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Brave Writer

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
904 reviews
This podcast has
370 episodes
Language
English
Date created
2012/04/29
Latest episode
2026/11/04
Average duration
61 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

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.com

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364. Kaitlin Zara on Homeschooling with Whimsy
2026/11/04
What if homeschooling could be just as magical for parents as it is for kids? We're joined by Kaitlin Zara, former public school teacher, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections podcast, to explore the unexpected joys of home education. Kaitlin shares how homeschooling transformed her approach to teaching, why learning gaps aren't worth panicking over, and how a family trip to Ellis Island brought history to life. We also discuss the freedom to learn anywhere, the importance of modeling a joyful adulthood, and why the best lessons aren't always planned. Tune in for a refreshing reminder to enjoy the homeschooling adventure! Resources: Hear more from Kaitlin Zara on the Homeschool Connections Podcast and connect with her on Instagram at @kaitlinmzara.Registration is open now for Scriptwriting and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World.Find community at the Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
363. Homeschooling and Content Creation
2026/10/28
Is sharing your homeschool online helping your family, or changing the experience you're trying to capture? From handwritten newsletters to Instagram reels, homeschoolers have always looked for connection, inspiration, and practical advice. But what happens when sharing ideas becomes creating content for an audience? We explore the benefits and hidden costs of homeschooling on social media, including the pressure children may feel to perform, the temptation to compare our homes to picture-perfect feeds, and the challenge of staying present. How can we enjoy the best of online communities without losing ourselves in it? Join us as we rethink what deserves to be shared and what deserves to stay private. Resources: Explore the Growing Without Schooling archivesRegistration is open now for Scriptwriting and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
362. Susan Wise Bauer and The Great Shadow
2026/10/21
What if the way we think about sickness has been shaping our lives for thousands of years? Historian and author Susan Wise Bauer joins us to discuss her new book, The Great Shadow, and the surprising ways illness has influenced everything from religion and medicine to consumer culture and politics. We explore why ancient beliefs about sickness persist, how historical pandemics mirror our experience with COVID-19, and why we so often associate good health with personal virtue. Susan also shares how understanding history can help us question our assumptions, navigate medical decisions, and approach illness with greater compassion. Join us for a fascinating look at the history we carry into the present! Resources: Connect with Susan at ​​susanwisebauer.com, welltrainedmind.com, and on Instagram @@susanwisebauer Check out her podcast and SubstackHere’s the article Susan mentioned: “What I Got Wrong as as New Pediatrician Talking to Parents” (gift link)Find Susan’s new book, The Great Shadow, in the Brave Writer Book ShopRegistration is open now for Movie Discussion Club: Aquatic Adventures and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
361. Growing Wild With Ainsley Arment
2026/10/14
What if the best thing we can give our kids isn’t a perfectly planned education, but a childhood that leaves room for wonder? We’re joined by Wild + Free founder Ainsley Arment to talk about her new picture book, Grow Wild, My Child, and the philosophy behind a childhood rooted in nature, curiosity, story, and play. We explore Ainsley’s unexpected path to homeschooling, the origins of Wild + Free, and why wonder and rigor don’t have to compete. We also dig into screens, AI, child-led learning, family culture, and the joy of following “contagious obsessions” wherever they lead. Join us for a refreshing reminder that learning doesn’t need a worksheet to count. Resources: Connect with Ainsley on [email protected] and at Wild + FreeFind her new picture book, Grow Wild My Child, in the Brave Writer Book ShopRegistration is open now for Building Brave Writers: Experience and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
360. Your Weekly Schedule Designed for You!
2026/10/07
What if the thing standing between us and a satisfying homeschool rhythm isn’t the curriculum, but our resistance to sitting down and making a plan? We’re looking at how attention, boredom, confusion, and even our phones shape the way we approach learning. Then we get practical, building a flexible monthly rhythm around read-alouds, Poetry Teatime, copywork, dictation, freewriting, nature study, and meaningful writing projects. The goal isn’t a rigid schedule or endless workbook pages. It’s enough preparation to help learning feel alive, responsive, and sustainable. Join us and discover how a little scaffolding can create more freedom in your homeschool. Resources: Click here to download a sample monthly plan! Registration is open now for Brave Writer 101: Guided Writing Process and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World.Find community at the Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
359. The Rights of a Homeschooling Mom
2026/09/30
What rights do we forget we have when homeschooling becomes an all-consuming family project? Staying home to educate our kids can be meaningful, joyful work, but it is still work. We deserve a voice in family finances, time to maintain employable skills, space for lesson preparation, personal interests, exercise, rest, and a say in the educational decisions we spend our days carrying out. We also get to change our minds. Homeschooling does not require signing away the rest of our adulthood. We’re talking about financial agency, shared household labor, professional development, supportive partnerships, and why caring for our own future belongs inside the homeschool plan too. Listen in, then ask yourself: what would change if you treated homeschooling like the real career it is? Resources: Here’s our episode on homeschooling as a working parentRegistration is open now for Building Brave Writers: Description and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
358. Don’t Forget to Watch Movies!
2026/09/23
What if movie day isn’t a break from learning, but one of the ways we build a rich education? Movies give our kids stories, language, history, cultural references, and characters they can return to again and again. We talk about why rewatching counts, how film can make Shakespeare and Jane Austen more accessible, and what happens when favorite lines become family lore. We also explore modern adaptations, film clubs, fandom, and the joy of recognizing an old story in a new form. So dim the lights, grab the popcorn, and give yourself permission to count the movie. Then tell us what your family is watching! Resources: Here’s the Andrew Scott performance of the “To be or not to be” soliloquy that Melissa was raving about!Registration is open now for Essay Prep: Reading the Essay and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind Shakespeare Stories by Leon Garfield (not Garfield the Cat) and our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
357. Picture Books and the Public Library
2026/09/16
What if one of the best tools in your homeschool is already free? We’re celebrating the library as a place where curiosity gets to roam and the default answer can be “yes.” We explore how browsing the stacks creates discoveries no search bar can replicate, why learning the Dewey Decimal System can empower kids, and how a regular library rhythm can enrich your homeschool. Then we make the case for picture books at every age. From visual literacy and sophisticated vocabulary to science, art, emotional insight, and family traditions, these books offer far more than beginning reading practice. Grab your library card and come rediscover the stacks with us! Resources: We love the Santa Clarita Public Library’s Dewey Decimal cheat sheet (customized for kid interests!)—a perfect starting point for kids to make a bookmark or bingo card. Find Melissa’s Inch and Roly books, Chris Barton’s The Day-Glo Brothers, Jane Yolen’s Owl Moon, and many other Brave Writer favorites in the Brave Writer Book ShopIf you’d like to spend your school year celebrating the riches of picture books, be sure to take a look at Brave Writer’s Quill collections! These theme-based guides offer reading, writing, and math activities for ages 5-7, using picture books as portals for joyful learning.Registration is open now for Middle School Writing: Nonfiction Projects and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
356. Parenting Strategies or Teaching Tactics
2026/09/09
What if the missing ingredient in your homeschool isn’t a better curriculum, but a bigger toolkit for teaching? When kids resist a lesson, it’s easy to reach for familiar parenting strategies: consequences, bargaining, reminders, and demands for cooperation. But learning asks something different of us. We need teaching tactics that spark curiosity, invite collaboration, leave room for contemplation, and celebrate real growth. We explore playful, practical ways to make math, history, writing, and other subjects more meaningful, while helping our kids develop genuine ownership of what they learn. Tune in and discover how to trade “Come on, you guys!” for richer learning experiences. Resources: Registration is open now for Middle School Writing: Nonfiction Projects and many other Brave Writer classes!Interested in helping the Library of Congress transcribe old documents? Sign up here!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind Jim Weiss’s Greek Myths CD along with our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
355. Feed Them Well with Jennifer Anderson
2026/09/02
What if feeding our kids didn’t have to feel like a test we could pass or fail? Registered dietitian and Kids Eat in Color founder Jennifer Anderson joins us to talk about raising capable, curious eaters without getting trapped by nutrition trends, food guilt, or rigid rules. We explore picky eating, growth and weight concerns, food advertising, introducing unfamiliar foods, and why the “best practice” isn’t always the best fit for the child in front of us. Jennifer also shares ideas from her new book, Feed Them Well, for helping kids care for their bodies while enjoying food. Come rethink what it means to feed our children well. Resources: Don’t miss out on the special pre-order bonuses for Jennifer’s new book, FEED THEM WELL! It comes out on Sept 8th, so be sure to order your copy before then. You’ll find all the details on Jennifer’s website: kidseatandcolor.com/landing-pages/feed-them-well-bookRegistration is open now for Playing with Poetry: Discovery and many other Brave Writer classes!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
354. Working Parents and Homeschooling
2026/08/26
Can you really homeschool well while also holding down a job? Yes, but the answer may require us to rethink when, where, and how learning happens. With Brave Writer president Dawn Smith joining us, we explore flexible schedules, morning meetings, night schooling, body doubling, buddy reading, planning from behind, and the art of “triangling in” support. We also look at why homeschool doesn't need to imitate a nine-to-three school day and how ordinary moments, from breakfast to dishwashing, can become rich opportunities for connection and learning. Come discover how work and homeschool can fit into the same family tapestry. Resources: Registration is open now Registration is open now for Playing with Poetry: Discovery and many other Brave Writer classes!Check out the special offer at Talkbox.MOM/brave and start speaking a new language with your kids from day one!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionIf you’ve ever thought of trying out online music lessons, now is the time! Claim your free Maestro Music lessons at Maestromusic Free Music Lessons for Brave Writer Families | Maestro Music .Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingMelissa’s books make great readalouds—and there are Darts for The Prairie Thief and The Nerviest Girl in the World. Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
353. Only Connect: The Power of Partnership in Homeschooling
2026/08/19
What changes when we stop treating homeschooling as something we do to our children and begin learning alongside them? Connection is at the heart of meaningful education: connection to ourselves, to the subjects we study, and to one another. We explore how curiosity leads to purpose, why collaboration matters more than perfect independence, and how low-stakes practice can help children build confidence without turning every lesson into an evaluation. From fractions and cookies to grammar, handwriting, games, and writing revision, we look at practical ways to turn abstract academics into learning that feels useful and alive. Join us and discover what can happen when we trade coercion for connection. Resources: Registration is open now for Playing with Poetry: Discovery and many other Brave Writer classes! Visit bravewriter.com/handwriting for our free handwriting and copywork printable!Check out the special offer at Talkbox.MOM/brave and start speaking a new language with your kids from day one!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionIf you’ve ever thought of trying out online music lessons, now is the time! Claim your free Maestro Music lessons at Maestromusic Free Music Lessons for Brave Writer Families | Maestro Music .Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit 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 Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
352. Handwriting: Why, When, and How to Teach It
2026/08/12
What if one of the simplest tools for improving reading, memory, attention, and creative thinking is already sitting in your pencil cup? We’re revisiting handwriting and the surprising neuroscience behind why it still matters in a digital age. We explore how forming letters supports early reading, why handwritten notes encourage deeper thinking, and how copywork can build skill without limiting a child’s original ideas. We also share playful ways to practice, from cornmeal and sidewalk chalk to gel pens and tablets. Download the free companion handout at bravewriter.com/handwriting, then join us as we make handwriting a satisfying part of the homeschool day. Resources: Visit bravewriter.com/handwriting for our free handwriting and copywork printable!Registration is open now for Movie Discussion Club: Captivating Stories (Christopher Nolan) and many other Brave Writer classes! Check out the special offer at Talkbox.MOM/brave and start speaking a new language with your kids from day one!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionIf you’ve ever thought of trying out online music lessons, now is the time! Claim your freeMaestro Music lessons at MaestromusicFree Music Lessons for Brave Writer Families | Maestro Music .Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit 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 Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
351. Hot Pink and the Art Museum
2026/08/05
What changes when we stop rushing children toward the lesson we planned and start noticing the learning already unfolding? A visit with Julie’s six-year-old granddaughter becomes a fresh look at poetry, reading, art museums, and the remarkable power of one-on-one attention. We explore how treasure hunts turn worksheets into quests, why a child’s “wrong” answer contains useful logic, and how patient observation helps us see familiar subjects differently. Homeschooling does not always provide daily proof of progress. Often, we collect a few luminous moments surrounded by plenty of ordinary space. Join us as we learn to trust that the pearls are enough. Resources: Registration is open now for Movie Discussion Club: Captivating Stories (Christopher Nolan) and many other Brave Writer classes!You can find “Every Face I Look at Seems Beautiful to Me” on Melissa’s blog, Here in the Bonny GlenCheck out the special offer at Talkbox.MOM/brave and start speaking a new language with your kids from day one!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.If you’ve ever thought of trying out online music lessons, now is the time! Claim your free Maestro Music lessons at Free Music Lessons for Brave Writer Families | Maestro Music .Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit 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 Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA
350. Pro Tips for Fabulous Field Trips
2026/07/29
What if some of the richest learning in your homeschool happened after you walked out the front door? We’re exploring how to plan family outings that turn science, history, art, literature, music, sports, and local culture into hands-on experiences. We share what to pack in a reliable go-bag, how to prepare children for unfamiliar environments, and why a little advance exposure can make an outing more exciting. You’ll also hear dozens of affordable field-trip ideas, from factory tours and art scavenger hunts to author homes, grocery stores, women’s sports, and geocaching. Grab your calendar, choose an adventure, and make room for learning beyond the lesson plan. Resources: Registration is open now for Building Brave Writers: Description, Becoming a Critical Thinker, and other awesome Brave Writer classes! Check out the special offer at Talkbox.MOM/brave and start speaking a new language with your kids from day one!Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind watercolor pencils (along with our favorite readalouds and nonfiction) in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Find community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsSubscribe 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 [email protected] Connect with Julie: Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social Produced by NOVA

Podcast reviews

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4.8 out of 5
904 reviews
★★★★★
Mmm.eg. 2026/08/21
If you take homeschooling, seriously, don’t miss this podcast!
I have always been a fan of Brave Writer but somehow missed the podcast until this summer. In the last 3 months I’ve listened to some 50 or 60 episode...
★★★★★
AshleyLCase 2026/08/13
Such an encouragement!
I have been listening for years and these ladies continue to inspire and encourage me with practical ideals and strategies for homeschooling and paren...
★★★★★
MCL*** 2026/08/06
The Best "Professional Development"
The encouragement and creative ideas that Julie and Melissa give are pure gold! Each time I tune in to this podcast I'm renewed in my vision and zest...
★★★★★
Mary Burruss 2026/05/08
relatable..
The episode 'Life Skills' offers a grounded take on the real-life skills kids need, from budgeting and communication to everyday household tasks, and ...
★★★★★
Jessjoyjasp 2026/01/25
My Go-To Homeschool Podcast
Julie and Melissa are gems who share a wealth of homeschool/life/education/parenting knowledge. Every time I listen to an episode I learn something to...
★★★★★
elcue12345 2026/01/09
The perspective shift I need!
Julie and Melissa’s energy, wisdom and insights get me fired up to homeschool in a way that lights the same fire in the kids for learning. This is my ...
★★★★★
Always make it meaningful! 2025/11/24
313. Nov 12th Show
Julie and Melissa always feel like a huge hug on difficult days! I’ve been struggling with math for my 4th grader and your Nov 12th podcast just opene...
★★★★★
ChaosToCalm 2025/10/13
My Weekly Inpiration
Listening to The Brave Writer has been the best way to stay inspired yet grounded as a new homeschooling mom. Julie and Melissa are funny, honest, and...
★★★★★
Aunnielauren 2025/08/24
ALL IN!
At a time when many are turning to homeschooling simply as a way to opt out of a traditional school setting, Brave Writer is a beacon for those of us...
★★★★★
Kaydee-K 2025/08/06
My Go-To Homeschool Poscast
Julie Bogart has been the biggest influence on my homeschooling journey over the past 7 years- from her books, resources and curriculum and this podca...
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