happens naturally—on couches, in backyards, and through everyday routines. We also talk about balancing technology, fostering flexibility, and letting your educational philosophy guide your choices.Ready to feel empowered in your homeschool? Listen to the full episode for all our tips, stories, and encouragement as you launch (or refresh) your home...2025-06-181h 26Brave Writer291. Big Excitement Over BooklistsThere’s something special about the way a great book can bring families together. At Brave Writer, we spend months curating our Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang book lists—not just for educational value, but for the joy and connection they foster. Our guides are crafted to turn read-alouds into vibrant conversations, gently teach language through real literature, and empower kids to see themselves as writers.This episode dives into the thought and care behind our book selection process, the flexibility of our literature guides, and the many ways families can make reading a shared adventure. Whether you’re a l...2025-06-111h 06Brave Writer290. Beyond the Classroom: Embracing the Unique Journey of HomeschoolingDo you ever wonder what makes homeschooling truly different from traditional school? In this episode, we explore the real meaning of “home” in home education. We discuss the flexibility, comfort, and connection that only learning at home can offer, and why the heart of homeschooling isn’t about rigid schedules or perfect cooperation. Instead, it’s about nurturing curiosity, making learning relevant to your child’s world, and embracing big, juicy conversations that help both parent and child grow.If you’re curious about how to make learning come alive in your home—or if you’re struggling with...2025-06-041h 02Brave Writer289. A Round Table with Katie Doughty about Julie’s New BookDo your kids say they hate writing? You're not alone—and they're probably not telling the whole story. In this episode, we’re excited to share Katie Doughty’s interview with Julie about Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing! from the Raising Kind Humans podcast. That’s right—this week we’re turning the tables! Together, Katie and Julie explore why so many children struggle with writing and what we can do to restore their natural love for self-expression. From rethinking how we approach mechanics to embracing the role of a writing coach (not a referee), we share pract...2025-05-281h 04Brave Writer288. Opening Pandora’s Box: Social Media, Publishing, and FacebookDo you ever wonder why publishing feels harder than ever—even for talented writers? In this episode, we unpack the shifting realities of the publishing world, the gatekeeping role of social media, and how authors are increasingly responsible for their own marketing, platforms, and sales.We also share a personal story about losing tens of thousands of Facebook followers overnight and how that loss spotlighted the fragile ecosystem of modern author visibility. As always, we advocate for connection over clout and remind you that real growth often happens offline—in living rooms, book clubs, and homeschooling co-ops.2025-05-2145 minBrave Writer287. Interesting Conversation with Julie and MelissaSometimes, the most meaningful conversations aren’t planned—they unfold.In this week’s episode, we drop in on an unscripted, delightful catch-up between two close friends. From Julie’s recent retreat at Miraval (complete with clay turtles and 7 a.m. birdwatching) to Melissa’s college days giving prairie nature tours, this episode traces the kinds of stories and reflections that surface when we give ourselves time to notice.We talk about how naming things builds intimacy, the role of repetition in learning (and music!), and why modeling beeswax might be the best-kept...2025-05-1448 minBrave Writer286. A Deep Dive With Sharon McMahonHow do we prepare our children to think critically in an age of overwhelming information, bias, and quick judgments? In today’s Brave Writer episode, we interview Sharon McMahon, an award-winning educator, philanthropist, and the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Small and the Mighty. In our lively discussion with Sharon, aka “America’s Government Teacher,” we explore how true critical thinking requires a tolerance for discomfort and a commitment to understanding perspectives beyond our own. Sharon reflects on lessons from history, including unsung heroes like Harriet Tubman and Anna Thomas Jeanes, and emphasizes the importance of presenting children with var...2025-05-071h 11Brave Writer285. Poetry All Year LongDo you ever wonder why poetry feels like a balm for the soul—especially when life gets hard?In this episode, we read aloud a collection of favorite poems, reflecting on how poetry helps us process emotions, connect with our children, and find beauty in everyday life. We talk about why we keep reading poems even after National Poetry Month ends, how Poetry Teatime can foster emotional resilience, and why letting poetry “just be” can deepen our appreciation of it.We also share personal stories, original poems, and ways to make poetry a natu...2025-04-3046 minBrave Writer284. Eating in Color with Jennifer AndersonFeeding kids has become a high-stakes game, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we explore responsive feeding, joyful food marketing, and how to ditch fear-based nutrition rules in favor of connection, variety, and common sense. Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat in Color helps us rethink what it means to nourish our children without the stress.Listen in to discover how food can be an invitation to connection, not control—and why it's okay to let your child skip the broccoli sometimes.Resources:See Jennifer’s work at kidsea...2025-04-231h 05Brave Writer283. Exploring the Relationship between Kids and TechDo you feel overwhelmed navigating screens, gaming, and tech in your home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore how to shift from blame to curiosity when it comes to your child’s digital life. Ash Brandin, a middle school teacher and the voice behind The Gamer Educator, joins us to talk about the real reasons kids love screens—and how we can use those insights to build stronger connections and more balanced relationships with technology.We discuss the root causes behind tech reliance, how to help kids develop digital literacy, and why empathy and struct...2025-04-161h 03Brave Writer282. Help! What if you hate teaching writing?Do your kids hate writing? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore why so many children (and adults) feel blocked when it comes to writing—and why it's more important than ever to teach kids to write from scratch, even in an age of AI. We look at the emotional power of writing, the damage done by performance-based instruction, and how we can shift our approach to help kids see themselves as thinkers and communicators.Listen to hear an excerpt from Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing, and learn how to turn struggling stud...2025-04-0933 minBrave Writer281. Deep Meaning = Depth LearningDo you ever wonder why some lessons stick and others fade away? In this episode, we explore the concept of deep meaning—the essential ingredient behind lasting, joyful learning. When kids connect personally with what they're learning, they move beyond memorization into true expertise. We unpack the difference between mastery and meaning, share real-life examples from homeschooling life (yes, video games and comic books count!), and offer practical questions you can ask to build more meaningful learning moments at home.Listen now to discover how to help your kids not just think, but care about what they're le...2025-04-0256 minBrave Writer280. Why We’re FIRED UP About Shannon WattsThis week, we're re-airing our fantastic conversation with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, where we discuss her inspiring new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Tune in for a powerful discussion on activism, passion, and the power of stepping into your purpose!Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million-member organization she describes as “maybe the world's largest real-life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how th...2025-03-2658 minBrave Writer279. Finally: Not Boring History with Emily GlanklerDo you remember history class as a list of dates and names to memorize? What if we told you there’s a better way to approach it—one that sparks curiosity and connection?In this episode, we chat with historian and educator Emily Glankler about how to make history come alive for both kids and adults. We explore how history is more than just facts—it’s a story that helps us understand the world. Emily shares tips on critical thinking, thematic learning, and why questioning the past is essential to making sense of the present.Join u...2025-03-191h 05Brave Writer278. Comics Make You Smart!Many parents think comics and graphic novels are just a fun diversion, but they are actually a powerful tool for learning. In this episode, we explore how comics build literacy skills, introduce advanced vocabulary, and foster a love of reading. We also discuss how graphic novels bring history and literature to life while encouraging kids to create their own stories.If you’ve ever doubted that comics are “real reading,” this episode will change your mind. Tune in now to discover why graphic novels belong in your child’s learning journey!Resources:Check...2025-03-1256 minBrave Writer277. Soul School with Amber O'Neal JohnstonHow much do you love a great book list? The kind that introduces you to stories you never knew you needed? That’s exactly what Amber O’Neal Johnston has created in her latest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.In today’s episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity and why it’s essential for all children—not just Black children—to engage with stories from diverse perspectives. Amber shares how Soul School isn’t just a book list, but a guide to curating a...2025-03-0559 minBrave Writer276. Freedom from Shame with Parenting Coach Crystal HaitsmaHow does shame shape the way we parent?In this episode, we sit down with life coach and homeschooling parent Crystal Haitsma to explore how shame influences our parenting—often without our realizing it. Crystal shares her insights on the difference between guilt and shame, and how we can shift from frustration to curiosity in our relationships with our kids. We also discuss how prioritizing self-compassion can transform both homeschooling and daily life, helping us build stronger connections with our children.If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or like you’re “not enough” as a parent...2025-02-2657 minBrave Writer275. The Delights of Deep ReadingOnce upon a time, getting lost in a book was second nature. But in today's fast-paced, screen-filled world, deep reading has become a struggle—not just for kids, but for adults too. In this episode, we explore why long-form reading matters, how digital consumption affects our focus, and practical ways to rebuild the habit of immersive reading.From creating family reading rituals to understanding how books shape our worldview, we unpack strategies to help kids and parents alike reconnect with the joy of sustained reading. Tune in and let’s turn the page together!Resources:Ch...2025-02-191h 04Brave Writer274. The Value of One-on-One TimeHomeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when managing multiple children. One of the most powerful ways to revitalize learning and relationships is through one-on-one time. In this episode, we explore how small, intentional moments with each child can strengthen connection, build trust, and even make academics more enjoyable.From playing games to taking a walk, we discuss simple ways to incorporate this practice—without feeling like it’s just another thing to schedule. If your homeschool routine is feeling stagnant, this episode might be the refresh you need.Tune in now to hear how one-on-one time can...2025-02-1246 minBrave Writer273. Announcing Julie's New BookWriting is often framed as an external obligation in schools, but we believe it’s much more than that. Writing is an act of self-expression—a way to explore ideas, emotions, and creativity. In this episode, we discuss how parents can help children reclaim the joy of writing, emphasizing its value as a personal journey rather than just a task to complete. We also touch on the role of AI, the importance of fostering self-expression, and how writing connects us to the world and each other.Listen to the full episode for insights on how to nurture conf...2025-02-0542 minBrave Writer270. Celebrating Karen O’ConnorOn New Year's Day, Julie's beloved mother, Karen O'Connor, passed away at the age of 86. Karen was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, warmth, and wisdom. As a prolific author of 70 books and a gifted writing teacher, Karen's legacy is one of inspiration and creativity. She was deeply cherished by her three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.In this special episode, we honor Karen's life and contributions by sharing an interview recorded in 2018, when Karen was one of Brave Writer's most beloved writing coaches. Through this conversation, we celebrate her...2025-01-1546 minBrave Writer269. 25th Anniversary Celebration, Part 2!Welcome back for the second half of our walk down Brave Writer memory lane!Julie regales us with never-told-before stories about the ups and downs of the Brave Writer business. She tells us about the one and only time she took out a loan for Brave Writer. We also hear about a stressful lawsuit that ended up with a scammer getting arrested!Most of all, we hear story after story about how the love of writing, and the commitment to developing kids’ self-expression, has rippled out across thousands of lives.Resources:Start a fr...2025-01-081h 07Brave Writer268. Brave Writer's 25th Anniversary (Part 1)It started with editing church materials and swapping advice on 1990s internet message boards. Today, Brave Writer has served thousands of families, helping them transform their relationship to writing and each other. In this episode, we walk you through the history of Brave Writer.Take a listen as Julie explains why she started the business and how she grew it. Her story is unique, but similar to many homeschool moms’– discovering knowledge and skills that you didn’t even know you had.The conversation is full of so many good stories, we decided to do a...2025-01-0157 minBrave Writer266. Julie's Back!Julie’s back!You may have noticed that Melissa’s been hosting the podcast solo recently. Today we learn why Julie has been absent and what she’s learned while she’s been away.We talk about Julie’s experience with her mother’s illness, leading Julie to reflect on how her mother created a homeschooling culture for her kids even though they were enrolled in traditional school.We also review how the Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference went and discuss our favorite parts.Join us as we celebrate Julie’s return!...2024-12-1141 minBrave Writer262. How to Think About the Election in the U.S.This episode is being published the day after the U.S. presidential election. Tension, stress, and fears are running high. No matter which candidate wins, nearly half the voting population will be very upset. How do we navigate our relationships during this time? How do we move through the world in a thoughtful way? That’s the basis of our conversation today.We focus on the role of consensus in maintaining rights. While aggressive action might be needed to achieve rights–like the Civil War and Suffragettes protests– we argue that consensus is what’s needed to maintain...2024-11-061h 01Brave Writer261. How to Care for a Caregiving FriendChances are someone you know will have a sick child hospitalized at some point. In this episode, Melissa explains how you can best support that parent and caregiver. Melissa herself has had two of her kiddos hospitalized so her suggestions come from lived experiences.First, Melissa discusses the practical physical items you can bring to a caregiver in the hospital: toiletries, quality food, and a kettle or wand for warm drinks. She also describes some digital gifts that you can send. Then she describes what little acts of service you can do: doing the laundry, lending an...2024-10-3042 minBrave Writer259. The Power of PracticeWe tend to have a pretty clear idea of what practice looks like for musicians and athletes. But what does practice look like for writers? In today’s episode, Julie and Melissa discuss what writing practice can look like for writers of all ages and developmental stages.Julie and Melissa describe their own daily writing practices and those of well-known authors. Then they dive into how you can facilitate your child’s practice. They anchor their discussion with the new Brave Writer product “Practice Pages.”With references to Flannery O’Connor, judgy teenagers, and gleefully vindictive...2024-10-1650 minBrave Writer256. Welcome Back Julie! Plus Lessons from SpainThe sound of Moroccan Arabic, the smell of dried buffalo chips, the taste of sugary mint tea, the view of an open prairie–in today’s episode Julie and Melissa reflect on immersive learning experiences and how education becomes a part of a person for the rest of their life.Julie is back from her trip to Europe, having spent a significant amount of her time in Spain. Always the homeschooler, she describes events on her journey that illuminated the true meaning of learning and teaching. She and Melissa discuss the joy that comes from being a life...2024-09-2526 minBrave Writer254. Book Parties“Structure” might be one of the most anxiety-provoking words for a homeschooling parent. If you feel like you’re always struggling to achieve structure in your household or if you don’t even know what level of structure is best for your kids, this episode is for you. This episode is a previously recorded webinar about parties. Yes, structure and parties are one and the same in the Brave Writer world.Julie explains parties are, in fact, highly structured events. They have indicators of beginning, middle, and end stages. They have the clear purposes of reducing stress, increasi...2024-09-1154 minBrave Writer253. Literary Analysis & Writer's CraftLiterary analysis shouldn’t be a cold dissection that increases the distance between the reader and the text, but rather a way for the reader to more deeply engage with the text. In today’s episode, Julie lays out Brave Writer’s approach to teaching literary analysis and writer’s craft to your kids. This is a rebroadcast of a training webinar.Literary analysis and noticing a writer’s craft can start before your child even learns how to read, Julie explains. Daily read-aloud time, with pauses to notice feelings about the text and guess what comes next, buil...2024-09-041h 00Brave Writer252. The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and SpellingWelcome to Julie’s webinar, “The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling.” Since Julie is taking a short break from the podcast to focus on her newest book, we’re replacing our typical podcast with a broadcast of this webinar.Throughout the webinar, Julie weaves a metaphor for grammar, punctuation, and spelling: Grammar is the rules of the word-party, punctuation is the decorator and bouncer, and spelling is the personal stylist.Most importantly, Julie reminds anxious parents that, at the end of the day, what children really need to learn is how grammar, punctuation, and spel...2024-08-281h 01Brave Writer250. Reading Aloud: Why Teach Writing Mechanics with Living Literature?What’s living literature? What does it have to do with teaching your kids grammar and spelling? Today’s episode is a recording of Julie’s webinar where she explains the heart of Brave Writer’s approach to teaching writing.Julie explains how immersion in rich, powerful literature is the best way to teach your child writing mechanics. She outlines the Brave Writer process in six steps: Parent reads aloud; student reads to themselves; student keenly observes what they read and asks investigative questions; student tests what they know through copywork and dictation; student corrects their own work; an...2024-08-1458 minBrave Writer247. 2024 Summer Games Fever with Julie BogartIf you aren’t already excited about the Summer Olympics, the episode is going to get you there. Julie’s passion for The Games is contagious. She shares some of her favorite Olympic memories as well as how she integrated the events into her kids’ learning.Geography, physics, pageantry, dedication, loss–the Olympics and Paralympics have it all. Throw in some globes, homemade medals, and poetry, and for almost three weeks your home will be a hub of multi-disciplinary fandom.Go to the Brave Writer website and download the free Summer Games Guide: bravewriter.com/landing...2024-07-2449 minBrave Writer242. Beginning Writers: Natural Stages of Growth in Writing #1We’re re-recording our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! If you’re a longtime listener, you may remember our first series on the topic. It was made up of conversations between Julie and her son. Now we’re recording in an updated format with more lessons learned and observations gleaned over the years.In this episode, we cover the Beginning Writers stage, also known as the “Jot It Down” stage. This stage actually starts when your baby says their first word and you reflexively write it down. As they grow older and break out into passionate...2024-06-1939 minBrave Writer241. The Parenting Map with Dr. ShefaliParenting is not just about managing behaviors but about building meaningful relationships that help both parents and children grow. Dr. Shefali, New York Times bestselling author of The Conscious Parent and The Parenting Map, proposes an approach that prioritizes connection, embraces playfulness, and redefines success.In this episode, Dr. Shefali discusses the essence of conscious parenting, focusing on the parent's mental biases and belief systems rather than the child's actions. We explore the importance of maintaining a playful approach in parenting and education, redefining success based on individual growth, and navigating challenges with empathy. Dr. Shefali's insights...2024-06-1236 minBrave Writer240. Struggling With Math? An Interview With Pat Murray of CTC MathThere are two major pain points in homeschooling: writing and math. Our guest today helps us with the math part. Pat Murray is the founder of CTC Math, which should sound very familiar to listeners as CTC has been an incredible sponsor for many of our episodes.Pat tells us about the all-too-common trajectory of students: They’re fine with math when they’re very young, then they don’t quite master one skill, then other skills are built on top of that missing skill, then things start to fall apart and students’ entire confidence in “being good at ma...2024-06-0539 minBrave Writer239. Tools to Buy Instead of CurriculumWhen parents map out the annual homeschooling budget, there’s a tendency to only focus on curriculum. In this episode, we encourage you to prioritize tools that really bring learning to life. Plus, we give you tips on how to get them on the cheap.We dive into specific suggestion after specific suggestion, mainly grouped into six buckets: Writing utensils, art and handicraft supplies, baking ingredients and tools, science kits, games and puzzles, magazines and field guides.We also give examples of experiential, rather than physical, tools that are great for homeschool families. We’re big...2024-05-2956 minBrave Writer238. Thinking Differently About Learning with Maren and AngelaToday, we reunite with fellow podcasters and homeschool moms, Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer. We dive into their new book, Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive.It can be all too easy for homeschooling families to unintentionally replicate the negative aspects of traditional schooling that they were trying to avoid: Cookie cutter approaches, stress, burnout, etc. Think Differently About Learning gives a roadmap for a more joyful approach.We talk about building an appetite for learning by honoring learning differences, rest, and small wins. Plus, we discuss relying on relationships...2024-05-2248 minBrave Writer237. 2024-25 Book Reveal Talk! With Dawn SmithIt’s almost time for our annual book list release! Every year we curate a new list of books to be part of our Dart (ages 8-10 ), Arrow (10-12), and Boomerang (12-14) programs. Dawn Smith spearheads this undertaking and she joins us today to describe how she picks which books to be on the list.The reason the book release is so highly anticipated is because Dawn chooses books that she knows are going to elicit kids’ buy-in, lead to big, juicy family conversations, and give kids tools to tell their own stories.Dawn and Meli...2024-05-1559 minBrave Writer237. 2024-25 Book Reveal Talk! With Dawn SmithIt’s almost time for our annual book list release! Every year we curate a new list of books to be part of our Dart (ages 8-10 ), Arrow (10-12), and Boomerang (12-14) programs. Dawn Smith spearheads this undertaking and she joins us today to describe how she picks which books to be on the list.The reason the book release is so highly anticipated is because Dawn chooses books that she knows are going to elicit kids’ buy-in, lead to big, juicy family conversations, and give kids tools to tell their own stories.Dawn and Meli...2024-05-1547 minBrave Writer236. Happy Book Birthday: Becoming a Critical Thinker by Julie Bogart!Hooray! Today’s the publication day of my (Julie’s) new workbook, “Becoming a Critical Thinker.” If you’re a longtime listener of this podcast, you know that I’m pretty strict about workbooks. They should lead a child to mastery, to embodiment, to knowing the content for themselves. That’s the approach I took to creating this workbook. I’ve reduced each of the activities to one key point. I've written just enough text for students to get that idea and then to practice it in the activity.I designed this workbook to help students g...2024-05-0716 minBrave Writer235. Why Moms Make the Best Advocates: Shannon WattsShannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million member organization she describes as “maybe the world's largest real life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how they come alive and can achieve things they never imagined possible.” We are thrilled to have her on the show today to talk about her upcoming book, “Fight Like a Mother.”We talk about how both misogyny and motherhood shape women’s journey to, and through, advocacy. We discuss how to withstand blowback and the di...2024-05-0158 minBrave Writer233. Endgame Tips to Finish the Year StrongSpringtime often pulls homeschoolers in what can feel like two different directions. The first is the concern of what needs to be done before the end of the school year. The second is wanting to play outside. Today we cover how to unite the two.We give ideas of how to incorporate formal education with being outside: Measuring the circumference of a tree, practicing spelling while tossing a lacrosse ball, figuring out change at the ice cream store, and more.But we also cover how spring is a rich time to develop wonder and observational...2024-04-1748 min
Brave WriterEndgame Tips to Finish the Year StrongSpringtime often pulls homeschoolers in what can feel like two different directions. The first is the concern of what needs to be done before the end of the school year. The second is wanting to play outside. Today we cover how to unite the two.We give ideas of how to incorporate formal education with being outside: Measuring the circumference of a tree, practicing spelling while tossing a lacrosse ball, figuring out change at the ice cream store, and more.But we also cover how spring is a rich time to develop wonder and observational...2024-04-1746 minBrave Writer232. A Deep Dive into AI with Dr. Kelly CohenWhen a lot of people hear “Artificial Intelligence,” they think RoboCop or the Terminator, but Dr. Kelly Cohen thinks about life-saving medical processes. Dr. Kelly Cohen’s startup, Genexia, uses AI to identify coronary artery disease using mammograms. Today he joins us to talk about his AI optimism and vision for the future. Join us as we talk about AI risks, ethics, and regulations. Resources:Follow Dr. Cohen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MostAeroKellyWatch Dr. Cohen’s ABC interview: https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/finding-solutions/cincinnati-based-company-using-ai-to-diagnose-coronary-artery-disease-risk-during-a-mammogramWatch Kenny Sloan’s “What is Responsible AI?” video: https://www.youtube.com...2024-04-101h 14Brave Writer231. Artistic Homeschooling with Hana of Pepper and PineHana’s Instagram account, Pepper and Pine, is one of the most beautiful accounts on the internet: colorful, full of books and art. Her homeschooling approach is much the same. Using the Waldorf philosophy, she blends creativity and curiosity into her lessons, keeping them targeted to specific developmental stages.Today, we have a rich conversation with Hana about the dynamic of learning and growing as a parent while teaching your child at the same time. We talk about the anxiety about gaps in your kids’ education, how to find time to plan lessons, and the joy of seei...2024-04-0351 minBrave Writer230. An Invitation to Poetry TeatimeToday’s episode is a Poetry Teatime: You drink tea, people pick poems to read aloud, you listen and enjoy them while you're eating a delicious snack. Of course, since this is Brave Writer, we take time between the poems to talk about our love for poetry and how we use it to teach children about language: similes, imagery, space, expression, connection, and more.So join us in Julie’s family tradition, which started way back when her kids brought their stuffed animals to the table and believed store-bought cookies were a special treat. Enjoy!...2024-03-2754 minBrave Writer229. Brave Writer Student to Professional Author: Millie FlorenceAt age 20, Brave Writer alum Millie Florence has already published three books. She joins the show today to talk about her writing process, her publishing experience, and what she learned in her Brave Writer classes. Plus, we geek out about Minecraft Story Mode and our favorite middle grade novels. Resources:Buy Millie’s books or schedule a presentation: MillieFlorence.comListen to our first interview with Millie in 2017: Don’t be a Perfectionist & Other Advice for Young Writers with Millie Florence.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podca...2024-03-2052 minBrave Writer228. Self-Compassion with Dr. Diana HillWe often practice compassion for others but hesitate when it comes to compassion for ourselves. Friend of the podcast Dr. Diana Hill joins us today to talk about her newest book, “The Self-Compassion Daily Journal,” and give us some practical tips for practicing self-compassion. We talk about the science of stress in the body, being a connected part of nature, wearing jeans that fit, and much more. This conversation is packed with nuggets of wisdom and insight.Resources:Learn more on Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/Check out Diane’s books: https://drdianahill.com/books/Sign up...2024-03-1353 minBrave Writer227. The Learning Game with Ana Lorena FábregaThere’s a big difference between “the game of school” and “the learning game.” Ana Lorena Fábrega picked this up as a kid when she went to 10 different schools by the time she was 15. She learned it again as an educator herself. Today Ana joins us to discuss her book, “The Learning Game.” We talk about memorization vs. applied learning, “pointsification” vs gamification, testing culture vs. curiosity, and the importance of embracing confusion. Resources:Read Ana’s book: The Learning Game Follow Ana on Instagram: @MsFab_LearningLabCheck out Ana’s website: afabrega.com/Sign up for our Text Message Pod...2024-03-061h 08Brave Writer226. The Internet and Parenthood with Jill Smokler of She's Got IssuesThe internet has been a great tool for creating community. It has given us ways to connect, commiserate, and even start entrepreneurial adventures. In the 90s, we were just figuring out blogs and message boards. Now, there is TikTok, Instagram, and going viral. Founder of Scary Mommy and She’s Got Issues, Jill Smokler joins us to talk about how being a parent on the internet has changed, and stayed the same, over the years. We talk about our experiences with figuring out what stories to share about our kids, and which to keep private. We also talk about be...2024-02-2842 minBrave Writer225. Homeschooling with Babies & Toddlers in TowToday’s episode is about how to homeschool while you have a baby or toddler in tow. As Julie puts it, “The crux of the issue is, how do I teach math to a second grader when I have a terrorist baby?” First, Julie and Melissa talk about daily routines, like finding pockets of time to teach your older kids while your toddler is napping or when you are all taking a family walk. Then they give specific activities that can keep toddlers occupied. They wrap up by covering a few strategies to involve friends and family, including co-ops, babysi...2024-02-211h 00Brave Writer224. A School Principal Chooses Homeschooling: An Interview with Mandy DavisIn the realm of homeschooling, the journey from traditional educational frameworks to embracing a homeschooling lifestyle is both inspiring and transformative. This transition, often sparked by a desire for a more personalized and engaging learning experience, is richly illustrated by the story of Mandy Davis, a former traditional education professional who embarked on a homeschooling journey with her family. Through her experience, we uncover the profound benefits of child-led learning, the integration of real-world experiences, and the importance of community support.Resources:Mandy's website: https://www.homebuilteducation.com/Her Instagram: @homebuilteducationHer Book: A Matter of Principal...2024-02-1448 minBrave Writer223. Lessons from Leaving a Cult with Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames (The Vow)In our latest podcast episode, we took a closer look at the tough topic of leaving cults and the importance of thinking for ourselves. We had a deep chat with Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames, who shared their brave story of getting out of the NXIVM cult. This episode isn't just about their story; it's about how we all can learn to think more critically and stand up for our own beliefs.Resources:Sarah's book, Scarred: sarahedmondson.com/bookA Little Bit Culty Podcast: alittlebitculty.comSarah's website: sarahedmondson.comWatch Sarah’s TEDx Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=9K...2024-02-071h 16Brave Writer222. Becoming a Critical Thinker with Julie BogartDo you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available to us today? In our podcast, we delve into the critical need for fostering critical thinking skills in our children to navigate this complex landscape.Resources:Preorder: Becoming a Critical Thinker Workbook by Julie BogartStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Curious about Brave Writer but not quite sure what it’s all about? Join our free 7-Day Writing Blitz to transform your writing program in just one week!S...2024-01-3133 minBrave Writer221. Rethinking your beliefs with Josh HarrisAs lifelong learners and educators in the homeschooling community, we understand that the journey of teaching and guiding our children is ever-evolving. Our recent podcast guest, Joshua Harris, shared his personal journey of growth and transformation, which resonates deeply with many of us who navigate the complex waters of education and parenting.Resources:Joshua Harris's website: joshharris.com and clearandloud.comFollow Joshua on Instagram: @harrisjoshPreorder: Becoming a Critical Thinker Workbook by Julie BogartStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Curious abou...2024-01-2455 minBrave Writer220. Becoming a professional writer with Melissa Wiley (invite your kids to listen)!Every writer's journey begins with the spark of inspiration, often ignited during childhood. Favorite books and characters not only entertain but also open the door to the enchanting world of storytelling. For many, including our co-host Melissa Wiley, this early love of reading sows the seeds for a future in writing.As a published author, Melissa Wiley exemplifies the journey from an avid reader to a professional writer. Her experiences highlight the transition from fan to creator, showing aspiring writers that their dreams of authorship are attainable.Resources:Melissa’s website is melissawiley.comHer bo...2024-01-171h 05Brave Writer219. The 4th R: RelationshipToday’s episode is about what I call “The 4th R.” Most of us are familiar with the three R’s: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. But in order for those subjects to click with your kids, you need a 4th R: Relationship.Everything in your home and homeschool flows from how well you connect with your kids. This episode is meant to turbocharge for putting the relationship you have with your children at the center of your homeschool.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab an...2024-01-101h 08Brave Writer218. Reupping Your Homeschool CommitmentThe new year brings a perfect opportunity to refresh and re-energize our homeschooling practices. It's not just about sticking to what has worked in the past; it's about bringing in new ideas and approaches. We encourage parents to experiment with different educational styles and activities. From introducing treasure hunts to varying learning methods with workbooks or games, these changes can rejuvenate your homeschooling experience and spark new interest in your children.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Curious abou...2024-01-031h 00Brave Writer217. Raising Kind Humans with Katie DoughtyIn the journey of nurturing the next generation, the importance of instilling kindness and empathy in children cannot be overstated. The concept of teaching kindness extends far beyond mere politeness; it's about shaping compassionate, empathetic individuals who can positively impact their communities. Katie Doughty, a passionate advocate for childhood empathy and the founder of Team Kind Humans, has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of this mission along with her podcast, Raising Kind Humans.Resources:Listen to Katie's podcast, Raising Kind HumansWebsite: teamkindhumans.comInstagram: @katie_doughtyThreads: @katie_doughtyStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try...2023-12-2747 minBrave Writer216. Putting your kids in schoolWe have always been passionate advocates for flexible and child-centered education. With our combined experience in homeschooling and traditional schooling, we've come to appreciate the unique journey each child embarks upon in their quest for knowledge and growth. While this is obviously a homeschooling podcast, we wanted to dive into some of the reasons you might choose to put your kids into the traditional school system.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Want a break from all the scho...2023-12-201h 02Brave Writer215. Planned SpontaneityIn our journey of homeschooling, we've discovered that education is not just about textbooks and structured lessons; it's about nurturing a child's curiosity, creativity, and joy in learning. We believe in blending structured education with elements of surprise and spontaneity, making learning an adventure rather than a chore.Resources:Geocaching: geocaching.comBingo Card: bravewriter.com/blh-calendar-template-bingo-cardJulie's Books: bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/books-by-julie-bogartStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Want a break from all the school planning you did this Fall? Sign...2023-12-131h 00Brave Writer214. Asian-American History with Resilient PandaIn the realm of educational resources, Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu, the founders of Resilient Panda History, aim to fill a neglected niche in the homeschooling world. With a deep commitment to educating young minds about the rich tapestry of Asian American history, Essie and Hsin-Fu, both homeschooling parents, have pioneered a path for inclusive learning. Their innovative approach to education, embodied in their Streams: Chinese American History for Kids guide, stems from a personal journey rooted in passion and a profound understanding of the importance of cultural representation.Resources:Learn more about resilientpandahistory.comFollow Resilient Panda...2023-12-0641 minBrave Writer213. How to Talk to Homeschool-Resistant FamilyAs seasoned homeschoolers and advocates for this unique educational journey, we have experienced firsthand the challenges and joys that come with choosing this path. Our venture into homeschooling wasn't straightforward; it involved navigating skepticism from our spouses and families, balancing our convictions with compassion and understanding.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Want help getting star...2023-11-2958 minBrave Writer212. Hygge Homeschool for the HolidaysAs the leaves turn and the days shorten, there's a distinct shift in the air – it's the cozy season, a time for warmth, reflection, and connection. This season, we're embracing the Danish concept of 'hygge' (pronounced 'hoo-ga') in our homeschooling journey. Hygge is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It's the warmth of morning light streaming through the window, the comfort of a hot cup of cocoa, the joy of a shared story.Today we’re delving into how hygge can transform the homeschooling experience. As the seas...2023-11-2256 minBrave Writer206. Put Your Kids in the Driver's Seat!Have you ever stopped to marvel at the unique skills and knowledge your children possess? Sometimes, they have these fascinating insights about their favorite TV show or a little trick they’ve learned to make the perfect dessert. It’s got me thinking—our children can be our teachers too!Put your kids in the driver’s seat and watch learning flourish!Today, we're going to dive deep into the idea of letting our children become our educators and the beautiful transformations this role reversal can bring about for both sides.Resources:Start a...2023-10-1144 minBrave Writer199. The Value of Effort in LearningIn today’s homeschooling environment, misconceptions about learning often cloud our judgments. Key among these misconceptions – one I may be guilty of contributing to – is the belief that struggle is counterproductive to learning. However, it's essential to understand that effort can contribute to an effective recall process. Drawing a line between unnecessary suffering and purposeful effort becomes crucial. Effort, in this context, embodies commitment, focused attention, and stamina, all of which are foundational for effective learning—what we call “retention.” As Julie and Melissa navigate this topic, they will introduce methods of learning that might seem challenging initially but promise rich...2023-08-231h 09Brave Writer198. What to Do About Unmotivated LearnersThere are days when you feel invincible, ready to conquer the world, and there are other days where getting out of bed feels like a herculean task. I confess, on those less-than-stellar days, I resort to watching bad sitcom reruns, while Melissa disappears into an endless loop of Instagram Reels. Sound familiar? Today, let's dive deep into the realm of motivation, unpack its moral significance, and explore how it meshes with our values and dreams, especially when it comes to our kids.Resources:Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s...2023-08-1651 minBrave Writer190. All About WritingWhile the field of reading science is buzzing today with various theories, philosophies, and approaches, Brave Writer's method stands out. Let's be clear, Brave Writer is not a reading program. We don't teach phonics or whole language. We aren't focused on reading instruction, but we do recognize that the ability to write effectively relies heavily on proficient reading skills.This conversation goes beyond conventional methodologies. Figures like Thomas Jefferson learned to read without phonics, and so can your kids. We explore the essence of our Brave Writer programs. Joining us is Melissa, our co-host and Dawn Smith...2023-06-211h 14Brave Writer180. Habits and HomeschoolingIn our last discussion, we explored what it takes to feel good about home education and parenting, and we were left with a tantalizing idea: the key lies in habit formation. Eager to learn more, we sent Melissa on a research mission to understand the ins and outs of habit building, both from personal experiences and contemporary habit science. In this episode, we will delve into our own experiences with habit building, explore Charlotte Mason's influence on homeschooling, and examine the latest behavioral science research on how our brains form habits. So, let's get started and discover how we...2023-04-121h 06Brave Writer177. Bingo! Planned Spontaneity in HomeschoolingDo you wish you were more spontaneous? Or do you think you should “stick to a schedule”? I share an experience I had learning the hard way that planning work best when our kids are included in the process, as well as a novel solution for bridging the gap between planning and spontaneity.You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Sign up for my Tea with Julie newsletters at bravewriter.com/tea.Tea with Julie: Scheduling & Spontaneity: Finding the BalanceSign up for our Text Message Pod...2023-03-2212 minBrave Writer174. Millennials and Gen X CAN homeschool!Looking into our analytics, we discovered a surprising fact: Most of our listeners are Millennials or Gen X! In today's episode, Melissa and I will be exploring the unique challenges faced by young Gen-Xers and Millennials who choose to homeschool. We've been looking into generation theory to better understand the characteristics and demands that may be affecting this group of homeschoolers. Our goal is to support and advocate for you, as we think you're awesome and brave for taking on homeschooling. We'll also highlight some positive skills you already possess that will be helpful on your journey. It's important...2023-03-0151 minBrave Writer173. Use Your Bodies to LearnMelissa and I just discovered an interesting coincidence about us: We both grew up as theater kids! Although we didn't pursue theater professionally, we bonded over our kinesthetic approach to home education. Our products, such as the Quill, Dart, Arrow, Boomerang, and Slingshot (affectionately abbreviated to Q-DABS), are designed to incorporate movement into learning. For example, when writing the Dart program, Melissa focused on creating activities that allow children to embody the concepts they're learning. As parents ourselves, we always consider how to keep kids active and engaged while teaching. Research shows that when children use their bodies to...2023-02-221h 13Brave Writer171. Writing in the age of ChatGPTToday Melissa and Julie nerd out about writing. We're passionate about writing. We're professional writers! Ergo: we LOVE it! The unique aspect of Brave Writer is that our approach to teaching writing is different from what's typically taught in education or seen in other writing resources. It’s a process that is reflective of the stages a writer goes through when writing and publishing a novel. And when we were designing that program, we felt that the missing element in writing education was love. We discuss the history of the written word that led us to this conclusion, as we...2023-02-0855 minBrave Writer169. Introducing Co-Host Melissa WileyI can’t wait for you to listen to today’s episode!Today's show marks a new beginning in the Brave Writer podcast. I’m introducing a co-host to the show: Meet Melissa Wiley, a long-time homeschooler, children's book writer, and valued friend and colleague. Melissa has written two highly-regarded novels which we share in the Brave Writer world, "The Prairie Thief" and "The Nerviest Girl in the World," and also works for Brave Writer, writing our Quills (writing program for 5-7) and Darts (writing program for 8-10) and teaching many of our online classes. Today’s show hig...2023-02-011h 03Brave Writer164. (S8E48) Tea with Julie: Finding a Homeschool Philosophy that Works for YouThe speaker is a Christian and this show features her book that teaches families how to celebrate the liturgical calendar.In our attempts to find a philosophy of education that works for our families, we can feel batted around by the strong gusts of the latest curricula, the current trends in home education, the program that solved whatever schooling bugaboo over which we agonized. And whenever we seek out advice, it always comes with a mixture of inspiration and guilt. I’m going to share some strategies on how to integrate all of your aspirations without feeling ov...2023-01-0407 minBrave Writer157. (S8E41) Tea with Julie: The Trap of Valuing Prestige SubjectsMost parents love the idea of allowing their children to be independent, follow their own passions and interests, and be enriched by them. But not all of those interests are equal — at least in our eyes. What happens when our kids’ interests take them in directions that, to us, don’t seem valuable? How do we direct them toward learning without shutting down their hobbies and interests? Let’s discuss!You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Sign up for Text Message Pod Ring: 1 (833) 947-3684 and text...2022-11-2312 minBrave Writer156. (S8E40) Tea with Julie: When Your Child is Mad at YouIf your year is starting—and it's not going well yet, keep reading. Do you have a nagging sense that you and your child are not on the same page or that your child seems to be struggling and you don't know what to do about it? If so, stay tuned! I’m going to share some practical tips for reestablishing connection with your child, earning their trust, and turning this year around.You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Sign up for Text Message Pod...2022-11-1610 minBrave Writer149. (S8E33) Avoid the MeltdownIt feels like a natural part of teaching to look at our child’s work and note where it could be improved. Yet oftentimes, giving suggestions can often leave young writers feeling judged, inadequate, or underappreciated. It’s possible to offer your young writer editorial feedback without triggering a meltdown. I’ll share some tips you can use to give your kids helpful feedback that will help retain their confidence and independence.You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Growing Brave Writers: store.bravewriter.com/produc...2022-10-0512 minBrave Writer109. (S7E1) Practicing Psychological Flexibility and ACT with Dr. Diana HillThe podcast has been dark for a few months… and for a good reason! Julie just wrapped up writing her newest book (out February 2022). Now that it’s in the hands of publishers, she’s ready to get back to the business of podcasting. The theme for this season comes from the topic of the book: Critical thinking. Let’s peel back the layers and get a closer look at what it means to be a critical thinker.Dr. Diana Hill is a psychologist and podcaster with Off The Clock Psychologists. At the beginning of the pandemic, when so...2021-05-051h 08Brave Writer90. (S6E3) How Do You Balance Being a Parent & a Teacher?Our goal with this season is to focus on your questions, both the questions you’ve been asking Julie throughout this podcasting journey and the questions you haven’t asked yet. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook groups — wherever you have the opportunity to reach out, please send a message to Julie about what you’d like to learn during season six of Brave Writer.Today’s question: How do you balance your roles as a parent and a teacher?You can download show notes for the podcast here: http://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Get Start...2020-02-0533 minBrave Writer89. (S6E2) Love + Collaboration in LearningWelcome back, Brave friends! We want to start this season with a big thank you to all of you for helping us achieve an incredible milestone: over one million downloads of the show! We couldn’t be more proud or more grateful.Our goal with this season is to focus on your questions, both the questions you’ve been asking Julie throughout this podcasting journey and the questions you haven’t asked yet. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook groups — wherever you have the opportunity to reach out, please send a message to Julie about what you’d like to learn durin...2020-01-2942 minBrave Writer88. (S6E1) Celebrating 20 Years of Brave WritersWe want to share some exciting news: Brave Writer just turned 20! To celebrate, we will have a slew of wonderful offers throughout the year. You will find all of these deals in our newsletter, which you can sign up for at this link.Our goal with this season is to focus on your questions, both the questions you’ve been asking Julie throughout this podcasting journey and the questions you haven’t asked yet. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook groups — wherever you have the opportunity to reach out, please send a message to Julie about what you’d like to...2020-01-2242 min
Brave WriterBONUS. Getting Wild + Free | with Greta EskridgeJulie is getting ready to go down to Texas to present at the Wild + Free conference, so today we talk with someone who’s been getting Wild + Free since the inception of this beautiful gem of a community.Greta Eskridge is a go-getter creative entrepreneur with enough projects to keep a team busy! Greta runs a website, a blog, a podcast, is an avid Instagrammer, and has written for and spoken at nearly every Wild + Free Conference. On top of that, she is a second-generation homeschooler to four adorable kids, wife to her artist husband Aaron, and “fur...2019-02-1149 minBrave WriterBONUS. The Brave Learner: Happy Book Birthday!We are so excited because it is the Book Birthday of Julie’s brand new book, The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life!We’ve heard from a lot of brave homeschooling parents throughout this season of the show, and looking forward, we want to hear from more of you Brave Learners out there: How are you rethinking curiosity, online gaming, or the role of collaboration in your home school – and what does that look like in your unique family?We can change the conversation around education by being homeschoolers who take p...2019-02-0525 minBrave Writer86. (S5E11) Breaking Free From Multitasking | with Courtney MoyerCourtney Moyer, a homeschooling mother of four (plus a young niece), wrote to Julie saying, “The consistent homeschool challenge that has confronted me is homeschooling multiple children at multiple levels, lacking expertise to multitask... It seems that chaos overrides my agenda on most days... I know if I could understand a way to multitask, anxiety would be minimal, creating a hospitable atmosphere that's desirable for my children.”Courtney’s concern is one that almost every homeschooler deals with at some point (really, almost every parent), and our natural inclination is that doing everything requires multitasking expertise. However, that’s...2019-01-211h 11Brave Writer76. (S5E1) Embracing Elements of Home | with Tammy KimOver the past four seasons, our help inbox has been flooded with What Abouts: What about the kid who won’t work hard? What about college? What about chores?There are vexing dilemmas that come up in a lot of our home education journeys, and they can lead to a lot of questions and self-doubt. Homeschooling is hard! We get it, and we’re here to help.So we’re calling this season Ask Julie because Julie Bogart is here to help you figure these questions out, while discussing all the ways you can improve your e...2018-11-051h 01Brave Writer73. (S4E31) Homeschooling High School: Real Talk about Teens, Writing, Wonder, and WeirdnessHomeschooling changes when you transition into the scary world of teenagers, so today I want to discuss teens in general and what you can expect from a homeschool with teenagers.After home births, breastfeeding, babywearing, cosleeping, and having a wonderfully close relationship with her young children, Julie thought that she would seamlessly move into the teen years and escape all of the weirdness that other families talk about. Their family was so tuned in, so it was going to be different.Then Julie had a rude awakening!But even if there are difficult...2018-09-2429 minBrave Writer72. (S4E30) Making Money as a Parent & HomeschoolerBefore Julie started Brave Writer, she worked as a freelance writer, freelance magazine editor, and a ghostwriter – which is to say, yes, you can simultaneously pursue a dream or passion and homeschool!Whether you want to earn money, go to grad school, start a business, or write a blog, you can do that and still be a phenomenal homeschooling parent.In today’s episode, Julie shares some of her experiences in developing a working lifestyle, as well as what it feels like to earn money while being a woman and a home educator.You...2018-09-1740 minBrave Writer69. (S4E27) Modern Miss Mason | with Leah BodenOne of Julie’s most popular talks is called “Updating Charlotte Mason to the 21st Century,” so when she stumbled upon Leah Boden – AKA Modern Miss Mason – Julie knew that she had found a kindred spirit.You can download show notes for the podcast here: http://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/Resources:Learn more about Modern Miss MasonConnect with Leah on Instagram: @leahvboden | @modernmissmasonFacebook: facebook.com/modernmissmasonRead: For the Children's Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer MacaulayJoin Julie on Instagram: @juliebravewriterCheck out this free product designed to kickstart your writing pr...2018-08-2744 minBrave Writer29. (S2E10) Tidal Homeschooling: The Ebb & Flow of Home Education | with Melissa WileyWe’ve reached the finale of this Brave Writer Lifestyle Series. The past interviews have shared literally decades of homeschool experience, including all of the challenges, discoveries, family relationships, and friendships that have resulted from this Brave Writer lifestyle of love and learning. (Don’t worry! We’ll be back with a new episode next week!)We’re going to wrap up the series with the wisdom and wit of the wonderful friend, author and homeschooling pro Melissa Wiley.Melissa is mom to “a small army of children” and she has been writing children’s books since 19...2017-04-171h 01Brave Writer22. (S2E3) Homeschooling Diverse Children Through Diverse Experiences - with Julie KirkwoodToday two Julies sit down to discuss how the Brave Writer lifestyle draws on diverse experiences to provide excellent home education.Julie Kirkwood, our guest, is a mom to three kids who believes in the value of curiosity, exploration and a daily dose of nature in her homeschool world. She created the fantastic home education website Creekside Learning.Creekside Learning is a space to share STEM and Naturalist learning resources for adventurous kids, as well as inspiration for homeschooling parents. The focus on STEM developed because it was her kids’ biggest interest.Julie al...2017-02-2744 minBrave WriterInterview with Author Melissa Wiley Today’s podcast (podcast player at the bottom of this entry) features children’s author and home educator, Melissa Wiley. Melissa and I met in 2005 online and instantly formed a wonderful connection around writing and homeschool. Her most recent children’s novel, The Prairie Thief, is the featured title for the October Arrow. You may purchase […]2012-09-1155 min