Founding Fathers, Kids and Voting, 4th of July Snacks, Petitions, American Spirit, Summer Activities

Lessons from the Founding Fathers (0:00:00) In just a couple days we’ll be celebrating the 243rdanniversary of our country’s independence. Most of us learned our American History early on in our education. But, why should we still care about it today? To find out what lessons the founding can teach us, we invited Rick Atkinson on the show. Mr. Atkinson is a Pulitzer Prize winner and author of “The British Are Coming”, the first book in the Revolution Trilogy. Teaching Kids about Voting (0:21:42) Politics can often be an unpleasant topic of discussion, and with the 2020 presidential election right around the corner, we can expect politics to dominate the news and social media. With all the political noise, it can be hard to know where to begin when talking with our children about the importance of voting. Thankfully we have Barbara Gruener with us today to help us hone in on the important value of citizenship. Barbara has worked as an educator for 36 years and is a nationally recognized school counselor, speaker, and character coach. 4th of July Snacks (0:37:05) What’s more patriotic than a red, white, and blue popsicle? Today we’re Talkin’ ‘Bout Snacks with Josh and Amy, 4thof July edition! Amy Biedel is our savory expert and Josh Bingham is our sweet expert. Petitions (0:52:50) One of the blessings of living in America is the first amendment, which gives us the right to freedom of speech and to petition the government. There are a lot of differing opinions swirling the United States, but you might not have to storm the white house or start a protest rally to get your opinion across, for centuries people have been making a difference by quietly just collecting some signatures. Petitioning is one of the oldest and maybe simplest ways citizens have advocated throughout history. But with petitioning moving online, is it still even effective? Here to tell us the real impact of those signatures is Harvard professor specializing in petition research, Daniel Carpenter. American Spirit (1:11:07) We live in a world of increasing worry, hardship, strife, grief, and negativity. These things often don’t seem combatable, but the small acts of kindness that we see each day give us hope. Taya Kyle’s husband was brutally killed bya man he was trying to help. She has faced terrible grief, but has found hope and is a great force for optimism in the world. She is the author of the new book, American Spirit, an account of many Americans’ stories of learning through hardships. She joins us today to discuss the hope that still exists in the world, which she calls the “American Spirit.” Summer Activities (1:25:53) School is getting out. The heat’s hitting the 90s here in Utah. It is time for summer! We’ve been cooped up inside and we are ready for some fun. With COVID-19 slowing down, we can begin to plan some activities inside and outside with the whole family. But, with so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. Joining us today is Gina James, mother, educator, and my little sister. She’s here to share all the secrets to planning the perfect summer activity.