Let's Begin with Jenna Arnold

In a world where parents are drowning in expectations and kids are buried under extracurriculars, how do we step back, loosen up, and actually enjoy the ride? Jenna sits down with Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a leading expert in child development, and her son, EGOT winning Composer and Lyricist, Benj Pasek, for a playful yet profound conversation on raising curious, creative kids. They tackle the myth o...

This episode offers a tender reflection on the evolving roles of parents, the uniqueness of each generation, and the deep connection between mother and daughter, all while exploring the vital importance of showing up for children in a way that nurtures their emotional needs and individual growth. Lauren reflects on the challenges she faced as a mother in a rapidly changing world, offering wisdom a...

Ever find yourself deep in the trenches of parenthood, wondering if you're supposed to be quoting a parenting expert, a viral Instagram reel, or that one book you read (half of) last year? We've all been there–trying to keep up with the tidal wave of advice coming from social media, experts, podcasts (hi!), and even that random stranger in the grocery store. It's a lot. In this episode, Jenna sits...

Jenna and Zach Rausch, lead researcher of the NYT Best Seller, The Anxious Generation explore how screen time has become a cornerstone of modern parenting—offering both convenience and unintended consequences. They discuss the divisive nature of phones, which have reshaped childhood while balancing technology's educational potential. Jenna and Zach advocate for clear, thoughtful boundaries while a...

This podcast issues a bold challenge to parents raising boys: reject the outdated model of toughness and dominance and instead teach empathy, curiosity, and vulnerability. These traits are the keys to raising boys who can thrive in a world that values humanity over control. Mark Greene warns of the dangers of "man box" culture, where boys are pressured to suppress emotions and assert power. But wi...

Let’s begin, at the beginning of Sesame Street. In today’s episode Jenna sits down with Sesame Workshop’s CEO, Sherrie Westin to discuss the origins of Sesame Street, their partnership with Begin, and why its mission is more vitaI than ever before.  Since 1969, the characters of Sesame Street have reflected their audience, helping kids (and parents) see versions of themselves on screen. The cast o...

In this gripping episode of Let's Begin, Jenna sits down with Reshma Saujani, the founder of Mom’s First and Girls Who Code, and author of Pay Up: The Future of Women and Work. As both an activist and a mother, Reshma opens up about the crushing weight of comparison culture and perfectionism that so many parents wrestle with today. With a staggering 41% of caregivers reporting overwhelming stress,...

Valarie Kaur, renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, educator, and best selling author, joins Jenna for a timely conversation around processing the news with our children. While these conversations and resulting questions from our kids can feel heavy and intimidating to navigate, they provide a valuable opportunity to instill the roots of empathy while teaching them how other people’s perspectives...

Kristen Bell, actress, children’s book author, and mother of two joins Jenna for a refreshing conversation about the magical gift of natural curiosity in children and the beauty of embracing uncertainty as parents.  Whether it’s admitting that you don’t know the answer to your child’s question or embarking on an imaginative storytelling journey together, Kristen, Jenna, and child development exper...

We’re trying to equip our children with the skills they need while questioning what others deem important. In today’s episode Jenna is joined by Kier Gaines, a licensed therapist, former special education teacher, content creator and father. Kier and Jenna share what milestones (actually) matter most to them, which ones they’re working on and which ones we can spend less time thinking about. At Be...

As parents and caregivers we’re performing the ultimate balancing act: doing everything we can to tee our kids up to thrive while navigating a fulfilling path of our own.  If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed by the complexity of this dual journey and wondering where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s Begin. Hosted by activist, author, and mother, Jenna Arnold, in partnership with the...