The Leading for Children Podcast

In this episode, we reflect on the people, relationships, and experiences that have shaped Leading for Children over the past ten years. Through stories of partnership, moments of connection, challenges, and growth, we explore the lessons that have stayed with us, how we’ve changed along the way, and the lasting impact of learning and growing together in support of children, families, and communities.

In this episode of The Leading for Children Podcast, LFC Team Members Jonathan Fribley and Shannon Newman are joined by longtime partner, Tanya Taylor—Director of the Early Childhood Department at Marin County Office of Education in California. As friends and colleagues, this trio explores the humanity and mutual learning mechanisms that have supported a fueling and effective partnership that has rippled outward over many years.Thanks for listening!Learn more about our partnership philosophy and opportunities to connect at leadingforchildren.org.

Listen in for a conversation with Allison Klingmann, mom, educator, artist, and community advocate. Together, we’ll explore how we authentically move through complex emotions and find the resilience to show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities during uncertain times.Join us for a National Conversation on April 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET! You can learn more about this event and register here.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

Listen in for two thoughtful conversations about belonging—one with Natasha Kile, mother and Past President of the Arkansas Early Childhood Association, and another with Adriana Loson-Ceballos, mother, philanthropy consultant, researcher, and evaluator. Together, we explore how belonging is shaped in everyday relationships, begins with our own self-awareness and agency, and lays the groundwork for the cultural shifts that make systemic change possible.Hosted by LFC Team Members Nichole Parks, Executive Director, and Julia Connolly, Communications and Program Leader.

Listen in for a rich conversation with mother and clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Rocks, as she offers an accessible guide to emotional regulation. Explore the power of this skill in nurturing healthy relationships, hear strategies for practicing it yourself, and learn ways to support children in co-regulating—creating spaces where everyone can thrive.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

In this episode, LFC’s Executive Director, Nichole Parks, and Executive Assistant, Amy White, reflect on the role intention has played in shaping their work together—and the ripples that have followed. They show that practicing intention isn’t a lofty ideal or an extra task on a to-do list, but a simple, powerful tool we can draw on in moments throughout the day—one that helps us thrive, and to create spaces where children can thrive.Set Intention is the first step in the Mutual Learning Method’s Four-Part Facilitation Arc strategy. Used in sequence, this approach promotes equity by providing a familiar, predictable structure for conversation. Each part plays a distinct role in the larger goal of creating safe, equitable spaces where adults can share wisdom, build trust, and foster agency.-----LFC practices the groundbreaking Humanity First Model, developed by Judy Jablon, to improve early learning. The Mutual Learning Method honors the wisdom and dignity of everyone who cares for and educates our children.Stronger Adults = Stronger Children = Stronger CommunitiesLearn more at leadingforchildren.org.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

In this episode of the Leading for Children Podcast, Nichole Parks and Julia Connolly have an inspiring conversation with Kaylee Phillips, a dedicated Arkansas teacher of adolescents who leads with her values—modeling integrity and empowering her students to find their voices. From guiding young people to reflect on their choices to creating spaces where they feel fully seen, Kaylee is the kind of educator who makes a lasting impact.A quote to take away: Julia shared, "We share so many values. The way we talk about them might look different, but if you break them down to their very center, they're usually about love and care and relationships."This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

In honor of the Month of the Military Child in April, we spotlighted two powerful voices from our Humanity First community: KiOwana Phillips, a U.S. Army Sergeant Major and mother, and Shannon Newman, a mother, military spouse, and LFC team member. Through their stories, they offer meaningful insight into what it looks like to show up for military children—fostering a sense of safety, support, and belonging in the face of their unique challenges.A quote to take away: Shannon shared, " Resilience isn't built in isolation. It's really nurtured in relationship. And when military children are being relocated and moved, it's important that we are building that relationship and sustaining it with them."Thanks for listening!To learn more about Leading for Children, visit our website at leadingforchildren.org.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

In this episode of The Leading for Children Podcast, we hear from father and son duo, Jonathan and Noah Fribley, as they share the tender, yet powerful story of their relationship—its beautiful and challenging evolution over its multi-decade course.Storytelling can be life-changing. As we express our truths and listen to those of others, we have a profound opportunity to be known, to know others more deeply, to expand our capacity for empathy, and to strengthen the foundation of wisdom that unites and activates us as a greater community.A Quote to Take Away: Noah Fribley shared, “ You can have grand theories about how society and family should structure themselves, but at the end of the day, it's small things that make that difference. It's neighbors helping each other or family members making meals when somebody has a baby. And I think that's something that you, in particular, really modeled. You don't have to have a lot to have a big impact, and that's stuck with me.”Thanks for listening!To learn more about Leading for Children, visit our website at leadingforchildren.org.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.

In this episode of The Leading for Children Podcast, we hear from a courageous lineup of mother-daughter duos who are deeply committed to embodying mutuality in their relationships with one another.Each duo brings authentic moments of connection, their beautiful and messy humanity, and unique and uplifting insights into how they perceive their relationship as a partnership based on equity, kindness, empathy, respect, and a Humanity First approach.A Quote to Take Away: Serene Stevens shared, “Having a daughter introduced a different dynamic of my reflective practice as it relates to being a mom. I get a chance to practice empowerment, and Shiloh actually helps me and encourages me to be braver.”Thanks for listening!To learn more about Leading for Children, or Judy Jablon’s Humanity First Model and Mutual Learning Method, visit our website at leadingforchildren.org.This episode was produced by Julia Connolly.