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

Writing is often framed as an external obligation in schools, but we believe it’s much more than that. Writing is an act of self-expression—a way to explore ideas, emotions, and creativity. In this episode, we discuss how parents can help children reclaim the joy of writing, emphasizing its value as a personal journey rather than just a task to complete. We also touch on the role of AI, the importance of fostering self-expression, and how writing connects us to the world and each other.

Listen to the full episode for insights on how to nurture confident, passionate writers in your family.

Resources:

• Austin Kleon on why he saves New Year’s resolutions for February
• Anne Helen Petersen, “The Social Media Sea Change”
• Find Wintering by Katherine May in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Julie’s new author website (juliebogartwriter.com) goes live next week!
• 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

Welcome back for Part 2 of our conversation with Tara Mohr, homeschooling mom and expert on women’s leadership. 

We discuss teaching kids to notice and name their inner critic, the terms “pachad” and “yirah,” and what Tara means when she uses the term “calling.”

You can pick up a copy of Tara’s book, “Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead,” in the Brave Writer book shop!

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Find “Playing Big” by Tara Mohr in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• 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

What is it that holds women back when it comes to taking risks or living authentically? How can we raise our daughters so they don’t have to struggle as much as we have?

Tara Mohr, an expert on women's leadership and a homeschooling mom herself, joins the show today to discuss this topic and share her book, Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead.

We discuss developing self-trust and the difference between preparation and improvisation.

Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2!

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Find Playing Big by Tara Mohr in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• 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

On New Year's Day, Julie's beloved mother, Karen O'Connor, passed away at the age of 86. Karen was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many with her kindness, warmth, and wisdom. As a prolific author of 70 books and a gifted writing teacher, Karen's legacy is one of inspiration and creativity. She was deeply cherished by her three children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

In this special episode, we honor Karen's life and contributions by sharing an interview recorded in 2018, when Karen was one of Brave Writer's most beloved writing coaches. Through this conversation, we celebrate her incredible journey, her passion for writing, and her lasting impact on the Brave Writer community.

You can read Karen O’Connor’s obituary here. Donations can be made to the Sierra Club in her name. Visit Karen’s website and learn more about her books at www.karenoconnor.com.

Resources:

• 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 new Substack: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart  
• Take a look at the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• 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

Welcome back for the second half of our walk down Brave Writer memory lane!

Julie regales us with never-told-before stories about the ups and downs of the Brave Writer business. She tells us about the one and only time she took out a loan for Brave Writer. We also hear about a stressful lawsuit that ended up with a scammer getting arrested!

Most of all, we hear story after story about how the love of writing, and the commitment to developing kids’ self-expression, has rippled out across thousands of lives.

Resources:

• 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 new Substack: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart  
• Take a look at the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• 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

It started with editing church materials and swapping advice on 1990s internet message boards. Today, Brave Writer has served thousands of families, helping them transform their relationship to writing and each other. 

In this episode, we walk you through the history of Brave Writer.

Take a listen as Julie explains why she started the business and how she grew it. Her story is unique, but similar to many homeschool moms’– discovering knowledge and skills that you didn’t even know you had.

The conversation is full of so many good stories, we decided to do a Part 2 next week!

Resources:

• 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 new Substack: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart  
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Find Julie's books in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• 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

Learning is a natural function of the brain. As teachers, our job is to facilitate that natural function. In today’s episode, we dive into the research around how brains perform learning and the ideal conditions for optimal learning.

We dig into Renata and Geoffrey Caine’s research on the topic, focusing on three key areas: orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness, and active processing. We explain how each one works and how to leverage them as homeschooling parents.

This episode is packed with information and ‘lipstick drops’ (you’ll understand after you listen). It will give you tools to create more ‘aha moments’ for you and your learners.

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Find the book ‘Making Connections’ in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• 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

Julie’s back!

You may have noticed that Melissa’s been hosting the podcast solo recently. Today we learn why Julie has been absent and what she’s learned while she’s been away.

We talk about Julie’s experience with her mother’s illness, leading Julie to reflect on how her mother created a homeschooling culture for her kids even though they were enrolled in traditional school.

We also review how the Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference went and discuss our favorite parts.

Join us as we celebrate Julie’s return!

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Check out the Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions 
• Explore the Brave Writer Book Shop
• 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