Brave Writer

Latest Episodes:

171. Writing in the age of ChatGPT Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

Today Melissa and Julie nerd out about writing. We're passionate about writing. We're professional writers! Ergo: we LOVE it! The unique aspect of Brave Writer is that our approach to teaching writing is different from what's typically taught in education or seen in other writing resources. It’s a process that is reflective of the stages a writer goes through when writing and publishing a novel. And when we were designing that program, we felt that the missing element in writing education was love. We discuss the history of the written word that led us to this conclusion, as well as new technologies that may have the potential to disrupt what it means to be a writer.

ChatGPT

But what about this brave new world of ChatGPT and the dawning of this new AI era?
Will Melissa and Julie be out of a job?
Do your kids even need to learn how to write?
What role should ChatGPT play in our culture and education systems?

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

openai.com/blog/chatgpt
Sister Wendy's Story of Painting
Looking for a new math program? Get a free trial of CTCMath.com today to get a free trial.
Get 10% off our Growing Brave Writers program using code GBWPOD10 at https://store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

170. Screenwise with Devorah Heitner: How to juggle technology and kids! Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode is dedicated to addressing the number one requested topic: screen time and our children. With the rise of technology and the numerous devices available, it's natural for us to feel overwhelmed and concerned about the impact screens are having on our kids. Do you ever feel guilty about letting your children watch television or use their devices, even though you don't feel the same way about listening to a podcast or audiobook? Our guest today, Devorah Heitner, is here to help us answer our most pressing questions and ease the nervousness we feel around screen time. Devorah is a Ph.D. who studied media, technology, and society at Northwestern University and works with communities, schools, and companies to raise tech-savvy children. She is the author of the best-selling book "Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in Their Digital World" and is here to offer practical advice, not add more shame or guilt to our already complex relationship with screens. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about managing screen time for our children.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Reset your family’s tech habits with Devorah’s FREE 7-day email course.

Special Discount for Brave Writer listeners:

Phonewise: a 4-module self-paced course to prepare you for your child’s first phone. Perfect for the year before a phone or during your child’s first year with a phone.

Resources:

Read: Screenwise
Devorah's website: https://devorahheitner.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devorahheitnerphd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevorahHeitner
Looking for a new math program? Get a free trial of CTCMath.com today to get a free trial.
Get 10% off our Growing Brave Writers program using code GBWPOD10 at https://store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

169. Introducing Co-Host Melissa Wiley Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

I can’t wait for you to listen to today’s episode!

Today's show marks a new beginning in the Brave Writer podcast. I’m introducing a co-host to the show: Meet Melissa Wiley, a long-time homeschooler, children's book writer, and valued friend and colleague. Melissa has written two highly-regarded novels which we share in the Brave Writer world, "The Prairie Thief" and "The Nerviest Girl in the World," and also works for Brave Writer, writing our Quills (writing program for 5-7) and Darts (writing program for 8-10) and teaching many of our online classes. Today’s show highlights Melissa's unique approach to homeschooling, known as "tidal schooling," a metaphor for the ocean tides. We’ll talk about the ebb and flow of learning using Melissa’s model!

How do you capitalize on a child’s interests while continuing to keep homeschool lessons rolling?
What’s the difference between unschooling and tidal schooling?
Why do we tend to associate learning with effort?

You do not have to homeschool to benefit from the podcast, as much of what we will share are just great parenting ideas. So join in on the conversation and enjoy the new journey into the future as we get to know Melissa!

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Website: melissawiley.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissawileybooks/
Prairie Thief: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/the-prairie-thief
Nerviest Girl in the World: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/the-nerviest-girl-in-the-world
Hamlet's Soliloquy - Blue Ridge Mountain Accent - Shakespeare's Version and My Hillbilly Translation
Get 10% off our Growing Brave Writers program using code GBWPOD10 at https://store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

168. (S8E52) Bonus Episode! Teaching Kids about Their Bodies with Dr. Betty Choi Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Kids are naturally, wonderfully curious — especially when it comes to their own bodies. It isn't easy to answer curious kids' questions about their bodies with accuracy and to their satisfaction. That’s where the book "Human Body Learning Lab" by Dr. Betty Choi comes in. The author, a Harvard-educated pediatrician, shares her passion for helping children understand their bodies and satisfy their curiosity. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Choi on how to create opportunities for kids to get to know their own bodies.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Dr. Choi's website: https://drbettychoi.com/
Human Body Learning Lab: https://drbettychoi.com/human-body-learning-lab-book/
Get 10% off our Growing Brave Writers program using code GBWPOD10 at https://store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

167. (S8E51) Differently Wired: Raising Neurodivergent Kids Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

We’ve often had requests to explore the struggles and strategies of raising neurodivergent children. Our guest, Debbie Reber, is the founder of Tilt Parenting and the author of "Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World." She shares her personal experience of homeschooling her son Asher, who is now an adult, and how she created her own website and podcast to help other parents navigate the journey of raising a neurodivergent child. With more than 20% of children being neurologically atypical, Debbie's goal is to provide support and resources for parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals.

In the homeschooling community, many parents choose home education specifically for their differently-wired children. This was the case for Debbie as well. She believes that homeschooling chose her family, as they struggled to find a suitable educational environment for her son Asher, who is twice exceptional and has ADHD and other neurological differences. Despite initial reluctance, Debbie began homeschooling Asher in third grade and found it to be a transformative experience for both her and her son. It allowed her to get to know him as a learner and as a person and helped her reframe her thoughts around neurodiversity. Debbie's experience highlights the importance of finding an educational environment that truly fits the needs of differently-wired children.

We talk about the different forms of neurodivergence, how parents can redefine their relationship with their child and embrace their own family dynamics, and building support networks to feel seen and heard.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Learn more at: https://tiltparenting.com
Podcast: https://tiltparenting.com/podcast
10 Things You Need to Know About Raising a Differently Wired Child video series: https://tiltparenting.com/10things
7-Day Challenge: https://tiltparenting.com/7day
Facebook: https://facebook.com/tiltparenting
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tiltparenting
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiltparenting
Read: Differently Wired: Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

166. (S8E50) Modern Miss Mason Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

On today’s podcast:

Meet Charlotte Mason—who she is and why her method of education was so revolutionary.
What constitutes living literature and where do we find it today?
Meet Lean Boden—Modern Miss Mason. How has she helped bring Charlotte’s teachings into the 21st century with our iPads, movies, and video games?
What’s a short lesson? Why are they important?
What does it mean to bring your own “breath” or “spirit” to the home education you give your children? There’s a word for it that Leah shares!

Leah Boden is a wife, mother, homeschooler, podcaster, writer, and speaker. She has four children — one who is an adult and the remaining three that are still educated at home. Leah is passionate about bringing learning to life and is committed to modernizing the Charlotte Mason method of education. Her new book, Modern Miss Mason, is published by Tyndale (a Christian publisher), and has wonderful resources and supportive information for any parent. Leah is known for her wise, warm voice in the home education space.

Charlotte Mason was an education reformer and pioneer. Her method of education relies heaving on immersion in living literature, history, art appreciation and nature study. She established an open and expansive vision of learning, and Leah Boden has done an excellent job of modernizing that vision and applying its spirit to the world we live in today. If you want to read more of what Leah shares, purchase a copy of Modern Miss Mason.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Instagram: @modernmissmason
Book: Modern Miss Mason
Website: www.leahboden.com
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

165. (S8E49) Becoming a Parent-Coach to Your Child Jan 11, 2023

Show notes

Parents often don’t see themselves as educators or coaches to their own children or communities. And yet, that’s exactly what they are — or at least what they aim to be. Coaching is a set of strategies you can use when you want to help someone learn and grow. Our role as parents is to enable our children to make good decisions once they are on their own.

Elena Aguilar is a writer, leader, teacher, coach, and podcaster. She’s the author of seven highly-acclaimed books, including “The Art of Coaching,” “Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators,” and “The PD Book: 7 Habits That Transform Professional Development.” She’s also a frequent contributor to Edutopia, ASCD’s educational leadership, and EdWeek Teachers, as well as the founder and president of Bright Morning Consulting, which helps individuals and organizations create the conditions for transformation. She’s sharing with us the ways we can use coaching strategies to help raise independent, critical thinking children.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Elena's website: brightmorningteam.com
Listen to Bright Morning Podcast
Read: “The Art of Coaching”
Read: “Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators”
Read: “The PD Book: 7 Habits That Transform Professional Development”
Growing Brave Writers: store.bravewriter.com/products/growing-brave-writers
Online Classes: bravewriter.com/online-classes
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

164. (S8E48) Tea with Julie: Finding a Homeschool Philosophy that Works for You Jan 04, 2023

Show notes

The speaker is a Christian and this show features her book that teaches families how to celebrate the liturgical calendar.

In our attempts to find a philosophy of education that works for our families, we can feel batted around by the strong gusts of the latest curricula, the current trends in home education, the program that solved whatever schooling bugaboo over which we agonized. And whenever we seek out advice, it always comes with a mixture of inspiration and guilt. I’m going to share some strategies on how to integrate all of your aspirations without feeling overwhelmed.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

163. (S8E47) Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred with Bonnie Smith Whitehouse Dec 28, 2022

Show notes

Bonnie Smith Whitehouse is a Nashville-based professor at Belmont University and writer. She calls herself a pilgrim not only because she loves to walk, wander, and contemplate, but because when she read Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek her life was forever changed. She’s a mother of spirited boys, a lover of bird song, a baker of bread, and an amateur painter and hand-letterer.

We discuss her latest book, Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals: A 52-Week Devotional.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Learn more at bonniesmithwhitehouse.com
Read: Seasons of Wonder
December is a great time to register for Brave Write online classes! See out class descriptions here: https://bravewriter.com/online-classes
Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: http://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

162. (S8E46) Reflections on 2022: We're in it together Dec 21, 2022

Show notes

As we’re facing the end of the year — whatever that means to you — I feel like it’s a chance to think about the dynamics of our relationships and the ways that things have changed and yet are also uncomfortably the same. We’re getting through it together, one day at a time. Hug your people, stay present to the moment, and take good care of yourself — because you are the essential ingredient that makes the whole thing work.

You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/

Resources:

Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
Want help getting started with Brave Writer? Head over to bravewriter.com/getting-started
Sign up for the Brave Writer newsletter to learn about all of the special offers we’re doing in 2022 and you’ll get a free seven-day Writing Blitz guide just for signing up: https://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: instagram.com/juliebravewriter
Twitter: twitter.com/bravewriter
Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

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