Episodes

  • 319. How to Grow Writing Skills as an Adult

    319. How to Grow Writing Skills as an Adult
    Dec 24 2025
    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:
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    54 mins
  • 318. For the Kids: Meet the Lighthouse Family

    318. For the Kids: Meet the Lighthouse Family
    Dec 17 2025
    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:
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    41 mins
  • 317. Hygge Homeschool for the Holidays

    317. Hygge Homeschool for the Holidays
    Dec 10 2025
    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:
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    57 mins
  • 316. When Your Middlers Lack Interest

    316. When Your Middlers Lack Interest
    Dec 3 2025
    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:
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    47 mins
  • 315. The 8 Stages of Homeschooling

    315. The 8 Stages of Homeschooling
    Nov 26 2025
    How do we move from “I think I want to homeschool” to “We’ve created an education that fits us”? In this episode, we walk through the eight natural stages homeschool parents experience, from jumping in without a clue, to swapping curriculum in search of the “perfect” program, to finally trusting ourselves and embracing “us schooling.”We share real stories from our own homeschools, talk about ideological pressure from methods and social media, and offer practical ideas for planning from behind and building a routine you can bend without breaking.Listen in to discover your stage and what might come next, and then join us to share where you are in your journey!Resources:Read Julie’s post on this topic here: Brave Writer Podcast: Natural Stages of Growth as a Home Educator - A Brave Writer’s Life in BriefVisit 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 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: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:
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    45 mins
  • 314. Two Honest Thoughts About Tech in Homeschool

    314. Two Honest Thoughts About Tech in Homeschool
    Nov 19 2025
    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
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    42 mins
  • 313. Perspective in Learning

    313. Perspective in Learning
    Nov 12 2025

    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 podcast
    • Visit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the Brave Writer Book Shop
    • You’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 Writing
    • Brave Learner Home: bravewriter.com/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: @juliebravewriter
    • Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
    • Facebook:
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    56 mins
  • 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