Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Amy and Josh Talk About Being an Introvert Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Amy Taylor and Josh Maynard, co-authors of A Kids Book About Being An Introvert, talk about discovering the intentional, (sometimes) quiet, and wonderful power in being an introvert.

A Kids Book About Being An Introvert (view book)

Full Book Description:

In a time when it seems like so much depends on small talk and friend count, life can start to feel a little awkward for the introverted kiddos of the world. This book explores the introvert experience from struggles to superpowers, on a mission to affirm those of us who find solace in a bit of silence and solo time. We have a lot to offer the world—and we do it our own way.

About the Author:

Amy Taylor (she/her) is an Ohio-based writer, storyteller, introvert, and proud dog mom. Josh Maynard (he/him) is a lifelong introvert, dad of 3 (boisterous) tiny humans, and designer based in Arvada, Colorado.

*If you want to be on a future episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast or if you have a question you’d like us to consider, have a grownup email us at listen@akidsco.com and we’ll send you the details.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Becca Talks About Public Health Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

Becca Yanniello, author of A Kids Book About Public Health, talks about how public health work makes our lives safer and healthier every day.

A Kids Book About Public Health (view book)

Full Book Description:

Public health is a super important thing that very few people know by name! But all of that will change when you open this book. Learn about what public health is, why it’s so important (ever heard of seatbelts? Bike helmets? Smoke detectors?), and how public health work makes our lives safer and healthier every day!

About the Author:

Becca (she/her) is a public health professional devoted to improving the health of populations, big and small. She holds a master’s in public health from UCLA and a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Southern California. She is an avid traveler and lifelong learner. But most importantly, she is a mother of 2 beautiful kids.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Courtney and Lee Talk About Pronouns Sep 18, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Courtney Wells and Lee Wells, authors of A Kids Book About Pronouns, talk about encouraging kids AND grownups to get uncomfortable, learn new things, make mistakes, and choose to keep growing.

A Kids Book About Pronouns (view book)

Full Book Description:

Pronouns are a meaningful part of identifying who we are. We can’t know someone’s preferred pronouns just by looking at them or knowing their name, so it’s important to ask! This book encourages kids AND grownups to get uncomfortable, learn new things, make mistakes, and choose to keep growing. It’s not about always getting it right—it’s about being loving and continuous in our effort.

About the Author:

Dr. Courtney Wells (they/them) and Lee Wells (she/her) are queer, married Chicagoans committed to justice and inclusivity for their and all kids. Courtney is an award-winning trauma psychologist with a super cool TEDx talk on dismantling the gender binary. Lee is a therapist working with LGBTQ+ kids and families and co-founder of Mind Chicago.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gia Talks About Being Transgender (R) Sep 04, 2023

Show notes

Gia Parr, author of A Kids Book About Being Transgender, talks about the impact of gender roles, working with the GenderCool Project, and how to ensure we create a safe space for everyone.

A Kids Book About Being Transgender (view book)

Full Book Description:

People often ask, what does it mean to be transgender? The truth is there isn't one answer. Gender is uniquely beautiful, and each person's experience is individual to them. But at its core, it’s all about knowing who you are and having the courage, freedom, and support to live life being your truest self.

About the Author:

Gia Parr is a high school senior and high-honors student of color. She is an influencer and advocate intent on using her voice to progress the rights of all communities. Gia helped launch GenderCool, a positive storytelling campaign turned global movement led by more than a dozen Champions. These young leaders are evolving understanding by showing the world who they are.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joy Talks About Nervous System Regulation Aug 28, 2023

Show notes

Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, author of A Kids Book About Nervous System Regulation, talks about understanding different stress responses and practicing techniques to calm and regulate our nervous systems—all parts of being human!

A Kids Book About Nervous System Regulation (view book)

Full Book Description:

The nervous system guides so much of what we do, from breathing, to feeling, thinking, and living! But, our nervous systems can get dysregulated, which makes us feel disconnected or overwhelmed. This book helps us understand different stress responses and practice techniques to calm and regulate our nervous systems—all parts of being human!

About the Author:

Dr. Joy Malik-Hasbrook, PsyD (she/her), is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting children and families. Her work centers on caring relationships as the foundation of healing, nervous system regulation, and resiliency. Dr. Joy is biracial of South Asian Indian/white descent and is a mom of 2 children.

If grownups and/or parents want to learn more, Dr. Joy utilizes and recommends these two books:

1. Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, by Deb Dana, LCSW

2. Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids, by Mona Delahooke, PhD

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laura Talks About Neurodiversity Aug 21, 2023

Show notes

Laura Petix, author of A Kids Book About Neurodiversity, talks about the importance of celebrating the unique ways in which our brains help us learn, feel, and experience life.

A Kids Book About Neurodiversity (view book)

Full Book Description:

Everything we do is because of the ways our brains work, and everyone’s brain is different. Seriously! But our world doesn’t operate in a way that is accepting of each brain type. Neurodiversity is what makes our world beautiful, and this author teaches us the importance of celebrating the unique ways in which our brains help us learn, feel, and experience life!

About the Author:

Laura Petix, MS OTR/L (she/her), is a southern Californian, Disney-loving Enneagram 6, pediatric OT, and mom to a neurodivergent daughter. She dedicates her life’s work to teaching people about the way that sensory processing impacts learning and behavior.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Talks About Design Aug 07, 2023

Show notes

Jason Mayden, author of A Kids Book About Design, talks about unlocking the design potential within every kid.

A Kids Book About Design (view book)

Full Book Description:

This is a book about design and exists to unlock the design potential within every kid. Designers work in different ways, but all of them use creativity and compassion to solve problems and make things that in turn make the world a better place. Through the author's personal experience and multi-step process, empower the kid in your life to share their ideas, make, create, and be the best designer they can be.

About the Author:

Jason Mayden (he/him) is a designer, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to the advancement of diverse creative youth. When he’s not designing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children, and their rambunctious French bulldog.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gigi Talks About Chronic Illness Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Gigi Robinson, author of A Kids Book About Chronic Illness, talks about the lifelong health issues that can make the simple act of growing up feel different for kids who have them.

A Kids Book About Chronic Illness (view book)

Full Book Description:

Chronic illnesses are lifelong health issues that can make the simple act of growing up feel different for kids who have them. And that can sometimes be lonely and frustrating. But learn from an author with a chronic illness how to reshape your mindset, find new passions, and pour your energy into things that empower you and fill your life with joy.

About the Author:

Gigi Robinson (she/her) is a GenZ thought leader and motivational public speaker who talks about chronic illness, body image, and confidence. Gigi’s positive outlook on life is based on her well-known mantra “Everything You Need Is Within,” which has empowered millions around the world to become their own best advocate.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alvin Talks About Radical Dreaming Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Alvin Schexnider, author of A Kids Book About Radical Dreaming, talks about the conscious and courageous effort to see hope and to pursue and value things counter to what negative influences would have us believe.

A Kids Book About Radical Dreaming (view book)

Full Book Description:

Radical dreaming is having the hope and courage to dream BIG, no matter who you are, where you come from, or what others might say. The author describes a kind of dreaming that breaks all barriers and knows no bounds, and encourages readers to adopt the habit of radical dreaming—no matter how old they are—as a means to create the positive, inclusive, life-changing realities we wish to see!

About the Author:

Alvin (he/him) is a designer, futurist, strategist, and illustrator. As an equity designer he uses foresight and BizOps strategy to help companies and government agencies make impactful products and services. Besides hanging with his partner and 2 kids, you’ll find him reading N.K. Jemison or a Black Panther comic book.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ethan Talks About Incarceration Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Ethan Thrower, author of A Kids Book About Incarceration, talks about what it means to be incarcerated in a prison or detention center and the impact of incarceration on everyone in a community.

A Kids Book About Incarceration (view book)

Full Book Description:

Incarceration is a big word for a HUGE topic. It can bring up difficult questions and feelings—especially when it affects you directly. This book explores incarceration, crimes, and prison, as well as the power of choices. The author’s story highlights the impact of choices and how someone can grow, learn, and change the path they’ve been on.

About the Author:

Ethan Thrower is an alternative school social worker in Portland, Oregon, committed to social justice and restorative practices. He uses his own story of incarceration as a tool to discuss decision-making, resilience, and change.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.