Best Reachoutandread Podcasts (2024)

1
Books Make Good Friends 30:29

8d ago30:29

30:29

"If you love a book, no doubt many other people love it, too. That shared love connects us and sparks that miraculous feeling of not being alone in the world." Jane Mount's illustrations of book spines, covers, beloved bookstores, fanciful libraries, and so much more, bring that world vividly to life and illustrate how, indeed, Books Make Good Frie…

1
Kate DiCamillo on Reading, Writing, and Reading Aloud 37:31

22d ago37:31

37:31

Kate DiCamillo knows books. By far one of America's most successful children's writers (44 million books in print, translated into 41 languages), Kate joins us to talk about how reading – and reading aloud – has made her into the reader —and writer— she is today. We also learn — improbably — about how even sardine tins can be speakers of truth.…

1
Meeting Reach Out and Read's 'Book Czar' 32:44

1M ago32:44

32:44

Reach Out and Read has been working on a remarkable new strategy around a key element of what we do: books! A strong approach is key to supporting our mission and as a sustainable part of how we work. Angela Cunningham, Reach Out and Read's National Director of Books Strategy and Partnerships, joins us to talk about how we approach books, and what …

1
Lullabies and Language 28:37

1M ago28:37

28:37

Lullabies can not only help soothe a sleepy baby, they may also help them learn language. Dr. Giovanni Di Liberto of the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience at The University of Dublin, joins us to talk about his new study that challenges conventional understanding of early language acquisition in the infant brain.…

1
Leo Lionni: Storyteller, Artist, Designer 31:24

2M ago31:24

31:24

Leo Lionni changed the picture book landscape with beloved titles such as Frederick, Swimmy, and A Color of His Own. But those books are just a small window into his extensive career as a graphic designer, painter, and a master of fine art. Annie Lionni, Leo's granddaughter, and Leonard Marcus, a children's book historian, join us to talk about the…

1
Randolph Caldecott: The Artist Behind the Medal 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

You’ve likely heard of the Caldecott Medal. But how much do you know about Caldecott himself and his revolutionary work? Barbara McClintock and Michelle Markel, illustrator and writer, respectively, of Tomfoolery! Randolph Caldecott and the Rambunctious Coming of Age of Children’s Books, join us to talk about Caldecott’s art as a turning point in t…

1
What is the Institute of Museum and Library Services? 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

Crosby Kemper, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, joins us to explain the role of the federal government in the support and empowerment of America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. His careful stewardship and deep thoughts around how we protect and promote t…

1
Peter Brown and The Wild Robot 36:32

3M ago36:32

36:32

Writing for children—especially books that can be emotionally challenging—requires a great deal of insight, honestly, talent, and self reflection; and that's before you even pick up the pencil! Peter Brown, author of The Wild Robot, a beautifully crafted and deeply moving middle grade novel about technology, nature, and family, joins us to talk abo…

1
Early Relational Health: Proven and Simple 37:17

3M ago37:17

37:17

A new report from Harvard University and the Burke Foundation reinforces what we have long known at Reach Out and Read: simple, well-delivered initiatives to support early relational health have proven and profoundly beneficial results for children and their families. Dr. Junlei Li, lead author of the report and co-chair of the Human Development an…

1
The New Brownies' Book 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

In 1920, as Black art and writing flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, W.E.B. Du Bois created the first magazine aimed specifically at Black youth. Titled “The Brownies’ Book: A Monthly Magazine for Children of the Sun", the magazine featured celebrated Black creatives of the time. Nearly 100 years later, Dr. Karida Brown and Charly Parker hav…

1
Children's Books for Times of Crisis 34:03

4M ago34:03

34:03

A core role of parents and caregivers is to help children make sense of an often-challenging world around them. Miriam Udel, professor of German and Jewish Studies at Emory University, joins us to talk about how children's books can help parents and children alike when their world is "on fire".

1
Untangling the Thread of Racism 31:11

4M ago31:11

31:11

The American Academy of Pediatrics has long recognized that the world outside the walls of hospitals and clinics has a major impact on the health of children. A new book from the Academy, “Untangling the Thread of Racism”, aims to be a thoughtful, practical, and hands-on resource that addresses many aspects of this important but challenging topic. …

1
Stories of Gratitude 28:29

5M ago28:29

28:29

We're thankful to every person who reads aloud to a child. To mark this holiday devoted to giving thanks, we're bringing back an episode we recorded during the pandemic. We asked three children’s authors — Traci Sorell, Ann Clare LeZotte, and Dr Sayantani DasGupta — to read aloud their own stories of gratitude, and we're grateful to share those sto…

1
Talk Baby Talk 31:57

5M ago31:57

31:57

Reach Out and Read has commissioned and published its first children's book, Talk Baby Talk! In an effort to increase access to books that are representative of families from all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, this book is reflective of Reach Out and Read’s mission, which focuses on the parent/caregiver-child relationship through d…

1
The Science Sessions: Research Through Learning Networks 32:00

6M ago32:00

32:00

Reach Out and Read, in partnership with Columbia University, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, and the Institute for Child Success, is proudly embarking on the first national longitudinal study of early relational health. Tyson Barker, Chief Science & Innovation Officer at ICS joins us to talk about how the study will incorporate end-user …

1
Reading Sad Books Is Good for Your Kids 33:42

6M ago33:42

33:42

Children’s books should not only offer “windows and mirrors” into other cultures, races, and religions, but into a range of feelings and emotions. Craig Fehrman, author of a recent essay in The New York Times titled “Reading Sad Books Is Good for Your Kids”, joins us to talk about the importance of creating, sharing, and discussing children’s books…

1
Gibberish 31:32

6M ago31:32

31:32

Moving to a new country is a challenge for everyone, but especially so for children. New immigrants often face pressure to assimilate quickly — to ‘dress like us’ and talk ‘like us’ — and stop speaking the languages that ‘don’t make sense’ to our ears. Young Vo, author of the new children’s picture book “Gibberish”, joins us to discuss these common…

1
Thinking Sideways to Solve Problems 36:02

7M ago36:02

36:02

“Think sideways” isn’t just a catch phrase - applied thoughtfully, small changes in mindset and approach can have a big impact. Anthony Barrows, Managing Partner and Founder at the Center for Behavioral Design and Social Justice at Project Evident, joins us to share his research—informed often by his own life story—into how applied behavioral scien…

1
Translating Children's Books 33:36

7M ago33:36

33:36

How hard could it be to translate a children’s book — they are mostly pictures and so few words, after all? It's not so simple, it turns out. Daniel Hahn, a writer, editor, and literary translator who has translated hundreds of adult and children’s books alike joins us to break down the artistry and nuance that goes into successfully translating ch…

1
The Science Sessions: Reach Out and Read Impact Study 29:35

7M ago29:35

29:35

“The Science Sessions” is a new feature from the Reach Out and Read Podcast that examines and explains up-to-date, groundbreaking research on early relational health, early literacy, and more. In this inaugural episode, Dr. Marny Dunlap and Callee Boulware, two authors of a recently published transformative new study, join us to discuss what they f…

1
Once Upon a Time … 31:42

8M ago31:42

31:42

Everything in a fairy tale has already been lost. The fairy tale is where we go to find it again.” Sabrina Orah Mark, author of the new book “Happily” and an award-winning writer and columnist for The Paris Review, joins us to talk about how fairy tales shape - and reflect - our reality in childhood, and beyond.…

1
Pictured Worlds 33:56

8M ago33:56

33:56

Illustrated children’s books capture the imagination of children and adults alike like no other art form. Leonard Marcus, one of the world’s preeminent authorities on children’s books and their creators, joins us to talk about “the special nature of the illustrated children’s book as a cultural enterprise that is at once rewarding art form, a bridg…

1
The End of the Reading Instruction Wars? 37:20

9M ago37:20

37:20

Nearly everyone can learn to read — if they’re taught correctly. It turns out that one of the primary approaches to teaching reading in schools was proven wrong decades ago. Emily Hanford, the host and investigative journalist behind the explosive “Sold A Story” podcast series, joins us to explain how educators came to believe in something that isn…

1
Jerry Pinkney: An Artist Against the Odds 31:20

9M ago31:20

31:20

Jerry Pinkney is one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators of all time. Having illustrated more than 100 books, Jerry won numerous awards including multiple Caldecott medals and Corretta Scott King Illustrator Awards and Honors before his passing. Gloria Pinkney, Jerry’s wife, creative partner, and best friend for more than 60 years, …

1
The Teachers 36:09

10M ago36:09

36:09

"Politics, greed, and mismanagement have made this profession incompatible with physical and mental health." Who are we talking about? It’s teachers, and we talk to Alexandra Robbins’, author of the new book “The Teachers: A Year Inside America’s Most Vulnerable, Important Profession.” It’s a great look at the reality of America’s teachers: what’s …

1
Optimal Motherhood 38:00

10M ago38:00

38:00

New parents are often encouraged to ask for help. But the source of that help, and how we provide it — whether it’s physical or emotional - has changed drastically over the years. Instead of turning to close friends and family, many modern mothers turn to social media – sometimes with unexpectedly harsh results. Jessica Clements and Kari Nixon, co-…

1
Elbert in the Air 35:00

11M ago35:00

35:00

“Just be yourself” is often easier said than done. It requires time, contemplation, awareness, and often, bravery. And it’s really difficult to write a children’s book that doesn’t come off as simplistic advice, but is carefully crafted and delivers the message well. Author Monica Wesolowska joins us to talk about her new children’s books that expl…

1
If I Betray These Words 34:26

11M ago34:26

34:26

“Clinical burnout” is the phrase often used to describe the number of health care practitioners who feel a loss of joy in their work, a sense of despair, and a feeling of disengagement. But is this an individual problem…or a larger systems problem? Dr. Wendy Dean, CEO and co-founder of The Moral Injury of Healthcare, joins us to talk about how thos…

1
New Directions at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University 33:42

11M ago33:42

33:42

The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has been a leading voice in the field of early childhood development, especially around the role of relationships. Their new work, termed “ECD 2.0", focuses on connecting the brain to the rest of the body in a broader ecological context. Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, Chief Science Officer at the Cen…

1
Changing Hearts and Minds Like a Pro 34:44

12M ago34:44

34:44

We spend a lot of time trying to change other people’s minds on all sorts of subjects. Does it work — but just a little, or maybe not at all? How we attempt to shape the opinions of others matters, and as it turns out, there’s a science behind how to do it well. Moira O’Neil, Senior Vice President of Research Interpretation at the FrameWorks Instit…

1
Becoming Better Grownups 34:38

1y ago34:38

34:38

Parents often worry about how to raise their children to be “good people.” But there’s an assumption that once you’re an adult, you’re done “growing”, and no longer need to progress on that journey to being a better version of yourself. Brad Montague, author of “Becoming Better Grownups”, says we can counter that notion in a unique way… in a world …

1
A Perfect Mistake 31:50

1y ago31:50

31:50

One in five of us have learning and attention issues, including specific learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD. Increasingly, children’s and YA books are not only including but embracing neurodiverse characters, and the conversation is expanding to include – and normalize – many facets of the broad variety of how we engage with the world. Me…

1
BFF's: Book Friends Forever 33:46

1y ago33:46

33:46

As we know, strong relationships are key to success in personal and professional endeavors. Our next guests combine both: Grace Lin, an award-winning author, and Alvina Ling, Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, join us to talk about their professional success, how as Asian-American women they navigate an industry that still st…

1
What Happened To You? 35:18

1y ago35:18

35:18

Trauma in children is shockingly common — almost half of all children have experienced at least one significant traumatic experience. Yet trauma-engendered behaviors are often met with ‘What’s wrong with you?’, when, as our guest Dr Bruce Perry relates, the question should be ‘What happened to you?’ His co-authored book with Oprah Winfrey helps us …

1
Maybe An Artist 30:22

1y ago30:22

30:22

We turned our ‘author spotlight’ on an up-and-coming, engaging, and extremely talented young voice. Liz Montague is a cartoonist, writer, and illustrator who weaves social justice, and personal and political awareness into smart, thoughtful, and deeply resonating cartoons. She also happens to be one of the first Black female cartoonists to be publi…

1
Portable Magic 35:27

1y ago35:27

35:27

Books are magic. The way they smell, the feel of their pages, illustrations on their covers, weight in your hands - all these elements convey meaning in excess of their verbal content. Our guest, Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford University, and author of Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers, joins us to talk ab…

1
The Case for Make Believe 34:21

1y ago34:21

34:21

What is “play”, and how hard is it to understand what it really is? Turns out it’s more of a challenge to grasp than you’d think, and not everyone understands that play is not merely amusement for children. Dr Susan Linn, psychologist and world-renowned expert on creative play, joins us to talk about the role of play in a child’s development — and …

1
The Legacy and Future of Native American Education 33:18

1+ y ago33:18

33:18

Native American education is one of our country’s culturally richest areas, but it comes at the expense of a very dark past. We take a closer look at the abuse Native American children experienced at government-run schools in the US in the 19th and 20th centuries, the intergenerational trauma that followed, and how Native American educators address…

1
Malcolm Mitchell Loves to Read 34:18

1+ y ago34:18

34:18

We’ve turned the spotlight on many gifted authors, but our next guest is the first to win a children’s book award and a Super Bowl ring. Malcolm Mitchell, American football professional, children’s author, youth literacy advocate, and CEO of the Share the Magic Foundation, joins us to talk about his journey to literacy, and how he overcame professi…

1
I Talk Like a River 37:07

1+ y ago37:07

37:07

Stuttering affects approximately 5% of U.S. children—it’s very common! Jordan Scott, poet and author of “I Talk Like a River”, and Brooke Edwards, Director of Speech for SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young, join us to talk about how stuttering affects children, and how all of us — caregivers, professionals, and beyond — can make their int…

1
Seeing Into the Reading Brain 33:15

1+ y ago33:15

33:15

Thanks to advances in brain imaging, we can measure reading’s structural and functional benefits. Dr. John Hutton, a pediatrician and assistant professor in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, joins us to talk about what we can learn from neuroimaging about how children’s activities can affect t…

1
Leadership on Location 34:16

1+ y ago34:16

34:16

After three years, the annual Reach Out and Read Leadership Conference was finally back in person. More than 150 leaders gathered in Madison, Wisconsin over three days to share their vision, values, and voice - all in the name of ROR’s mission. Listen to their conference takeaways, what inspires their work, and what drives our community forward.…

1
Puppet Talk 32:50

1+ y ago32:50

32:50

Why would someone write a research paper involving puppets? Well, puppets can not only be a tool for helping children feel more comfortable in medical settings, but more recently have been used to support relational health. Dr. Gretchen Domek, Associate Professor and the Frankenburg Research Professor in Developmental Pediatrics at the University o…

1
Environmental Health and Children 33:35

1+ y ago33:35

33:35

Children are uniquely vulnerable to climate change: rising temperatures and poor air quality increase asthma attacks and allergies, and natural disasters can lead to physical displacement, food insecurity, and an increase in mental health concerns. Dr. Jerry Paulson, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and of Environmental & Occupational Health at the…

1
Health Equity by Design 31:37

1+ y ago31:37

31:37

There’s a lot of conversation around health equity, and rightly so: research suggests that many disparities in overall health and well-being are rooted in early childhood. But how can one meaningfully address that in our healthcare system? Dr. Darrell M. Gray, the inaugural chief health equity officer for Elevance Health, joins us to talk about how…

1
Read Charlotte 32:01

1+ y ago32:01

32:01

The world of literacy has a dizzying array of systems that go well beyond schools and home — including legislatures, philanthropies, and other NGO’s — but they aren’t always collaborating well. Munro Richardson, Executive Director at Read Charlotte in North Carolina, reimagined the way these systems could work, creatively connected groups that hadn…

1
Adventures in Fatherhood: Raising Raffi 34:24

1+ y ago34:24

34:24

Parenting is often tough. While our society has better normalized talking about the highs, lows, and the in-betweens of raising children, there’s still a lot that’s hard to say publicly. Keith Gessen, author of the new book Raising Raffi, takes on these challenges, asks the many unvoiced questions, and does so as someone not heard as frequently in …

1
Raising a Baby the Government Way 34:44

1+ y ago34:44

34:44

As in other times, women in the late 1910s-20s from all over the U.S. looked for parenting advice. Who did they ask? The federal government, believe it or not. They flooded the Children’s Bureau, a division of the Department of Labor, with letters about their worries and concerns around raising children. Molly Ladd-Taylor, author of “Raising a Baby…

1
What is Material Culture of Childhood? 34:13

1+ y ago34:13

34:13

What can a piece of clothing tell us about how a child lived? How can parent interactions be revealed through a pair of gloves? What might a baby’s quilt tell us about family dynamics? Dr. Sarah Anne Carter, Executive Director of the Center for Design and Material Culture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Human Ecology takes us on …

1
Shabazz Larkin: Love Letter to Food 32:45

1+ y ago32:45

32:45

Using the talents of both writing and illustrating to offer messages encapsulated within compelling stories through children’s books is difficult. Yet, Shabazz Larkin is an artist, author, illustrator, and activist who manages to do just that. He joins us today to talk about his craft, and the unique way he has been able to weave healthy messages s…

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