Explore every episode of the podcast Brave Writer
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 350. Pro Tips for Fabulous Field Trips | 29 Jul 2026 | 01:01:21 | |
What if some of the richest learning in your homeschool happened after you walked out the front door? We’re exploring how to plan family outings that turn science, history, art, literature, music, sports, and local culture into hands-on experiences. We share what to pack in a reliable go-bag, how to prepare children for unfamiliar environments, and why a little advance exposure can make an outing more exciting. You’ll also hear dozens of affordable field-trip ideas, from factory tours and art scavenger hunts to author homes, grocery stores, women’s sports, and geocaching. Grab your calendar, choose an adventure, and make room for learning beyond the lesson plan. Resources:
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| 349. Preparing for the First Week of Homeschool | 22 Jul 2026 | 01:02:50 | |
What if the best first day of homeschool begins long before the first lesson? As summer stretches toward a new school year, we’re talking about the kind of preparation that actually supports family life: flexible routines, child-centered planning, cozy spaces, printed materials, backup plans, and first-day rituals that invite kids into learning with curiosity instead of pressure. We explore how to protect homeschool mornings, plan from behind, use Poetry Teatime as a reset, build in experiences your kids care about, and let the seasons of the year shape your energy. Pour a cup of tea, grab your calendar, and begin imagining a homeschool year that feels both doable and alive. Resources:
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| 340. Family Favorites: Resources and Routines Beloved by Melissa’s Kids | 20 May 2026 | 00:48:01 | |
What if your best homeschool resources are the small routines, songs, snacks, and tools your kids remember years later? In this episode, we gather a treasure chest of family-tested ideas: read-alouds, Signing Time, Bob Books, captions, morning songs, poetry memorization, skip counting, quiet time, seasonal books, geography games, Postcrossing, DragonBox Algebra, Snap Circuits, and more. Along the way, we talk about why the imperfect moments often become the brightest memories, from dry Lucky Charms at Shakespeare Club to circus animal cookies at a recital. Join us as we celebrate practical, playful ways to make learning stick. Resources:
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| 250. Reading Aloud: Why Teach Writing Mechanics with Living Literature? | 14 Aug 2024 | 00:58:10 | |
What’s living literature? What does it have to do with teaching your kids grammar and spelling? Today’s episode is a recording of Julie’s webinar where she explains the heart of Brave Writer’s approach to teaching writing. Julie explains how immersion in rich, powerful literature is the best way to teach your child writing mechanics. She outlines the Brave Writer process in six steps: Parent reads aloud; student reads to themselves; student keenly observes what they read and asks investigative questions; student tests what they know through copywork and dictation; student corrects their own work; and student free writes. With specific examples and colorful anecdotes, Julie dives into the details for each step. She also breaks them down by program level: The Quill (5-7 year olds), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), and Slingshot (15-18). If you’ve been looking for a distillation of what exactly Brave Writer is, this is the episode for you. Resources:
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Produced by NOVA Media | |||
| 249. Escaping Fundamentalism with Tia Levings | 07 Aug 2024 | 01:01:50 | |
Tia Levings was trapped in a high-control religion, experiencing church-sanctioned domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Her only relief was the Trapdoor Society online message boards where she could discuss big ideas about education and human development. Years later, she barely escaped with her and her kids’ lives. Tia joins us today for an emotional, deeply meaningful episode where we discuss our intertwined stories and her new memoir, “A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.” Resources:
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| 248. How to Find Homeschooling Community | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:54:47 | |
Homeschooling can be isolating, but it shouldn’t be and it doesn’t have to be. In fact, as a homeschooling family, you have unique opportunities to meaningfully connect with all kinds of folks. In this episode, we discuss how to find community as homeschoolers and why it is so important. We discuss connecting to your local homeschooler advocacy organization, using the internet to find like-minded homeschoolers (and even non-like minded homeschoolers), and coming up with ways to integrate non-homeschoolers into your fun learning experiences. We also dive into why community is important. Yes, social media can show you some reels of cool project ideas, but ongoing conversations and relationships drive deeper growth. That’s why we created Brave Learner Home. We discuss the Braver Learner Home features and invite you to join! Resources:
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| 247. 2024 Summer Games Fever with Julie Bogart | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:49:37 | |
If you aren’t already excited about the Summer Olympics, the episode is going to get you there. Julie’s passion for The Games is contagious. She shares some of her favorite Olympic memories as well as how she integrated the events into her kids’ learning. Geography, physics, pageantry, dedication, loss–the Olympics and Paralympics have it all. Throw in some globes, homemade medals, and poetry, and for almost three weeks your home will be a hub of multi-disciplinary fandom. Go to the Brave Writer website and download the free Summer Games Guide: bravewriter.com/landing/2024-summer-games-guide. Resources:
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| 246. Living Through Books with Lindsay Smith | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:37:46 | |
Lindsay Smith caught our eye on Instagram with all the cool book projects she does with her homeschool kids. We are thrilled she accepted our invitation to be our guest on today’s show to tell us more about them. We discuss the importance of fun, visual timelines of accomplishments: books read, skills gained, and milestones achieved. Timelines also act as lessons themselves, building summary skills and even historical inquiry chops. Plus, Lindsay gives us her perspective as a homeschooling mom currently using the Brave Writer Dart program and explains what it is like to be in our Refer-a-Friend program. Resources:
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| 245. High School Writers: Natural Stages of Growth in Writing #4 | 10 Jul 2024 | 01:03:01 | |
Welcome to our fourth episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the High School Writers stage, broken up into two parts: The Great Conversation (freshmen and sophomores) and The Rhetorical Imagination (college prep). It can feel overwhelming for homeschooling parents to teach writing at the high school level, but it doesn’t have to. We talk about keeping it simple: the basic architecture of an essay, deeply engaging with perspectives, and of course, big juicy conversations. Be sure to check the show notes’ resources section for links to all the writing programs we discuss in this episode, plus links to our free Olympics guide, Fall Class Registration (beginning July 22), Brave Writer Training (sign-up ends July 31), Resources:
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Produced by NOVA Media | |||
| 244. Middle School Writers: Natural Stages of Growth in Writing #3 | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:49:59 | |
Welcome to our third episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Middle School Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 9-12. This stage is all about building confidence, instilling in your student that they can consistently express themselves well in writing. We dive into freewriting practices—generating ideas and writing in short spurts. We also walk through how to do low-stakes revisions to help kids get comfortable with messing with their writing after it is on the page. We also talk about non-writing activities students can do that contribute to their writing skills. Resources:
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| 243. Emerging Writers: Natural Stages of Growth in Writing #2 | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:36:42 | |
Welcome to our second episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Emerging Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 8-10. We explain that the key to the Emerging Writers stage is partnership. Parents need to partner with their kids while writing, just like parents naturally partner with their kids while teaching them how to drive a car, or any other major life skill. We dive into exactly what this looks like, and all of its benefits. Plus, we talk about the Brave Writer Emerging Writers Bundle and the Dart and Partnership Writing Bundle– don’t forget, they’re on sale through the end of June! Resources:
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| 242. Beginning Writers: Natural Stages of Growth in Writing #1 | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:39:07 | |
We’re re-recording our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! If you’re a longtime listener, you may remember our first series on the topic. It was made up of conversations between Julie and her son. Now we’re recording in an updated format with more lessons learned and observations gleaned over the years. In this episode, we cover the Beginning Writers stage, also known as the “Jot It Down” stage. This stage actually starts when your baby says their first word and you reflexively write it down. As they grow older and break out into passionate stories like toddlers do, jot down those stories right there in the moment. In this stage you’re teaching your child that writing is simply capturing thought in words that can be preserved for an interested audience. Julie and Melissa share adorable anecdotes of when they did this with their own children, not only building a foundational concept of writing, but also preserving invaluable family moments. Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode to learn about the Beginning Writers Bundle and the Quill and Jot It Down Bundle. All are one sale through the end of June! Resources:
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| 241. The Parenting Map with Dr. Shefali | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:36:20 | |
Parenting is not just about managing behaviors but about building meaningful relationships that help both parents and children grow. Dr. Shefali, New York Times bestselling author of The Conscious Parent and The Parenting Map, proposes an approach that prioritizes connection, embraces playfulness, and redefines success. In this episode, Dr. Shefali discusses the essence of conscious parenting, focusing on the parent's mental biases and belief systems rather than the child's actions. We explore the importance of maintaining a playful approach in parenting and education, redefining success based on individual growth, and navigating challenges with empathy. Dr. Shefali's insights on self-awareness, the inner child, and the imposter ego are enlightening and transformative. Tune in to hear more about these valuable parenting strategies and how they can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful journey for both parents and children. Join us as we delve into the wisdom of Dr. Shefali and learn how to nurture the next generation with love and understanding. Resources:
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| 339. Facing Our Limits as Parent Educators | 13 May 2026 | 00:52:11 | |
What does it mean to prepare our children for a future we can’t predict? In this episode, we reflect on homeschooling, parenting, adult children, and the tender reality of endings. We talk about why “success” may be the wrong measure for family life, how love becomes the truest through-line, and why our kids’ adult reflections deserve to be heard without defensiveness. From changing job markets and AI uncertainty to theater outings, cancer treatment, and raisin bread metaphors, we explore how to keep relationship at the center. Join us as we make room for love, complexity, feedback, and joy. Resources:
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| 240. Struggling With Math? An Interview With Pat Murray of CTC Math | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:39:11 | |
There are two major pain points in homeschooling: writing and math. Our guest today helps us with the math part. Pat Murray is the founder of CTC Math, which should sound very familiar to listeners as CTC has been an incredible sponsor for many of our episodes. Pat tells us about the all-too-common trajectory of students: They’re fine with math when they’re very young, then they don’t quite master one skill, then other skills are built on top of that missing skill, then things start to fall apart and students’ entire confidence in “being good at math” shatters. That’s why Pat has specifically built his online math program to identify those missing skills, explain them in a very clear and concise way, and have the student implement them so they can experience immediate small victories. Listening to how Pat has designed his program, why he makes all levels available to subscribers, and the stories he’s accumulated over the years is a real treat. We’re so glad he joined us! Resources:
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| 239. Tools to Buy Instead of Curriculum | 29 May 2024 | 00:56:11 | |
When parents map out the annual homeschooling budget, there’s a tendency to only focus on curriculum. In this episode, we encourage you to prioritize tools that really bring learning to life. Plus, we give you tips on how to get them on the cheap. We dive into specific suggestion after specific suggestion, mainly grouped into six buckets: Writing utensils, art and handicraft supplies, baking ingredients and tools, science kits, games and puzzles, magazines and field guides. We also give examples of experiential, rather than physical, tools that are great for homeschool families. We’re big fans of annual memberships to art museums, zoos, botanical gardens, science museums, etc. Volunteering at local theaters or animal centers can be a great way to access fun learning environments. The right tools make all the difference in having a happy learning life. We hope our suggestions spark creativity and joy in you and your kids! Resources:
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| 238. Thinking Differently About Learning with Maren and Angela | 22 May 2024 | 00:48:52 | |
Today, we reunite with fellow podcasters and homeschool moms, Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer. We dive into their new book, Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive. It can be all too easy for homeschooling families to unintentionally replicate the negative aspects of traditional schooling that they were trying to avoid: Cookie cutter approaches, stress, burnout, etc. Think Differently About Learning gives a roadmap for a more joyful approach. We talk about building an appetite for learning by honoring learning differences, rest, and small wins. Plus, we discuss relying on relationships instead of rules to guide your child in decision-making. Themes of empowerment, pleasure, and wellness weave their way through our discussion. What Maren and Angela have to say as former traditional teachers and experienced homeschoolers is refreshing, tangible, and inspiring. Enjoy! Resources:
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| 237. 2024-25 Book Reveal Talk! With Dawn Smith | 15 May 2024 | 00:59:26 | |
It’s almost time for our annual book list release! Every year we curate a new list of books to be part of our Dart (ages 8-10 ), Arrow (10-12), and Boomerang (12-14) programs. Dawn Smith spearheads this undertaking and she joins us today to describe how she picks which books to be on the list. The reason the book release is so highly anticipated is because Dawn chooses books that she knows are going to elicit kids’ buy-in, lead to big, juicy family conversations, and give kids tools to tell their own stories. Dawn and Melissa explain the journey they go on to put together the Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang programs, how they are intentional about centering what is activating, engaging, and flexible. Plus, stay tuned until the end to learn how to sign up for the book list announcement webinars and the giveaways you may win! Resources:
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| 236. Happy Book Birthday: Becoming a Critical Thinker by Julie Bogart! | 07 May 2024 | 00:16:43 | |
Hooray! Today’s the publication day of my (Julie’s) new workbook, “Becoming a Critical Thinker.” If you’re a longtime listener of this podcast, you know that I’m pretty strict about workbooks. They should lead a child to mastery, to embodiment, to knowing the content for themselves. That’s the approach I took to creating this workbook. I’ve reduced each of the activities to one key point. I've written just enough text for students to get that idea and then to practice it in the activity. I designed this workbook to help students grow as critical thinkers by turning the focus to their own thoughts. Why do they believe what they believe? What flaws can they notice in their own thinking? How do they reach conclusions? I dive into all this in-depth in today’s episode. Thank you for joining me on this special day! Resources:
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| 235. Why Moms Make the Best Advocates: Shannon Watts | 01 May 2024 | 00:58:14 | |
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, “Fight Like a Mother.” 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:
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| 234. Unfrazzling the Frazzled Homeschooling Mom | 24 Apr 2024 | 01:03:44 | |
Today we answer a listener’s letter. An excerpt:: My kids craft. All. The. Time. They wake and craft. Hot glue and paper scraps everywhere. Markers and lost lids everywhere. Cardboard everywhere. Currently they’re making some kind of escape room with string strung everywhere like a spider's web. I let them be and I read aloud for an hour or so, so that our morning starts fun. But then I can’t stop them. And the energy it takes me to try and get them to clean up and then refocus on some math or whatever drains me before I can even begin. I do short (no busywork) lessons but even that they balk at because they just wanna do their own thing that they are on a roll with. And they are ALWAYS on a roll!! The mess stresses me out…I wonder if you have any caring ideas for the frazzled mom. I wish I loved artsy chaos. I am not my best self in it. I’m exhausted with the struggle of trying to keep some order and also do the lessons we need to do. We’ve all been there: Trying to wrangle wild, messy children away from what they’re engrossed in and towards a small lesson or two that needs to be done. It can become a daily grind that frazzles and exhausts you, maybe even making you doubt yourself. Today we open the listener mailbag and respond to “Molly,” a mom who is experiencing this and looking for ideas to unfrazzle her life. First, we talk big picture: Your needs as a mother matter. While you’re finding the balance between letting the children engage in curiosity-based learning and making sure they’re doing what they need to do in order to keep future doors open, don’t forget your own needs for a functional home and life. You matter. Then we get into specifics. We go over tactics to manage physical space and materials. We cover how to plan and execute activity transitions. We discuss how to communicate, verbally and nonverbally, in order to help your children adjust to changes. While it’s natural to feel frazzled sometimes, you shouldn’t have to live in a constant state of frazzlement. We hope our conversation today helps “Molly” and all the other homeschooling families out there. Resources:
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| 233. Endgame Tips to Finish the Year Strong | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:48:06 | |
Springtime often pulls homeschoolers in what can feel like two different directions. The first is the concern of what needs to be done before the end of the school year. The second is wanting to play outside. Today we cover how to unite the two. We give ideas of how to incorporate formal education with being outside: Measuring the circumference of a tree, practicing spelling while tossing a lacrosse ball, figuring out change at the ice cream store, and more. But we also cover how spring is a rich time to develop wonder and observational skills in your kids, beyond just formal standards. Field trips, “look for a color” strolls, and even baseball games can help your child appreciate the world around them and develop lifelong passions. Resources:
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| 232. A Deep Dive into AI with Dr. Kelly Cohen | 10 Apr 2024 | 01:14:27 | |
When a lot of people hear “Artificial Intelligence,” they think RoboCop or the Terminator, but Dr. Kelly Cohen thinks about life-saving medical processes. Dr. Kelly Cohen’s startup, Genexia, uses AI to identify coronary artery disease using mammograms. Today he joins us to talk about his AI optimism and vision for the future. Join us as we talk about AI risks, ethics, and regulations. Resources:
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| 231. Artistic Homeschooling with Hana of Pepper and Pine | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:51:32 | |
Hana’s Instagram account, Pepper and Pine, is one of the most beautiful accounts on the internet: colorful, full of books and art. Her homeschooling approach is much the same. Using the Waldorf philosophy, she blends creativity and curiosity into her lessons, keeping them targeted to specific developmental stages. Today, we have a rich conversation with Hana about the dynamic of learning and growing as a parent while teaching your child at the same time. We talk about the anxiety about gaps in your kids’ education, how to find time to plan lessons, and the joy of seeing them grow into adulthood. We also discuss the role art and handwork plays in our own lives as adults, both in terms of meditative relief and spiritual growth. The whole episode has the aesthetic of Pepper and Pine: deep, meaningful, beautiful. Resources:
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| 338. Narration: It’s Out of This World! | 06 May 2026 | 00:39:53 | |
What if your child’s long, winding stories are not a distraction from learning, but the very foundation of it? In this episode, we explore the art of narration: the natural ability children have to tell what they notice, remember, imagine, and understand. Inspired by Charlotte Mason and the astronauts of Artemis 2, we look at how vivid description, precise vocabulary, metaphor, and careful listening help kids turn experience into language. We also talk about oral narration, written narration, jot-it-down practices, observation, public speaking, and why parents can become a child’s own Mission Control. Listen in, and let’s learn how to say: Copy kid joy! Resources:
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| 230. An Invitation to Poetry Teatime | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:54:39 | |
Today’s episode is a Poetry Teatime: You drink tea, people pick poems to read aloud, you listen and enjoy them while you're eating a delicious snack. Of course, since this is Brave Writer, we take time between the poems to talk about our love for poetry and how we use it to teach children about language: similes, imagery, space, expression, connection, and more. So join us in Julie’s family tradition, which started way back when her kids brought their stuffed animals to the table and believed store-bought cookies were a special treat. Enjoy! Resources:
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| 229. Brave Writer Student to Professional Author: Millie Florence | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:52:31 | |
At age 20, Brave Writer alum Millie Florence has already published three books. She joins the show today to talk about her writing process, her publishing experience, and what she learned in her Brave Writer classes. Plus, we geek out about Minecraft Story Mode and our favorite middle grade novels. Resources:
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| 228. Self-Compassion with Dr. Diana Hill | 13 Mar 2024 | 00:53:41 | |
We often practice compassion for others but hesitate when it comes to compassion for ourselves. Friend of the podcast Dr. Diana Hill joins us today to talk about her newest book, “The Self-Compassion Daily Journal,” and give us some practical tips for practicing self-compassion. We talk about the science of stress in the body, being a connected part of nature, wearing jeans that fit, and much more. This conversation is packed with nuggets of wisdom and insight. Resources:
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| 227. The Learning Game with Ana Lorena Fábrega | 06 Mar 2024 | 01:08:13 | |
There’s a big difference between “the game of school” and “the learning game.” Ana Lorena Fábrega picked this up as a kid when she went to 10 different schools by the time she was 15. She learned it again as an educator herself. Today Ana joins us to discuss her book, “The Learning Game.” We talk about memorization vs. applied learning, “pointsification” vs gamification, testing culture vs. curiosity, and the importance of embracing confusion. Resources:
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| 226. The Internet and Parenthood with Jill Smokler of She's Got Issues | 28 Feb 2024 | 00:42:55 | |
The internet has been a great tool for creating community. It has given us ways to connect, commiserate, and even start entrepreneurial adventures. In the 90s, we were just figuring out blogs and message boards. Now, there is TikTok, Instagram, and going viral. Founder of Scary Mommy and She’s Got Issues, Jill Smokler joins us to talk about how being a parent on the internet has changed, and stayed the same, over the years. We talk about our experiences with figuring out what stories to share about our kids, and which to keep private. We also talk about being an entrepreneur, growing older, and parenting adult kids. Tune in and enjoy the conversation. Resources:
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| 225. Homeschooling with Babies & Toddlers in Tow | 21 Feb 2024 | 01:00:32 | |
Today’s episode is about how to homeschool while you have a baby or toddler in tow. As Julie puts it, “The crux of the issue is, how do I teach math to a second grader when I have a terrorist baby?” First, Julie and Melissa talk about daily routines, like finding pockets of time to teach your older kids while your toddler is napping or when you are all taking a family walk. Then they give specific activities that can keep toddlers occupied. They wrap up by covering a few strategies to involve friends and family, including co-ops, babysitting swaps, and grandparent-led science experiments. Resources:
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| 224. A School Principal Chooses Homeschooling: An Interview with Mandy Davis | 14 Feb 2024 | 00:48:47 | |
In the realm of homeschooling, the journey from traditional educational frameworks to embracing a homeschooling lifestyle is both inspiring and transformative. This transition, often sparked by a desire for a more personalized and engaging learning experience, is richly illustrated by the story of Mandy Davis, a former traditional education professional who embarked on a homeschooling journey with her family. Through her experience, we uncover the profound benefits of child-led learning, the integration of real-world experiences, and the importance of community support. Resources:
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| 223. Lessons from Leaving a Cult with Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames (The Vow) | 07 Feb 2024 | 01:16:43 | |
In our latest podcast episode, we took a closer look at the tough topic of leaving cults and the importance of thinking for ourselves. We had a deep chat with Sarah Edmondson and Nippy Ames, who shared their brave story of getting out of the NXIVM cult. This episode isn't just about their story; it's about how we all can learn to think more critically and stand up for our own beliefs. Resources:
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| 222. Becoming a Critical Thinker with Julie Bogart | 31 Jan 2024 | 00:33:50 | |
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available to us today? In our podcast, we delve into the critical need for fostering critical thinking skills in our children to navigate this complex landscape. Resources:
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| 221. Rethinking your beliefs with Josh Harris | 24 Jan 2024 | 00:55:34 | |
As lifelong learners and educators in the homeschooling community, we understand that the journey of teaching and guiding our children is ever-evolving. Our recent podcast guest, Joshua Harris, shared his personal journey of growth and transformation, which resonates deeply with many of us who navigate the complex waters of education and parenting. Resources:
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| 337. Life Skills | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:59:27 | |
What do our kids actually need to know before they leave home? In this episode, we explore the everyday life skills that often get overlooked, from tying shoes and folding laundry to handling money, filling out forms, speaking with customer service, hosting guests, managing time, and learning how to do what life requires next. We talk about why practical competence is part of education, not separate from it, and why homeschooling gives us a beautiful chance to teach these skills in real life, at the right moment. Join us for a conversation about raising capable, confident kids who know how to participate fully in the world. Resources:
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| 220. Becoming a professional writer with Melissa Wiley (invite your kids to listen)! | 17 Jan 2024 | 01:05:06 | |
Every writer's journey begins with the spark of inspiration, often ignited during childhood. Favorite books and characters not only entertain but also open the door to the enchanting world of storytelling. For many, including our co-host Melissa Wiley, this early love of reading sows the seeds for a future in writing. As a published author, Melissa Wiley exemplifies the journey from an avid reader to a professional writer. Her experiences highlight the transition from fan to creator, showing aspiring writers that their dreams of authorship are attainable. Resources:
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| 219. The 4th R: Relationship | 10 Jan 2024 | 01:08:44 | |
Today’s episode is about what I call “The 4th R.” Most of us are familiar with the three R’s: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. But in order for those subjects to click with your kids, you need a 4th R: Relationship. Everything in your home and homeschool flows from how well you connect with your kids. This episode is meant to turbocharge for putting the relationship you have with your children at the center of your homeschool. Resources:
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| 218. Reupping Your Homeschool Commitment | 03 Jan 2024 | 01:00:37 | |
The new year brings a perfect opportunity to refresh and re-energize our homeschooling practices. It's not just about sticking to what has worked in the past; it's about bringing in new ideas and approaches. We encourage parents to experiment with different educational styles and activities. From introducing treasure hunts to varying learning methods with workbooks or games, these changes can rejuvenate your homeschooling experience and spark new interest in your children. Resources:
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| 217. Raising Kind Humans with Katie Doughty | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:47:32 | |
In the journey of nurturing the next generation, the importance of instilling kindness and empathy in children cannot be overstated. The concept of teaching kindness extends far beyond mere politeness; it's about shaping compassionate, empathetic individuals who can positively impact their communities. Katie Doughty, a passionate advocate for childhood empathy and the founder of Team Kind Humans, has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of this mission along with her podcast, Raising Kind Humans. Resources:
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| 216. Putting your kids in school | 20 Dec 2023 | 01:02:59 | |
We have always been passionate advocates for flexible and child-centered education. With our combined experience in homeschooling and traditional schooling, we've come to appreciate the unique journey each child embarks upon in their quest for knowledge and growth. While this is obviously a homeschooling podcast, we wanted to dive into some of the reasons you might choose to put your kids into the traditional school system. Resources:
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| 215. Planned Spontaneity | 13 Dec 2023 | 01:00:01 | |
In our journey of homeschooling, we've discovered that education is not just about textbooks and structured lessons; it's about nurturing a child's curiosity, creativity, and joy in learning. We believe in blending structured education with elements of surprise and spontaneity, making learning an adventure rather than a chore. Resources:
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| 214. Asian-American History with Resilient Panda | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:41:15 | |
In the realm of educational resources, Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu, the founders of Resilient Panda History, aim to fill a neglected niche in the homeschooling world. With a deep commitment to educating young minds about the rich tapestry of Asian American history, Essie and Hsin-Fu, both homeschooling parents, have pioneered a path for inclusive learning. Their innovative approach to education, embodied in their Streams: Chinese American History for Kids guide, stems from a personal journey rooted in passion and a profound understanding of the importance of cultural representation. Resources:
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| 213. How to Talk to Homeschool-Resistant Family | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:58:21 | |
As seasoned homeschoolers and advocates for this unique educational journey, we have experienced firsthand the challenges and joys that come with choosing this path. Our venture into homeschooling wasn't straightforward; it involved navigating skepticism from our spouses and families, balancing our convictions with compassion and understanding. Resources:
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| 212. Hygge Homeschool for the Holidays | 22 Nov 2023 | 00:56:14 | |
As the leaves turn and the days shorten, there's a distinct shift in the air – it's the cozy season, a time for warmth, reflection, and connection. This season, we're embracing the Danish concept of 'hygge' (pronounced 'hoo-ga') in our homeschooling journey. Hygge is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It's the warmth of morning light streaming through the window, the comfort of a hot cup of cocoa, the joy of a shared story. Today we’re delving into how hygge can transform the homeschooling experience. As the season changes, so does the rhythm of our homes and our approach to education. It's a time to slow down, to savor, and to connect more deeply with our children through learning and play. Resources:
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| 211. The Danger in Setting Boundaries | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:37:40 | |
With the holiday season approaching, I’ve been hearing all kinds of advice about boundary setting. As a grandmother myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how relationships and boundaries evolve with adult children over time. I think what’s missing from most modern conversations about boundaries is how important it is to start from a place of empathy, exploration, and open communication. Boundaries should be like fences, not walls— Walls are immovable and permanent, and you can't see through them. Fences can be moved, they can be adjusted, and they have gates that let people in and out. Resources:
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| 336. Do You Suffer From an Adventure Deficit? | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:03:08 | |
What if the crankiness in your homeschool isn’t a behavior problem at all, but an adventure deficit? In this episode, we explore how too much routine can flatten a family’s energy and how a little surprise, novelty, and wonder can bring learning back to life. We share simple ways to add adventure at home, outside, in literature, in language, and even on rainy days, plus ideas for building an “adventure list” before you need one. Along the way, we talk about wonder walls, theater games, jump rope, gardening, punctuation, and the hilarious flow chart that asks the all-important question: “But did you die?” Listen in, then come share your own adventure ideas with us. Resources:
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| 210. Pleasure in Writing | 08 Nov 2023 | 00:52:52 | |
As an educator deeply embedded in the homeschooling world, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of writing when taught as a natural and enjoyable practice. Yet, the essence of our message transcends the confines of any single medium. It's about fostering a love of writing in our children—seeing it not as a task but as a playground for their imagination. Resources:
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| 209. The Emotional Impact of Divorce, Part 2 | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:39:38 | |
Today, we dive deeper into a topic that holds immense significance in many of our lives: divorce. It's an extension of our previous discussions, and I genuinely believe it's a conversation we need to have. Many of us know someone, a dear friend or a family member, who has experienced divorce. The question then arises: how can we show up for them? How can we support not just them, but also their kids, in the best possible way? This post aims to explore these questions and shed light on the intricacies of supporting loved ones during such transformative times. Resources:
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| 208. The Emotional Impact of Divorce, Part 1 | 25 Oct 2023 | 01:06:16 | |
Today's episode dives into the emotional aspect of divorce, especially its impact on children. From my personal experience as a child of divorce and later, as a divorced woman, I hope to shed light on finding stability post-divorce. A friend once encouraged me during my tough times saying, "Julie, keep going. We have cookies on the other side." This simple phrase became a beacon of hope, suggesting a promising life post-divorce. Today, we’ll discuss the emotional layers of divorce to better understand and support those going through it, whether you're directly affected or know someone who is. Resources:
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