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.

In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, Emily is joined by returning guest and statewide Extension Educator Linda Reddish to explore how early childhood professionals can navigate conflict in the workplace with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Linda breaks down the four common types of conflict: task, process, interpersonal, and status. Then, she shares practical insights on why conflict arises, how our personal experiences shape our responses, and what it takes to approach difficult conversations effectively. Together, they discuss the importance of self-reflection, building strong professional relationships, and communicating with both accountability and kindness. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies for engaging in healthier conversations that strengthen teamwork and promote positive work environments.

Resources

Managing Conflict in Everyday Life: https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1696/2007/html/view

Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott

Nebraska Mediation Centers

https://nebraskajudicial.gov/programs-services/mediation-restorative-justice/mediation-centers

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/

In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, host Emily Manning is joined by Dr. Jessica Mitchell-McCullough, Senior Director of Education at Nebraska Public Media, to explore how parents and educators can thoughtfully select and use media with young children. Jessica shares insights on media literacy, the developmental benefits of co-viewing, and how trusted, research-based programs like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood can support children’s social-emotional growth. Together, they discuss practical ways to approach “spooky season” media, helping children distinguish between what’s real and pretend while building comfort and connection.

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/

In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we examine the concept of “good enough” parenting and what is needed to support healthy child development. Shannon Carr joins us to discuss strategies for fostering independence, creativity, and exploration in young children without succumbing to unrealistic expectations or over-scheduling.

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/

In this episode, we sit down with Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Bryan, Dave Miers, to explore how adults can support children who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. From navigating difficult conversations to managing the impact of school shootings in the news, Dave offers practical guidance for helping kids feel safe, understood, and resilient. This episode provides thoughtful strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers facing challenging conversations with children about trauma.

References and Resources:

SAMHSA-https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs

American Psychological Association-https://www.apa.org/

Bryan Mental Health Screenings- https://www.bryanhealth.com/services/counseling-mental-health/mental-health-online-screenings/

988 Suicide Prevention Hotline

Nebraska Family Helpline- (888) 866-8660

Read for Resilience- https://child.unl.edu/read4resilience/

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/school-shootings-database/

https://www.cnn.com/us/school-shootings-fast-facts-dg

https://doi.org/10.1177/000992282311807

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/

In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we explore an innovative solution to one of early childhood education's most persistent challenges: finding qualified substitutes when educators and providers need time away from work. Host Emily Manning speaks with Jonathan Jank, President and CEO of the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnernship, and Tracy Gordon, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children, about their collaboration to create a statewide substitute network tailored for Nebraska’s early childhood programs.

In this episode, we sit down with a 4-H Educator, Ann Dobesh, to explore why valuing the process—rather than just the final product—is so important for youth and young children. We talk about how meaningful time spent with an adult can spark curiosity, build confidence, and support the development of lifelong learners. Our conversation highlights how both success and mistakes offer powerful learning opportunities, and how allowing space for mistakes can help young people discover their interests, passions, and potential.

Discover how every educator can confidently bring music into their classroom, regardless of musical background. With guests, Jentry Barrett (Nebraska Extension) and Mollie von Kampen (Ruth Staples Child Development Lab), this episode offers practical tips and heartfelt encouragement, reminding us that with a little practice and a lot of heart, your voice is more than enough to inspire young learners through song.

Resources

Jentry’s research- https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/famconfacpub/322/

Kindermusick- https://www.kindermusik.com/

In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we delve into the exciting world of STEAM education in early childhood, featuring insightful interviews with experts in the field.

Join us as we sit down with Sarah Paulos, a former Nebraska Extension Early Childhood Educator turned lower elementary science teacher. Sarah shares her dissertation findings about incorporating local rural knowledge into science, misconceptions about teaching science to young children, and highlights her favorite STEAM resources for educators.

Next, we chat with Jackie Steffen, an Early Childhood Educator, about the 2025 STEAM Imagination Guides. Jackie walks us through the contents of these innovative guides, discusses her favorite children's book from this year, and invites listeners to an upcoming training session aimed at exploring the guides in-depth.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into integrating STEAM concepts into early childhood education, discover new resources, and hear firsthand experiences from passionate educators dedicated to nurturing young minds.

Resources:

2025 STEAM Imagination Guides- https://child.unl.edu/Nebraska-STEAM/

June 30th 1 pm STEAM Guides Overview and Training for Educators and Parents- https://go.unl.edu/june30afternoon

Project Learning Tree- https://www.plt.org/

Project Wild- https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild

Nebraska Game & Parks Education resources- https://outdoornebraska.gov/learn/educator-resources/education-programs/

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/

This episode delves into the essentials of selecting quality childcare. Emily Manning is joined by Nebraska Extension colleagues Lisa Poppe and Katie Krause, as they explore what constitutes quality care, its importance in early childhood, and the challenges parents face in finding suitable options. The discussion includes insights into the Nebraska Step Up to Quality rating system and various resources from the UNL Extension designed to assist parents in making informed decisions about childcare. Both professional expertise and personal anecdotes highlight the key considerations for ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive care.

Resources:

Selecting Quality Care- https://child.unl.edu/quality-child-care/

Checklist- https://child.unl.edu/ianr/extension/early-childhood-development/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.early-childhood-development/files/media/file/childcare-checklists.pdf

Step Up to Quality: https://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/

Buffett Early Childhood Institute: https://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/about-us/early-childhood-in-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/