Tides of Wonder: Exploring Oceans, Creativity, and Eating Adventurously

Tides of Wonder: Exploring Oceans, Creativity, and Eating Adventurously

Author: Jedlie Circus Productions, Inc December 2, 2025 Duration: 56:10

Dive into imagination and creativity in this captivating episode featuring inspiring children's book authors and storytellers! Host Jed Doherty welcomes special effects artist and entrepreneur Mark Viniello, creator of Enchantails, and debut picture book author-illustrator Krista Leann, author of Finicky Francis.

First, discover how Mark's journey in Hollywood special effects and a request from his daughter led to the birth of Enchant ails—an innovative blend of mermaid sleeping bags, interactive bedtime stories, and a mission to connect kids with ocean conservation. Learn how he transformed a family memory into an educational storytelling brand, weaving regional myths and real-life endangered sea creatures into tales that encourage young readers to care for the planet. Mark shares the challenges of launching a business, marketing to families, and the importance of creativity and collaboration.

Next, meet Krista Leann, who turned her childhood struggles as a "finicky Francis" into a delightful children's book. Krista shares her journey from artist to author-illustrator, recounting how she overcame obstacles, embraced self-publishing, and crafted stories that help families and picky eaters explore new foods. Hear how Finicky Francis is making an impact in homes and classrooms and Krista's hopes for inspiring courage and curiosity in every young reader.

Perfect for parents, educators, and children's book lovers, this episode celebrates storytelling, creativity, and practical inspiration for families everywhere.


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
Podcast Episodes
Hearts, Homes, and Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:44
Join host Jed Doherty on this inspiring episode of the "Reading With Your Kids" podcast as he chats with bestselling author Jennifer Holm and passionate foster care advocate Deborah Olivia Farmer. Jennifer Holm, a three-…
Bay State Book Bash! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:22
In this Best of Massachusetts special of Reading With Your Kids, host Jed Doherty spotlights remarkable creators who call the Bay State home. We begin with Peter H. Reynolds, reflecting on the enduring power of creativit…
Blooming Through Adversity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:29
Welcome to another uplifting episode of Reading With Your Kids. This week, host Jed Doherty brings you inspiring conversations with two remarkable children's authors: Avasa Ebony Love, the creative mind behind "You Are a…
Lift Like a Mother, Flow Like a Yogi, Read Like a Pro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
Looking for inspiration on positive parenting, fun family reading, and making wellness a natural part of your home? You'll love this episode! Host Jed Doherty chats with two dynamic guests: Alicia McKenzie—mom of five an…
The Blue House I Loved [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:03
Join host Jed Doherty for a heartwarming episode of the Reading With Your Kids podcast as he welcomes celebrated author Kao Kalia Yang and talented illustrator Jen Shen to discuss their beautiful new children's book, "Th…
Best Of 2025 - Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
Best of 2025 – Part Two celebrates the joy of stories that bring families closer, spotlighting creative voices and practical wisdom in a warm, listener-friendly mix. We open with a quick tour of themes—creativity, confid…
Best Of 2025 - Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:49
Celebrate the year's most inspiring moments with our Best of 2025 episode of Reading With Your Kids! We're revisiting five unforgettable conversations that reminded us of the power of stories to spark empathy, courage, a…
Books, Bodyslams, and Backseat Bingo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:03
If you're looking for a show that packs in suplexes and scavenger hunts in equal measure, you're going to love this episode! We kick things off in the ring—or actually, the library—with the creators behind Lucha Libros,…
The Christmas Staff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:59
Get ready for holiday magic in this special episode of "Reading With Your Kids: The Christmas Staff!" Host Jed Doherty welcomes a talented team from CatholicTeenBooks.com—including authors Tony Kolenc, Corinna Turner, An…