The Brighter Futures Podcast by Rodman for Kids

What does it take for a young person to begin imagining a future they may not have known was possible? In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we're joined by Letta Neely, Executive Director of Rodman for Kids' Charity Partner Apprentice Learning, to explore how real-world experiences, career exploration, and meaningful relationships with trusted adults help young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and see new possibilities for their futures.

Strong organizations are built by strong people. In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, Andrea Tchesnovsky, Development Associate at Rodman for Kids Charity Partner OneBead, joins us to share her experience building a career in the nonprofit sector and how meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and trust have helped her grow from a college intern into a confident nonprofit professional. We also explore why investing in rising professionals builds stronger teams, expands organizational capacity, and ultimately helps nonprofits deepen their impact for the young people they serve.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, Julie Little, Guidance Coordinator at Attleboro High School, joins us to explore how thoughtful preparation, meaningful experiences, and reflection can turn a trip to the theatre into something that stays with students long after the final bow.

Through Rodman for Kids’ CUE Model, Julie shares how educators help students feel prepared and welcomed, use live theatre to broaden horizons and inspire curiosity, and carry those experiences back into the classroom and beyond. From seeing Hamilton at the Citizens Opera House for the first time to discovering their own confidence as leaders, Julie’s stories demonstrate why Theatre for Kids is about more than a ticket - it’s about removing barriers, creating opportunities, and helping young people see what’s possible for their futures.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Penny Austen, co-founder and Executive Director of ThinkGive, to explore what kids really need to thrive as they head back to school. Beyond academics, social-emotional learning helps young people understand themselves, build meaningful relationships, navigate challenges, and develop confidence.

Penny shares how ThinkGive turns empathy, gratitude, and kindness into action, why connection with peers and trusted adults is so important, and how educators and caregivers can create spaces where kids feel seen and supported. Together, we explore why these skills provide a foundation young people will carry with them far beyond the classroom.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Katelyn Szafir, Vice President of Operations at South Shore YMCA's Hale Family YMCA, to explore what empowerment truly means and why it's about so much more than simply providing resources. From helping young people build confidence to creating opportunities for nonprofit leaders to grow, Katelyn shares how intentional support can transform individuals, strengthen organizations, and create lasting impact throughout entire communities.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we take listeners behind the curtain of Rodman for Kids' Theatre for Kids program with Theatre for Kids Coordinator, Chase Kerman. Together, we explore everything that goes into creating a Theatre for Kids experience - from the earliest planning conversations to the final bow - and the intentional decisions that help every child feel welcomed, included, and inspired.

Co-hosted by Bill Stiles, Director of Programs at Rodman for Kids, this conversation explores how accessibility, strong partnerships, and intentional design create experiences that help every child feel welcomed, included, and inspired. Together, they discuss why access to the arts is about expanding opportunities, helping young people discover what resonates with them, and ensuring every child has the chance to see new possibilities for themselves long after the final curtain falls.

Halfway through the year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, co-hosts Amy Rossman and Jane Lima explore what happens when goals evolve, unexpected challenges arise, and success doesn't look exactly the way we imagined it would.

Through an honest conversation about leadership, organizational growth, and personal development, they discuss why flexibility isn't a sign of failure, but one of the greatest drivers of progress. From adjusting expectations and embracing feedback to celebrating growth beyond the checklist, this episode offers practical insights for anyone navigating change in their work or personal life.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Rodman for Kids' Director of Programs, Bill Stiles, to explore the CUE Model - Connect, Uplift, Empower - and how it transforms a theatre trip into a meaningful learning experience.

From preparing students before they ever step into a theater to ensuring performances are accessible for all learners and creating opportunities for reflection afterward, Bill shares how intentional program design helps young people build lasting connections to the arts and deepen the impact of every Theatre for Kids experience.

Together, we explore how connection, accessibility, and opportunity can help young people discover new passions, build their own relationship with the performing arts, and broaden their horizons long after the curtain closes.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Steve Maler and Bryn Boice from Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to explore the powerful role the arts play in youth development. From building confidence and empathy to helping young people feel seen, heard, and connected, this conversation dives into why access to live theatre is so much more than entertainment, but an essential part of helping kids discover who they are and what’s possible for their future.

Co-hosted by Bill Stiles, Director of Programs at Rodman for Kids, this episode also highlights our partnership with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company to provide more than 6,000 students with access to Stage2 performances of Romeo & Juliet this spring. Together, we discuss how shared storytelling creates belonging, why accessibility in the arts matters, and the lifelong impact a first theatre experience can have on a young person.

To learn more about Steve Maler & Bryn Boice, visit Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.

In this episode of The Brighter Futures Podcast, we sit down with Mikey McCarthy to talk about his journey with Rodman for Kids. From attending Wicked through our Theatre for Kids program as a high school student to now serving as Events Chair of the Young Professionals Board, Mikey has come full circle and is now helping create those same opportunities for the next generation.

This episode is a powerful reminder that when kids are given opportunities early, those experiences can shape the way they show up for others years later.