Teach Your Kids

In this episode, we delve into the journey behind the creation of the leading digital reading platform, Epic!, with its co-founders Kevin Donahue and Suren Markosian. With a library boasting over 40,000 high-quality books from 250+ top publishers, Epic is a go-to resource for fostering curiosity and reading confidence in kids aged 12 and under. The founders explore topics ranging from the development of Epic! and the incorporation of adaptive learning technology to the role of gamification and the challenges of fundraising in the education sector. They share insights on empowering teachers to use Epic! effectively, the inspiration behind the "Read to Me" feature, and the reasons for focusing on younger age groups. The conversation also touches on the potentially addictive nature of learning apps, the unique challenges faced by EdTech companies in fundraising, and the future aspirations of Epic!. Join us as we explore the intersection of education, technology, and storytelling, uncovering the passion and innovation that drive Epic!'s mission to expand educational opportunities globally.

​​Kevin Donahue has made significant contributions to the realm of children's learning through his involvement with Epic!, the acclaimed digital library for kids. Kevin's pivotal roles at Google, as a product manager, and at Quora, as a co-founder, demonstrate his deep commitment to knowledge sharing and intellectual curiosity. At Epic!, Kevin has been instrumental in crafting an engaging, interactive platform that not only fosters a love for reading but also makes learning an adventure for young minds.

Suren Markosian, with a background steeped in both tech innovation and a passion for fostering literacy, has been instrumental in creating a platform that makes reading and learning an interactive, digital adventure for children. Prior to Epic!, Suren's journey in the tech world included founding several startups, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating meaningful digital experiences. His work is not just about technology; it's about opening doors to new worlds for young learners, blending education with the magic of storytelling.

In this episode, we are joined by Meredith Olson, the CEO of VELA Education Fund, an organization that has invested in numerous entrepreneurs shaping alternative education initiatives. Meredith shares the inspiring story of how VELA Education Fund came to be, its unique approach to funding out-of-system education, and the concept of permissionless education. With a wealth of experience in corporate philanthropy and community programs, Meredith discusses empowering parents to confidently make the best educational decisions for their children. The conversation delves into VELA's work beyond funding, exploring research in out-of-system education and highlighting patterns observed in the space. Meredith provides valuable advice for families starting alternative education and reflects on the diverse projects VELA has supported. The episode covers VELA's hands-off approach, the outcome of winning grants, and future initiatives. Meredith also discusses VELA's fundraising efforts and offers insights for educators and parents looking to innovate in the education space. The episode concludes with a glimpse into Meredith's vision for VELA Education Fund in the next decade and her thoughts on the future of education. If you're passionate about transformative education, this conversation with Meredith Olson is a must-listen.

Meredith Olson's diverse career encompasses significant roles in both the corporate and educational sectors. Starting as a project engineer at Shell Oil, she transitioned into educational philanthropy, notably with the Koch Family Foundation and the Koch Companies Community Fund. Her leadership extends to Yes. Every Kid, focused on transforming education policy, and the VELA Education Fund, where she advocates for out-of-system education initiatives. This blend of engineering and philanthropy underlines her unique approach to fostering innovative learning environments.

In this episode, Manisha fields questions from the Teach Your Kids community based on the most recent community survey. She covers topics ranging from scheduling and time management, confidence and how to measure progress, community and making friends, curriculum and resources (including decolonizing history), finding activities, staying motivated, special needs, screens, and a few questions from some non-homeschoolers. This episode provides nuanced insights for seasoned homeschoolers looking for new inspiration and fine-tuning, families just getting started, and others starting to consider the path. To get your questions answered in our next Q&A episode, be sure to fill out the community survey or reach out to Manisha.

In this episode of "Teach Your Kids," we delve into the transformative world of meditation with Samantha Snowden, a seasoned meditation teacher and content developer at Headspace. Samantha shares insights into how meditation supports learning, the development of Headspace's kid-friendly meditation programs, and practical tips for any parent to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. Samantha addresses the misconception that some people have about meditation and mindfulness, defining it and highlighting its multi-faceted benefits for children. The episode also explores ways parents can find time for meditation and tailoring practices for children with special needs, including autism and ADHD. Samantha addresses specific examples of working with children of a variety of ages and intricate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, anger, and video game addiction. Tune in for a holistic exploration of meditation's profound effects on both children and parents, gaining valuable insights from Samantha's wealth of experience and expertise.

Samantha Snowden, with a bachelor's degree in psychology from UCLA and a master's degree in clinical and educational psychology from Columbia University, is a mindfulness coach and facilitator. She has dedicated over a decade to creating meditation and mental health content for Headspace and has worked with children, adolescents, families, and individuals globally. Her contributions extend to various youth empowerment programs, including UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) and the Canadian Association of International Programs.

Jon Birger is best known for his books on the demographics, statistics, game theory, and number-crunching of modern dating, but in this episode, we dig into the subplot in his books on romance: the widening academic achievement gap between men and women. The conversation delves into possible causes of this widening gap and what parents can do to address it, with a specific focus on navigating developmental differences and academic readiness. Birger shares personal experiences and insights from his journey as a father of three boys (one a teacher), offering valuable perspectives on parenting and education.

Jon Birger is an award-winning journalist and author specializing in socio-economic dynamics. A Brown University graduate, Jon has been a senior writer for Fortune and Money and contributed to notable publications such as Bloomberg BusinessWeek and The Washington Post. Known for his book "Date-onomics: How Dating Became a Lopsided Numbers Game," he has been a prominent speaker at esteemed forums like The Cato Institute and South By Southwest and is often seen on media outlets like BBC World Service and CNN.

Manisha Snoyer converses with Dr. Leonard Sax about his perspective on the unique challenges and nuances of educating boys. Through his extensive research and experience, Dr. Sax discusses the developmental differences between boys and girls, highlighting the alarming trend of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men in the current educational landscape. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences for effective teaching and parenting and how social media impacts children's learning and behavior. The conversation also explores the role of parental authority in decision-making around schooling and health and the role of age-appropriate educational approaches. Additionally, the episode touches on homeschooling, considering its feasibility and potential benefits in catering to boys' specific educational needs. This comprehensive discussion with Dr. Sax offers valuable insights into gender-specific developmental needs in education and parenting, providing listeners with thoughtful strategies for nurturing their children's growth and learning.

Dr. Leonard Sax is a renowned family physician and psychologist, acclaimed for his expertise in child and adolescent development. He is the author of several influential books, including "Why Gender Matters" and "The Collapse of Parenting," which delve into the complexities of parenting, education, and gender differences in children's development. His work is pivotal in shaping modern perspectives on raising and educating children.

In this captivating episode, we are honored to host Dr. Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow, and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, whose life's work revolves around advancing access to high-quality, culturally relevant education for girls and all children worldwide. With a wealth of experience working with organizations like the International Rescue Committee and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Winthrop sheds light on the transformative impact of girls' education on global development, highlighting the substantial impact of educating girls and addressing numerous world crises, including climate change. From crisis response insights to community-powered initiatives and the intersection of homeschooling and educational access, the episode explores the diverse facets of modern education. Dr. Winthrop, a prolific author and co-author of influential works such as "Leapfrogging Inequality," navigates the complexities of 21st-century skills and quality education, emphasizing the need for systemic change, innovation, and adaptability in the face of a rapidly changing world. The discussion extends to the role of technology in expanding educational access, with a focus on offline tablets and adaptive learning programs. The episode concludes with actionable insights for families and entrepreneurs who care about giving every child access to a high-quality, relevant education, including effective initiatives and technologies to enhance educational access, making it a must-listen for those passionate about transforming education globally.

Dr. Rebecca Winthrop is a renowned expert in universal education and the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. With a distinguished career dedicated to expanding access to quality education, especially for girls worldwide, Dr. Winthrop's work focuses on educational innovation and building sustainable futures. Her expertise and advocacy have made significant contributions to educational policy and practice on an international scale.

In this episode, we delve into the crucial realm of climate education. Addressing the concerns of parents who worry their children may not be adequately learning about pressing topics like climate change in traditional schools, our guest, Dr. Elizabeth Bagley, Ph.D., Managing Director of Project Drawdown, guides us through effective ways to educate both children and parents on climate change and its solutions. Project Drawdown, known for its evidence-based and strategic approach to combating climate change, has a mission to halt global warming swiftly, safely, and equitably. Dr. Bagley, with her dual Ph.D.s in environment and resources and educational psychology, shares insights on Drawdown Learn and its impact on K–12 schools, the role of education in climate solutions, and how innovative tools like video games can encourage systems thinking about complex environmental issues. From addressing the concerns of a 10-year-old to navigating the politicization of climate change in schools, the episode explores various resources and approaches for families to effectively teach and learn about climate change, empowering children to take meaningful action.

Dr. Elizabeth Bagley, a distinguished environmental educator and scientist, holds joint PhDs in Environmental Science, Environment and Resources, and Educational Psychology. Her expertise spans creating sustainability courses, developing educational video games, and designing professional development for teachers. At Project Drawdown, Dr. Bagley leads initiatives on climate solutions and educational outreach, combining her extensive knowledge in environmental science with innovative teaching methodologies to inspire and empower learners.

Manisha Snoyer engages in a compelling conversation with Alycia Wright, founder of the Cultural Roots Homeschool Co-op, about her transition from being a public school teacher to a homeschooling parent. Alycia shares the challenges she faced in finding an educational space that resonated with her family's African cultural heritage, leading to the creation of a co-op that centers on the cultural, historical, and traditional backgrounds of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. The episode highlights the co-op's unique curriculum, community-building efforts, and the incorporation of technology in homeschooling, while also touching on the challenges of homeschooling and the co-op’s role in community activism, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This conversation offers valuable insights into homeschooling as a lifestyle change, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity, community support, and educational accessibility.

Alycia Wright, M.Ed., is the visionary founder of Cultural Roots Homeschool Cooperative, a non-profit founded in 2016 in Richmond, VA. Driven by the absence of educational spaces celebrating African culture, Alycia, a former educator and homeschool parent, established Cultural Roots to provide an enriched learning environment for children of color. The organization emphasizes cultural and historical awareness, nurturing self-love, and community empowerment.

In this conversation with Dan Jasper, Manisha explores concrete, non-time-consuming ways that parents and kids can learn about climate solutions and take strategic action to save the planet. They also explore the pivotal role of expanding educational access to reach sustainability. As a seasoned expert in climate solutions, Jasper gives an overview of both personal and political actions that make a real difference and that any busy parent can fit in, whether they have five minutes a month or want to devote their life to saving the planet. While climate change can feel overwhelming and paralyzing, taking strategic action can help both parents and kids alleviate the anxiety they may feel around this complex problem. This conversation will give you hope and empower you with new tools to make an impact in your local and global community.

Dan Jasper, the policy advisor for Project Drawdown's Drawdown Lift program, specializes in climate change and poverty alleviation solutions, focusing on South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. With over a decade of public policy experience, he advocates for climate financing in low- and middle-income countries. Previously, at the American Friends Service Committee, he emphasized peace and humanitarian cooperation in Asia. Dan, who holds a master's degree in public policy from Duke University, is also the founder of StreetCivics.com​