Conversation Balloons

Wealth manager and financial expert Walter Clarke helps us raise financially-literate kids with his insights on talking with youngsters about money--even when it's tricky.  Do we give kids an allowance?  A custodial brokerage account?  The real story on why Dad's in debt?  A doll called Sam the Spender?  You can't afford not to hear this episode!Additional resources: Instagram @WalterjclarkeFamilycfo.netBy Walter Clarke:401Kid: A Guide to Teaching You and Your Children How to Master MoneyLessons from the Magic Penny seriesBy Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter: Rich Dad, Poor Dad

A pregnant woman has lots of choices today about how she will handle labor and delivery.  An experienced nurse and wildly popular influencer, Jen Hamilton, runs down all kinds of options--the trends in what mothers want, from "marinade-y water" to placenta smoothies, and expert recommendations about aromatherapy, saline locks, and "cascade of interventions."  We two can't resist some candid anecdotes about our own birth experiences, with Jen sharing that she "went into it very naive." Additional resources: Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth by Jen Hamilton, available May 5, 2026

Best-selling author Tim Elmore gives gobs of tips, stories, and insights on Gen Z, not just as employees, but as family members and students. Who should listen? Business owners, college administrators, parents--and maybe even Gen Z. Clock us.Additional resources: Book by Tim Elmore: The Future Begins with Z: Nine Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the Workplace

Jackie Vernon Thompson, expert on courtesy, shares very personally how releasing forgiveness toward her absent father launched her into her career in etiquette training--truly from the inside out. Leah asks pesky questions about manners--like at fundraisers, on airplanes, and when meeting new people.Additional resources:From the Inside Out School of Etiquette https://fromtheinsideoutsoe.com/www.jointhepolishedsociety.com https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/local-woman-aims-to-restore-the-art-of-etiquette-one-student-at-a-time/2968090/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rudest-things-host-overnight-guests_l_6422537ce4b04efaae785b97

Like a birth doula, a death doula accompanies a person in a milestone physical transition by lending practical, emotional and even spiritual support to a dying person and their family. Laurel Nicholson is a "death and resurrection" doula. She shares with us stories and wisdom from companioning people from life into eternal life.Additional resources:Laurelnicholson.com International Fellowship Cafe (via Laurel's website)Surprised by Hope--N.T. Wright"Holy Saturday"--Malcolm Guite-- from his book, Waiting on the Word: a Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

Students and screens don't mix, says Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, and he has the receipts. Why old school (handwriting, textbooks, and phone-free classrooms) is better school. Ed tech is Big Business, but children's cognitive ability, privacy, health, and academic mastery are being sacrificed for profit. How does he make this all so fun to listen to though?Additional resources:The Digital Delusion by Jared Cooney Horvath Learning Made Easy--LMEGlobal.net

Dr. Kerry Byrne suggests ways to maintain a long-distance relationship with tween and teenage grandchildren. Her research also shows us why this is so important. Check out her previous episode with us, about younger grandkids, and her website, which offers practical, encouraging tools for intergenerational connections.Additional Resources: TheLongDistanceGrandparent.comInstagram @thelongdistancegrandparent"A Little Goes a Long Way"--Episode 101, Conversation Balloons Podcast, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeUQYdP7Yho and https://open.spotify.com/episode/3pYFDX3Ysj8HIqLbhXQEX7

Award-winning journalist Vicki Larson shares her practical and compassionate insights on "living apart together"--with Leah focusing on older couples who are finding new romantic interests but needing to consider some very real limitations. They even discuss how the New Testament might apply.Additional resources--Books by Vicki Larson:LATitude: How You Can Make a Live Apart Together Relationship WorkNot Too Old for That: How Women Are Changing the Story of Aging

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, lively neurosciencesplainer and educator, uses brain science to reveal why classroom technology is inhibiting our kids' attention, memory, and creativity. School teachers, students and their families should hear this!Additional resources:LME Global--Learning Made Easy -- lmeglobal.netThe Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning--And How To Help Them Thrive Again, by Jared Cooney Horvath, PhD.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper, researcher, physician, and founder of the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, had to overcome widespread resistance to his belief that aerobic exercise improves rather than threatens health. Now a best-selling author, he sits down with Leah to describe how he personally came to grasp the importance of exercise, how his faith helped him to persevere, and how his "Cooperizing" process can help us grow healthier even as we age.Additional resources:Cooperaerobics.comGrow Healthier as You Grow Older by Kenneth Cooper, MD, MPH

Author, filmmaker, and former US National Women's Gymnastics champion Jennifer Sey was forced to leave her job as Brand President at Levi's over her outspoken advocacy for kids. She's only bolder now, protesting boys in girls' sports and spaces. Jen founded XX-XY Athletics, sportswear that amplifies her POV.Additional resources: xx-xyathletics.comLevi's Unbuttoned: The Woke Mob Took My Job But Gave Me My Voice by Jennifer SeyConversation Balloons Episode 86: Treatment for Trans Kids with Miriam Grossman

You may have seen Kerry draw faces on bananas and oranges to make FaceTime chats fun for kids! But Kerry Byrne, PhD, is no lightweight. She speaks with compassion and clarity on connecting with children 10 and under--while miles away from them. This first interview of two with her will help aunts, uncles, and others who want to remotely strengthen their family ties with a child.Additional resources:thelongdistancegrandparent.comInstagram: @thelongdistancegrandparent

Celebrating 100 episodes on Conversation Balloons! Tune in for a fun episode with some great moments of the show and some questions answered by Leah! Thanks for tuning in to Conversation Balloons over the years and wait to see who we interview next!

National gymnastics champ Jen Sey reveals the abuse and anguish she underwent to become a top-tier gymnast, and what parents of athletes--and other driven kids--can do to make sure their kids stay healthy. Additional resources:Chalked Up: My Life in Elite Gymnastics by Jennifer Seyhttps://www.xx-xyathletics.com

Researcher Kevin Waldman has discovered that college students are much more conservative than we thought. Is progressive peer pressure to blame? Does silence impair identity formation? Listen for some surprises!Additional resources:Forest Romm and Kevin Waldman, https://thehill.com/opinion/education/5446702-performative-virtue-signaling-has-become-a-threat-to-higher-ed/https://psychform.com/

National TV anchor Leland Vittert's new memoir, Born Lucky, reveals how his father responded to Leland's diagnosis of autism, cheering him on despite rejection and bullying at school and the sacrifices that parents have to make for a child "on the spectrum." The book, currently #4 on the NYT bestseller list, will inspire any parent.Additional resources:Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, a Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism

The recent NBA sports betting bust highlights only one of the online gambling problems corrupting young men, who are becoming addicted to gambling via sports betting in record numbers. Expert Jonathan Cohen lays out why online betting is not your father's gaming experience and how it is ruining lives with breathtaking speed. Even children are at risk with this new frictionless technology for losing money. We offer tips on protecting young people from this alluring danger.Additional resources:Losing Big: America's Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling by Jonathan Cohen

Nolan Jones brings us up to date in his eventful life overcoming the demons of his past. We've never had such a story of transformation on this show!

Nolan Jones describes a rough childhood where virtually every adult in the family dealt drugs, and abuse was a way of life. Homeless as a teen, Nolan managed to graduate from high school, but not from drugs and criminality. Some glimmers of hope you'll hear in this episode burst into full light in the next, so tune in twice!

**THIS IS A REPRISE OF EPISODE #6 ON 5.18.22**Professor of Jewish Studies Ilana Horwitz's recent book God, Grades, and Graduation looks at whether students do better in school when they believe in God and belong to a community of faith.  Leah explores with this sociologist such factors as parental influence, compliance with school rules, and socioeconomic inequality.  "Leah's Quadrant" is revealed, both women discuss atheist kids, and Dr. Horwitz tells us how religious kids fare in college admissions and qualities like empathy, happiness and self-restraint.Additional resources:God, Grades, and Graduation, by Ilana M. Horwitz, Oxford University Press, 2022

Veteran homeschooler of five kids and media entrepreneur Felice Gerwitz discusses how homeschooling has changed over the decades, and how to avoid burnout. Podcast swap!: Felice interviewed Leah in this episode of Vintage Homeschool Moms podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmIiG7BAwhcAdditional resources:Mediaangels.com (founded by Felice Gerwitz)--a publishing company featuring curriculum, science resources, podcasts, and inspirational booksUltimate Christian Podcast Network--including Felice's own-https://ultimatechristianpodcastnetwork.com/

Herb Bernstein, acomposer, producer, and arranger for hits in many genres, reflects on his memories of stars such as Laura Nyro, Johnny Carson, Julie Budd, and John Denver, all on his 94th birthday.  His humility, optimism, and humor give us a wonderful perspective on growing older.  We thank him and artist Julie Budd for sharing their song, "Looking Back," found on her CD at https://www.discogs.com/master/3770922-Julie-Budd-Julie-Budd Additional resources: Look for Herb's upcoming book, Born at Ninety, coming soon!Actors Fund, 155 W Hudson Ave., Englewood, NJ, 07631

**THIS IS A REPRISE OF EPISODE #56 ON 5.22.24**Former Army Ranger and West Point psychology professor Dave Grossman describes the mayhem violent video games are inflicting upon teens.  We discuss mass murder, sleeplessness, and sheepdogs. Granted, it's not an episode for the faint of heart (most kids should not listen), but we end on a surprisingly sweet note.Additional resources:Books by Dave Grossman--Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of KillingOn Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society"On Combat(For youngsters)--Sheepdogs: Meet our Nation's Warriors

What to do when Communists take over your country? If you're Kim Parker's dad, you build a boat, learn to navigate, and get the family out of there. After that harrowing escape, Kim grew up in the U.S., only to confront social changes that called her to be a leader in her profession, and her faith.YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzIenh7QbNUAdditional resources:Association of Christians in Health and Human Services, achhs.org

Sunday, September 7, is National Grandparents' Day! Grandparents by the hundreds of thousands are raising their grandchildren, with the parents out of the picture due to addiction, incarceration, or other traumatizing events. How are we supporting older folks and kin who step up to this challenge? An expert on "grandfamilies" and kinship families, Jamarl Clark, with Generations United in Washington, D.C., compassionately discusses the all-too-large landscape. Leah pipes up with micro-ideas.Additional resources:Generations United -- gu.org

Treatment for transgender kids is a topic as fluid as the gender identity of Gen Z. Adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Miriam Grossman describes the rarely-publicized risks of sex identity changes--medical and psychological--and ways that parents should respond to their trans kids. Warning: some graphic, but professional, discussion of this sensitive topic.News update: Since our interview, the U.S. v. Skrmetti case referenced in our show was decided. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld, by a vote of 6 to 3, a state ban on certain pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for transgender minors. The Tennessee law in question was Prohibition on Medical Procedures Performed on Minors Related to Sexual Identity, Senate Bill 1 (SB1).Additional Resources: MiriamGrossmanmd.comDonoharm.orgTradition or Transition? Episode 39, Conversation Balloons Podcast, https://open.spotify.com/episode/0WIX9f5i5wdAbanECrQ5D6Books by Dr. Miriam Grossman:Lost in Trans Nation: A Child Psychiatrists' Guide Out of the MadnessYou're Teaching My Child What? A Physician Exposes the Lies of Sex Education and How They Harm Your Children

Jean Burk, founder of College Prep Genius, dishes on the tactics about scoring high on standardized tests like the SAT, gap years, teacher recommendations, and whether to guess on multiple choice. Did you know there are no full-ride scholarships for soccer? And that some kids are starting to prepare for college admissions in 6th grade? Before you break out in a cold sweat, listen to this whole episode and share today with a high schooler in your life. Additional resources: [email protected] episodes:#65--"When the Empty Nest Hurts"#58--"How to Get the Most out of College"#37--"Classical Learning for a Change"

Economist Dr. Clara Piano talks about declining birth rates, failed pronatalist policies, "luxury beliefs," and how families benefit cities in ways that singletons don't. Leah tells "a lovely story," since she doesn't know much about economics.Additional resources:--"The fertility gap and economic freedom," CE Piano and LR Stone, Contemporary Economic Policy--"Autocratic family policy," CE Piano, Constitutional Political Economy--Essays in the Economics of Religion and Family, CE Jace (Piano)Related Conversation Balloons episodes:Episode 50: Religious Reproduction with Dr. Eric KaufmannEpisode 55: Taboo with Dr. Eric KaufmannThe Children of Men--a novel by PD JamesThe Two-Parent Privilege--Melissa KearneyHans Rosling, Religions and Babies, TED Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/hans_rosling_religions_and_babies?referrer=playlist-the_best_hans_rosling_talks_yo&autoplay=true

Timothy Eaton, PhD Education, University of Alberta, inspires and instructs homeschooling parents on how to start their own homeschooling journey. He talks about the 6 roles of a homeschool father, and about how grandparents and other relatives can enrich the students' lives.Additional resources:hello@thisgoldenhour.orgThisgoldenhour.orgClassicalconversations.comHSLDA.orghttps://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschooling-101/quickstart-guide-to-homeschooling/https://ultimateradioshow.com/Leah swapped chairs with Dr. Eaton and was on his show, This Golden Hour!  It's Episode 100 on This Golden Hour.  On Spotify it's at https://open.spotify.com/episode/602rQRtgv7b5np4EMxObE9?si=uOVAuVlxSPWNAy89Beu3ew There we talked about part-time homeschooling, how she decided to homeschool, and Leah's work as a lawyer on behalf of home educators.  

Military expert Col. Dave Grossman discusses not only African and Middle Eastern child soldiers but also the experience of youthful draftees in Viet Nam. Along the way, we cover Ukraine's fighters, PTSD, video games, female child soldiers, sleep deprivation, chaplains, and how Grossman supports his own deployed grandson. Alert: some troubling content. 2d alert: we're not saying that the U.S. draft system in 1974 is comparable to the kidnapping and conscription of 13-year-olds in Kenyan militias. Hear us out. Translations of the two clips that are not in English are written below or can be viewed on YouTube.Additional resources: Books by Dave Grossman: --On Killing--On Combat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BynUzqNiMk4"Helping One Child Soldier at a Time" World Vision, World Vision Canada, 2012https://www.aljazeera.com/program/inside-story/2018/2/12/what-is-behind-the-rising-number-of-child-soldiers/"What is behind the rising number of child soldiers?" Inside Story, Aljazeera,2018https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxjLDSJxfgg "Iraq: Yezidi Child Soldiers Who Survived ISIS Tell Their Stories" Amnesty International, Fat Rat Films, 2022https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-the-grand-theft-of-our-kids-w-dave-grossman/id1620044176?i=1000656382367Conversation Balloons Podcast, Episode 56: "The Grand Theft of Our Kids" with Col. Dave GrossmanTranslation of clip 1:“So this particular day, we were all dressing up to go to the market. Then we realized the rebels wereall over our compound. They caught up with me and brought me home. My mother had just delivered a baby. They told her they wanted one million shillings or else they would kill me. So they brought 2 big bundles of sticks and they began beating me. They beat me until I was unconscious. They said that I would become a good soldier now that they had taken the civilian spirit away from me.”Translation of second clip not in English:“For 4 years, we did whatever they told us to do just to keep them satisfied. And to try to make them trust us so they would not kill us and we could escape from captivity. But in our hearts, nothings was changing. They would teach us that the people we loved were Kafir (infidels). And that we should fight them. Outwardly we were acting like them. Inside, though, we were still holding on to our religion. But they knew that we hadn’t converted to their religion, so they put us in prison. They told us, ‘You are still Yezidis.’” And they hit us with sticks. It was difficult. I begged them, ‘Show mercy. I am young; I cannot handle this beating.’ But they continued to beat me.’…--When you were released from captivity and got back home,why did you get the tattoo of your mother on your arm?I love my mother a lot and I want her image to be with me always. ISIS took her away from me and separated us.--You were so young, you were 13 or 14 years old. I want her to always be with me. That’s why I got this tattoo.”

A caregiver and media wizard shares why and how her brand of entertainment for dementia patients benefits them and their loved ones. We discuss "simulated presence," "Sesame Street for adults," and how TV can encourage those with mental health issues to take their medication or drink more water. Allyson Schrier, Co-Founder and President of ZinniaTV, is our mindful and inspirational guest. Don't miss her wrenching personal story on our previous Episode 47Additional resources:--Zinniatv.com--Episode 47: Married to Madness?  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TKc9t02tiEF13VkRThOFe

Pediatric sleep specialist Katie Bishop reveals her techniques to ensure that a baby snoozes all night long. From swaddling to sound machines, from co-sleeping to car naps--she's got well-founded and time-tested practical advice for infant care that parents, grandparents, and nannies can use right now!Additional resources:www.theearlyweeks.comInstagram: @the_early_weeks

Erica Komisar tells her pressured New York City patients that their children have a universal, brain-based, irreducible need: their parents, mainly, mom. How to balance this need with career and personal fulfillment? We have to talk! Turns out that being there for babies benefits the parents tooAdditional resources: Komisar, Erica. Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters. 2017www.komisar.comattachmentcircles.orgInstagram and X: @ ericakomisar

It's Global Intergenerational Week!  So we connect with national expert on shared-site programs bringing seniors and kids together, Dr. Shannon Jarrott, as she describes how the generations can thrive together when retirement centers and daycare, or elder activity sites and schools, can mingle.  Physical and emotional benefits accrue to both age cohorts.  You'll learn what cyber seniors and memory cafe's are, so tune in!  And listen to our future episode about Zinnia TV with Allyson Schrier!Additional resources:Generations United -- gu.orgShared site programs -- sharingourspace.orgONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center-- onegeneration.orgSt. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care  --stanncenter.orgGrace Skilled Nursing and Therapy -- gracejenks.comJenks Public Schools --jenksps.orgInverness -- covlivinginverness.orgHolland Hall School -- hollandhall.org

Black scholar and educator and American Enterprise Institute senior fellow Ian V. Rowe on why and how his Vertex schools are shaping low-income young people with moral foundations and optimism.  Children in the Bronx are learning the four cardinal virtues and the personal agency which lead them into "the success sequence" that lifts kids out of poverty.Additional Resources: Book: Agency: The four point plan (F.R.E.E.) for all children to overcome the victimhood narrative and discover their pathway to power 

A certified personal trainer, nurse, and fitness guru brightens the picture of menopause with practical tips and her inspirational outlook. This stage of women's health, often overlooked, prompts a lively chat about perimenopause and "the change."Additional Resources: Website:  Reneecarls.comInstagram: @reneecarlsYouTube: Renee Carls

Ukrainian-born Dimitry Toukhcher has created fashion for men in over 25 countries, designing for Hollywood movies and celebrities like Jordan Peterson, Piers Morgan, and Ozzy Osbourne.  He spoke to us from his throne beneath the portrait of another client, Alice Cooper, about how he rose from Soviet austerity to the flamboyant success of his clothing brand, LGFG.  We also talk about his new book collab. What were his parents like, and how is he raising his four kids?  You'll enjoy finding out!Additional resources:Dress Like a Boss by Michael Franzese and LGFG Fashion HouseLGFGfashionhouse.comInstagram: @lgfg_fashion_house

Noted psychologist Dr. Josh Coleman outlines the alarming trend of adults breaking off contact with their parents for their own mental health.  He has counseled thousands of the parties to this intimate kind of conflict, leading a large percentage to reconciliation.  Leah offers practical suggestions for preventing this anguish and drama with specific parenting techniques.  They talk about the impact on grandparents and the loss for grandchildren caught in the family feud.Additional resources:Dr. Coleman's book--Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflicthttps://www.drjoshuacoleman.com/

Caylee Carullo, experienced teacher and author of The Calm Classroom course (success is 100% guaranteed!), loads us with doable strategies for getting kids to nap, share, and stop the aggravating behaviors.  Her insights on giving kids a sense of purpose are spot on!We loved this guest so much that even though there were some sound glitches, we've gotta put this out there!Additional Resources:Instagram: @prekteachertips triedandtrueteacher.com/the-calm-classroom-course -- if you take this fabulous course, enter the promo code Leah for 15% off!Triedandtrueteacher.com

A useful graphic to visualize personalities: 4 colors represent 4 temperaments.  Karen Stubbs uses Kathleen Edelman's theory of the basic wiring of our personalities to demonstrate how parents can understand their children--and improve their behavior.  Leah explores common childrearing scenarios with Karen, and she kicks off this episode with a tiny tutorial on the color of your kid.  Karen Stubbs is founder of Birds on a Wire Moms, a nonprofit that encourages moms with advice and humor, offering resources such as: Colors quiz:  https://birdsonawiremoms.com/colors-quiz Curriculum and study guides: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/studies  Podcast: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/wiretalk Additional resources:  Kathleen Edelman's website:  https://www.kindwordsarecool.com/ Kathleen Edelman's book on temperaments:  A Grown-Up's Guide toKids' Wiring Florence Littauer:  Personality Plus Birds on a Wire Moms app

A child and family therapist coaches us on connecting with our teens.  Amie Anger's practical tips on kids' emotional, physical, and spiritual development in the home are to take notes on! Find Amie on Instagram @therealparent

 Personal trainer and fitness coach Renee Carls talks exercise and other healthy habits for older adults.  Encouragement abounds!  Additional resources: ReneeCarls.com Instagram @Renee Carls  Conversation Balloons Episode w/ Dr. Gozal about Sleep

Conversation Balloons podcast has hit new levels! Hear some good news in this tiny episode with big feelings in it.

Child play expert Lizzie Assa, founder of Workspace for Children, suggests how parents, grandparents, and teachers can guide kids into independent, creative play with the right toys, play areas, and words.  This episode is packed with concrete tips, just in time for Christmas! Additional resources:  Workspaceforchildren.com (Lizzie's website is chock full of resources and thoughtful articles:) 

Bestselling author Rod Dreher starts our holiday season by describing the wonders and miracles that led him and others out of depression, chronic illness, and unbelief.  How to recapture the enchantment ofchildhood?  It could involve aliens, the Jesus Prayer, or going on a bus tour of Paris.... Additional resources: Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age by Rod Dreher Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger

The band Hanson went from child stars in the 90's to dads of teens themselves today as they still record and perform around the world.  Isaac Hanson candidly talks about growing up famous and instilling virtue in his kids.  Isaac's warmth and humility made him one of our favorite guests! Additional Resources: Hanson.net The hit that started it all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE 

This interview with Dr. Steven Stosny was so packed with insights that Leah was taking notes as he spoke.  Abusive anger, violence, compassion, resentment, narcissism, and fear are examined in fresh and practical ways. You may want to listen twice; you'll definitely want to share this episode with those wanting help with marriage, parenting, or intimate relationships.Additional resources: Compassionpower.orgLove without HurtSoar AboveEmpowered LoveHow to Improve Your Marriage without Talking about ItConversation Balloons Episode 60:  "Say Less" with Dr. Stosny  https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HTwjwzSbCWIqg1fKZDvLt?si=WfjErb6RSGeZBJEoaQykvQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJxOpzD_I-U

Parents, especially moms, may hurt longer and deeper than they expected when they waved goodby to their college student kids.  Jodi Silverman guides empty nesters out of sadness or worries over their young adult children launching into college or moving out of the home.   Additional Resources: Jodisilverman.com Moms Who Dare Facebook community Beyond Empty Nest podcast

Marilyn Raichle compares notes with Leah on the benefits to kids of acting lessons and theater projects.  Marilyn has been one of America's most successful children's theater producers, while never being an actor and not having children of her own.  Find out how she created "an explosion of good will, an explosion of happiness" for kids onstage.

Youth advocate Emma Lembke returns to the show, digging into how and why big tech creates addicts of kids who use social media.  Technology, she says, dumbs down Gen Z while it consumes their mental health and privacy.  Co-founder of the Log Off Movement, Emma discusses how legislation and lawsuits could protect children from the predatory tactics of Big Tech. Additional resources: Episode 59, "Media Mirage" on Conversation Balloons  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0jw8ky4z4YGSk6EZcS8NEO Log Off Movement, logoffmovement.org Design It for Us, designitforus.org Tech(nically) Politics, technicallypolitics.org Socialmediasafety.org Scrolling2death.com