Reading Inspires by Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental
  • 5.0 (54)
  • Education
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Reading Inspires is Reading Is Fundamental’s new podcast celebrating the power of books and the joy of reading. Each episode invites educators, librarians, families, authors, illustrators, and all who champion children’s literacy to explore one big question: What does reading inspire for you? Through engaging conversations and storytelling, Reading Inspires bridges the gap between research and real-world practice—showing what literacy looks and feels like in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Grounded in evidence yet open-ended in approach, this is a space for curiosity and connection. Whether you’re an educator seeking fresh ideas, a parent hoping to spark a love of reading, or simply a lifelong bookworm, you’ll find inspiration, practical insights, and stories that remind us all why reading matters—and how it changes lives.

  1. 1d ago

    From Rocket City to the Artemis Generation: Lane Polak on Making NASA's Story Matter

    Summary What does it take to help children see themselves in the story of space exploration? Lane Polak, a technical writer and strategic communications professional for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) at Marshall Space Flight Center, joins Reading Inspires to talk about his unconventional path to NASA and the creative work behind making the Artemis program accessible to young readers. Lane explains how his background in writing, drawing, and neurodivergent creativity shaped his approach to outreach, why NASA needed materials designed for the youngest members of the Artemis generation, and how children’s books can turn technical achievement into curiosity, connection, and possibility. He also reflects on school visits, storytelling, and the questions every writer should ask: Why am I telling this story, why this way, and where do I want it to go? Chapters 0:00 — Meet Lane Polak and the Artemis generation1:00 — From Huntsville and creative writing to NASA2:20 — What strategic communications does for the SLS program3:25 — Making NASA’s mission understandable for young readers4:30 — Creating *Hooray for SLS* and pitching the idea at NASA8:00 — Writing children’s books that build connection and curiosity12:00 — School visits, author events, and questions from students20:00 — Storytelling, vulnerability, and finding your purpose32:15 — Why reading helps us connect with people and community Show Notes - Guest: Lane Polak, technical writer for NASA’s Space Launch System at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.- NASA profile: I Am Artemis — Lane Polak- Lane’s Reading Is Fundamental books:- Hooray for SLS- Our Friend Orion- There and Back with EGS- Lane is available for school visits. Contact: [russell.l.polak@nasa.gov](mailto:russell.l.polak@nasa.gov)

  2. 6d ago

    Building a Culture of Reading: Denine Torr and Alicia Levi on Literacy Access

    Summary Erin Bailey talks with Denine Torr of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and Alicia Levi of Reading Is Fundamental about why literacy access is a community responsibility. They discuss the long partnership between Dollar General and RIF, the specific barriers facing rural communities, the importance of books in homes and schools, and the role of motivation, confidence, and practice in developing skilled readers. The conversation closes with practical ways listeners can support literacy through their time, talent, and treasure. Denine and Alicia share personal stories about the power of books, family reading, community programs, and the possibilities that open when children and adults have meaningful access to literacy. Chapters 0:00 — Welcome and introductions1:01 — How reading shaped Alicia and Denine5:37 — Why Dollar General made literacy a lasting commitment7:39 — RIF and Dollar General’s long-term partnership9:52 — Literacy access in rural communities14:38 — Books, confidence, motivation, and practice18:13 — Building literacy through community partnerships24:22 — Remembering Dolly Parton’s literacy legacy30:13 — Stories that show the power of books and family reading36:20 — What listeners can do to support literacy39:33 — What reading inspires Show Notes **Denine Torr** — Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy at Dollar General and Executive Director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. She leads philanthropic and social-responsibility efforts supporting communities nationwide and serves on several literacy and education boards.**Alicia Levi** — President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental, the nation’s leading children’s literacy organization. She has expanded RIF’s reach through literacy programs, digital resources, partnerships, and professional learning.Reading Is Fundamental: https://www.rif.org/Dollar General Literacy Foundation: https://www.dgliteracy.org/ This episode was produced for Reading Inspires.

  3. Sep 22

    Life Really Socks: How Two Cousins Turned Mismatched Socks into Stories of Belonging

    Summary What happens when two cousins turn a drawer full of lost socks into a graphic-story universe? Erin Bailey talks with Shidan and Roshan Youssefian, creators of Life Really Socks, a playful book series about mismatched socks, friendship, individuality, and belonging. Shidan and Roshan grew up in Italy in a culturally mixed family, followed different professional paths, and came together during the pandemic to build a creative world where lost socks become characters with their own stories. They explain why they chose graphic storytelling, how humor helps children engage with big ideas, and why celebrating difference can be both meaningful and genuinely fun. Chapters 00:00 — Meet the creators of Life Really Socks01:44 — Growing up in Italy and finding a shared creative path05:08 — The origin of the Life Really Socks idea07:22 — Celebrating misfits, individuality, and belonging10:33 — Creating during the pandemic13:14 — Why graphic storytelling invites children into reading16:00 — Building the Sockverse and its cast of characters20:00 — Humor, empathy, and making big ideas approachable24:00 — From books and socks to a larger creative universe29:00 — Taking the risk to make something new34:18 — A message for readers and familiesShow Notes Erin Bailey is joined by cousins Shidan and Roshan Youssefian, the creators of Life Really Socks. The series follows lost and mismatched socks in a world where characters learn to navigate difference, friendship, and community. In this conversation, they discuss: How a simple idea about mismatched socks became a story universeThe influence of their multicultural family and international backgroundsWhy the Sockverse uses humor and adventure to explore belongingHow graphic novels can help children build confidence as readersThe creative possibilities of combining books, characters, and physical productsWhat the pandemic changed about their work and creative processWhy taking a creative risk can lead to unexpected connectionsLearn more about Life Really Socks: Website: lifereallysocks.comYouTube: Life Really SocksInstagram: @lifereallysocks_officialTikTok: @lifereallysocksReading Inspires is presented by Reading Is Fundamental. Share this episode with a reader, family, or educator who would enjoy the Sockverse.

  4. Sep 15

    Read, Lead, Succeed with Abby Quammen Conrad

    Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Abby Quammen Conrad, former Miss New York 2024, to discuss her lifelong passion for children's literacy. Abby shares how books became a source of stability after losing her home at age 12, and how that experience shaped her Read Lead Succeed initiative, through which she's run book drives, after-school reading programs in the Bronx, and tutored students one-on-one — including the powerful story of a struggling third-grader who's now an English major in college. The conversation covers practical tips for building a love of reading at home, the economic case for literacy investment, creative community efforts like her Book Buddies social media challenge, and why libraries and local businesses have a role to play in keeping kids engaged with books. About Abby Quammen Conrad:Abby Quammen Conrad, Former Miss New York and friend of RIF Bio: Abby believes reading is a human right, and she's spent more than a decade proving it. A former Miss New York and founder of Read → Lead → Succeed, she has helped distribute over 10,000 books and reached more than 20,000 students in a mission to make reading "cool" for a new generation and fight our nation's illiteracy crisis. Through after-school reading programs in Title I schools and one-on-one tutoring, she works directly with the students who need it most — turning reluctant readers into confident ones. As the coach and mentor behind her own pageant consulting business, CrownedByQ, she guides rising titleholders to find their voice, own their story, and compete with confidence. By day, Abby works in development for the nation's largest private university while earning her MBA at NYU's Stern School of Business. @abbyqconrad @crownedbyqcoaching

  5. Sep 8

    Rethinking Kids' Media Habits with Dr. Tiffany Munzer

    Dr. Erin Bailey talks with Dr. Tiffany Munzer, a developmental behavioral pediatrician and digital media researcher at the University of Michigan, about screen time and children's development. They discuss how screen time guidance has shifted from rigid time limits to a focus on quality, content, and connection — emphasizing co-viewing, high-quality media (like PBS Kids and Skybrary), and using screens as conversation starters rather than passive babysitters. The conversation covers differences between print books and e-books, practical strategies for setting screen time boundaries with kids, and a deep dive into AI's role in children's literacy — including its promise for interactive learning, the risks of sycophantic LLM design fostering unhealthy engagement, and the irreplaceable value of embodied human connection. Dr. Munzer closes by encouraging families not to feel guilty about digital media use and to focus on the underlying needs its meeting, while reaffirming that reading builds empathy and perspective. About Dr. Tiffany Munzer:Dr. Tiffany Munzer is a Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician and digital media researcher at University of Michigan. Dr. Munzer’s research program is driven by the questions that families often present with related to digital media, parenting, and young children’s development. Her work also includes work includes translation of scientific findings to actionable clinical guidance for families. She serves as the Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Michigan and University of Michigan, an evidence-based intervention providing free books for young children. Tiffany G. Munzer | Faculty | University of Michigan Medical School Skybrary: Children’s Reading App for Kids Pre-K through Grade 3 | Skybrary

  6. Aug 25

    Lighting the Way to Reading Joy with Rina Madhani

    In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey speaks with Rina Madhani, co-founder of Start Lighthouse, about transforming underutilized school libraries into vibrant literacy hubs across New York City public schools. Rina shares how her time as a Bronx classroom teacher revealed deep inequities in access to books, inspiring her to launch an organization that staffs full-time educators in school libraries, curates culturally representative book collections, and hosts author visits to help students see themselves reflected in stories. The conversation explores the power of representation in children's literature, building sustainable school partnerships rooted in trust and listening, and how joy and belonging — not just academic metrics — are central to fostering lifelong readers. About Rina Madhani:Rina Madhani is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Start Lighthouse, a Bronx-based nonprofit advancing childhood literacy through culturally responsive programming. She leads the organization’s efforts to transform underutilized public school libraries into vibrant, fully staffed Literacy Hubs that provide daily book access, literacy instruction, and author engagement opportunities for students in historically under-resourced communities. Under her leadership, Start Lighthouse has partnered with multiple NYC public schools and distributed tens of thousands of books to children, with a focus on representation and identity affirming literature. Rina is passionate about building joyful reading cultures in schools and believes that when children see themselves reflected in books, they become more confident learners and leaders. https://www.startlighthouse.org/ https://www.instagram.com/startlighthouse/?hl=en https://x.com/StartLighthouse

  7. Aug 18

    Building Confident Readers Through High Quality Decodables with Christine Hjorth, Cherish Mims & Letitia Truslow

    In this episode, Dr. Erin Bailey hosts Christine Hjorth (author of the Aligned Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources), Cherish Mims (Epic's Manager of Education Relations), and Letitia Truslow (leads Epic School Plus) to discuss Epic's expansion of 250+ decodable books on its platform. The conversation covers what makes decodable texts effective for early readers, how they're aligned to 23+ different curricula scope-and-sequences, common misconceptions (that they're only for struggling readers or inherently boring), and how Epic's digital library complements print literacy initiatives like RIF's. The guests share the serendipitous origin story of the partnership, creative techniques for making decodables engaging (surprise illustrations, vocabulary building, nonfiction topics), and how the collection supports differentiation, family engagement, and English language learners. About the guests:Christine Hjorth is the author of the ALIGNED Decodables and CEO of Aligned Educational Resources.  An expert on decodables, she has written a set of 260 decodable titles and aligned them to the scope and sequences of 22 different ELA curriculums. She has sold over 550,000 books over the last 3 years, which are in use around the country and are now found on EPIC! She is certified in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Gifted Education, with over 25 years of experience in the field, including many years as a first-grade teacher. She recently presented about the use of decodables at the International Society for Technology in Education conference and will be presenting again at the National Convention of Teachers of English in the fall.  Cherish Mims serves as the Manager of Educator Relations at Epic, where she builds relationships with educators and develops professional learning, webinars, campaigns, and community initiatives that connect teachers with engaging digital reading resources. She brings ten years of classroom experience and passion for literacy together to help educators make meaningful use of technology to support students and inspire a love of reading. Letitia Truslow leads the Epic School Plus and Customer Experience teams at Epic, supporting school district administrators, educators, parents and students.  In this role, she works closely with school communities to ensure they get the most out of Epic's platform, translating feedback from the field into meaningful improvements to the product and support experience.With a background in customer success and education technology, Letitia is passionate about building strong, lasting relationships between Epic and the districts it serves. She believes that great customer experience starts with genuinely listening to the people who use the product every day—whether that's a superintendent managing a rollout, a teacher navigating a new tool, or a parent trying to support their child's learning and literacy journey at home. Epic! Decodable Texts: New Decodable Books on Epic All of the amazing decodables discussed on this podcast, and found on EPIC, are available as physical copies at Decodables.com.

  8. Aug 11

    Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story with Dr. Valarie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden & Dr. Susan Browne

    In this episode, host Erin Bailey sits down with Dr. Valerie Lee, Dr. Marjorie Madden, and Dr. Susan Browne — longtime colleagues and co-authors from Rowan University — to discuss their book Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming, Reading, and Living the Story. The three educators share how their RISP framework (Read, Interpret, Script, Perform) invites students of all ages to go beyond surface-level comprehension by embodying literary and historical characters through collaborative writing and performance. The conversation explores how life histories cultivate deep empathy (not just sympathy), support ELA and social studies standards, and create space for meaningful discussion around complex and provocative themes. The episode also touches on the power of collaborative reading, the importance of building background knowledge, and practical advice for teachers looking to reclaim authentic reading experiences in their classrooms. About the guests:Valarie Lee is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With 28 years in high school and university teaching, Valarie researches adolescent literacy and lesson study. She is a co-founder of The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at leev@rowan.edu  Susan Browne is Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. Susan teaches reading courses and advises graduate thesis research. A former Philadelphia teacher, she researches critical pedagogies, urban education, and diverse youth literature. She co-founded the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Middle School Family Literacy Initiative Advisory Board. Connect with her at brownes@rowan.edu  Marjorie Madden is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Critical Literacy, Technology, and Multilingual Education at Rowan University, USA. With over 40 years of experience in education, Marjories’s researches underserved students, inclusive literacy practices, and critical pedagogy. She co-founded The Literacy Consortium and the Rowan University Writing Project. She serves on the RIF Early Childhood Advisory Board. Connect with her at madden@rowan.edu  Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story: Literary Life Histories: Reclaiming Reading and Living the Story | Springer Nature Link RIF blog: From Reading to Performance: Reimagining Literacy with Life Histories

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About

Reading Inspires is Reading Is Fundamental’s new podcast celebrating the power of books and the joy of reading. Each episode invites educators, librarians, families, authors, illustrators, and all who champion children’s literacy to explore one big question: What does reading inspire for you? Through engaging conversations and storytelling, Reading Inspires bridges the gap between research and real-world practice—showing what literacy looks and feels like in classrooms, libraries, and homes. Grounded in evidence yet open-ended in approach, this is a space for curiosity and connection. Whether you’re an educator seeking fresh ideas, a parent hoping to spark a love of reading, or simply a lifelong bookworm, you’ll find inspiration, practical insights, and stories that remind us all why reading matters—and how it changes lives.

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