Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc
Reading With Your Kids Podcast Podcast

Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    Embracing Diverssity & Imagination

    In the latest episodes of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty had the pleasure of chatting with two talented children's authors, Laura Lee Rittman and Helen Rogoson. Their insightful discussions touched on themes of diversity, emotional intelligence, and the power of storytelling to connect and inspire young readers. First, Jed welcomed Laura Lee Rittman, who shared the heartwarming story behind her book "Lucky Ruby." This delightful tale celebrates the richness of interfaith families, as Ruby invites a classmate to experience the joys of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Rittman, who draws from her own interfaith marriage, eloquently conveyed the importance of respecting diverse cultures and traditions. Jed and Rittman also explored the challenges and benefits of raising children in a mixed-faith household, offering valuable insights for families navigating this rewarding journey. Next, Jed spoke with recently retired teacher Helen Rogoson about her charming "Wolfie and the Magic Lint Ball" series. Rogoson's passion for nurturing children's creativity and imagination shone through as she discussed the evolution of her beloved character, inspired by her own childhood memories. The conversation also touched on the changing landscape of education, with Rogoson sharing her concerns about the increasing pressure to make young students "college-ready" at the expense of free play and hands-on learning. Throughout these engaging discussions, Jed and his guests emphasized the transformative power of reading and writing, both for personal growth and fostering empathy and understanding. Listeners were left inspired to explore diverse perspectives, encourage their children's curiosity, and celebrate the magic that unfolds when stories come to life. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of children's literature, this episode of "Reading with Your Kids" is a must-listen, brimming with insights and inspiration to nurture the next generation of readers and leaders. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min
  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Turning Bystanders Into Upstanders

    Jed Doherty sat down with Rebecca and Dan Burd, the brilliant minds behind the "Speak Life" program, and let me tell you, these two are on a mission!  The Speak Life musical was born out of the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy, when the Burds realized bullying was a serious issue that needed to be addressed head-on. They didn't just want to slap a band-aid on it - they wanted to create something that would really empower students and make a lasting difference. The key? Targeting not just the bullies and victims, but the often-overlooked bystanders who make up the majority of the student body. The Burds are all about building a culture of empathy and support, where kids are equipped to lift each other up and break the cycle of abuse. Through their own personal stories and the heartbreaking tales of students, the Burds drove home just how high the stakes are when it comes to bullying. They made it crystal clear that this isn't just some playground drama - it's a life-or-death issue that demands our attention. And you know what? The Burds aren't just talking the talk - they're walking the walk. The Speak Life program is a comprehensive, turnkey solution for schools, giving them the tools they need to tackle bullying and mental health head-on. And for parents, it's a chance to bond with their kids over the shared experience of the musical, opening the door to those tough-but-important conversations. At the end of the day, the Burds are using the power of the arts to create lasting change. They're not interested in quick fixes or empty slogans - they want to foster a culture of compassion and resilience that empowers every single member of the school community. And if you ask me, that's the kind of change we could all use a little more of. We also speak to Valeria Wicker about her children's book The Ugly Doodles. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min
  3. 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical Creatures & Cultural Connections

    In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty chats with two talented authors who are bringing diverse stories and cultural perspectives to young readers.  First up, Jed introduces Deeba Zargarpur,, the author of the new middle-grade novel "Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate." Deeba shares how her own Afghan heritage inspired the story of a 12-year-old girl who discovers her jinn (supernatural being) lineage and goes on an epic quest. Deeba discusses the cultural significance of jinn in her upbringing and how she wanted to create a fun, magical world that also explores deeper themes of family, identity, and moral complexity. Next, Jed welcomes David Flores, author of "The Boy Who Cried Falta." As a soccer coach, David was inspired by the common tendency of players to fake injuries, which led him to put a creative spin on the classic "Boy Who Cried Wolf" tale. David shares his own passion for the sport, which took root in his childhood in El Salvador and continued to be a source of community and belonging after he immigrated to the US as a teenager.  Both Deeba and David emphasize the importance of representation in children's literature, and how their books provide windows into diverse cultures while also serving as mirrors for young readers to see themselves reflected. They discuss the value of co-reading with families and the meaningful conversations that can arise around themes of morality, identity, and the immigrant experience. With engaging storytelling and a focus on cultural connections, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who appreciates the power of diverse, imaginative children's literature. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    56 min
  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    Exploring Empathy & Kindness

    If you're a fan of thought-provoking young adult fiction that tackles big themes, you'll want to check out our latest episode of Reading with Your Kids. We had the pleasure of chatting with author Andrea Torrey Balsara about her urban fantasy novel "The Great and the Small," which blends elements of dystopia and features some fascinating animal characters. Andrea shared the fascinating backstory behind her decision to center the story around rats - she was intrigued by the historical impact of the bubonic plague and saw rats as a formidable "opponent" for humanity. But beyond the unique premise, the book delves into powerful themes like trauma, blind obedience, and the dangers of authoritarianism. We also got to hear from Monica Berg, who co-wrote a children's book series called "On Being" with her daughter. Their latest release, "The Tale of the Other Glove," explores the importance of kindness and empathy in a relatable way. Monica spoke about the joy of collaborating with her child and the strategies she's used to foster open communication. Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking YA fiction or you're looking for great kids' books that teach valuable lessons, this episode has something for everyone. Andrea and Monica both shared insights that will inspire you to have meaningful conversations with the young readers in your life. So why not give this episode a listen? You can find it on all your favorite podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. And be sure to check out "The Great and the Small," "The Tale of the Other Glove," and the rest of the amazing books featured on Reading with Your Kids. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    57 min
  5. 20 SEPT

    Inspiring Kids To Make A Difference

    Wow, what an inspiring conversation we had with Jesse Bennett and Joana Pastro! These two children's book authors are doing such amazing work to empower kids and celebrate diverse cultures. First, we chatted with Jesse about her book "Ripple," which is all about the power of small actions to make a big difference. She shared how her own yoga and mindfulness practice has helped her connect with herself and find that inner light, and how she wants to pass that on to kids through her stories. Jesse had some great tips for parents on simple breathing exercises and ways to help kids slow down in this fast-paced digital world.  I loved hearing her personal story about how a little encouragement from a coach completely changed the trajectory of her life. It just goes to show how much our words can impact a child. Jesse also addressed some misconceptions about yoga, making it clear that it's not about religion, but about self-love and finding calm. Then Joana joined us to talk about her new book "Lucas and the Capoeira Circle." Joana is so passionate about celebrating her Brazilian heritage, and she shared the fascinating history and cultural significance of capoeira. I was really inspired by how she uses her books to teach kids about traditions like Carnival and the Festa Junina harvest festival. Joana also opened up about the importance of showing vulnerability as parents - letting our kids see that we all struggle sometimes. That's such an important lesson. And she had some great advice for anyone nervous about visiting Brazil, encouraging people to look beyond the headlines and experience the warmth and beauty of the country. Overall, this was just a delightful conversation full of positivity, cultural richness, and practical tips for raising confident, compassionate kids. I'm so grateful Jesse and Joanna joined us to share their stories and inspire us all. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min
  6. 19 SEPT

    The Power Of Perspective

    In this captivating episode, host Jed Doherty sits down with children's book authors Kari Lavelle and Megan Perry to explore the powerful narratives behind their latest works.  Kari Lavelle shares the inspiring story of how James Earl Jones, the iconic voice of Darth Vader, overcame a childhood stutter to find his remarkable voice. As a speech pathologist, Kari has long been fascinated by Jones' journey and was determined to bring his story to life in "Ode to Grapefruit." Jed and Kari discuss the challenges of stuttering, the importance of supportive educators, and the impact of representation in children's literature. Next, Megan Perry introduces her debut picture book, "The Overlook Book," which encourages readers to see the world from a new perspective. Megan's unique collage-style illustrations, created by cutting and arranging paper shapes, bring an added depth to the story's message of empathy and understanding. She explains how her own family experiences during the pandemic inspired her to explore the power of perspective. Throughout the conversation, Jed and the authors delve into the creative process, the importance of diverse narratives, and the potential for books to foster meaningful connections. Listeners will be inspired by the authors' passion for their craft and their shared mission to empower young readers. Whether you're a fan of classic sci-fi, a lover of children's literature, or simply someone who appreciates the power of storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. Discover the captivating tales behind "Ode to Grapefruit" and "The Overlook Book" and be inspired to see the world through new eyes. Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min
  7. 17 SEPT

    Unlocking The Magic Of Everyday Moments

    In this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two amazing children's book authors - Morgan Christie and Sarah H. Fowler. Buckle up, because these conversations were packed with insights on the power of literature to bring us together. First up, we met Morgan Christie, the author of the beautiful picture book "I Too Am Here." Morgan shared how this story was inspired by a poem from the legendary Langston Hughes, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. We had a great discussion about the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, even when our backgrounds and cultures may differ. Morgan's passion for using books to foster empathy and understanding really shone through. Next, we welcomed Sara H. Fowler, the creative mind behind "Castle of Knots." This delightful book takes a common parenting struggle - brushing tangled hair - and transforms it into a whimsical fairy tale. Sara's insights on the joys and challenges of parenthood really resonated, and we talked about the value of finding the magic in everyday moments.  But the conversation didn't stop there! We also touched on the critical role of early literacy initiatives, like the "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program, in supporting young readers. Hearing about Sara's daughter's experience with this initiative was a heartwarming reminder of the power of reading to shape young minds. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a lover of great stories, this episode of Reading with Your Kids is sure to inspire and delight. So grab a cozy spot, pour yourself a cup of tea, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of children's literature! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min
  8. 15 SEPT

    Embracing Adventure & Overcoming Fears

    Today on Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with not one, but two talented children's authors - Paolo Mazzucato and Jay Foreman. These guys really know how to spin a yarn that'll capture the hearts and imaginations of kids (and kids-at-heart) everywhere. First up, we welcomed back our old friend Paolo, who's celebrating the release of his middle-grade novel "AJ and the Incredible Fish." This heartwarming story follows a young boy named AJ who's not too thrilled about spending the weekend with his grandpa. But as you might expect, Grandpa's got some pretty wild fish tales up his sleeve, and before long, AJ finds himself on a fantastical adventure that teaches him the importance of taking risks and believing in the incredible. Paolo shared how he drew inspiration from his own life experiences and the influential people who encouraged him to chase his dreams, no matter how impossible they might seem. He really drove home the message that sometimes, the biggest danger we face isn't out there in the world - it's the fear that holds us back from venturing beyond the shore. Next up, we welcomed Jay Foreman, the author of the brand new young adult fantasy series "The Adventures of Mulberry Manor." Jay talked about how this story took on a life of its own as he was writing it, with the characters guiding the plot in unexpected directions. He emphasized the value of reading together as a family and sprinkling in those little "Easter eggs" for the adults to enjoy, too. Beyond his children's books, Jay also shared insights from his work in leadership training, where he helps bridge the communication gap between different generations in the workplace. It was a fascinating look at how we can learn from each other, even when our perspectives might differ. So, if you're looking to ignite your little one's sense of adventure or reconnect with your own inner child, be sure to check out the latest from Paolo and Jay. Their stories are sure to inspire you to dream big and embrace the incredible! Click here to visit our website – www.ReadingWithYourKids.com Follow Us On Social Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/readingwithyourkids Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/readingwithyourkids/ X - https://x.com/jedliemagic LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-with-your-kids-podcast/ Please consider leaving a review of this episode and the podcast on whatever app you are listening on, it really helps!

    55 min

About

Reading With Your Kids is all about encouraging parents to read with their kids, and cook with their kids, and do activities with their kids, and experience tv, movies and music together. In other words, our podcast is all about helping parents build stronger relationships with their kids.

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