Brave Writer

Latest Episodes:

301. A Gentle Rollout to Your Homeschool Year Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to start the year in a way that works for your family. Instead of overwhelming everyone with a full schedule on day one, you can begin with connection and fun—like a “Not Back to School” outing, a day of games, or a creative project. Personal notes to each child, wish lists of activities, and a few well-chosen dates on the calendar can keep momentum going all year. By adding subjects gradually, stocking up on creative supplies, and valuing the experience of learning, you set the tone for a joyful, sustainable year.

In this episode, we share practical tips, creative ideas, and mindset shifts to help you roll out your homeschool year gently while building curiosity, creativity, and connection. Listen in for ways to make your start feel exciting and doable—for both you and your kids.

Resources:

Find Prang watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, and other irresistible art supplies 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: https://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
Give 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/brave
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:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

300. The 300th Episode (our best homeschool advice!) Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Homeschooling isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection, curiosity, and adapting to your family’s needs. In this episode, we revisit three core principles that have guided our approach through the years: honoring spontaneous self-expression by jotting down our children’s words, remembering there are no educational emergencies (kids learn at their own pace), and staying flexible by changing the topic or the context when resistance pops up. When we let go of pressure and focus on our children’s interests, we create an environment where learning truly thrives.

Resources:

Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
Fall class registration is open!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
Give 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/brave
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:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

299. Would You Let a Chatbot Homeschool Your Child? Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder what’s at stake when we hand over our children’s education to automation and AI? In this episode, we explore how the rise of influencer-driven resources and tech-powered learning tools is reshaping homeschooling—and what we risk losing when we outsource the most human parts of education.

We discuss why real learning thrives on meaningful connection, hands-on experiences, and the expertise of educators and parents who care deeply about kids, not just content. As homeschooling changes, let’s remember to center our children’s education on relationships, shared adventures, and the joy of learning together.

Resources:

Read Peter Benchley’s article about sharks
AI-Induced Psychosis article
Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
Fall class registration is open!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

298. Wise Effort with Diana Hill Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt exhausted from giving your all, yet still worried you aren’t doing enough? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Diana Hill, clinical psychologist, podcast host, and author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most. Diana shares her refreshing, science-based approach to reclaiming our natural strengths and using our “genius energy” wisely, rather than trying to fix ourselves or do more. We explore how our gifts can sometimes get off track, why honoring paradox and values leads to better solutions, and how building wise habits starts with small moments of self-awareness. Diana’s wisdom encourages us to embrace interdependence and resilience, transforming not just ourselves but our communities.

Listen to the full episode for more practical strategies and inspiration from Diana Hill on how to bring wise effort—and more joy—into your family and life.

Resources:

Learn more on Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/
Check out Diana’s books: https://drdianahill.com/books/
Find Wise Effort and How to Love the World at the Brave Writer Bookshop
Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
Fall class registration is open!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

297. Chronicle Your Homeschool Adventure Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever find yourself wondering what you’ve truly accomplished in your homeschool? Chronicling—through blogs, scatterbooks, journals, quick notes, or even voice memos—offers families a way to celebrate growth, capture memories, and gain confidence in the learning journey. In this episode, we discuss the many forms of chronicling, how it transforms our outlook from focusing on what’s missing to noticing the richness of what’s already happened, and why the tools you choose should fit your style and life. Whether it’s a scatterbook, a five-year diary, or a few lines in your phone, recording your days can turn fleeting moments into lasting meaning.

Resources:

Read Melissa’s blog, Here in the Bonny Glen
Julie’s Amazing Day post
Google’s NotebookLM
Check out the Wild Simplicity digital planner: https://www.etsy.com/shop/smallmeadow/
Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
Fall class registration is open!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

296. Bad Writing Assignments Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder if the writing assignments your child receives are actually supporting their growth—or just making writing feel like a chore? In this episode, we explore why it’s not only okay but essential to judge and adapt writing assignments for your kids. We talk about how rigid or uninspiring tasks can stifle self-expression, why playful and flexible approaches unlock learning, and how you can confidently take charge of your child’s writing journey. We also share practical tips for adapting assignments and supporting your child’s natural development as a writer.

Resources:

Jane Austen “crosswriting” letters: https://www.themorgan.org/collection/literary-and-historical-manuscripts
Watch: Zoom - Ubbi Dubbi
Fall class registration opens on July 21!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

295. Brave Writer Lifestyles of the Educationally Rich Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder how to create a homeschool life that feels rich and connected, rather than just checking off boxes? In this episode, we explore the Brave Writer Lifestyle—moving beyond rigid schedules to routines that foster connection, flexibility, and joy in daily learning. We discuss how to anchor your days with simple routines, value real-life learning, adapt to your family’s needs, and protect space for inspiration and downtime. The conversation highlights the power of memory-making moments and the freedom to design a homeschool experience that is meaningful for both parent and child.

Resources:

Brave Writer Lifestyle website: https://bravewriter.com/program/brave-writer-lifestyle
Listen to our previous episodes on Tidal Homeschooling:
Tidal Homeschooling: The Ebb & Flow of Home Education with Melissa Wiley
NEW on the Podcast: Introducing Co-Host Melissa Wiley!
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

294. Make Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Stick—with Books! Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever wonder why some learning experiences “stick” while others fade away? In this episode, we explore how grammar, punctuation, and spelling can come alive through brief, meaningful conversations and playful discovery—far from the world of endless worksheets. We discuss the power of “quick dips” in learning, the magic of using favorite books as a playground for curiosity, and the importance of connection in helping knowledge grow naturally. By making room for authentic curiosity and everyday conversations, we can nurture a love of language that lasts. Tune in for practical ideas and a refreshing perspective on making language arts meaningful at home.

Resources:

Sign up for our free Brave Writer Summer Camp!
Don’t miss the replays of our confetti-filled book reveals that kick off a year of reading, learning, and connection! Tune in here: bravewriter.com/landing/book-reveal
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

293. Julie Changes Her Mind About AI Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Do we still need human storytellers in an age where technology can generate stories and essays with a click? This episode explores why nothing can replace the warmth and connection that come from sharing stories aloud as a family. We talk about the generational bonds formed through storytelling, the irreplaceable value of reading aloud, and how these practices create both readers and resilient human beings. We also reflect on our evolving feelings about artificial intelligence—how it can be both fascinating and unsettling—and why human relationships and creative self-expression must remain at the heart of education.

Resources:

Don’t miss the replays of our confetti-filled book reveals that kick off a year of reading, learning, and connection! Tune in here: bravewriter.com/landing/book-reveal
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Read Diabolus Ex Machina by Amanda Guinzburg
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

292. Homeschool Launchpad: Legal Essentials, Curriculum Choices, and Creating a Learning Space Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

Starting to homeschool can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about creating a learning environment that sparks curiosity and builds strong family relationships. In this episode, we share practical tips for understanding legal requirements, choosing and personalizing curriculum, and setting up a home environment where learning happens naturally—on couches, in backyards, and through everyday routines. We also talk about balancing technology, fostering flexibility, and letting your educational philosophy guide your choices.

Ready to feel empowered in your homeschool? Listen to the full episode for all our tips, stories, and encouragement as you launch (or refresh) your homeschooling adventure.

Resources:

Don’t miss the replays of our confetti-filled book reveals that kick off a year of reading, learning, and connection! Tune in here: bravewriter.com/landing/book-reveal
Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
Start a free trial of 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 to get podcast updates and more!
Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

Connect with Melissa:

Produced by NOVA

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