"Harlem Honey," Handmade Gifts & Hope: How Stories & Service Change Lives
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 03/25/2025
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty for a heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast as he welcomes celebrated author Kao Kalia Yang and talented illustrator Jen Shen to discuss their beautiful new children’s book, "The Blue House I Loved." In this insightful interview, Yang shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her story—the cherished duplex in St. Paul that provided a home to Hmong refugee families, including her own. Listeners will discover how the “blue house” became a symbol of comfort, belonging, and cultural memory, bridging generations and experiences. Jen Shin, an...
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Best of 2025 – Part Two celebrates the joy of stories that bring families closer, spotlighting creative voices and practical wisdom in a warm, listener-friendly mix. We open with a quick tour of themes—creativity, confidence, and connection—before diving into highlights that parents and young readers can use right away. Our first guest is Hayley Chewin who celebrated her YA title The Swarm. Hayley's episode was the most downloaded episode of RWYK in all of 2025. Hayley shows how curiosity powers great plots, turning everyday “what-ifs” into page-turning adventures. We then...
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Celebrate the year’s most inspiring moments with our Best of 2025 episode of Reading With Your Kids! We’re revisiting five unforgettable conversations that reminded us of the power of stories to spark empathy, courage, and connection. Beloved author and comedian Anh Do shares heartwarming reflections on resilience and joy, showing families how humor and hope can light even the toughest paths. Music legend Ziggy Marley invites us to move, sing, and think together, exploring how rhythm, kindness, and curiosity can shape compassionate kids. Singer-songwriter Christina Perri opens up about...
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If you’re looking for a show that packs in suplexes and scavenger hunts in equal measure, you’re going to love this episode! We kick things off in the ring—or actually, the library—with the creators behind Lucha Libros, an innovative program that brings the excitement of professional wrestling right into your local library. Host Jed Doherty chats with Paul Val Massey and Llama Jack, who share the story of how this one-of-a-kind family-friendly wrestling show started as storytime, evolved into body slams among the bookshelves, and became a vibrant community event. You’ll hear about...
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Get ready for holiday magic in this special episode of "Reading With Your Kids: The Christmas Staff!" Host Jed Doherty welcomes a talented team from CatholicTeenBooks.com—including authors Tony Kolenc, Corinna Turner, Andrea Jo Rogers, Carolyn Astfalk, and Leslea Wahl—for a merry, multi-author storytelling adventure you won’t want to miss! Discover the heartwarming tale of Joe Grant, a foster child spending Christmas with the Carters, who stumbles on a mysterious wooden staff left at the church. Joined by new friend Annie, they set off on a quest across town, piecing together clues and...
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Join us for an inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast, where host Jed Doherty welcomes two remarkable guests: Dr. Peter Cotton, the celebrated author of the “Fred the Snake” children’s book series, and Donna VanLiere, bestselling author of “Looking for Christmas: The Search for Joy and Hope of the Nativity.” This family-friendly episode is perfect for parents and kids eager to discover new children’s books and traditions to bring them closer together during the holidays. Dr. Peter Cotton shares the delightful origins and adventures of Fred the Snake, introducing...
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In this episode of "Reading with Your Kids," host Jed Doherty sits down with Scott and Victoria Kyle, authors of the insightful book "The Other Birds and Bees: The Financial Facts of Life, Money Secrets No One Ever Taught You." Discover how to empower your children with essential financial literacy skills as the Kyles share practical advice for teaching kids about money and creating healthy family financial habits. From explaining the basics of saving and budgeting to fostering a mindset for long-term financial success, Scott and Victoria offer relatable stories, transparent conversations, and...
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Join us for a captivating episode where we dive deep into the world of family reading and values-driven storytelling! In this heartfelt conversation, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring authors: Candace Jalili, author of the new YA romance "Seeing Stars," and Amanda Jass, creator of the engaging children’s devotional "Adventures in the Friendly Forest." Candace Jalili shares the story behind "Seeing Stars," a young adult romance filled with real-life inspiration, celebrity culture, and the importance of making mistakes and learning from them. Discover how Candace brings her characters to...
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In this episode, host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed author Jon Erik Lappano to discuss his latest picture book, "The Language of Birds." Lappano shares the inspiration behind the story, which centers on Mira, a solitary child who forms a deep connection with birds while struggling to communicate with people. Through their conversation, Lappano reflects on the importance of honoring quieter, introverted children in literature, drawing from his experiences as a parent and observer of childhood dynamics. He emphasizes the value of imagination, unstructured time, and engagement with the natural...
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In this engaging episode of the "Reading with Your Kids" podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes two inspiring guests: Sara Schroter, author of the children’s book "Max the Gemstone Finder," and Daniel Harmon, creator and showrunner of the educational TV series "Tuttle Twins." Sara Schroter shares her family's remarkable journey relocating from Bermuda to Italy and how her son’s fascination with rocks led to the creation of Max, a character encouraging children and parents alike to nurture childhood passions. Listeners learn how supporting kids’ interests boosts confidence, fosters learning,...
info_outlineIn this episode of Reading with Your Kids, we had the pleasure of chatting with two inspiring guests - Tamron Hall and Terry Grahl.
Tamron Hall is the star of the Tamron Hall Show and the author of the new children's book, "Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid." Tamron shared the heartwarming story behind the book, which follows a young boy exploring his new home in Harlem, New York. She emphasized the importance of curiosity, empathy, and community in parenting, and how the book aims to inspire kids and adults alike to embrace new experiences.
We also spoke with Terry Grahl, the founder of Enchanted Makeovers, a nonprofit that transforms shelters into nurturing spaces for women and children. Terry shared the powerful story of how Enchanted Makeovers began with a simple request to paint a wall, and has since grown into a movement focused on serving others with love and compassion.
Terry discussed the organization's various programs, like the Capes for Kids initiative and the doll adoption project, which provide comfort and support to those in need. She highlighted the significance of handmade gifts and the impact they can have on people's lives.
Both Tamron and Terry shared their insights on the importance of media literacy for kids, and the need to have open conversations about navigating the digital world. They also touched on the role of empathy and connection in parenting, and how their work aims to foster those qualities.
It was a truly inspiring conversation, filled with heartwarming stories and valuable lessons for parents, educators, and anyone looking to make a positive impact in their community. Be sure to check out "Harlem Honey" and learn more about the incredible work of Enchanted Makeovers.
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