327. Becoming a Critical Thinker

Brave Writer

Julie Bogart and Melissa Wiley

Arts, Kids & Family, Education, Books, Education For Kids

4.8 • 927 Ratings

🗓️ 18 February 2026

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What does it really mean to think critically in a world that never stops shouting at us? In this episode, we slow things down and explore how to stay grounded when information, emotion, and opinion collide. We talk about noticing our own reactions, asking better questions, and learning how to separate facts from the stories wrapped around them. Along the way, we share practical tools you can use with your kids—and yourself—to build clarity, curiosity, and courage. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise or unsure how to model thoughtful engagement, this conversation offers a steady place to begin. Join us, and keep thinking well.

Resources:

Find Raising Critical Thinkers and Becoming a Critical Thinker on Julie’s website at juliebogartwriter.com
Brave 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 Writing
Find community at the Brave Learner Home
Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
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Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
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Produced by NOVA

Transcript

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0:00.0	Looking for a great math program?
0:03.0	CTC Math provides online video tutorials that make learning math easy and effective
0:10.0	by using creative graphics and animation that are sure to grab and keep your child's attention.
0:16.0	Here's a great testimonial from Lori.
0:18.0	She said one day, my 10-year-old was in tears over math.
0:23.6	I tried my best to help, but I ended up in tears as well. That very night, I received an email offer for CTC Math.
0:31.6	The following Monday, we reviewed the curriculum together. She was willing to give it a shot, and we have never looked back.
0:39.9	Start your free trial today by visiting ctcmath.com.
0:50.1	Good afternoon today, Melissa.
0:53.5	I'm looking out at two feet of snow.
0:56.0	Oh, my goodness.
0:57.7	Yeah.
0:57.9	Well, then I probably should not tell you that yesterday I saw the first crocus here in Portland.
1:03.7	Oh, my goodness.
1:04.9	Yeah, February is always the time they come, but if I'm getting any, they are buried right now.
1:10.3	They're not coming out. I was joking
1:12.4	with my boyfriend that the groundhog would see his shadows, so we're going to get six more
1:17.7	weeks of winter for sure, and it feels very cold. And to all of you who are still dealing with
1:22.9	power outages and icy roads, if that's still a thing, you know, I've been thinking a lot about you,
1:28.4	and I know it's hard when you're shut in with your kids. So hopefully this podcast with a cup of
1:33.5	cocoa can be a little companion. What are we going to talk about today, Julie? Well, like so many of you,
1:39.6	I'm sure you're thinking a lot about the news, the state of our country, the events that are
	...

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