Best Childdevelopment Podcasts (2025)

1
Bolstering Local Food Systems 14:51

5d ago14:51

14:51

More people are investing time, energy and resources into expanding local food systems and supporting local food system growth. The Kansas Local Food Summit, July 29th and 30th in Salina, provides an opportunity to learn about bolstering local food systems through workshops, tours and presentations. Kansas State Local Food System program coordinato…

1
The Importance of Neighborhood Parks 14:51

12d ago14:51

14:51

Neighborhood parks are more than a place for kids to play. They provide kids and adults a place to make new friends, appreciate nature and be physically active. A K-State Research and Extension family and child development agent in the Wildcat District is involved with a project to renovate two Kiwanis pocket parks in Pittsburg. Michelle Broxterman…

1
HELPING OLDER ADULTS STAY STRONG AND HEALTHY 14:51

19d ago14:51

14:51

The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program offered by K-State Research and Extension is designed to improve health and quality of life for older adults. The hour-long sessions meet twice each week and over the course of eight weeks, participants learn exercises to improve their strength and balance. Northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist…

1
Avoiding Boredom and Keeping Kids Engaged 14:51

26d ago14:51

14:51

When summer boredom sets in and kids start getting restless, it’s time to find something new for them to do or try. K-State Research and Extension has a series of publications, Suddenly in Charge, that family and consumer sciences agents created as a resource to help parents and caregivers. The series includes 11 publications. Tristen Cope, family …

1
The Connection Between Diet and Mental Health 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

You’ve probably heard the phrase ’you are what you eat’ and according to K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist Priscilla Brenes (bren-us) says there i’s a connection between diet and mental health. She also says there are specific nutrients that relate to mental well-being. Brenes discusses two diets, the Mediterranean di…

1
Expanding Maternal Education and Support 14:51

1M ago14:51

14:51

According to the 2024 March of Dimes Report Card, the preterm birth rate in Kansas was 10.5% in 2023, slightly above the U.S. rate of 10.4%. The infant mortality rate was 5.8 per 1,000 live births, compared to the U.S. rate of 5.6. Both ratings put Kansas in the bottom half of U.S. states. K-State Research and Extension family and community wellnes…

1
Making Ends Meet When Your Income Drops 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

A Kansas State University publication, When Your Income Drops: Making Ends Meet, discusses five “C’s” – Control, Claim, Communicate, Confer, and Change – that can help when income decreases, or becomes uncertain, but the bills remain the same. K-State professor and Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss, (kish) author of th…

1
How to Protect Your Skin from Harmful Rays 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

While anyone can get skin cancer, some people should be extra careful. This includes those with fair skin, natural blond or red hair, freckles, those who spend a lot of time outdoors, have had multiple sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma. The American Cancer Society reports more than five million skin cancers are diag…

1
Reducing Food Waste and Cutting Food Costs 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

According to a report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to American Consumers, over one-third of food in the United States is never eaten. The report also estimates the annual cost of food waste for each U.S. consumer is $728. K-State Research and Extension northeast area specialist, Sharolyn Jackson, sa…

1
Food Safety for Warm Weather 14:51

2M ago14:51

14:51

Picnic and barbecue season offers lot of opportunities for outdoor fun with family and friends. However, these events also present opportunities for foodborne bacteria to thrive. As food heats up in warmer temperatures, bacteria multiply rapidly. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee says keeping food at proper temperatures – indoo…

1
Health Impacts of Loneliness and Isolation 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

According to a new survey by the Pew Research Center, equal shares of men and women say they’re lonely. The survey, Men, Women and Social Connections, also found women are more likely to reach out to a wider network for emotional support. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State Uni…

1
52 Ways to Climate-Proof Your Finances 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

Extreme weather-related events often do more than damage homes and property – they also cause financial hardship for families, especially for disadvantaged households with limited resources. K-State Research and Extension family resource management specialist, Elizabeth Kiss, (kish) worked with colleagues across the country to develop “52 Ways to C…

1
The Various Stages of Retirement 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

Kansas State University Extension adult development and aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says retirement is one of life’s most stressful events – and it’s not all tied to how much you’ve saved. Researchers have been focusing on more than just managing retirement accounts and are exploring retirees’ life experiences. What they’ve found are several d…

1
The Positive Impact of Double Up Food Bucks 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

The Double Up Food Bucks program in Kansas and Missouri, coordinated through the Double Up Heartland Collaborative and K-State Research and Extension, aims to reduce food insecurity and provide an opportunity for low-income Kansans to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Erin Bishop, Double Up Food Bucks program manager, says they work with local …

1
Pinchin' Pennies in the Kitchen 14:51

3M ago14:51

14:51

A variety of factors have combined to elevate grocery prices. Data from the USDA shows that a family of four can expect to spend anywhere from $567 to $1,296 per month on groceries – or about $130 to $300 per week. The recommendation is to spend no more than 15% of your take-home pay on food and groceries. So, what can we do to stretch our food bud…

1
Food Connects Us in Many Ways 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme – Food Connects Us – focuses on the role food plays in bringing people together, helping to establish family traditions and the emotional connection certain foods can provide. K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness educator, Priscilla Brenes, discusses the connection we have to foo…

1
Forming Habits To Improve Your Health 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

Now in its 25th year, K-State Research and Extension’s Walk Kansas program continues to help thousands of participants meet or exceed the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommendations. This year’s event runs from March 30th to May 24th. Registration starts on March 4th. Walk Kansas state leader and northeast area family and consumer sc…

1
Turning Nature into a Classroom 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

A Kansas State University child development specialist says children benefit both physically and mentally from spending time outdoors with parents and other children. Bradford Wiles says children learn through play and that being outdoors, in nature, offers children the opportunity to play and learn in a variety of fun and creative ways. Sound Livi…

1
Heart Health for Older Adults 14:51

4M ago14:51

14:51

February is National Heart Month. This year’s theme is “Know Your Numbers, Own Your Heart” which emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing key cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Cardiovascular disease, or heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States and around…

1
Kansas Health Foundation Teams with Extension 14:51

5M ago14:51

14:51

Kansas State University and the Kansas Health Foundation are combining efforts to drive meaningful change in Kansas through anti-hunger and other initiatives to promote health, well-being and economic prosperity for Kansans. A key piece of the partnership involves collaborative efforts to ignite innovative and experimental projects at the local lev…

1
Focusing Care Close to Home in Southeast Kansas 14:51

5M ago14:51

14:51

Community members in Southwind Extension District in southeast Kansas are working to improve access to rural health care. Tara Solomon-Smith, a family and community wellness agent in the Southwind Extension District – which includes Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties – applied for and received support to establish a rural community health …

1
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Habits 14:51

5M ago14:51

14:51

Walk Kansas, an eight-week health and wellness program from K-State Research and Extension, celebrates its 25th year as a statewide program this spring. It begins March 30th and continues through May 24th. Walk Kansas State Leader and Northeast Area Family and Consumer Sciences specialist, Sharolyn Jackson, says each year, Walk Kansas brings a rene…

1
Researching Alpha-Gal Syndrome 14:51

5M ago14:51

14:51

Kansas State University is actively supporting efforts to cultivate awareness and resilience against AGS – Alpha-Gal Syndrome – a potentially life-changing allergy to red meat and other mammal-derived products, triggered by a bite from the Lone Star tick. K-State professor in the department of entomology, Yoonseong Park, associate professor in anim…

1
Episode 79: Building a Blended PreK Model (with Machelle Scogin) 52:21

5M ago52:21

52:21

This episode explores the transformative blended pre-K program at Prosper Independent School District in Texas, championed by Michelle Scogin, Director of Early Childhood and Learning Services. Discover how this program successfully merges special and general education along with joy, wonder, and compassion. Machelle and her amazing team are commit…

1
A Financial Focus to Living Better 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Climate-proofing our finances, saving money on groceries, and thinking about our habits and attitudes toward money, highlight K-State Research and Extension’s Living Well Wednesday spring webinar series. The series, which begins February 12th, is hosted by Extension specialists and agents. Sharolyn Jackson, the family and consumer sciences speciali…

1
Understanding Employee Benefits 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Surveys continue to show that the top benefits employees want from employers are health insurance, paid time off, retirement, vision, dental and life insurance, parental leave and health savings accounts. The three primary employee benefits are vacation or paid time off, health insurance and retirement. K-State Research and Extension family resourc…

1
A Healthier Future for Wyandotte County 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Wyandotte County residents and K-State Research and Extension staff are working to secure funding for improvements that benefit the community. This includes cleaning up rundown neighborhoods, building walking trails and establishing community gardens. Denise Dias (die-us), director of the Extension office in Wyandotte County, and Elaine Johannes, t…

1
Sharing Holiday Memories and Family Traditions 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Getting together for the holidays can be more than exchanging gifts and eating a lot of food. K-State Research and Extension aging specialist Erin Martinez says it can be a time for building memories, strengthening relationships, learning about family traditions and setting the foundation for new traditions. She says a successful multi-generational…

1
Double Up Food Bucks Help Reduce Food Insecurity 14:51

7M ago14:51

14:51

A program that helps reduce food insecurity and encourage low-income Kansans to purchase and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables from farmer’s markets and local grocery stores topped 1-point-1 million dollars last year. Erin Bishop, manager of the Double Up Food Bucks program coordinated through K-State Research and Extension, and Extension nu…

1
Focus on Building Holiday Memories 14:51

7M ago14:51

14:51

Christmas, while officially just a one day holiday, often becomes much longer, especially if you have travel to be with friends and relatives. Christmas is an exciting time for children as well as an opportunity for adults to help them learn about family traditions, understand the importance of giving and receiving gifts, and reassure them that thi…

1
Holiday Stress Can Help Build Resilience 14:51

7M ago14:51

14:51

Family gatherings sometimes take the joy out of the holidays. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Health Kansas State University, says that family get-togethers often become exercises in patience, particularly when family members have differing opinions on various topics. However, at this time of the year, she…

1
Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY 21:03

7M ago21:03

21:03

I had an experience a few months ago that began with a fantastic workshop with one of my favorite schools, and *seemed* to end with a broken down, broken into truck. But the real ending came full circle when I found that what I had been teaching that early childhood team the day before, was *exactly* what I needed to remember in that moment. File t…

1
The Science of Making Holiday Candy 14:51

7M ago14:51

14:51

For many, the holidays aren’t the holidays without homemade fudge and peanut brittle. However, making those holiday treats can be challenging. A Kansas State University food scientist says that’s because making candy is a science. Karen Blakeslee says the ingredients, temperature and even humidity can impact how well fudge and peanut brittle turn o…

1
Comfort Food and the Holidays 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

As we get deeper into fall and winter, the foods we eat and crave are often comfort foods, such as soups, stews and casseroles. While a little comfort food is known to improve or sustain our mood in the short term, eating too many foods that are high in sugar, fat and salt can increase the risk for health problems over time. It’s also the holiday s…

1
Dining With Diabetes Course Promotes Good Health 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

November is National Diabetes Month and K-State Research and Extension has a program designed to help those with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, caregivers and family members manage diabetes through nutrition and physical activity. Christina Holmes, coordinator of the Dining with Diabetes program and the family and consumer sciences specialist in the…

1
Episode 77: Why Play? (With Rae Pica) 41:59

8M ago41:59

41:59

Rae Pica has been a fierce advocate for children and childhood for over 40 years. And during that time she’s written a whole bookshelf full of books on the topic. Today, she’s sharing her latest addition to that bookshelf, it came out just last week, Why Play?: How to Make Play an Essential Part of Early Education. In this newest book, Rae dives in…

1
Connecting Communities with Community Health Workers 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

Improving access to health care information and services is the driving force behind the Rural Ag Health Community Worker project being piloted by the state’s Extension system in more than a dozen counties in northeast and southeast Kansas. Financial support from K-State 105, which was established to support economic growth and workforce advancemen…

1
Improving Access to Health Care Information and Services 14:51

8M ago14:51

14:51

K-State Research and Extension is involved in a K-State 105 project to improve agriculture-connected health access the state. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health and a state specialist with K-State Research and Extension, and Susie Latta, family and consumer sciences agent for Marshall County …

1
Navigating The "Season of Eating" 14:51

9M ago14:51

14:51

The K-State Research and Extension family and consumer sciences specialist for the northeast region, Sharolyn Jackson, says Halloween marks the beginning of what some refer to as a food and party marathon that won’t end until after the Super Bowl. While many may gain just a pound or two, some will gain five pounds or more. According to Jackson, for…

1
Understanding the Stages of Retirement 14:51

9M ago14:51

14:51

Kansas State University Extension adult development and aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says retirement is one of life’s most stressful events – and it’s not all tied to how much you’ve saved. Researchers have been focusing on more than just managing retirement accounts and are exploring retiree’s life experiences and they’ve found several distinc…

1
Living Well Wednesday: Making Our Lives better 14:51

9M ago14:51

14:51

The fall K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Living Well Wednesday webinar series will cover how to distribute personal possessions without harming relationships, reducing the risk of falls, and ways to declutter and downsize. Sharolyn Jackson, the family and consumer sciences specialist for the northeast region, has an over…

1
Understanding Consumer Rights 14:51

9M ago14:51

14:51

Regardless of the price of an item or product, there’s nothing more frustrating than being a disappointed consumer. This is especially true if it’s difficult to get any kind of satisfaction from the retailer or seller. However, consumers have rights, and K-State Research and Extension family resource specialist Elizabeth Kiss (kish) says she’s on a…

1
Improving Mental Health Care in Kansas 14:51

10M ago14:51

14:51

A national report on the state of mental health in the United States indicates that Kansas has made significant progress – moving from 51st in the 2022 rankings – essentially last among all 50 states and the District of Columbia – to 22nd in the 2024 rankings. Elaine Johannes, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Heal…

1
Bonding with Children Through Daily Activities 14:51

10M ago14:51

14:51

Like any relationship, the bond between a parent and child can be made stronger. K-State Research and Extension child development specialist, Bradford Wiles, says it starts with being intentional about spending quality time together. He says that can include eating together, talking about your day, working on projects or playing together. Sound Liv…

1
The Seriousness of Falls for Older Adults 14:51

10M ago14:51

14:51

Statistics show that nearly 30% of older adults in Kansas experience at least one fall every single year – often resulting in serious injuries. Kansas State University Extension aging specialist, Erin Martinez, says Extension invests a great deal of its resources on programs to help older adults increase their confidence in maintaining their balanc…

1
Routines Help Youth Manage Stress and Anxiety 14:51

10M ago14:51

14:51

With fall classes getting underway, the Kansas Health Foundation’s Distinguished Professor of Community Health at Kansas State University, says there are a lot of things that can create anxiety and stress for students. Elaine Johannes says the way middle school and high school students do school today is different from what she did many years ago w…

1
The Changing Dynamics of Becoming a Grandparent 14:51

10M ago14:51

14:51

When it comes to being a grandparent, Kansas State University aging and adult development specialist, Erin Martinez, suggests trying not to take the grandparent “fun card” too far. Instead, stay within the boundaries and expectations of the parent and spend time with grandchildren in a meaningful and purposeful way. Martinez says there are some uni…

1
Episode 76: A Play-Based Evolution (with Amber Unger) 36:26

11M ago36:26

36:26

When Amber Unger (also known as the Cream City Teacher) began her career in education, she thought she'd be working with teenagers. As her path led her to a 4K public school classroom in the middle of a shift toward play-based learning, she discovered a new passion! Today, she helps other teachers on their own journeys to better understand and impl…

1
Supporting Local Food Systems 14:51

11M ago14:51

14:51

The first-ever Kansas Local Food Summit, an event highlighting the state’s challenges in accessing nutritious foods, is being held August 27th and 28th in Wichita. According to K-State Research and Extension Local Food System program coordinator, Amanda Lindahl, this summit is designed to help Kansas communities fill gaps in local food systems by e…

1
Back-to-School Budgeting: Ways to Avoid Overspending 14:51

11M ago14:51

14:51

Summer has nearly come-and-gone and for students of all ages it’s time to start purchasing the required school supplies. While not required, new clothes, backpacks, lunch bags, and technology are often part of the back-to-school expenses. The National Retail Federation reports that families of kindergarten through 12th grade students are expected t…

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