i Was Chuck Berry's Roadie for a Night: Buzz McLain & Grace Gidman on Kids' Books and Big Imagination

i Was Chuck Berry's Roadie for a Night: Buzz McLain & Grace Gidman on Kids' Books and Big Imagination

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc August 9, 2026 Duration: 58:25

This episode of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast is a joyful celebration of creativity, family reading, and the power of stories to travel across generations.

First, Jed welcomes Buzz McLain, longtime journalist and debut picture book author of "Where There Are More Than Two." Buzz's playful, read‑aloud rhyming book introduces kids (and their grownups!) to the wonderful world of collective nouns—from a murder of crows to a band of gorillas. He shares how a simple writing exercise turned into a picture book that sat in a drawer for ten years before children's book coach Barbara Leary helped him bring it to life through self‑publishing. Buzz talks about the joy of seeing grandparents read his book to their grandkids, why senior centers and libraries are powerful audiences, and how dedicating the book to his granddaughter made publication day especially emotional.

Buzz also treats listeners to some unforgettable stories from his journalism career—like being Chuck Berry's roadie for a night and spending hours interviewing soccer legend Pelé—and he and Jed reflect on classic rock, lasting music, and sharing what we love with our kids.

Then Jed is joined by Grace Gidman, author of the middle grade fantasy "Wilhelmina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City." Grace introduces her richly imagined world of floating islands, coal‑powered airships, and gem forests, and a brave 11‑year‑old heroine separated from her family in a vast sky city. She talks about world‑building, writing with heart, and weaving in themes of identity, belonging, and unconditional love—all perfect for families who enjoy reading and discussing books together.


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
Motocross, Monet, and Messy Masterpieces [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:01
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes two creators whose work celebrates courage, creativity, and the many ways kids can be themselves. First, Jed chats with Rebecca Caprera about her new middle grade n…
Growing Readers Through Bugs, Birds, and Beautiful Words [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
In this heartfelt episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed Doherty welcomes Heidi E. Y. Stemple, author of Lydia Loves Bugs, and later Jezebel Rivera, author of Mommy, Where's My Dad? Most of the conversation centers on He…
Today We Will Be Eaten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:02
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Academy Award–winning director, animator, and author Alan Barillaro to celebrate his new picture book, Today We Will Be Eaten. Alan shares how a seemingly dark prem…
The Joyful Child Meets The Chismosas Only Book Club [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:10
In this joyful, wisdom-packed episode of Reading With Your Kids, we're shining a light on two amazing creators who are helping kids (and their grownups) find calm, connection, and a love of stories. First, Jed chats with…
Mindy Walker Shares The Week Junior's 50 Must Read Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:37
In this episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes Mindy Walker, executive editor of The Week Junior, to spotlight their Summer of Reading initiative and the new "50 Books Kids Love Most" list. Mindy explains that T…
Building Super Readers, Strong Boundaries, and Stronger Kids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
In this heartwarming episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed welcomes back Pam Allyn, creator of World Read Aloud Day and co-author of Every Child a Super Reader, to celebrate the power of reading aloud. Pam and Jed refle…
Mining Black Glass, Mending Little Hearts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:47
In this warm and engaging episode of Reading With Your Kids, Jed sits down with two returning guests whose very different books both invite powerful family conversations. First up is Anthony Peckham, author of The Law of…
Art, Ghosts, and Growing Up Creative [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:50
In this inspiring episode of Reading With Your Kids, we celebrate creativity from two powerful angles: art education and graphic novels. First, Jed chats with Matt Ross, founder and CEO of One River School and former CEO…