Brave Writer

Have you ever wished you could grow as a writer—not just help your kids write, but find your own voice on the page? In this episode, we explore practical, gentle ways to build an adult writing life from scratch. We talk about tiny daily practices, “write or do nothing” sessions, using poems and memories as prompts, and reading as the best antidote to writer’s block. We also share favorite craft books, quirky revision tricks, and how community can transform your confidence.Join us as we map out five concrete steps to start (or restart) your writing practice this year.Resources:You can find all the books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community in our membership forum, the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionGive your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/braveSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

What happens when we slow down and really listen to the language of a story? In this special episode for kids and parents, we cozy up with Cynthia Rylant’s Lighthouse Family series and unpack a delicious opening passage from The Storm. We notice how sound, mood, adjectives, and even compound words work together to paint Pandora the lighthouse cat’s lonely world—and we share simple ways to turn those discoveries into copywork, scavenger hunts, and rich family discussion.Join us as we read, notice, and play with language—then keep the magic going in your own read-aloud time.Resources:Order the Lighthouse Family issue of the Dart here (available Jan. 1st)Find the Lighthouse Family books in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

As 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 revisiting one of our favorite conversations about 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.In this replayed episode, we delve into how hygge can transform the homeschooling experience. As the season changes, so does the rhythm of our homes and our approach to education. It's a time to slow down, to savor, and to connect more deeply with our children through learning and play.Resources:Hero Kids: https://www.heroforgegames.com/hero-kids/Amazing Tales: https://amazing-tales.net/Expedition (free pdf): https://expeditiongame.com/print-and-playYour Very Own Village (free pdf):  https://www.onwardheroes.com/yourveryownvillageMouseGuard RPG: https://www.mouse-guard.net/rpgEnglish Tea Store: englishteastore.comFind books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

What do we do when our tweens and teens don’t seem “into” anything? In this episode, we explore how to revive interest, curiosity, and motivation in the middle school years—without forcing artificial enthusiasm. We talk about why middlers may seem disengaged, how risk and adventure replace the “magic” of early childhood learning, and how deep dives, conversation, boredom, and flexibility can open doors to authentic passion. We also share practical scripts, examples from our own families, and tools for nurturing critical thinking and connection.Text us your questions using the link in the show notes!Resources:Listen to our interview with Chris Balme, and find his book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Explore the 8 natural stages of homeschooling, from the initial enthusiasm and confusion to crafting a unique family identity in education. Discover the common struggles of swapping curricula and the pressure from social media. Learn how to trust your judgment while building routines that work for your family. The hosts share personal stories and practical tips, guiding listeners through their own homeschooling journeys and what each stage entails. Embrace the evolution from 'playing school' to 'us schooling' in a supportive community.

Is tech quietly running your homeschool?In this episode, we explore what happens when we trade the shared adventure of learning at home for one-child-one-screen schooling. We look at why so many of us feel pressured to meet standards, how online platforms promise to “save” us, and what our kids might be losing when learning is reduced to logins, slides, and quizzes. We also imagine a different path: learning as a lifestyle, full of real conversations, messy projects, and magic moments that don’t fit into a metric.Listen in, then join us in reclaiming the joy of being learners together at home.Resources:Visit Julie’s Substack to find her post on this topicVisit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the Brave Writer Book ShopExplore our lineup of engaging writing classesPurchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

What if the key to helping your kids love learning is simply seeing the world through their eyes?In this episode, we explore perspective as the secret sauce of education and connection. We begin with Steven’s unforgettable appreciation letter to UPS (and the jaw-dropping chocolate response!), then move on to practical ways to help kids imagine other points of view—through microscopes and magnifying glasses, collaborative storytelling, fan fiction, and rich books that stretch their empathy. We also talk about “wasted” time, sandbox learning, and why pleasure matters more than performance.Listen in and choose one new perspective shift to try with your kids this week.Resources:Discover the adventure of self-directed learning with Unschool Adventures! And hear more from founder Blake Boles on the Brave Writer podcastVisit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the  Brave Writer Book ShopYou’ll also find Julie’s beloved math manipulatives and Dogsbody, Melissa’s favorite Diana Wynne Jones book, there!Fall class registration is open!Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Explore the magic of writing stations that inspire kids to discover the joy of writing! Hear heartwarming stories about a young letter-writer whose praise sparks delightful responses from companies. Discover the beauty of tangible communication and how it fosters connection and gratitude. Learn simple tips for creating stress-free stationery kits and celebrate the human touch of handwritten notes. Plus, ideas for exciting family writing nights and the joy of choosing stamps at the post office make letter writing a cherished activity!

Julie and Melissa explore the powerful concept that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life. They share heartfelt stories of cozy learning spaces that spark creativity and curiosity. The discussion highlights the delicate balance between structured learning and child-led exploration. Modern challenges like attention deficit trait are addressed, alongside the importance of meaningful context and solitude for fostering focus. Finally, they advocate for small, consistent practices to build habits that nurture a love for learning.

Melissa Wiley takes the mic solo this week for a heartwarming look inside her current homeschool life with her youngest, sixteen-year-old Huck. Drawing from her decades of experience as both author and homeschooling mother of six, Melissa walks listeners through a day in the life of their family’s “tidal homeschooling” rhythm—where structured “high tide” study meets creative “low tide” exploration. She shares how her son’s outdoor program, their history-and-literature studies, and rich family traditions—film club and nightly read-alouds—keep learning alive and joyful.If you’ve ever wondered how homeschooling evolves through the teen years—or how to nurture curiosity and connection as your family grows—this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. Melissa also touches on her creative work, finding balance as a writer and parent, and how rhythms of learning shift with each new life chapter.Resources:Teens and Books: A Deep Dive with Dawn SmithFinally: Not Boring History with Emily GlanklerTidal Homeschooling: The Ebb & Flow of Home Education with Melissa WileyFind the Moomins books in the Brave Writer Book ShopFall class registration is open!Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionSubscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA