Podcasts about melissa website

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:Catch the replays of our free Brave Writer training webinarsShop our June sale!Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterwith Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Visit Alisha Roth's website at Alisharoth.comAlisha's Instagram: @littlewomenfarmhouse Find Courageous Divorce in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Catch the replays of our free Brave Writer training webinarsShop our June sale!Explore the Brave Writer high school programLearn more about our mentor-led training program for Brave Writer parentsFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Catch the replays of our free Brave Writer training webinarsShop our June sale!Visit the Brave Learner website at thebravelearner.com Order your copy of The Brave Learner from the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Everyone is talking about AI, but is the hype matching reality in your small business? This week, Melissa Franks is pulling back the curtain on what AI actually is, where it can genuinely move the needle, and where blind trust in it could cost you everything.As a technologist who's been building automation systems since before most AI tools existed, Melissa brings something most AI conversations are missing: lived experience and historical context. She was building bots, automation layers, and intelligent systems long before ChatGPT had a user interface, and that perspective changes everything about how she sees today's AI boom.In this episode, you'll learn:Why AI isn't actually new, and what that means for how you use itThe "lipstick on a pig" truth about the tools everyone is obsessing over (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot)Why using AI in areas where you lack expertise is genuinely dangerous, and could push your business toward bankruptcyThe two best use cases for AI in a small business right nowWhy hiring an "AI architect" without the right pedigree is one of the most expensive mistakes you can makeHow to prompt AI correctly so it actually gives you useful, accurate outputWhy 70% of current AI platforms will disappear, and what that means for your tech stackThe biggest takeaway: AI is a powerful tool in the hands of someone who already knows what they're doing. In the hands of someone using it to replace expertise they don't have, it's a liability.This episode is equal parts how-to guide and cautionary tale — and it's a conversation every small business owner needs to have right now.Feeling like you need a real conversation about AI in your business? On Call COO is actively booking AI strategy consultations. Whether you're just getting started or already knee-deep in tools you don't fully trust, let's talk. Book your free consultation — link in show notes.

Melisa Febos joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about romantic obsessions, celibacy as a portal to freedom, living her way into a corner and having to fight her way out, leading with scene and story and plot, taking back the sovereignty of her own mind and body, approaching oneself as a protagonist, leaving out what isn't central to the story, remembering memoir is not a transcription of a time lived, radical feminists, exercising agency and self-reclamation, living an examined life, integrating memories that were indigestible to us in the moment, the project of looking at ourselves honestly, and her most recent book, now in paperback The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex. Ronit's upcoming workshop: Writing Dynamic Memoir: From Lived Experience to Gripping Story https://www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org/workshops/writing-dynamic-memoir-from-lived-experience-to-gripping-story   Also in this episode: -deepending friendships  -memoir-plus digressions -writing about our obsessions   Books mentioned in this episode: Will and Attention by Meghan O'Gieblyn  Canon by Paige Lewis Fat Swim by Emma Copley Eisenberg   Melissa Febos is the national bestselling author of five books, including Abandon Me, Girlhood—which won the National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism, Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative, and, most recently, The Dry Season. Her awards and fellowships include those from the Guggenheim Foundation, LAMBDA Literary, the National Endowment for the Arts, The British Library, The Black Mountain Institute, MacDowell, the Bogliasco Foundation, The American Library in Paris, and others. Her work has appeared in The Paris Review, The New Yorker, The Sun, The New York Times Magazine, The Best American Essays, Vogue, The Best American Travel and Food Writing, and New York Review of Books. Febos is a Roy J. Carver Professor at the University of Iowa, where she teaches in the Nonfiction Writing Program. She lives in Iowa City with her wife, the poet Donika Kelly.   Connect with Melissa: Website: https://www.melissafebos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafebos Purchase book via bookshop: This is for the pre-order paperback for The Dry Season https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dry-season-a-memoir-of-pleasure-in-a-year-without-sex-melissa-febos/f1c8367d8e351d91?ean=9780593685150&next=t - Ronit Plank bio and links:  Ronit Plank is a writer, teacher, and editor whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, Poets & Writers, River Teeth's Beautiful Things, The Rumpus, Salon, Hippocampus, The New York Times, and elsewhere, earning Best of the Net, Best Microfiction, and multiple Pushcart Prize nominations. Her memoir When She Comes Back was a Book Riot Best True Crime Book and Kirkus Reviews calls it, “An intimate, intuitive, emotionally vivid family account that finds hope in reconciliation". Ronit is also the author of the award-winning short story collection Home is a Made-Up Place, and her work has been anthologized in Selected Memories, Vol. 2: 15 Years of Hippocampus Magazine and Manna Songs: Stories of Jewish Culture and Heritage. Ronit is the Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, teaches memoir at a host of venues including the University of Washington's Continuum Program, Antioch University, and 92NY's Roundtable, and is host of the podcast Let's Talk Memoir and the Substack Let's Talk Memoir. Find her on social media @ronitplank   Website: www.ronitplank.com Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ When She Comes Back: https://ronitplank.com/when-she-comes-back/

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:Register for the Brave Writer Book Reveal on June 1st and 2nd – our biggest event of the year!Sign up for our free training webinars in June. It's professional development for parent educators!Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open for summer classes!Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Hey guys, welcome back to another episode of The Anchored by the Sword Podcast. You guys already know… conversations surrounding mental health are deeply important to me. Not only because of my own journey, but because I've seen firsthand how anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and mental health struggles can impact entire families—and how often people inside the church feel ashamed to talk about it.Today's conversation is one I think so many of you need.I'm joined by Melissa Fisher, licensed mental health counselor and author of Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear, which released this May.And honestly…This episode felt like permission.Permission to admit you're anxious.Permission to stop believing anxiety automatically means weak faith.Permission to realize that Jesus and mental health belong in the same conversation.Because Melissa said something that stuck with me:Anxiety is not sin.And I know for some people that statement alone may challenge years of messaging.In this episode we talk about:✨ Why anxiety is not a spiritual failure✨ Harmful messages Christians often hear:“If you just prayed more…”“If you had more faith…”✨ How therapy and faith can work together✨ Why anxiety impacts the nervous system physically—not just spiritually✨ Practical tools for calming anxiety (breathing, rest, body awareness, thought patterns)✨ Learning to build your life on God's faithfulness instead of unstable foundationsMelissa shares a powerful picture of wooden beams vs. steel beams:Wooden beams = things we rely on for security:financesplansrelationshipssuccesscontrolSteel beams = truths about God:His faithfulnessHis presenceHis righteousnessHis promisesBecause storms will come.Life will shake.But the goal isn't avoiding hardship.The goal is having a foundation that holds.We also talk about:

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:DragonBox Math Apps - International Award Winning Series Postcrossing: Postcards connecting the world Find books and other resources mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Leadership is supposed to be a privilege… so why does it feel like a slow burn to the ground? In this raw, unfiltered continuation of the leadership mental health conversation, Nicole Kalil sits down again with organizational psychologist and workplace mental health expert Melissa Doman to unpack what's really happening behind the scenes of leadership today — and why the good ones are dangerously close to walking away. Because here's the truth no one wants to admit: we expect leaders to be everything — strong, empathetic, decisive, available, perfect — with no room for human error. And then we wonder why burnout is skyrocketing and leadership pipelines are drying up. This episode goes beyond surface-level advice and into the uncomfortable reality: Leaders are human (shocking, we know) Unrealistic expectations are breaking them And we all play a role in either making it better… or making it worse Melissa brings both expertise and real talk to the table — from leadership archetypes (hello, frustrated martyr) to the “sea otter” model of healthy leadership (yes, it's a thing and yes, you want it). Together, they challenge the outdated narratives, call out toxic expectations, and offer a radically simple starting point: act like leaders are people. Because if we don't figure this out? The good leaders won't stay. And what's left… is not a future anyone wants. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they're working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/woman  Connect with Melissa: Website:https://www.melissadoman.com/ Book:https://www.amazon.com/Cornered-Office-Leadership-Mental-Health/dp/139435035X  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingmel/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadoman1/ Related Podcast Episodes: What Happens When Leadership Becomes Unsustainable: Leader Mental Health with Melissa Doman | 403 Leadership Unblocked (The Hidden Beliefs Sabotaging Your Ability To Lead) with Muriel M. Wilkins | 367 What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses with Mita Mallick | 351 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

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:Learn more about Brave Writer's Worldbuilding class and other enthusiasm-sparking online classes!Explore NASA's “Observe the Moon Like an Astronaut” activityFind our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Find our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Check out the “Did You Have a Good Adventure?” flow chart at Semi-Rad.comFind Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots and Whatever the Weather: Science Experiments and Art Activities That Explore the Wonders of Weather in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Explore the Journey North Mystery Class archivesEncounter solar system planet sizes and distances in this fun activityFind our favorite books for kids and parents in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's newest book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

Leadership gets glorified a lot and understood very little—and in this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil cuts straight to the part no one wants to talk about: leader mental health. She's joined by Melissa Doman, organizational psychologist, former clinical mental health therapist, founder of the Workplace Mental Health Method, and author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work and Cornered Office. Melissa works with global companies like Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Estée Lauder, helping leaders and organizations have honest, practical conversations about mental health—especially at the top. Together, they unpack the outdated leadership norms that reward burnout and punish humanity, the real mental health toll of constant pressure and scrutiny, and what it actually looks like to lead in a way that's both effective and human. Because if leadership becomes miserable enough, the good ones won't stay—and that should scare all of us. In this episode, Nicole and Melissa explore: Why leadership mental health is still the elephant in the corner office How outdated ideas about power, stoicism, and authority hurt leaders Common mental health struggles leaders face, including anxiety, worry, negativity, and helplessness Why communicating capacity is a leadership skill, not a weakness How followers can better support leaders  What companies can do right now to make leadership more sustainable At the end of the day, this conversation makes one thing clear: if we want better workplaces, stronger teams, and sustainable success, we have to start treating leaders like humans—not machines. Thank you to our sponsors! Gusto is online payroll and benefits software built for small businesses. Try Gusto today at gusto.com/TIWW, and get three months free when you run your first payroll. Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/TIWW for free shipping and 365-day returns! Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww  Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Connect with Melissa: Website:https://www.melissadoman.com/ Book:https://www.amazon.com/Cornered-Office-Leadership-Mental-Health/dp/139435035X  IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingmel/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadoman1/ Related Podcast Episodes: Leadership Unblocked (The Hidden Beliefs Sabotaging Your Ability To Lead) with Muriel M. Wilkins | 367 The Stress Paradox: Why We Need Stress (and How to Make It Work for Us) with Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist | 294 What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses with Mita Mallick | 351 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

What does it actually look like to grow a business from a $10K/month survival goal to a $100K month, in real time, with real numbers, and zero sugarcoating?In this episode, Melissa Franks, founder of On Call COO, pulls back the curtain on everything that happened in Q1 2026: the wins, the unexpected setbacks, the hard decisions, and the mindset shifts that are fueling the path to $3 million.This isn't a highlight reel. This is the full picture, and it might be exactly what you need to hear right now. In this episode, you'll learn:Why Melissa set a $3 million "impossible goal" for 2026, and what that actually means in practiceThe one decision made at the end of 2025 that directly led to On Call COO's first $100K month in February 2026How to identify where YOU are the bottleneck in your own business (and what to do about it)What "firing yourself" from a role really means, and why it's the most important thing a scaling founder can doThe leading indicators Melissa watches daily that have nothing to do with revenue, and how they saved the business from a pipeline crash in MarchWhat happened when Google Ads suddenly stopped spending (and how she diagnosed and fixed it fast)Why Melissa made the intentional decision to step BACK into client fulfillment, even after retiring from itThe truth about rest, recovery, and why "hustle culture" advice can quietly kill your business growth Ready to find your own bottleneck?If any of this resonated, and you're sitting in the owner seat wondering why it's so hard, you're not alone. Melissa and the On Call COO team offer a free consultation call to help you see the forest through the trees. 

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:Explore our upcoming Brave Writer class scheduleGot questions about classes? Reach out to us at help@bravewriter.comFind our favorite books for kids and parents in the Brave Writer Book ShopVisit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's newest book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

"You see this dissonance between the current you and the past you or other people, and the only gap across the bridge is action and implementation." There's a moment when you realize the life you're living and the life you actually want are no longer aligned, and no amount of thinking, planning, or hoping is going to close that gap for you. In this episode, Heather and Melissa Apa explore that tension as she shares what it looks like to navigate a child's diabetes diagnosis, the weight of ongoing crisis, and the secret decisions that change everything over time. This isn't a conversation about doing it perfectly or becoming a "better" person. It's about learning how to live, lead, and even thrive inside circumstances you didn't choose, without letting them define you.  What to listen for: ✨ The power of managing a disease like diabetes without making it your identity ✨ Melissa's experience getting her child's diagnosis and navigating the initial stress ✨ The trap of thinking life will finally be manageable after the crisis you're walking through "I was like, my life is clearly just going to continue to be chaos, and I need to figure out how to still be able to get to joy and thriving and loving life because we only get one life, and this is the one I have, so I would like to enjoy it." ✨ The secret, silent decisions we make internally when we're finally ready to change ✨ How Melisa's multi-year experience of dealing with crisis made the journey more easeful ✨ Managing life with a chronic disease isn't a morality issue; it's just what's happening "You're not morally a good or bad person if you're struggling to control a chronic disease. You just don't have the right information, the right tools, or the right support. It doesn't mean that you're bad." ✨ Teaching kids how to advocate for themselves, especially with health issues ✨ Learning how to thrive with your disease rather than settling for just managing it ✨ Why action and implementation are required to experience behavioral change  "The biggest thing that I see in the people who don't make changes is that they don't even see it as a possibility. It's never even occurred to them that it doesn't need to be this way. They have accepted that it will always be hard. That's not what I want you to accept. We need to accept some things, and we need to challenge some others here." ✨ How Heather helped Melissa recognize that chronic overwhelm was her comfort zone ✨ Being emotionally calm is the foundational work to build stability and systems from ✨ Why your leadership and how you manage your energy directly affect your family *** About Melissa Apa: Melissa Apa is a Clinical Pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with over 15 years of experience—turned diabetes coach. She is a runner, and mom of two boys, including one living with type 1 diabetes. Drawing on both her professional expertise and personal journey, Melissa helps people with diabetes and parents of children with diabetes move from surviving to thriving. Her mission is to empower families to develop the autonomy, calm, and confidence needed to navigate daily management and embrace life fully. Connect with Melissa:Website: www.insulininspired.com Instagram: @melissaapa_ *** For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me for a one-on-one Time & Energy Audit, a focused session designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Apply for the next 1:1 Coaching Cohort:https://heatherchauvin.com/apply Not ready for 1:1? Join the Energetic Time Management Accelerator: https://heatherchauvin.com/time

Most people think the difference between a $1M business and a $10M business is more leads, better marketing, or a bigger audience. It's not — not even close.The real gap between a 7-figure and an 8-figure business isn't effort. It's structure. And in this episode, Melissa Franks breaks down the five core operational differences that separate businesses that stay stuck at a million from the ones that scale to $10 million and beyond.Whether you're sitting at $500K trying to crack your first million, or you've hit $1M and can't figure out why you're still grinding — this episode is going to change how you think about running your business.In This Episode You'll Learn:Why the business model that got you to $1M is the very thing keeping you from $10MThe 5 fundamental differences between a 7-figure and 8-figure businessHow to shift from founder-driven to systems-driven — even if you're not ready to let goWhy $10M businesses don't do more, they do less, betterThe #1 reason businesses get stuck at $1M and $3M (and how to break through)The 3 honest questions every founder must ask themselves right nowWhy chaos is actually highly organized and why it will destroy your ability to scaleIf This Episode Hit Close to Home...You're not alone. Most businesses get stuck between $1M and $3M — not because the market is saturated or the product is wrong, but because the founder hasn't upgraded how they operate. That's exactly the work we do at On Call COO.Whether you need a 90-minute strategy session to get clear on your next move, or fractional COO support to help you build the systems and team structure to scale — we've got you.

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:Pacemaker: pacemaker.pressJulie's Substack post on this topic: http://juliebogart.substack.com/p/fomu-fear-of-messing-up?r=bv7b0&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=trueFind books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Listen to our episode “Make It Stick: How to Know If Your Kids Are Retaining What They Learn”Find Uncommon Sense Teaching and Make It Stick in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsInterested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Find our favorite board games in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

We love a good “never quit” mantra. Hustle. Grind. Push through. Stay committed. But what if the bravest move isn't doubling down… it's pivoting? In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with Melissa Gonzalez — principal at MG2, shareholder at Collier's Engineering and Design, founder of The Lioness Group, and author of The Purpose of Pivot: How Dynamic Leaders Put Vulnerability and Intuition into Action — to unpack one of the hardest leadership and life questions: How do you know when it's time to pivot? Because staying the course can be grit… or it can be self-betrayal.And pivoting can be courage… or it can be avoidance. The line? Blurry as hell. Together, they explore how to tell the difference between fear and intuition, discomfort and misalignment, commitment and stuckness — and how to make intentional, purpose-driven decisions without blowing up your entire life (unless you actually need to). They explore: The physical and emotional signs it's time to pivot How to run an “energy audit” to see what fuels vs. drains you The difference between purposeful change and running away Why clarity about your purpose makes decisions easier How to stop letting other people's opinions drive your choices Because pivoting doesn't require certainty. It requires discernment. And staying isn't noble if it's shrinking you. The goal isn't to get it perfect. It's to stay in relationship with yourself while you decide. Thank you to our sponsors! Shopify has everything all in one place, making your life easier and your business operations smoother. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/tiww  Connect with Melissa: Website: https://www.melissagonzalez.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Pivot-Dynamic-Vulnerability-Intuition/dp/1394329474  IG: https://www.instagram.com/melsstyles/ LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagonzalezlionesque/ Related Podcast Episodes: 129 / 4 Truths of Radiant Change with Kristen Lisanti 5-Steps To Making Big Decisions with Abby Davisson | 222  How To Rewire Patterns That No Longer Serve You with Judy Wilkins-Smith | 323 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

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”:Living Books – Rich, engaging books written by authors with passion and depth.Encounters with Beauty – Art, music, and nature woven into daily life.Meaningful Work – Household responsibilities and academic efforts that truly matter (not busywork).Imaginative Play – Unstructured time for creativity, games, and exploration.Big Ideas to Ponder and Discuss – Narration, conversation, and reflection on what's being learned.Reflection – Ending the day with gratitude, prayer, or thoughtful review.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:Read about Melissa's Rule of SixDiscover our favorite readalouds and nonfiction in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

In this episode of The Backyard Bouquet Podcast, I'm joined by Melissa Stewart of Sweet Bloom Farm, a boutique dahlia farm in Battle Ground, Washington.Melissa's journey began the way so many of ours do, with a few mystery dahlias from a garden center and a spark she couldn't ignore. What started as six blooming plants in her suburban backyard quickly grew into 20 varieties… then 50… then 100… and eventually into a two-acre farm growing 4,000 dahlias.In this conversation, we talk about: Scaling from 600 to 4,000 plants in one season Why their second year on the farm was their hardest The soil test that saved their crop Farming no-till in rocky Pacific Northwest soil Selling dahlia tubers online and shipping nationwide Whether the dahlia market is oversaturated Why local flowers matter more than ever The community that flowers create beyond the bloomsMelissa shares openly about balancing a corporate job, raising two children, building a farm with her husband, and learning when to ask for help.If you've ever wondered whether your backyard dahlias could become something more, this episode will inspire you.Book: Weeds & What They Tell Us: https://amzn.to/3ZHkWQOConnect with Melissa:Website: www.sweetbloomfarm.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbloomfarmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbloomfarmSign up for our podcast newsletter: https://bit.ly/thefloweringfarmhousenewsletterJoin Us At The Profitable Dahlia SummitThe first-ever virtual summit focused exclusively on growing dahlias for profit is here!Join us March 3–4, 2026 to learn from experienced dahlia growers who are selling bouquets, tubers, CSA shares, event tickets, and more — and doing it profitably.You'll walk away with real strategies to turn your passion into income, even if you're just getting started.Save your spot here: https://thefloweringfarmhouse.mykajabi.com/profitabledahiliasummit/

In this episode, I'm chatting with Melissa R. Lewis, LMSW about her impactful work in the field of social work, her newly released book, I SEE ME, genealogy, and more! Thank you for listening!Keep up with Melissa: Website: https://www.iseemlewis.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lewis.iseeme?igsh=ZHptem5kdGN2Z3h6Purchase “I SEE ME”:https://www.amazon.com/See-Me-Melissa-Lewis-Lmsw/dp/B0G3D6BS53https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-see-me-melissa-r-lewis-lmsw/1148793034Keep up with your host, Linnea!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣Instagram: ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣https://www.instagram.com/unpacking_the_box_media?igsh=bDVpMnFrbmUyOG8x&utm_source= Threads: https://www.threads.com/@unpacking_the_box_media?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Websites: https://beacons.ai/connectwithlinnea?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we look at self-empathy as a practical skill you can use in everyday life. My guest, Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, is a former professional musician and university professor who later founded EQ via Empathy where she works today. Melissa shares how a tough career pivot pushed her to study empathy and write the book, The Empathic Leader. Here we talk about how to build your self-empathy muscles in easy moments first so that you have the skills available to you when the stakes rise. We also explore why high achievers take the blame when things go wrong yet wave away credit when things go well, how empathy and judgment cannot coexist, and a simple practice to interrupt reactivity so you can lead with more clarity at work and at home.About My GuestDr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller isn't just talking about leadership: she's challenging us to do it differently. With over 20 years of cross-industry experience, she helps leaders build emotionally intelligent cultures that don't just feel better, they perform better. A TEDx speaker, EQ coach, and author of The Empathic Leader, Melissa blends research, real-world insight, and lived experience to make empathy actionable at every level of leadership. She's on a mission to prove that the so-called “soft” skills are the ones driving the hard results — and the future of leadership depends on them.~Connect with Melissa:Website: https://eqviaempathy.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-a-robinson-winemiller-author-speaker-trainer/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empathyqueen.eq/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpathicLeader~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

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:You can find all the books mentioned in this episode in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community in our membership forum, the Brave Learner Home Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionGive your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/braveSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram:

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:Order the Lighthouse Family issue of the Dart here (available Jan. 1st)Find the Lighthouse Family books in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to media@bravewriter.comConnect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:

Episode: When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming: How to Reset Your Home, Your Mind, and Your ExpectationsGuest: Melissa Schulz , Speaker, Coach, and Founder at melissaschulz.comDo you ever look around and think:“Why does motherhood feel SO HARD… and why does everyone else seem to handle it better?”In today's episode, Melissa Schulz shares how her early work with troubled and special-needs children equipped her with the exact tools she would need later as a mom of three, two of whom are neurodiverse. She opens up about how her career shaped her parenting, her perspective on neurodiversity, and her approach to managing overwhelm.✨ Key TakeawaysMelissa offers practical, doable steps for moms who are drowning in responsibility and decision fatigue, including:How to recognize the root cause of overwhelmWhy tiny shifts are more powerful than big dramatic fixesSimple systems that help your home run smoother without perfectionHow to parent neurodiverse kids with compassion and confidenceWhat to do when you feel like you're failing (spoiler: you're not)If you've ever wanted to take a breath, press reset, and feel capable again—this episode is your permission slip.You don't need to overhaul your whole life—one small change creates momentum.Behavior is communication: your kids aren't giving you a hard time, they're having a hard time.Overwhelm is a signal, not a character flaw.

In this episode, I chat with Melissa Monte. Melissa is the host of Mind Love™, a top-ranked podcast with over 5 million downloads. She's known for questioning everything—religion, government, culture—and guiding people back to the truth inside themselves.Her work blends neuroscience, storytelling, and spiritual sovereignty to help people rewire their minds, reclaim their voice, and live like they actually mean it. After surviving trauma, addiction, and a felony charge for someone else's crime, she rebuilt her life from the inside out. Now she helps others wake up, break patterns, and write stories that actually reflect who they are.Connect with Melissa:Website https://mindlove.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/mindlovemelissaTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mindlovemelissaWork with me—schedule a free 30-minute breakthrough consultation today. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and does not substitute individual psychological advice. No AI—all content and episodes created and written by Ashley Melillo. *This is an affiliate link. Purchasing through affiliate links supports The Soul Horizon at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

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:Listen to our interview with Chris Balme, and find his book Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome in the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingFind community at Brave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:

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:Read Julie's post on this topic here: Brave Writer Podcast: Natural Stages of Growth as a Home Educator - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefVisit the Brave Writer Book ShopBrave Writer class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:

Why is there such an emphasis on empathy?Does it truly benefit leaders, teams and organisations?Meet Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller!Dr. Melissa is an Author of international bestseller The Empathic Leader, TEDx Speaker and Trained Relationship Builder. She helps leaders maximize personal & business potential through the effective leverage of EQ and empathy.By educating leaders about the power of empathy, Dr. Melissa hopes to create a ripple effect that results in a fairer, happier, healthier world for all.Listen as Dr. Melissa shares:- how empathy impacts organizational performance, and workplace dynamics- addressing toxic work situations- cognitive empathy as a valuable skill for leaders- the results when leaders display empathy- how organizational culture is influenced by leaders' actions- being resistant to change and its repercussions- why empathy is a distinct skill rather than part of soft skills- how AI, despite its capabilities, lacks empathy and soft skills- why true empathy cannot coexist with judgment...and so much more!Connect with Dr. Melissa:Website: https://eqviaempathy.comListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-is-empathy-important-w-dr-melissa-robinson-winemiller/id1614151066?i=1000738104540Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yU4uMoALSbK4AA4iuAnor?si=u-omqz4DSxe97M-ih3PtJAYouTube: https://youtu.be/5xCiR0XrAVA

 In this episode of Healing Our Sight, Denise reconnects with Melissa Daniels—vision therapist, educator, and former strabismus patient—to explore how stepping into the role of therapist changed the way she understands healing.Melissa shares what she wishes she had known earlier in her own journey, how her perspective shifted once she began working with patients, and why the mindset we bring to vision therapy can make such a big difference.  You'll hear them discuss:How becoming a vision therapist highlighted Melissa's understanding of her own strabismusWhat she would do differently if she could restart her journeyMindsets and habits that support consistent progress in vision therapyCommon beliefs or expectations that unintentionally slow down successWhether you're a parent navigating strabismus with your child, an adult working to improve your own vision, or a professional supporting patients, this conversation offers both hope and grounded insight into what real progress looks like.Connect with Melissa: Website: https://strabismussolutions.comYouTube: Strabismus to Stereopsis — https://www.youtube.com/@strabismustostereopsisIf you liked this episode, click here to send me a message. I also appreciate guest and topic suggestions.Click the link above to message me directly. It comes to me as FAN MAIL! How great is that? Just click on the place that says, "If you liked this episode CLICK HERE:"

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:Visit Julie's Substack to find her post on this topicVisit our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page in the Brave Writer Book ShopExplore our lineup of engaging writing classesPurchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by

In this episode, host Melissa Franks tackles a topic she's never covered before: how to create an annual budget that actually works for you. Whether you're a five-figure startup or a nine-figure company, Melissa breaks down why every business needs a budget and why it's not the restrictive tool you think it is.Drawing from her own experience managing $180 million in annual spend as a COO, Melissa shares the exact framework she uses with clients to build clarity, confidence, and control into their financial plans.You'll learn:Why budgets are a decision-making tool, not a limitation.How to categorize your spend using her four-part classification method: recurring, one-time, not needed, and invest more.The steps to build a monthly expense budget using historical data.How to plan for staffing changes and forecast projected revenue using trends and seasonality.The importance of assessing profit margin and adjusting expenses or revenue targets to stay in line with your goals.Why you must include discretionary spending and contingency planning—and how to do it without sabotaging your profitability.Melissa wraps up with her signature perspective: a good budget isn't about saying no to spending it's about saying yes to what matters most.If you've ever avoided budgeting because it felt too rigid, too complex, or just plain boring, this episode will change your mind and your approach.

You don't need to know how. You just need to say yes. Melissa Perlman didn't have construction experience, speak Spanish, or a detailed business plan when she moved to Tulum after 9/11. She had a spark. A vision. And the courage to follow breadcrumbs instead of blueprints. That spark became Amansala, one of Tulum's most iconic wellness destinations. Genea and Melissa dive into:

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:Julie's Monday Morning Meeting for kids – the Birds episodeProject Feederwatch: feederwatch.orgVisit the Brave Writer Book ShopFall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner HomeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website:

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:Landmark cases like Wisconsin v. Yoder and their impactThe rise of Christian homeschooling and its cultural influenceHow COVID-19 sparked a new wave of homeschoolersBrave Writer's unique role as a non-sectarian home for all familiesJulie'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 & MentionsVisit the Brave Writer Book ShopFall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:...

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 & MentionsA Room with a View by E.M. ForsterSister Wendy's Story of Painting (BBC)The Prairie Thief by Melissa WileyBrave Writer Dart: The Prairie ThiefStories of the Old Duck Hunters and Other Drivel by Gordon MacQuarrieBrave Writer Online ClassesSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.socialProduced by NOVA

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:Find Jim Trelease's The Read-Aloud Handbook in the Brave Writer Book ShopCheck out our Boomerang and Slingshot guides for teens: https://blog.bravewriter.com/2024/05/30/2024-2025-mechanics-literature-programs/Fall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingJoin us at the Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionGive your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/braveSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website:

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:Fall class registration is open! Visit Julie's Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!) Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates WritingBrave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionGive your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/braveSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa's Catalog of EnthusiasmsSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:

Melissa Fraterrigo joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about the personal and emotional toll of being female, becoming a mother and watching her daughters navigate culture, making sense of our world through memoir and essay, discovering a softness for the younger versions of ourselves, when the fictional world doesn't hold our attention, processing different time periods, making sure there are universal truths in memoir as well as our own story, not inviting people others into the space while we're drafting, memoir as permission to explore our own life, taking the time to get to know ourselves and our process, how are we changed by writing, and her new memoir The Perils of Girlhood.   Also in this episode: -Lafayette Writers Studio -sharing of ourselves -keeping our channels open   Books mentioned in this episode: -Writing Past Dark by Bonnie Friedman -The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard -How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee -Spilt Milk by Courtney Zoffness -Books by Melissa Febos -Negative Space by Lilly Dancyger Melissa Fraterrigo's new memoir is The Perils of Girlhood published by the University of Nebraska Press. She is also the author of the novel Glory Days (University of Nebraska Press, 2017), which was named one of “The Best Fiction Books of 2017” by the Chicago Review of Books as well as the short story collection The Longest Pregnancy (Livingston Press, 2006). Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies from storySouth and Shenandoah to Notre Dame Review, Sou'wester and The Millions. A graduate of the University of Iowa (BA) and Bowling Green State University (MFA), she teaches creative writing at Purdue University, and is also the founder and executive director of the Lafayette Writers' Studio in Lafayette, Indiana, where she offers classes on the art and craft of writing. She lives with her husband and two daughters in West Lafayette, Indiana.  Connect with Melissa:  Website: melissafraterrigo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.fraterrigo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissafraterrigo/ Lafayette Writers' Studio: lafayettewritersstudio.com Get her book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-perils-of-girlhood-a-memoir-in-essays/6da6408eda085813 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496242203?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_XZ0VSR4RDAFX5FBRZYB6 https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496242204/the-perils-of-girlhood/   – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories.  She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social

Homeschooling isn't about perfection—it's about connection, curiosity, and adapting to your family's needs. In this episode, we revisit three core principles that have guided our approach through the years: honoring spontaneous self-expression by jotting down our children's words, remembering there are no educational emergencies (kids learn at their own pace), and staying flexible by changing the topic or the context when resistance pops up. When we let go of pressure and focus on our children's interests, we create an environment where learning truly thrives.Resources:Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeFall class registration is open! Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!Check out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.comSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptionsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionGive your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/braveSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:

Do you ever wonder what's at stake when we hand over our children's education to automation and AI? In this episode, we explore how the rise of influencer-driven resources and tech-powered learning tools is reshaping homeschooling—and what we risk losing when we outsource the most human parts of education.We discuss why real learning thrives on meaningful connection, hands-on experiences, and the expertise of educators and parents who care deeply about kids, not just content. As homeschooling changes, let's remember to center our children's education on relationships, shared adventures, and the joy of learning together.Resources:Read Peter Benchley's article about sharksAI-Induced Psychosis articleBrave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-homeFall class registration is open! Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!Check out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.comSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptionsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram:

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Melissa Cox, a certified financial planner from Dallas, Texas, who shares her remarkable journey from financial chaos to expertise. Melissa opens up about her accidental entry into the financial industry and how her personal struggles with money motivated her to become a better planner. She passionately discusses the societal misconceptions women face regarding financial capabilities and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's financial beliefs. Melissa encourages women to start with small, manageable steps to build financial confidence and take control of their financial futures. By eliminating shame around financial choices, she empowers women to confidently navigate the world of finance. We also explore a holistic approach to financial planning with Melissa, focusing on the concept of building financial freedom at one's own pace. Through the analogy of constructing a financial "house," she highlights the significance of investments, insurance, and legal documents. The "wealth on purpose formulation" is introduced, emphasizing intentionality and balance in financial planning. Melissa shares insights into her personalized, one-on-one approach with clients, offering exclusive clarity sessions to tailor strategies to individual goals. As Melissa reflects on her journey of writing a book to empower readers in their financial journeys, she underscores the idea that finances are unique to each person and encourages embracing the messiness of it all. Listen in to gain valuable insights and motivation to redefine what it means to be an empowered woman in the financial world.   Connect with Melissa:Website: www.FutureFocusedWealth.com Facebook: Melissa Cox CFP Instagram: @melissacoxcfp   Let's keep the conversation going!Website: www.martaspirk.com Instagram: @martaspirk Facebook: Marta Spirk Want to be my next guest on The Empowered Woman Podcast?Apply here: www.martaspirk.com/podcastguest  Watch my TEDx talk: http://bit.ly/martatedx Every Day Magic teaches mindfulness through ritual and gratitude practices that can be done every day at any age. Purchase your copy today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2XGKRCN  

Do you ever wonder if the writing assignments your child receives are actually supporting their growth—or just making writing feel like a chore? In this episode, we explore why it's not only okay but essential to judge and adapt writing assignments for your kids. We talk about how rigid or uninspiring tasks can stifle self-expression, why playful and flexible approaches unlock learning, and how you can confidently take charge of your child's writing journey. We also share practical tips for adapting assignments and supporting your child's natural development as a writer.Resources:Jane Austen “crosswriting” letters: https://www.themorgan.org/collection/literary-and-historical-manuscripts/282280Watch: Zoom - Ubbi DubbiFall class registration opens on July 21!Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!Check out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.comSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptionsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksBluesky:

Do you ever wonder how to create a homeschool life that feels rich and connected, rather than just checking off boxes? In this episode, we explore the Brave Writer Lifestyle—moving beyond rigid schedules to routines that foster connection, flexibility, and joy in daily learning. We discuss how to anchor your days with simple routines, value real-life learning, adapt to your family's needs, and protect space for inspiration and downtime. The conversation highlights the power of memory-making moments and the freedom to design a homeschool experience that is meaningful for both parent and child.Resources:Brave Writer Lifestyle website: https://bravewriter.com/program/brave-writer-lifestyleListen to our previous episodes on Tidal Homeschooling:Tidal Homeschooling: The Ebb & Flow of Home Education with Melissa WileyNEW on the Podcast: Introducing Co-Host Melissa Wiley!Purchase Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!Check out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.comSubscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptionsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterBluesky: @bravewriter.comFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriterConnect with Melissa:Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: