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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Produced by NOVA | |||
| 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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| 348. Kids Don't Learn the Way You Think They Do | 15 Jul 2026 | 01:04:05 | |
What if rigor isn’t about children sitting still, pushing through tedium, and finishing every worksheet without complaint? In this episode, we reimagine rigor as a meaningful challenge: the kind children willingly embrace when the goal matters to them. From math games and secret codes to bird lists, comics, Pokémon tea time, and writing that reaches an interested audience, we explore how hard work becomes inviting when it is rooted in play, connection, and curiosity. We share practical ways to build reading, writing, handwriting, spelling, math, and science skills without draining the joy from learning. Join us as we rethink what rigorous learning can look like at home. Resources:
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| 347. ADHD and Homeschooling Part 2 | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:33:39 | |
Have you ever wondered whether your scattered systems, duplicate scissors, or frozen to-do list are actually character flaws, or clues to how your brain works? In this second conversation about ADHD in the homeschooling parent, we look at the inattentive traits that can hide behind daydreaming, over-planning, lost objects, and task paralysis. We talk about accommodations, body doubling, medication, the ADHD tax, and why evaluations can miss neurodivergent homeschooled kids whose lives are already beautifully adapted to their needs. Most of all, we name the relief that comes when shame gives way to information. Listen in and let’s make room for every brain in the homeschool. Resources:
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| 346. ADHD and Homeschooling Part 1 | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:46:49 | |
What if the neurodivergence in your homeschool is not only in your child, but in you? In this honest and eye-opening conversation, we explore what happens when the home educator begins to recognize ADHD traits in themselves. From task initiation and time blindness to hyperfocus, novelty, shame, doom boxes, and the relief of a diagnosis, we talk about how our wiring shapes the homeschool experience. We also name the gifts: enthusiasm, curiosity, side quests, deep dives, and the ability to turn education itself into a living adventure. Tune in for Part One of a conversation many of us didn’t know we needed. Resources:
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| 345. DIY Writing Retreats for Kids | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:48:39 | |
What if a writing retreat didn’t require a plane ticket to Ireland? This week, we explore what makes writing feel spacious, playful, and alive. From Julie’s memoir retreat on the Irish Sea to Melissa’s fiction experiments with point of view, we talk about how atmosphere, community, sensory detail, and low-stakes exploration can help writers of every age drop beneath the noise of daily life. We also share practical ways to create a mini writing retreat at home for your kids, complete with snacks, freedom, feedback, and delight. Join us as we reimagine writing as nourishment for the intellect and the spirit. Resources:
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| 344. Courageous Divorce: An Interview with Alisha Roth | 17 Jun 2026 | 01:00:19 | |
What happens when faith, prayer, endurance, and every “right” effort still do not make a marriage safe? In this brave and deeply honest conversation, we talk with Alisha Roth, author of Courageous Divorce, about young marriage, religious expectations, abuse, motherhood, homeschooling, community loss, and the difficult clarity that can come when a woman finally listens to her own body and life. Together, we explore divorce not as failure, but as a serious boundary, sometimes the one that makes healing, safety, forgiveness, and a more honest future possible. Listen in for a tender conversation about faith, courage, and choosing to truly live. Resources:
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| 343. Partnership Writing with Dawn Smith | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:05:34 | |
Why teach writing when AI can generate paragraphs in seconds? In this episode, Melissa Wiley talks with Brave Writer president Dawn Smith about why writing still matters, maybe more than ever. Together, they explore writing as a tool for thinking, voice, discovery, and connection. We look at how kids develop their own style, why pre-writing conversations are part of the writing process, and how partnership writing helps children bridge the gap between ideas and words on the page. Plus, Dawn shares what’s new with Partnership Writing and how families can pair projects with Darts for a rich month of learning. Tune in and reconnect with the deeply human work of writing. Resources:
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| 342. Brave Learning and Academics | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:58:36 | |
What if academic standards didn’t have to threaten your homeschool rhythm? In this episode, we explore how to translate grade-level expectations into the rich, lived learning already happening in your home. From Poetry Teatime to bird watching, baking, narration, read-alouds, and everyday conversations, we look at how whole experiences often contain the very skills listed in scope-and-sequence documents. Rather than turning homeschool into school-at-home, we can use standards as information, not intimidation. Join us as we make peace with checklists, protect our children’s investment in learning, and celebrate the evidence already unfolding in daily life. Resources:
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| 341. What If My Child Won't Finish the Lesson? | 27 May 2026 | 00:56:58 | |
When is schoolwork really finished? If your child refuses the last five math problems, drags through copywork, or resists the assignment you carefully planned, the issue may not be laziness or defiance. It may have meaning. In this episode, we rethink what completion really means in homeschool. We explore intrinsic motivation, rote practice, sensory needs, Charlotte Mason’s wisdom, gaming “grind,” and the parent’s role as coach rather than taskmaster. We also talk about how to document learning without turning home into school. Join us as we trade arbitrary finish lines for meaningful progress. 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 335. How to Build Mathematical Imagination Through Everyday Life, Play, and Curiosity | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:55:55 | |
What if math felt less like drudgery and more like discovery? In this episode, we explore “mathematical imagination” and the many ways math is already alive in everyday family life. We talk about counting, measuring, predicting, sports, video games, art, nature, and how curiosity can turn numbers into something meaningful. We also share practical ways to make formal math time more inviting, from manipulatives and mystery-based activities to math tea times and even bubblegum math. If you’ve ever wanted to help your child experience math as a language for describing the world, this conversation is for you. Listen in, then come tell us what math looks like in your home. Resources:
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| 334. Rescuing Reluctant Writers: Brave Writer Online Classes | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:49:50 | |
What if an online writing class didn’t mean Zoom fatigue, rigid schedules, or one more thing to manage? In this episode, Melissa Wiley talks with Kirsten Merryman about what makes Brave Writer’s online classes so different: asynchronous discussions, text-based coaching, warm instructor feedback, and a structure that makes room for all kinds of learners. We explore how real writing growth happens, why parents learn right alongside their kids, and which classes might be the best fit for your family, from Story Switcheroo to Essay Prep, Gamers Write, and Media Literacy. Kirsten Merryman is Brave Writer’s Vice President of Operations and former director of online classes. She is also a longtime homeschooler, writing coach, and curriculum creator who has helped shape Brave Writer’s approach to supporting both parents and young writers. Join us to discover how writing support can feel personal, practical, and surprisingly freeing. Resources:
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| 333. Resisting FOMU, the Fear of Messing Up | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:59:18 | |
What if the biggest obstacle in your homeschool isn’t what you’re missing—but the fear that you’re doing it wrong? This week, we explore “fear of messing up” and how perfectionism quietly shapes our expectations, decisions, and confidence as parent educators. We unpack where that pressure comes from, how it shows up (hello, endless curriculum switching), and why chasing the “perfect” method keeps us stuck. We also share practical ways to shift your focus toward connection, curiosity, and process—plus tools like interval training and a flexible writing app to support real learning. Ready to trade perfection for progress? Let’s rethink what success actually looks like. Resources:
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| 332. Long-term and Working Memory | 25 Mar 2026 | 01:09:03 | |
Why does a child understand something one day and forget it the next? In this episode, we explore what neuroscience reveals about how learning actually works. Drawing from Uncommon Sense Teaching and Make It Stick, we unpack the difference between working memory and long-term memory—and why retrieval, repetition, and even mistakes play a vital role in lasting learning. We also share practical strategies like jotting notes, sketching ideas, and spaced repetition to help knowledge stick. When we understand the brain’s learning process, we can guide our kids with more patience and confidence. Listen in and discover how to turn everyday lessons into lasting knowledge. Resources:
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| 331. A Slew of Practical Hacks for Your Homeschool | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:55:10 | |
Ever have one of those homeschool days when your brain feels completely empty? We’ve been there too. In this episode, we share a long list of practical, creative hacks that can revive your homeschool when energy is low. From painter’s tape timelines and DIY history games to geocaching adventures, urban walking tours, and quick art projects, we explore simple ways to bring curiosity back into learning. We also talk about focus tools, seasonal nature activities, and building systems that make everyday homeschooling run smoothly. If you need fresh inspiration or a reminder of the good ideas you already have, this conversation is for you. Tune in and start your own “good ideas” list today. To help you put these ideas into action, here’s the full checklist of practical homeschool hacks we discussed:
You don’t always know how much you know! Make a GOOD IDEAS notebook or Apple Note! Resources:
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| 330. Board Games: Let Them Do the Teaching! | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
What if the best critical thinking curriculum is already in your closet? This week, we explore why board games and card games do more than pass the time. From Monopoly and Settlers of Catan to Quiddler, Pandemic, and even Operation, we unpack how games build patience, strategy, communication skills, resource management, and flexible thinking—all through play. We share personal stories, favorite family games, and one powerful rule: when your child asks to play, say yes. Ready to rethink learning? Pull out a game tonight and let it do the teaching. Resources:
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| 329. Accidental vs. On-Purpose Learning | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:39:17 | |
Are you wondering if you’ve done “enough” this year? What if the real question isn’t about subjects completed—but about the atmosphere you’re creating? Melissa developed a simple framework to help her notice what was filling her children’s days. She called it the “Rule of Six”:
This week, we revisit this concept as a method of filling our children’s days with living books, beauty, meaningful work, imaginative play, big ideas, and reflection. From accidental learning to on-purpose instruction, we explore how to balance immersion with explicit teaching—so our kids gain both joy and skill. If you’re feeling that mid-year wobble, this conversation will help you notice what’s thriving, what’s missing, and how to move forward with clarity. Resources:
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| 328. A Critical Thinking Bill of Rights | 25 Feb 2026 | 01:04:00 | |
What do you—and your kids—have the right to think, question, and say? This week, we unpack a “Critical Thinking Bill of Rights” and apply it to homeschooling life. We explore the pull of group identity, the courage to disagree with leadership, the power of private thoughts, and the freedom to change your mind. We talk about fairness in co-ops, resisting performative values, and raising kids who can think for themselves without fear. If you’ve ever felt pressure to conform or questioned whether you’re “doing homeschool right,” this conversation will steady you. Join us—and then talk through these rights with your kids. Resources:
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| 327. Becoming a Critical Thinker | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:04:40 | |
What does it really mean to think critically in a world that never stops shouting at us? In this episode, we slow things down and explore how to stay grounded when information, emotion, and opinion collide. We talk about noticing our own reactions, asking better questions, and learning how to separate facts from the stories wrapped around them. Along the way, we share practical tools you can use with your kids—and yourself—to build clarity, curiosity, and courage. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise or unsure how to model thoughtful engagement, this conversation offers a steady place to begin. Join us, and keep thinking well. Resources:
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| 326. Big and Little Families | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:44:38 | |
Homeschooling looks different depending on how many kids you’re teaching—and that’s exactly the point. In this episode, we explore the real-life rhythms of homeschooling in both big families and small ones, offering practical strategies for group learning, one-on-one time, and everything in between. We talk about releasing guilt, using creative resources to keep kids engaged, and recognizing the unique opportunities that come with each family size. Whether you’re juggling many ages or navigating the intensity of homeschooling an only child, this conversation is full of reassurance, ideas, and perspective. Join us—and let’s rethink what “doing enough” really means. Resources:
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| 325. The Myth of Magicmaking | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:46:09 | |
What if enchanting learning didn’t require themed parties, elaborate prep, or constant performance? In this episode, we unpack the myth of magic-making and show why real enchantment is rooted in connection, not production. We share simple, practical ways to revive lessons that feel stuck, from eye contact and movement to snacks, forts, music, and letting kids take the lead. Along the way, we explore how curiosity, comfort, and collaboration create learning that actually sticks. If you’ve been feeling burned out or pressured to “make school magical,” this conversation offers a deep exhale and a fresh way forward. Join us and rediscover how easy magic can be. Resources:
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| 324. The Practice of Active Wondering | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:31:29 | |
What happens when we slow down long enough to really wonder? In this episode, we explore the difference between rabbit trails and rabbit holes—and why both matter in learning and in life. From telephone poles and faded signs to classic children’s literature and everyday neighborhood mysteries, we reflect on how curiosity deepens when we resist quick answers and allow questions to linger. We talk about active wondering, mental stillness, and the surprising richness of slow learning in a fast world. Join us as we rediscover how noticing, wondering, and waiting can transform ordinary moments into meaningful education. Resources:
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| 323. Silent Reading Parties | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:39:52 | |
What if the most powerful way to strengthen focus, creativity, and connection in your home is…quiet? In this episode, we explore the growing trend of silent reading parties and why shared, sustained reading helps both kids and adults reclaim attention in a scrolling world. We talk about body doubling, device fatigue, reading rituals that actually work, and how simple practices like DEAR time or candlelit reading can change the rhythm of a homeschool day. If your family struggles to settle into books, this conversation offers gentle, practical ways to read together again. Join us—and then grab a book. Resources:
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| 322. Parenting a Spicy One with Mary Van Geffen | 14 Jan 2026 | 01:01:33 | |
What if your child’s hardest behaviors aren’t a problem to fix, but an invitation to grow? In this episode, we sit down with Mary Van Geffen, author of Parenting a Spicy One, to explore what it really means to raise a strong-willed, sensitive, or explosive child. We talk about nervous systems, repair after blow-ups, and why slowing down is often the most effective parenting move. You’ll hear practical strategies, deeply humane insights, and a reframing of “difficult” kids that just might change everything. Join us, and let’s rethink what supportive parenting can look like. Resources:
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| 321. No Paper Trail? No Problem! | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:50:06 | |
If your homeschool doesn’t produce stacks of worksheets, does that mean learning isn’t happening? We explore why meaningful education often leaves very little paper behind. From embodied grammar lessons to spontaneous moments of insight, we talk about how children actually learn and why traditional record-keeping can miss the point. We also share practical, low-pressure ways to document growth without turning your home into a classroom clone. If you’ve ever worried that your homeschool doesn’t “look like enough,” this conversation offers reassurance, clarity, and permission to trust what you see unfolding every day. Join us and rethink what counts as real evidence of learning. Resources:
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| 320. An Important Message from Julie about Brave Writer | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
What happens when you realize the mission can grow even as your energy changes? This week, we share a heartfelt update about Brave Writer’s next chapter—why protecting the “sacred trust” matters, how strong culture makes change possible, and what it looks like to move from doing it all to mentoring new leadership. Along the way, we revisit a long-held Florence dream (Santa Croce + A Room with a View), talk about training replacements, and offer a “January gift” idea: online writing classes kids experience as a treat. Come listen—and then join us at bravewriter.com/online-classes. Resources:
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| 319. How to Grow Writing Skills as an Adult | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:54:20 | |
Have you ever wished you could grow as a writer—not just help your kids write, but find your own voice on the page? In this episode, we explore practical, gentle ways to build an adult writing life from scratch. We talk about tiny daily practices, “write or do nothing” sessions, using poems and memories as prompts, and reading as the best antidote to writer’s block. We also share favorite craft books, quirky revision tricks, and how community can transform your confidence. Join us as we map out five concrete steps to start (or restart) your writing practice this year. Resources:
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| 318. For the Kids: Meet the Lighthouse Family | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:41:28 | |
What happens when we slow down and really listen to the language of a story? In this special episode for kids and parents, we cozy up with Cynthia Rylant’s Lighthouse Family series and unpack a delicious opening passage from The Storm. We notice how sound, mood, adjectives, and even compound words work together to paint Pandora the lighthouse cat’s lonely world—and we share simple ways to turn those discoveries into copywork, scavenger hunts, and rich family discussion. Join us as we read, notice, and play with language—then keep the magic going in your own read-aloud time. Resources:
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| 317. Hygge Homeschool for the Holidays | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:57:24 | |
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 revisiting one of our favorite conversations about 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. In this replayed episode, we delve 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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| 316. When Your Middlers Lack Interest | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:47:25 | |
What do we do when our tweens and teens don’t seem “into” anything? In this episode, we explore how to revive interest, curiosity, and motivation in the middle school years—without forcing artificial enthusiasm. We talk about why middlers may seem disengaged, how risk and adventure replace the “magic” of early childhood learning, and how deep dives, conversation, boredom, and flexibility can open doors to authentic passion. We also share practical scripts, examples from our own families, and tools for nurturing critical thinking and connection. Text us your questions using the link in the show notes! Resources:
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| 315. The 8 Stages of Homeschooling | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:44:36 | |
How do we move from “I think I want to homeschool” to “We’ve created an education that fits us”? In this episode, we walk through the eight natural stages homeschool parents experience, from jumping in without a clue, to swapping curriculum in search of the “perfect” program, to finally trusting ourselves and embracing “us schooling.” We share real stories from our own homeschools, talk about ideological pressure from methods and social media, and offer practical ideas for planning from behind and building a routine you can bend without breaking. Listen in to discover your stage and what might come next, and then join us to share where you are in your journey! Resources:
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| 314. Two Honest Thoughts About Tech in Homeschool | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:41:45 | |
Is tech quietly running your homeschool? In this episode, we explore what happens when we trade the shared adventure of learning at home for one-child-one-screen schooling. We look at why so many of us feel pressured to meet standards, how online platforms promise to “save” us, and what our kids might be losing when learning is reduced to logins, slides, and quizzes. We also imagine a different path: learning as a lifestyle, full of real conversations, messy projects, and magic moments that don’t fit into a metric. Listen in, then join us in reclaiming the joy of being learners together at home. Resources:
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| 313. Perspective in Learning | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:55:59 | |
What if the key to helping your kids love learning is simply seeing the world through their eyes? In this episode, we explore perspective as the secret sauce of education and connection. We begin with Steven’s unforgettable appreciation letter to UPS (and the jaw-dropping chocolate response!), then move on to practical ways to help kids imagine other points of view—through microscopes and magnifying glasses, collaborative storytelling, fan fiction, and rich books that stretch their empathy. We also talk about “wasted” time, sandbox learning, and why pleasure matters more than performance. Listen in and choose one new perspective shift to try with your kids this week. Resources:
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| 312. Writing Stations | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:27:42 | |
Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley return with a heartwarming episode all about writing stations---simple, inviting setups that help kids discover the joy of putting pen to paper. Inspired by Melissa's son Steven, who has turned letter-writing into an art form, the hosts explore how authentic writing can become a beloved ritual rather than a chore. From Steven's letters to UPS and Paula's Choice to the treasure of handwritten notes to grandparents, Julie and Melissa show how writing stations make real-world communication accessible, beautiful, and meaningful. They share easy ways to stock materials---stationery, stamps, pens, and postcards---and ideas for turning everyday writing into connection, gratitude, and delight. This episode celebrates handwriting as an act of love and self-expression, reminding parents that the goal isn't perfect penmanship---it's the human touch of words sent out into the world. Topics discussed include:
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| 311. An Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life: Don’t Miss This One! | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:52:46 | |
Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley reunite to reflect on one of Charlotte Mason’s most enduring ideas: that *education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life*. What begins as a heartfelt story about a cozy childhood home becomes a rich conversation about the environments we create for learning—spaces that invite participation, curiosity, and joy. Together, Julie and Melissa trace how atmosphere extends far beyond decor: it’s about invitation and accessibility—baskets of art supplies, blocks within reach, and time to be alone with one’s imagination. They explore the balance between discipline and freedom, how attention and process nurture joy, and what today’s parents can learn from slowing down in an age of distraction. From Charlotte Mason’s 19th-century wisdom to 21st-century challenges like social media and “attention deficit trait,” this episode is a practical and deeply reassuring guide to cultivating meaningful education that feels alive, attentive, and full of enchantment. Resources:
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| 310. High Tide Homeschooling with a Teen | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:49:38 | |
Melissa Wiley takes the mic solo this week for a heartwarming look inside her current homeschool life with her youngest, sixteen-year-old Huck. Drawing from her decades of experience as both author and homeschooling mother of six, Melissa walks listeners through a day in the life of their family’s “tidal homeschooling” rhythm—where structured “high tide” study meets creative “low tide” exploration. She shares how her son’s outdoor program, their history-and-literature studies, and rich family traditions—film club and nightly read-alouds—keep learning alive and joyful. If you’ve ever wondered how homeschooling evolves through the teen years—or how to nurture curiosity and connection as your family grows—this episode offers both inspiration and practical insight. Melissa also touches on her creative work, finding balance as a writer and parent, and how rhythms of learning shift with each new life chapter. Resources:
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| 309. Redefining Homeschool with Alisha Brignall from Canada | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
Welcome back to the Brave Writer Podcast! This week, Julie sits down with Alisha Brignall, a Canadian homeschooling veteran and educational leader with over 15 years of experience guiding families through their unique learning journeys. With a Master’s in Education and her work as a Home Education Manager at an independent school, Alisha brings a wealth of knowledge about both the philosophy and the practical realities of homeschooling. She’s also the founder of INSPIRED, Alberta’s only secular homeschool conference, dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive communities for families. In this warm and deeply insightful conversation, Alisha and Julie explore how homeschooling has evolved over the past two decades—from early pedagogical pioneers to today’s eclectic mix of families seeking flexibility and connection. They unpack the differences between Canadian and American approaches to home education, discuss how to cultivate confidence as a parent educator, and highlight the growing landscape of hybrid models and secular learning spaces. Together, they reflect on what it truly means to measure success in education, nurture a love of learning, and prioritize family relationships as the foundation for meaningful growth. Resources:
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| 308. Julie’s Brief History of Homeschooling | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:30:52 | |
Julie takes us on a sweeping journey through the history of homeschooling, weaving together her own story with the larger movement that reshaped education in America. From the experimental classrooms of 1970s California to the early legal battles of the 1980s and the faith-driven conventions of the 1990s, Julie shows how homeschooling evolved from a fringe experiment into a mainstream educational choice. Along the way, she shares the moment she first heard the word "homeschool," how early influences shaped her teaching philosophy, and why the movement looks so different today---with growing diversity, secular options, and new opportunities for connection. This episode dives into:
Julie's personal history is a reminder that homeschooling has never been static---it has always been about reimagining education for the times we're in. Resources & Mentions
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| 307. Italy, Literature, and Learning Connections | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:48:35 | |
Julie is back from her two-week trip to Italy (with a quick stop in Copenhagen!) and brings stories that weave together travel, literature, and layered learning. From visiting her aunt on the Mediterranean coast to finally stepping inside Florence’s Santa Croce—20 years after promising herself she would—Julie shares how books like A Room with a View transform sightseeing into soul-deep experiences. She and Melissa explore how these kinds of connections—between story, place, and lived experience—are the essence of meaningful education. You’ll also hear about unexploded WWII bombs in a train station, the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s surprising wonder, naked bungee-jumping in Denmark, and a serendipitous plane conversation that led to the discovery of a century-old “living book.” This episode is a reminder to travel, talk to strangers, and create opportunities for our kids (and ourselves) to encounter the world twice: once through story, and once in real life. Resources & Mentions
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| 306. Challenge Accepted: An Interview With Chris Balme | 24 Sep 2025 | 00:53:35 | |
One of the major perks of homeschooling is that the middle-school years can be about adventure instead of awkwardness. In this episode, Melissa chats with author Chris Balme about his book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome. Balme’s book invites young readers to discover how trust, agency, and meaningful challenges transform “awkward years” into growth years. Join us for a conversation about kid-driven adventures—stealth art, teaching what you know, citizen science, apprenticeships, and building from scratch—plus practical ways to close the gap between social perception and interpretation, repair friendships, and use side-by-side activities to spark conversation. We also share why modeling a beginner’s mind (learning an instrument, sketching, coding) invites kids to try, fail, and try again. Listen to the full episode to gather specific challenge ideas you can use this week and to reframe these years as the great adventure they are. Resources:
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| 305. Can Screens Benefit the Whole Family? with Ash Brandin | 17 Sep 2025 | 01:10:11 | |
Do you ever catch yourself treating screens like contraband—tolerated in tiny doses, never to be openly celebrated? Ash Brandin, author of Power On: Managing Screen Time for the Benefit of the Whole Family, urges us to view screens as morally neutral and to focus on how they can serve the whole family’s needs. In this episode, Ash shares their “Screen Time ABCs”: Access that adapts to context rather than rigid caps, Behavior as neutral data rather than blame, and Content choices that create better stopping points. They offer practical tactics like sticky-note reminders for Minecraft, reducing scarcity with predictable access and occasional “yes days,” using body doubling for schoolwork, and setting YouTube Kids to Approved Content Only to eliminate ads and algorithms. Ash also addresses AI, encouraging us to teach kids digital literacy and vetting skills rather than fear. Their perspective replaces guilt with guidance, helping families connect through technology instead of fighting against it. Tune in to hear Ash’s thoughtful strategies and mindset-shifting advice. Resources:
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| 304. Teens and Books: A Deep Dive With Dawn Smith | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:58:47 | |
Do you ever wonder how to keep teens reading—joyfully, deeply, and on their own terms? In this conversation with Brave Writer Director of Publishing Dawn Smith, we explore practical ways to sustain a teen’s love of books: continuing read-alouds, using buddy-reading systems with sticky-note annotations, deciding when a movie should come before (or after) the book, and leveraging picture books, audiobooks, and graphic adaptations as scaffolds into harder texts. We also share a simple framework for building teen book lists—evaluating a single title, the mix across a year, and the overall “reading diet”—so families preserve joy while expanding range and rigor. Resources:
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| 303. Introducing Monday Morning Meetings: a Brave Writer Podcast for Kids | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:20:30 | |
Do you ever wish your homeschool week started with momentum instead of Monday drag? We’ve found that small, doable invitations right at the start of the week prime kids for curiosity, competence, and follow-through. Think five minutes of inspiration that launches hours of self-directed learning—no elaborate prep required. In our work with families, three tiny shifts consistently flip the “on” switch for kids: cozy learning spaces, gathering the world into the home, and playful comparison that sharpens thinking. In this episode, we share kid-friendly prompts you can use right away: build a “hidey hole” (a cozy, distraction-light nook) to make reading and copywork inviting; curate a rotating Nature Table to grow observation, vocabulary, and seasonal awareness; and try “Movie Twins” to compare an original film with its remake, strengthening analytic thinking and family conversation. We show how five-minute Monday cues, paired with simple tools like clipboards, lamps, and labels, generate ownership and momentum all week long. Resources:
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| 302. A Former Teacher’s Take on Homeschooling with Meredith Reyes | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:51:53 | |
Have you ever wondered why a classroom teacher who loved her job would leave it all behind to homeschool? That’s the story of Meredith Reyes, known as @TheStringyMama. In this episode, Meredith shares what she learned teaching in California and Texas, why an unannounced active-shooter drill became the tipping point for her family, and how she’s navigated the shift from rigid classroom structures to a more flexible, tidal rhythm at home. We talk about nature as a powerful teacher, the role of interest-driven writing (yes, Minecraft counts!), and the challenges—and opportunities—of raising kids in an age of AI. Meredith’s story is candid, moving, and deeply relatable for anyone weighing the value of school versus the joy of learning. Listen in to hear her journey and take away fresh confidence for your own path. Resources:
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| 301. A Gentle Rollout to Your Homeschool Year | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:50:27 | |
One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to start the year in a way that works for your family. Instead of overwhelming everyone with a full schedule on day one, you can begin with connection and fun—like a “Not Back to School” outing, a day of games, or a creative project. Personal notes to each child, wish lists of activities, and a few well-chosen dates on the calendar can keep momentum going all year. By adding subjects gradually, stocking up on creative supplies, and valuing the experience of learning, you set the tone for a joyful, sustainable year. In this episode, we share practical tips, creative ideas, and mindset shifts to help you roll out your homeschool year gently while building curiosity, creativity, and connection. Listen in for ways to make your start feel exciting and doable—for both you and your kids. Resources:
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