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”Empowering Young Minds,” an ACM podcast, sparks curiosity and celebrates hands-on, interactive, and playful learning in children’s museums and childhood education. Join us as we explore innovative practices and groundbreaking research shaping the future of children, unlocking potential for lifelong learning, discovery, and social-emotional development. Whether you’re a museum professional, educator, parent, or anyone championing the transformative power of childhood, welcome. Hosted by Arthur G. Affleck, III, the Executive Director of the Association of Children’s Museums.
Episodes

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Episode 11: Teri Weiss, DreamWorks Animation
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds!
Today, Arthur is joined by Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President of Television Development at DreamWorks Animation, where she leads the creation of engaging and educational content for children worldwide.
With a career spanning iconic children’s shows like Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, Teri has been instrumental in shaping storytelling that fosters creativity, resilience, and a growth mindset in young audiences.
Listen in as Arthur and Teri discuss the evolving landscape of children’s media, the importance of hands-on learning, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can leverage media to inspire and empower the next generation.

Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Episode 10: Dr. Arthur Schwartz
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
On today's episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur G. Affleck, III, and Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, discuss how moral development influences individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Join Arthur & Arthur as they shed light on the transformative power of character-building at every stage of life.

Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Episode 9: Laura Huerta Migus, IMLS
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds!
In today's episode, Arthur is joined by Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director of Museum Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), who's insights reflect not only her impressive career but also the ongoing efforts to make museums more accessible, inclusive, and resilient.
Join Arthur and Laura as they dive into the challenges and opportunities facing museums today.

Friday Sep 27, 2024
Episode 8: Michele Walsh, UNICEF USA
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
In this episode, Arthur is joined by Michele Walsh, Executive Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA, where she serves as a principal advisor to the CEO and leads the philanthropy team which is set to deliver $1B of impact value for children annually.
Over the past 15 years, Michele has been a driving force behind initiatives that have reshaped the organization and mobilized hundreds of millions of philanthropic dollars.
Listen in as Arthur and Michele discuss the role that all of us can play in creating and supporting communities where every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.

Monday Aug 26, 2024
Episode 7: Dr. Calvin Mackie
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
In this episode, Arthur is joined by Dr. Calvin Mackie, an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur.
Join Arthur and Dr. Mackie as they discuss methods for impacting the lives of young people and the importance of getting kids to believe in themselves.

Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Episode 6: Sarah Johnson, Carnegie Hall
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
On this episode, Arthur is joined by Sarah Johnson, Chief Education Officer at Carnegie Hall, where she directs the Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the illustrious concert venue’s education and social impact arm.
Over the past 17 years, Ms. Johnson has led WMI in enormous programmatic growth as she and her team have launched numerous major initiatives including the Lullaby Project.
Join Arthur and Sarah as they discuss how music can help parents uplift their children and how it supports people's lives.

Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Episode 5: Anne Snyder, Comment Magazine
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds! On today's episode, Arthur is joined by Anne Snyder, editor-in-chief of Comment magazine and founder of Breaking Ground, a growing institutional irrigation system seeking to leaven our common life with a Christian humanist lens.
Anne is also the host of The Whole Person Revolution podcast, co-editor of Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year, and author of The Fabric of Character: A Wise Giver’s Guide to Renewing our Social and Moral Landscape.
Join Arthur and Anne as they talk about learning from the past and imagining a positive and hopeful future for the children and families we seek to serve.

Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Episode 4: Bo Stjerne Thomsen, LEGO Education
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
On this episode, Arthur is joined by Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of Educational Impact at LEGO Education.
He is an executive leader, learning expert, and global advocate with over 20 years of international experience in education, technology, and design, dedicated to creating significant, sustainable, and lasting impact. Arthur and Bo discuss the power of playful learning and share how play is celebrated globally through the International Day of Play.

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!