Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

Impostor syndrome in kids is more common than we think, and how parents respond to self-doubt can shape their children’s confidence for life. Joining host Elise Hu is Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as she reflects on her built resilience and found motivations throughout her life.

What do kids learn when they hear “fat” used like an insult? And what do we say when they turn that word on themselves? In this episode, we talk about how to name fatphobia, challenge it, and model true body respect at any size.

While headlines about ICE raids, immigration crackdowns, and family separation ripple through communities, our kids are noticing. Host Elise Hu revisits conversations with Duncan Tonatiuh and Anya Kamenetz to explore how parents can talk to their kids honestly about immigration without spreading fear.

When kids see protests, political debates, and powerful emotions playing out in real time on the news and in headlines, it’s up to parents to help make sense of it all. Elise Hu revisits conversations with educator and author Sharon McMahon, and activist Tabitha St. Bernard Jacobs to explore what it means to use your voice, stand up for others, and participate in shaping the world through democracy and political demonstration.

When puberty hits earlier and emotions run higher, the conversations we have with our kids about their bodies, sex, and consent matter more than ever. Kids are already learning about these topics earlier and earlier from peers, media and the world around them. To help parents keep up, host Elise Hu revisits earlier conversations with Dr. Cara Natterson and Dr. Nadine Thornhill with their expert guidance for parents supporting kids through puberty, adulthood, and relationships.

Adoption is a lifelong process of identity and belonging, and how parents talk about it with our kids matters from the very beginning. Nefertiti Austin, author of Motherhood So White and a mother of two adopted kids, joins Elise Hu to share her personal path to adopting, why she chose to adopt within her own community, and the mindset she carries through parenthood. Nefertiti offers practical guidance for not only adoptive parents, but parents considering adoption or simply talking to kids about it. Together, Nefertiti and Elise discuss the biggest takeaways from adoption, how to normalize adoption in everyday lives, and how to stay grounded when conversations get difficult.

Raising resilient kids and understanding how to support their mental health often starts with their self-esteem and self-compassion. Host Elise Hu revisits two empowering conversations to help parents understand how intertwined self-esteem and mental health are. First, Kelli Joy Richardson, founder of The SonRise Project, debunks common myths about mental health and shares practical tips on how to start conversations with your kids about their mental health, even when it feels too difficult or too late to do so. Then we hear from professor and educator Dr. Kristin Neff on how parents can help reframe where self-worth comes from. Dr. Neff offers ways to encourage our kids to practice self-compassion that are tactile, audible, or by example.

Divorce can reshape every part of family life for kids and parents alike, from routines and living arrangements to feelings of grief, anger, and confusion. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu talks with divorce parenting expert, educator, and author Christina McGhee about how parents can help children navigate divorce with honesty and stability. Christina shares insights from both her professional work and her own experience growing up in a divorced family. She shares practical guidance for talking to kids of all ages about separation, addressing and unlearning stigmas surrounding, and how to manage your own emotions first to show up more calmly and responsibly for kids. Throughout the episode, Christina emphasizes that while divorce can feel deeply destabilizing, it’s honest communication, consistency, and compassion that helps kids feel secure, loved, and grounded through family change.

What do you say when your child asks about race, racism, or representation – and you’re not sure where to start? In this special episode of Raising Us, host Elise Hu is joined by Jelani Memory, founder of A Kids Co. and author of A Kids Book About Racism, to answer questions from real parents navigating challenging conversations. From starting at step one to deciding when your child needs more support, Jelani and Elise share practical scripts, resources, and strategies for tackling conversations in an age-appropriate way. Whether you’re wondering how to respond when your child brings up something unexpected or you’re trying to keep these conversations going over time, Jelani offers real advice from his own experience parenting six kids, rooted in honesty and curiosity.

From scrolling on social media to watching sports and TV, kids are constantly absorbing messages about who gets to be seen, and who doesn’t. Joining host Elise Hu to talk about why representation in media matters for kids is WNBA legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist Angel McCoughtry. She reflects on growing up without seeing herself represented in sports, to now inspiring and actively creating stories for the younger generation to see themselves in. Together, Elise and Angel unpack the powerful role representation plays in shaping how kids notice who’s centered in the media, question stereotypes, and feel proud of who they are.

Trauma in kids isn’t always obvious, but kids are constantly taking in the world around them and paying attention to how we adults respond to it. Actor, comedian, and author Paul Scheer joins host Elise Hu for an honest and personal conversation about trauma and parenting. Paul opens up about his childhood experiences with trauma shared in his new memoir, Joyful Recollections of Trauma. He reflects on the complicated process of identifying trauma, the emotions that come up, and the importance of processing those emotions fully. Also, Paul talks about what it’s like to parent while still processing his past, and his best advice for slowing down in tough conversations with kids.

Talking to kids about sex and consent can feel awkward, overwhelming, and easy to put off — but these conversations can start earlier and easier than we think. Host Elise Hu sits down with sex educator Dr. Nadine Thornhill to unpack how parents and families can approach topics like bodies, boundaries, relationships, and consent with more openness. They explore the most common questions families have about consent, how to navigate power dynamics, and what it looks like to be conscientious about consent in everyday life. Also, Dr. Thornhill shares how she’s navigated conversations about consent with her own child, dives into “authentic consent,” and how we can model and encourage choice even when our kids are young. She offers practical advice for not only starting complex conversations, but continuing them as our kids grow.

Eating disorders in kids are more common than parents realize, but many still question how to spot early warning signs, talk about healthy habits and body image, and support with compassion. Host Elise Hu sits with professional squash champion Amanda Sobhy and National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) CEO Jessica Scheer to unpack the realities of eating disorders and disordered eating in children and teens.

From wildfires and floods to melting ice caps, today’s kids are exposed to the realities of climate change earlier than ever. Host Elise Hu is joined by author, marine biologist, and cofounder of the Urban Ocean Lab, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, to discuss how climate anxiety shows up in kids, and how parents can help share the truth without overwhelming kids about reality. Drawing from her New York Times bestselling book, What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson shares how families can start conversations about conservation and activism centered in intergenerational collaboration and responsibility, and practical tips for channeling concerns into action.

With news about ICE, immigration raids, and family separation everywhere, many parents are wondering how to talk to kids about everything going on. How do we share harsh realities without overwhelming them, while still being honest? Host Elise Hu speaks with Maria Hinojosa, founder of Futuro Media and longtime host of Latino USA about her decades of learnings from reporting on immigration and family separations. Maria opens up about her own experience growing up in an immigrant family, and shares reflections on today’s political climate as immigration has risen as a focus topic election after election. Later in the episode, journalist and author Anya Kamenetz joins to offer practical tools for parents navigating these newscycles and conversations with kids. Anya shares what she’s seen as a journalist and in her communities as a parent, and offers practical strategies for helping children process fear while staying emotionally secure together.

Whether they notice a wheelchair, limb difference, or how parents respond to disabilities, kids pick up on physical differences earlier than we think. Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by team USA’s three-time Paralympic gold medalist Alana Nichols as she reflects on her life-changing injury and how representation and community really matters, especially for kids with disabilities. Later in the episode, disability rights activist, writer, and educator Emily Ladau discusses how to raise kids who view disabilities with respect and opportunities for curiosity, rather than discomfort. Both Alana and Emily offer practical advice for parents on where to get involved, ways to be allies and not bystanders, or even how to start that first conversation to normalize disabilities and physical differences.

From explosive meltdowns and slammed doors to tears that seem to come out of nowhere, some kids simply feel everything more intensely. Joining host Elise Hu to unpack what parenting a deeply feeling kid or teen might look like is Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and host of the Good Inside podcast. She and Elise dive into Dr. Becky’s new children’s book Leave Me Alone, and what deeply feeling kids might really mean when they say “leave me alone.” Dr. Becky addresses what parents commonly see from deeply feeling kids in homes, and shares practical tips for better equipping our kids to handle life’s surprises, and what to do when emotions are big for all parties involved — parents and kids alike.

Impostor syndrome in kids is more common than we think, and how parents respond to self-doubt can shape their children’s confidence for life. Joining host Elise Hu is Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as she reflects on her built resilience and found motivations throughout her life. Justice Jackson shares her best strategies for combating impostor syndrome, and finding community in a new space after becoming the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. She and Elise reflect on practical parenting tips touched in Jackson’s New York Times bestselling memoir Lovely One, now adapted for young adults, and gives words of advice for getting our kids to persevere and sometimes, simply try.

Kids are seeing political protests, activism, and civic engagement unfold on screens, in schools, and in their own communities. With that constant exposure these days, talking about social justice is an essential part of parenting today. Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs is a mom, writer, and organizer familiar with kickstarting these conversations and age-appropriate involvement in her own home.

When sharing life lessons with our kids, parents can often only hope that these lessons stick. Comedian, actor, and dad Roy Wood Jr. joins Elise Hu to talk about how humor, humility, and honesty has helped navigate parenting and giving his son the tools to thrive in a world without him. Roy shares the most impactful lessons he’s learned, the ones he hopes to teach, and what makes life lessons truly meaningful for families.

Kids’ mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic for families, as the CDC reports rising rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use. Host Elise Hu is joined by mental wellness advocate and founder of The SonRise Project, Kelli Joy Richardson, to explore how parents can support children navigating mental health challenges. Kelli opens up about her personal journey with her son’s mental health, and how that experience reshaped her parenting. Together, Elise and Kelli discuss balancing resilience with compassion, creating safe spaces, and practical advice for starting honest conversations with your kids that might lead to more openness later.

What does the research actually say about screen time and video games? After we received more questions about regulating kids’ screen time for both school and play, author and gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert joined us for a conversation on video games and how they affect kids’ behavior, mental health, and relationships. She helps break down the science behind kids and video games, and outlines the real impact of gaming from decades of research. Together, Dr. Kowert and host Elise Hu discuss what setting a healthy video game balance can look like, and practical advice for getting involved in your kids’ video gaming lives.

History isn’t just a subject in school – kids are already absorbing it in real time through news, culture, and everyday life. How parents talk about historical events at home can shape how kids understand the world, think critically about the past, and apply learnings to their present day. Journalist, historian and creator Garrison Hayes joins host Elise Hu to share how families can make history feel human, engaging, and relevant to current events. Garrison shares what helped him connect with history as a kid, and how he incorporates those learnings into his retellings of historical moments on social platforms today. Together, Elise and Garrison offer practical advice for nurturing curiosity, tackling those “but why?” questions, and helping kids see history as relevant to their present, rather than just facts and figures.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to TikTok algorithms, AI is transforming childhood, parenting, and everything about how we live today. Creator and co-host of podcast Life With Machines Baratunde Thurston chats with Elise Hu about the ways we can help kids and ourselves navigate this new technology with curiosity and care. Learn how kids are engaging with AI today, and why adults and grownups need to learn alongside kids rather than just supervise them. By approaching an understanding with humility and setting practical and healthy boundaries with AI, parents can confidently help navigate using AI as a tool, instead of something to stay away from.

Educational technology is a daily part of school for kids, from learning apps and video lessons to digital group projects. But is all this screen time actually helping kids learn? In this episode of Raising Us, host Elise Hu explores the benefits and challenges of educational technology in classrooms, including concerns around distraction, data privacy, and child development.

The news has felt heavy – every headline, story, and social media feed flooded with situations we don’t always know how to talk about at home. Still, kids are always watching and observing how adults respond to these big moments. How do we talk about these hard things without sugarcoating or panicking? And how do we provide tools they need to feel safer, grounded, and maybe even hopeful?

After the holiday season chaos, many families experience an annual reset into a slower winter, leading to occasional bouts of boredom. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix, but something to welcome? Mother of three, author, and founder of The Workspace for Children Lizzie Assa talks with Raising Us host Elise Hu about how to encourage raising confident, resilient kids through boredom and lulls. Lizzie shares how she dealt with her own kids’ boredom, and how being intentional with our time and energy as parents can help our kids thrive. Hear practical tips for reframing and responding to your kids and their boredom.

Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds (All American Boys, Long Way Down) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily Knox (Book Banning in the 21st Century) explains how censorship takes shape today and why it matters for all of us. They highlight practical ways to guide the kids in your life through tough topics on the page without shutting the door on important stories.

Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how kids handle challenges, relationships, and self-doubt – but how can parents ensure confidence doesn’t come with being “the best?” Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to define self-esteem and share practical tips for building confidence at home. Also joining this episode is Nia Sioux, a dancer, singer and actress who's best known for her breakout role as an original cast member in Lifetime’s hit reality series Dance Moms. Nia talks with us about growing up in front of cameras, her best tips for practicing self-esteem and confidence, and more anecdotes from her new memoir, Bottom of the Pyramid.

Social media and screen time is becoming a bigger part of family life everyday – from how kids connect and learn, to how many parents manage busy schedules. To help define healthy social media habits, public school teacher and librarian Ash Brandin shares their best tips from recent book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Also, award winning health and science journalist Catherine Price provides advice about how kids are experiencing social media today. Both guests break down how social media can impact developing brains, how families can set and tackle realistic boundaries together, and why monitoring healthy habits with tech use matters.

Youth sports can shape our kids in powerful ways on and off the field. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu sits down with Managing Director of Olympics and Action Sports at Octagon Peter Carlisle to explore how early experiences in sports can build confidence, character, and lifelong resilience. Peter unpacks the hidden pressures young athletes face today, practical ways parents can nurture a positive sports environment, and how to keep the joy in the game—whether your child dreams of the pros or simply wants to play with friends.

As we get deeper into the holiday season and winter holidays, many parents start to wonder — how do we keep holiday magic alive while helping our kids understand what’s real? Jacqueline Woolley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, studies how kids understand fantasy, reality, and belief itself. She joins us to explore and support curiosity, belief, and cultural traditions with grace by sharing her own stories and tactile advice to answering one of parents’ biggest questions around the holiday season — should we tell our kids about Santa?

As the season of holiday gifting approaches, kids and parents alike may notice new toys, new desires, and the effects of a tight budget. Here to build confidence in starting conversations about money with your kids is bestselling author, journalist, and host of the Her Money podcast, Jean Chatzky. Jean breaks down how to ease kids into the concept of money, what conversations about wealth can look like, and more from her decades of insights on talking with kids about money, status and self-worth.

When sharing life lessons with our kids, parents can often only hope that these lessons stick. Comedian, actor, and dad Roy Wood Jr. joins Elise Hu to talk about how humor, humility, and honesty has helped navigate parenting and giving his son the tools to thrive in a world without him. Roy shares the most impactful lessons he’s learned, the ones he hopes to teach, and what makes life lessons truly meaningful for families.

Open conversations about gender and identity are more pervasive than ever. Policies impacting gender identity and transgender youth dominate the headlines and ballots. How can parents really guide our kids through big questions about who they are and who others are, with openness instead of fear?

Democracy works best when the kids in our lives know their voices matter. Elise Hu talks with educator and author Sharon McMahon about helping families understand civic life beyond the ballot box. Learn how to discuss political differences with respect, introduce local government, and give kids concrete ways to participate in their communities. From writing letters to elected officials to joining neighborhood projects, you’ll find practical steps to raise informed, compassionate citizens who stay engaged long after election day.

Sibling relationships can be some of the most loving — and challenging — connections kids can experience. Sue Dominus, award winning New York Times journalist and author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success, joins Elise Hu to explore how parents can best support multiple kids. Dominus shares tangible advice to creating safe and supportive homes by listening to our kids, intentionally creating space for them as individuals, and encouraging passions without pressure.

Immigration is in the news, in our communities, and sometimes in our own families. But how do we explain it to kids without scaring them? Elise Hu talks with comedian and writer Negin Farsad about what her daughter has noticed, and what Negin chooses to share. Children’s author Duncan Tonatiuh joins to share how his book Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote helps kids understand the dangers and resilience behind migration stories. From undocumented families to family separation headlines, this conversation shows parents how to talk about immigration as part of our shared story, while giving children hope, safety, and practical ways to understand their world.

Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds (All American Boys, Long Way Down) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily Knox (Book Banning in the 21st Century) explains how censorship takes shape today and why it matters for all of us. They highlight practical ways to guide the kids in your life through tough topics on the page without shutting the door on important stories.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to TikTok algorithms, AI is transforming childhood, parenting, and everything about how we live today. Creator and co-host of podcast "Life With Machines" Baratunde Thurston chats with Elise Hu about the ways we can help kids and ourselves navigate this new technology with curiosity and care. Learn how kids are engaging with AI today, and why adults and grownups need to learn alongside kids rather than just supervise them. By approaching an understanding with humility and setting practical and healthy boundaries with AI, parents can confidently help navigate using AI as a tool, instead of something to stay away from. Key takeaways for parents: Compare how kids of different ages use tech, and tailor your guidance to their stage. Ask your child how information moves among friends, and practice checking before sharing. Point out where AI shows up in daily life, and invite the child in your life's perspective on it. Admit what you don’t know, and show curiosity so kids learn alongside you. Break down AI as a tool, a platform, or a concept, so kids can see its different roles.

What does it really mean to raise kids who see every brain as worthy of belonging? In this episode, Elise Hu talks with actress, director, and author Lake Bell about her daughter’s journey with epilepsy and how that shaped her own understanding of neurodiversity. Later, ADHD advocate and creator of How to ADHD Jessica McCabe shares practical ways parents can explain neurodivergence, involve kids in their own care, and shift the conversation from “fixing” to thriving. From ADHD to epilepsy to dyslexia, we explore how to talk about brain differences in ways that build empathy and confidence at home. Key Takeaways: Validate your child’s experience, even when others may dismiss it Talk openly about your own brain differences to reduce shame Involve kids in decisions about their own treatment and support Normalize differences as part of the human condition, not something to “fix”

Puberty can feel awkward, confusing, and even scary for kids (and parents!). Pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Cara Natterson shares how to turn those hard moments into honest, supportive conversations that help kids feel confident about their changing bodies. Puberty today starts earlier and lasts longer. From growth spurts and acne to mood swings and silence, kids need language that reduces shame and builds trust. Parents can provide it, even when it feels uncomfortable. With the right words and presence, parents can make it a time of learning, resilience, and connection. Key takeaways for parents: Talk about body changes, periods, erections, and hormones early, and keep talking. Explain the science behind mood swings so tweens and teens know it’s normal. Use everyday moments (car rides, dinner, bedtime) to open conversations. Teach correct anatomical terms to reduce shame and improve safety. Model openness, humor, and persistence. Puberty is a marathon, not a sprint. Raising Us is hosted by Elise Hu, an award-winning journalist and mom of three, known for her warm, candid approach to tough conversations. Each week, she breaks down big questions families are facing, with help from expert voices and real-life stories.

How do you talk to your kids about the political violence that’s unfolded this week, and over the past couple of years? And how much do you say? In this mini episode, we share a part of a conversation between Elise Hu and educator and author Sharon McMahon to help families talk about political differences with compassion, even when emotions run high. The full conversation about how to talk to your kids about democracy arrives later this season.

This is the first episode of Raising Us, a new podcast from A Kids Co. about the questions our kids are already asking...and how we answer them. What do kids learn when they hear “fat” used like an insult? And what do we say when they turn that word on themselves? In this episode, we talk about how to name fatphobia, challenge it, and model true body respect at any size. Back-to-school season often brings comments about weight, growth, and how bodies “should” look. For parents of tweens and teens, it’s a critical time to talk about body image, confidence, and how kids feel in their own skin. Model and body activist Tess Holliday shares what it was like growing up in the South, taking up space, and parenting through shame. Later, author and journalist Virginia Sole-Smith offers practical ways to push back on harmful beauty standards and make space for more honest conversations at home. Whether you're unpacking what you grew up hearing or just trying to find the right words, this conversation is a place to begin. Raising Us is hosted by Elise Hu, an award-winning journalist and mom of three, known for her warm, candid approach to tough conversations. Each week, she breaks down big questions families are facing, with help from expert voices and real-life stories. Key Takeaways: “Fat is just another way to have a body.” Reclaiming the word fat helps kids build respect, not shame. “Perfection isn’t the goal. Showing up is.” Modeling body acceptance starts with honesty. “If we don’t talk about fatphobia, kids will believe the dominant story.” Silence reinforces bias. Conversation builds empathy.

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life. Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don’t have to wing the hard stuff.

Parenting isn’t just about raising kids, it’s about raising ourselves, too. From “kids are resilient” to “toughen up,” journalist and mom of three Elise Hu unpacks the cultural scripts families pass down and reframes them with reporting, expert voices, and real-life stories.

Harold Hughes, author of A Kids Book About Blockchain, talks about fostering curiosity and conceptual discussion of an evolving technology called blockchain.

Rachel Burger, author of A Kids Book About School, talks about what school is, why we go, and why it’s so important!

AJ Thomas, author of A Kids Book About Teams, and daughter Ava Thomas talk about how teams are everywhere, and you’ll be a part of so many throughout your life!

Maeve Clinton, author of A Kids Book About Chemotherapy, talks about something that can be a scary thing to talk about—take a breath, play the episode, open the book, and bravely start that conversation.

Kali Thorne Ladd, author of A Kids Book About Hope, talks about an irreplaceable, never-ending thing which exists in and around all of us.

Dr. Heather Chow, author of A Kids Book About Puberty, talks about how every person experiences these changes in their own way, and the more we talk about them, the less scary they seem.

Neha Shulka, author of A Kids Book About Sleep, talks about AI and its powerful potential.

Katie Pitts, author of A Kids Book About Sleep, talks about an amazing thing which helps us be the best version of ourselves.

Yonina Schnall Lermer, author of A Kids Book About Perseverance, talks about reframing something you “can’t do” into something you “can’t do”...yet.

Shahd Alasaly, author of A Kids Book About Humanitarianism, talks about how anyone can be a humanitarian, and you can start today!

Jackson Cooper, author of A Kids Book About Kindness, talks about how kindness is for everyone, and everyone can show kindness, every day!

Greg Davidson and Michael Wieder, co-authors of A Little Book About Trust, A Little Book About Home, and A Little Book About Love, talks about how sometimes even the littlest things can make a big difference in someone else's life to make them feel loved, to make them feel a sense of home, and to grow your trust with that other person or with yourself.

Travis Chen, author of A Kids Book About First-Generation Immigrants, talks about how, when you’re a first-generation immigrant, a lot of things feel different from what you know.

Our latest season of A Kids Book About: the Podcast begins next week, featuring episodes on kindness, perseverance, hope, love, and trust. And centering conversations around humanitarianism, AI, being a first-generation immigrant, and chemotherapy.

Evelyn Yang, author of A Kids Book About Sexual Abuse, talks about speaking up in any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on April 19, 2021.

Ashley Simpo, author of A Kids Book About Divorce, talks about how children are never at fault when people get a divorce. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 8, 2021.

Jordan Thierry, author of A Kids Book About Systemic Racism, talks about how systemic racism limited how he saw himself represented in film and career opportunities. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 1, 2021.

Sarah Jones, author of A Kids Book About War, talks about the complexities of global conflict and what actions you can take to ensure your voice is heard by your local government. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on March 14, 2022.

Jonathan and Thomas West, co-authors of A Kids Book About Gay Parents, talk about showing the world that ALL kinds of families are beautiful and possible!

Salvador Bentolila, author of A Kids Book About Water, talks about what water is, where it comes from, why it’s so important, and how you can take action today to protect the water in your community and the world. Every drop counts!

Nora Pelizzari, author of A Kids Book About Banned Books, talks about why people ban books, the importance of inclusivity in our libraries, and how books can help you see the world in a different way. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on August 29, 2022.

Amy Taylor and Josh Maynard, co-authors of A Kids Book About Being An Introvert, talk about discovering the intentional, (sometimes) quiet, and wonderful power in being an introvert.

Becca Yanniello, author of A Kids Book About Public Health, talks about how public health work makes our lives safer and healthier every day.

Dr. Courtney Wells and Lee Wells, authors of A Kids Book About Pronouns, talk about encouraging kids AND grownups to get uncomfortable, learn new things, make mistakes, and choose to keep growing.

Gia Parr, author of A Kids Book About Being Transgender, talks about the impact of gender roles, working with the GenderCool Project, and how to ensure we create a safe space for everyone. This is a rebroadcast of an episode that originally aired on May 16, 2022.

Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, author of A Kids Book About Nervous System Regulation, talks about understanding different stress responses and practicing techniques to calm and regulate our nervous systems—all parts of being human!

Laura Petix, author of A Kids Book About Neurodiversity, talks about the importance of celebrating the unique ways in which our brains help us learn, feel, and experience life.

Jason Mayden, author of A Kids Book About Design, talks about unlocking the design potential within every kid.

Gigi Robinson, author of A Kids Book About Chronic Illness, talks about the lifelong health issues that can make the simple act of growing up feel different for kids who have them.

Alvin Schexnider, author of A Kids Book About Radical Dreaming, talks about the conscious and courageous effort to see hope and to pursue and value things counter to what negative influences would have us believe.

Ethan Thrower, author of A Kids Book About Incarceration, talks about what it means to be incarcerated in a prison or detention center and the impact of incarceration on everyone in a community.

Olivia Greenspan and Zanagee Artis, co-authors of A Kids Book About Climate Change, talk about why the climate is changing, what we can do to combat it, and how it affects some people more than others.

Rebecca Gitlitz and Samantha Rapoport, co-authors of A Kids Book About Allyship, talk about what it means to stand with others and be an ally.

We're back for an all new season of A Kids Book About: The Podcast, the award-winning show from A Kids Co. This season we're tackling tough topics like climate change, allyship, chronic illness, and neurodiversity and we're doing it all through conversations with authors who've been there and with kids like you. Join us every Monday, wherever podcasts are found.

We all need to find time to rest now and then, and to let our projects and our ideas rest, as well. And so this show is going to be taking a break.

In tonight's story, we revisit Sleepy Forest, where we will meet a little Chameleon called Camo. Camo loves changing the colour of his skin, and his favourite patterns to wear are bright, shiny and colourful. However one day at a party, Camo begins to feel a little shy. He thinks maybe he ought to stop wearing such bright colours, as he stands out in a crowd. Luckily, our friend Koko is there to help Camo realise that he should be happy just the way he is, because the best person you can be is yourself. This episode is brought to you by Koko Sleep by Sleepiest.

Many of us are scared of the dark, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? This fear might actually serve a larger purpose intended to keep us safe. Through history, our own evolution, and the influence on our own social perceptions, we will discuss our complicated relationship with the dark on this episode of Unspookable. This episode is brought to you by Unspookable by Soundsington Media.

Caverly Morgan, author of A Kids Book About Mindfulness, talks about fully engaging with the lives we are here to live.

Rebecca Alexander, author of A Kids Book About Body Image, talks about how we can celebrate all the things that make us and our bodies unique.

Crystal Woodman Miller, author of A Kids Book About School Shootings and A Kids Book About School Shootings for Survivors, continues the conversation about her experience at Columbine, supporting survivors, and working through trauma.

Crystal Woodman Miller, author of A Kids Book About School Shootings and A Kids Book About School Shootings for Survivors, talks about how to create a safe space to discuss/process school shootings and shares tools for how to manage our emotions.

Fabian Ramirez, author of A Kids Book About Anger, talks about how anger can actually be a good thing which leads to impactful change.

How does the new FDA ruling affect access to hearing aids? Sarah talks with audiologist Dr. Michelle Hu and mother Jessica Lewis about what this change means for those with hearing loss. This is a rebroadcast episode of Sarah Jones Breaks It Down.

Brandon Farbstein, author of A Kids Book About Self-Love, talks about how to quiet negative self-talk and embrace who we are, just as we are.

Meir Kay, author of A Kids Book About Optimism, talks about how optimism can help us embrace hope, overcome obstacles, and have confidence in a joyful and successful future.

Nora Pelizzari, author of A Kids Book About Banned Books, talks about why people ban books, the importance of inclusivity in our libraries, and how books can help you see the world in a different way.

Joy Cho, author of A Kids Book About Confidence, talks about believing in yourself, learning karate, and supporting others in their confidence.

Kyle Steed, author of A Kids Book About Boredom, talks about using boredom as a superpower and how it is OK to give yourself permission to do nothing.

(Rebroadcast) Kileah McIlvain, author of A Kids Book About Depression, talks about how a small point of connection can make all the difference for somebody.

(Rebroadcast) Soraya Sutherlin, author of A Kids Book About Safety, and Simon Huck, JUDY cofounder, talk about how to prepare for emergencies by discussing safety tools and plans.

MJ Calderon, author of A Kids Book About Immigration and Un libro para niños sobre inmigración, talks about life as an immigrant and how immigrants are just like everyone else.