Amber O'Neal Johnston, the heart and soul behind heritagemom.com and a proud contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community, has woven her experiences into a beautiful narrative in her book, "A Place to Belong." An exploration of creating inclusive, culturally rich, and socially conscious homes, Amber's book serves as a rich resource for families across the spectrum. Today, we're diving deep into this narrative with Amber, talking author to author and homeschooling mom to homeschooling m...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Today we’re diving deep into the book “ Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning ” by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Rodiger III, and Mark A. McDaniel. Both of us were quite enthralled by this read, and for many solid reasons. Let’s explore why this book has made such an impact – and why we can’t stop bringing it up in conversations! Resources: Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention! Growing Brave Writers is the essential ...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Meet Rachel Rainbolt, the visionary founder of Sage Family and one of my favorite homeschoolers. With a master's degree in marital and family therapy, Rachel has spent years guiding overwhelmed families toward peace and joy. Living on an idyllic island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three spirited children, Rachel embodies the essence of a life well-lived, focusing on gentle parenting, natural homeschooling, and simple living. Resources: Find Rachel’s work at sagefamily.com Follow...
Sep 06, 2023•51 min
Have you noticed the shift from reading novels, newspapers, and research papers to watching 2-minute videos or skimming 280-character tweets? If you've got a student in the house, you might've seen them use tools like ChatGPT, the latest AI wonder, to draft their college papers. It’s like a quick jump from A to Z, bypassing the entire traditional writing journey. The world's rapidly leaning towards the quick and efficient—but are we paying attention to what we might be losing in the process? Let...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 10 min
In today’s homeschooling environment, misconceptions about learning often cloud our judgments. Key among these misconceptions – one I may be guilty of contributing to – is the belief that struggle is counterproductive to learning. However, it's essential to understand that effort can contribute to an effective recall process. Drawing a line between unnecessary suffering and purposeful effort becomes crucial. Effort, in this context, embodies commitment, focused attention, and stamina, all of whi...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 10 min
There are days when you feel invincible, ready to conquer the world, and there are other days where getting out of bed feels like a herculean task. I confess, on those less-than-stellar days, I resort to watching bad sitcom reruns, while Melissa disappears into an endless loop of Instagram Reels. Sound familiar? Today, let's dive deep into the realm of motivation, unpack its moral significance, and explore how it meshes with our values and dreams, especially when it comes to our kids. Resources:...
Aug 16, 2023•51 min
Parenting can be one of life's most fulfilling yet challenging journeys. Josh MacNeill, former teacher and now the CEO of InMind Services, has dedicated his life to understanding child behavior. With certifications in child trauma and multicultural education, he brings unique insights into the art of mindful parenting. This guide, inspired by Josh’s insights, aims to provide you with essential tools and understanding to nurture and connect with your child. Resources: Learn more at inmindservices...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Ever found yourself feeling emotionally and physically drained? Do you wonder if what you're experiencing is burnout? And importantly, do you know how to combat it? Today's podcast continues our conversation with Tanya Tarr, an expert on resilience, to talk about burnout and the strategies we can use to counter it. Be sure to tune into Part One if you haven’t listened to it yet! Resources: FREE Science of Burnout Class with Actionable Triage Tactics The Busy to Burnout Index + 4 Triage Tips Quiz...
Aug 02, 2023•33 min
Do you ever feel like your energy reserves are just being depleted, and you can't seem to replenish them? It might be more than just fatigue or exhaustion; it could be burnout. We had a riveting conversation with Tanya Tarr, a behavioral scientist, columnist, corporate educator, and the founder of Cultivated Insights, who had plenty to say on the subject of burnout. In fact, we had so much to discuss, we had to divide the chat into two parts! You can download show notes for the podcast here: htt...
Jul 26, 2023•51 min
As homeschooling parents, we understand the unique challenges that arise when the academic year ends. Summer is here, and so begins a time without the structure and routine of homeschooling. Our children, the very ones we've been teaching, are still with us, ready to start each day, and they need things to do. This lack of schedule or routine doesn't alleviate pressure. If anything, it can feel even more intense. There is a different kind of responsibility that comes with summer. The pressure to...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Dive into a captivating conversation with our special guest Sarah Collins, a skilled occupational therapist turned homeschooling consultant. I met Sarah, known for her lively and engaging conversations, at the Michiana Homeschool Conference and there began an insightful dialogue about the powerful impact of her work. Sarah shares her transformative journey from being introduced to homeschooling in 2016 while working with a client, to pioneering Homeschool OT in 2019. She uncovers the rich learni...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Let’s discuss a topic that I believe is fundamental to the homeschooling journey: persistence. Regardless of where you are in your homeschooling adventure—whether you're still contemplating the idea, just embarking on your first year, already ten years deep, or even approaching your final year—it's essential to understand what it takes to persevere. My most frequently shared piece of advice is a simple but powerful one: "Keep going, keep going." But how exactly does one maintain momentum? How do...
Jul 05, 2023•43 min
At Brave Writer, we believe that writing is at the heart of education. Our approach is to teach kids to write by reading books they’ll love, and organically – but methodically – bringing up discussions that expand upon how the books were written. The focus of today's discussion is the youngest among us: those just embarking on their literary journey, learning to read and write for the first time. We’re going to delve deep into the fascinating process of developing the Quill, our groundbreaking e...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 21 min
While the field of reading science is buzzing today with various theories, philosophies, and approaches, Brave Writer's method stands out. Let's be clear, Brave Writer is not a reading program. We don't teach phonics or whole language. We aren't focused on reading instruction, but we do recognize that the ability to write effectively relies heavily on proficient reading skills. This conversation goes beyond conventional methodologies. Figures like Thomas Jefferson learned to read without phonics...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Get ready for an entertaining journey into homeschooling on this episode of our podcast! We delve into an inspiring approach to education that proves learning can be fun, dynamic, and full of joy. This episode features an exciting discussion with our special guest, Lise McGuinness, a veteran preschool teacher and homeschooler with an infectious enthusiasm for what she calls 'party school'. Don't miss this episode filled with enthusiasm, inspiration, and tons of practical insights on homeschoolin...
Jun 14, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Today, we're going back to the root of it all the ask – and answer – one incredibly vital question: Why homeschool in the first place? Everyone has their own personal reasons, but I thought we could explore the origins of why we began homeschooling in the first place, as well as five reasons we think homeschooling could benefit any child. This episode will resonate with those already in the homeschooling trenches or those contemplating the idea. Whether you're a seasoned homeschooler considering...
Jun 07, 2023•51 min
One of the most popular questions we get as a company is to define (or identify) our underlying worldview. Parents who sift through the Internet looking for homeschool programs want to find companies that align enough with their values that they can trust them as tools to educate their children. There are lots of ways curriculum companies operate. Some align explicitly with a particular religious faith. Some align with a political agenda or perspective—either to the left or right. Others adamant...
May 31, 2023•14 min
Meg Maloney is the author of an intriguing memoir, "Slow Your Roll," where she chronicles her transformative journey across Spain on the Camino de Santiago, a renowned network of pilgrimages culminating at the shrine of apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostola. With its spiritual aura, this trail has attracted millions over the years, becoming a beloved route for spiritual seekers, hikers, and tourists alike. Beyond her role as an author, Meg is a seasoned marriage ...
May 24, 2023•58 min
In the realm of children's literature, certain authors create captivating worlds that inspire young readers to explore, imagine, and grow. One such author is Anna James, the British writer and journalist based in North London, known for her middle-grade novels series, "Pages and Co." We’re discussing her writing process, the inspiration behind her series, and the value of getting lost in the worlds of books. You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Are you a homeschooling parent who has heard about unschooling but isn't quite sure what it means, or whether it's right for your family? Don't worry, you're not alone. Unschooling is a flexible and learner-centered approach to education that encourages curiosity, self-direction, and personal growth. In this podcast, we'll dive into the world of unschooling and share some valuable insights, experiences, and advice to help you navigate this alternative approach to learning. You can download show ...
May 10, 2023•56 min
Are you struggling with family drama and looking for ways to create a more harmonious home environment? You’re not alone! We recently sat down with Nedra Tawwab, a licensed therapist and New York Times bestselling author of "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" and "Drama Free," who shared valuable insights and advice on setting boundaries, navigating relationships, and maintaining a peaceful family life. As a seasoned expert in managing personal and family relationships, Nedra offers practical guidance ...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min
We know that parents and home educators often feel like they aren't living up to their own ideals, which can lead to a crisis of self-esteem. As we face new seasons in life, our previous skillsets might not always be adequate for the task at hand, leaving us feeling frustrated, lonely, and sometimes like we're failing. So, how do we move forward with courage and clarity? We're delighted to have Meera Lee Patel on the show today to help us chart a course through the winding maze of adulthood. Mee...
Apr 26, 2023•55 min
Do you ever wonder if there are benefits to letting your kids reread, rewatch, and revisit their favorite books, movies, and TV shows? Here, we delve into this practice and its numerous advantages for children and their families, highlighting how revisiting beloved stories can foster critical thinking, emotional growth, and shared experiences. You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/ Resources: Book Club Classes: Arrow Book Club: https://b...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 1 min
In our last discussion, we explored what it takes to feel good about home education and parenting, and we were left with a tantalizing idea: the key lies in habit formation. Eager to learn more, we sent Melissa on a research mission to understand the ins and outs of habit building, both from personal experiences and contemporary habit science. In this episode, we will delve into our own experiences with habit building, explore Charlotte Mason's influence on homeschooling, and examine the latest ...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In the first part of our series answering the question “How do I know if I’m doing enough for my kids’ education?” (which you should definitely listen to if you haven't already), we discussed how to ensure you've done enough preparation and research for your homeschooling journey, as well as how to navigate subject mastery in pre-kindergarten and elementary school to meet the educational requirements. Now, we're excited to dive deeper into understanding "enoughness" for middle and high school st...
Apr 05, 2023•42 min
A question that often comes up repeatedly in the minds of many homeschooling parents is: "Am I doing enough?" We know how stressful it can be — we've all been there. We're going to explore three key aspects to help you navigate the world of "enoughness" in homeschooling: what constitutes enough preparation and training for parents, determining enough mastery of subject areas for different age groups, and understanding how much daily activity is needed in each subject area. So, let's dive in and ...
Mar 29, 2023•55 min
Do you wish you were more spontaneous? Or do you think you should “stick to a schedule”? I share an experience I had learning the hard way that planning work best when our kids are included in the process, as well as a novel solution for bridging the gap between planning and spontaneity. You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/ Resources: Sign up for my Tea with Julie newsletters at bravewriter.com/tea . Tea with Julie: Scheduling & Sp...
Mar 22, 2023•13 min
Have you ever felt anxious about homeschooling and worried that you're not doing enough? In this episode, you'll hear our advice on how to create a well-rounded learning experience for your kids and learn how even the least "schooly" moments can be opportunities for growth. Join us as we explore the idea that every day counts and that it's all enough. You can download show notes for the podcast here: https://blog.bravewriter.com/category/podcasts/ Resources: Links to guest content, socials, busi...
Mar 15, 2023•15 min
Are you a parent or teacher who feels overwhelmed by the challenge of helping all of your students achieve their reading goals? Then you won't want to miss today's episode of our podcast! We're thrilled to be joined by Dr. Marnie Ginsberg, the founder of Reading Simplified, a program designed to support educators in teaching an evidence-based system of reading instruction. In this episode, Dr. Ginsberg shares her insights about why traditional reading instruction often falls short, and how her p...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Looking into our analytics, we discovered a surprising fact: Most of our listeners are Millennials or Gen X! In today's episode, Melissa and I will be exploring the unique challenges faced by young Gen-Xers and Millennials who choose to homeschool. We've been looking into generation theory to better understand the characteristics and demands that may be affecting this group of homeschoolers. Our goal is to support and advocate for you, as we think you're awesome and brave for taking on homeschoo...
Mar 01, 2023•52 min
