Speaking of Kids...

Who speaks for kids when lawmakers, the government, and elected officials are making decisions about their education, health and safety? You do! Children need our collective attention and voice. You’ve found Speaking of Kids… , a podcast series from First Focus on Children that examines how laws and public systems impact kids — not just in theory, but in real life. We’re here sorting out who’s actually for kids and who’s just kidding. Join our host, Messellech “Selley” Abebe, as she gathers voices from every corner of the kid-policy world: congresspeople, public health leaders, political organizers, parents, and the dogged advocates doing the hard work of imagining something better. Selley explores the ‘kid angle’ in policy and politics. What’s working? What’s not? And how can we take action to create a better future for the next generation? Listen and discover the hidden power that each o

Speaking of Kids... is a kids podcast hosted by First Focus on Children, with 52 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

First Focus on Children hosts Speaking of Kids..., a kids show with 52 episodes published.

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  Speaking of Kids...

  What Is the World Teaching Kids About Trust?

  Aug 19, 202635 min

  In this Season 2 finale of Speaking of Kids, host Mesellech Abebe revisits the question that quietly connects every conversation this season: when the world feels confusing or frightening, who and what can kids still trust? Through highlights from earlier episodes, Selley brings together Tracy Kaplan of The Ten News on helping kids navigate misinformation, Dr. Liz Marnik on why relationships — not just facts — change minds, Wendy Cervantes on how immigration fears reach into schools and immigrant families, and climate educator Suzy Hicks on telling kids hard truths without fear or shame. Across it all, one theme emerges: kids are paying close attention, they see through what's fake, and what they need from the adults around them isn't perfection — it's honesty. To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here. 

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  Speaking of Kids...

  How Two Oakland Organizations Are Redesigning Support for Families

  Aug 5, 202635 min

  Kym Johnson, CEO of Bananas, and Jamaica Sowell, Director of Programs at Roots Community Health, join host Mesellech Abebe on Speaking of Kids to discuss their Oakland partnership supporting families from pregnancy through the early years. Instead of asking parents to navigate child care, health care, and community support as separate systems, they're building a model where the systems connect themselves. The conversation covers trust-based home visiting, addressing Black maternal and infant health disparities, meeting families without shame, and why community-based organizations should see themselves as anchor institutions worth sustainable, structural funding. To learn more about Bananas and their services, go to bananasbunch.org. Follow them on social media @BananasBunch on Instagram, Facebook, and X. To learn more about Roots Community Health and their services, go to rootscommunityhealth.org. Follow them on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here.  To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here. 

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  Speaking of Kids...

  Three Teachers Break Down the Emotional Reality of Modern Students

  Jun 3, 202644 min

  In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe speaks with three educators from across the country—a middle school visual arts teacher in South Central Los Angeles, a high school physical education teacher in rural Ohio, and a veteran English teacher in a large urban district in Connecticut—about what kids are experiencing inside and outside the classroom today. Each teacher brings a distinct perspective shaped by their community, school environment, and years of experience working closely with students. Together, they explore the realities shaping modern childhood, including rising mental health concerns, the impact of cell phones and social media, shifting school policies, and the growing sense of disconnection many students feel despite being constantly “connected.” This conversation highlights how educators are responding on the front lines, and what they believe is most urgently needed to better support students. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Alliance for Student Liberty: How the ECCA Hurts Public Schools and Benefits the Wealthy The Heist: How the Powerful Are Robbing America’s Children Saying ‘No’ to Culture Wars, Crumbs, or Capitulation: Building a Child Advocacy Movement To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

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  Speaking of Kids...

  Shamika Bradley Explains How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Kids

  Apr 29, 202639 min

  In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe speaks with Shamika Bradley, a consultant in AI accessibility and ethics, about the hidden systems shaping kids’ digital lives. Bradley works at the intersection of technology, policy, and equity, helping organizations understand how data, algorithms, and design choices impact real people – especially children. Together, Abebe and Bradley explore how today’s kids are growing up in environments driven by algorithms, what parents and policymakers often misunderstand about screen time and online safety, and why the real risks go beyond what’s visible on the surface. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, digital literacy, and “kids-first” design, while offering practical ways families can stay engaged, informed, and empowered in a rapidly changing digital world. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Alliance for Student Liberty: How the ECCA Hurts Public Schools and Benefits the Wealthy The Heist: How the Powerful Are Robbing America’s Children Saying ‘No’ to Culture Wars, Crumbs, or Capitulation: Building a Child Advocacy Movement To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

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  Speaking of Kids...

  Arnie Fege Explains Why Schools Are the Heart of Democracy

  Apr 15, 202646 min

  In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe talks with Arnie Fege about what it means to protect public education, why schools remain one of the most important public institutions in a democracy, and how policy decisions shape the daily realities of children and families. Fege is a long-time advocate for public schools and children’s rights in education, with decades of experience working at the intersection of education policy and equity. Together, Abebe and Fege explore what happens when public schools are under-resourced, why access and opportunity cannot depend on geography or income, and how communities can stay rooted in solidarity to ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about Arnie Fege and his work, you can visit this website. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: A Superintendent Speaks Out from the Front Lines of Our Public Schools Three Ways That The Reconciliation Bill’s School Voucher Program Hurts Public Schools Alliance For Student Liberty: How Trump’s Executive Orders Undermine Public Education To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.

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