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 school, or before bedtime.

New episodes begin September 9. Follow now so you don’t miss the first conversation: body image, confidence, and the messages our kids carry for life.

Jelani talks with Sam Rapoport and Becca Gitlitz-Rapoport. Ever wanted to know what a power couple looks like? It looks like Sam and Becca.

Sam is an executive at the National Football League. Yep. The NFL. She just so happens to be an out and proud employee working in football, where she's a 21 year veteran.

Her wife, Becca, is an Emmy-winning producer, director, and filmmaker currently creating films at Time Studios.

They also happen to have two little amazing children at four and nine months old.

The conversation gets into all about how they met, started a family, and learned both have incredibly high profile careers while raising their kiddos. Sam and Becca talk about the stigma they face as a gay couple and what society feels is and isn't acceptable for them in raising their children.

Jelani shares that Sam and Becca are good friends, allies, and two of the best parentshe knows. Enjoy this conversation and all the wisdom they share.

Check out Sam and Becca’s book, A Kids Book About Allyship, by visiting ​​akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-allyship.

Contact us by emailing us at listen@akidsco.com.

Explore our collection of over 80 books made to empower, by visiting akidsco.com.

Jelani talks with Matthew Winner, a podcast producer, host, and school librarian.

Matthew is the former host of The Children’s Book Podcast. He's kind of a veteran in the kid's podcast space. In fact, he produces all of the shows on our A Kids Co. podcast network. He also spent 15 plus years as an educator and librarian.

Matthew believes kids have an extraordinary potential and don't quite get enough credit for it, for how absolutely brilliant they are. One of his superpowers is creating safety for kids. We touch on the needs of kids and grownups, and what the rest of us parents can learn from just listening to our kids.

Matthew is a friend, colleague, and simply an all-around amazing human being. And we’re pleased to get to share this conversation with you.

Learn more about Matthew at his site, ​​matthewcwinner.com.

Contact us by emailing us at listen@akidsco.com.

Explore our collection of over 80 books made to empower, by visiting akidsco.com.