Raising Us: A Parenting Podcast

The news has felt heavy – every headline, story, and social media feed flooded with situations we don’t always know how to talk about at home. Still, kids are always watching and observing how adults respond to these big moments. How do we talk about these hard things without sugarcoating or panicking? And how do we provide tools they need to feel safer, grounded, and maybe even hopeful?  Host Eli...

After the holiday season chaos, many families experience an annual reset into a slower winter, leading to occasional bouts of boredom. But what if boredom isn’t something to fix, but something to welcome? Mother of three, author, and founder of The Workspace for Children Lizzie Assa talks with Raising Us host Elise Hu about how to encourage raising confident, resilient kids through boredom and lul...

(Note: This episode originally ran on October 17th, 2025)  Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds ( All American Boys , Long Way Down ) talks about what it feels like to...

Self-esteem plays a powerful role in how kids handle challenges, relationships, and self-doubt – but how can parents ensure confidence doesn’t come with being “the best?” Raising Us host Elise Hu is joined by Dr. Kristin Neff, associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, to define self-esteem and share practical tips for building confidence at home. Also join...

Social media and screen time is becoming a bigger part of family life everyday – from how kids connect and learn, to how many parents manage busy schedules. To help define healthy social media habits, public school teacher and librarian Ash Brandin shares their best tips from recent book Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. Also, award winning health and science journalist C...

Youth sports can shape our kids in powerful ways on and off the field. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu sits down with Managing Director of Olympics and Action Sports at Octagon Peter Carlisle to explore how early experiences in sports can build confidence, character, and lifelong resilience. Peter unpacks the hidden pressures young athletes face today, practical ways parents can nurture a...

As we get deeper into the holiday season and winter holidays, many parents start to wonder — how do we keep holiday magic alive while helping our kids understand what’s real? Jacqueline Woolley, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, studies how kids understand fantasy, reality, and belief itself. She joins us to explore and support curiosity, belief, and cultural traditions...

As the season of holiday gifting approaches, kids and parents alike may notice new toys, new desires, and the effects of a tight budget. Here to build confidence in starting conversations about money with your kids is bestselling author, journalist, and host of the Her Money podcast, Jean Chatzky. Jean breaks down how to ease kids into the concept of money, what conversations about wealth can look...

When sharing life lessons with our kids, parents can often only hope that these lessons stick. Comedian, actor, and dad Roy Wood Jr. joins Elise Hu to talk about how humor, humility, and honesty has helped navigate parenting and giving his son the tools to thrive in a world without him. Roy shares the most impactful lessons he’s learned, the ones he hopes to teach, and what makes life lessons trul...

Open conversations about gender and identity are more pervasive than ever. Policies impacting gender identity and transgender youth dominate the headlines and ballots. How can parents really guide our kids through big questions about who they are and who others are, with openness instead of fear? Jeanette Jennings, president and cofounder of the Trans Kids Purple Rainbow Foundation — and mom to tr...

Democracy works best when the kids in our lives know their voices matter. Elise Hu talks with educator and author Sharon McMahon about helping families understand civic life beyond the ballot box. Learn how to discuss political differences with respect, introduce local government, and give kids concrete ways to participate in their communities. From writing letters to elected officials to joining...

Sibling relationships can be some of the most loving — and challenging — connections kids can experience. Sue Dominus, award winning New York Times journalist and author of The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success, joins Elise Hu to explore how parents can best support multiple kids. Dominus shares tangible advice to creating safe and supportive homes by listening to our k...

We hear about racism all the time in our neighborhoods, on the news, and on social media. But what does it actually look like to talk about race with our families, especially with kids? How do we help everyone understand each other, instead of shutting down or getting scared? W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and Emmy Award-winning host of CNN's United Shades of America , shares how race and identity have...

Immigration is in the news, in our communities, and sometimes in our own families. But how do we explain it to kids without scaring them? Elise Hu talks with comedian and writer Negin Farsad about what her daughter has noticed, and what Negin chooses to share. Children’s author Duncan Tonatiuh joins to share how his book Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote helps kids understand the dangers and resilience...

Banned books are sparking debates in schools and libraries across the country. But what do book bans really mean for the kids in your life? And how can families respond in ways that build understanding instead of fear? In this episode, bestselling author Jason Reynolds ( All American Boys , Long Way Down ) talks about what it feels like to see his work pulled from classrooms, and scholar Dr. Emily...

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere — from ChatGPT to TikTok algorithms, AI is transforming childhood, parenting, and everything about how we live today. Creator and co-host of podcast Life With Machines Baratunde Thurston chats with Elise Hu about the ways we can help kids and ourselves navigate this new technology with curiosity and care. Learn how kids are engaging with AI today, and why adul...

What does it really mean to raise kids who see every brain as worthy of belonging? In this episode, Elise Hu talks with actress, director, and author Lake Bell about her daughter’s journey with epilepsy and how that shaped her own understanding of neurodiversity. Later, ADHD advocate and creator of How to ADHD Jessica McCabe shares practical ways parents can explain neurodivergence, involve kids i...

Puberty can feel awkward, confusing, and even scary for kids (and parents!). Pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Cara Natterson shares how to turn those hard moments into honest, supportive conversations that help kids feel confident about their changing bodies.   Puberty today starts earlier and lasts longer. From growth spurts and acne to mood swings and silence, kids need language that redu...

How do you talk to your kids about the political violence that’s unfolded this week, and over the past couple of years? And how much do you say? In this mini episode, we share a part of a conversation between Elise Hu and educator and author Sharon McMahon to help families talk about political differences with compassion, even when emotions run high. The full conversation about how to talk to your...

This is the first episode of Raising Us, a new podcast from A Kids Co. about the questions our kids are already asking...and how we answer them.   What do kids learn when they hear “fat” used like an insult? And what do we say when they turn that word on themselves? In this episode, we talk about how to name fatphobia, challenge it, and model true body respect at any size.   Back-to-school season...

Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life. Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring...

Parenting isn’t just about raising kids, it’s about raising ourselves, too. From “kids are resilient” to “toughen up,” journalist and mom of three Elise Hu unpacks the cultural scripts families pass down and reframes them with reporting, expert voices, and real-life stories. Every episode of Raising Us comes with a free conversation kit to spark connection around your dinner table, on the drive to...

Harold Hughes, author of A Kids Book About Blockchain, talks about fostering curiosity and conceptual discussion of an evolving technology called blockchain. A Kids Book About Blockchain ( view book ) Full Book Description: This book helps foster curiosity and conceptual discussion of an evolving technology called blockchain. Through big and small ideas about practical uses for it, a clear eye to...

Rachel Burger, author of A Kids Book About School, talks about what school is, why we go, and why it’s so important! A Kids Book About School ( view book ) Full Book Description: What does going to school mean for you? A lot of people will think of history, science, or PE class. But did you know school can teach you so much more? Like how to connect with other people, communicate well, problem-sol...

AJ Thomas, author of A Kids Book About Teams, and daughter Ava Thomas talk about how teams are everywhere, and you’ll be a part of so many throughout your life! A Kids Book About Teams ( view book ) Courage Takes Flight ( view book ) Full Book Description: A team is any group of people who have a shared passion or goal, and do you want to know something fun? Teams are EVERYWHERE. You’re probably a...