When health challenges from Pediatric Acute-onset Neurological Syndrome (PANS) caused Annika to miss most of her 7th-grade year, she wondered if the barrier of accessibility within the school setting would be too great to overcome. She began to use her voice. In the beginning, no one seemed to be listening, but after countless shut doors, she decided to take her advocacy to the school board. The school board not only listened but gave her a once-a-month position to advocate for other students seeking accessibility and accommodations. 

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In this episode, sixth grader MJ opens up about her deep concern for food waste, which she calls “the cycle of death.” We discuss how to put a “kabash” to this cycle by infusing it with the life of innovation.

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When Georgia lost her Nana to breast cancer, she was determined to learn more about how to protect women and make them feel better. Inspiration sparked while serving on a Generation Alive Action Team. Her idea ... period packs for students who are homeless. She donated them to local shelters and has dreams of starting her own non-profit organization to provide essential services to women in need. This is The Kid Next Door.

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After witnessing the heartbreaking scene of teenagers sleeping under the freeway at 7, Elli’s sympathy moved to action by brainstorming how she could use her privilege to help this vulnerable population. When COVID hit, her imagination took flight in tangible form by making and selling masks to raise money for Family Promise (a homeless shelter in the local area). In this episode, Elli (aka the future Madam President) has plans for the climate, homelessness, and the desire for others to experience less pain.

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5th grader Cole’s life is changed by supporting a friend at the Pride Parade. Proximity is at the heart of this change, and his passion for inclusion is heartwarming and hopeful. In this week's episode, we talk about Guardians of the Galaxy, penny drives for the homeless, and the fear of putting yourself out there.

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It's important to pause, reflect, and remember simple truths. On this podcast, we hope to model a "Rhythm is Life, and Life is Rhythm" form of storytelling. After every month of The Kid Next Door Podcast, we will pause to soak in the wisdom of a month of incredible stories from compassionate youth. Enjoy this mash-up from the first four episodes of The Kid Next Door, and if you like what you hear, check out the full versions on all major streaming platforms.

As a first-grader, Keegan heard about the earthquake in Haiti and rushed into action to start a food and clothing drive. As a Sophomore in high school, she continues to live a life of compassion. She opens up about grief, closure, insecurity, Robert Pattinson, and ways to cultivate a compassionate life. “In order to be a better person, you have to SEE what’s around you.” This is The Kid Next Door!

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In this episode of TKND, ninth-grader, Teigan raises $800 for an essentials drive at his school. Teigen's eyes are awakened to a serious need in his community when the items are dispersed in less than a day. 

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In this episode of TKND, Zoe uses her experience as an adoptee from China to create a subscription service. Her company, Red Thread Unraveled, helps strengthen adoptive families’ relationships and adoptees’ cultural ties to their birth country.

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When Andrew feels the force of loneliness and depression in the world, he moves to help others. In this episode, we talk Minecraft, Loneliness, and *NSYNC’s star member “Jeff” Timberlake. Prepare yourself to laugh, cry, and be inspired by Andrew, The Kid Next Door.

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