About Empowering Young Minds, the Association of Children’s Museums Podcast
”Empowering Young Minds,” an ACM podcast, sparks curiosity and celebrates hands-on, interactive, and playful learning in children’s museums and childhood education.
Join us as we explore innovative practices and groundbreaking research shaping the future of children, unlocking potential for lifelong learning, discovery, and social-emotional development. Whether you’re a museum professional, educator, parent, or anyone championing the transformative power of childhood, welcome.
Hosted by Arthur G. Affleck, III, the Executive Director of the Association of Children’s Museums.
In this episode, Arthur is joined by Dr. KT Todd and Charlotte Cummins to explore what it truly means to create a sense of belonging in children’s museums.
12 Mar 2026
Episode 16: Outstanding Practice Award Winners
In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Drew Jensen, Executive Director of the Duluth Children’s Museum; Dr. Mort Sajadian, President and CEO of Amazement Square; and Jennifer Farrington, President and CEO of Chicago Children’s Museum. Each leader was recognized with the 2025 ACM Outstanding Practice Award for innovative programs that strengthen their communities and expand access to playful learning.
Together, they discuss their leadership journeys, the philosophies that guide their work, and how children’s museums create meaningful learning experiences for both children and caregivers. From exhibit design and community partnerships to initiatives that expand accessibility and inclusion, the conversation highlights how museums of all sizes can spark curiosity, support families, and respond to the evolving needs of their communities.
Join Arthur, Drew, Mort, and Jennifer for an inspiring discussion about leadership, creativity, and the powerful role children’s museums play in helping communities learn and thrive.
15 Jan 2026
Episode 15: Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, New York Times–bestselling author, Professor of Psychology at Temple University, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and one of the nation’s leading voices on how children learn and develop through play.
Arthur and Kathy discuss why play is not separate from learning but fundamental to it, and how active, playful experiences support children’s language, social-emotional growth, and long-term success. Their conversation explores playful learning in everyday spaces, the pressures facing today’s families, and the growing influence of technology and AI on early childhood—along with why human connection remains essential.
Many of the ideas Kathy shares about easing the rush of modern parenting and helping children thrive through play are explored more deeply in her award-winning book, Einstein Never Used Flashcards, which returns in an updated edition on January 20.
Join Arthur and Kathy for a thoughtful, hopeful conversation about learning, parenting, and creating environments where children can flourish.
2 Dec 2025
Episode 14: Michelle Kang, National Association for the Education of Young Children
In this episode of the ACM podcast, Arthur is joined by Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation’s leading voice for high-quality early learning.
6 Nov 2025
Episode 13: Maria Collins, New York Life
Discover how children’s museums can empower families in a connected world as Arthur Affleck talks with New York Life Foundation’s Maria Collins about equity, resilience, and partnership.
26 Aug 2025
Episode 12: Dr. Daniel J. Julius
Join Arthur and Daniel as they discuss the need for empathy and adaptability in leadership roles, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced leaders in the nonprofit sector.
5 Feb 2025
Episode 11: Teri Weiss, DreamWorks Animation
Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds!
Today, Arthur is joined by Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President of Television Development at DreamWorks Animation, where she leads the creation of engaging and educational content for children worldwide.
With a career spanning iconic children’s shows like Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, Teri has been instrumental in shaping storytelling that fosters creativity, resilience, and a growth mindset in young audiences.
Listen in as Arthur and Teri discuss the evolving landscape of children’s media, the importance of hands-on learning, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can leverage media to inspire and empower the next generation.
5 Dec 2024
Episode 10: Dr. Arthur Schwartz
Arthur G. Affleck, III and Dr. Arthur Schwartz discuss how moral development influences individuals, communities, and society through character-building at every stage of life.
24 Oct 2024
Episode 9: Laura Huerta Migus, IMLS
Welcome back to Empowering Young Minds!
In today's episode, Arthur is joined by Laura Huerta Migus, Deputy Director of Museum Services at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), who's insights reflect not only her impressive career but also the ongoing efforts to make museums more accessible, inclusive, and resilient.
Join Arthur and Laura as they dive into the challenges and opportunities facing museums today.
27 Sept 2024
Episode 8: Michele Walsh, UNICEF USA
Listen in as Arthur and Michele discuss the role that all of us can play in creating and supporting communities where every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.
26 Aug 2024
Episode 7: Dr. Calvin Mackie
In this episode, Arthur is joined by Dr. Calvin Mackie, an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur.
Join Arthur and Dr. Mackie as they discuss methods for impacting the lives of young people and the importance of getting kids to believe in themselves.
23 Jul 2024
Episode 6: Sarah Johnson, Carnegie Hall
On this episode, Arthur is joined by Sarah Johnson, Chief Education Officer at Carnegie Hall, where she directs the Hall’s Weill Music Institute, the illustrious concert venue’s education and social impact arm.
Over the past 17 years, Ms. Johnson has led WMI in enormous programmatic growth as she and her team have launched numerous major initiatives including the Lullaby Project.
Join Arthur and Sarah as they discuss how music can help parents uplift their children and how it supports people's lives.
25 Jun 2024
Episode 5: Anne Snyder, Comment Magazine
Join Arthur and Anne as they talk about learning from the past and imagining a positive and hopeful future for the children and families we seek to serve.
5 Jun 2024
Episode 4: Bo Stjerne Thomsen, LEGO Education
On this episode, Arthur is joined by Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Head of Educational Impact at LEGO Education.
He is an executive leader, learning expert, and global advocate with over 20 years of international experience in education, technology, and design, dedicated to creating significant, sustainable, and lasting impact. Arthur and Bo discuss the power of playful learning and share how play is celebrated globally through the International Day of Play.
8 May 2024
Episode 3: Dr. Frederic Bertley & Joe Cox
Arthur welcomes two ACM member museum leaders, Center of Science and Industry’s Dr. Frederic Bertley and Museum of Discovery and Science’s Joe Cox to talk about building future leaders and how children’s museums are pillars in their communities.
Both COSI and MODS were honored with the 2023 IMLS Medal of Honor.
8 May 2024
Episode 2: Dr. Leah Austin
Dr. Leah Austin is an accomplished, multi-faceted and visionary leader who has been working on behalf of Black children and their families for over two decades. Today, she serves as President/CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute.
Join Arthur and Leah as they talk about how adults can lift up children with an asset-based approach and the challenges that come with framing this mindset for Black children.
8 May 2024
Episode 1: Jean Margaret Smith
On the inaugural episode of Empowering Young Minds, Arthur Affleck talks to Jean Margaret Smith, senior vice president for public affairs and administration at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids and Family Group (New York). She is responsible for managing the networks’ strategic relationships with social advocates, policymakers and public opinion leaders, as well as handling the company’s overall public affairs agenda. Her initiatives at Nickelodeon include Beyond the Backpack and Worldwide Day of Play.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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