Brave Writer

Sometimes, 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 secret in home education. There are nods to Charlotte Mason, Lynda Barry, roadrunners, rereading A Room with a View, and a clay plaque that simply says “mama.” Tune in for a rich, meandering conversation about creativity, nature, grief, and the quiet power of doing something more than once. Resources: * Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a longtime homeschooler who could use an infusion of energy and fresh enthusiasm, our free Welcome Home webinar series is for you! Register now to join us on May 20-22! * https://bravewriter.com/landing/welcome-home/ [https://bravewriter.com/landing/welcome-home/]  * Follow Lynda Barry on Instagram: @thenearsightedmonkey [https://www.instagram.com/stories/thenearsightedmonkey/] * Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing [https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/]! * Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com [http://juliebogartwriter.com/] * Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart [https://juliebogart.substack.com/] and Julie Off Topic [https://bogartjulie.substack.com/] * Find Wishtree [https://store.bravewriter.com/products/wishtree?srsltid=AfmBOooCo55FHTLbWibvIynEiOQsrNYq661gdrp1lCptPFc07tfCIRr2] in the Brave Writer Bookshop and check out the Wishtree Dart [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/literature-singles/products/wishtree]! * Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/practice-pages?srsltid=AfmBOoqDIZVwrwWsegdbHqed0vCgE6hveF7b2EDZ18klS5MraWXiuRIN] * Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs [https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/] * Read all Brave Writer class descriptions [https://bravewriter.com/online-classes] * Start a free trial of CTCmath.com [https://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 [https://store.bravewriter.com/pages/POD-subscribe-page] to get podcast updates and more! * Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684 Connect with Julie: * Instagram: @juliebravewriter [https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/] * Threads: @juliebravewriter [https://www.threads.net/@juliebravewriter] * Bluesky: @bravewriter.com [https://bsky.app/profile/bravewriter.com] * Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter [https://facebook.com/bravewriter] Connect with Melissa: * Website: melissawiley.com [https://melissawiley.com/] * Substack: melissawiley.substack.com [https://melissawiley.substack.com/] * Instagram: @melissawileybooks [https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks] * Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/melissawiley.bsky.social] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

How 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 varied viewpoints rather than indoctrinating them with a single narrative. We also discuss strategies for fostering resilience, optimism, and humility as we engage thoughtfully with the world around us. Join us for a conversation full of hope, encouragement, and practical ideas for raising critical thinkers in a complicated world. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive! Resources: * Sharon’s website: sharonmcmahon.com [https://sharonmcmahon.com/] * Connect with Sharon on Instagram: @sharonsaysso [https://www.instagram.com/sharonsaysso] * Read The Small and the Mighty [https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/the-small-and-the-mighty] by Sharon McMahon * Sharon’s podcast: Here's Where It Gets Interesting [https://sharonmcmahon.com/podcast] * Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing [https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/]! * Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com [http://juliebogartwriter.com/] * Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart [https://juliebogart.substack.com/] and Julie Off Topic [https://bogartjulie.substack.com/] * Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/practice-pages?srsltid=AfmBOoqDIZVwrwWsegdbHqed0vCgE6hveF7b2EDZ18klS5MraWXiuRIN] * Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs [https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/] * Read all Brave Writer class descriptions [https://bravewriter.com/online-classes] * Start a free trial of CTCmath.com [https://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 [https://store.bravewriter.com/pages/POD-subscribe-page] to get podcast updates and more! * Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684 Connect with Julie: * Instagram: @juliebravewriter [https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/] * Threads: @juliebravewriter [https://www.threads.net/@juliebravewriter] * Bluesky: @bravewriter.com [https://bsky.app/profile/bravewriter.com] * Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter [https://facebook.com/bravewriter] Connect with Melissa: * Website: melissawiley.com [https://melissawiley.com/] * Substack: melissawiley.substack.com [https://melissawiley.substack.com/] * Instagram: @melissawileybooks [https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks] * Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/melissawiley.bsky.social] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

Do 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 natural part of your family rhythm. Tune in to hear the poems that moved us—and maybe find one for your pocket too. Resources: * Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing [https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/]! * Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com [http://juliebogartwriter.com/] * Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart [https://juliebogart.substack.com/] and Julie Off Topic [https://bogartjulie.substack.com/] * Read: How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/james-crews/how-to-love-the-world/9781635863864/] * Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/practice-pages?srsltid=AfmBOoqDIZVwrwWsegdbHqed0vCgE6hveF7b2EDZ18klS5MraWXiuRIN] * Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs [https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/] * Read all Brave Writer class descriptions [https://bravewriter.com/online-classes] * Start a free trial of CTCmath.com [https://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 [https://store.bravewriter.com/pages/POD-subscribe-page] to get podcast updates and more! * Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684 Connect with Julie: * Instagram: @juliebravewriter [https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/] * Threads: @juliebravewriter [https://www.threads.net/@juliebravewriter] * Bluesky: @bravewriter.com [https://bsky.app/profile/bravewriter.com] * Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter [https://facebook.com/bravewriter] Connect with Melissa: * Website: melissawiley.com [https://melissawiley.com/] * Substack: melissawiley.substack.com [https://melissawiley.substack.com/] * Instagram: @melissawileybooks [https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks] * Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/melissawiley.bsky.social] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

Feeding 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 kidseatincolor.com [https://kidseatincolor.com/] * Instagram: @kids.eat.in.color [https://instagram.com/kids.eat.in.color] * Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@kids.eat.in.color [http://tiktok.com/@kids.eat.in.color] * Facebook: facebook.com/kids.eat.in.color [http://facebook.com/kids.eat.in.color] * Iron Rich foods for babies and toddlers: kidseatincolor.com/best-iron-rich-foods-for-babies-and-toddlers/ [https://kidseatincolor.com/best-iron-rich-foods-for-babies-and-toddlers/] * Real Easy Mealtime Bundle: kidseatincolor.com/product/mealtime-bundle/ [https://kidseatincolor.com/product/mealtime-bundle/] * Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing [https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/]! * Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com [http://juliebogartwriter.com/] * Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart [https://juliebogart.substack.com/] and Julie Off Topic [https://bogartjulie.substack.com/] * Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/practice-pages?srsltid=AfmBOoqDIZVwrwWsegdbHqed0vCgE6hveF7b2EDZ18klS5MraWXiuRIN] * Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs [https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/] * Read all Brave Writer class descriptions [https://bravewriter.com/online-classes] * Start a free trial of CTCmath.com [https://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 [https://store.bravewriter.com/pages/POD-subscribe-page] to get podcast updates and more! * Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684 Connect with Julie: * Instagram: @juliebravewriter [https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/] * Threads: @juliebravewriter [https://www.threads.net/@juliebravewriter] * Bluesky: @bravewriter.com [https://bsky.app/profile/bravewriter.com] * Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter [https://facebook.com/bravewriter] Connect with Melissa: * Website: melissawiley.com [https://melissawiley.com/] * Substack: melissawiley.substack.com [https://melissawiley.substack.com/] * Instagram: @melissawileybooks [https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks] * Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/melissawiley.bsky.social] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]

Do 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 structure matter more than screen limits alone. Tune in for a refreshing, realistic take on managing tech in a way that benefits the whole family. Resources: * Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: @thegamereducator [https://www.instagram.com/thegamereducator/] * Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing [https://juliebogartwriter.com/help-my-kid-hates-writing/]! * Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com [http://juliebogartwriter.com/] * Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart [https://juliebogart.substack.com/] and Julie Off Topic [https://bogartjulie.substack.com/] * Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages [https://store.bravewriter.com/collections/practice-pages?srsltid=AfmBOoqDIZVwrwWsegdbHqed0vCgE6hveF7b2EDZ18klS5MraWXiuRIN] * Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs [https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/] * Read all Brave Writer class descriptions [https://bravewriter.com/online-classes] * Start a free trial of CTCmath.com [https://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 [https://store.bravewriter.com/pages/POD-subscribe-page] to get podcast updates and more! * Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684 Connect with Julie: * Instagram: @juliebravewriter [https://www.instagram.com/juliebravewriter/] * Threads: @juliebravewriter [https://www.threads.net/@juliebravewriter] * Bluesky: @bravewriter.com [https://bsky.app/profile/bravewriter.com] * Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter [https://facebook.com/bravewriter] Connect with Melissa: * Website: melissawiley.com [https://melissawiley.com/] * Substack: melissawiley.substack.com [https://melissawiley.substack.com/] * Instagram: @melissawileybooks [https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks] * Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/melissawiley.bsky.social] Produced by NOVA [https://novapodcasting.com/]