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Speaking of Kids...

Speaking of Kids...

By: First Focus on Children
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Summary

 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
  • Shamika Bradley Explains How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Kids

    Shamika Bradley Explains How Algorithms Are Shaping Our Kids
    Apr 29 2026
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe speaks with Shamika Bradley, a consultant in AI accessibility and ethics, about the hidden systems shaping kids’ digital lives. Bradley works at the intersection of technology, policy, and equity, helping organizations understand how data, algorithms, and design choices impact real people – especially children. Together, Abebe and Bradley explore how today’s kids are growing up in environments driven by algorithms, what parents and policymakers often misunderstand about screen time and online safety, and why the real risks go beyond what’s visible on the surface. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency, digital literacy, and “kids-first” design, while offering practical ways families can stay engaged, informed, and empowered in a rapidly changing digital world. 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: Alliance for Student Liberty: How the ECCA Hurts Public Schools and Benefits the Wealthy The Heist: How the Powerful Are Robbing America’s Children Saying ‘No’ to Culture Wars, Crumbs, or Capitulation: Building a Child Advocacy Movement 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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    39 mins
  • Arnie Fege Explains Why Schools Are the Heart of Democracy

    Arnie Fege Explains Why Schools Are the Heart of Democracy
    Apr 15 2026
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe talks with Arnie Fege about what it means to protect public education, why schools remain one of the most important public institutions in a democracy, and how policy decisions shape the daily realities of children and families. Fege is a long-time advocate for public schools and children’s rights in education, with decades of experience working at the intersection of education policy and equity. Together, Abebe and Fege explore what happens when public schools are under-resourced, why access and opportunity cannot depend on geography or income, and how communities can stay rooted in solidarity to ensure every child has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more about Arnie Fege and his work, you can visit this website. 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: A Superintendent Speaks Out from the Front Lines of Our Public Schools 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 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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    46 mins
  • How OLÉ Helped Secure Universal Child Care in New Mexico

    How OLÉ Helped Secure Universal Child Care in New Mexico
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode, Messellech “Selley” Abebe chats with Matthew Henderson and Olga Grays about New Mexico’s historic move to make child care free for all families. Henderson is the Executive Director of the OLÉ Education Fund, and Grays is a leader with the organization as well as a veteran child care provider and social worker. Together, they explore the years of advocacy that led to this change in the state’s constitution, the challenges of putting universal child care into practice, and the ways it strengthens children, parents, and early educators alike. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of accessible child care, the dedication of caregivers, and how public policy can shape stronger, healthier communities for the next generation. To learn more about Olé New Mexico and their work, you can follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 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: The Trump Administration's Freeze on Funding for Child Care and Other Services Punishes America’s Children The State of the Union: Leaving Children and Families Behind Trump Administration’s Plan to Eliminate Head Start Threatens Child Care, Families and Economy 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.
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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