Archive for the ‘Podcasts’ Category

[Podcast #291] Big Excitement Over Booklists!

Brave Writer Podcast

There’s something special about the way a great book can bring families together. At Brave Writer, we spend months curating our Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang book lists—not just for educational value, but for the joy and connection they foster.

Our guides are crafted to:

  • turn read-alouds into vibrant conversations,
  • gently teach language through real literature,
  • and empower kids to see themselves as writers.

This podcast episode dives into the thought and care behind our book selection process, the flexibility of our literature guides, and the many ways families can make reading a shared adventure. Whether you’re a long-time Brave Writer or just curious about what we offer, you’ll come away inspired to make reading the highlight of your homeschool year.

Want to experience the magic for yourself? Tune in to the full episode for a behind-the-scenes look at how we pick our books and support your family’s reading journey.

Show Notes

There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when a family gathers to read together—whether it’s cozying up on the couch, passing a beloved book back and forth, or pressing play on an audiobook during a car ride. At Brave Writer, we believe that the heart of language arts isn’t found in dry workbooks or rigid rules, but in the living literature that sparks curiosity and conversation.

Each year, we pour our energy and enthusiasm into selecting the book lists for our Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang literature guides. This process is much more than curating a set of titles—it’s about crafting an experience. We imagine families laughing, pondering, and bonding over stories that matter, with guides that turn reading into a journey of delight and discovery.

Why our book selection process matters

Selecting books for our programs is an act of deep intention. We read widely, listen to recommendations, monitor new releases, and even ask our community for their wish lists. Our goal is to create a book list that isn’t just educational, but deeply engaging—one that introduces young readers to a diversity of voices, genres, and experiences. Each year’s list balances fantasy and realism, animal tales and human adventures, familiar authors and hidden gems.

We’re always thinking about the full picture: Can this story spark big conversations? Will it foster empathy? Does it offer a fresh perspective or language that lights up a child’s imagination? Above all, we look for books that are “read-aloudable”—stories meant to be shared, discussed, and cherished together.

From books to conversations—and beyond

Our guides use hand-picked passages to gently teach grammar, punctuation, literary devices, and writer’s craft—all in the context of vibrant stories. We don’t treat language as a set of rigid rules, but as a set of conventions that evolve over time and serve communication. We aim to demystify writing without taking away its magic. When kids discover what onomatopoeia or personification means, or swap nouns and verbs in a sentence, they step into the world of writers and begin to see themselves as authors of their own stories.

The best moments aren’t about ticking off grammar points—they’re the conversations that spill over from stories. Our “big juicy questions” are designed to invite connection: What would you do if you were this character? Has your perspective changed now that you’ve finished the book? These aren’t quizzes, but jumping-off points for real discussion—whether that’s at the breakfast table, while doing dishes, or during a long walk.

Literature guides that grow with your family

We know every family is unique, so our resources are flexible. Whether you’re dipping into a single literature guide, combining programs for multiple ages, or building a unit study around a favorite topic, you’ll find tools that meet you where you are. And yes—listening to audiobooks counts! However you engage with stories, you’re building language and connection.

At Brave Writer, we’re passionate about helping you build a reading life filled with joy, meaning, and shared adventure. The right book can change everything. Here’s to another year of turning pages, making memories, and growing together.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #290] Beyond the Classroom: Embracing the Unique Journey of Homeschooling

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder what makes homeschooling truly different from traditional school?

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore the real meaning of “home” in home education. We discuss the flexibility, comfort, and connection that only learning at home can offer, and why the heart of homeschooling isn’t about rigid schedules or perfect cooperation.

Instead, it’s about:

  • nurturing curiosity,
  • making learning relevant to your child’s world,
  • and embracing big, juicy conversations that help both parent and child grow.

If you’re curious about how to make learning come alive in your home—or if you’re struggling with doubts about socialization, grade levels, or your own readiness—this episode offers fresh perspective and encouragement.

Join us as we reimagine what education can look like beyond the classroom. Tune in to hear more stories, insights, and practical advice for your unique homeschooling journey!

Show Notes

Do you ever catch yourself wondering if “homeschool” is just school at home with cozier furniture? Many families enter homeschooling imagining their children happily tackling math in a sunbeam or breezing through workbooks without complaint. The reality, of course, is far richer—and far less predictable.

Homeschooling isn’t about recreating the classroom at your kitchen table. At its best, it’s about crafting an environment where learning fits the rhythms and personalities of your family. It’s the freedom to pause a lesson because the toddler needs a snack, to take a spontaneous trip to the museum, or to scrap the schedule entirely when curiosity pulls you elsewhere. Unlike the rigid routines of traditional school, home is a place of flexibility and authenticity, where children—and parents—can truly be themselves.

Learning Through Connection and Comfort

Instead of bell schedules and standardized desks, we cultivate learning through conversation, comfort, and connection. A child sprawled on the couch with a clipboard, cat in lap, is just as engaged as the one sitting at the kitchen table. Learning flourishes when kids can move, snack, or cuddle while working—because home is built for the care of human beings, not just the completion of assignments.

From Fantasy to Real Engagement

But let’s be honest: our dream of self-motivated, always-eager learners often butts heads with reality. Real learning isn’t always tidy or cheerful. Sometimes, the most meaningful breakthroughs come from frustration, mistakes, and even tears. What matters is not the appearance of engagement, but whether a child cares. Engagement is born when learning feels relevant to their lives—not because we insist they’ll “need it someday,” but because it matters now.

Following Curiosity and Making Connections

One of our favorite ways to inspire genuine curiosity is to connect academic subjects to our children’s interests. Instead of imposing abstractions, we ask: How does math show up in their world? What history is embedded in their favorite hobbies? When kids care—about chess, video games, sewing, or poetry—they learn deeply and eagerly. Sometimes a simple “magic door” opens: a passion for lacrosse unlocks an interest in First Nations history, or a love for baking sparks entrepreneurial skills and math know-how.

Celebrating Learning and Relationship

Homeschooling is also about relationships—big juicy conversations, eye contact, and shared laughter. We value the cozy moments: poetry tea time, board games as math lessons, or spontaneous parties celebrating the Gold Rush or Middle Ages. It’s in these moments that learning comes alive and memories are made.

Trusting the Journey and Modeling Learning

This approach can feel energy-intensive, especially when facing fears about socialization, grade levels, or your own abilities. But the energy invested in authentic connection and curiosity pays back tenfold in joyful, meaningful learning. We remind ourselves: education at home is not about ticking off boxes or keeping up with the neighbor’s curriculum. It’s about nurturing eager learners—and modeling that eagerness ourselves.

When we embrace the unique journey of homeschooling, we free ourselves from rigid expectations. We become curriculum directors, janitors, cheerleaders, and, most importantly, fellow learners. Our role is not to dream on our children’s behalf, but to collaborate with their dreams, offering the courage and flexibility to help them find their own magic doors.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #289] A Round Table with Katie Doughty about Julie’s New Book

Brave Writer Podcast

Do your kids say they hate writing? You’re not alone—and they’re probably not telling the whole story.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we’re excited to share Katie Doughty’s interview with Julie about Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing! from the Raising Kind Humans podcast. That’s right—this week we’re turning the tables!

Katie Doughty
Katie Doughty

Together, Katie and Julie explore why so many children struggle with writing and what we can do to restore their natural love for self-expression. From rethinking how we approach mechanics to embracing the role of a writing coach (not a referee), we share practical strategies to help your child find their voice.

We also explore how playful tools like freewriting, oral storytelling, and pretend play can unlock creativity and confidence. Writing isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about being real. And when we start there, the rest follows.

Show Notes

Too often, writing is reduced to a checklist: topic sentences, three supporting details, a tidy conclusion. But when we fixate on structure, we risk extinguishing the very spark that makes writing worthwhile: the desire to be heard.

Many of us grew up writing for someone else’s approval. We learned to chase good grades, not to chase our own thoughts. That same system now shapes how we teach our kids. We imagine a staircase of writing progress, each year preparing for the next assignment: a report, an essay, a research paper. But where, in all of that, is the writer?

Writing as Self-Expression

We believe writing should begin as it always has throughout human history—with expression. Long before standardized spelling or formal education, people made marks on cave walls to communicate stories and emotions. That impulse is still alive in our children. Just look at how they engage online: texting, captioning, role-playing in games, writing fanfiction. They’re not afraid of writing—they’re hungry for connection.

The Mechanics Myth

So what gets in the way? School, often. And the misconception that mechanics—grammar, spelling, punctuation—must come first. But those are editing tools, not the heart of writing. When children are judged on mechanics too early, they either shut down or simplify their ideas to avoid mistakes. That’s a tragedy. We’d never correct a toddler’s first sentences with a red pen; we celebrate the effort and model better language over time. Writing deserves that same patience.

From Referee to Coach

One of the most powerful shifts we can make as parents is to partner with our children as writing coaches, not referees. A coach sees potential, scaffolds growth, and celebrates effort. A referee calls fouls. When we shift to coaching, we stop policing mistakes and start supporting ideas. We create a space where writing becomes playful again, not performative.

Making Writing Playful Again

That’s where tools like freewriting come in. Freewriting gives kids permission to write anything—yes, even “I hate writing.” In doing so, they learn to connect their hand to their thoughts without the pressure of getting it “right.” Over time, they find their voice. And when they’re ready, we can model revision not as punishment, but as play. Change a few words. Try saying the opposite. Act out a scene. Make it fun.

Protect the Joy First

The truth is, not every piece of writing needs to be polished. It just needs to be real. Real thoughts, real voice, real expression. From there, we can teach structure. But first, we must protect the joy of self-expression.

We want our children to write because they have something to say, not because they’re afraid of getting it wrong. That begins by honoring their words as worthy, exactly as they are, and helping them discover the power of their own voice.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #288] Opening Pandora’s Box: Social Media, Publishing, and Facebook

Brave Writer Podcast

Do you ever wonder why publishing feels harder than ever—even for talented writers? In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we unpack:

  • the shifting realities of the publishing world,
  • the gatekeeping role of social media,
  • and how authors are increasingly responsible for their own marketing, platforms, and sales.

We also share a personal story about losing tens of thousands of Facebook followers overnight and how that loss spotlighted the fragile ecosystem of modern author visibility. As always, we advocate for connection over clout and remind you that real growth often happens offline—in living rooms, book clubs, and homeschooling co-ops.

If this conversation resonates with you, share the episode with a friend or leave us a review. Word-of-mouth is still the best algorithm. Listen now for an honest look at the highs and heartbreaks of writing in the digital age.

Show Notes

In the ever-evolving world of publishing, one truth has emerged with startling clarity: writing a good book is no longer enough. Today, publishers are placing their bets on celebrity authors, viral sensations, and social media darlings—often before they even consider the merit of a manuscript.

Traditional publishing once operated on the belief that great writing would be recognized and supported by a team. Editors championed books to the marketing department, and publishers helped authors reach readers. Now, those roles have shifted. Authors are expected to arrive with their own audience—complete with analytics, engagement rates, and short-form video skills.

The platform paradox

This isn’t just frustrating—it’s discouraging. Especially for writers in niche fields like homeschooling or middle-grade fiction, building a sizable platform often means stepping away from the very work that fuels their passion. The time spent crafting thoughtful prose or researching meaningful educational resources is now diverted into reels, hashtags, and follower counts.

We’ve felt this pressure firsthand. After years of cultivating an authentic connection with our community, a recent hacking incident resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of Facebook followers. The response from the platform? Robotic and dismissive. The expectation was clear: rebuild or vanish. But rebuilding isn’t a simple request—it’s a full-time job.

When authors foot the bill

The cost isn’t just emotional. Many authors now fund their own book marketing—sometimes spending the entirety of their advance (or more) just to make a book visible. If that book doesn’t “earn out,” royalties may never arrive.

We hear from parents and aspiring authors who still believe that being picked up by a major publisher guarantees visibility, support, and book sales. But the truth is, publishers often look to the author to provide the customer base, not the other way around.

Why connection still matters

Meanwhile, those who came up in an earlier publishing era remember a time when publicists booked interviews and arranged tours. Today, most authors manage their own events, marketing materials, and outreach. It’s a heavy lift—especially when what we want most is simply to write.

And yet, we’re reminded again and again that genuine connection still matters. In-person book clubs, homeschooling meetups, and podcast conversations remain some of the most meaningful tools for sharing ideas. These are the spaces where content isn’t just consumed—it’s discussed, questioned, and cherished.

The invitation to keep going

If you’re a writer—or nurturing one in your homeschool—we urge you to keep going. The landscape may feel inhospitable, but great writing still matters. You may not know what platform will rise next, or whether your book will ever go viral. But the work is still worth doing. Your voice is worth hearing. Keep writing.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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[Podcast #287] Interesting Conversation with Julie and Melissa

Brave Writer Podcast

Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations aren’t planned—they unfold.

In this week’s Brave Writer podcast episode, we drop in on an unscripted, delightful catch-up between two close friends. From Julie’s recent retreat at Miraval (complete with clay turtles and 7 a.m. birdwatching) to Melissa’s college days giving prairie nature tours, this episode traces the kinds of stories and reflections that surface when we give ourselves time to notice.

We talk about:

  • how naming things builds intimacy,
  • the role of repetition in learning (and music!),
  • and why modeling beeswax might be the best-kept secret in home education.

There are nods to Charlotte Mason, Lynda Barry, roadrunners, rereading A Room with a View, and a clay plaque that simply says “mama.”

Tune in for a rich, meandering conversation about creativity, nature, grief, and the quiet power of doing something more than once.

Show Notes

There are times when what we need most in a learning journey—or in life—is a moment to pause and share stories. This week, we took a break from the usual format to have a good old-fashioned catch-up conversation. What came out was a thread of experiences that, while varied, all seemed to circle around creativity, observation, and connection.

Clay, Creativity, and the Joy of Unfinished Things

Julie recently returned from a retreat where she spent time working with air-dry clay—not to make anything impressive, but simply to feel it in her hands. She sculpted animals, a cactus, and a little plaque that said “mama.” The freedom to create and destroy, to not worry about outcomes, reminded us how powerful it is for kids to explore art in ephemeral ways. Melissa recalled doing beeswax modeling with her kids and noticing how deeply satisfying it was for her as an adult. The sensory experience, the quiet concentration—it wasn’t about performance, just presence.

Birds, Naming, and Noticing

Julie’s birdwatching walk at the retreat opened up a whole new world. From vermilion flycatchers to quails darting across the path, she was reminded of how naming what we see builds intimacy. Melissa chimed in with her own memories of giving nature tours in college, pointing out burrowing owls on the Colorado prairie. When we know what something is called, it becomes part of our world—and that sense of belonging is at the heart of education.

Repetition, Music, and the Rhythm of Learning

We also reflected on repetition—not as a failure to move forward, but as a vital part of how we learn. Melissa mentioned how we don’t question listening to the same music over and over again, yet sometimes worry when kids reread the same book. But repetition is variation’s dance partner. As Julie recalled from a music history professor: all music is built on repetition and surprise. So is learning.

Wandering with Purpose

Whether it’s drawing while listening to music, observing a single tree across the seasons, or returning to the same book or craft again and again, these quiet practices build a deep well of understanding. They invite us to slow down, to notice, and to return—not just to the activity itself, but to the feelings and connections it evokes. In a world that often urges us to move on to the next thing, there’s something profoundly grounding about staying with what we love a little longer. These are the small, sustaining moments where real learning—and real living—take root.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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