Best Engaging Kids With Literature Podcasts (2025)

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4 Fun Vocabulary Strategies Every Social Studies Teacher Needs 15:39

1d ago15:39

15:39

Do your students groan when it’s time for vocabulary? 😩 You’re not alone! In this episode, I’ll share 4 engaging social studies vocabulary strategies that will make vocabulary instruction meaningful, fun, and effective. We’ll start by looking at the three tiers of vocabulary (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3) and see where social studies fits in. Then, I…

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E585 - Ciara Blume - Natural Magic - A murder, a mystery, and a not-so-overactive imagination 46:24

1d ago46:24

46:24

Episode 585 - Ciara Blume - Natural Magic - A murder, a mystery, and a not-so-overactive imagination Ciara is a multi award-winning and bestselling author who creates uplifting, humorous, and occasionally magical fiction about women facing challenges and finding ways to reclaim their magic. Living on the picturesque California coast, she draws insp…

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E393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy 45:33

3d ago45:33

45:33

Episode 393 - Adam Nimoy - The Most Human, Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy Adam was born during the Eisenhower administration to Leonard and Sandra Zoberblatt Nimoy. He attended the University Elementary School, a “lab school” run by UCLA, where he was subjected to numerous psychological experiments. The experimentation continued at UC Be…

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E16 - Tanvir Bhangoo - The P.R.O. Business Mindset - from the sports field to the boardroom 46:47

3d ago46:47

46:47

EPISODE 16 - Sports combines team play, individual preparation, mental agility, grit and practice - business has many similar tenants, expectations and disciplines. Tanvir shares a bridge from his time on the field to his time in the boardroom - The P.R.O. Business Mindset is designed for team players, coaches, employees and team leads - grow your …

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BONUS - Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation 12:24

3d ago12:24

12:24

BONUS - Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation Surrender, An Audiobook by Bono of U2 - Dave's Audible Recommendation Bono—artist, activist, and the lead singer of Irish rock band U2—has written a memoir: honest and irreverent, intimate and profound, Surrender is the story of the remarkable life he’s lived, the challen…

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E280 - Kyle Jetsel - The Loss of A Spouse, Raising Kids With Autism and Measuring the COST 1:02:50

3d ago1:02:50

1:02:50

EPISODE 280 - Kyle Jetsel - The Loss of A Spouse, Raising Kids With Autism and Measuring the COST In the heart of adversity, our guest today, Kyle Jetsel, discovered that life's most formidable challenges could be transformed into profound opportunities for growth. Growing up in a tough neighborhood Kyle found himself in a world where the line betw…

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E584 - Albert Bramante - Rise Above The Script, Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing Artists 50:57

5d ago50:57

50:57

Episode 584 - Albert Bramante - Rise Above The Script, Confronting Self Doubt and Mastering Self Sabotage for Performing Artists About Albert Bramante "Veteran talent agent and no-nonsense coach inspiring actors to cultivate a growth mindset, conscientiousness, and rise above self-sabotaging habits." Dr. Bramante is a true triple-threat when it com…

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E583 - Lucie Frost - How the Hell Did I Not Know That - My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity 45:20

7d ago45:20

45:20

Episode 583 - Lucie Frost - How the Hell Did I Not Know That - My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity Lucie is a no-longer-practicing lawyer and the author of How the Hell Did I Not Know That? (Trinity University Press, August 2025). She has written humor and satire for NextTribe, Slackjaw, The Belladonna, Points in Case, Emrys Journal, and others…

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Finding Your Voice in a Changing World with Speaker, Author, and Director Tricia Brouk 28:20

7d ago28:20

28:20

Send us a text Imagine a world where every voice is heard, where empathy leads to genuine dialogue, and where personal transformation fuels leadership growth. How can we harness the power of our voice to inspire change and empowerment in ourselves and others? Join us in this compelling episode as we sit down with Tricia Brouk, an award-winning dire…

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E109 - Greg Cagle - How to grow a culture that embraces our unique weirdness 53:07

8d ago53:07

53:07

E109 - Greg Cagle - How to grow a culture that embraces our unique weirdness Greg Cagle isn’t for everyone. Some might say he’s an acquired taste. They might even say he’s one weird dude. Over the course of his entrepreneurial career, he has started five successful businesses in industries as diverse as real estate development, engineering and tech…

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Glass Slippers, Frogs, and Fairytales: The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer 21:47

9d ago21:47

21:47

Sam and Dana journey into The Land of Stories, where twins Alex and Connor tumble into a fairytale world filled with magic, danger, and familiar characters. They break down the daring quest for the Wishing Spell, the big plot twists, and why Froggy might be the most charming character of all.

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E582 - Colin Mustful - Novels rooted in Minnesota history and History Through Fiction - The Podcast 49:17

9d ago49:17

49:17

Episode 582 - Colin Mustful - Novels rooted in Minnesota history and History Through Fiction - The Podcast Welcome! I’m Colin Mustful, a historical fiction author, publisher, editor, and public speaker with a passion for unearthing the past to inspire the present. While my work began with writing novels rooted in Minnesota history, I’ve since expan…

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E581 - Thomas Cullen - Federal Trial Judge and Author Shares a Story of the journey toward manhood in the American South 38:58

12d ago38:58

38:58

EPISODE 581 - Thomas Cullen - Federal Trial Judge and Author Shares a Story of the journey toward manhood in the American South Thomas Cullen is a Federal Trial Judge and former U.S. attorney in Virginia. He is also an accomplished writer, regularly publishing op-eds and essays for national and regional media outlets over the past decade. Thomas gr…

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E580 - Debbra Blosnich - It Ends With Me - Breaking the Cycles that keep us Stuck 47:55

14d ago47:55

47:55

Episode 580 - Debbra Blosnich - It Ends With Me - Breaking the Cycles that keep us Stuck It Ends with Me is a Movement to empower people to Reclaim their power after Trauma AND to educate people on how to protect our children from abuse today. The two part mission is a result of Debbra’s story of growing up a victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse and li…

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Unleashing Creativity and the Magic of Collaboration with author/illustrator Molly Idle 41:53

14d ago41:53

41:53

Send us a text Imagine a world where art can reshape education and unlock the potential within each of us. That world is possible if we collaborate -- and this week's guest, Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Molly Idle, has some inspiring ideas to get us started. In this episode, Molly shares her artistic journey, from her early inspiratio…

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E579 - Bill Hulseman - Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass - Reflections on life, identity, and moving forward 59:51

16d ago59:51

59:51

Episode 579 - Bill Hulseman - Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass - Reflections on life, identity, and moving forward Six to carry the casket and one to say the mass: reflections on life, identity, and moving forward offers the unique opportunity for its readers to start a new dialogue, take an active hand in creating culture and reshap…

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4 Fun Social Studies Activities That Students Will Love 20:35

16d ago20:35

20:35

Looking for fun and engaging social studies activities for your upper elementary classroom? In this video, I’m sharing 4 creative and easy-to-implement social studies lessons designed for grades 3-5. These hands-on activities make history, geography, government, and culture come alive for your students while keeping planning stress-free for you! Wh…

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E578 - Chad Boudreaux - From Homeland Security and US Justice Department to Thriller Author 42:07

19d ago42:07

42:07

Episode 578 - Chad Boudreaux - From Homeland Security and US Justice Department to Thriller Author CHAD BOUDREAUX has a broad range of government, legal and corporate experience. Prior to serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Depa…

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Creating Cultural Connections Through Storytelling Adventures with Author Leah Henderson 30:32

20d ago30:32

30:32

Send us a text Stories spread wings. How do stories serve as windows into diverse cultures and histories while inspiring us to embrace our own identities? Author, educator, and global adventurer Leah Henderson helps us explore the transformative power of rich storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and librarians working…

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E577 - J Hall - A Book for New Dads and A Book to Make College Clear for Students and Parents 49:22

21d ago49:22

49:22

Episode 577 - J Hall - A Book for New Dads and A Book to Make College Clear for Students and Parents J Hall is an author, educator, podcaster from Oklahoma City where he lives in with his wife, two dogs, and a rotating cast of adult children who stop in for meals and occasional dog-sitting. Most importantly, he is a grandpa, and he will certainly b…

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E576 - Anne Mollova - The Trianid, the Young Adult Fantasy Triology that had to be written 46:41

23d ago46:41

46:41

Episode 576 - Anne Mollova - The Trianid, the Young Adult Fantasy Triology that had to be written Anne Mollova is an award-winning fantasy author living with her family in Pittsburgh, PA. Aside from writing, she loves being in nature, making music, eating chocolate, drinking tea, and creating things out of yarn and needles. She still keeps an eye o…

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E575 - Maury Wood - Grit and Wit - Husband. Dad. Faith-filled smart aleck 53:42

26d ago53:42

53:42

Episode 575 - Maury Wood - Grit and Wit - Husband. Dad. Faith-filled smart aleck Maury Wood is a husband, dad, former teacher, and a lifelong student of faith, family, and sarcasm. He’s been with his wife for almost 25 years, and together they’re raising four kids who give him endless material and keep him humble. Grit & Wit by Maury Wood Husband. …

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E574 - Lawrence C. Connolly - Science fiction, fantasy, and horror 49:03

28d ago49:03

49:03

Episode 574 - Lawrence C. Connolly - Science fiction, fantasy, and horror About the author Lawrence C. Connolly’s books include the collections "This Way to Egress," whose titular tale of psychological horror was adapted for the Mick Garris film "Nightmare Cinema"; and the Bram-Stoker-nominated "Voices," which features Connolly’s best stories from …

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Innovative Strategies for Engaging Young Learners Through Empathy and Play with Rebecca Freedman 29:24

28d ago29:24

29:24

Send us a text How can the simple act of play revolutionize early childhood education and reignite a passion for teaching? Join us on a transformative journey as Rebecca List Freedman, co-founder of FirstDay Learning, reveals the incredible potential of play in early childhood education. Discover how integrating play into classrooms not only addres…

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E573 - Gabrýel Grimm-Goretez - Holy Water Hurts, A Vampire’s Guide to Vampire Hunting 48:01

30d ago48:01

48:01

Episode 573 - Gabrýel Grimm-Goretez - Holy Water Hurts, A Vampire’s Guide to Vampire Hunting I'm Gabrýel—a 22-year-old author, artist, and musician based in Portland, Oregon. My work lives somewhere between gothic allure and post-punk energy, often shifting between darkness and defiance. I was once a high school valedictorian and poetry prodigy, ra…

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5 Engaging Literacy Center Activities for Grades 3-5 17:58

30d ago17:58

17:58

Looking for fun, engaging, and low-prep ideas for your reading block? In this video, I’m sharing 5 ELA reading stations and literacy center activities perfect for grades 3–5. These stations are designed to build reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing skills - all while keeping students actively engaged! 📚 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How …

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E572 - David Galef - Where I Went Wrong - A must-read for anyone who has ever screwed up royally 50:34

1M ago50:34

50:34

Episode 572 - David Galef - Where I Went Wrong - A must-read for anyone who has ever screwed up royally David Galef is an American fiction writer, critic, poet, translator, and essayist because he can’t seem to make up his mind what to specialize in, though he’s been a writer for over 40 years. He’s published over fifteen books, from novels and sho…

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E571 - Marc Sapir - I'll Fly Away, 40 Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders by Marc Sapir 46:55

1M ago46:55

46:55

EPISODE 571 - Marc Sapir - I'll Fly Away, 40 Stories about Amazing Disabled Elders Marc Sapir, a retired primary care, geriatric, and public health physician, is an essayist and political activist. He was the first Medical Director of the Center for Elders’ Independence for disabled elders for 9 years. He also previously worked for United Farm Work…

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Reframing Failure for Optimal Performance with Adolfo Gómez Sánchez 40:40

1M ago40:40

40:40

Send us a text Are you ready to break through your limitations and unlock your full potential? Join us as Adolfo Gómez Sánchez, best-selling author, speaker, and Chief Passion Officer at Gold Results, shares his remarkable journey from competitive athletics to leadership in performance psychology. Adolfo Gómez Sánchez and Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor …

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E570 - C B Strul - Papillon IV - A Space Opera, Trash Talk and a Waste Filled Derelict Ark Spacecraft 45:52

1M ago45:52

45:52

Episode 570 - C B Strul - Papillon IV - A Space Opera, Trash Talk and a Waste Filled Derelict Ark Spacecraft c.b.strul is author of such novels as The Ancient Ones, CONNECTIVITY, and Papillon IV as well as the founder of Odom’s Library. Additionally, he has in print the short story The Last Trucker and three novellas: Spinners, Forget the Complex, …

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E569 - Robin Nathaniel - Social Media SYNC - Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention 49:07

1M ago49:07

49:07

Episode 569 - Robin Nathaniel - Social Media SYNC - Stop Chasing the Algorithm. Start Leading with Intention Robin Nathaniel TEDx Speaker Robin Nathaniel has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin’s artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emph…

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E568 - Bret Davis - Bretisms - Adopted, Borrowed and Modified Philosophies For a Life with LESS ANXIETY and MORE CONFIDENCE 51:03

1M ago51:03

51:03

Episode 568 - Bret Davis - Bretisms - Adopted, Borrowed and Modified Philosophies For a Life with LESS ANXIETY and MORE CONFIDENCE https://bretisms.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeac…

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Empowering Multilingual Learners: Transformative Strategies for Educators with Katherine Hamilton 30:46

1M ago30:46

30:46

Send us a text How can creating language-rich environments empower multilingual learners and elevate the educational experience for everyone in the classroom? Join us for a transformative discussion with Katherine Hamilton, former Vice President of Programs for Ensemble Learning, as she reveals powerful strategies to achieve just that. Summary: In …

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Battles, Buggers, and Brilliant Kids: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card 21:12

1M ago21:12

21:12

In this episode, Sam and Dana dive into Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, a sci-fi classic about a child genius trained to save Earth from an alien invasion. They unpack Ender’s moral struggles, the book’s surprising twist, and why this story still resonates with readers today.By Dana & Sam

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E567 - Mali Bain and Shayna Lee - Next Gen Story - Preserve your family stories for generations to come 45:24

1M ago45:24

45:24

Episode 567 - Mali Bain and Shayna Lee - Next Gen Story - Preserve your family stories for generations to come NextGen Story is about helping families capture the stories of their loved ones. My name is Mali, the founder of NextGen Story. I am a former high school teacher with a background working in university, non-profit, and philanthropic settin…

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7 Social Studies Stations That Work in ELA or 30-Minute Blocks 21:42

1M ago21:42

21:42

Looking for engaging, low-prep social studies-themed stations that work for your upper elementary classroom? In this episode of The Social Studies Teacher Podcast, I’m sharing 7 flexible station ideas that can fit into your ELA block, dedicated social studies time, or even a fun Social Studies Friday rotation! 📚 Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th g…

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E566 - Dheepa R. Maturi - An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the Future 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

Episode 566 - Dheepa R. Maturi - An Eco-Thriller That Unveils the Power of the Past to Save the Future Dheepa R. Maturi is an Indian-American writer who explores ecology, culture, identity, and how they intersect. Her essays, poetry, and fiction have appeared in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including Literary Hub, PANK, The Fourt…

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E565 - Lee Clark - Matthew Paine Mystery Series - Including the upcoming book Killer Convergence 49:04

2M ago49:04

49:04

Episode 565 - Lee Clark - Matthew Paine Mystery Series - Including the upcoming book Killer Convergence Lee Clark is the author of the Matthew Paine Mystery series of classic murder mystery novels, including Dead Spots, Prefer Death, MIA, Christmas Punch, Iced, Forbidden Relics, and the upcoming Killer Convergence to be released in the spring of 20…

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Forest Magic: Inspiring Kids to Connect with Nature Through Play and Imagination 32:09

2M ago32:09

32:09

Send us a text What if stories and play were the bridge between children (and their grown ups) and nature? Join us as we explore this concept with Susie Spikol, a naturalist and educator whose enchanting book, Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic, serves as a portal to the wonders of the natura…

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E564 - Sally McQuillen - Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child 46:44

2M ago46:44

46:44

Episode 564 - Sally McQuillen - Reaching for Beautiful - A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC Certified Grief Educator Sally McQuillen, LCSW, CADC, is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in addiction, grief, and trauma recovery. She provides ongoing support for addiction recovery, as well as support …

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E563 - Judith Valente - From Journalism to Author of The Italian Soul - Add the Italian Good Life into your home 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

Episode 563 - Judith Valente - From Journalism to Author of The Italian Soul - Add the Italian Good Life into your home Judith Valente is an awarding-winning author, print and broadcast journalist, poet and essayist. She is a sought-after speaker and retreat leader on such subjects as living a more contemplative life, discovering inner wisdom throu…

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E562 - Kate Maruyama - The Collective and The Alterations - Hollywood History, Horror and Family Dynamics 42:05

2M ago42:05

42:05

Episode 562 - Kate Maruyama - The Collective and The Alterations - Hollywood History, Horror and Family Dynamics Kate Maruyama is the author of Harrowgate, Bleak Houses, and The Collective and her novella Family Solstice was named Best Fiction Book of 2021 by Rue Morgue Magazine. Her short work has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies and …

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L-M-N-O-Play! Unlocking Childhood Magic Through Picture Books and Play 38:19

2M ago38:19

38:19

Send us a text How can picture books and play combine to spark creativity, empathy, and joy in our youngest learners? Join the conversation with Rachel Rubin and Annie Dycus, the innovative minds behind L-M-N-O Play, a subscription service that uses open-ended play and amazing picture books to engage young minds (while sparking wonder in their grow…

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E561 - Joesph Bolton - Old Grandmother’s Tree - Celebrating Cultures and History through Folktales 48:26

2M ago48:26

48:26

Episode 561 - Joesph Bolton - Old Grandmother’s Tree - Celebrating Cultures and History through Folktales About the Author Joseph Bolton was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island during the twilight of the golden age of French-Canadian culture in New England. Growing up emersed in his mother’s French-Canadian family, Joseph enjoyed hearing the stories to…

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First 10 Days of Social Studies Lesson Plans for Upper Elementary Teachers 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

🎉 Plan the First 10 Days of Social Studies with Me! 🎉 In today’s episode, we’re planning out the first 10 days of your social studies block together. Whether you teach 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, this episode is packed with low-prep, engaging activities to help you start the year strong. I’ll walk you through: ✔️ How to build classroom community from D…

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E560 - Barret Baumgart - Yuck - turning your Joshua Tree vacation into a terrifying revelation 47:55

2M ago47:55

47:55

Episode 560 - Barret Baumgart - Yuck - turning your Joshua Tree vacation into a terrifying revelation Barret Baumgart is an essayist, screenwriter, and the author of the nonfiction books China Lake and YUCK. His essays have appeared in The Paris Review, The Gettysburg Review, The Iowa Review, The Rumpus, Vice, LitHub, The Seneca Review, and The Lit…

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E559 - Laura Munson - Uncovering The Wild Why, We Get Stumped and We Overcome Our Inner Critter 54:38

2M ago54:38

54:38

Episode 559 - Laura Munson - Uncovering The Wild Why, We Get Stumped and We Overcome Our Inner Critter Founder of the Top Ranked Haven Writing Retreats “I’m so glad you are here. Thank you. You are a very large part of why I write —why I sit at the intersection of heart and mind and craft that is the writing life.” Laura Munson New York Times Best …

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Dr. Crystal Y. Campbell On Celebrating Every Child Through Play-Based Learning and Early Childhood Advocacy 56:23

2M ago56:23

56:23

Send us a text Imagine an early childhood classroom filled with diverse books, engaging play centers, and joyful experiential learning where every child feels seen and valued. How does play-based learning help celebrate the unique strengths each child brings to the classroom? Join us this week as we talk about the importance of early childhood educ…

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E558 - Edward R Rosick - Where The Grass Don't Grow and Vultures Sing, 12 Tales of speculative fiction 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

EPISODE 558 - Edward R Rosick - Where The Grass Don't Grow and Vultures Sing, 12 Tales of speculative fiction Edward R. Rosick is a writer and physician living in the urban wilds of central Michigan. His diverse works of speculative fiction, from the sublime to surreal, have appeared in numerous award-winning magazines and anthologies including Pul…

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E557 - Ronald Okuaki Lieber - The Long Journey Out - from the place where I now am, the diary of that journey 52:54

2M ago52:54

52:54

EPISODE 557 - Ronald Okuaki Lieber - The Long Journey Out - from the place where I now am, the diary of that journey Author's Bio I am of Japanese and Jewish lineage, born in Tokyo, a late post WWII baby. I grew up moving every year until the age of 14 when my parents settled in Petersburg, VA. I graduated with a BS in Biology from the College of W…

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