The Kid Next Door Podcast

Meet Bayleigh, a 5th grader who LOVES Taylor Swift and believes if we don't have peace, the world will decay. Buckle up for this roller coaster of a conversation that tackles the importance of self-care, cell phones, grounding, why Taylor Swift is so relatable and much more. You will be blown away by the wisdom of Bayleigh. This is THE KID NEXT DOOR.

Meet Canaan, a 5th grader who believes if you help other people, it will help you. His kindness has been put to the test recently, being a bully target at school. He shares tips on how to deal with bullies, ideas to meet the physical and emotional needs of people who are homeless, and his secret Fortnite hideout spot that only 1 million players know about. This is THE KID NEXT DOOR.

In this episode of The Kid Next Door, we meet Sam, a junior at Shadle Park High School and a youth cadet with the Spokane Police Department. With a profound belief in the transformative power of human connection and the importance of empathy, Sam is on a mission to redefine the narrative surrounding law enforcement. Through dedicating over 75 hours of his spring break to ride along in a police car and shadow officers, he gained invaluable understanding and insight. Despite life's setbacks, Sam's unwavering spirit shines as he selflessly lends a helping hand wherever it is needed. Join us as we delve into Sam's inspiring story on The Kid Next Door podcast.

In this episode, we sit down with Sindhu, an incredible 14-year-old girl who discovered her passion for art during the pandemic and managed to raise over $20,000 for homelessness and family housing through her creativity.  She shares her personal story of discrimination at a young age and how she used it to fuel her desire for positive change. Through her upcoming TED Talk, "The Art of Rewriting Your Story: Sharpening Your Mindset," she emphasizes the importance of changing the narrative we tell ourselves to live fuller lives and to focus on the good. Tune in and be inspired by her journey of using her experiences to become a better version of herself and make a positive impact on her community.

After moving to America in 2019, Nazanin was able to dream. High School was an option now, but new challenges arose in the form of a language barrier, micro and macro aggressions, cultural differences, and being a teenager trying to make friends while moving around to 3 high schools in 3 years. In this episode, you and your family can hear another side of the story. Her message to young immigrant girls is, “There is always hope.” This is The Kid Next Door, and we hope you can hear them knocking.

If there is an underdog in the world, someone who needs to be seen, Lucy uses her superpower to identify that person and make them feel special. In this episode, we talk about the characteristics of a good leader, how to work through emotions, what it means to be human, and so much more. You will fall in love with the passionate, artistic, next-generation leader named Lucy! This is The Kid Next Door. 

When Russell steps into the room, there is a different energy. It's electric and contagious. Being visually impaired has not stopped him from dreaming and living a full life. In this episode, we talk about accessibility, family guy, voice-over acting, braille menus, and so much more. If you like Abbott and Castello, you will love Russell and KJ.

Maverick is not one for the spotlight, but his kindness is a bright light in the community. In this episode, Maverick opens up about the realities of middle school, spoiler alert, it's not always easy, and his genuine life goal of being nice. Enjoy one of the “nicest kids” on the planet. This is Maverick, The Kid Next Door.

In today's episode, we learn from an incredible Kid Next Door who went before the school board to advocate for things she cared about but ended up being cyber-bullied by people who disagreed with her. This is her story, and her bravery, understanding, and laughter will inspire you to be "Be Curious, Not Judgmental."

When health challenges from Pediatric Acute-onset Neurological Syndrome (PANS) caused Annika to miss most of her 7th-grade year, she wondered if the barrier of accessibility within the school setting would be too great to overcome. She began to use her voice. In the beginning, no one seemed to be listening, but after countless shut doors, she decided to take her advocacy to the school board. The school board not only listened but gave her a once-a-month position to advocate for other students seeking accessibility and accommodations.

In this episode, sixth grader MJ opens up about her deep concern for food waste, which she calls “the cycle of death.” We discuss how to put a “kabash” to this cycle by infusing it with the life of innovation.

When Georgia lost her Nana to breast cancer, she was determined to learn more about how to protect women and make them feel better. Inspiration sparked while serving on a Generation Alive Action Team. Her idea ... period packs for students who are homeless. She donated them to local shelters and has dreams of starting her own non-profit organization to provide essential services to women in need. This is The Kid Next Door.

After witnessing the heartbreaking scene of teenagers sleeping under the freeway at 7, Elli's sympathy moved to action by brainstorming how she could use her privilege to help this vulnerable population. When COVID hit, her imagination took flight in tangible form by making and selling masks to raise money for Family Promise (a homeless shelter in the local area). In this episode, Elli (aka the future Madam President) has plans for the climate, homelessness, and the desire for others to experience less pain.

5th grader Cole's life is changed by supporting a friend at the Pride Parade. Proximity is at the heart of this change, and his passion for inclusion is heartwarming and hopeful. In this week's episode, we talk about Guardians of the Galaxy, penny drives for the homeless, and the fear of putting yourself out there.

It's important to pause, reflect, and remember simple truths. On this podcast, we hope to model a "Rhythm is Life, and Life is Rhythm" form of storytelling. After every month of The Kid Next Door Podcast, we will pause to soak in the wisdom of a month of incredible stories from compassionate youth. Enjoy this mash-up from the first four episodes of The Kid Next Door, and if you like what you hear, check out the full versions on all major streaming platforms.

As a first-grader, Keegan heard about the earthquake in Haiti and rushed into action to start a food and clothing drive. As a Sophomore in high school, she continues to live a life of compassion. She opens up about grief, closure, insecurity, Robert Pattinson, and ways to cultivate a compassionate life. “In order to be a better person, you have to SEE what's around you.” This is The Kid Next Door!

In this episode of TKND, ninth-grader, Teigan raises $800 for an essentials drive at his school. Teigen's eyes are awakened to a serious need in his community when the items are dispersed in less than a day.

In this episode of TKND, Zoe uses her experience as an adoptee from China to create a subscription service. Her company, Red Thread Unraveled, helps strengthen adoptive families' relationships and adoptees' cultural ties to their birth country.

When Andrew feels the force of loneliness and depression in the world, he moves to help others. In this episode, we talk Minecraft, Loneliness, and *NSYNC's star member “Jeff” Timberlake. Prepare yourself to laugh, cry, and be inspired by Andrew, The Kid Next Door.

The Kid Next Door Podcast will ELEVATE, HIGHLIGHT, AND CENTER students' voices that often go unheard and unseen to give HOPE, INSPIRATION, AND HEALING. Bringing marginalized voices front and center can activate faster cultural and social change. Narrative and storytelling can expedite justice. The stories will be short, uplifting, inspirational, and family-friendly. The format allows you to start the day with compassion on your morning commute, to school, on a walk, during a lunch break, passing period, or before you drift off to sleep letting compassion control your dreams. We need stories like these to remind us of who we are and take the time to pause and listen to the voices of the rising generation who are changing the world by living into their compassion. Because you never know who The Kid Next Door could be. They could be changing the world. “Understanding someone's suffering is the greatest gift you can give another person. Understanding is loves other name. If you don't understand, you can't love.” -Thich Nhat Hanh