Do you feel overwhelmed navigating screens, gaming, and tech in your home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we explore how to shift from blame to curiosity when it comes to your child’s digital life. Ash Brandin, a middle school teacher and the voice behind The Gamer Educator, joins us to talk about the real reasons kids love screens—and how we can use those insights to build stronger connections and more balanced relationships with technology.

We discuss the root causes behind tech reliance, how to help kids develop digital literacy, and why empathy and structure matter more than screen limits alone. Tune in for a refreshing, realistic take on managing tech in a way that benefits the whole family.

Resources:

• Follow Ash Brandin on Instagram: @thegamereducator
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA

Do your kids hate writing? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore why so many children (and adults) feel blocked when it comes to writing—and why it's more important than ever to teach kids to write from scratch, even in an age of AI. We look at the emotional power of writing, the damage done by performance-based instruction, and how we can shift our approach to help kids see themselves as thinkers and communicators.

Listen to hear an excerpt from Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing, and learn how to turn struggling students into brave writers.

Resources:

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing. Pre-order includes:
• PDF "Free the Writer in You" Family Freewriting Guide
• 3 Months of the Paid Substack Subscription for free (starts 4/15/2025)
• Claim your pre-order bonuses here
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA

Do you ever wonder why some lessons stick and others fade away? In this episode, we explore the concept of deep meaning—the essential ingredient behind lasting, joyful learning. When kids connect personally with what they're learning, they move beyond memorization into true expertise. We unpack the difference between mastery and meaning, share real-life examples from homeschooling life (yes, video games and comic books count!), and offer practical questions you can ask to build more meaningful learning moments at home.

Listen now to discover how to help your kids not just think, but care about what they're learning.

Resources:

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA

This week, we're re-airing our fantastic conversation with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, where we discuss her inspiring new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Tune in for a powerful discussion on activism, passion, and the power of stepping into your purpose!

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million-member organization she describes as “maybe the world's largest real-life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how they come alive and can achieve things they never imagined possible.” We are thrilled to have her on the show today to talk about her upcoming book, Fired Up.

We talk about how both misogyny and motherhood shape women’s journey to, and through, advocacy. We discuss how to withstand blowback and the discomfort that comes with growth, including celebrating small wins and “finding your people.” We also touch on how social media has allowed women to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. 

Our conversation with Shannon about the intersection of motherhood, feminism, and activism is one that will keep us fueled for a long time. We hope you enjoy it.

Resources:

• Pre-order a copy of Fired Up and sign up for Shannon’s free Firestarter University course
• Check out Shannon’s book and other books we’ve recommended on the podcast in the Brave Writer Bookshop. 
• Get involved at MomsDemandAction.org. 
• Sign up for Shannon's Substack
• Follow Shannon's on Instagram: @ShannonWatts
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA

Do you remember history class as a list of dates and names to memorize? What if we told you there’s a better way to approach it—one that sparks curiosity and connection?

In this episode, we chat with historian and educator Emily Glankler about how to make history come alive for both kids and adults. We explore how history is more than just facts—it’s a story that helps us understand the world. Emily shares tips on critical thinking, thematic learning, and why questioning the past is essential to making sense of the present.

Join us for a fascinating discussion on how to approach history in a way that’s engaging, meaningful, and fun.

Resources:

• Emily Glankler is found at: antisocialstudies.org
• Instagram: @antisocstudies
• TikTok: @antisocialstudies
• 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
• Find our kids’ graphic novel & nonfiction recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA

Many parents think comics and graphic novels are just a fun diversion, but they are actually a powerful tool for learning. In this episode, we explore how comics build literacy skills, introduce advanced vocabulary, and foster a love of reading. We also discuss how graphic novels bring history and literature to life while encouraging kids to create their own stories.

If you’ve ever doubted that comics are “real reading,” this episode will change your mind. Tune in now to discover why graphic novels belong in your child’s learning journey!

Resources:

• 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
• Find our kids’ graphic novel & nonfiction recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• 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
• Boomerangs mentioned in this episode:
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/american-born-chinese
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/dragon-hoops
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/march
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/the-odyssey-a-graphic-novel
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/romeo-and-juliet-graphic-novel
• https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/book/they-called-us-enemy
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA

How much do you love a great book list? The kind that introduces you to stories you never knew you needed? That’s exactly what Amber O’Neal Johnston has created in her latest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.

In today’s episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity and why it’s essential for all children—not just Black children—to engage with stories from diverse perspectives. Amber shares how Soul School isn’t just a book list, but a guide to curating a home library that reflects the richness of Black American history, culture, and imagination.

We discuss the power of Afrofuturism, the accessibility of poetry, and how parents can thoughtfully introduce new voices into their children’s literary world. If you’re looking for ways to expand your family’s reading life in a meaningful way, this conversation is a must-listen.

Order Soul School today and start weaving cultural education into your family’s everyday learning.

Resources:

• Learn more about Amber’s book at soulschoolbook.com
• Our previous interviews with Amber Johnston:

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part One - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Two - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O’Neal Johnston - Part Three - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers
• Find Amber O’Neal Johnston’s Soul School in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• Visit Amber’s website at heritagemom.com
• Amber is @heritagemomblog on Instagram
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Find our podcast book recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA



How does shame shape the way we parent?

In this episode, we sit down with life coach and homeschooling parent Crystal Haitsma to explore how shame influences our parenting—often without our realizing it. Crystal shares her insights on the difference between guilt and shame, and how we can shift from frustration to curiosity in our relationships with our kids. We also discuss how prioritizing self-compassion can transform both homeschooling and daily life, helping us build stronger connections with our children.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overwhelmed, or like you’re “not enough” as a parent, this conversation will bring comfort and clarity. Tune in now to learn how to shift your mindset and create a more peaceful home.

Resources:

• Follow Crystal Haitsma on Instagram: @the.parenting.coach
• Listen to The Parenting Coach Podcast
• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Find our podcast book recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA

Once upon a time, getting lost in a book was second nature. But in today's fast-paced, screen-filled world, deep reading has become a struggle—not just for kids, but for adults too. In this episode, we explore why long-form reading matters, how digital consumption affects our focus, and practical ways to rebuild the habit of immersive reading.

From creating family reading rituals to understanding how books shape our worldview, we unpack strategies to help kids and parents alike reconnect with the joy of sustained reading. Tune in and let’s turn the page together!

Resources:

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers
• Find Maryanne Wolf’s Reader, Come Home in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• Check out Readwise for saving and revisiting your favorite passages
• Find Melissa’s beloved Brighttech floor lamp on our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when managing multiple children. One of the most powerful ways to revitalize learning and relationships is through one-on-one time. In this episode, we explore how small, intentional moments with each child can strengthen connection, build trust, and even make academics more enjoyable.

From playing games to taking a walk, we discuss simple ways to incorporate this practice—without feeling like it’s just another thing to schedule. If your homeschool routine is feeling stagnant, this episode might be the refresh you need.

Tune in now to hear how one-on-one time can transform your homeschool and family life!

Resources:

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• 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:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA