Elle Cole sits down with Joshua Davidson, creator and co-founder of Night Zookeeper, to explore how games, storytelling, and creativity can help children build confidence in reading and writing. Joshua also shares the journey behind Night Zookeeper and why helping children see themselves as writers and creators matters.

In This Episode

• How gamification can support literacy in young readers

• Why rewards and interactive challenges can motivate reluctant learners

• The game elements that best support reading and writing growth

• Joshua Davidson’s journey in creating Night Zookeeper

• The challenges of building an idea into a global education platform

• Why helping children see themselves as creators matters

About the Guest

Joshua Davidson is the creator and co-founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program for children ages 6 to 12. He is also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series and a passionate advocate for helping kids see themselves as writers and creators.

Why it matters: This episode offers fresh ways for parents, caregivers, and educators to make literacy feel more joyful and less intimidating.

Key Takeaways

• Play can be a powerful pathway to literacy

• Children engage more deeply when learning feels interactive and imaginative

• Confidence is a major part of helping kids grow as readers and writers

• Storytelling helps children connect emotionally to language

• Creativity and literacy can grow side by side

Connect with Night Zookeeper

Instagram: @nightzookeeper

Facebook: Night Zookeeper

TikTok: @nightzookeeperofficial

Pinterest: Night Zookeeper

Episode 109 —

Podcast Episode: Raising Kids Who Value Their Elders

Guest: Isabel Tom

Website: valueofwrinkles.com

In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Isabel Tom, a public health expert, caregiver, author, and the voice behind The Value of Wrinkles. Raised in a multigenerational home and shaped by the wisdom of grandparents who lived to 98 and 102, Isabel shares how her upbringing—and her professional work in hospice and senior living—led to her life’s mission: helping families bridge the gap between generations.

Isabel believes that children who grow up honoring and connecting with their elders develop deeper empathy, gratitude, and resilience. Through tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit, Isabel equips families—especially homeschooling parents—with creative and meaningful ways to nurture intergenerational bonds.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why helping children value older adults can be life-changing
• The hidden emotional benefits of grandparent-grandchild relationships
• How to handle tricky family dynamics with in-laws and grandparents
• Simple ways to create lasting intergenerational connections at home

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, Isabel’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you talk about aging and legacy with the children in your life.

About Isabel Tom:

Isabel holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland and has been featured on AARP’s Take on Today, Don’t Mom Alone, and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her wisdom is both timely and timeless.

Learn more at: valueofwrinkles.com

🔗 Learn more about Isabel Tom and the Grandkid Investigator Kit

📘 Book: The Value of Wrinkles

📦 Get a FREE Mission from the Grandkid Investigator Kit: valueofwrinkles.com/freemission

📸 Instagram: @isabelctom

📘 Facebook: The Value of Wrinkles

P.S. Isabel is a friend—and I’m so glad to share this conversation with you!

Cleverly Changing Podcast - Episode 109 "Preparing Teens for Real-World Success"

Guest: Orlana Darkins Drewery

Episode Overview

In this empowering episode of the Cleverly Changing Podcast, we’re joined by Orlana Darkins Drewery, a media and marketing expert who has dedicated her career to helping young adults, nonprofit organizations, and churches amplify their messages and impact. Orlana is also the founder of The Shyne Network and The Shyne Awards, a premier event that celebrates the achievements of young people aged 13-24 from around the globe.

Together, we explore the vital topic of Preparing Teens for Real-World Success. Orlana shares practical strategies that parents, educators, and community leaders can use to help teens unlock their talents, build resilience, and thrive in today’s fast-changing world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How parents and teachers can nurture teens’ talents, even in challenging environments.
• The importance of starting career readiness conversations at home.
• Strategies to bridge the gap between parents and teens for stronger relationships.
• Inspiring stories from The Shyne Awards and how celebrating youth achievement can transform lives.
• Actionable tips for helping teens discover their passions and build real-world skills.

Key Questions Discussed

1. What inspired Orlana to create The Shyne Network and The Shyne Awards?
2. What are the biggest challenges teens face in preparing for the real world, and how can families support them?
3. How can parents help teens explore career options and develop life skills at home?
4. What are the best strategies for improving communication and trust between parents and teens?
5. How can celebrating young people’s achievements empower communities and change lives?

About Orlana Darkins Drewery

Orlana is a dynamic leader with a passion for uplifting youth and creating platforms for positive change. Through her work with The Shyne Network, she has built a space where young people are celebrated for their talents, achievements, and contributions to their communities. Orlana’s work extends beyond awards, offering guidance and mentorship to help the next generation succeed.

Why You Should Listen

If you’re a parent, teacher, or community leader looking for actionable advice to support the teens in your life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Orlana’s expertise in youth development, paired with her heartfelt stories from The Shyne Awards, will leave you motivated to make a difference.

How to Connect with Orlana Darkins Drewery

• Website: The Shyne Network
• Instagram: @TheShyneNetwork
• Facebook: The Shyne Network
• Website: OrlanaDarkinsDrewery
• Instagram:OrlanaDarkinsDrewery

Listener Challenge

Take one tip from today’s episode and put it into action! Whether it’s having a conversation with your teen about their career interests or finding a way to celebrate their achievements, small steps can lead to big results.

Stay Connected

Subscribe to the Cleverly Changing Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review to let us know what you think!

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @CleverlyChanging
• Facebook: Cleverly Changing
• Website: CleverlyChanging.com

Thank you for listening and supporting the Cleverly Changing Podcast! Let’s empower our families and communities together.

Tags: Teens, Parenting, Youth Development, Career Readiness, Real-World Success, The Shyne Network, Education