Taming the Amygdala and Sparking Imagination
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Release Date: 11/07/2024
What Happens When Kids with Differences Take Center Stage?
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Dive into this heartwarming episode of “Reading with Your Kids” as host Jed Doherty welcomes acclaimed children’s authors Lisa Jacovski and Deborah Marcero for inspiring conversations about inclusion, advocacy, and the creative journey behind beloved picture books. The episode opens with Lisa Jacovski, author of the “Happy Thoughts” series, as she shares her passion for writing children’s books that celebrate neurodiversity and teach empathy. Lisa draws from her background in applied behavior analysis and education, offering real-life anecdotes about working with nonverbal children...
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From Laos to the U.S.: Telling the Hmong Refugee Story in Verse
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode of "Reading With Your Kids," featuring celebrated author VT Bidania. In this heartfelt conversation, VT Bidania shares the story behind her impactful middle grade novel in verse, "A Year Without Home." Listeners will hear how VT draws from her family’s journey as Hmong refugees to create an emotionally powerful narrative for young readers. The discussion highlights the popularity of verse novels for middle grade audiences, as well as the historical significance of the Secret War in Laos and the resilience of the Hmong community. VT explains her...
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Belle's RV Adventures
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty for an inspiring episode that brings together the best of family adventure and uplifting children’s literature! This week, discover “Belle’s RV Adventures” with author Kenny Phillips, whose real-life journeys with his wife and their lovable dog Belle have taken them over 180,000 miles across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kenny shares insights on the RV lifestyle, the joys of travel, and how his picture book encourages families to explore, learn, and bond together—whether it’s a cross-country trip or backyard camping with a storybook in hand. Next,...
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Celebrating Black Innovators, Inclusive Stories, and New Ways to Read Together
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this inspiring episode, we celebrate the power of curiosity, inclusion, and innovation for young readers and families! Host Jed Doherty first welcomes Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, scientist and author of "Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventure and Creating the Microphone." Ainissa shares how modern microphones owe their magic to Jim West’s inventive mind and explains how science is all about asking questions, exploring, and making discoveries—ideals she brings to her children’s books to inspire the next generation of diverse innovators. Next, we meet Zephyrus White, co-founder of the...
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Hearts, Homes, and Hope
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Join host Jed Doherty on this inspiring episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast as he chats with bestselling author Jennifer Holm and passionate foster care advocate Deborah Olivia Farmer. Jennifer Holm, a three-time Newbery Honor winner, discusses her latest middle grade novel, "Outside," a gripping post-apocalyptic adventure about resilience, survival, and friendship among children in a transformed world. Listeners will enjoy stories about Jennifer’s family, her writing process, and her unique collaboration with her brother on creating beloved children’s books. In the second...
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Bay State Book Bash!
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
In this Best of Massachusetts special of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty spotlights remarkable creators who call the Bay State home. We begin with Peter H. Reynolds, reflecting on the enduring power of creativity and kindness, the legacy of The Dot, and how small acts of encouragement can ignite a child’s sense of possibility. Next, physician–author Rajani LaRocca explores the harmony between science and storytelling, sharing how her Boston roots, love of food and family, and a clinician’s curiosity shape heartfelt, STEM-touched tales for young readers. The celebration...
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Blooming Through Adversity
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Welcome to another uplifting episode of Reading With Your Kids. This week, host Jed Doherty brings you inspiring conversations with two remarkable children’s authors: Avasa Ebony Love, the creative mind behind “You Are a Rose,” and Shannon Turske, author of the heartfelt “Joy in the Big Balloon Catastrophe.” Dive into the power of children’s books and discover how storytelling helps kids—and grown-ups—navigate life’s hurdles with resilience and joy. Avasa Ebony Love shares her journey from songwriter to children’s author, blending wisdom from myth, psychology, and personal...
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Lift Like a Mother, Flow Like a Yogi, Read Like a Pro
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Looking for inspiration on positive parenting, fun family reading, and making wellness a natural part of your home? You’ll love this episode! Host Jed Doherty chats with two dynamic guests: Alicia McKenzie—mom of five and author of the children’s book "These ABCs Belong to Me"—and yoga studio mogul Kate Davies. Alicia shares her honest journey of parenting, from learning to choose positive, empowering words with her kids to watching them become proud of their unique traits. She opens up about how her family inspired her bestselling picture book (and sneak peeks her next project!),...
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The Blue House I Loved
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
Reading With Your Kids Podcast
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...
info_outlineJoin the Reading With Your Kids Podcast at this year's most exciting family event - The Chicago Toy & Game Fair! November 9 & 10. Visit www.chitag.com and use the promo code READ to save big on tickets!
In this episode of the Reading with Your Kids podcast, host Jed Doherty had engaging conversations with two guests who are making a big impact in children's literature.
First, Jed spoke with Dr. Anna Housley Juster about her new picture book "How to Train Your Amygdala." As the former Sesame Street Content Director, Anna has a deep understanding of how to communicate complex topics to young readers. In the book, the amygdala - the part of the brain responsible for the "fight or flight" response - is personified as a character who learns strategies to manage anxiety and stay calm.
Anna explained that with childhood anxiety on the rise, it's crucial to teach kids practical tools like controlled breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization to soothe an overactive amygdala. By making the science accessible and fun, the book empowers children to take an active role in regulating their emotions.
Later, Jed chatted with Ashley Wall, the author behind the delightful "The Day I Had" book series and the founder of Mama Bear Books publishing company. Ashley's mission is to foster a love of reading and big imaginations in kids through engaging, imaginative stories.
The "Day I Had" books follow a group of children who go on whimsical adventures with their toys come to life. Ashley shared how she wanted to create tales that inspire creativity and teach valuable lessons about inclusion, problem-solving, and perseverance.
As a former teacher, Ashley understands the importance of quality children's literature. Through Mama Bear Books, she's providing a platform for new authors to bring their stories to life with professional editing, illustration, and distribution.
Both Anna and Ashley are using the power of storytelling to positively impact the lives of young readers. Their passion for nurturing young minds is sure to inspire families to pick up a book and let their imaginations soar.
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