Episodes

  • S3E4: Media as a Learning Tool

    S3E4: Media as a Learning Tool
    Oct 28 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, host Emily Manning is joined by Dr. Jessica Mitchell-McCullough, Senior Director of Education at Nebraska Public Media, to explore how parents and educators can thoughtfully select and use media with young children. Jessica shares insights on media literacy, the developmental benefits of co-viewing, and how trusted, research-based programs like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood can support children’s social-emotional growth. Together, they discuss practical ways to approach “spooky season” media, helping children distinguish between what’s real and pretend while building comfort and connection. The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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  • S3E3: You Don’t Have to Do It All: Embracing ‘Good Enough’ Parenting

    S3E3: You Don’t Have to Do It All: Embracing ‘Good Enough’ Parenting
    Oct 14 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we examine the concept of “good enough” parenting and what is needed to support healthy child development. Shannon Carr joins us to discuss strategies for fostering independence, creativity, and exploration in young children without succumbing to unrealistic expectations or over-scheduling. The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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    Less than 1 minute
  • S3E2: Supporting Children Through Trauma: A Conversation with Dave Miers

    S3E2: Supporting Children Through Trauma: A Conversation with Dave Miers
    Oct 1 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Bryan, Dave Miers, to explore how adults can support children who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. From navigating difficult conversations to managing the impact of school shootings in the news, Dave offers practical guidance for helping kids feel safe, understood, and resilient. This episode provides thoughtful strategies for parents, educators, and caregivers facing challenging conversations with children about trauma. References and Resources: SAMHSA-https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence/trauma-informed-approaches-programs American Psychological Association-https://www.apa.org/ Bryan Mental Health Screenings- https://www.bryanhealth.com/services/counseling-mental-health/mental-health-online-screenings/ 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline Nebraska Family Helpline- (888) 866-8660 Read for Resilience- https://child.unl.edu/read4resilience/ Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/interactive/school-shootings-database/ https://www.cnn.com/us/school-shootings-fast-facts-dg https://doi.org/10.1177/000992282311807 The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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  • S3E1: Supporting the Workforce- A New Approach to Substitutes in Early Childhood

    S3E1: Supporting the Workforce- A New Approach to Substitutes in Early Childhood
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we explore an innovative solution to one of early childhood education's most persistent challenges: finding qualified substitutes when educators and providers need time away from work. Host Emily Manning speaks with Jonathan Jank, President and CEO of the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnernship, and Tracy Gordon, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children, about their collaboration to create a statewide substitute network tailored for Nebraska’s early childhood programs.
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  • S2E16: 4-H: Nurturing the Process and Building Lifelong Learners

    S2E16: 4-H: Nurturing the Process and Building Lifelong Learners
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode, we sit down with a 4-H Educator, Ann Dobesh, to explore why valuing the process—rather than just the final product—is so important for youth and young children. We talk about how meaningful time spent with an adult can spark curiosity, build confidence, and support the development of lifelong learners. Our conversation highlights how both success and mistakes offer powerful learning opportunities, and how allowing space for mistakes can help young people discover their interests, passions, and potential.
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  • S2E15: Beyond Old MacDonald- Building Joyful Classrooms with Music

    S2E15: Beyond Old MacDonald- Building Joyful Classrooms with Music
    May 13 2025
    Discover how every educator can confidently bring music into their classroom, regardless of musical background. With guests, Jentry Barrett (Nebraska Extension) and Mollie von Kampen (Ruth Staples Child Development Lab), this episode offers practical tips and heartfelt encouragement, reminding us that with a little practice and a lot of heart, your voice is more than enough to inspire young learners through song. Resources Jentry’s research- https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/famconfacpub/322/ Kindermusick- https://www.kindermusik.com/
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  • S2E14: Exploring STEAM in Early Childhood

    S2E14: Exploring STEAM in Early Childhood
    Apr 29 2025
    In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, we delve into the exciting world of STEAM education in early childhood, featuring insightful interviews with experts in the field. Join us as we sit down with Sarah Paulos, a former Nebraska Extension Early Childhood Educator turned lower elementary science teacher. Sarah shares her dissertation findings about incorporating local rural knowledge into science, misconceptions about teaching science to young children, and highlights her favorite STEAM resources for educators. Next, we chat with Jackie Steffen, an Early Childhood Educator, about the 2025 STEAM Imagination Guides. Jackie walks us through the contents of these innovative guides, discusses her favorite children's book from this year, and invites listeners to an upcoming training session aimed at exploring the guides in-depth. Tune in to gain valuable insights into integrating STEAM concepts into early childhood education, discover new resources, and hear firsthand experiences from passionate educators dedicated to nurturing young minds. Resources: 2025 STEAM Imagination Guides- https://child.unl.edu/Nebraska-STEAM/ June 30th 1 pm STEAM Guides Overview and Training for Educators and Parents- https://go.unl.edu/june30afternoon Project Learning Tree- https://www.plt.org/ Project Wild- https://www.fishwildlife.org/projectwild Nebraska Game & Parks Education resources- https://outdoornebraska.gov/learn/educator-resources/education-programs/ The following music was used for this media project:   Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende   Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review   License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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  • S2E13: Making the Right Choice for Your Family- Selecting Childcare

    S2E13: Making the Right Choice for Your Family- Selecting Childcare
    Apr 15 2025
    This episode delves into the essentials of selecting quality childcare. Emily Manning is joined by Nebraska Extension colleagues Lisa Poppe and Katie Krause, as they explore what constitutes quality care, its importance in early childhood, and the challenges parents face in finding suitable options. The discussion includes insights into the Nebraska Step Up to Quality rating system and various resources from the UNL Extension designed to assist parents in making informed decisions about childcare. Both professional expertise and personal anecdotes highlight the key considerations for ensuring children receive safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive care. Resources: Selecting Quality Care- https://child.unl.edu/quality-child-care/ Checklist- https://child.unl.edu/ianr/extension/early-childhood-development/sites/unl.edu.ianr.extension.early-childhood-development/files/media/file/childcare-checklists.pdf Step Up to Quality: https://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/ Buffett Early Childhood Institute: https://buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/about-us/early-childhood-in-nebraska The following music was used for this media project:     Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende     Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review     License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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    Less than 1 minute