Speaking of Kids... cover art

Speaking of Kids...

Speaking of Kids...

By: First Focus on Children
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 Who speaks for kids when lawmakers, the government, and elected officials are making decisions about their education, health and safety? You do! Children need our collective attention and voice. You’ve found Speaking of Kids…, a podcast series from First Focus on Children that examines how laws and public systems impact kids — not just in theory, but in real life. We’re here sorting out who’s actually for kids and who’s just kidding. Join our host, Messellech “Selley” Abebe, as she gathers voices from every corner of the kid-policy world: congresspeople, public health leaders, political organizers, parents, and the dogged advocates doing the hard work of imagining something better. Selley explores the ‘kid angle’ in policy and politics. What’s working? What’s not? And how can we take action to create a better future for the next generation? Listen and discover the hidden power that each of us has as an ambassador for children. We believe that kids matter. Their lives are worth protecting, their joy is worth preserving, and their futures are absolutely worth fighting for.First Focus on Children Parenting & Families Political Science Politics & Government Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Maury Mendenhall Confronts the Collapse of Global Aid for Kids!

    Maury Mendenhall Confronts the Collapse of Global Aid for Kids!
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe sits down with Maury Mendenhall to discuss what happened when USAID - the United States Agency for International Development - was suddenly dismantled, how that decision rippled into the daily lives of children around the world, and what it means for families who lost life-saving support overnight. Mendenhall is a longtime humanitarian and former USAID leader who spent nearly two decades helping communities access food, safety, and critical HIV care. Together, Abebe and Mendenhall explore the human cost of abrupt policy change, the resilience of local partners who continue the work against all odds, and why protecting global child welfare remains urgent and essential. To learn more about Maury Mendenhall and her work, you can keep up with her emergency campaign A Crisis in Care. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Remembering, Reflecting, and Acting: Supporting Children Affected by HIV/AIDS What the “America First Global Strategy” Means for the World’s Children Social Security Advisory Board Recommends Improved Access and Increased Awareness of Survivor Benefits for Children To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.
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    36 mins
  • Kai Kung Creates Pathways that Let Every Child Thrive

    Kai Kung Creates Pathways that Let Every Child Thrive
    Nov 26 2025
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe talks with Kai Kung about what it means to help every child find purpose, possibility, and pride in their future. Kung is the CEO of San Joaquin A+, a community organization reimagining what education and opportunity can look like for young people in the Central Valley of California. Together, Abebe and Kung discuss why traditional pathways don’t work for every student, how paid internships and local partnerships are opening new doors, and why listening to kids — and believing in their dreams — is the foundation for lasting change. To learn more about Kai Kung and his work, you can visit the San Joaquin A+ website, and follow him on Instagram. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Three Ways That The Reconciliation Bill’s School Voucher Program Hurts Public Schools Alliance For Student Liberty: How Trump’s Executive Orders Undermine Public Education Clawbacks From Education Funding Would Help Disable Department To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.
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    43 mins
  • Juana Silverio Celebrates the Village Behind Every Child!

    Juana Silverio Celebrates the Village Behind Every Child!
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe sits down with Juana Silverio to talk about what happens when systems claim to protect kids—but don’t. Silverio is a civil rights strategist, political organizer, and leadership coach who spent years inside the federal government and now works to help others lead with alignment, honesty, and rest. By leading with rest, she emphasizes sustainable leadership, self-care, and setting boundaries so you can show up fully for your community. Together, Abebe and Silverio explore what real advocacy looks like, why community matters, and how “aunties” everywhere step in when the system falls short. This conversation dives into generational trauma, radical self-trust, and the joy of seeing children dream for themselves—reminding us that rest, love, and showing up for one another are all forms of resistance. To learn more about Juana Silverio and her work, you can visit the VIP Coaching website, listen to her podcast JinTransit, and follow her on Instagram. Want to keep digging into the real-life impact policy decisions have on children? Here’s some of what First Focus on Children has published recently: Testifying For Children Before A House Committee That, Far Too Often, Ignores Them Against The Public Will: How Policymakers Are Failing Our Nation’s Children H.R. 1 Puts Children Last: An Unprecedented Betrayal of America’s Future To join the conversation, follow First Focus on Children on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Send us comments on thoughts via email: SpeakingOfKids@firstfocus.org Find us on Twitter/X: @SpeakingOfKids and @First_Focus Want to be a voice for kids? Become an Ambassador for Children here. To support our work and this podcast, please consider donating to First Focus on Children here.
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    29 mins
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