The Bold and the Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast

What does democracy look like 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence? Recorded in Philadelphia as the country approaches its 250th anniversary, this special roundtable episode of The Bold & The Brave brings together members of the National Parent Leadership Institute team to reflect on civic learning, youth voice, and the role families play in shaping a more inclusive d...

In this episode of Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast , we sit down with Diane Silva , a Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) graduate and parent leader from Rhode Island, to talk about accessibility, advocacy, and systems change. Diane shares how her lived experience as a caregiver led her to advocate for universal changing stations in public restrooms, a need that too often goe...

In this episode of The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, Carlos and Hobson sit down with Zee (Hawai‘i), Anthony (Memphis), and Carolyn (Share Our Strength) to talk about SNAP, food assistance, and the power of lived experience in shaping fairer systems. Although this conversation was recorded before the federal government shutdown, it feels more urgent than ever. As families across th...

In this powerful episode of The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast , we explore the lived experiences of fatherhood and leadership with special guest Joshua Vaughn, a father of five, entrepreneur, and PLTI graduate. Carlos Maldonado steps in front of the camera for the first time to co-host alongside Melvette Hill as they reflect on presenting at the New England Fathering Conference , d...

In this episode of 'The Bold and the Brave, Parent Leader Podcast,' co-hosts Hobson McCain and Melvette Hill discuss the significance of Black History Month and its theme focused on African Americans and labor. The podcast also highlights the National Parent Leadership Institute’s initiatives, like the Hidden Figures series, which celebrates lesser-known African American leaders. Key topics includ...

In this episode of 'The Bold and the Brave,' Zulema Gomez welcomes back Hobson, who will join the podcast as a regular co-host. Hobson discusses his background in legislative advocacy, political campaigns, and civic engagement. The duo explores current events affecting local and national policy, including extreme weather impacts in Atlanta and California. They discuss the significance of cabinet a...

In this episode of The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast , hosts Zulema Gomez and Melvette Hill discuss the post-election climate and its implications for parent leaders, democracy, and the work ahead. Drawing from their own experiences and recent conferences, they explore how to navigate uncertainty, build inclusive communities, and turn challenges into opportunities. Key Highlights:...

Join parent-leader hosts Melvette Hill and Zulema Gomez in a dynamic conversation on the importance of civic engagement ahead of the upcoming November election. This September episode of our podcast covers a range of topics, from the influence of presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump to the crucial role of local and state judges in shaping future policies. Special guests Donna Tho...

Join parent leader hosts Melvette Hill and Zulema Gomez on The Bold & The Brave Podcast as they dive into the current state of affairs, including the recent presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and current President Joseph Biden. They discuss the importance of debates in the democratic process, the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions, and the need for civic enga...

In this episode of The Bold and the Brave: A Parent Leader Podcas t, parent leaders Zulema Gomez and Melvette Hill discuss recent developments in their careers and lives, and the power of parent leadership. The conversation also explores the impact of parent leadership training initiatives like the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), the importance of bipartisan civic engagement, and the...

In this episode of The Bold and the Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast, hosts Melvette Hill and Zulema Gomez engage in a timely discussion on the legislative action around a TikTok ban and its broader implications for youth advocacy and civic engagement. They delve into the critical issues of freedom of speech and the nuanced role of government in social media content moderation. The conversation unde...

In this episode of 'The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast', Zulema and Melvette dive into the pivotal role of parents in shaping educational and policy landscapes. They explore civic engagement, the significance of mental health support in schools, and the complexities surrounding online safety for kids. From discussing impactful events like Civic Learning Week to the power of local ad...

Originally released on December 4, 2023 **- In this episode of 'The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast', Zulema and Melvette share personal frustrations in the ongoing work of parent leadership as well as delight in celebrating some exciting movement in the field of education.

Originally released on November 3, 2023 **- In this episode of 'The Bold & The Brave: A Parent Leader Podcast', Zulema and Melvette, two moms and parent leaders from California and Connecticut, share their voting story and why voting is an important act of parenthood.