Best Kelli Jo Smith Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 74: Making Math Relevant. A Conversation with Jo Boaler. 44:35

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23m ago44:35

44:35

Dr. Jo Boaler shares her groundbreaking work in mathematics education, exploring how beliefs shape learning and how we can transform math instruction to help every student succeed. • Starting her career in London schools where she discovered anyone can learn math with the right opportunities • Joining Stanford and later collaborating with Carol Dwe…

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When Life Feels Scary: Calming Fear and Raising Kids with Courage 15:31

7d ago15:31

15:31

You’re doing your best to hold it all together, but some days the world just feels heavy and that weight shows up in the way you think about your kids, their safety, and their future. In this episode, you’ll find encouragement for those moments when fear feels louder than peace. Take a deep breath, lean in, and be reminded that you don’t have to ca…

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Episode 73: Finding Your Family's Learning Path. A Conversation with Elle Rowley. 47:22

7d ago47:22

47:22

Elle Rowley shares her transformative journey from struggling high school student to successful entrepreneur and educational innovator creating alternative learning environments for children in her community. Through personal experience and experimentation, she's developed a thriving microschool model that prioritizes curiosity, community, and chil…

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The MOMCON Packing Guide 13:10

16d ago13:10

13:10

You’re getting ready for MOMCON, but what exactly should make it into your suitcase? In this episode, you’ll hear practical tips, fun reminders, and a few surprising essentials that will help you feel prepared, comfortable, and ready to make the most of your time in Orlando. Send us a text Submit your story or mom hack for the chance to be featured…

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Episode 72: Getting High School Right. A Conversation with Chad Carlson. 52:20

15d ago52:20

52:20

Chad Carlson shares how One Stone Lab School uses human-centered design to transform education by treating students as end users rather than products. He describes their unique approach that removes traditional grades, subjects, and bells in favor of personalized growth frameworks that prepare students for the real world. • One Stone's origin story…

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When Leg Day Feels Like Labor 10:02

23d ago10:02

10:02

You know the struggle of wanting to feel better but dreading the effort it takes to get there. In this episode, you’ll hear how simple shifts in movement can impact your body, mind, and even your outlook on everyday life. If you’ve ever resisted exercise or wondered if it’s worth it, this conversation might just inspire you to take that first step—…

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Invisible Wins: Celebrating the Victories No One Sees 11:12

27d ago11:12

11:12

In this episode, you’ll be reminded of the victories you rarely give yourself credit for. The ones no one claps for, posts about, or even notices. You’ll discover how these quiet wins shape your family and your faith in powerful ways. By the end, you’ll feel encouraged to pause, reflect, and celebrate the small things that prove you’re showing up i…

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Episode 70: Beyond One Size Fits All Learning. A Conversation with Yong Zhao. 57:18

30d ago57:18

57:18

Dr. Yong Zhao challenges us to keep children at the center of education by acknowledging their uniqueness and building learning systems around that core idea. His approach aims to give kids the skills they need for meaningful future work instead of the synthetic tasks often imposed throughout traditional K-12 education. • Education should build on …

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Back to School Jitters and Joys 11:19

1M ago11:19

11:19

It’s that time of year again. Backpacks, sharpened pencils, and the whirlwind of new routines. In this episode, you’ll hear the ups, downs, and little surprises that come with sending kids back to school. From traditions to transitions, you’ll be reminded that you’re not alone in the bittersweet mix of excitement and chaos that this season brings. …

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Episode 69: What School Could Be. A Conversation with Ted Dintersmith and Garrett Smiley. 48:11

1M ago48:11

48:11

The rapidly accelerating capabilities of artificial intelligence are creating an urgent need to rethink how we prepare young people for a world where machines will soon outperform humans in many cognitive tasks. • Schools train students in what ChatGPT already does best • AI power doubles yearly, reshaping the workforce • The “school-to-career” esc…

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Garrett Hongo Reads Charles Wright 42:04

1M ago42:04

42:04

Garrett Hongo joins Kevin Young to read “T’ang Notebook” by Charles Wright, and his own poem “On Emptiness.” Garrett Hongo is the author of several books of poetry and nonfiction, including “Ocean of Clouds” and “The Perfect Sound: A Memoir in Stereo.” He's received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts,…

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Episode 68: Centering Humanity in Teaching. A Conversation with Matt Eicheldinger. 54:28

1M ago54:28

54:28

Matt Eicheldinger, NYT bestselling author and educator, shares his journey of persistence and the power of meaningful connections with young people. He centers on building trust and creating space for kids to develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience. • Becoming a teacher because he enjoyed kids and had parents who modeled empathy • Writing his…

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Insider Tips for MOMCON 2025 8:37

1M ago8:37

8:37

You’re just weeks away from MOMCON, and this episode is your inside scoop on what’s in store. From can’t-miss sessions to a few fun surprises, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of your time in Orlando. You’ll get tips on when to arrive, what to look forward to, and how to plan for an unforgettable weekend. Get ready to mark your calendar,…

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Decision Fatigue and the Mental Load of Motherhood 12:55

2M ago12:55

12:55

In this episode, we’re talking about the quiet weight of decision fatigue. What it is, why it sneaks up on you, and how to give yourself a little more grace in the middle of it all. You’ll hear real talk about the mental load, why deciding what's for dinner feels so hard, and how to make space for calm in the chaos. Whether you're running a househo…

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Episode 67: The Microschool Movement. A Conversation with Kaity Broadbent and Kelly Smith. 50:54

2M ago50:54

50:54

Education is undergoing a seismic shift as families and educators seek alternatives to traditional schooling, with microschools emerging as a powerful option for personalized learning in supportive communities. • 48% of parents feel education is heading in the wrong direction • 17.5% of kids are now outside traditional schools (up from 11.8% in 201…

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Home Cooked Revelations 13:20

2M ago13:20

13:20

Ever wonder if rinsing your rice is actually worth it? In this episode, you’ll hear relatable kitchen confessions, surprising discoveries, and a few game-changing tips that might just change how you cook - or at least how you feel about your fridge. Whether you're a gadget junkie or a shortcut seeker, you’ll leave inspired to rethink a few kitchen …

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Sasha Debevec-McKenney Reads Gabrielle Calvocoressi 38:47

2M ago38:47

38:47

Sasha Debevec-McKenney joins Kevin Young to read “Hammond B3 Organ Cistern,” by Gabrielle Calvocoressi, and her own poem “Kaepernick.” Debevec-McKenney is the author of the new poetry collection “Joy Is My Middle Name.” She was a Jay C. and Ruth Halls Poetry Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, and a creative-writing fellow at Emory University. H…

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The We Do Not Care Club - Mom Edition 9:50

2M ago9:50

9:50

You’re juggling a lot, and let’s be honest, not everything deserves your energy. In this episode, we dive into the freedom that comes with not sweating the small stuff. Inspired by the “We Do Not Care Club” movement from @justbeingmelani, we talk about the little things that just aren’t worth stressing over anymore… because at the end of the day, w…

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Overthinking, Assumptions, and the Stories We Tell Ourselves 13:52

3M ago13:52

13:52

Your mind replays that awkward moment . . . again. You assume they’re judging you. You spiral into what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re unpacking the habit of overthinking and the quiet assumptions that shape how you see yourself and others. If you’ve ever wished you could just shut off the noise, you’re not alo…

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Megan Fernandes Reads Hala Alyan 31:25

3M ago31:25

31:25

Megan Fernandes joins Kevin Young to read “Half-Life in Exile,” by Hala Alyan, and her own poem “On Your Departure to California.” Fernandes’s books include “I Do Everything I’m Told” and “Good Boys.” Her poems have been published widely, and she’s received fellowships from the Yaddo Foundation, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and the Hawthornden …

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Beating Mom Burnout 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

Feeling stretched too thin? In this episode, you’ll hear a real and honest conversation about what burnout can look like and why it’s not your fault. If you’ve been running on fumes, constantly juggling everyone’s needs but your own, this one’s for you. Take a few minutes just for yourself, breathe, and let this be a reminder that you're not alone …

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You're Doing Better Than You Think 15:08

3M ago15:08

15:08

Ever feel like you're dropping the ball as a mom? In this episode, you’ll find gentle reminders and honest conversation that challenge the pressure to be perfect. From screen time to cereal dinners, this is your permission to let go of the guilt and see things in a new light. You might just realize—you’re doing better than you think. Send us a text…

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The Value of Friendship: Why Depth Matters More Than Size 14:57

4M ago14:57

14:57

You’ve probably felt it, that quiet pressure to be a better friend, to keep up, to show up, to not drop the ball. In this episode, you’ll find a moment to breathe. You’ll hear honest reflections about how friendships shift through seasons of life and how guilt, expectations, and overthinking can sneak into our connections. This is your reminder tha…

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The Power of Predictable Bedtimes 11:46

4M ago11:46

11:46

You know bedtime routines are important—but what does that actually look like in real life? In this episode, you’ll hear honest reflections on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why that precious post-bedtime quiet matters more than you might think. Send us a text Submit your story or mom hack for the chance to be featured on a podcast episode. Visit …

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Erika Meitner Reads Philip Levine 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

Erika Meitner joins Kevin Young to read “What Work Is,” by Philip Levine, and her own poem “To Gather Together.” Meitner’s books include “Useful Junk” and “Holy Moly Carry Me,” which won the 2018 National Jewish Book Award in Poetry. She is currently a Mandel Institute Cultural Leadership Program Fellow, and she’s the director of the M.F.A. program…

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Bittersweet Transitions: Capturing the Heart of Childhood 9:55

4M ago9:55

9:55

In this episode, you’ll step into the tender space of transitions—the ones that sneak up on you and the ones you see coming a mile away. You’ll hear reflections on how to honor life’s little milestones without letting them slip by unnoticed, and be reminded of the power of presence in the midst of busy seasons. Whether you're in the thick of kinder…

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Fight, Flight, or Fidget? 14:42

5M ago14:42

14:42

In this episode, you’ll hear an honest conversation about what it’s like to navigate your child’s big emotions—especially anger—while managing your own in real time. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to validate, fix, or just survive the moment, you’re not alone. Grab a fidget, take a breath, and join the discussion on coping, connect…

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Episode 66: Raising Kids With Purpose. A Conversation with Adriane Thompson. 1:02:22

5M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Adriane Thompson, founder of Raising Kids With Purpose, shares her transformative journey from controlling parenting to creating an environment that meets children's developmental needs through intentional family culture. • Shifting from viewing parenting as controlling children to understanding and meeting their developmental needs • Creating stro…

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David St. John Reads Larry Levis 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

David St. John joins Kevin Young to read “Picking Grapes in an Abandoned Vineyard,” by Larry Levis, and his own poem “The Shore.” St. John is the author of many poetry collections and the recipient of honors including the Rome Fellowship and an Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the O. B. Hardison Prize from the Folg…

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Did we just become cold plunge people? 11:10

5M ago11:10

11:10

Ever wondered what freezing water might teach you about yourself? In this episode, you’ll hear a candid, slightly hilarious, and surprisingly relatable conversation about cold plunges, mental clarity, and the strange ways your body and mind respond to discomfort. Whether you're a skeptic or a seasoned ice bather, this one might just have you recons…

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Always On: Parenting in the Age of Screens 10:00

5M ago10:00

10:00

You know that feeling when you're trying to set healthy tech boundaries for your kids—but you're also sneaking glances at your own phone every five minutes? You're not alone. In this episode, you’ll hear a candid conversation about the daily push and pull of parenting in a screen-filled world, and maybe walk away with a little relief (and a few ide…

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Episode 65: Know and Tell, The Power of Narration. A Conversation with Karen Glass. 54:45

6M ago54:45

54:45

Karen Glass discusses the power of narration in education, sharing her journey from homeschooling mom to Charlotte Mason education expert and author of "Know and Tell: The Art of Narration." • Narration is simply telling back what you've learned, a natural human activity we use to build relationships • Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy cente…

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Simple Habits, Big Impact: Rediscovering the Basics of Mental Health 8:57

6M ago8:57

8:57

You know those basic things that everyone says help your mood—like getting outside, eating decent meals, or going to bed on time? You probably know they matter, but actually doing them is another story. In this episode, you'll hear a relatable conversation about why the simplest habits are often the hardest to stick to, how easy it is to lose sight…

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Beyond the Box: Creative Easter Egg Ideas 11:48

6M ago11:48

11:48

Whether you're a one-color dipper or an elaborate egg artist, you'll find inspiration in this heartwarming conversation. Discover unconventional methods you've never tried before, learn about natural alternatives to traditional dyes, and hear touching stories about how Easter egg traditions connect generations. Get ready to elevate your egg-decorat…

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Edward Hirsch Reads Gerald Stern 31:05

6M ago31:05

31:05

Edward Hirsch joins Kevin Young to read, “96 Vandam,” by Gerald Stern, and his own poem “Man on a Fire Escape.” Hirsch's honors include a MacArthur Fellowship, a National Book Critics Circle Award, the Pablo Neruda International Presidential Medal of Honor, and a National Jewish Book Award. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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From Church to Chocolate: How We Celebrate Easter 10:38

6M ago10:38

10:38

Have you ever wondered how different families celebrate Easter? In this episode, you’ll hear hilarious and heartfelt stories about Easter traditions, from the magic of the Easter Bunny to sunrise service and cherished family moments. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, this conversation will have you reminiscing about your own traditions and …

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Episode 64: Trauma-Informed Education. A Conversation with Alex Shevrin Venet. 1:05:09

6M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Alex Shevrin Venet shares how educators can build unconditional positive regard that helps children feel valued regardless of behavior, improving their ability to regulate emotions and engage in learning. • Trauma affects behavior by triggering stress responses that appear as choices but aren't really choices • Co-regulation (calm adults helping dy…

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Episode 63: Keeping Kids Safe Online. A Conversation with Brock Murphy. 52:02

7M ago52:02

52:02

Brock Murphy, co-founder of Parent ProTech, shares critical insights about helping families navigate the challenging digital landscape that's targeting our children. He draws on his unique background spanning government work and SpaceX to offer practical strategies for protecting kids while building healthy relationships with technology. In this ep…

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MOMCON: What We Know So Far 14:19

7M ago14:19

14:19

Get ready for an inside look at this year’s biggest event for moms! In this episode, you’ll hear everything you need to know about MOMCON 2025 — why you should go, how to make the most of your experience, and what surprises might be in store. Whether you're attending solo or with friends, this is your chance to connect, learn, and have an unforgett…

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Jericho Brown Reads Elizabeth Alexander 36:29

7M ago36:29

36:29

Jericho Brown joins Kevin Young to read, “When,” by Elizabeth Alexander, and his own poem, “Colosseum.” Jericho Brown, who received the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in poetry for his collection “The Tradition.” He’s a 2024 MacArthur Fellow and a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices…

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Decluttering the Chaos: Tackling Overwhelming Spaces 12:06

7M ago12:06

12:06

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your home but don’t know where to start? In this episode, you’ll hear a candid conversation about the challenges of letting go, the emotional ties to our belongings, and the small mindset shifts that can make a big difference. Whether it’s a child’s overstuffed bedroom, sentimental keepsakes, or the ne…

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Episode 62: Building Thinking Classrooms. A Conversation with Peter Liljedahl. 1:04:25

7M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Engaging students in meaningful thinking and learning is essential for effective education. We explore the principles of creating a thinking classroom with Dr. Peter Liljeddahl, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, purposeful tasks, and a supportive learning environment. What we'll cover... - Discussion of non-thinking behaviors observed in…

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Planning a Memorable Birthday Party 9:27

7M ago9:27

9:27

Planning a birthday party can be both exciting and overwhelming—but what makes a celebration truly memorable? In this episode, you’ll explore the joys and challenges of creating meaningful experiences, from last-minute theme changes to creative party ideas. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, you'll be reminded that the little details often l…

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Episode 61: Coaching Kids Through Anger. A Conversation with Samantha Snowden. 1:05:45

8M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Ever feel lost when a child erupts in frustration? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into understanding childhood anger, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to guide kids toward healthy emotional regulation. Our guest, Samantha Snowden, an expert in emotional intelligence and child development, shares powerful tools for parents, …

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Feelers vs. Non-Feelers: The Truth About Emotions 8:56

8M ago8:56

8:56

Have you ever told yourself you're just not a feeler? In this episode, you’ll join a candid conversation about what it really means to experience emotions—whether you embrace them or avoid them at all costs. From unexpected realizations to hilarious (and awkward) moments, this discussion just might challenge the way you think about feelings. Send u…

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One Thing at a Time: Finding Calm in Chaos 15:04

8M ago15:04

15:04

In this episode, you'll discover practical strategies for managing overstimulation as a parent. Two moms share candid insights about finding calm amid the chaos of family life, offering personal techniques like creating quiet moments, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental well-being. We explore how to reduce sensory overload through simple sh…

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Deposits & Withdrawals: The Currency of Relationships 14:31

8M ago14:31

14:31

In this candid conversation, you'll hear a powerful ATM analogy that perfectly captures the give-and-take of marriage. Explore why the popular "you complete me" narrative might be doing more harm than good, and discover what mathematics can teach us about healthy relationships. The conversation weaves through personal experiences, cultural expectat…

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Kevin Young and Deborah Garrison Discuss “A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker” 35:48

8M ago35:48

35:48

This year, The New Yorker turns one hundred years old, and, to celebrate the occasion, we’re publishing an anthology: “A Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, 1925-2025.” Deborah Garrison, a poet and an editor at Knopf, who worked closely with The New Yorker on this exciting project, joins Kevin Young to discuss the anthology. Learn about your ad ch…

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Episode 60: You Can Homeschool Your Way. A Conversation with Elan Page. 55:22

8M ago55:22

55:22

Discover how homeschooling can revolutionize your child’s education and fit seamlessly into your family’s lifestyle. This episode features Elan Page, the founder of Homeschool Our Way, who shares her inspiring journey from a lifelong learner to a trailblazer empowering families, especially families of color, to embrace homeschooling with confidence…

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Making Magic in the Toilet: How One Mom Revolutionized Potty Training 18:49

8M ago18:49

18:49

Are you dreading potty training your little one? Join us for a conversation with mompreneur Angie Nawrocki, who turned her own potty training struggles into a creative solution that's helping parents everywhere. You'll discover how this creative director and mom of two transformed a challenging parenting milestone into a magical experience that kid…