We're back just in time for Family Literacy Month this November! In this episode, we're diving into an important discussion relevant to parents everywhere - how kids really learn to read. Join Jessi and Erin with a special guest, Chad Aldeman, creator of Read Not Guess. This free, online resource is helping families and schools shift toward Structured Literacy, which is focused on letter sounds and builds difficulty as a child progresses with the goal of creating fundamental building blocks for comprehension and critical thinking.  

In this episode learn all about: 

Episode #22, November 2025 

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode 22

Ever feel lost when teens say something is "mid" or "giving main character energy"? Join Jessi and Erin as their special guest, Emily Moyers, a Teen Librarian at PML and self professed language lover breaks down the wild world of modern slang – from how it spreads faster than ever on social media to why some terms stick while others get left on read.

What's inside:

✨ The psychology behind why teens create new language

Whether you're a confused parent or just fascinated by how language evolves, this episode will leave you absolutely shook by the creativity of modern communication.

No cap – this one hits different! 💯

Episode Timestamps:

0:01 – Introduction

Episode #21, May 2025

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #21

Erin and Jessi are joined by Jasmine Lucas from the Association for Mental Health and Wellness who shares practical strategies for creating mentally healthy family environments. Listen and discover how to recognize warning signs in children, engage reluctant teenagers, and have age-appropriate mental health conversations. Jasmine offers guidance on balancing personal wellbeing with children's needs, handling crises, and navigating the impacts of technology on family dynamics.

Episode Timestamps:

Remember: building mentally healthy families isn't about perfection—it's about progress and presence.

Episode #20, April 2025

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #20

🎧 Join librarians Jessi and Erin as they tackle the challenges of the "sandwich generation" - those caring for both young children and aging parents with Alzheimer's or dementia. With special guest Regina Anderson from the Families & Children Association’s (FCA’s) Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiver Support Program, this episode offers practical wisdom and emotional support for caregivers navigating this complex journey. 💜

Learn about:

Whether you're currently caregiving or want to prepare for the future, this episode provides compassionate guidance and reminds us we're not alone in this journey. Regina shares invaluable insights on maintaining boundaries, practicing self-care without guilt, and fostering positive relationships even as roles evolve. 🌟

Episode #19, February 2025

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #19

Join librarians Jessi and Erin as they sit down with Nick Tanzi, a straight-talking tech expert, author, and Assistant Director of the South Huntington Public Library, who admits he has a "love-hate relationship" with AI. From ChatGPT doing homework to AI chatbots giving questionable advice, Nick reveals what's happening in our kids' digital world.

Discover why Nick calls AI a "non-consensual relationship" that's invaded our lives, and learn how to turn this uninvited guest into a helpful tool for your family. 

Whether you're AI-savvy or AI-scared, this episode cuts through the tech jargon to give you practical guidance on:

Episode #18, January 2025

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #18

Time Stamps:  

0:00 – Introduction 

2:07 – What is A.I./overview  

4:39 – Current concerns  

9:05 – How should this technology be used in education 

10:20 – Entry points for parents to engage with AI  

12:30 – Bias and popularity vs correctness  

15:20 – How to know where the data is coming from 

16:38 – How can libraries support AI literacy education  

18:20 – How can parents approach this topic with their child? 

25:36 – What to do with A.I.  

28:15 – A.I. and the complications of language 

29:35 - CLEAR Framework for Generative AI by Leo Lo 

32:24 – Picking the right tool for the right job  

35:25 – The future 

In this episode, Jessi and Erin welcome Rhonda Nedderman and Natalia Johnson from local community organization, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) to discuss bullying. Learn about current bullying statistics, the shift to cyberbullying, and practical strategies for parents. YES experts share insights on empowering children, monitoring social media use, and the importance of being an "upstander." Whether your child is experiencing bullying or IS the bully, this episode offers valuable resources and actionable tips for families.

Episode #17, November 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #17

Time Stamps:  

0:01 – Introduction

In this enlightening episode, professional organizers and authors Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert are back to share their unique approach to organization with Jessi and Erin. As co-owners of Organize Me! of NY, LLC and authors of Beyond Tidy: Declutter Your Mind and Discover the Magic of Organized Living, Annmarie and Marie are experts on blending personalized organizational strategies with positive psychology. Tune in for a crash course in organization that will transform how you think about your space and belongings:

• 🎯 Explore the eight organizing principles: goal setting, visioning, sorting, deciding, home placement, associations, space management, and task completion

Whether you're a busy parent, a professional looking to boost productivity, or simply seeking to declutter your life, this episode offers practical insights and motivational strategies to help you move beyond tidy and create lasting organizational change. 

@organizemeNY

@beyondtidybook

Episode #16, October 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Resource Guide Episode #16

Time Stamps:  

00:00 - Introduction, outlook on organization and writing the book 

08:30 - The eight principles identified 

10:26 – How to set a manageable goal 

14:48 – Establishing clear zones and having a vision for the space  

17:55 – Difficulty with finishing the task 

20:42 – Types of clutter and prime real estate  

30:00 – Success stories 

35:00 – Developing organization as a skill 

It's time to turn that back-to-school chaos into calm with our latest episode featuring organizational experts, Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert, the brilliant minds behind Beyond Tidy and Organize Me! of NY, LLC. Discover how a tidy space can skyrocket mental health and academic performance. It's not just about clean rooms – it's about creating an environment where young minds truly flourish.

Join hosts Jessi and Erin (fellow librarians and busy moms) as they unpack a treasure trove of organizing gems:

So grab your label maker (or just your enthusiasm) and join us for an episode that'll have you excited to sort those socks and file those forms. Let's make this school year the most organized yet! 🎒✨

Episode #15, September 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #15 Resource Guide 

Beat the heat with our BONUS summer episode designed to soothe your soul and save your sanity! Join hosts Jessi and Erin as they dive into the world of mindfulness and meditation with special guest Michele Cayea.

In this enlightening episode, she'll unravel the mysteries of:

Plus, make sure to stick around for a treat at the end – Michele will guide you through a blissful 5-minute meditation. It's like a mini-vacation for your mind!

Episode #14, August 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #14 Resource Guide.

On this episode, listen as Jessi and Erin talk with Jason Mosquera, the Community Mental Health Promotion & Support Team Leader at local organization YES (which stands for Youth Enrichment Services) about Teen mental health. Join them as they discuss the signs of mental health struggles in teens, the impact of social media, and steps for supporting teen (and parental!) mental health.

Episode #13, May 2024

For more resources on this topic, check out our topic guide: Adventures in Parenting Episode #13 Resource Guide.