Latest Episode
On the inaugural episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur Affleck talks to Jean Margaret Smith, senior vice president for public affairs and administration at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group (New York). She is responsible for managing the networks’ strategic relationships with social advocates, policymakers and public opinion leaders, as well as handling the company’s overall public affairs agenda. Her initiatives at Nickelodeon include Beyond the Backpack and Worldwide Day of Play.”
Welcome to Empowering Young Minds, the ACM podcast that sparks curiosity and celebrates hands-on, interactive, and playful learning in children’s museums and childhood education. Hosted by Arthur G. Affleck, III, the Executive Director of ACM
Here’s what awaits you on Empowering Young Minds:
Inspiring conversations: We’ll chat with educators, museum curators, researchers, and passionate advocates who champion the rights of all children to a healthy, safe, and equitable future.
Deep dives into playful learning: Discover how museums ignite curiosity, spark critical thinking, and nurture creativity through interactive exhibits and engaging programs.
Actionable insights: Learn practical tips and strategies to bring playful learning experiences into your own homes, communities, and classrooms.
Celebrating diverse voices: We’ll amplify the voices of children and families from all backgrounds, ensuring every child’s unique perspectives and experiences are heard.
The future of early learning: Exploring innovative trends and technologies shaping the way we engage young minds.
Let’s take this spark of conversation and ignite a lifetime of wonder together!
“When kids are playing… it is fun for everyone. Being around that play energy is what I think all of us need.”
– Jean Margaret Smith
Episode 1
On the inaugural episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur Affleck talks to Jean Margaret Smith, senior vice president for public affairs and administration at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group (New York). She is responsible for managing the networks’ strategic relationships with social advocates, policymakers and public opinion leaders, as well as handling the company’s overall public affairs agenda. Her initiatives at Nickelodeon include Beyond the Backpack and Worldwide Day of Play.”
“We believe all people bring to this world, innate, brilliant genius and curiosity … we believe in the power and role of the adults in a child’s life to unleash their genius”
– Dr. Leah Austin
Episode 2
Dr. Leah Austin is an accomplished, multi-faceted and visionary leader who has been working on behalf of Black children and their families for over two decades. Today, she serves as President/CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute.
Join Arthur and Leah as they talk about how adults can lift up children with an asset-based approach and the challenges that come with framing this mindset for Black children.
Show Notes:
“With all the new widgets and gadgets and cool tech and interactive and digital and immersive and all those fun things that change, at the end of the day the core of our DNA is ensuring the guests have a fantastic, transformative experience.”
– Dr. Frederic Bertley
Episode 3
Arthur welcomes two ACM member museum leaders, Center of Science and Industry’s Dr. Frederic Bertley and Museum of Discovery and Science’s Joe Cox to talk about building future leaders and how children’s museums are pillars in their communities.
Both COSI and MODS were honored with the 2023 IMLS Medal of Honor.
Show Notes:
Hand to Hand Power of Play Issue – COSI and MODS Feature
IMLS Medal of Honor
COSI Website
MODS Website
The Empowering Young Minds podcast is developed and produced by the Association of Children’s Museums led by Uswa Ahmed, Special Assistant to the Executive Director, Halie Haskell, Content Marketing & Publications Specialist, and Gaby Gallagher, Director, Communications. For information about the podcast, or to make recommendations for future guests, please contact Halie.Haskell@ChildrensMuseums.org.
