Everything You Need To Know About Life You Can Learn from A Dog

Everything You Need To Know About Life You Can Learn from A Dog

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc July 7, 2026 Duration: 58:03

In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes three fantastic guests who each showcase a different way stories can shape our lives.

First, Bruce Littlefield joins from his farm in upstate New York to celebrate his picture book "Everything You Need to Know About Life You Can Learn from a Dog." Bruce shares how his usually optimistic outlook was shaken by a rough morning—bad news, a broken porch—and how his dog Felix, joyfully unfazed, inspired him to rethink who the real "lifestyle expert" in the house was. Drawing on years of watching dogs in New York City and at home, Bruce turns traits like self-acceptance, curiosity, forgiveness, and the ability to "shake things off" into gentle life lessons for kids and grown-ups. He and Jed swap heartfelt dog stories—border collies carving tracks in the yard, childhood pets like Snuggles and London teaching responsibility, calm, and empathy—and reflect on how dogs help children learn to care for others.

Then Gregory Rizzi discusses his YA sci‑fi novel "Continuum." Set on a harsh distant planet, the book follows Jacob, a Praetorian Guard soldier, as he discovers the planet's hidden history, strange creatures, and deeper truths about creation, fathers, and sons. Gregory talks about how becoming a father and returning to his faith reshaped the story's themes of suffering, resilience, and what we pass on to our kids.

Finally, Amy Doslich introduces her picture book "STEM Day" and her kid-powered podcast "Kids Ask Authors Answer." A former actuary turned author-illustrator, Amy celebrates lesser-known STEM careers and invites children to ask authors their own fun, surprising questions—plus she's organizing a big free kids' ebook day on August 5.


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…