Walk down memory lane with us as we revisit this heartwarming episode featuring two Nebraska fathers: Troy Branch and Calvin DeVries. Their conversation focuses on parenting experiences and their perception of modern fatherhood. Troy and Calvin emphasize the importance of being present for their children and communicating effectively with them. They also speak about the real-life challenges of fatherhood like balancing work, family time, and kids' activities; and navigating age-appropriate technology use.

Research referenced in this episode: https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/changing-father https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/06/15/key-facts-about-dads-in-the-us/ https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/01/24/parenting-in-america-today/

The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  https://go.unl.edu/gliel_season-1-survey

We revisit one of our most popular episodes in which Dr. Ciera Kirkpatrick shares her research on The Idealization of Motherhood in the Media. Dr. Kirkpatrick dives into social media and the negative outcomes it has on the well-being of mothers. Her study reveals that mothers can experience increased levels of envy and anxiety when viewing social media posts that idealize motherhood. Dr. Kirkpatrick also shares her experience as a first-time mother and how difficult the role of motherhood can be.

Notes: https://www.babycenter.com/mobile-apps

The Mommy Myth: The Idealization of Motherhood and How It Has Undermined All Women by Susan J. Douglas & Meredith W. Michaels (2005) Free Press.

References: Kirkpatrick, C. & Lee, S. (2022). Comparisons to picture-picture motherhood: How Instagram’s idealized portrayals of motherhood affect new mothers’ well-being. Computers in Human Behavior,137, 107417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2022.107417 https://journalism.unl.edu/kirkpatrick-ciera

The following music was used for this media project:

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Co-parenting comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. In one of our most popular episodes on the podcast, we take on real questions from parents and listeners about the most common struggles they face when co-parenting. To provide expert insights, we’re joined by two distinguished guests from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Dr. Cody Hollist, associate professor of Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a background in marriage and family therapy, and Dr. Holly Hatton, associate professor of Child, Youth, and Family Studies, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience in co-parenting. Together, they share practical advice on adapting to life after divorce, communicating effectively with a co-parent, and ensuring that your children remain at the heart of co-parenting.

Resources: Nebraska Extension Co-Parenting for Successful Kids https://child.unl.edu/coparenting/

The following music was used for this media project:     Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende     Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review     License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

What if science, math, and creativity didn’t feel intimidating—but instead looked like play, storytelling, and everyday moments? In this episode, host Emily Manning is joined by other members of the Nebraska Extension Early Childhood team to explore the 2026 STEAM Imagination Guides—free resources designed to make STEAM learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for young children.

Together, they share how these guides turn simple children’s books into hands-on learning experiences—from digging into dinosaur discoveries to experimenting with melting ice cream and building with everyday materials. Along the way, they break down common misconceptions about STEAM and show how even the youngest learners are capable of big thinking.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll walk away with practical ideas and fresh inspiration to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the children in your life.

STEAM Guides: https://child.unl.edu/Nebraska-STEAM/

The following music was used for this media project:     Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende     Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review     License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

For many children, a pet isn’t just an animal, it’s a first friend, a quiet comfort, and a daily lesson in care and connection. In this episode, host Emily Manning sits down with veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Ritzmann of Madison County Veterinary Clinic to explore the powerful role companion animals can play in children’s lives. Together, they unpack the human–animal bond and how caring for pets can help children grow in empathy, emotional regulation, and responsibility. Dr. Ritzmann also shares practical guidance for families, from choosing the right pet for your household to safely introducing a new animal and helping children become confident, compassionate caregivers.

And don’t miss the end of the episode, where Dr. Ritzmann shares some fun and surprising animal trivia you won’t want to miss!

The following music was used for this media project:

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review

License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Host Emily Manning welcomes Elizabeth Everett, Vice President of Early Futures Partnership and leader of First Five Nebraska’s policy work, for a conversation about how early childhood policy is shaped in Nebraska. Everett explains Nebraska’s unicameral legislative process and highlights major priorities affecting children, birth to age eight, especially childcare affordability, capacity, and workforce retention. First Five Nebraska: https://www.earlyfutures.org/first-five-nebraska

The following music was used for this media project:

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review

License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Starting a childcare business takes vision, commitment, and the right community of support. In this episode, Emily is joined by Dena Beck from 6 Regions One Nebraska, Central Region, to spotlight the Childcare Champions initiative and how it is strengthening child care across Central Nebraska. Together, they explore how Childcare Champions walk alongside current and prospective providers, offering mentorship, connection, and practical resources to help new programs grow and thrive.

The following music was used for this media project: 

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende 

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review 

License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Starting a childcare business begins with a passion for children — and often a lot of questions about licensing. Emily is joined by Gina Ewing from the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) to explore what it really takes to become a licensed childcare provider in Nebraska. Together, they discuss the benefits of licensure for providers and families, walk through key steps in the licensing process, and highlight common challenges and surprises along the way. Listeners will hear how NECC’s Licensing Toolkit offers mentoring, guidance, and practical tools to support providers from preparation through their first year of operation, helping turn big dreams into sustainable, high-quality childcare programs.

Resource: https://nebraskaearly.org/toolkit-program/

The following music was used for this media project:

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review

License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

When holidays arrive in early childhood settings, they bring more than decorations and traditions; they bring stories, identities, and learning opportunities. Emily explores thoughtful approaches to navigating holidays with the director of Ruth Staples Child Development Lab, Jennifer Leeper Miller. Together, they discuss ways to support children’s development while honoring the diverse traditions, cultures, and knowledge families bring to the classroom. Listeners will hear practical ideas for engaging families as partners, creating developmentally appropriate experiences for children, and approaching the holiday season with intention, respect, and care.

The following music was used for this media project:

Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende

Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review

License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

"Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Gratitude is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships, boosting well-being, and creating healthier workplaces. Emily Manning and guest Dr. Holly Hatton dive into what gratitude looks like in action, especially when it’s woven into a program at the system level rather than left to chance. Together, they discuss how gratitude can strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and create more positive, connected environments for educators, children, and families. Listeners will walk away with tangible ideas for nurturing a more supportive, joyful, and resilient workplace grounded in gratitude.