Julian Peterson on Family Fame, Privacy, and Childhood | EP 201

Essay App

Julian Peterson discusses the development and success of the Essay App, an online writing platform designed to help users structure and edit their writing without relying on AI. The app, based on their father's work, has seen significant growth with 200,000 users and is now being introduced in classroom settings to help teachers monitor and support student writing processes 1. Julian highlights the app's ability to provide a comprehensive report on a student's writing process, making it easier for teachers to grade the process rather than just the outcome 2.

The great thing about the way we've built the software and are still developing it is that we're trying to really get a comprehensive understanding and eventually a comprehensive report to deliver to a teacher of the way that the student was thinking while they were writing.

--- Julian Peterson

Additionally, a mobile app is in the works to expand accessibility and user engagement 2.

   

Cafe Plans

Julian shares his vision for the new café in Toronto, named the Paper Root Café, which aims to be a community hub offering great coffee, pastries, and a space for music and children to play 3. The café is strategically located in an area with few similar establishments, making it a convenient spot for families and professionals 3.

We're planning to turn it into a community hub sort of place. It's going to be called the Paper Root Café, which kind of connects it peripherally to Essay.

--- Julian Peterson

Julian is excited about the project and aims to open the café by April or May, with minimal renovation work required 4.