Another week, another 7 episodes to listen to and learn alongside your tween, teen, or entire family. Play a current events podcast while doing the dishes or folding laundry, or during breakfast this week- switch it up! If you are new to this series, read here to find out what to expect each week.
Week 5
General / Current Events
TED Talks Daily
Why We Have An Emotional Connection to Robots
This topic sounds quirky, and it is! Robots are fascinating and continue to take more and more roles in our lives. Listen and find out if we are truly able to have an emotional connection with them.
Science:
Short Wave
Does Your Dog REALLY Love You?
As owners of two affectionate dogs, we enjoyed this short (10 minute) scientific episode discussing how dogs really DO feel true love. My teenage daughter was intrigued by the researcher’s ability to keep dogs still for an MRI. The results were interesting and proved to us that our dogs love us for more than just the treats we provide to them.
Technology
iPhone Life
The Best Apps for Reading, Podcast Listening, and Cleaning
If your teens are like mine, their iPhones are constantly in their hands. Why not use that to your advantage and encourage some new apps that may have educational value? In the first five minutes, the podcaster describes The Reminder app, which is not something we have used before, but it’s something my son will benefit from!
History
History Vs.
As a kick-off to a series on Theodore Roosevelt, this just over 30-minute episode will truly engage the whole carload! My son found it so interesting how Roosevelt delivered a campaign speech for 90 minutes after being shot in the chest. His strenuous life philosophy was one for us all to learn from.
Language Arts
The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
Verbalize: Strengthen Your Writing With The Power of Words With Damon Suede
Warning: this episode is long (1:20) BUT totally worth it. Prepare for powerful tips to improve your tween or teen’s writing! Becoming an excellent writer takes time. The writing tricks presented by author Damon Suede on character development, verb usage, unique voice (and more) will make sure the time your kids spend writing is efficient and targeted.
Math / Personal Finance
Dippin’ Dots: Curt Jones
What kid doesn’t like Dippin’ Dots? Have you ever wondered how they were discovered? This is a longer episode- just over an hour- and provides an in-depth look at how Curt Jones invented the tasty treat and created a large company. You may be wondering how a podcast episode on a frozen treat could fit my Math / Personal Finance category, but just wait! I was not aware of the legal issues / personal debt that the company had faced, and that part was especially educational for my teens. Isn’t it true that we can learn just as much, or more, from the mistakes and failures of people as we do from their successes?
Personal Development
The Marie Forleo Podcast
How To Prepare For The Biggest Meeting of Your Life
Sure, our kids are not having corporate meetings. However, they are quickly growing up and will be having important encounters. In under 10 minutes, kids can gather some guidance (7 tips) from an expert on preparing for these moments.
Share this weekly list with your friends! Current event podcasts, history, science, and other podcasts can be life-changing for your teen’s education.