Hosts Elle and Miriam are two Black homeschooling moms embarking on a self-defining journey. Listen in on conversations that will encourage you to be your authentic self, while uplifting your spirit and motivating your inherent potential. They’re defining what culture is for their families and want you to do the same. Bring your children along too, so they can meet the Cleverly Cultured Kids. They’re all for teaching the babies while they’re young, adapting to the challenges of parenting, homeschooling and being willing to learn the lessons that the children have to offer. It’s all about uplifting one another and reclaiming your innate greatness.
Elle Cole sits down with Joshua Davidson, creator and co-founder of Night Zookeeper, to explore how games, storytelling, and creativity can help children build confidence in reading and writing. Joshua also shares the journey behind Night Zookeeper and why helping children see themselves as writers and creators matters.
In This Episode
• How gamification can support literacy in young readers
• Why rewards and interactive challenges can motivate reluctant learners
• The game elements that best support reading and writing growth
• Joshua Davidson’s journey in creating Night Zookeeper
• The challenges of building an idea into a global education platform
• Why helping children see themselves as creators matters
About the Guest
Joshua Davidson is the creator and co-founder of Night Zookeeper, an award-winning online learning program for children ages 6 to 12. He is also the author of the Night Zookeeper Adventure book series and a passionate advocate for helping kids see themselves as writers and creators.
Why it matters: This episode offers fresh ways for parents, caregivers, and educators to make literacy feel more joyful and less intimidating.
Key Takeaways
• Play can be a powerful pathway to literacy
• Children engage more deeply when learning feels interactive and imaginative
• Confidence is a major part of helping kids grow as readers and writers
• Storytelling helps children connect emotionally to language
• Creativity and literacy can grow side by side
Connect with Night Zookeeper
Instagram: @nightzookeeper
(https://www.instagram.com/nightzookeeper/)
Facebook: Night Zookeeper
(https://www.facebook.com/NightZookeeper)
TikTok: @nightzookeeperofficial
(https://www.tiktok.com/@nightzookeeperofficial)
Pinterest: Night Zookeeper (https://uk.pinterest.com/nightzookeeper/)
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ (Https://Patreon.com/cleverlychanging)
19 Jul 2025
Raising Kids Who Value Their Elders
Episode 109 —
Podcast Episode: Raising Kids Who Value Their Elders
Guest: Isabel Tom
Website: valueofwrinkles.com (https://valueofwrinkles.com/)
In this heartfelt and practical episode, we sit down with Isabel Tom, a public health expert, caregiver, author, and the voice behind The Value of Wrinkles. Raised in a multigenerational home and shaped by the wisdom of grandparents who lived to 98 and 102, Isabel shares how her upbringing—and her professional work in hospice and senior living—led to her life’s mission: helping families bridge the gap between generations.
Isabel believes that children who grow up honoring and connecting with their elders develop deeper empathy, gratitude, and resilience. Through tools like the Grandkid Investigator Kit, Isabel equips families—especially homeschooling parents—with creative and meaningful ways to nurture intergenerational bonds.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why helping children value older adults can be life-changing
The hidden emotional benefits of grandparent-grandchild relationships
How to handle tricky family dynamics with in-laws and grandparents
Simple ways to create lasting intergenerational connections at home
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, Isabel’s insights will inspire you to rethink how you talk about aging and legacy with the children in your life.
About Isabel Tom:
Isabel holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland and has been featured on AARP’s Take on Today, Don’t Mom Alone, and Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Her wisdom is both timely and timeless.
Learn more at: valueofwrinkles.com
(https://valueofwrinkles.com/)
🔗 Learn more about Isabel Tom:
📘 Book: The Value of Wrinkles
📦 Get a FREE Mission from the Grandkid Investigator Kit: valueofwrinkles.com/freemission
(https://valueofwrinkles.com/freemission)
📸 Instagram: @isabelctom
(https://instagram.com/isabelctom)
📘 Facebook: The Value of Wrinkles
(https://www.facebook.com/TheValueofWrinkles/)
📄 Download Kit Resource: Google Drive Link
(https://drive.google.com/open?id=11wwIHkZiabNYy2AfF7Ysiv7lm16eORz5)
P.S. Isabel is a friend—and I’m so glad to share this conversation with you!
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ (Https://Patreon.com/cleverlychanging)
11 Jan 2025
Preparing Teens for Real-World Success
Orlana Darkins Drewery, a renowned youth development expert and founder of The Shyne Network, shares practical strategies for parents, educators, and community leaders to empower teens for real-world success and unlock their talents and passions.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
47,076
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 65 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
51
Contact Cleverly Changing Podcast
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Cleverly Changing Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
