Brave Writer

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: “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbook“Raising Critical Thinkers” book Text Message Pod Ring Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: CTCmath.comBecoming a Critical ThinkerBrave Writer BookshopMomsDemandAction.orgShannon's Substack@ShannonWattsText Message Pod Ring Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: help@bravewriter.comCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today!Becoming a Critical ThinkerText Message Pod Ring Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriter

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: Brave Writer Bookshop 1000 Hours OutsideCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today!Text Message Pod Ring Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: https://twitter.com/MostAeroKelly https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/finding-solutions/cincinnati-based-company-using-ai-to-diagnose-coronary-artery-disease-risk-during-a-mammogramhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HFFdaYFkMIText Message Pod RingCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today! Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: PepperandPine.com@PepperandPineText Message Pod RingCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today! Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: https://poetryteatime.com/ https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendationsElementalBottlecap PressText Message Pod RingCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today! Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: MillieFlorence.comDon’t be a Perfectionist & Other Advice for Young Writers with Millie FlorenceText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: https://drdianahill.com/ https://drdianahill.com/books/Text Message Pod RingCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today! Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: The Learning Game @MsFab_LearningLab afabrega.com/Text Message Pod RingCTCmath.comBrave Writer online writing classSign up today! Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: She's Got Issueshttps://www.instagram.com/jillsmoklerConfessions of a Scary MommyMotherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies)Text Message Pod Ring7-Day Writing BlitzCTCmath.com Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: Susie Allison of Busy ToddlerText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-started7-Day Writing BlitzCTCmath.com Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: https://www.homebuilteducation.com/@homebuilteducationhttps://www.homebuilteducation.com/books-by-mandyCTCmath.com7-Day Writing BlitzText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: sarahedmondson.com/bookalittlebitculty.comsarahedmondson.comyoutube.com/watch?v=9K_CZbu-UAU https://www.max.com/shows/vow/9dc0d8ae-fba1-4fd3-9479-c5824fec1421CTCmath.com7-Day Writing BlitzText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: Becoming a Critical Thinker WorkbookCTCmath.com7-Day Writing BlitzText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: joshharris.com and clearandloud.com @harrisjoshBecoming a Critical Thinker WorkbookCTCmath.com7-Day Writing BlitzText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: melissawiley.commelissawiley.com/booksPrairie Thief (Dart)Nerviest Girl in the World (Arrow)Text Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: CTCmath.com7-Day Writing Blitzhoffmanacademy.comText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: CTCmath.com7-Day Writing Blitzhoffmanacademy.comText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawileyfacebook.com/authorMelissaWiley Produced by NOVA Media

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: Raising Kind Humansteamkindhumans.com@katie_doughty@katie_doughtyCTCmath.combravewriter.com/online-classeshoffmanacademy.comText Message Pod Ringbravewriter.com/getting-startedhttps://go.bravewriter.com/writing-blitz Connect with Julie: @juliebravewriter@juliebravewriter@bravewriterfacebook.com/bravewriter Connect with Melissa: melissawiley.commelissawiley.substack.com@melissawileybooks@melissawiley