NowThis Kids

Does brushing your teeth feel like a chore? This week, we dive into why practicing good hygiene, like brushing your teeth, is key to protecting your body and staying healthy! We talk to Dr. Helen Mo, a pediatric dentist, who helps parents protect their children's teeth and discuss how to build healthy oral hygiene habits. To learn more about how we can make oral hygiene fun for kids we speak with pediatric dentist, Dr. Erin Issac. She shares tips to make oral hygiene fun for everyone, such as choosing a favorite song to listen to while brushing your teeth! What are some things you do to make hygiene fun? Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com This episode was produced in collaboration with editaudio. It is sponsored by Crest and Oral-B. To learn more about taking the Conquer Cavities 2Gether pledge, parents can go to conquercavities2gether.com and help keep everyone's smiles happy. Links: Dr. Helen Mo Dr. Erin Issac Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman

Ever had an idea of something cool you wanted to invent but have been too scared to share it? Remember that your ideas matter! This week, we dive into what innovation means and how inventors of all ages have made an impact on our lives.  We talk to Lino Marrero, who talks to us about his past inventions, what he's working on now, and how he hopes to inspire others to be innovative, too! Contributor Luria Freeman teaches us what influence means and how finding inspiration from others can help you find the willingness and resources you need to start expanding on your ideas! Have an idea for something you've been itching to create? We want to hear about it! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com This episode was produced in collaboration with editaudio. It is sponsored by H&M. Watch their short film at hm.com/kids Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman

Ever wonder where all the garbage we create goes? This week, we explore how landfills amass over one hundred million pounds of waste each year and how harmful that can be for our planet.  We talk to Ryan Hickman, who started his own company, Ryan’s Recycling Company, where he works with people in his hometown of Orange County, California to help collect recyclables.  Contributor Luria Freeman teaches us how living sustainably can help reduce the harmful effects of landfills and how recycling is an easy first step in protecting the environment! How are you living sustainably? We want to hear about it! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com This episode was produced in collaboration with editaudio. It is sponsored by H&M. Watch their short film at hm.com/kids Links: Ryan’s Recycling Company Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman

Since news first broke that COVID was detected in Wuhan, China, the world has seen a rise in attacks against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. This is because there are many people looking to assign blame for the pandemic.  This week, we dig into how harmful this false narrative can be for Asian Americans and how we all need to do our part to stand up against hate. We talk to Emily Ku and Joyce Y. Lee, authors of the children’s book ‘Young, Proud and Sung-jee.’ who discuss how to have meaningful conversations about anti-Asian bullying and racism.  Correspondent Luria Freeman teaches us what ‘perspective’ really means and how considering different perspectives can help us better understand those who are different from us. How are you standing up against bullying? We want to hear about it! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com This episode was produced in collaboration with editaudio. It is sponsored by H&M. Watch their short film at hm.com/kids Links: Young, Proud and Sung-jee Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman

At 11 years old, host Naomi Wadler organized a walk-out at her school to take a stand against gun violence. When someone takes a stand for fairness and justice it’s called activism. This week on NowThis Kids, we’re talking about what activism looks like and how we can get involved.  Naomi introduces us to her family and talks to them about raising a young activist and what families can do together to inspire positive social change.  What is activism? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains how it breaks down into two categories, so you can figure out what activism is best for you.  How are you being active in your community? We want to hear about it! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba

When you’re enjoying your breakfast, lunch or dinner, do you ever stop and wonder where does your food come from? How does it get around the world? This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about farming and why it’s important that everyone has access to quality, nutritious food.  We speak to Chander Payne who founded Urban Beet, which offers marginalized kids in the community the opportunity to learn all about farming. Chander tells us how the future of farming involves helping families across the world access delicious fruits and vegetables. Not every community has a quality grocery store nearby, so how can we combat this? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains urban farming and how it can help those communities.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Urban Beet Chander Payne

Art can help us fully grasp some of the more complex topics we've talked about on NowThis Kids – it can be a therapeutic way to process our feelings during tough times, like getting sick. That’s why this week, host Naomi Wadler is talking about the different ways people can support each other while facing illness in their family.  We speak to Matt Gerson and Tracy Councill who founded Tracy’s Kids, an organization that uses art therapy to help kids in their struggle to overcome cancer. We spoke to them about their own experiences with cancer, and how they’ve helped families cope with a terrible illness.  When someone close to us gets sick you might feel worries and want to know what you can do to help – Correspondent Alejandro Alba has some helpful advice on how best to support your loved ones and understand your feelings.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Tracy’s Kids

The more we know about what’s going on in the world, the more we’re able to make it a better place. That’s why this week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about journalism and why it’s important to share our stories and listen to the stories of others.  We speak to Jazlyn Guerra, a social media journalist who has interviewed the likes of Lebron James and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez – and she’s also ten years old! We chat about what it takes to make it as a reporter and how she landed her biggest interviews.  With great power comes great responsibility, and as Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains, journalists are no exception to the rule.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Jazlyn Guerra

When it comes to climate change, it turns out little things can have a huge impact when it comes to saving the future. That’s why this week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about maybe the biggest issue that faces us all: the environment and what we can do to keep it clean and healthy.  We speak to environmental activist Lucy Biggers, who specializes in teaching people the steps we can take in our everyday lives to regenerate our planet and make it a cleaner place. She tells us her favorite DIY tips and tricks for fixing our environment.  One thing we can always remember is to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Correspondent Luria Freeman breaks this down and how you can do this in your everyday life.  Have you made a small change in your life to better the environment? We want to hear about it! Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Lucy Biggers One Small Step

This year we could all use a little more support, especially when dealing with loss. This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about loss, ways to come together as a family and help each other during these times.  We speak to author Patrice Karst about her book ‘The Invisible String’ which helps us understand our feelings around loss and that we are always connected to our loved ones no matter where they may be. She tells us why we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about death, even though it can make us sad or scared.  Death is a natural part of the cycle of existence but as Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains, that does not invalidate the emotions you feel when you lose someone close to you, also known as grief.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Patrice Karst

When we mess up, we might feel sad or embarrassed, but these moments are important learning opportunities to help us grow. This week host Naomi Wadler is talking about resiliency: what it is and how we can bounce back after a fall.  We speak to Olympic Hurdler Sarah Wells, who founded the Believe Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging young people to achieve their goals. She talks about the barriers she overcame, and how she’s helping kids to do the same.  It can feel hard to overcome times when you’ve been knocked down. Correspondent Luria Freeman shares some simple steps you can do to get back up and try again.  We want to hear from you! Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Sarah Wells Believe Initiative 

Race is something for us all to understand and not to ignore, because no matter how far we’ve come, race and racism still affects everyone. That’s why this week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about race and what families can do to fight racism together. We speak to Caroline Hu Flexer and Naomi O’Brien, who are part of Khan Academy: a non-profit organization that provides students and teachers with free resources to help kids learn about social topics like race. We speak to them about why it’s so important for families to talk about race and identity together.  How does race and identity affect you? We might look different, or come from different places but correspondent Luria Freeman explains that to get to know someone, we should always do it with an open heart.  How are you being anti-racist in your life? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Khan Academy Caroline Hu Flexer Naomi O’Brien

For people living with disabilities, accessibility and representation can make a huge difference as they look for acceptance. This week on NowThis Kids, we’re talking about people with disabilities who are fighting for their opportunity to be seen. Host Naomi Wadler chats to Jordan Reeves, co-founder of the Born Just Right organization, about changing attitudes around our physical differences and how the non-profit helps people with disabilities realize their full potential. You can’t always tell when a person has a disability, and even once you know what kind of disability a person has, that doesn’t mean you know what their life is like. Correspondent Luria Freeman explains how to take the time to understand, and why we should be working on making the world more accessible.  We want to hear from you! Get in touch by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Jordan Reeves Born Just Right

Art can be a way to express our own thoughts and feelings, and understand the feelings of others. As we experience art, we also look to make connections between our own lives. That’s why on this episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking all things art appreciation  and why representation in art is important.  We speak to Keturah Ariel Nailah Bobo, an illustrator who creates work to encourage and inspire young black girls and women. She talks about her career, inspirations and the importance of seeing yourself in art.  The way we view an artist’s work can reflect the way we think due to the experiences we had growing up – Correspondent Luria Freeman explains what perspectives can mean, and how changing perspectives can enrich our understanding. We want to hear from you! Send us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Keturah Ariel Nailah Bobo

From the annoying fly buzzing around in your room to the huge blue whale diving deep into the ocean, every living plant, animal and insect plays a massive role in making our world work. That’s why this week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler tells us why it’s so important to protect all of the creatures in the earth’s ecosystem.  We speak to Izzy Bee, who works with her veterinarian mom Ali, to care for displaced and injured koalas in Australia. They talk about their love for koalas, how we can all get involved in animal rescue, and how all of their work got them a show on Netflix.  Did you know that if an endangered species becomes extinct, it can affect the whole world? Correspondent Luria Freeman explains our ecosystem and how everything is connected.  Do you have a pet at home or a favourite animal? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Izzy Bee

Kindness is a super power you can choose to use every day – one simple act of kindness can have a ripple effect, and impact so many others in a positive way. This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about the small ways we can turn someone's day around.  We speak to Hector Velasco, a UPS driver who surprised Langston Walbuck with a special delivery after Langston would always make time for Hector on his delivery route. They talk about what those small gestures meant to them, and why we should strive to make everyone’s lives a little happier.  What acts of kindness can you do? From the small things we can do every day, to the big things that can make a huge difference, Correspondent Alejandro Alba has some ideas.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba

Some people feel like reading is a chore, something we have to do for school or a job – when really it's one of the most enriching and enjoyable hobbies anyone can have! This episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is going to show you just how awesome reading can be.  We speak to Zoe Howlett, who with her mother Tiara Moore, created a virtual book club to motivate herself and other kids to read for just twenty minutes a day. They talk about why they started the club, and how it’s helped them enjoy reading even more. Some people struggle with reading, and there are lots of reasons why. Correspondent Luria Freeman explains what challenges some people face, as well as the healthy benefits to snuggling up with a good book.  What book are you reading? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman

Money has a huge impact on our lives – spending it can feel good, saving it can make us feel secure, and it’s great to give to others who need it – but keeping track of our money can be difficult. This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking all things money.  We speak to Evan Leaphart who created Kiddie Kredit, an app that teaches kids all about how credit works. He explains why it’s important to learn about money sooner rather than later. How can you put aside enough money to afford the important things you need, but also the exciting things you want? Correspondent Luria Freeman tells us about budgeting, and how to master it.  We’d love to see your smart savings! Send us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Evan Leaphart Kiddie Kredit

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue? Or how airplanes can fly? Curiosity like this is the driving force behind science, and this week on NowThis Kids, we’re exploring why science is such an important influence on our world and way of life.  Host Naomi Wadler talks to science educator and mechanical engineer Bill Nye (you know, the science guy!) about how embracing what science has to tell us can help us save the entire planet. How do scientists answer the big questions of the universe? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains the process called the ‘scientific method’.   Want to perform your own experiment? Try to figure out why soap cleans better than just water! You’ll need a bowl, half a cup of milk, some dish soap, a cotton swab, and a couple of food dyes. Here’s the plan: Step 1: Pour the milk into the bowl. Step 2: Add a few drops of the different colored food dye. Step 3: Take the cotton swap and dab some dish soap on it. Step 4: Touch the cotton swab with soap to the dye floating in the milk. Tell us what you find out! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Bill Nye

It’s not always easy to love and accept yourself, but the kinder we are to ourselves, the more likely we are to try our best and be kinder to others. This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about self acceptance and being comfortable with who you are.  Perri Easley is a part of the Born This Way Foundation, an organization that encourages kids to accept themselves for who they are. We speak to her about the work they do, and her own journey to self-acceptance.  Most of us have heard the phrase “being comfortable in your own skin,” but what does that really mean? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains how knowing who you are, is the first step to loving yourself.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Born This Way Foundation

Like all homes, the earth we live on needs taking care of and protecting – but sometimes we can get so used to things that we take them for granted. If we forget to show the necessary attention and care, then who’s going to protect the things we love most? This week on NowThis Kids we’re talking about environmental conservation. Host Naomi Wadler teaches us about how we can learn from Indigenous Peoples and cultures. We speak to Michaela Goade and Carole Lindstrom, about what inspires their activism, how families can get involved in preserving our planet, and their book, We Are Water Protectors.  What does it mean to be Indigenous? Correspondent Luria Freeman explains, as well as why conservation is so important.   We want to hear from you! Send us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Michaela Goade Carole Lindstrom We Are Water Protectors

Chores can be boring, but what if we all stopped doing them? That house would be pretty messy! So what would happen if we all stopped contributing to our community? This episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about being an active part of your community and why it’s important.  We speak to Emma MacDonald, an active member of the Fort Greene Community in Brooklyn, New York, who tells us about The Fort Greene Community Fridge: an outdoor refrigerator full of free food for families in need. Plus, how she got into volunteering and the importance of helping her community.  You don’t have to do huge things to help your community – Correspondent Luria Freeman explains how even small acts of kindness can go a long way.  We want to hear from you! Send us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Clinton Hill/Fort Greene Mutual Aid Fort Greene Community Fridge Tiffany Baker - the artist who painted the fridge

We often take a lot of things for granted because we’re so used to them, like the food we eat or even having a roof over our heads. But too many people lack access to these basic essentials, and it’s time for that to change. That’s why on this episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about homelessness, and how we can all come together to fight it. We talk to Jakhil Naeem Jackon who at 8 years old, created “Project I Am” – a nonprofit organization that spreads awareness of homelessness and helps those in need.  What is a “home” to you? Correspondent Aljendo Alba explains that it’s a lot more than just four walls and a roof, plus different ways you can help fight homelessness. How can you make a difference? Let us know by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Project I Am Jahkil Naeem Jackson

Do you ever feel like you have thoughts overflowing in your head? Do you ever take a moment to pause and think about how you’re feeling in that moment?  This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about identifying our emotions, and how to share our thoughts and feelings in a positive way.  Have you ever tried mediation? We spoke to Bob Roth, CEO of the David Lynch Foundation about how people can use meditation to help them understand what they’re thinking, and why emotional health is so important. Sometimes it can be tricky to give what you’re feeling a name, so correspondent Alejandro Alba breaks down some emotions you may be feeling and what they mean. You can also join in with our 5-step exercise to help you feel less anxious and reconnect with your surroundings.  We want to hear from you! Get in touch by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Bob Roth David Lynch Foundation

Can’t agree on what movie to watch or what to have for dinner? Voting among friends and family is a great way to decide those small things, but it’s also the way most places choose their leaders like mayors, senators, and even the president! This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about voting: how it works, why it matters, and how we can make sure that everyone has their voices heard.  We speak to Ashley Jorgensen who is a part of Kids Voting USA an organization that teaches kids all about voting, all about the importance of getting involved in your elections. You may have heard of democracy – but what is it? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains how democratic elections work.  We want to hear from you! Get in touch by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Kids Voting USA

Sometimes, people get stuck thinking that only one type of person can do something. These biases can make you think you can’t be who you want to be when you grow up.  This episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler is talking about bias and diversity in one of the most important fields there is: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We speak to Yamilée Toussaint Beach, founder of STEM from Dance, which encourages Black and Brown girls to get involved with STEM, and Makeda Neavill who is pursuing her passions in the program.  Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains why assumptions aren’t always helpful, and why having people from all walks of life working together can create better solutions to the world's problems.  Do you know what you want to be when you’re older? Get in touch by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba STEM from Dance

This year the coronavirus changed everything. It might have made you feel anxious or scared – and that’s okay. This week on NowThis Kids, we’re talking about COVID-19, how it can make us feel and some ways to stay safe.  Host Naomi Wadler speaks to four best friends who have created a COVID-19 coloring book to help kids have fun and be creative while learning how to stay healthy and happy. How can you look after yourself and your loved ones? Correspondent Alejandro Alba shares some simple tools to prevent the virus from spreading. Plus, we encourage listeners to create a mask that reflects who you are on the inside.  Did you make your own mask? Show us by sending an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Be The Change Coloring Co website Be The Change Coloring Co Instagram

Imagine moving to a different country, not because you want to but because you have to – this episode on NowThis Kids, we’re talking about refugees. Host Naomi Wadler talks us through the difference between an immigrant and a refugee. We speak with Mohamad Al Jounde, winner of the Children’s Peace Prize, who created a school in his refugee camp after fleeing Syria. Mohamad tells us how education not only helps us learn and grow, but also helps build community. How does someone become a refugee? Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains, and why we should welcome them with an open heart. We want to hear from you! Get in touch by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Mohamad Al Jounde Mohamad’s School - Gharsah Sweden

People come in a variety of beautiful shades, shapes, and sizes. But when we’re used to seeing one body type or skin color on TV, online, or in books, it can be hard not to compare ourselves to others.  This week on NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler talks about body positivity, and the ways we  can learn to love ourselves no matter what we look like. We speak to model and author, Leah V about her journey with body positivity. What is representation? Correspondent Luria Freeman explains why it’s important to see people who look like you in the media.  What unique parts of yourself do you love the most? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Leah V

Can you imagine opening your refrigerator and nothing was there? That’s a reality for many kids and families in the USA. A lot of people  don’t have access to the food they need to grow and be healthy. This episode we’re talking about food accessibility and how you can help people who are hungry. Host Naomi Wadler tells us where you can volunteer and donate to make a difference, and Correspondent Luria Freeman explains why doing our part to not waste food can help the millions of children who go hungry. We also speak to the Silverman family, where brothers Gabe, Riley and Jackson founded I Heart Hungry Kids, a non-profit devoted to ending childhood hunger. How did you cut back on waste or make food accessible to another person? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman I Heart Hungry Kids FeedingAmerica.org

Schools are places to learn, make friends, and discover the world around us. However, some schools in the United States can’t afford the books or technology that students need to learn. That’s why today we’re talking about educational equity. This week, we talk to Tiffani Tores and Sophie Mode, who are part of youth-led organization Teens Take Charge. They saw that the people in their city with the most money had access to better education, and are now working hard to make sure that everyone has equal access to the education they need. Host Naomi Wadler walks us through what inequity looks like and Correspondent Alejandro Alba explains the goals of educational equity, and how you can help in your community. How can you make a difference? Let us know by sending us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Sophie Mode Tiffani Tores Teens Take Charge

Each family is made differently. Some people are born into their family, while others are adopted or fostered. On today’s episode we’re talking about chosen families and how to talk about them in an uplifting way. Host Naomi Wadler was adopted at 7 months old and tells us about her found family. We speak to Peter Mutabazi about how his own adoption fueled him to foster over 13 kids. Then his son Anthony joins us to talk about their found family. Correspondent Luria Freeman teaches us how to talk about and celebrate adoption within our families. Did you draw your Tree of Life? We want to see them! Send us an email at kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Peter Mutavazi  Example : Tree of Life  Peter’s story on how he adopted Anthony

Bullying is something that’s hard to talk about, and kids and grown ups both know that it’s still a problem today. Host Naomi Wadler reminds us why preventing bullying isn’t about fighting back, but rather spreading positive change. What do you do if you find yourself in a situation with someone who bullies? Correspondent Luria Freeman has helpful advice. Plus, we chat with Natalie Hampton who created the app Sit With Us to help other kids feel less alone.  Want to share your ways to practice kindness with us? Send an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Naomi Wadler   Luria Freeman Natalie Hampton Sit With Us app

Every family is built differently, but they all have one thing in common – love. In our very first episode of NowThis Kids, host Naomi Wadler lets us in on what makes her family unique! We speak to TikTok influencer Rocco Forgoine, about his LGBTQ+ family and what it’s like to share their life with people who may not know families with same-sex parents. What does LGBTQ+ really mean? NowThis correspondant Alejandro Alba breaks down the queer alphabet and why it’s important to celebrate our differences.  Want to share your drawings or conversations with us? Send an email to kids@nowthismedia.com Links: Rocco Forgione Instagram Rocco Forgione TikTok Naomi Wadler   Alejandro Alba Resources for LGBTQ+ Parents Resources for parents with LGBTQ+ children

NowThis Kids, presented by Cheerios, is an original podcast by NowThis that spotlights uplifting news and important issues for children and their families. Each episode is dedicated to exploring the world around us and helping kids quench their curiosity. Through positive news stories of courageous kids, we unpack the complex news cycle and give parents the tools to talk with their children about the stories that matter most today. Look out for new episodes every Wednesday, hosted by activist Naomi Wadler and NowThis correspondents Luria Freeman and Alejandro Alba.