Gifted, Overwhelmed and Deeply Loved

Gifted, Overwhelmed and Deeply Loved

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc May 22, 2026 Duration: 56:37

In this episode, Jed welcomes two wonderful guests who are using story to build kids' hearts and minds.

First, Allie Slocom joins us from Colorado to celebrate her middle grade novel Is There Hope for Theodore Cope. Theo is an 11‑year‑old aspiring magician who's also neurodiverse and gifted. He's brilliant at math, reading, basketball, dog walking, and magic tricks—but struggles with executive functioning. Allie explains that Theo isn't irresponsible; he simply hasn't yet developed the skills to manage his time, commitments, and big "yes" energy.

Drawing on her work as a gifted education teacher, Allie talks about the importance of helping kids practice executive function through games and real-life experiences. She shares how her Character Club—an after‑school group she ran in her home—grew into an entire book series focused on traits like responsibility, compassion, integrity, and forgiveness, with historical vignettes featuring figures such as Ernest Shackleton and Clara Barton.

Next, Jed heads to New Jersey to chat with Nicole Smith‑Schultz, school librarian and author of the picture book My Baby Doll. Inspired by her own daughter, Nicole's book beautifully mirrors getting a beloved baby doll as a child with becoming a mom for the first time. She reflects on the joy and surprise of motherhood, the innocence of play, and the powerful ways kids imitate the care they receive.

Nicole also shares her passion for librarianship, media literacy, and making sure every child finds a book they truly love—while advocating for the vital role of school librarians in our communities.


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: 100

Reading With Your Kids Podcast
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