How The Week Junior Built a Trusted Brand for Kids with Andrea Barbalich

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showWhat does it take to build something parents trust—and kids actually love?In this episode, I’m joined by Andrea Barbalich, Editorial Director of The Week Junior, a weekly news magazine designed to help kids ages 8–14 understand what’s happening in the world in a way that’s thoughtful, engaging, and age-appropriate.Andrea shares the behind-the-scenes story of launching The Week Junior in the U.S. in March 2020—right as the world shut down—and what it took to build a brand from the ground up in the middle of uncertainty (and plenty of skepticism about print). From hand-selecting her team to establishing the editorial voice and rhythm of a weekly 32-page publication, she walks through the real decisions that shaped the magazine from day one.We also talk about the responsibility of covering complex, often difficult news topics for children, and how her team approaches that work with care—focusing on clarity, balance, and trust. That trust, built with both kids and parents, has been a key part of the magazine’s growth and impact.This conversation goes beyond publishing. It’s about intentionality, leadership, and what it looks like to build something that truly makes a difference—something that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and stays with people long after they experience it.Connect + Learn More: Subscribe to The Week Junior: theweekjunior.com/subscribe  Follow along @TheWeekJuniorUS on Instagram and LinkedIn