Raising Us Podcast by A Kids Co. | Parenting Conversations with Elise Hu
In today’s fast-changing world, conversations between parents and children have never been more important—or more complicated. Addressing sensitive questions about identity, fairness, and growing up can feel overwhelming for parents. Recognizing this need, A Kids Co., the acclaimed publisher behind the bestselling A Kids Book About series, has launched a brand-new parenting podcast titled Raising Us.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and author Elise Hu, the podcast officially debuts on September 9, 2025, aiming to support parents, caregivers, and educators as they navigate the hard questions children inevitably raise. From body image to discrimination, from democracy to puberty, Raising Us is designed to be a trusted space where professional insights meet lived experiences.
But Raising Us is not just about parenting—it’s about personal growth, community learning, and raising ourselves along with our children.
Parenting resources have evolved dramatically in the last decade. Books and blogs laid the foundation, but with the rise of audio platforms and on-the-go learning, podcasts have become a favorite medium for busy parents.
Accessibility: Parents can listen while commuting, cooking, or doing household chores.
Expert Access: Podcasts offer a platform where parents hear directly from doctors, educators, activists, and thought leaders.
Relatability: Hearing real stories and lived experiences makes lessons practical and actionable.
With Raising Us, A Kids Co. enters this growing audio space at just the right moment.
Meet the Host: Elise Hu
The voice guiding Raising Us is none other than Elise Hu, a journalist known for her empathetic yet sharp storytelling.
Professional Background: Hu is best recognized as the host of TED Talks Daily and co-host of Forever 35. She has also worked as an international correspondent, bringing credibility and global perspective.
Parenting Lens: As a mother herself, Hu blends professional expertise with personal insight.
Vision for Raising Us: She emphasizes that the podcast is not only for guiding children but also for supporting parents in their own growth journey.
Hu herself explained: “Every time we show up for our children, we’re not just raising thoughtful kids, we’re raising us too.”
The Concept Behind “Raising Us”
At its core, Raising Us is about trust and dialogue.
Foundation of Trust: A Kids Co. founder Jelani Memory highlights that trust has been the company’s guiding principle—trusting kids to ask big questions and trusting adults to answer them honestly.
Seasonal Relevance: Episodes follow the rhythm of the school year, aligning with moments when parents naturally seek guidance—such as back-to-school, holidays, or major cultural events.
Supportive Resources: Beyond listening, families can access reading lists, Conversation Starter Kits, and downloadable materials to spark discussions at home.
Topics That Matter: What the Podcast Will Cover
Raising Us isn’t shying away from tough topics. Instead, it dives headfirst into the conversations many families struggle to initiate.
Big Questions Explored in Season One:
Body Image & Fatphobia – Tackling harmful beauty standards with activist Tess Holliday and journalist Virginia Sole-Smith.
Neurodiversity – Understanding the spectrum of brains and learning differences.
Democracy – Explaining why civic engagement and laws matter.
Puberty – Guiding parents through conversations about changing bodies.
Discrimination & Racism – Building empathy and awareness early on.
Each episode blends expert analysis with personal storytelling, giving parents not just information, but also empathy-driven perspectives.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup
One of the podcast’s strengths lies in its diverse guest list, ranging from health professionals to cultural icons.
Notable Guests Include:
Tess Holliday – Plus-size model and activist.
Virginia Sole-Smith – Journalist known for her work on body image.
Lake Bell – Actor, director, and author.
Dr. Cara Natterson – Pediatrician and puberty expert.
Sharon McMahon – Educator and democracy advocate.
W. Kamau Bell – Comedian and social commentator.
Jason Reynolds – Award-winning author of young adult literature.
Negin Farsad & Baratunde Thurston – Cultural commentators bringing humor to serious issues.
By mixing public figures with professional voices, Raising Us achieves balance between expertise and relatability.
More Than a Podcast: A Kids Co.’s Holistic Approach
The podcast is not launching in isolation. A Kids Co. is creating a multi-layered support system for parents.
Curated Reading Lists aligned with each episode.
Conversation Starter Kits for parents to use at home.
Downloadable Resources to encourage dialogue in classrooms and community spaces.
Cross-platform Availability: Episodes will be available on major podcast platforms and YouTube, expanding accessibility.
This ecosystem ensures that parents don’t just listen, but actively engage with their children.
Sponsorship & Brand Collaboration
The first season of Raising Us is sponsored by Nugget, a popular children’s play furniture brand.
This partnership highlights the podcast’s family-centric approach and shows how brands are increasingly aligning with content that emphasizes well-being, inclusivity, and education.
Why “Raising Us” Stands Out in the Parenting Space
There are many parenting podcasts, but Raising Us differentiates itself in key ways:
Built on Credibility: Backed by A Kids Co., known for its honest, child-centered books.
Seasonal Relevance: Episodes tied to the school calendar ensure timeliness.
Diversity of Voices: A wide array of guests provides intersectional perspectives.
Action-Oriented: Tools and resources extend the conversation beyond audio.
Dual Focus: Supports both children’s understanding and parents’ self-growth.
The Bigger Picture: Parenting in 2025 and Beyond
The launch of Raising Us reflects a broader cultural shift in how we approach parenting:
Openness: Parents are more willing to discuss previously taboo topics with their children.
Diversity & Inclusion: Families are demanding resources that reflect varied backgrounds and experiences.
Tech & Accessibility: Podcasts and digital content are making expert advice more accessible than ever.
Community Building: Parents are seeking shared experiences rather than going through challenges in isolation.
Raising Us steps in as both a mirror of these trends and a guide for navigating them thoughtfully.
How & Where to Listen
Launch Date: September 9, 2025
Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
Format: Weekly episodes following the school year cycle.
Bonus Resources: Downloadable materials from A Kids Co. official website.
Conclusion: Raising Kids, Raising Ourselves
Parenting is never just about guiding children—it’s about growing alongside them. By launching Raising Us, A Kids Co. provides a trusted, empathetic, and accessible platform for families to have the conversations that matter most.
In the words of Elise Hu, the podcast’s host: “Every time we show up for our children, we’re not just raising thoughtful kids, we’re raising us too.”
With its thoughtful approach, diverse voices, and actionable resources, Raising Us is set to become a must-listen for modern parents navigating today’s complex world.
