The Connected Childhood Podcast

Ahmi

Welcome to The Connected Childhood Podcast - where we explore the journey of raising children in the digital age. Join us as we dive into conversations with parents, educators, child development experts, and tech innovators who are reimagining what it means to grow up connected. We explore how connection, play, and learning are evolving in a world shaped by innovation. Together, we ask bold questions about early childhood in the modern era: How do we nurture imagination when screens are everywhere? What does healthy digital exposure look like for toddlers and preschoolers? And how can technology strengthen - rather than replace - the bonds that matter most? Subscribe now and join the conversation about raising the next generation with intention, wisdom, and the skills that build strong, capable minds.

Episodes

  1. Why Most Parent Tech Fails: Curing App Fatigue & The Mental Load (w/ Sarah Deel)

    May 21

    Why Most Parent Tech Fails: Curing App Fatigue & The Mental Load (w/ Sarah Deel)

    In this episode of Connected Childhood, host Rashi Kumra sits down with Sarah Deel, brand consultant and founder of Full Joy Consulting, to explore the "parent tech graveyard" and why so much of the technology built for families fails to stick. Sarah breaks down why parents abandon tools that require too much time, and how the best companies are building for the entire ecosystem of family life rather than just a single, fleeting moment. Tune in as we discuss: The Logistically Fractured Parent: How the mental load is worsened by fragmented communication across dozens of apps and platforms.The Power of True Aggregation: Why the real value of AI in the home isn't adding another app, but seamlessly consolidating the noise.Designing for the Journey: Why products built only for the newborn phase get phased out, and how to build for the long arc of growth (up to age 5 or 6).The AI Trap: The hidden risks of outsourcing our kids' conflict resolution and fundamental critical thinking skills to artificial intelligence.Whether you are a working parent exhausted by digital clutter or a founder building tools for modern families, this conversation will completely change how you look at the technology we bring into our homes.

    18 min
  2. Ditching the Parent Guilt: How Ambitious Professionals Navigate Parenthood (w/ Kelly Ling)

    May 6

    Ditching the Parent Guilt: How Ambitious Professionals Navigate Parenthood (w/ Kelly Ling)

    In this episode of The Connected Childhood Podcast, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by modern parents balancing ambitious careers with family life. Kelly Ling, founder of Stork & Spark, joins us to share her insights on how pregnancy and parental leave can actually unlock your values-aligned career potential. Tune in as we discuss: How to redefine success after having kids.Practical strategies for managing parent guilt and reducing the mental load.Why treating your family like a "team" and building operational systems is a game-changer.How to curate your modern village and simplify the chaos of parenting in a fast-changing world.

    18 min
  3. The Screen Time Myth: Why Quality and Context Matter More Than Minutes w/ Tanyella Leta from Maka

    Apr 8

    The Screen Time Myth: Why Quality and Context Matter More Than Minutes w/ Tanyella Leta from Maka

    In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, Rashi Kumra, Co-founder at Ahmi and Tanyella Leta, Co-founder, Chief Product & Research Officer at Maka discuss the complexities of screen time in parenting, emphasizing the importance of content quality and context over mere quantity. They explore how technology can be designed to support childhood development rather than compete for attention, and address the guilt many parents feel regarding screen use. The conversation encourages a shift in mindset from guilt to intention, highlighting the value of thoughtful media consumption.

    16 min
  4. Screen Time & Child Development: The Real Pros & Cons w/ Columbia Physician Dr. Zachary Blumkin, Psy.D

    Mar 24

    Screen Time & Child Development: The Real Pros & Cons w/ Columbia Physician Dr. Zachary Blumkin, Psy.D

    In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra speaks with Dr. Zachary Blumkin, a child and adolescent psychologist, about the intersection of clinical science and technology in the context of child development. They discuss the importance of understanding the impact of screen time on children, the need for emotional regulation skills, and how early tech choices can shape a child's future. Dr. Blumkin emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags in children's tech use and how Ami aims to support families in navigating these challenges.

    13 min
  5. How We Keep Kids Curious in the Age of AI and Screens w/ Jordan Bremus-Wyles from BrainPOP

    Mar 9

    How We Keep Kids Curious in the Age of AI and Screens w/ Jordan Bremus-Wyles from BrainPOP

    In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra speaks with Jordan Bremus-Wyles from BrainPOP about the intersection of technology, learning, and childhood development. They discuss the role of BrainPOP in modern education, the importance of engagement and active participation in learning, and how technology can be navigated responsibly. The conversation also touches on the hopes for the future of learning, emphasizing the need for children to develop a love for learning and confidence in their abilities.

    10 min
  6. Executive functioning skills are developed through play w/ Katie Krcal, OTR/L

    Jan 20

    Executive functioning skills are developed through play w/ Katie Krcal, OTR/L

    In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra and child occupational therapist Katie Krcal discuss the vital role of play in childhood development. They explore how different types of play contribute to essential skills such as problem-solving, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating play into daily routines and the use of visual supports to foster independence in children. Ultimately, they advocate for prioritizing play in children's lives as a means of learning and growth.

    10 min
  7. How Routines Shape Kid’s Confidence w/ Justine Senta

    12/03/2025

    How Routines Shape Kid’s Confidence w/ Justine Senta

    In this episode of the Connected Childhood podcast, host Rashi Kumra engages with early childhood expert Justine Senta to explore the critical role of routines in early childhood development. They discuss the importance of establishing consistent routines at home and school, the impact of technology on learning, and practical strategies for parents to foster independence and emotional regulation in their children. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional parenting practices that support children's growth and development, ultimately setting them up for lifelong success.

    14 min
  8. Guiding Children Through an AI-Driven Childhood w/ Niloo Ravaei

    11/19/2025

    Guiding Children Through an AI-Driven Childhood w/ Niloo Ravaei

    Guiding Children Through an AI-Driven Childhood. In this episode, we speak with Niloo Ravaei, leader of the AI Education Lab, about how AI can support childhood development without losing human connection. We explore how tools like ChatGPT can become an “infinite idea machine” for parents - helping tailor learning experiences to each child’s unique way of learning. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone curious about raising children in an AI-driven world.

    16 min
  9. Unlocking Executive Function Skills for Lifelong Success w/ Carla Ward (Early Childhood Educator)

    11/05/2025

    Unlocking Executive Function Skills for Lifelong Success w/ Carla Ward (Early Childhood Educator)

    In this episode of The Connected Childhood Podcast by Ahmi, we sit down with Carla Ward, an experienced Early Childhood Educator, podcaster, and founder of The ECE Latte Lounge. With over two decades of experience, Carla shares her insights on how executive function skills - like emotional regulation, planning, and flexible thinking - form the foundation for lifelong success. Together, we explore what makes early childhood the “magic window” for developing these skills, how parents can recognize everyday challenges like self-regulation and task initiation, and how tools like Ahmi can turn routines into opportunities for growth.

    16 min
  • 9 Episodes

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Connected Childhood Podcast - where we explore the journey of raising children in the digital age. Join us as we dive into conversations with parents, educators, child development experts, and tech innovators who are reimagining what it means to grow up connected. We explore how connection, play, and learning are evolving in a world shaped by innovation. Together, we ask bold questions about early childhood in the modern era: How do we nurture imagination when screens are everywhere? What does healthy digital exposure look like for toddlers and preschoolers? And how can technology strengthen - rather than replace - the bonds that matter most? Subscribe now and join the conversation about raising the next generation with intention, wisdom, and the skills that build strong, capable minds.

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