Drawing Our Difficulties: David Soren on Turning Pain into Characters

Drawing Our Difficulties: David Soren on Turning Pain into Characters

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc September 8, 2026 Duration: 55:25

In this heartfelt episode, Jed welcomes back filmmaker and author David Soren to celebrate Visible: The Sort of True Story of a Not So Hidden Disease, the powerful follow-up to his middle grade novel Invisible. Drawing from his own experience growing up with Crohn's disease, David shares how his fictional stand-in, JJ Sugar, navigates life with his biker-beast disease, Norm, and how their relationship slowly shifts from fear and resentment toward understanding and even a kind of friendship.

David and Jed talk about the many kids living with hidden diseases—conditions like Crohn's, diabetes, and other invisible illnesses that don't show on the outside but shape a child's daily life. David describes emotional school visits and a moving moment at Camp Oasis, where a young camper asked, "What if I like my disease?"—a question that perfectly captures the heart of these books.

The conversation also explores parental illness through David's father's experience with throat cancer, and how families can talk honestly with kids while modeling resilience and self-advocacy. Along the way, David reflects on turning pain into story, the joy of creating Norm, and the hope that Invisible and Visible will help kids and families feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.  We close the show by welcoming Christal M Cherry to celebrate her picture book Mac & Cheese, Being Different Is OK. In this wonderful story we meet Mac, a unique kid who is ready to make new friends! But when he tries to play with the other kids, they are rude and tease him. Mac is devastated until he finds a new friend that is a little different too.


There’s a special kind of magic that happens when families share stories, try a new recipe, or simply talk about a movie they just watched together. The Reading With Your Kids Podcast, from Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc, explores that magic in every episode. While the title highlights reading, the conversations here go far beyond the pages of a book. This podcast is really about connection-the kind built through everyday moments, whether you’re cooking, creating, or discovering a new song together. Each episode brings you authentic conversations with authors, educators, and families who share practical ideas and personal stories. You’ll hear about great children’s books, sure, but also about how shared experiences with TV, movies, and music can spark meaningful family discussions. The underlying goal is always to strengthen those essential bonds. Tuning in feels like getting thoughtful, friendly advice on turning daily routines into opportunities for laughter and learning. It’s a supportive space for any parent or caregiver looking to enrich their family life, one shared story or silly kitchen experiment at a time. The tone is warm, inclusive, and focused on the simple, powerful truth that time spent together is the foundation of a strong relationship.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Reading With Your Kids Podcast
Podcast Episodes
From Bangkok Shanties To YA Graphic Novels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:49
In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes Renee Nault from Vancouver Island to celebrate her YA romance graphic novel Salvage. Set in a future reshaped by climate change, Salvage follo…
The Beginner's Guide To Wonder: Magic, Puerto Rico & Picture Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:49
Join host Jed Doherty for a joyful, imagination-filled episode featuring two wonderful picture book creators: Keith Negley, author-illustrator of "The Beginner's Guide to Being a Wizard," and Wanda Arlene Barajas, author…
Tours, Turkeys, and Tiny Towns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
In this heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes author Sara Amini and illustrator Juana Medina to celebrate their beautiful new picture book, "Luisa at Your Service." Inspired by Sara's m…
A Love Letter To Libraries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:36
In this inspiring episode, Jed welcomes Julie Abe, author of the cozy middle grade fantasy The Magic Library of Waterfall Way. Julie shares her 15-year journey to publication, reflecting on the countless rejections that…
Horses, Trains & Brave Kids, New Adventures In Kids' Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:14
In this warm and wide–ranging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back three beloved guests with brand–new picture books that celebrate courage, representation, and creativity. First, Kelly Starling Lyons ret…
Time Travel, Weightlifting, and Big Dreams: Powering Kids' Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
In this inspiring episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast, Jed welcomes two incredible creators whose stories celebrate history, heart, and big dreams. First, Jed chats with Emma Otheguy, author of the new middle g…