The Kids + Podcast

Pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist Dr. Zachary Rubin talks about food, drug, and seasonal allergies, the problem with home test kits, respiratory infections, the immune system, introducing foods to kids, allergic reactions to vaccines, why seasonal allergies are getting worse, and the current science on Long COVID. 

Award-winning investigative journalist and three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist David Heath talks about the process of researching and writing, and some of the key stories and scientists featured in, his new book, Longshot: The Inside Story of the Race for the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Rebecca Winderman talks about the digestive process, and a whole host of related issues and concerns, including gas, reflux, constipation, vomiting, stooling, prebiotics, probiotics, fiber, the gut microbiome, the many colors of poop, and the importance of a baby's first stool.

Data scientist and financial crimes investigator Jake Oakley -- who was, until recently, a very vocal, and very public, anti-COVID-vaccine activist -- talks with remarkable clarity and insight about his "defection" from that way of thinking, his emergence from a childhood steeped in conspiracy theories, and the work he does now to fight online mis- and disinformation.

Internationally renowned infectious disease expert Dr. Paul Offit covers the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, with data-driven information on variants, vaccines, immunity, infectiousness, masks, memory cells, antibodies, boosters, breakthroughs, the difference between PCR & antigen tests, and more.

Greg Wolf, a long-time middle school science teacher who's lately earned a huge following by posting science lessons on TikTok, talks about engaging young minds, teaching science (or anything) to kids, the value of applied learning, and the importance of knowing what you don't know — especially in science.

Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the former top vaccine official for the government of the state of Tennessee fired earlier this year because prominent political figures didn't approve of the evidence-based education she and her office were providing, tells her story, talks about her work, and offers a cautionary tale on the politicization of public health.  

Epidemiologist and science communicator Katrine Wallace, Ph.D., talks about the importance of good public health communication, the power of evidence-based communication on social media, and the proliferation of COVID vaccine myths and misinformation.  

Pharmacist, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, and social media rock star Savannah Malm, Pharm.D., talks about the important work of, and the inevitable backlash for, fighting online mis- and disinformation in the age of COVID.

Melissa Giraud and Andrew Grant-Thomas, co-founders of Embrace Race, talk about the work, resources, and community necessary to raise children who are "thoughtful, informed, and brave about race."

Dr. David Schonfeld, Director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, provides an expert look at how to help children process grief and loss in their lives.

Occupational therapist Matt Bittner returns to talk about readiness, and strategies for, as well as the importance of structure, routine, and expectation when, potty training children.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Andy Nowalk covers the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, with evidence-based information on masks, cases, treatments, infection rates, vaccines, and the impact of the virus on children.

Dr. Seth Toback, Vice President for Clinical Development of Coronavirus Vaccines at NOVAVAX, Inc, offers an inside look at the amazing work being done to produce vaccines for COVID-19. He talks at length about the science, innovation, and safety of the process, and the life-saving products that will likely result.

Dr. Anna Meyer, nationally renowned otolaryngologist and associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco, talks about the diagnosis and treatment -- and misdiagnosis and mistreatment -- of tongue tie. 

Child development expert Diana Schwab and Kids Plus pediatrician Dr. Amy Maddalena talk about their work with babies who fuss and cry and just can't seem to be soothed, and the toll that fussiness can take on parents and caregivers.   

Dr. Amy Maddalena, Medical Director of the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, talks about the science and support of breastfeeding for Moms and babies.

Pediatric dentist Dr. Sara Ruby talks about oral health for young children, including teething, toothbrushing, thumb sucking and pacifiers, the care of baby teeth, and when children should start seeing a dentist.

Internationally renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp talks about research, techniques, strategies (including The 5 S's), and products (including SNOO) for soothing babies and helping them to sleep.

Dr. Ben Hoffman, a nationally renowned expert on child injury prevention, talks about the use, installation, safety, and science of car seats for kids.

Samantha Bushman, founder and CEO of Talk, the New Sex Ed, talks about her research on how and where traditional sex education approaches miss the mark, her wildly successful alternative approach that evolved from that research, and insights on the subject for both teens and parents. 

Nationally renowned pediatric allergist/immunologist Dr. Dave Stukus talks (and busts myths) about seasonal allergies, food allergies, allergy treatments, the immune system, medical misinformation, and the Coronavirus "infodemic."

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Wendy Eson and Beth Ricciuti share insights, tips, and strategies to help Moms transition back to work while breastfeeding their babies.  

Author Ryan Homanics, now more than 5 years clean after a long battle with drug addiction, and his mother, Valerie Homanics, tell their story with incredible power and clarity, to offer a glimpse at the ways addiction can devastate a life and an entire family.

Carnegie Mellon University professor Illah Nourbakhsh talks about air quality, environmental health, productive use of screen time, and training kids for a technological future. 

Occupational therapist Matt Bittner offers tips, insights, and strategies for how to deal with picky eaters, and for how to handle mealtime (and other time) negotiations with your kids.

A conversation with Kylie Prymus, owner of Games Unlimited, one of the country's oldest and best game stores, about the pleasures of "old-fashioned analog entertainment," some great kid and family games you probably don't know (but should), and recommendations for different ages and game genres.

A conversation with registered dietitian Andrew Wade about general nutrition, different types of fats, the importance of balance, the myth of "healthy vs. unhealthy" foods, how to craft a complete meal, and his #1 tip for how to enjoy eating (including sweet treats!) at the holidays.

A conversation with early education expert Cara Ciminillo about the value of high-quality child care, what to look for (and what questions to ask) when evaluating a child care center, how to make the best child care choice for your family, and the importance of play in early learning.

Disease prevention and immunization expert Dr. Don Middleton talks about the flu and the importance (and safety) of the flu vaccine, and also shares a few thoughts on shingles and the shingles vaccine.  

Infectious disease expert Dr. Andy Nowalk talks about the spread, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme Disease.

A wide-ranging conversation with child development expert Diana Schwab about stages of development, potty training, separation anxiety, fussy eating, tantrums, biting, and other "things you can't control."