PODCAST · education
MCEC Podcast
by Military Child Education Coalition
Conversations about the challenges Military-Connected Children face as they navigate multiple education systems from birth through high school.
Episodes
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Brave Enough to Ask
If you're listening to this and wondering whether what's happening at home is "bad enough" to talk about, this episode is for you. If you're a friend, a teacher, or a neighbor who has noticed something and doesn't know what to say, it's for you too. Dr. Ingrid Herrera-Yee joins us for a...
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Study Buddies on the Move
If your kitchen table has ever turned into a homework war zone at 9 p.m., this episode is for you. We're talking about Tutor.com, the resource that lets military-connected kids get one-on-one help for free, so you can finally retire from pretending you remember how to factor polynomials.…
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Simple Acts of Listening Save Lives
Join us and sit down with the Objective Zero Foundation, a nonprofit built on a simple idea: veteran and military suicide can be prevented through connection and listening. Objective Zero operates a free, anonymous mobile app that connects service members, veterans, and their families to peer...
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I Am Not Alone - Caregiving Youth
"It is a community to be seen and to be heard." Military-connected children make up a community of friends, advocates, caregivers, and leaders, and today we sit down with Seylah Stephens to hear what that looks like in her own life. Her honest, encouraging words are a reminder that no one has to…
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The Other Kind of Service - Caregiving Youth
Before school. After school. In the middle of the night when something goes wrong. Liz, Kasen, and Audrey have all learned to carry weight most of their peers never have to think about. They show up and care for a family member who needs them, again and again, in ways that rarely get noticed and...
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Protecting Kids' Mental Health, Joyfully
Every child faces some level of stress, and for many, that includes Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, which can increase the risk of mental health struggles down the road. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall, Associate Clinical Director at The Kids Mental Health...
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Community and Commitment, Minute for Minute
Here, at Brooklyn Youth Sports Club, values are built in young people each moment as they enter into a study-to-play contract, minute for minute. Commitment, integrity, service, and dedication are just a few of the life-skills that BKYSC teaches alongside basketball, business, and trust. The...
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Protecting the Promise - Military Families and the Special Education Experience
Imagine moving every year (or more)! Finding a new dentist, a new doctor, a new playground, the best spot for coffee, a haircut, a new school, a new friend! Now, visualize having all of these tasks and a child with special needs who needs supportive services right away. We sat down with the legal...
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Stranger No More - Orion Military Scholars
Picture this: the cool kids, the right clothes, the music that impresses, covering that acne, wiping those sweaty palms, and most importantly, getting the kids to include you, even though you’ve moved three times in these four years of high school. High school can be rough, especially if you’re...
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Stars, Stripes, and Sesame Street
As a staple of our childhoods and a safe space for our children, we all know and love Sesame Street. Perhaps we were unaware of the resources available specific to military families. Join us and long-time expert and representative of Sesame Street, Rocio Galarza, as we explore the exciting…
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Stability in Motion
Stability in Motion Description: Listen as Mary Bier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), discusses what military-connected children need most to thrive amid constant change. Drawing on both professional leadership and lived experience as a...
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The Value of Togetherness
Baileigh Levée is a military spouse, mom, and personal blogger. She discusses how her military family has navigated holiday celebrations and traditions over the years, while living all over the world. She shares tips and resources for creating new holiday traditions and making it fun for the…
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BigFuture: College and Career Readiness
BigFuture’s mission is to ensure every student has free resources to plan for life after high school. Listen as Greg Rafal, Director of BigFuture Program Implementation at College Board, shares how they are focused on supporting all students plan for their future. He also discusses the importance...
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Purple Star Schools: The Gold Standard
The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school. Listen as Pete LuPiba, “Founder of Purple Star Schools” discusses how the Purple Star Program is…
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Special Education Advocacy for Military Families
Partners in PROMISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to Protect the Rights of Military children in Special Education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to an education. Listen as Dr. Jenna Kremkow and Carla Wyrsch discuss how the PROMISE advocates for...
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How Policy Can Impact Military Families
Dr. Daniel Perkins and Dr. Jennifer Karre discuss the importance of policy in supporting military-connected students and families. Listen as they examine the implementation of four policy initiatives: Advance Enrollment (AE), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), the...
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The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are foundational to a child’s healthy development and well-being. Listen as Dr. Elizabeth Hisle-Gorman and Dr. Binny Chokshi discuss promoting PCEs and how the Healthy Outcomes From Positive Experiences (HOPE) model supports strengthening families. This…
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Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
Dr. Emily Goodman-Scott discusses Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and the importance of the school counselors’ role in meeting the needs of all students. She highlights the benefits of universal mental health screenings in educational settings and how buy-in and support is critical to...
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Mental Health Education In Schools
“Are the kids okay?” Mental health in children and teens has been at the forefront of topics for concern, especially since the pandemic. Ross Szabo discusses the importance of mental health education in schools, and how we can normalize talking about it in our everyday conversations. This podcast...
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High Quality Connections
Dr. Kimberly Dickman discusses the impact of loneliness and why it is an epidemic across the United States. She also shares the importance of having meaningful connections and how those connections influence our overall well-being. This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Vance...
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Building Connections for Growth
"Connections are at the heart of growth". Listen as Dr. Brent Wolf, school principal and lifelong educator discusses the importance of meaningful connections in building relationships. Connecting with students, parents, and educators creates a true foundation for growth. This podcast is made...
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#GotMySix
Human Performance Resources by CHAMP (HPRC) is a team of scientists and specialists who utilize research to develop evidence-based resources to help service members and their families to achieve total fitness. Listen as Dr. Lauren Messina discusses the #GotMySix campaign and its focus on social...
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The Hidden Child
Listen as Dominic Cirincione, a Military Family Advocate, discusses the unique challenges faced by military students of Reserve Component families. These “Hidden Children” many times go unnoticed because of their non-traditional military lifestyle. Dominic shares the importance of identifying…
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AI in Education
Artificial intelligence is quickly transforming the educational landscape. AI offers immersive learning experiences, opportunities for enhanced engagement, and increased accessibility for students in the classroom. Listen as Dr. Ann H. Lê discusses how AI is changing education and how school...
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Talking with Children about Trauma
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s mission is to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. Listen as Dr. Gregory Leskin, Rio May del Rosario, and Irene Ohsaka discuss trauma events,...
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Understanding ADHD in Kids
Listen as Dr. Eric Flake, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, discusses Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and how it affects children and teens. He shares some common misconceptions about ADHD and how parents can best support a child with this diagnosis. This podcast is made...
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Homeschooling as a Military Family
Homeschooling offers an opportunity to tailor a child’s education to their individual needs and interests. For many military families it also provides a learning experience that is flexible and stable. Listen as Natalie Mack discusses the importance of supporting social-emotional growth at home,...
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S2S: Students Supporting Students
Student 2 Student (S2S) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and ease transitions. Listen as Briana discusses...
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Military Kids as Caregivers
There are approximately 2.3 million children and youth under the age of 18 living with a wounded, injured, or ill service member and/or veteran. Caregiving youth show strength, courage and love for their families. Listen as Audrey tells her story of being a military child and her experience as a...
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Creating Connections Through Music
In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with one of last year’s Call for the Arts Spotlight Winners: Kyler. Listen as he discusses how creating and producing music has given him the opportunity to express his feelings of growing up a highly-mobile child. Congratulations once again to all the...
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Spotlight on Military Child of the Year Recipients
We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year® recipients from the National Guard, Space Force, Navy, and Army families. Join us as Emily, Natalia, Mason, and Maribel share...
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A Military Child's Story: S2S Impact Beyond the Move
Student 2 Student (S2S) is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment for all, support educational opportunities, build connections through service, and ease transitions. Listen as Kiani shares her...
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Spotlight on Military Child of the Year Recipients
In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the Operation Homefront 2025 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force families. Join us as Isabella, Ian, and Sophia share their…
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Purple Star: A Commitment to Military Families
The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the challenges military-connected children face during their school transitions. Listen to Mr. Hovet Dixon, Jr., and Mr. Jason Fowler discuss how schools, districts, and community organizations are working to support military...
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Artistic Expressions of the Military Experience
In this podcast, you’ll hear my conversation with three of last year’s Call for the Arts Middle School Winners: Claire, Amaris, and Annabelle. Listen as they discuss their beautiful works of art as an expression of their military experiences. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA…
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Future Ready: College and Career Readiness
Listen as Dr. Brooke Rice, Vice President of Curriculum and Work-Based Learning at NAF, discusses the changing landscape of college and career readiness for high school students. She shares NAF's innovative approach to transform the high school experience through, "Exposure to career options and...
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Expressing Emotions Through Art
The MCEC Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child. Listen as one of our 2024 Call for the Arts high school winners, Genevieve,...
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How Policy Can Impact Military Families
Dr. Daniel Perkins and Dr. Jennifer Karre discuss the importance of policy in supporting military-connected students and families. Listen as they examine the implementation of four policy initiatives: Advance Enrollment (AE), the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3), the...
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The Art of Being a Military Child
MCEC’s 2024 Call for the Arts received hundreds of entries from across the globe and every branch of service, with creative expressions of strength, bravery, pride, and community. In this podcast, hear my conversation with three of last year’s Elementary School Winners: Aurora, Jack, and Lucia....
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Moving During the School Year
Military children will experience on average 6-9 school transitions during their K-12 education, and some of these transitions may happen during the school year. Listen as Dr. Jenny Cogbill discusses moving in the middle of the school year and the impact it has on students. She shares valuable…
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DoDEA: Excellence in Education
DoDEA’s mission is to "Educate, Engage, and Empower military-connected students to succeed in a dynamic world". Listen as Kathleen Facon discusses DoDEA’s grant programs and how they are being implemented in communities to support military-connected students. This podcast is made possible by...
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Purple Star Schools: The Gold Standard
The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school. Listen as Pete LuPiba, “Founder of Purple Star Schools,” discusses how the Purple Star Program is helping...
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The Well-Being of Military Families: Examining the Research
Listen as Dr. Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth discusses the importance of conducting research of military and veteran families to improve their overall well-being. She discusses the Military Family Research Institute’s Operation Military Experience, a nationwide study that looks at the experiences of...
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Special Education Advocacy for Military Families
Partners in PROMISE is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the rights of military children in special education and disability communities to ensure they receive equal access to education. Listen as Dr. Jenna Kremkow and Carla Wyrsch discuss how the PROMISE advocates for military...
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High Quality Connections
Dr. Kimberly Dickman discusses an epidemic of loneliness across the United States and the impact that it's having on mental health. She also shares the importance of developing meaningful connections, and how those connections influence our overall well-being. This podcast is made possible by...
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Culture, Community, and Connection
September 15th through October 15th is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation. Listen as Dr. Jessica Meléndez-Carrillo, a lifelong educator, discusses the importance of embracing a...
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The Effects of Digital Media Use
Technology has had an incredible impact on how we live and work in the world today. Our access to videos, websites, and social media platforms are just at our fingertips. But does digital media usage affect our mental health? Listen as Dr. Justin Rowberry discusses the impact that this usage has…
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Mental Health Care and Military Families
The topic of mental health continues to be a priority in our world today. Listen as Ashley Jensen discusses why our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are so important. She also shares how the Cohen Veterans Network is helping support our military-connected families. This podcast is...
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Caring for Our Educators
Dr. Patricia Jennings discusses the importance of supporting our educator’s mental health and well-being, especially those that work with our military-connected students. She introduces us to CARE for Teachers (Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education), a professional development program...
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#LifeofaMilitaryKid – One Year Later
We were delighted to be able to sit down with Lucy a year after our first conversation. Listen as she discusses her recent PCS, how it feels to start all over again as the new kid, and how her love of music helps during those challenging times. This podcast is made possible by generous funding…
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