Research finds that mindfulness can help decrease stress and anxiety while strengthening resilience and emotional regulation in adults and children. This is why the use of mindfulness programs in schools is becoming more and more popular.  What exactly is mindfulness? What are the benefits of mindfulness on students? And how can we incorporate mindfulness into the classroom? In this episode, Linda Ryden joins Kevin to share how we can incorporate mindfulness into the classroom. Meet Linda: Linda Ryden is the founder of Peace of Mind, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping childre ..read more

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math are projected to grow by almost 11 percent by 2031 much faster than non-STEM occupations. While numerous students are interested in STEM careers, many do not feel prepared to pursue jobs in the field.  Why is it important for students to understand science? What opportunities are available for students interested in STEM? And how can we make science fun for kids? In this episode, Dr. Kate Biberdorf shares how we can make science fun. Meet Kate Dr. Kate Biberdorf is a chemist, science enter ..read more

According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens.  From mass shootings to isolated incidents, gun violence has emerged as a tragic issue continuously plaguing our schools.   How can we identify the signs of violence? How can students, parents, and educators safely intervene? And how can we prevent violence in schools?  In this episode, Nicole Hockley, CEO of Sandy Hook Promise, joins Kevin to discuss how we can prevent violence in schools.  Meet Nicole Nicole Hockley is the co-founder and CEO of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundati ..read more

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 76% of kids play video games. With their ability to build problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills video games are starting to make their way to the classroom. What are the benefits of video games? What role should parents have in choosing the games their child plays? And how can video games be used as tools for learning? In this episode, Stanley Pierre-Louis joins Kevin to discuss how video games can be used as a tool for learning. Meet Stanley: Stanley Pierre-Louis is the President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Asso ..read more

Research shows that girls and young women lose interest in science and math as they move through their school years. And now, women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. How can we use science to inspire kids? Why is it important for girls to see themselves represented in the field? And how can we encourage an interest in science in young girls? In this episode, Melissa Alderete joins Kevin to share how we can encourage an interest in science in young girls. Meet Melissa: Melissa Alderete is the founder of Science Girl’s Lab, an organization that provides science activities, experiments, and ..read more

We all know that philanthropy is important in education. Many worthwhile organizations rely on the generosity of philanthropic groups who are determined to help kids and schools through their donations. But the needs of schools have changed, particularly following the pandemic. What is the role of philanthropy in education? How has education philanthropy changed in recent years? And where do we expect future philanthropy to focus their support for schools.  In this episode, Hanna Skandera joins Kevin to discuss the role of philanthropy in education. Meet Hanna: Hanna Skandera is the Presi ..read more

Over the past decade, children’s literature has become far more diverse. In fact, research found that in 2022 about 45 percent of kids’ and teens’ books had a nonwhite author, illustrator, or compiler, which was up from only 8 percent in 2014. How can we encourage representation in children’s books? What are the impacts of diverse representation in children’s literature? And why is it important for kids to see themselves in their favorite books?  In this episode, Alliah Agostini joins Kevin to discuss why representation matters in children’s literature.  Meet Alliah: Alliah Agostini ..read more

According to the Department of Education, more than 8 million Americans are considered functionally illiterate, meaning they cannot read and comprehend short texts or understand basic vocabulary.  Illiteracy often leads to low self-esteem and isolation, as well as higher chances of unemployment and poverty. What are the impacts of illiteracy? What factors influence literacy development? And how can learning to read change lives?  Oliver James joins Kevin in this episode to share how learning to read can change lives.  Meet Oliver: Oliver James is a literacy advocate and social m ..read more

A survey found that one in five parents struggle to have meaningful conversations with their children. When it comes to topics like mental health, racism, shame, violence, and more, parents often strain to find the right way to introduce these topics to their children. Could books be the answer to this problem? What challenges are parents facing when it comes to communicating with their children? How can books introduce kids to tough topics? And why is it important to speak to children about difficult subjects? Jelani Memory joins Kevin in this episode to discuss how books can introduce kids t ..read more

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers reported using social media and more than a third of them use it “almost constantly.”  High social media usage in children has caused concern in parents with many wondering if social media is safe for their kids.  What are the negative and positive impacts of social media? Should parents place a limit on their kids’ social media usage?  Linda Charmaraman joins Kevin in this episode to discuss how we can talk to our kids about social media. Meet Linda Linda Charmaraman is the director and founder of the Youth Medi ..read more