Brave Writer cover art

Brave Writer

Brave Writer

By: Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley
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 The Brave Writer podcast is a big juicy conversation about how to bring learning to life for your kids! Julie Bogart and guests talk about how parents and children are partners in the learning adventure, especially when approaching the daunting task of writing. Brave Writer appeals to homeschoolers, educators, and parents who want more out of "school" than merely passing tests. Visit us at http://bravewriter.com and follow along at the blog for show notes: http://blog.bravewriter.com627299 Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • 312. Writing Stations

    312. Writing Stations
    Nov 5 2025

    Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley return with a heartwarming episode all about writing stations---simple, inviting setups that help kids discover the joy of putting pen to paper. Inspired by Melissa's son Steven, who has turned letter-writing into an art form, the hosts explore how authentic writing can become a beloved ritual rather than a chore.

    From Steven's letters to UPS and Paula's Choice to the treasure of handwritten notes to grandparents, Julie and Melissa show how writing stations make real-world communication accessible, beautiful, and meaningful. They share easy ways to stock materials---stationery, stamps, pens, and postcards---and ideas for turning everyday writing into connection, gratitude, and delight.

    This episode celebrates handwriting as an act of love and self-expression, reminding parents that the goal isn't perfect penmanship---it's the human touch of words sent out into the world.

    Topics discussed include:

    • How one homeschooler's letters sparked joy and community
    • Creating low-stress writing stations at home
    • Letter writing as real-world language arts
    • Why small gestures of gratitude matter
    • The enduring beauty of paper, pens, and stamps

    Resources:

    • Unfortunately, “Murph” (Melissa’s source for old stamps) is no longer selling online. But don’t miss these Goodnight Moon stamps at USPS! (The new Baby Wild Animal forever stamps are adorable too)
    • Visit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the Brave Writer Book Shop
    • 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 Writing
    • Brave Learner Home
    • Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
    • Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
    • Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
    • Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
    • Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    • Instagram: @juliebravewriter
    • Threads:
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    28 mins
  • 311. An Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life: Don’t Miss This One!

    311. An Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life: Don’t Miss This One!
    Oct 29 2025
    Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley reunite to reflect on one of Charlotte Mason’s most enduring ideas: that *education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life*. What begins as a heartfelt story about a cozy childhood home becomes a rich conversation about the environments we create for learning—spaces that invite participation, curiosity, and joy.Together, Julie and Melissa trace how atmosphere extends far beyond decor: it’s about invitation and accessibility—baskets of art supplies, blocks within reach, and time to be alone with one’s imagination. They explore the balance between discipline and freedom, how attention and process nurture joy, and what today’s parents can learn from slowing down in an age of distraction. From Charlotte Mason’s 19th-century wisdom to 21st-century challenges like social media and “attention deficit trait,” this episode is a practical and deeply reassuring guide to cultivating meaningful education that feels alive, attentive, and full of enchantment.Resources:Julie’s Monday Morning Meeting for kids – the Birds episodeProject Feederwatch: feederwatch.orgVisit 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 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:
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • 310. High Tide Homeschooling with a Teen

    310. High Tide Homeschooling with a Teen
    Oct 22 2025
    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:
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
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