Empowering Young Minds, the Association of Children’s Museums Podcast

In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Drew Jensen, Executive Director of the Duluth Children’s Museum; Dr. Mort Sajadian, President and CEO of Amazement Square; and Jennifer Farrington, President and CEO of Chicago Children’s Museum. Each leader was recognized with the 2025 ACM Outstanding Practice Award for innovative programs that strengthen their communities and expand access to playful learning. Together, they discuss their leadership journeys, the philosophies that guide their work, and how children’s museums create meaningful learning experiences for both children and caregivers. From exhibit design and community partnerships to initiatives that expand accessibility and inclusion, the conversation highlights how museums of all sizes can spark curiosity, support families, and respond to the evolving needs of their communities. Join Arthur, Drew, Mort, and Jennifer for an inspiring discussion about leadership, creativity, and the powerful role children’s museums play in helping communities learn and thrive.

In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, New York Times–bestselling author, Professor of Psychology at Temple University, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and one of the nation’s leading voices on how children learn and develop through play. Arthur and Kathy discuss why play is not separate from learning but fundamental to it, and how active, playful experiences support children’s language, social-emotional growth, and long-term success. Their conversation explores playful learning in everyday spaces, the pressures facing today’s families, and the growing influence of technology and AI on early childhood—along with why human connection remains essential. Many of the ideas Kathy shares about easing the rush of modern parenting and helping children thrive through play are explored more deeply in her award-winning book, Einstein Never Used Flashcards, which returns in an updated edition on January 20. Join Arthur and Kathy for a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about learning, parenting, and creating environments where children can flourish.

In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading voice for high-quality early learning. Together, Arthur and Michelle discuss what high-quality early learning looks like in practice, why developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive environments matter, and how early experiences shape lifelong outcomes. Michelle also highlights today’s most pressing challenges in the field—from workforce shortages to inconsistent public investment—and makes a compelling case for why early childhood education is essential to families, communities, and the economy. Join Arthur and Michelle for a thoughtful conversation on elevating early learning, supporting educators, and the important role children’s museums can play in helping every child thrive.

In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Maria Collins, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at New York Life and Vice President of the New York Life Foundation, where she leads philanthropic and engagement strategies focused on equity, resilience, and community impact. Together, Arthur and Maria explore how children’s museums and other community institutions can play a vital role in bridging the digital divide and fostering belonging in an increasingly connected world. Drawing on her experience leading national initiatives that address childhood bereavement, education, and family well-being, Maria discusses how partnerships built on trust and empathy can create lasting change. Join Arthur and Maria for a powerful discussion on equity, connection, and the future of learning in a digital age—and discover how children’s museums can empower families to thrive both online and off.

In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Dr. Daniel Julius, Visiting Professor in the Department of Organizational Behavior and Director of Academic Partnerships at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Work and Employment, School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University. He is a recognized expert in labor management relations, collective negotiations, human resources, conflict resolution, shared governance, effective decision making, and best management practices. Together they discuss the challenges faced by children’s museums and other nonprofits, and explore essential leadership skills, the importance of delegation, financial sustainability, unionization, and the necessity of succession planning.  Join Arthur and Daniel as they discuss the need for empathy and adaptability in leadership roles, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced leaders in the nonprofit sector.

Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds! Today, Arthur is joined by Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President of Television Development at DreamWorks Animation, where she leads the creation of engaging and educational content for children worldwide. With a career spanning iconic children’s shows like Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, Teri has been instrumental in shaping storytelling that fosters creativity, resilience, and a growth mindset in young audiences. Listen in as Arthur and Teri discuss the evolving landscape of children’s media, the importance of hands-on learning, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can leverage media to inspire and empower the next generation.

On today's episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur G. Affleck, III, and Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, discuss how moral development influences individuals, communities, and society as a whole.  Join Arthur & Arthur as they shed light on the transformative power of character-building at every stage of life.     

Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds!  In today's episode, Arthur is joined by Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director of Museum Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), who's insights reflect not only her impressive career but also the ongoing efforts to make museums more accessible, inclusive, and resilient. Join Arthur and Laura as they dive into the challenges and opportunities facing museums today.

In this episode, Arthur is joined by Michele Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA, where she serves as a principal advisor to the CEO and leads the philanthropy team which is set to deliver $1B of impact value for children annually. Over the past 15 years, Michele has been a driving force behind initiatives that have reshaped the organization and mobilized hundreds of millions of philanthropic dollars.  Listen in as Arthur and Michele discuss the role that all of us can play in creating and supporting communities where every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected. 

In this episode, Arthur is joined by Dr. Calvin Mackie, an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. Join Arthur and Dr. Mackie as they discuss methods for impacting the lives of young people and the importance of getting kids to believe in themselves. 

On this episode, Arthur is joined by Sarah Johnson, Chief Education Officer at Carnegie Hall, where she directs the Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the illustrious concert venue’s education and social impact arm.  Over the past 17 years, Ms. Johnson has led WMI in enormous programmatic growth as she and her team have launched numerous major initiatives including the Lullaby Project.  Join Arthur and Sarah as they discuss how music can help parents uplift their children and how it supports people's lives. 

Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds! On today's episode, Arthur is joined by Anne Snyder, editor-in-chief of Comment magazine and founder of Breaking Ground, a growing institutional irrigation system seeking to leaven our common life with a Christian humanist lens. Anne is also the host of The Whole Person Revolution podcast, co-editor of Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year, and author of The Fabric of Character: A Wise Giver’s Guide to Renewing our Social and Moral Landscape. Join Arthur and Anne as they talk about learning from the past and imagining a positive and hopeful future for the children and families we seek to serve. 

On this episode, Arthur is joined by Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of Educational Impact at LEGO Education. He is an executive leader, learning expert, and global advocate with over 20 years of international experience in education, technology, and design, dedicated to creating significant, sustainable, and lasting impact. Arthur and Bo discuss the power of playful learning and share how play is celebrated globally through the International Day of Play.

Arthur welcomes two ACM member museum leaders, Center of Science and Industry’s Dr. Frederic Bertley and Museum of Discovery and Science’s Joe Cox to talk about building future leaders and how children’s museums are pillars in their communities. Both COSI and MODS were honored with the 2023 IMLS Medal of Honor.

Dr. Leah Austin is an accomplished, multi-faceted and visionary leader who has been working on behalf of Black children and their families for over two decades. Today, she serves as President/CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute.  Join Arthur and Leah as they talk about how adults can lift up children with an asset-based approach and the challenges that come with framing this mindset for Black children.

On the inaugural episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur Affleck talks to Jean Margaret Smith, senior vice president for public affairs and administration at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group (New York). She is responsible for managing the networks’ strategic relationships with social advocates, policymakers and public opinion leaders, as well as handling the company’s overall public affairs agenda.  Her initiatives at Nickelodeon include Beyond the Backpack and Worldwide Day of Play.